Stroller: Leaf collection, cabins, and Wright words
TODAY'S WORD is canoodle. Example: The happy couple canoodled in the coffee shop despite glances from other customers about their public show of affection.
SATURDAY'S WORD was unceremoniously, meaning in a way that seems rudely abrupt or hasty. Example: The employee was unceremoniously dismissed from his job, receiving no explanation.
Leaf collection
The city of Martinsville notified the Stroller that the Public Works Department began this year's annual leaf collection on Monday and will continue through the end of December.
Leaves accumulating on private property are the responsibility of property owners and the City Code prohibits blowing or raking leaves into public streets, drainage structures, public property, or rights-of-way, and the burning of leaves in public streets or rights-of-way.
To help with leaf disposal, the city will collect leaves from private property as long as they are placed in plastic bags no larger than 56 gallons and put at the curb.
Residents can always schedule a special pickup by calling the city's Bulk Pick Up number at 276-403-5419.
Seven Virginia state parks will get cabin and campground renovations beginning this fall, and nearby Fairy Stone State Park is on the list.
According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the main campground at Fairy Stone will be closed from December through Feb. 28. While renovations will not impact the equestrian campground, customers staying at the equestrian campground will not be able to use the bathhouse or dump station at the main campground.
"These renovations are key to the longevity of our parks," said Virginia State Parks Director Melissa Baker in a release. "It takes time to upgrade the facilities and make each location more enjoyable for all guests. We look forward to sharing the upgraded cabins and campgrounds."
Wright words
Steven Wright is known for his ironic, philosophical, and sometimes nonsensical jokes. Here's a few:
Borrow money from pessimists — they don't expect it back.
Half the people you know are below average.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
What does an air conditioner have in common with a computer? They both lose efficiency as soon as you open windows.
What happens when you play a country song backwards? You get a new truck, a new wife, and a new dog.
Quote of the day
It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference. — Tom Brokaw
SATURDAY'S TRIVIA ANSWER: The famous misquote of Voltaire describes Canada as "a few acres of snow". This quote is a reflection of Voltaire's view that Canada was not economically valuable or strategically important to France in the 18th century. The original French quote is "quelques arpents de neige".
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: In which U.S. state did the Wright brothers complete the first flight?
