American Education Week

This past week was American Education Week. I had the privilege of visiting our Elementary School as well as our Middle School during the week. On Tuesday, I was on hand at the Pocomoke City branch of the Worcester County Library to read to any pre-school children.

On Wednesday, I spent a half hour reading to fourth and fifth graders at the Middle School from The Adventures of Homer Price. I had a great time. It was nice that the students remembered me from their past field trips to City Hall during the past two years. All of the kids were well behaved and listened intently to the story.

I hope you had an opportunity to visit one or more of our schools during the past week. It is a real source of encouragement to the teachers and staff as well as a welcome surprise to the student body. When adults take the time to go, it sends a strong message to all involved that they care and want to be a part of the process we call education.

Even if you did not get a chance to drop by a school, make it a point to visit sometime in the coming weeks. It is important. Our children are our future and we have a responsibility to stay engaged in the process of their development.

Weekly Update

Police Department

• A resident in the 200 block of Walnut Street reported damage to two windows on his parked vehicle. The damage appeared to be the result of a BB-gun discharge.


• Our officers assisted the Maryland State Police with a stolen vehicle/vehicle chase which entered the city limits on Tuesday night. Our officers located two of the three suspects. The vehicle had been stolen from Prince George's County. Officers also recovered a firearm from one of the suspects.


• Jimmy Washington was charged with Trespassing at the Newtowne Apartments.


• Virgil Simms was arrested on an outstanding warrant from the Salisbury Police Department.


• Our officers responded to assist the Worcester County Sheriff's Office on three occasions in the past week.

Animal Control

• Our officers assisted the Worcester County Animal Control personnel with two Pit Bull Terriers running loose in the McDonald's Parking Lot. The animals were secured and removed from the premise.

Public Works

• The test adaptor for the fire hydrants should arrive next week. If it works as designed, the remaining order will be filled. The adaptors are required to insure that the hose connections are universal for all fire companies who may come to Pocomoke City to render assistance in an emergency.


• P&A Paving Contractors will begin paving the Golf Cart Paths, the Bike/Skate Board Park, Berwyck Circle, and Fourth Street in the coming two weeks.


• Crews worked on placement of Christmas decorations this week.


• Crews installed "No Parking" signs on Third Street in preparation for the changing parking pattern requested by citizens in the area and St. Mary's Church and Day Care Center.

Downtown

• A new privacy fence will be installed at Milano's Pizza to block the view of the dumpster and Propane tanks within the next two weeks.


• Demolition is on schedule for the former Liquor Store at the corner of Clarke and Willow.

EMS

• We have received over 20 applications for the Director's position. Interviews will be conducted following an initial review of qualifications.
• Unit A-2 is back in service following body damage repairs.

Golf Course

• Preparation for the new cart path sections was completed.
• To date we have had 46 Water Bills redeemed for play at the course.
• During the previous six months, 5,932 rounds of golf were played. This represents an increase of 500 rounds when compared with last years same period.

Ribbon Cuttings

• A grand opening has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 30th for the Worcester County Liquor Store following their move to Newtowne Blvd.

Upcoming Events

• Pocomoke's annual Christmas Parade will begin at 7:00pm on Monday, November 26th. A rain date is set for Wednesday the 28th.