Pocomoke Elementary School Named National Title I Distinguished School 2011-2012

WMDT

POCOMOKE, Md. - Two Maryland elementary schools have been named National Title I Distinguished Schools for the 2011-2012 school year, including one right here on the Eastern Shore. Pocomoke Elementary School in Worcester County and Sandalwood Elementary School in Baltimore County are among the Title I schools from across the U.S. that will be honored by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of State Title I Directors in a special ceremony in Seattle, Washington, this coming January.

The Maryland State Board of Education added their congratulations during today's Board meeting. Local educators shared information about their schools during the meeting.

"Pocomoke and Sandalwood have placed an emphasis on strengthened instruction that has really paid off for their students," said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard Sadusky.  "The students, teachers, and administrators at these schools deserve the national recognition they are receiving."

Title I is the largest federal aid program in K-12 education. Schools use Title I funds to improve the education of all students in high poverty areas. MSDE administers Maryland's Title I program and nominated the two schools after a thorough review of student achievement data based on the Maryland School Assessments.

Pocomoke Elementary in Pocomoke City scored the highest in Category 1-exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years.  The school serves a diverse population of 402 students, benefiting from a supportive school community, strong data collection and analysis, and a vibrant character education program.

Sandalwood Elementary in the Essex area of Baltimore County scored the highest in Category 2-closing the achievement gap between student groups. Sandalwood serves 520 students that include a wide array of populations, including English Language Learners (11 percent of the population). The staff benefits from a variety of professional development opportunities.

Source;  http://www.wmdt.com/story/16201667/pocomoke-elementary-named-title-1

Saxis and Willis Wharf Post Offices May Close

The United States Postal Service is expected to announce that two Eastern Shore post offices will close in the latest round of facility closings.

Saxis and Willis Wharf are on the list. Residents of those towns will receive their mail via letter carrier.


The Postal Service will also close a large mail sorting center in Norfolk. Letters from the tidewater area and the Eastern Shore will travel to Richmond for sorting before being sent back.


The Postal Service will close over 3700 facilities country wide as it fights to remain solvent. No US Government funds are used and the USPS must survive on revenue generated by postage sent.


The rapid increase in emails, and other social media have resulted in a drop in postal traffic nationwide.


It may also take another day for a first class letter to reach it's destination. As of now, most first class letters reach their recipients in one to two days. That may become two to three days. The postal service is also considering stopping mail delivery on Saturdays.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Parksley To Sponsor 1st Annual Parksley Night Out

The Greater Parksley Association will sponsor a unique shopping experience when they host the

1st Annual Parksley Night Out,

Thursday December 8

 The doors open at 6PM and the shows begin at 7PM.


The event will feature fashion shows from four local stores, Designer Discount, Kokoon, Jaxons and Russell Formal and Bridal.


Over 20 other merchants will participate.

Selected gifts will be wrapped and delivered anywhere on the Eastern Shore of Virginia free on December 22 and 23.


In addition Bloxom will host Santa at 10:00 AM Saturday. Santa will arrive by a fire truck provided by the Bloxom Fire Company which will also cruise through Hallwood and will bring Santa back to Bloxom.

Children can see Santa at the new Bloxom Fire House @ 1:00 PM.

 Hot dogs, soda, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate will be provided by the Town and the Fire Department.

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

HELP SUPPORT THE SMALL BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Beef Brisket Sandwich w/side

Drink ~ $7.50

REMINDER:

Catering is available for holiday parties and dates are booking up fast.

To have your event/party catered by Shore Beef and BBQ call

757-824-0009

Annual Breakfast With Santa~ Atlantic Fire House

ATLANTIC VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANY

COME JOIN THE FUN!

Saturday December 17, 2011

7am to 11am

  MENU- Eggs, Scrapple, Sausage, Pancakes, Juice, Coffee, Milk

$6 for Adults & $3 kids age 6 & under.

BAKE SALE ~

CARRYOUTS AVAILABLE

After breakfast have your photo taken with Santa Claus
4x6 Digital Photo w/Santa $3

 For more info:757-824-4844

Multiple Vehicle Fires In Pocomoke

From Worcester County Fire Marshall's Office
By Robert Corb, Jr.

On December 4, 2011 at approximately 11:53 pm the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company responded to Eddies Auto Repair located at 1101B Market Street in Pocomoke City for multiple vehicles on fire.

Upon arrival crews observed three passenger cars involved in fire. Crews quickly extinguished the fires. It was determined the fires were intentionally set or arson.

 Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy Robert Korb, Jr. at 410-632-5666 or the Maryland Arson Hotline at 800-492-7592, you can remain anonymous. 

Family Cat Still Missing

STILL MISSING

Answers to the name of SHADOW

Black cat currently wearing no collar due to a skin disorder.

Missing from the POCOMOKE HEIGHTS -

PAYNE AVENUE AREA

Be advised that SHADOW takes daily medication for a skin disorder AND SEIZURES.

Family has looked for him and has found no sign of him.

If YOU have seen him or have any information at all

PLEASE call 757-999-1041
Shadow is missed very much by his human family............

Chincoteague Christmas Parade Winners

CHINCOTEAGUE CHRISTMAS PARADE

WINNERS

The annual Chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade  was held Saturday night December 3, 2011.

 This year's winners are as follows:


In the commercial category the winners were:
First place- Lowes of Pocomoke
Second Place- The Chincoteague Center.


In Non Commercial
First Place - Union Baptist Church 
 Second Place - Acts, the Apostolic Church.


In Junior Marching Units, 18 and under,
Cub Scout Pack 323 winner  (only entry)


In Senior Marching Units - YMCA Zumba Class.


  Marching Bands-
The Pocomoke High School Band  first place
The Northampton High marching Yellow Jackets  second


 Decorated Boats -Chincoteague High's class of 2014 were winners followed by Girl Scout Cadette Troop 1083.


 Equestrian Entries
The Chincoteague Pony Drill Team first place
Hoof Beats by the beach 4H Club - second place


Miscellaneous  
The Chincoteague American Legion Riders first place
 Kevin Liddle Sr. -  second 1969 Camero


The Judge's Award for Best in Show - Union Baptist Church.


Fire Company Categories 
 First place for most men in line went to Parksley
Atlantic Fire and Rescue - second place


 Most Equipment -Parksley  Fire Company-first.


 Oldest Moterized Equipment
Atlantic Vol. Fire and Rescue

In the Non Motorized Category
 Princess Ann Vol Fire Company


Seaford Vol Fire Dept  longest distance traveled award 

Best Company Overall  
Powellville VFC.

Delmarva Discovery Center - Saturday

Winter Watermen's Festival

Delmarva Discovery Center

December 10th

10 AM to 4 PM

Join the Delmarva Discovery Center for our 2nd annual Winter Watermen's Festival. The Winter Watermen's Festival is a celebration of our Delmarva heritage.

Local watermen will share their stories

from 11 AM - 1 PM.

We'll have delicious food samples from local favorites such as Bill's Seafood, Watermen's Inn, the Upper Deck, Don's Seafood & Chicken House, the Crusty Crab, and Bay Queen Galley. Local artists will be displaying and selling their work as well! 

 New to the Festival are wine from Bishop's Stock and beer from Burley Oak Brewery!

This is the perfect time for holiday shopping and celebrating Delmarva!

Don't miss out! 

Event is free with paid admission.

"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" In Pocomoke City Part 3

"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening"

Nighttime festivities on the Eastern Shore are risky.  There's always the chance of wind or rain and sometimes snow.  Pocomoke City was blessed this year.  The Monday night annual Christmas Parade had the best weather it's had for a night parade in quite a while.  Friday night was perfect for an outdoor celebration.  There was no wind, no threat of rain.  A  completely clear  and still night for this occasion. 




Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison with wife Laura

 Seems like the simplest of ideas become the most magnificent occasions.  Mayor Morrison took a simple idea and the merchants said "Let's try it."  For over 20 years I worked full time at a local business downtown
and have find memories of wonderful things happening.  But there was never anything like this.


And it isn't my imagination that downtown Pocomoke is ALIVE!  For the first time in what I believe to be a long time the merchants are working together, there's more downtown to do and in case you haven't noticed there are new businesses downtown.




Greg Frostrom and wife Susan



City Manager Russ Blake enjoys conversation with
two Pocomoke City Police Officers





Mike Dean- Pocomoke Fire Fighter,
Member of  Delmarva Fireman's Assoc.
Hall of Fame and Funeral Director





 Great hat, Mike!

 







George Glovier with Mayor Bruce Morrison

Not only is this a business owner and the other the Mayor but these two guys are classmates of mine and good friends.  Who would have thought on graduation night many years ago  that so many of us would be together to help promote the businesses downtown?

And speaking of businesses.....

City Councilman Don Malloy (right) has conversation with Barry Wise the Warehouse Manager of Fuzion  a new business to the area  located in the Industrial Park.                   

                   

An evening of Christmas celebrations could never be complete without Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

They were the real Santa and Mrs Claus, that's for sure!  The children loved them and Santa had a busy knee

for quite a while.

Hope every child young or old told Santa what was on their list for Christmas this year.

To the right is Mrs. Anne Glovier. She has been a true asset and real "doer" in the Pocomoke community.

It is always a real treat to see and talk with her.  Whatever she told Santa she wanted for Christmas I hope she receives.  She is deserving of it.

                       

By this time it was close to 7:30 PM and time for the lighting of the first "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" christmas tree.


The crowd counted down to 10 and with the flip of a switch
the tree came to life!

Raffle tickets were being sold Friday night for this handmade quilt.  The blocks were signed by friends and family, along with a donation to support the city's revitalization  effort.  Tickets for this quilt were also sold at The Enchanted Florist downtown.

Robinanne  Condon at Robinanne's  Quilting Service, with the helping hands from assistants,  created the masterpiece.

It was the Mayor's last task of the evening to draw the name of the lucky  winner in the Quilt Raffle.  (I was hoping it was me)

The winner of the handmade quilte from Robinanne's Quilting Service was Ed Weilbacher!

 

This was quite an evening and an Pocomoke event to remember.  The hard work poured into making this one night such a success was witnessed by the many.  I'm almost certain there will be a repeat. 

 

Businesses working together to revitalize downtown Pocomoke.  It's working.... and it shows!

 

Remember to visit downtown Pocomoke when doing your Christmas shopping - or any shopping-

 

The merchants are friendly and can suggest something for anyone on your Christmas list.   Gift Certificates are always nice choice and any of the business owners will be more that happy to help you with that.

 

~MERRY CHRISTMAS~

 



Mayor and Council Meeting- Revised Agenda

R E V I S E D    A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, December 5, 2011

City Hall

1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Moment of Silence in memory of former Council member Robert Hawkins.
3. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of November 7, 2011. 
4. Review and approval of bills to be paid. 
5. Mayor Morrison to introduce new Police Chief  Kelvin Sewell and to present badge and pins. 
6. Chief Sewell to introduce new Police Officer Aaron Perkins. 
7. Rev. Isaac Jenkins to discuss “Save the Youth”. 
8. First Reading of Ord. No. 408 to authorize a new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable, Inc. for Cable TV, Internet and other services. 
9. Discuss letter from Planning and Zoning Commission recommending annexation of property at 1139 Ocean Highway.  (owner, Dr. Leroy Johnson) 
10. Discuss letter from Worcester County Commissioners concerning possible appointment to Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
11. City Manager to present status report concerning Pocomoke City Salvation Army Youth Club. 
12. Discuss possible appointments to various City boards and commissions.

Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and to perform executive actions.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Mayor and Council Meeting This Evening

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, December 5, 2011

City Hall

 1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.



2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of November 7, 2011.



3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.



4. Mayor Morrison to swear in Capt. Kelvin Sewell as Chief of the Pocomoke City Police Department.



5. Chief Sewell to introduce new Police Officer Aaron Perkins.



 6. First Reading of Ord. No. 408 to authorize a new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable, Inc. for Cable TV, Internet and other services.



 7. Discuss letter from Planning and Zoning Commission recommending annexation of property at 1139 Ocean Highway.  (owner, Dr. Leroy Johnson)



 8. Discuss letter from Worcester County Commissioners concerning possible appointment to Solid Waste Advisory Committee.



9. City Manager to present status report concerning Pocomoke City Salvation Army Youth Club.



 10. Discuss possible appointments to various City boards and commissions.



Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and to perform executive actions.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Family Pet STILL MISSING

STILL MISSING

Black cat currently wearing no collar due to a skin disorder.

His name is SHADOW

　
He is missing from the POCOMOKE HEIGHTS -

PAYNE AVENUE AREA

Be advised that SHADOW takes daily medication for a skin disorder AND SEIZURES.

Family has looked for him and has found no sign of him.

If YOU have seen him or have any information at all

 PLEASE call 757-999-1041

Shadow is missed very much by his human family............

"Old Fashioned Christmas Evening" in Pocomoke City, Maryland Part 2

Who would have thought about taking the parking lot across from city hall in downtown Pocomoke City and turning it into a evening of Christmas festivities?

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison had the idea and in no time everyone downtown had ideas that when put all together,  turned into quite a magical night.  FREE was the keyword and with a meager donation of canned goods for the Samaritan Shelter one could have their choice of a host of yummy things to eat and drink.  Hotdogs, soda, hot cocoa, cider, mulled cider and even s'mores that seemed to be a big hit.

If you care to donate to the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke City......
You can still drop off canned and nonperishable foods at The Enchanted Florist downtown.



Barbara Tull and Don Holdren -
Were in charge of the free drinks



Pocomoke City Police Officer Ralph Corbin
with Marc Scher/ Owner of Scher's Bridal Shop
Downtown Pocomoke City



Marc and his helper

 I was unable to get photos of all the tents but every tent had it's own work cut out.  Hotdogs were going fast- the little kids and big kids were hungry.  There for a while there weren't enough marshmallows for the s'mores.........

I suppose the most asked question about the evening was "How do you build a bonfire in a parking lot?"  That was simple.  You call the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company.  They kept the bonfire burning all evening and at times pitched in to roast the marshmallows for the s'mores.  I sure was grateful for the warmth.  Those guys in the fire department can do anything and will do anything to help support the city. 





Pocomoke Vol. Fire Co. Chief Dicky Gladding
and Training Officer Keven Hall

 Entertainment for the evening certainly held alot of attention.  I wasn't able to get photos of the Pocomoke Elementary Afterschool Choir or The Larks.  The choir had already performed by the time we arrived.  The Larks were great....everyone seemed to enjoy them.

These children will be singing in a live performance at the Mar-Va Theater in the near future.

A Pocomoke City favorite, Sarah Bernstein entertained the crowd.  I admire anyone that can go on stage
in the cold and sing without shivering.  She was awesome. 

Pocomoke High School Show Choir were magnificent.

Wonderful selections  for entertainment.   I have to admit that the young voices win hands down for the simple fact that their voices seem to carry through the night air with such peace that Christmas spirit seemed to touch everyone even if you weren't paying attention..

How about those little red socks on the pony?  This was adorable and what I had waited for.  I have
never ridden in a horse drawn carriage.  But- and so many warned me- by the time I was ready for my
ride the little pony was cold and tired and had retired for the evening.  So, I still haven't ridden in a horse drawn carriage and I have added that to my "bucket list".  Those that did ride enjoyed themselves.

There's more........

We haven't even gotten to more of the  wonderful people of Pocomoke or Santa Claus yet-

OH- and the Mayor's famous tree!

There's more...............

TIME MACHINE ... Risking A Dash For Marriage In The 1880's!

January, 1884

(The New York Times)

MARRIED ON A STEAM-BOAT

From The Pocomoke City (Md.) Record

At Onancock, Va., on Wednesday morning of last week, as the steamer Tangier was preparing to leave her wharf, a young man, closely followed by a young lady, was seen making for the landing with hurried strides. The gang-plank, which had been drawn in, was again put out, and the couple, gasping for breath, hastily boarded the steamer. As the boat moved off an elderly man came rushing down to the wharf, gesticulating wildly and shaking his fist at the receding vessel, but the lucky couple- Mr. George S. White and Miss Annie T. Hopkins- only laughed at the old gentleman. They were aged 20 and 18, respectively, and were married speedily afterward by the Rev. George Bradford, who was on the steamer at the time on his way to Pocomoke City. The ceremony was witnessed by others of the boat and passengers, among whom the little romantic episode caused quite a ripple of pleasurable excitement. The newly married couple had intended returning to Onancock and facing the irate parents, but owing to the dense fog prevailing the boat failed to reach that place and they were carried on to Baltimore. They spent the first three days of their honeymoon, therefore, on the steamer Tangier, not even so much as going ashore to view the beauties of the city and enjoy the festivities of the holidays.
　
　
March, 1888

(The New York Times)

MARRIED IN SPITE OF HIM
BLOODSHED OVER AN ATTEMPTED ELOPEMENT

BALTIMORE, March 26- A special to-night from Onancock, Va., says an elopement in Accomac County Va., has nearly led to a double tragedy. Three years ago a daughter of Henry Williams, a farmer, ran away and married William Allen of Sykes Island. The father has never liked his son-in-law, and the latter on several occasions threatened the life of the old man. Several days ago Williams only remaining daughter left home, ostensibly to visit her sister on Sykes Island, but in reality to prepare there for an elopement with her lover. Her father, suspecting her intentions, started in pursuit with his shotgun loaded to kill, as he declared, any person who should prevent him from bringing his daughter home, as he was determined she should not marry any man. The angry old man crossed to the island, and as he neared Allen's house his son-in-law stepped out to meet him, gun in hand. The son-in-law fired first, and then several shots were exchanged at short range. Williams was badly wounded, but Allen escaped unhurt. While the battle raged the lovers escaped, and were wedded yesterday. Mr. Marshall, who tried to stop the fight, was wounded by a stray shot.
　
　
February, 1977

Pocomoke City lost one of its' longtime former business leaders with the death of Garland D. Bull at age 79. Early in his career he was in the trucking business and later was an owner of Small And Bull Poultry And Feed Company and Small And Bull Hatchery, and he also operated G.D. Bull Fruit & Produce Company, and The Pocomoke Frozen Food Lockers. He had served on the board of directors of the former Citizens National Bank, and was a board member of the Pocomoke City Rotary Club.


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

TIME MACHINE ... 1878- "THE STRAIN UPON MODERN LIVING"

ACROSS THE USA

December, 1878

(The New York Times)

THE STRAIN UPON MODERN LIVING

(Excerpts)

Every man for himself is emphatically the modern sentiment, and there are some signs of completing this declaration of independence by adding the clause "Every woman for herself, also."

What is more clear than the fact that now no family is left to itself and to its own traditions and habits, but that the most out-of-the-way homes, whether in the backwoods or on the distant coast, are within reach of the world's vast and intense life, and no strangers to its hopes and fears, its learning and its folly, its triumphs and its disasters.

Not only every family that takes a newspaper, but every person who hears the village gossip, knows what is going on all over the globe, and every man who has to buy or sell anything, has cause to revise his estimates from day to day; and very often men lose their appetite for their breakfast by news from the great market of America or Europe that prices have changed sadly to their hurt. A considerable proportion of pain goes with the news of the day, and a large portion of unwholesomness, for disasters and scandals are dwelt upon with more minuteness than successes and satisfactions, and no great bargains or great weddings are reported half as fully as great frauds and great divorce and scandals.

It is not remarkable that the rich and conspicuous should strive to outshine each other in dress and living, but the remarkable thing is that in our modern life there are now no radical distinctions of class or fortune in costume or habits, and that all persons, and especially all women, follow the same fashions as far as they can, and catch the course of the same social ambition. So far as street dress is concerned, the wives, and especially the daughters, of the poorer classes, make, relatively, far more display than their richer neighbors, and to a certain extent, the exactions of modern society are in the inverse proportion of means and abilities, since they who have least fortune and talent are subject to the same high pressure from the reigning mode, and women who are not usually trained to earn their own living are beset by the same ruling passion for dress and ornament.

The palace of merchants and bankers, and the cottages of farmers and mechanics among us have a similar story to tell. Indeed it may be set down as part of the universal strain on modern living, that its exactions are out of proportion to its means, and the exaction presses upon every family, while the means at hand vary from wealth, or what is called competency, down to limitation and want.

Surely our modern living is under great strain, and many lives break down beneath the pressure.

Still Time To Enter Waste Watchers Essay Contest

Waste watchers of the Eastern Shore is offering $50 prizes at Elementary, Middle, and High school levels in both counties for the essay best answering the question: What is the real cost of litter on the Eastern Shore? Public, Private and Home Schooled students are all welcome to enter.


Jenny O'Neill, Coordinator of Waste Watchers, said the essays are coming in but she wanted to remind students they have until Friday, December 9, to enter.


"Quit procrastinating and take a shot at it, she said. I'm especially challenging the high school students to step up. It can only be for the good to have people articulating their understanding of the problems litter brings. I know $50 isn't a lot in some circles, but someone out there can win it. So why not try?"


The winning essay will show an understanding of the problems litter presents to the people, plants, animals, and communities of the Eastern Shore. Each entry will be judged on originality, depth of understanding, and ability to communicate the main points.


To enter, mail your essay to PO 191 Onancock Va 23417 or email it to wastewatchers.esva@gmail.com before December 9, 2011. For questions please call Jenny O'Neill at 757-787-7468.

Pocomoke City - "Old Fashioned Christmas Evening"

This bright star that proudly takes its place at Christmas time in Pocomoke City is a Christmas constant.  Year after year -  for as long as I can remember- it is there well into the new year and it just wouldn't be Christmas downtown without it. 

Downtown last evening.  No place to park- but that's okay. 

We'll walk!

What a wonderful evening to walk around downtown Pocomoke City and just observe the beauty of the Christmas lights.

Even the Mar-Va theater is decked out and in the

Christmas spirit.

Every town during this time of year is a winter wonderland to those that live there.  Pocomoke is no different for its citizens.  For those that grew up here - like myself-    downtown holds memories.

What Christmas spirit!!

They've added something different this year.  Businesses have had their windows painted with bright colors and Christmas themes.   

Students from the Pocomoke Hight School did this amazing artwork.  What a talented group.  I'd like to see more window painting during the fall months for the fall season and halloween. 

Be sure to take a trip to  downtown Pocomoke and take a peek at the paintings  and while you are there stop in to see the store keepers.

More photos to be posted.  We haven't even gotten to the "Old Fashion Christmas Evening" festivities yet!