Delegate John Overington has scheduled two Town Meetings for Saturday, January 16, 1999. The first will be at the Marlowe Ruritan Building from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Directions: Take Rt. 11 to Marlowe Elementary School. Turn onto Broad Lane. The Ruritan building is on the right. The second Town Meeting is set for the Baker Heights Volunteer Fire Dept. on Route 9 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
"These meetings across the district have provided an excellent way for me to keep in touch with the people in the Eastern Panhandle and are a very helpful link in the two-way communication that is important for government to work. All persons are welcome to attend and participate. I hope those attending will take a few minutes to fill out their Citizens' Poll and bring it to the meeting," Overington said.
I expect to have several guests to provide information and input. Newly-elected Senator John Unger will be attending and participating. Also invited and expected to attend both meetings is Sheriff Ron Jones to answer questions on neighborhood watch, out-of-state tags, illegal dumping and other law enforcement questions. Also invited to the Marlowe meeting is Opequon Public Service District General Manager Richard Beegle to answer questions regarding water quality.
"I am interested in getting input on issues and concerns that may come up during the 1999 60-day legislative session that officially begins on January 13th at noon. These include lawsuit abuse reform to help stop frivolous lawsuits, tax reform and the push to expand gambling in West Virginia. Other topics for consideration include the status of road projects in the area, education, health care, senior citizens and law enforcement concerns."
Potomack School Dedication
On November 15 Potomack Intermediate School was officially dedicated. This school allows North Berkeley to lead the county in offering all day kindergarten. I was pleased to participate and share in this dedication of our county's newest school. The school is high-tech and has an excellent team of staff and resources headed by Principal of the Year Rodney Woods.
The dedication brought together much of the talent and resources of North Berkeley including parents, the community, the school business partner and neighbor DuPont, the school board and the legislature. DuPont donated the land on which the school was built.
As we get ready to begin a new millennium, we remembered the past from George Washington and the unique spelling of the school to the future of assisting with the next generation. The dedication made those present proud of the commitment the community places on education. I was honored to take the dedication key from Superintendent Manny Arvon and give it to DuPont manager Max Burham to where it ultimately was passed to fifth grade student Alyssa Petrasek. Congratulations North Berkeley!
Nominate Your Favorite Volunteer for the Winners Award
Since being elected to public office, Delegate Overington has established and awarded the Winners/Volunteer Award every year or two to a volunteer or group that has shown exceptional volunteer effort and community service.
The selection criteria is that those involved look at things on the bright side and are ready to lend a hand to provide assistance.
They show positive leadership in dealing with problems, find solutions in ways to help people and improve the community.
If you would like to nominate a person or group, please send to Del. Overington your name, address and phone number as well as the same for the person you are nominating and why you feel that person is a winner.
Last year's winner was a group of 22 ladies known as the Martinsburg Senior Kitchen Band who provide musical entertainment and good cheer throughout the region.
In the past individuals and groups that have been nominated and awarded the Winners Award include volunteer firefighters, Crime solvers, the people helping with litter cleanup, animal welfare, road improvement efforts, and community beautification.
Road Projects Update
Two projects I have been working with the DOH on are Grade Road and the Light Sperow Bridge. The DOH has told me the curve at the bottom of the hill at the intersection of Nessle Quarry Road will be reduced by moving the road to the north. Surveying, engineering, and design work have started with construction scheduled for later this year.
I have also requested that the DOH install a traffic light at the intersection of Grade Road and Rt. 11 in Marlowe. As traffic growth and safety problems continue to increase, there is a growing need for a light at this intersection.
The highway department is also planning to replace the bridge over the Opequon Creek known as the Light Sperow Bridge. Surveying, planning, and engineering work are planned for this year with construction scheduled for 2000. Because the bridges downstream and upstream have been removed, upgrading the Sperow Bridge is especially important, including raising the entrance to the bridge to avoid flooding.
Periodically I forward road requests from citizens to the highway department, although I suggest contacting the Department of Highways directly at either the local Martinsburg office on Rock Cliff Drive at 267-0060 or at the Burlington office at 289-3521.
Jerry Mays to Serve as Special
Assistant and Coordinator
Jerry Mays will coordinate constituents' services including roads, flooding problems, infrastructure needs affecting the 54th Delegate District. When I am out of town, Jerry will be able to provide continuity and assistance. I am very pleased to have someone with Jerry's ability helping me serve the people of this area.
Recently Jerry and I attended the American Legislative Exchange Conference state and nation policy summit in Washington, D.C. We had a chance to see former Gov. George Allen, New York Governor George Pataki, and various speakers on taxes, property rights, potential problems with the Y2K problem of computers at the year 2000, education costs and results, and many other issues. We also were able to meet with state legislators from across the nation, including as far away as Hawaii.
Elaine Renner Volunteers to Help
Overington on Health Care Issues
Elaine Renner, who has been active on health care issues has volunteered to assist me on related issues. With more than 20 years experience in health issues in this community, Elaine has a wealth of information. She also is a Board
member of local Family Resource Network which focuses on preserving a healthy community.
Elaine is interested in promoting health education, and assisting individuals on health-related issues, is interested in working with community persons regarding health and safety.
I am honored to have someone of Elaine's stature assisting in these important issues. If you have any concerns you would like to discuss with Elaine, she can be reached at 263-7958.
Sherry Dockeney Will Continue to
Assist Seniors in North Berkeley
During 1999 Sherry Dockeney will continue to assist me on senior citizens issues in Berkeley County. She would like to work with senior citizens including to help organize a satellite club in North Berkeley County or other ways to increase senior participation. Interested senior citizens can meet with us on a regular basis to discuss issues and concerns that may be of importance to them. One possibility would be to meet on a Saturday morning in the Marlowe-Bedington area.
Please call Sherry if you have any suggestions or questions concerning this effort or if you are interested in participating. Her number is 274-1257. She is employed at Outlook Pointe in Martinsburg.
Flooding Watershed Members Sought
Delegate Overington is working with the county and soil conservation district to find long term solutions to the flooding in the northern and eastern part of Berkeley County.
If you are interested in participating and serving on a watershed committee to work with local, state and federal agencies, please call 274-1791. Two current areas being looked at are on the east side of Martinsburg and on Rt. 11 North in the area from the 7-11 to Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church.
Overington Report
If you would like to be on Delegate Overington's mailing list to receive a copy of the "Overington Reports", please call or send an e-mail with your name and mailing address.
