The City of Pembroke joined over 140 other cities in Georgia last week in celebrating City Government Week. The annual week long celebration is sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to showcase and celebrate cities and the many services they provide. The theme for 2008 was Living It Up Downtown.
The week’s events kicked off Tuesday with arts and crafts at the Senior Citizens Center located in the heart of Pembroke’s downtown. City Officials and Pembroke Garden Club members made corsages with the seniors.
"It was an enjoyable morning," said Garden Club member Evelyn Barone. "It is always nice to spend the morning volunteering and having fun."
Festivities continued into Tuesday evening with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held at the J. Dixie Harn Community Center. Mayor Judy Cook, Mayor Pro-Tem Johnnie Miller, Councilman Tony Greeson and Councilwoman Angela Reed honored over 80 volunteers for their service to the community.
"Many of you serve on boards, committees, or just go to volunteers for city projects, events and functions," said Cook. "This city wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you and the other volunteers that we rely on. I remember back in 1972 when I came on board with the city. We set up a hospital board. Mrs. Jewel Owens was recruited to serve on that board and she still is today. So it goes to show that once you say yes we put you to work."
During the evening local entertainer Mickey Huggins played guitar and sang.
On Wednesday morning, the Pembroke Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department held a demonstration at the Pembroke Pre-K and Headstart.
"We love to be able to talk with the kids and let them have the opportunity to check out all of our equipment," said Pembroke Police Chief Bill Collins. "It is always important to put on a friendly and reassuring face for these young kids."
"Our children love to climb on the fire trucks and talk with the police officers," said Carolyn Fields of Pembroke Headstart.
Later Wednesday, the Mayor hosted an employee appreciation luncheon for all city employees.
"Our city employees go above and beyond the call of duty," said Cook. "This luncheon is just a small way of saying thank you for caring about our community."
Students at Bryan County Middle School also participated in the "If I were Mayor..." essay contest held by GMA.
Due to testing on Thursday, they were unable to hold their annual participation pizza party. The party is being held later this week. Local essay winners will be announced during the celebration.
Wrapping the week up, local boy scouts and city volunteers joined forces on Saturday morning for the annual Keep America Beautiful citywide clean up. Volunteers cleaned up litter the downtown area and surrounding neighborhood.
Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities.