Scribbling

I don’t remember how many years ago the Adopt-A-Highway program was started in North Carolina or if the level of participation has diminished since its inception. The signs identifying the groups and organizations who volunteered to help beautify our highways certainly seem to be more conspicuous lately as visible reminders of the civic contract those various groups and organizations have made with the state. Although I don’t have any scientific metric to back up my observation, I have first hand knowledge that the Parrot Head Club of the Triad has continued to give unflagging service with its compact to collect litter along Cross Creek Road just off Highway 421 near Triad Park. For years –more than a decade– I have witnessed the Parrot Heads scour Cross Creek Road for all manner of debris and detritus, most of which was tossed by inconsiderate or unthinking motorists more intent on reaching their destination than being mindful of their civic responsibility. While the state specifies a minimum quarterly obligation for roadside collection to those participating in the AAH program, it seems as soon as one begins to notice litter instead of the small farms or houses which frame the roadside, like clockwork, the Parrot Heads arrive; without fanfare but with obvious enthusiasm (from my observations, at least) they set about their work, leaving behind bundles of orange garbage bags: ubiquitous reminders of their unflinching dedication. For all that they do, maybe it’s not so bad being stuck in old Margaritaville once in a while!