Coupons Available To Replace Downed Trees

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - For people who lost trees because of Hurricane Irene, Maryland has a program to help residents replace them.

The state is extending a program that encourages residents to plant more native trees with $25 coupons.

The Marylanders Plant Trees initiative started in 2009. The goal was to plant 50,000 native trees in the state by 2010. It was deemed a success and was extended this year with the goal of planting an additional 50,000 trees by the end of 2012.

Under the program the trees must cost at least $50, and they must be on the list of approved trees.

For more information, go to: http://www.trees.maryland.gov/

Source;  http://www.wboc.com/story/15396342/md-coupon-can-help-replace-trees-lost-to-irene

Maryland Takes Multi-Million Dollar Hit For Closing Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, Md. - Maryland took a huge hit, after Hurricane Irene shut down Ocean City, and now the numbers are in to confirm it.

Wednesday, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced a $2,000,000 revenue loss. Tourist numbers aren't nearly where they should be right now in Ocean City, but businesses and the state will take anything they can get right now. Hurricane Irene cost the beach town an estimated 2 million dollars in revenue; most of that is sales tax. Officials estimate they lost about $60,000 in gas tax revenue because of cancelled weekend travel, more than $45,000 in uncollected tolls. Additionally, Ocean City estimates it lost about $40,000 in admission and amusement tax revenue.

Julie Warren opened a bike rental shop one week before Irene hit. The storm was a rude awakening for this new business owner. "It surely was a disappointment for us to miss 3 days worth of business, that's for sure," admits Warren. "However on the other side of it, we would much rather them be prepared, and make take the precautions and make sure.  We are a family business, so I want my family safe."

With beautiful weather, and the Labor Day holiday on the horizon, all are hoping tourists will flock back to the beach. The Pazzani's of New Jersey missed the first days of their vacation, but made it down to finish the week. "We made it!  We made it down and the weather's been beautiful." Franchot says another round of revenue estimates are scheduled to be released in mid-September.

Source;  http://www.wmdt.com/story/15372497/maryland-takes-multi-million-dollar-hit-for-closing-ocean-city

Pocomoke City Golf Course & Stevensons Pond

A reader sent me these photos taken in the Winter Quarters Drive area after Hurricane Irene.

#3 Fairway

When you can't get to the beach

3rd Tee and 2nd Green

1st Green

Cart Barn and Log Cabin

Boardwalk under water at Stevensons Pond

I'm not a golfer but I believe I would call the club house before I ventured over to play a round of golf.

Thanks Jenny!

Waterman Shocked From Downed Power Line

SMITH ISLAND, Md. —AP- Low-hanging power lines from Hurricane Irene shocked a waterman on Smith Island and forced power to the Chesapeake Bay island to be shut off after the storm.


The Rev. Rick Edmund, who lives on the island, said Tuesday that one of his parishioners, Buddy Evans, was pulling a cart of soft shell crabs Sunday morning when a power line touched his shoulder.


Edmund says Evans was unconscious at first but made it to his house. His wife called rescuers on the island who provided first aid. Evans sustained severe burns to his hand and shoulder. He was flown to the Washington Hospital Center for treatment and is in good condition.


The power was shut off for eight hours Sunday.


Edmund says there was only minor hurricane damage at Smith Island.

Source;  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/waterman-shocked-on-smith-island-on-morning-after-hurricane-due-to-downed-power-line/2011/08/30/gIQAHXYAqJ_story.html

Pocomoke Cypress Park and Hurricane Irene

Pocomoke Cypress Park

Sunday, August 28, 2011

After Hurricane Irene

After The Storm

The largest tree closest to the American Flag lost some branches and its very top cracked and fell.

I love this tree.  My family used this tree many times as the "wait for me there" tree. Or "go no farther than" tree.  I hope it lives.

Many of us have seen Cypress Park like this quite a few times. 

Many years ago when Feldman's Furniture was in business there were a few times when warehouse merchandise had to be taken to the second floor.  During that same time of flooding water would run into the backyard of what was once known the Simon Helig home.  Water would also  cover the tennis courts.

Many people were left without electricity due to hurricane Irene, including a few businesses downtown.  City Hall operated on Monday with a partial staff and is in full operation today along with the other stores and businesses. 

The Delmarva Discovery Center is OPEN today but has no phone service.

And I imagine the water in the park is almost gone..........

Pocomoke Fire Department Called To Assist Pocomoke City Public Works

On August 27, 2011 at 6:17 PM the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company was called to assist Pocomoke City Public works with a tree on a residence. 

 As a result of the high winds and heavy rains caused by Hurricane Irene at the time a  large tree in the yard of a residence on 10th Street split into two sections causing one half to fall onto the home while the other section blocked 10th Street.

According to Chief Dick Gladding the residents were home at the time and stated that they heard a  loud POP!

No in the home was injured but could not stay in the home due to safety reasons.

http://pocomokefire.com/

Hurricane Irene Gives A Preview

Hurricane Irene decides to introduce herself by stirring up her winds causing a large tree to fall onto power lines on Cedar Steet  causing the lines to arc.

The Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company responded to the call on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:29 AM.

Hoping the rest of the day into the evening and all night long was uneventful and everyone remained safe.

Dear Miss Hurrican Irene.....

Dear Miss Hurricane Irene,
I have been miserable all day because of you.  Everytime I go out to use the bathroom I get my paws wet and there has been no time to play with my new friend Sprout.

We argued over a toy and our mommy took it away from us because we pulled the stuffing out and made the living room look like it had snowed.  I hope mom takes us to that store for smart pets tomorrow for a new one.

 My mommy says you will be gone in the morning. But for now you are scaring our mommy so would you please go away now. 

I have to go because i'm too young to be on the computer.  But this is what i think of  you.

Miss Lady in the city

UPDATE: Coverage on Hurricane Irene

UPDATE: Coverage of Hurricane Irene

If you have to go out (which is HIGHLY not recommended) you can have up to the minute updates on The Pocomoke Public Eye and on WGOP 540AM and 100.7 FM. Our Primary Station, Bay Country 97.9FM has lost power to the transmitter because of the storm. But you can still tune in because "Travis in the Morning" will still have updates for you on WGOP, checking in with AccuWeather.com for updates on Hurricane Irene. You can find a list of closings at our website, easternshoremedia.net. As soon as we can get Bay Country back on, I will be live with updates on there as well. Stay safe throughout the storm, And I will have updates on here for you as well as on your radio dial at WGOP 540AM/100.7FM!

Use Patience Today..........

This was the scene Friday morning at the Food Lion and SK Nails  at T's Corner in Oak Hall, Va.

Shoppers doing their normal Friday shopping chore and shoppers stocking up for the storm led to what looked to be a food shopping frenzy!

Within a few short hours Hurrican Irene will be on our doorsteps. So PLEASE people as you go out today to do any shopping remember this:

Be kind to those waiting on you whether it be behind the deli counter or the check out. Many of these people have been working etra hours to accomadate all of us.

Take into consideration also that these people have families of their own that may need to be taken care of along with making last minute preparations in their own homes before this horrible storm lands in our laps.

Take it easy on the roads. Every driver out there today plans to return home to a family just as you do.

And don't get too upset if the selections you want or if what you need isn't there. Batteries, flashlights and storm necessities are scarce.

Use patience and be safe.

Latest News From the Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company

The Town of Chincoteague’s Emergency Management Team continues to monitor Hurricane Irene. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Chincoteague Island.

The National Hurricane Center’s current forecast has Hurricane Irene very close to Chincotea...gue late Saturday night and early Sunday morning with hurricane force winds, heavy rain, and tidal flooding arriving by mid-day Saturday.


Currently all non-residents should be evacuated.

Phase III of the Town’s Evacuation Plan will go into affect at 7:00 PM Friday night. Phase III requires a mandatory evacuation of all residents. All residents should be off the island by 12:00 noon Saturday August 27, 2011. Only emergency personnel will be allowed on the island.

The shelter will open at 6:00 AM Saturday, August 27, 2011.

The shelter for Chincoteague Island will be at the Arcadia Middle School 29485 Horsey Road, in Oak Hall. No Pets are allowed in the shelter. Please bring water, food, and medications needed for your family.

Please stay tuned to local media for further updates for Chincoteague.

Also, http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/ will have updates.

**ALSO from the Chincoteague Vol. Fire Dept.**

ARCADIA MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL BE THE SHELTER FOR ISLAND RESIDENTS AND IT WILL OPEN TOMORROW MORNING AT 6AM.

 THEY DO NOT ACCEPT PETS.

WICOMICO YOUTH & CIVIC CENTER IS ACCEPTING PETS AS FAR AS WE KNOW.
PLEASE TAKE YOUR MEDICINE, WATER, CASH MONEY & EXTRA CLOTHES.

PLEASE HEED ALL WARNINGS!!!

Hurricane Irene Updates

Through the whole weekend, we just want to assure everyone we will have updates for Hurricane Irene right here on The Pocomoke Public Eye. You can also catch "Travis in the Morning" on Bay Country 97.9 FM and WGOP 540AM for live updates on the radio about Hurricane Irene all day Saturday and Sunday, and the same information will be uploaded right here on the blog! If you have information or want to share how your town is during the hurricane, or you want to send us a picture to put on the blog or on the radio's website, you can email pcitypubliceye@gmail.com, bwbw@hughes.net, or baycountry979@gmail.com. Remember to stay safe this weekend!

Miscellaneous Information-

Assateague Island will be CLOSED tomorrow (Friday) until after the storm or possibly longer depending on the damage.  Ponies will be allowed to move to higher ground and will monitored very closely!  And folks, you can count on that!

Ocean City Jeep Week Off-Road Event - cancelled due to closure of Ocean City for Hurricane Irene.
This includes the Jeep activities scheduled at the Pocomoke City Fairgrounds for Saturday.

HURRICANE CENTER PREDICTS CONDITIONS TO WORSEN SAT NIGHT INTO SUNDAY. COASTAL FLOODING IS EXPECTED WITH STORM SURGE 6-7 FT DURING HIGH TIDE. VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS BEGIN FRI WITH MANDATORY EVACUATIONS SAT. THE CAUSEWAY WILL CLOSE AT THE LATEST POSSIBLE TIME AS WATER RISES. PLEASE HEED ALL WARNINGS: IF YOU STAY & BECOME ILL OR INJURED, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO YOU DURING THE WORST OF THE STORM. ALL LOW LYING AREAS (OCEAN BREEZE) NEED TO EVACUATE.
　RAIN OF 12" OR MORE IS EXPECTED WITH TROPICAL FORCE WINDS OF 6-7 HRS AND THEN HURRICANE FORCE WINDS FOR 8-9 HRS DURING HEIGHT OF STORM. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH CAN FOOD, WATER, MEDICINE AND PLEASE, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PETS ARE TAKEN CARE OF. DON'T LEAVE THEM BEHIND. ACRCADIA MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLS WILL BE THE SHELTERS AVAILABLE.
　THE BEACH WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW. THE GATES FOR THE COMPOUNDS WILL BE OPENED AFTER LUNCH TOMORROW TO ALLOW ALL THE PONIES TO GO TO THE HIGHEST GROUND ON ASSATEAGUE. THEY WILL BE MONITORED CLOSELY.
PLEASE KEEP SAFE AND HEED ALL EVACUATION WARNINGS. LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE INCLUDED LOCAL RADIO STATIONS WCTG-96.5 AND WESR 103.3.

This is all for today.......much to do tomorrow. 

Any information concerning the storm can be left here.  Anyone with photos they want posted send them to either email address for us listed on the blog.

  Stay safe.

Hurricane Info - But not much.........

HURRICANE IRENE: 8AM Update - Irene is still a category 3 storm moving through the Bahamas. A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Surf City, NC to the Virginia line. Some additional strengthening is expected today and Irene could reach to category 4 strength.

Irene is moving NW but a turn to the NNW is expected today with a north turn tonight. The center of the forecast track has Irene moving over the Outer Banks on Saturday.

Follow this link and for information regarding the location of shelters if they open, what to bring, what not to bring, etc.  Study it carefully- remember IF there is the need to evacuate there  will be many people- all of which will be just as upset as the rest of us.

This is the best information I can find at the present time.  I am unable to find anything written recently to the Accomack County residents concerning Hurrican Irene.  It would be in the interest of saving lives to post what has to happen before a shelter is opened. 

Maybe check with your local fire department or police department to see what information they may have for your area.

When I have more info I will pass it on..........

Try this link:  http://www.shoredailynews.com/hurricane-shelter.pdf

Protecting Your Pets From the Storm

Thursday morning- August 25, 2011

Four months from today let's hope we are all safe and warm and sitting near the Christmas tree!

But it isn't Christmas and we must endure this horrible storm we have all dreaded for days.

Hurricane Irene shifted to the WEST last evening.......

Yesterday evening someone asked me the question concerning pets and what to do with them in the case of evacuation. (and pets aren't invited to go)

That's a VERY good question!  And it is a question I CAN NOT find the answer to.

Surely when decisions are being made concerning weather like this someone on the "board of bright ideas" must own an pet-- even if it's a tank of fish!

Please read the information below.  At this time it's the best i can find.  If YOU know where/if any shelters will be available PLEASE let me know.  And in the meantime I will keep searching.

Be safe.

The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.

If you must evacuate, make sure you find a safe shelter for your pets. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Pets left behind can become injured, lost or ill. So, prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

• Medications, immunization records and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, muzzles, harnesses, carriers or cages to transport pets safely. Carriers should be large enough for the pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Include blankets or towels for bedding and warmth.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
• Medications, immunization records and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, muzzles, harnesses, carriers or cages to transport pets safely. Carriers should be large enough for the pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Include blankets or towels for bedding and warmth.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
• Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets Many public disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations and other considerations. The only animals allowed in some shelters are service animals that assist people with disabilities. Research your sheltering options before a disaster strikes. Work with your local emergency management and humane organizations to develop sheltering alternatives for people with pets.
  
  Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets.
  
  Ask friends, relatives or others outside your area whether they could shelter your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list of animal shelters, boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency.
  
  Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets. Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice. Bring all pets into the house so you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date identification tags.
  
  If You Shelter in Place ("Stay Put") Identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together, including your pets. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. Be sure they are wearing identification tags. Have medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers.
  
  In Case You're Not Home Make arrangements in advance for a trusted meighbor to take your pets and meet you at a predetermined location. Make sure that the person is comfortable around your pets, knows where they are likely to be, knows where your disaster supplies are kept and has a key to your home.
  
  If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be able to help, but discuss this possibility well in advance.
  
  After a Disaster Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
  
  If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be reclaimed. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.
  
  Get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible. After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior. If these problems persist or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.
  
  From Virginia Department of Emergency Management