(10/1) It is October. The leaves will start to change into brilliant colors – a last "hoorah" before they fall. The farmers in the area will finish harvesting their crops. The birds will migrate south. We honor Columbus’ arrival in America on Oct 12, 1492 and celebrate this event on Monday, October 10th. And then, on October 31st children and adults will dress up in "strange looking" costumes to celebrate Halloween and go around the community proclaiming "Trick or Treat".

What is going on in our community? Adams County is still dealing with the 2010 county wide reassessment. It has been reported that over 8,000 residents appealed their reassessment bills in 2010 and approximately 700 appeals have been submitted this year. As a property owner, you have the right each year to file an appeal of the assessed property value. The deadline for submitting an assessment appeal is October 31st. If you have any questions, you should call the Adams County Tax Assessment Department at (717) 337-9837.

The downturn in the economy has had an impact on our 2011 budget. The Borough’s Real Property Taxes are down by approximately $72,000, the Earned Income Taxes by $60,000 and building permits down by $5,000. What this all means is that revenues the Borough expected to receive to provide services to our Carroll Valley residents is down by a total of $137,000. Under the direction of our Council and watchful eye of our Treasurer and Borough Manager, we will make it through the rest of the year. My concern is the 2012 budget. Why bring this up? In October, there will be three meetings in which the topic of "Borough Finances" will be discussed. You may want to mark your calendar to attend these financial meetings. The meeting dates are: Finance Committee on October 10th, Finance Committee and Borough Council Workshop on October 18th and October 25th. Remember, when the Borough discusses the budget, it only represents 12% of your tax dollar at work for you. There are two other taxing authorities, namely: the school district and the county.

The Carroll Valley Citizens Association (CVCA) will be holding two events in October. On Saturday, October 15th in the Ski Liberty lower parking lot will be holding their annual Fall Yard sale. On Friday, October 21st CVCA will be holding a dinner meeting in the Carroll Valley Pavilion at 6:30 pm. While not required, come dressed in a Halloween costume and have a chance to win a prize for "Best Costume". Charles Dalton, CVCA President, said the meeting is opened to everyone in the community. He also mentioned that the Carroll Valley Phone Directory Committee has started working on a new updated phone directory that will be ready for distribution in 2012. If you have any questions or need additional information call (717) 642-5844.

On Sunday, October 23rd in the Carroll Valley Commons from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Association and the Survivors Inc. of Gettysburg will be holding an event called "Community Break the Silence" community yard sale. Domestic Violence is one of the most deadly and costly hazards a community can face. Each year there are over 600,000 victims, many are murdered or severely injured, some survive. At the event there will be domestic violence awareness brochures, local police and fire will be on hand to answer questions, and there will be a legal action table for those with an interest in changing the laws to better help victims and survivors. Also featured will be a kid’s safe activity area available to kids of all ages. Food (hot dogs, hamburgers, chips) and drinks (coffee, soda, and water) will be available for a small donation of $5 for adults and $3 for kids 10 and under. If you interested in more information, call (240) 385-2733 or email breakthesilence2011@gmail.com.

It always gives me pleasure to share good news about the achievements of our young citizens. I have learned that Cadet Austin T. Stroup who is attending Middle School at Fork Union Military Academy has been promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant with an assignment as Company Commander of "Bravo" Company. Cadet Stroup, the son of Jay and Meghan Stroup, is an 8th grader and is in his second year at the Academy. Stroup earned Excellent Conduct and Academic Honors each grading period last year and received an award for having the highest academic average in the 7th grade. He also received an award for his achievement in Computer Applications. As a 7th grader, Stroup excelled athletically on the wrestling, lacrosse, and orienteering teams. He is continuing on the orienteering team this year. Selected for his outstanding leadership and communication skills, Cadet 1st Lieutenant Stroup leads his company of middle school cadets who are attending sixth through eighth grade. Congratulations Lieutenant!

Borough meetings to be held in October are: Planning Commission (Oct 3rd), Finance Committee (Oct 10th), Council Borough (Oct 11th), Finance Committee and Council Borough Workshop (Oct 18th), Finance Committee and Council Borough Workshop (Oct 25th), Sewer/Water Authority (Oct 24th) and Parks/Recreation (Oct 26th). Support our Fairfield Fire & EMS Department by playing bingo. Bingo is played the first Friday of every month and every Thursday at the Fire Hall with the doors opening at 5:30 pm. The Bingo Hotline number is (717) 642-8105. Please reduce your driving speed when you are in the Valley. Remember, Halloween night there will be young people walking the trails – be careful. If you have any questions call me at (301) 606-2021 or email at mayor@carrollvalley.org.