Through most of the years that I have been writing this column — since 1997 — one of my most enjoyable subjects has been to feature the activities of Citizens for Conservation, and I would not have been able to do that without the regular updates from Sam Oliver. A go-to person for all things CFC and much else in the community as well.
On Aug. 31, Sam relinquished her staff directorship, notice I do not use the word “retired,” because she plans to continue as a community liaison for CFC, and for several of the other organizations to which she has brought dedication, thoughtfulness and distinction through the years. That includes Harper College, the Heart Fund, Barrington Area Development Council, JourneyCare Hospice and many others.
She has set the standard for voluntarism in our area, and indeed, I remember that in my early years in Barrington, in the 1980s, she gave a talk at the historical museum about just that, volunteering, and the great personal satisfaction to be gained from it. Not least also, the service that could be given to causes of benefit to humanity. So this is written to salute Sam, and all that she has accomplished, to claim her as a Barrington North resident, and that we may long continue to see her and Bob involved in the life of the community.
Since my last column which I mentioned that I been so pleased to find the description of the Sandhill crane call as a “whistling bugle” in “Horizons,” the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserve District, I have heard from Susan Hawkins at the district, who tells me that they were thrilled to find my favorable reference to Horizons in that column. She told me that the district is conducting a county-wide survey about their magazine, and would soon be making a presentation about their results, which I understand are largely positive. They plan to use my column in that presentation.
“Horizons,” with its calendar of events, informative articles and excellent photography, provides county residents the opportunity to know about the range of outdoor activities, both nature oriented and recreational, and cultural events that can be found throughout Lake County in its public lands and buildings. Surely outstanding in the country.
And interwoven with that excellence in our own area are the achievements of Citizens for Conservation, due in no small part to the leadership and constancy provided by Sam Oliver, and its dedicated Boards of Directors.
“And the days grow short, when you reach September” goes the song, and your autumn news is most welcome to barbaralbenson@aol.com. Look forward to hearing from you.
Barbara Benson is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.
