Pokey Crocker Talks Retirement on Close Up

The director of the beloved Discovery Center of the Southern Tier for over two decades is retiring in just a matter of weeks.

Pokey (Margaret) Crocker talks to host, Kathy Whyte about her plans for retirement on the weekly, local public affairs program, Southern Tier Close Up Saturday, April 16.

Surprisingly, the driving force behind the renown regional hands-on children's museum says she's realized that this is the right time both in her life and the museum to step down.

Pokey says she is looking forward to doing a lot of things she just hasn't had time to do up until now like painting, spending more time at a vacation cabin in Canada and attend programs at Binghamton University.

Pokey says she has complete faith in the staff at the center to keep things running smoothly and in the abilities of the board of directors and search committee to come up with a perfect fit to fill the director's seat.

Pokey is so well known as being seemingly in a good mood with over-the-top enthusiasm but promises to practice her grumpy face once in a while during her well-deserved retirement.

Southern Tier Close Up can be heard Saturdays at 12:10 p.m. on News radio 1290 WNBF.

The Discovery Center is located on Morgan Road on the South Side of the City of Binghamton. Information on programs, times and admission can be found at www.thediscoverycenter.org.