Algonquin Road gets new 'Turtle Crossing' signs

Why did the Walgreens cross the road?

Because the turtles were in the way.

Why would those turtles now want to cross that same road?

No, it's not to get to the Walgreens.

But it is a good question.

If you've traveled the newly widened -- not to mention very fine -- Algonquin Road west of Randall Road, you may have spotted the new, vivid "Turtle Crossing" signs.

Don't worry. You aren't likely to see any turtles stopping traffic right now. But, thanks to a question from motorist Martha Michalak, I've learned you just might see some Blanding's Turtles buck traffic come May.

Those endangered turtles normally live in Exner Marsh near Lakewood Road. You may recall reading about how a 10-year-old boy fought to protect that habitat, prompting the Walgreens to build on the other side of Algonquin Road. The initial developer worked with environmental agencies and built artificial nesting sites to protect the turtles.

Despite those efforts, the turtles could still try to make their way across Algonquin Road to find mates, lay eggs, or seek food, said Sara Denham, manager of McHenry County's Wildlife Resource Center.

So the McHenry County Division of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources agreed to post the warning signs.

If you happen to spot a turtle, definitely stop and -- if safe to do so -- help it finish crossing the road in the same direction it was headed. You can pick them up as long as you stay behind the head. "Anything with a mouth can bite," Sara warns.

The turtles are usually about 7 to 9 inches long and can live to be 70 years old if they can stay away from poachers ... and cars.

Delivering the goods

Hey, are you making a list, checking it twice -- then trying to jam the darned stuff into a box to ship it in time?

If you are, know that Monday is expected to be the busiest shipping day of the season for FedEx.

Spokesman Kevin Saghy tells me they expect a record-breaking 11.3 million packages to go through their processing centers Monday.

If your boxes are among them, he suggests you make sure you use a sturdy box with flaps, pack it with adequate padding so the contents don't shift in transit, and use packing tape -- not duct or masking tape. And don't use string or paper which can get caught in automatic processing equipment.

In fact, that advice is good no matter who you use for shipping.

Be sure to label your packages with an address and return address label and, also, put those addresses inside the box ... just in case. The sooner you get those boxes in the mix, the sooner they get under the tree.

Plow down

Like our extra busy delivery folks, we've sure kept our snow plow, roads and rescue workers busy this month. What a great job those snow removal crews have done, especially during those icy conditions. Algonquin Township Highway Commissioner Bob Miller said the staff didn't get much sleep as they made sure your roads were clear. "I can't thank them enough," Bob said. "They went above and beyond."

He said highway, state and municipal crews across the area were all putting in long days and all tried to help each other out.

He wonders if we could help them out, too. You know how you hate having the plow come along to push snow in the driveway you just shoveled? When you clear your drive, pile the snow to the left of the driveway as you look at it. "Put it on the downside, so to speak," Bob said. That way the plow will shift it away, instead of into your driveway.

By the way, did you know it's actually illegal to push or blow snow into a public roadway? Stop that.

Shopping?

For those still searching for a unique gift, you might want to stop by the Old Courthouse on the Square in Woodstock from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Artist Mary Telfer Holden will be among those selling unique wares, including jewelry, pottery, note cards and more. You can see her creations at telfleur.com as well as find information about her pet portraits. To get to the square, take Route 47 north to Lake Street, turn left to Dean Street and turn right.

Living Manger

Today is the day to visit the Living Manger hosted by Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way, in Huntley. The free event is open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and they welcome us to stop by. Refreshments included!