Sure you can vote? Couldn't hurt to check

While most of us have been making merry in recent days, others have been readying to launch political campaigns full force in coming days.

That's a good thing.

After seeing what's happened in Pakistan, isn't it good to know we get a choice? OK, we get a choice except in that disputed 2000 presidential election. And, as unhappy as many were with those final results, there was no bloodshed. Tears, but no blood.

You get a vote and a voice. But no matter who you support, you definitely won't get a voice if you aren't registered to vote by Jan. 8 for the Feb. 5 primary.

You need to be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 and have lived in your current precinct at least 30 days prior to election day. If you've moved since the last election, you need to make sure you're registered at your new address.

You can register at your county clerk's office, most village and city halls, townships, libraries and driver's license facilities. For specifics, contact the Kane County clerk's office at (630) 232-5990 or the McHenry County clerk's office at (815) 334-4242.

Snow fooling

Mark Korczyk of Algonquin has a good question for our very busy snowplow folks.

You might recall that I recently told you about Algonquin Highway Commissioner Bob Miller's request that we put our driveway snow to the left side of the drive as we look at it. Since the plows are angled, it'll help clear the snow away instead of into that driveway you just cleared.

Mark has heard and tried this advice before but says that, sometimes, the plow comes down the street the wrong way, meaning -- you guessed it -- a blocked driveway, anyway. He thinks we have to clear the snow from both sides of the driveway -- "not fun, but ya do what ya gotta do" kind of thing.

Anyone got a better suggestion? And, no, we can't put that snow in the street. That's illegal.

Found it!

You folks do like a good ornament hunt. It didn't take long for you to strip those Raceway Woods trees clean of the silver, gold and green ornaments that earned you $5 to $20 cash prizes.

If you have a scout, church or school group that would like to hit those trails for a little more cash and lots of fun, contact Raceway steward Donna Redmer. She said they'll pay that group $1 for each of the about 60 red ornaments donning the Raceway trees and bushes. Sounds like a great field trip.

Contact me at amack@dailyherald.com or (847) 931-5725 and I'll put you in touch with Donna.

Giving spirits

There's a pretty special group of fifth- and sixth-graders at Prairie Hill School in Cary. Their "unbridled acts of kindness" have included Thanksgiving meal baskets for 21 area families, collections for St. Jude's Hospital, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and, most recently, donations for two animal shelters.

Talk about hearts in the right place. Way to go, Prairie Hill students -- you're definitely making a difference!

If you'd like to contribute to their collection for veterans, you can drop donations at Prairie Hill until the end of the school year.

They're looking for toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, denture cleaner and adhesive, deodorant, lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, condition, crossword puzzle books, lap robes, new white socks, playing cards, lip balm, etc.

Sounds like a great way to say "thank you" to those who've served as well as support those unbridled acts of kindness. Prairie Hill is at 233 Oriole Trail.

10, 9, 8, 7 ...

Are you a resolution maker? The Dundee Township Park District is offering a fun way for those of us trying to shed a bit of 2007 in a literal way. They're looking for four residents to compete in a "Lose to Win" competition that will include an initial fitness evaluation, unlimited use of district fitness center, nutritional, health and wellness info and guidance from a personal trainer.

Your "before" and "after" body measurements will determine who wins.

If you're game, complete an entry form at the Dundee Township Park District's Recreation and Fitness Center front desk, 665 Barrington Ave. in Carpentersville, or on their Web site at dtp.org by 4 p.m. Jan. 9. They'll select four finalists from those entries. The contest will run from Jan. 14 to April 15. The winner will get a three-month Fitness Center membership as well as a park district gift card.

Toll java

Move over, Starbucks. The state tollway authority is tromping on your turf. If you're on the road New Year's Eve, you'll find free coffee from 9 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday at the Mobil On the Run stores and McDonald's at all Illinois tollway oases. At least it's as free as it can be after you've paid those tolls.

Journey safe and may your new year be filled with joy.