River trip makes a girl think twice about bridge
The steady, sweet, chirp of sparrows seeking supper was broken only by a light slap of water. A beaver was giving her baby a ride against the current.
A trio of stately white egrets stood sentry and a great blue heron soared above along my ride up the Fox River. Within moments of easing away from the Kane County Forest Preserve boat dock in Carpentersville, I was pretty sure I was in some exotic, peaceful haven instead of a mile or so from one of the region's nastiest intersections.
If environmental buff Patrick Kirmse wanted to convince me the Fox River is a gem to be treasured, he had me at "climb aboard." No martinis, stress workouts or even chocolate needed. It's pure peace.
Patrick is right: We need to protect this haven. Knowing I'm a big fan of the proposed Longmeadow Parkway bridge, he reached out in the hope I'd share his concerns about what that span might do to this idyllic region. He fears a bridge cutting through the still-wooded shoreline where deer, coyotes, foxes and more call home will harm them as well as taint the vital waters of the Fox that many fish, turtles and birds depend upon for sustenance.
I don't disagree. But the bridge that would cross the Fox along the Algonquin-Carpentersville border is vital, too.
Why now?
Why am I talking about floating up the Fox when we're getting near our first winter storm?
After reading my colleague Lisa Smith's story Wednesday about Carpentersville's demand to preserve a retail corridor along Longmeadow's potential path and knowing transportation and government folks are full-speed on Longmeadow, it seemed vital to talk about balance.
The Kane County Forest Preserve Commission wants at least some of this land -- which is still privately owned -- for a natural area. Carpentersville wants retail and estate homes. We frustrated commuters want the bridge. And many, like Patrick Kirmse, want to preserve exactly what's there.
I couldn't help but wonder if there's a way to do all.
If you have open access to a beautiful natural area, it's a sure draw that will also bring shoppers to a retail area -- which seems a better fit along Route 31 than the riverfront. If you take care when building the bridge to be minimally invasive and ensure there's no run-off of oil and debris to protect the watershed, don't we all gain?
Who needs a mall?
As we head full-tilt into the holiday season, you might want to add a couple of spots to shop to your list.
Claudia Agnes invites us all to stop by the "Christmas in the Country Bazaar" hosted by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Crystal Lake South High School.
You'll find more than 80 juried crafters with everything from handmade baskets, crocks and glassware, jewelry, stuffed, quilted and wooden items, individualized signs made while you wait, ornaments, table runners, tree skirts and much more.
You'll also find raffles, a food court, bake sale and candy. It's $1 admission and it's always great shopping.
Calling all shoppers
You might also want to stop by the "Christmas Past Sale" at the First Congregational UCC of Carpentersville, 30 N. Washington, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30 and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dec. 1.
They'll have gently-used indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations as well as many other bargains. Sponsored by the church's Women's Fellowship, proceeds will help with the FISH Pantry.
Way to go!
A tip of the hat to Lake in the Hills police comes from Paul Fivelson of Algonquin. He was driving east on Algonquin Road near Hilltop Drive one recent morning when he spotted a Lake in the Hills police officer's squad following a school bus to, apparently, ensure safety. As a former police officer, Paul said it was nice to see an officer "doing a great job of meaningful traffic enforcement."