(7/2011) This month we celebrate the most memorable day in the history of the United States, the 4th of July. On July 4th, 1776 Continental Congress adopted the formal statement called the Declaration of Independence. This historical, formal statement of independence was drafted by a committee of five appointed by the Continental Congress. One of the committee members, John Adams, writing to his wife, said this day will be celebrated in the future of the country "as a great anniversary festival" and this celebration will "include games, sports, and illuminations." Well, living up to the words of John Adams, the Borough of Carroll Valley with the help of businesses such as Adams Electric, Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center, Comcast, and Buchanan Auto Park and community organizations such as Carroll Valley Citizens Association is preparing to celebrate our country’s great anniversary. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family; enjoy the Classic Car show, good music, take a step back in time and visit the WW II and Civil War Living Histories, play a game or two of bingo, join the horseshoe tournament or the golf putting competition, and take a hayride around the park. Enter our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off as a competitor or just enjoy tasting the best chili in the Valley. It’s all at the July 4th Picnic being held on Monday, July 4, 2011. Rain date will be Saturday, July 9th. The main event opens at 2:00PM and ends with Fireworks at 9:40 pm. Check out the website for the Full Schedule of Events at www.july4thcelebration.info . Children’s activities include, rubber ducky races, a 22-foot Titanic Inflatable Slide, several inflatable adventure play areas for all ages, the Carroll County Cloggers, and much, much more…. New this year we will have a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament beginning at 9:00 AM. Compete or Cheer…Your Choice…But we hope we see you there! There’s a lot to do for the whole family and it’s FREE…Bring your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Pack your picnic basket or stop by the food court located on the picnic grounds for some local specialties. The evening will bring more great music, a formal flag retreat ceremony and conclude with FIREWORKS launched from atop Ski Liberty Mountain…Come on Out and Join the FUN!

At 1:00 pm on June 21st summer began. It’s a time to relax and enjoy our natural environment. We are surrounded by the aesthetics and natural beauty of Carroll Valley’s country scenery and wildlife. But we need to be aware that the summer months represent a time period when the cases of Lyme disease increase. Why? The reason is that we spend more time outdoors enjoying where we live. This year Pennsylvania tops the nation in reported Lyme disease cases. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is carried to people from a bite from a black-legged or deer tick. The disease affects different body systems, such as the nervous system, joints, skin, and heart. Early symptoms may include headache, fever, fatigue and a characteristic circular skin rash. It is treatable. Some of things you should consider when you are out and about are: stay out of tall grass and un-cleared areas of the forest floor; don’t roll in a pile of leaves, check daily for ticks; and if you plan to use insect repellent, be sure to review the safety information on the label. There are many websites that provide information on Lyme disease. One site you may want to visit www.lymemd.org.

During July and August, we need to pay attention to heat advisories. You should understand the difference between an "Excessive Heat Warning" and a "Heat Advisory". Excessive Heat Warning means "the Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for a least 2 days (daytime highs = 105̊ – 110̊ Fahrenheit)." A Heat Advisory means the "Heat Index are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs = 100̊ – 105̊ Fahrenheit)". During a heat wave, you should listen to the updates from the National Weather Service. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Use the buddy system when working in excessive heat and take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Please discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Enjoy the summer and keep safe.

Borough meetings to be held in July are: Planning Commission (July 5th), Finance Committee (July 11th), Council Borough (July 12th), Sewer/Water Authority (July 25th) and Parks/Recreation (July 27th). If you are surfing the web, you may want to check out the special events webpage on the Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve at www.strawberryhill.org to see what is going on. Be on the lookout for a Farmers’ Market in Carroll Valley on Thursdays in the Ranch Section. Signs will be posted when it starts. Please reduce your driving speed when you are in the Valley. If you have any questions call me at (301) 606-2021 or email at mayor@carrollvalley.org.