To dock or not to dock?

 (WBOC)

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. -- Discussions among county officials could lead to limits being placed on who can, and cannot, launch their boats from public boat ramps.

(View news article:)

Cracking Down on Commercial Use at Public Boat Ramps in Worcester County | Latest News | wboc.com

2 Boaters Rescued By Coast Guard Near Ocean City

Photo/ U.S. Coast Guard

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard rescued two boaters from a capsized sailboat Monday in the St. Martin River near Ocean City.

A good Samaritan noticed an overturned sailboat and called Coast Guard Station Ocean City watchstanders at approximately 12:30 p.m. to make a report.

A boatcrew aboard a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft was launched and arrived on scene within approximately 15 minutes of the notification.

“When we first got close enough to see the sailboat, we noticed the mast raising and falling in and out of the water,” said Petty Officer 1st Class William King, the coxswain aboard the SPC. “We saw one boater trying to right the boat, but each time he tried the sail would catch the wind causing the hull to come back down on him.”

The crew first rescued one boater who had drifted from the boat and then returned to pull the second off the sailboat.

“It was a good thing for both the boaters that we were able to respond as quickly as we did,” said King. “The environmental conditions were a bit beyond the capability of the boaters, putting them in harms way. When we arrived on scene we noticed the second boater had drifted approximately 25 yards from the overturned boat. The best decision the boaters made was to wear their life jackets. Accidents such as this one happen in a split second, rarely giving boaters the time to don their life jackets. If during an accident a boater is knocked unconscious, or like in this case is separated from their boat, a life jacket greatly increases their risk of survival.”

The Coast Guard crew transferred both boaters to the Ocean Pines Marina where Ocean City Fire Department EMS checked the boaters for injuries.

No injuries were reported.

Submitted:

U. S. Coast Guard Warns Mariners

Coast Guard warns mariners of the danger of approaching Tropical Storm Andrea

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Coast Guard encourages boaters to stay off the water Friday due to the approach of Tropical Storm Andrea and the storms impact on on the coastal Carolina area.

Adverse weather effects generated by a tropical storm or hurricane can cover an area hundreds of miles wide. Recreational boaters and members of the maritime industry who fall outside of the direct path of the storm are advised to be cognizant of dangerous weather conditions and appropriate precautions to stay safe and minimize damage.

North Carolina boaters, including those in Pamlico Sound, Albemarle Sound and connecting waterways, are urged to secure their vessels and any emergency positioning indicator radio beacons. Those who heed the warnings of the Coast Guard and local law enforcement authorities will keep themselves and first responders out of danger.

Boaters should take the precautions necessary to ensure their personal safety due to strong, gusting winds associated with the outer weather bands of tropical storms. Heavy seas, significant rain and damaging winds may accompany and present serious dangers to boaters. Rescue and assistance by the Coast Guard and other agencies may be degraded as the storm approaches.

Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds. When in doubt, check in advance with the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center or with a local Coast Guard station.

Here are a few tips to help mariners protect themselves, their families and their vessels:

•If local authorities issue an evacuation notice, take heed and know the evacuation routes.

•Secure electronic position indicating radio beacons.  If unsecured, EPIRBS can break free from a boat and trigger an emergency signal to the Coast Guard.

•Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat when a tropical system is approaching.

•Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing a vessel. Marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise mariners on the best methods for securing a boat.

•Ensure boating gear is properly stowed or tied down to avoid causing unnecessary searches by the Coast Guard and other first responders. Life jackets, life rafts and small non-powered vessels are some examples of boating equipment often found adrift following severe weather.

•Take action now. The effects of a tropical system can be felt well in advance of the storm itself and can prevent the safe completion of preparations.
After the storm passes, check with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area. Boat owners should not place themselves in danger in order to survey damage.

•Do not try to reach a boat that has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris. Wait until authorities have made safe access available.

•Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional.

•Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe.

Nature Trail UPDATE ~ Moving Right Along With Lots To See and Still Do!

NATURE TRAIL UPDATE

By Richie Schoemaker MD, project chairman

Posted Tuesday, May 14th 2013


Construction:
Looking back from where we are now, I can’t believe we only got started 2 weeks ago. Now we are ready to start building (come help us on 5/15 and beyond). The massive transport job led by foreman Andy Clarke is just about done. The 38 “second floor” racks are now waiting on the island (as yet unnamed; how about “Broken Back Island”?) near their final resting place in the final stretch of impenetrable swamp. Granted it took two sessions of 90 minutes each to load the 150 pound racks in groups of 10 onto Andy’s long trailer, transport them from the City Public Works lot to the building site, slide each rack down the hill and through the woods, over the bridges and into place. It took four people to load each rack; two to unload and move to the forest and four to haul into the swamp staging area.


Prothonotary Warbler - Male

We had some familiar faces sweating with the loads: Larry Fykes, Rob Clarke (right in there full bore!), Andy Clarke, Michael Redden and a newbie, Josh Weichman. Our first truck load took 58 minutes and the second 39 minutes. The next session was Andy, Larry, Rob, Scott Tatterson, some physician part time, and from the cadet corps came Kalie and Luke Speta. With all that crew, Larry suggested that they move some planks that we need to use as joists as well. And so they did.

Meanwhile, the Town Public Works crew has moved the hundreds of 4 foot treads that Chris Miles cut (for free, thanks Chris!) for us. Only 600 more to go (well, maybe a few more). We are ready for the machine-like assembly line in the swamps! But, one small item remains. What path does the Trail actually follow to get to its final end point? Into the swamp go Andy and Larry, with music from African Queen and Heart of Darkness quietly playing in the stream of consciousness. They make it back alive. Larry’s hip waders didn’t drag him down into the suction of the organic floor of the wooded wetlands (don’t laugh, that happens).

So now we are so close to finishing. Larry wants to jump start our deep water sections, the most difficult, which as one might expect are the first. Yet, our plan is still to push the work over Memorial Day weekend, beginning on Saturday at 9 AM. Volunteers will assemble at the Greenway parking area for the Trail entrance by the golf course and walk around Stevenson’s Pond to the work site adjacent to the northbound Route 13 Bridge. You will see and hear us. Bring your own tick repellent spray, water and work gloves. We will work for 3 good hours and see what we have.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Donations:We are so thankful for the support we have received so far. Many people have called asking about how to contribute. Checks are welcome, payable to CRBAI or the Pocomoke Nature Trail; mail them to Nature Trail, 500 Market St Suite 103, Pocomoke, Md 21851.


T-shirts are going out (as soon as they are done!) to Anne Hughes, Al Correia, Debbie Waidner, CD Hall and Nancy Newsome for their donations for a Foot of the Trail. Major donors are Dr. Tom and Dorothea Harblin and Dr. Scott McMahon who will each sponsor an observation station. Our biggest booster to date is Circuit Court Judge Richard Bloxom who is a Silver Sponsor and supporter of an observation station.

Why volunteer to do this much work?As I stood as quietly as I could last week on the island, I could hear the pileated woodpeckers and summer tanagers calling. Prothonotary warblers were all around. See them and hear them. There was a black and white warbler close to the trunk of the sycamore tree. The great crested flycatchers (AKA weep-weep birds) were definitely annoyed that I was in their space. I heard a new bird call, one almost like a warbler’s phrasing, but no, this was a vireo. We have lots of vireos in our swamps, but this one…

My hearing is getting bad, so I can’t rely on the sound any more. There it is, I can see it just overhead. It was a solitary vireo (and was by itself too), one that I personally have never seen around here. Where is naturalist John Dennis when I need him?

Pileated Woodpecker

I saw a blue-lined skink and found scat of a fox newly deposited on the top of the new bridge abutment. The lizard and fox couldn’t resist checking out our new trail. Neither can I. As the evening started to arrive with fading light, softening of the wind in the cypress and a few buzz, buzzing bugs around my ears, I could see schools of surface feeders breaking the calm of the slack waters between the tides. Solace, indeed.

And yet, what was that? Not a log; that was a head! An otter! Oh my, I haven’t seen otters here for twenty years! I waited, hoping if I held my breath that it would come my way but it swam to shore out of sight up by the magnificent cypress that will be our final destination of this loop.

Otters, birds, fish, and quiet magnificence of our Trail: all this wonder leads to some important questions. What really matters when people are slaughtered in Mother’s Day parade and stories of unspeakable horror fills our newspaper? Are we really better off to seal away human populations from use of our wooded wetlands as a place for solace, learning and recreation? Or are we better off teaching our visitors what splendor we have by letting them see it from our protected boardwalks and observation platforms. I have consistently voted to open access of our forests and swamps to school kids and visitors understanding that a few visitors will attack our signs and some others will toss cans and paper onto the forest floor. Not all people are good hearted.

For every knucklehead who trashes a part of our Trail, there are hundreds and hundreds of others who will value seeing an otter slide or an osprey soar or a calico bass ripple a still surface. Will seeing an elusive vireo (after first identifying its call) impact an eighth grader’s view of nature and the world? Will that attention to detail be the springboard for a new answer to approaching the complex problems of a global world? Can we just try?

Blue Lined Skink

I am not suggesting that studying lizard habitat or understanding where mammals hide under the snows in southern places like Pocomoke will help save the world, but as long as we have youngsters like Hunter Tatterson, Kalie and Luke Speta, and Josh Weichman who are willing to give back to a community like Pocomoke, almost before they are old enough to have taken from the community, then I am optimistic that all the efforts of old guys like Don and Jim and me, like Jack Spurling years ago, are based on an idea that won’t die as we will. We have a duty to teach, to share and to provide for those who will follow and improve upon our attempts to make this a better place to live, to work and to raise the next generation. We can’t ask our schools to take on extra burdens when we can combine our love of nature and our willingness to do the hard work to share with others in hopes that our survivors will see what we see now.

So, you can understand why I feel that building the last loop of the Trail means a lot symbolically. Please give generously of your time and what donations you can to help us make the Pocomoke Nature Trail better.

And don’t forget to pick up a couple of the famous Birds of the Pocomoke River t-shirts! And the bumper stickers too. Call us at 410-957-1550 or at the Chamber of Commerce at 410-957-1919.

Years ago (1980), Mayor Dawson Clarke told me that once I had some Pocomoke River mud under my toenails that I would stick around. The world has changed since then but the same river mud that helped shape my career to focus on environmental health issues might just be important for some one else.

Please help our Trail committee make that opportunity grow.

 Download the Pocomoke City Nature Trail Donation Form


Many thanks,

Ritch Shoemaker MD
Trail Committee, Chairman

NEW Events ~ Pocomoke Cypress Festival

 

 NEW events added this year!

 

Wristbands go on sale May 1

 

Pre-sale wristbands will be available at the Chamber office at 6 Market Street beginning at 10 am Wednesday May 1! Wristbands are $8, 1/2 price regular admission, and are good for Wednesday, Thursday, or 12 to 4 Saturday.

 

Here's a quick rundown of the Pocomoke Cypress Festival.  For more information go to:

 http://pocomoke.com/cypressfestival/

 

OR

 

POCOMOKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FACEBOOK

 

 

 

Cypress Festival  Wednesday, June 12 through Saturday, June 15 2013 The good old days are now! For more information see http://pocomoke.com/cypressfestival/ ... Wednesday, June 12, 6 pm-10 pm  6 pm, Pocomoke Elks & Boy Scouts perform opening Flag Ceremony Thursday, June 13, 6 pm-10 pm Pocomoke Idol Friday, June 14, 6 pm-10 pm 6:30 pm, judging of boat decorating contest. Red, white and blue patriotic theme. Entry forms at www.pocomoke.com.  All entries receive free admission passes to Friday and Saturday of the Cypress Festival. You must be present at the judging contest to receive these passes. 7:15 pm Corn Hole Tournament Saturday, June 15, 12 pm-10pm Tug-O-war Boat Regatta, 2:30 Mid Life Crisis Band Fireworks

 

 

NEED VOLUNTEERS!!!!

Pocomoke City Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a

volunteer to lead the Corn Hole Tournament for the Cypress Festival.

Without a leader for this event it  may have to removed from the

lineup.

Lots of great stuff still going on like the boat decorating and raft race!

Any volunteers?

  Forms and full schedule:  http://pocomoke.com/cypressfestival/

Downtown Pocomoke City Restaurant ~ Riverside Grill

Great news sure travels fast!

Most of you know by now that the  new Riverside Grill Restaurant opened quietly on Monday.
　

Keep in mind that this new restaurant has a computerized system for employess to work with.  If you have any knowledge at all about computers you know how tempermental they can be. In an attempt to check and work out the glitches that often occur in anything that is new, and to get a little more practice time, the Reeves  decided on a "quiet opening".   In the long run the customer benefits.

I can't say I blame them for deciding on the "quiet opening".   (Even though it wasn't quiet for long)  Makes good business sense to me. After all, Riverside Grill is new to all of us....even to those who work there. Nothing can be more taxing on the nerves than the first day on the job. And nothing can be more devastating than a bad food revue.

And remember: we all want to see Corey succeed  at operating a brand new beautiful restaurant. And it is very important to Corey, her family and the employees at the Riverside Grill that your first dining experience with them is a pleasant one.

The Riverside Grill is  now open for your business. 

Enjoy your meal and enjoy the view.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverside-Grill-Pocomoke/147418768729116

The NEW Pocomoke City Restaurant

RIVERSIDE GRILL RESTAURANT

DOWNTOWN POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND

Mark Reeves announced to the crowd present at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday "there's not a bad seat in the house."  Well, I knew this was true.  After months of walking through the building-before it even was a building- countless times and standing in just about every corner I already knew that he was telling the truth.  Every single person present on Friday marveled at the beauty of the finished product and I couldn't help but think about all those responsible for this in the restaurants early years of development (when it was just a dream) that are no longer with us to share the excitement.

 The Riverside Grill will be managed by Corey Reeves, the 23 year old daughter of Mark and Leslie. What a responsibility for her and how lucky the Reeves are to have a daughter that can handle such a responsibility at a young age.  And what a lucky young lady to have a father to have such confidence in  a daughter. 

This restaurant will be operating by a computer system.  I'm not sure how it all works but it sounds interesting.  The wonderful thing about the system is that it has never been used in Pocomoke and once again Pocomoke is on the "cutting edge". 

Just think of the view the bridge tender has! Hmm......

  The extended area of the patio is new.  In most of my older photos it shows that the patio area stopped a few feet shorter than shown here, but was still very nice.  Mark however, had a different idea and felt the need to enhance the area with the thought of  possible patrons approaching from the south along  Riverside Drive.  The monies for the brickwork, etc.  came from the Reeves themselves.  Personally, this IS the "icing on the cake"! 

So, chew on some celery sticks while you wait for the restaurant to open.  You have to appreciate the fact that the new proprietors want to be able to give all of us a pleasant dining experience for the first time.  They are as anxious as we all are. 

The best of luck to Corey and everyone at the

 Riverside Grill Restaurant.

The Riverside Grill is on facebook now also.  Be sure to take a look.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverside-Grill-Pocomoke/147418768729116

Pocomoke's "Riverside Grill Restaurant"

Downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland

Friday   July 6, 2012

You just can't imagine the excitment that was all around Friday morning.  The people of Pocomoke City have waited for a beautiful downtown restaurant for so many years.  And now there is one sitting right on the banks of the beautiful Pocomoke River.

Easy access by boat with FREE docking.  It's within walking distance after shopping downtown or attending the movies.  And yes, it's very easy to find if you are traveling south on US Route 13 highway.....just turn right at the first intersection light, follow the road to the left.  You can see this beauty of a restaurant before you travel over the downtown draw bridge! 

The proprietors: Mark, Leslie, the two younger brothers (I will get their names) and Corey Reeves. Corey will manage the Riverside Grill Restaurant and I can tell you that this entire family and the entire working staff at the restaurant will fit in quite nicely with the people of Pocomoke and those visiting. 

(I took a peek through the kitchen door window.  Nice kitchen.  I remember when there was nothing there to even look at!)

There have been many ribbon cutting ceremonies and it was Mayor Bruce Morrison who said he'll never get tired of them!  I don't think anyone will.

MD. Delegate Mike McDermott(center) Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell(right) speak with the newest Pocomoke City Police Officer. 

This is just one view of how beautiful it is from the inside looking out.  There are more photos soon.

What an exciting time in downtown  Pocomoke recently.  I've been downtown alot in the past few months and I can see the wonderful changes that have taken place in just a short time.  There are still stores downtown that I haven't had a chane to visit- but I will.  The Mayor was absolutely correct when he mentioned Pocomoke Pride.  Not one person disagreed...why would they?

So many of you have been asking when the restaurant will open.  The only answer I have as of right now is "SOON".  So just have patience.  If it were my restaurant and I was about to serve so many Pocomoke citizens I'd want things to be right too!

I know you will enjoy the restaruant and those that work there.  I know you will love the view.

Note to Kathy:  Get ready.... 

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ OPEN Today

Discover something new at the Delmarva Discovery Center every day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Delmarva Discovery Center offers daily programs that are free with paid admission for all guests from Memorial Day to Labor day.

Sunday Program
Sunday 2:00 - 2:30 PM Fish Food- Watch the fish in our 6,000 gallon aquarium eat lunch while learning about the adaptations that allow these species to gobble, gulp and thrive in the Pocomoke River. A family presentation perfect of fish-lovers of all ages.

Photo/Delmarva Discovery Center

Delmarva Discovery Center is on Facebook or www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org.

Riverside Grill

Riverside Grill

Downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland

This photo, taken Sunday October 30, 2011, was the first photograph I took of what now has been named the Riverside Grill.

And this photo taken Wednesday July 4, 2012 shows a beautifully completed restaurant.

I haven't been inside since the furniture has been uncrated and put into place, the kitchen finished off with appliances and doors put on.  So I am in for a surprise just as much as the first to dine there are.  I can't wait.  And personally, I don't care if I get anything to eat or not.  I just want to sit back and take it all in.

The best of luck to everyone at the Riverside Grill.

There is no set word on it's opening yet but it won't be much longer.  I'll be sure to let everyone know.

The New Restaurant Has A Name

Friday June 22, 2012

The New Downtown Restaurant

No longer known as the "new restaurant" downtown.

I like the name!

Word has it that the "Riverside Grill" should be open for business sometime around July 6th!

I will be away from my computer today but check back later....there are more photos.

Opening Soon.......

The New Pocomoke Restaurant

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Watch for the opening date of the new restaurant in downtown Pocomoke City.
It's hard to believe that I have been taking photographs of this spot located on the Pocomoke River since December 2011 - when ground was first turned over to begin the foundation work.

The kitchen appliances have been delivered and are ready to be installed. Tables and chairs are there and the bar is just about completed!

In case you missed the photos of the beautiful landscaping that now surrounds the restaurant follow this link: http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-pocomoke-restaurantjust-little-more.html

Landscaping was provided by Douglas Guns, Superintendent of the Winter Quarters Golf Course, and his crew. Douglas Guns and his crew, along with the assistance of some wonderful, hardworking people from Pocomoke High School, are responsible for the beauty in the Mini Park on the corner of Second Street and Market Street in downtown Pocomoke City.

Stayed tuned for an opening date! The wait is almost over........

The New Pocomoke Restaurant...Just a Little More Time

The New Pocomoke City Restaurant

Downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

If you've been downtown within the past few days you would have noticed the beautiful landscaping that has been done around the restaurant.

Just a few short weeks ago the brick pavers had just arrived and workers were busy at the job of arranging the walkways and tamping the bricks into place. Now all the mud that has been there all these weeks is coverd with grass and attractive shrubs and foliage outline the building.

Even the area below the Delmarva Discovery Center got some special attention!

Who's responsible for all this magnificent landscaping??
Douglas Guns, the Superintendent of the Winters Quarters Golf Course, and his marvelous crew along with Pocomoke City Public Works crew!! Along with the landscaping they paved an area next to the drawbridge so the Pocomoke Vol. Fire Co. can access a dry hydrant located on the docks.

Beautiful job!

Another good indication that it won't be long before many of us will be dining in the new restaurant and enjoying the view of the Pocomoke River. I will keep you posted on any updates.

The New Pocomoke Restaurant - almost

Pocomoke City Restaurant

Pocomoke City, Maryland

May 31, 2012

I've lost count on which week we are on but I do remember I began taking photos in December 2011. The thought of this restaurant becoming a reality never seemed to phase me until about 2 weeks ago. Now, with every visit I get a little more nervous and anxious and find myself wanting to turn my camera over to the Councilman so I can pick up a broom.... just trying to tidy up hoping it would speed the process.

Doesn't work that way. But I can tell all of you that every visit now brings on bigger and better changes......and it won't be long now before something is being cooked in the kitchen and customers are seated either inside or out.

The walk in freezer has been installed and the kitchen has had the insulation tucked away, vents and all those odd looking things that I've seen hanging from the ceiling have all been put into their proper places and ceiled away with ceiling tiles. The kitchen walls have been finished.


Ceiling fans add a wonderful touch to the restaurant. Honestly you just can't imagine the beauty of the restaurant itself added to the beauty of the fact that it sits at the side of the Pocomoke River. Carpeting at one end of the restaurant and woodgrained flooring at the other. Some more hard workers and those who get the headaches from it all.......It has taken so many hands to bring this restaurant from an idea to a reality for Pocomoke City. Regardless of what the task was in the construction of the reastaurant each person played an important part in its beauty.
Kevin Sewell is a city employee as well. I have never seen this young man when he didn't have a smile on his face. (I'm sure he'd rather be on the dock with a fishing rod in his hand).


Supervisor of City Department Bill East and Pocomoke City Manager Russ Blake checking on the progress of the restaurant while the two young men below take a break from landscaping. Photos will never be able to actually show just what a masterpiece all of this area has become.

We simply can't forget that while history was being made for the restaurant in downtown Pocomoke the Skipjack Ida May was also making history also and was docked just outside the restaurant for a few days. This really gave the feeling (to those that didn't know) the restaurant must be open for business.
I leave you with these photos until the next time......



But I assure you it won't be long now..........