(11/2102) On October 11th, the Fairfield Sesquicentennial Committee hosted a number of dignitaries for the Civil War Trails Wayside Marker dedication ceremony. The dedication coincided with the commemoration of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart’s raid through central Pennsylvania and the abduction of Fairfield Postmaster John B. Paxton. The marker is located in front of the Fairfield Inn. When you have an opportunity, you may want to stop by and read about how Fairfield was involved in the Civil War. Did you know that on July 4th and 5th, 1863 most of General Robert E. Lee’s army retreated from Gettysburg through Fairfield leaving many of their wounded for the local residents to care for them. If you are interested in viewing the pictures of the dedication and the Fairfield Inn go to www.ronspictures.net.

It’s November. Let’s take a look at some of the special and interesting days in November. Election day is November 6th (Tuesday). The polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Based on the latest information, there will be a "soft rollout" of the Photo ID law. What this means is that you will be asked to show a photo ID on election day, but you won’t be barred from voting if you don’t have one. All photo IDs must contain an expiration date that is current, unless noted otherwise. Go to www.votespa.com to see what are the acceptable IDs. If you have any questions regarding the election polls and photo ID, contact Ms. Monica Dutko, Adams County Director of Elections and Voter Registration at (717) 337-9832.

November 7th is National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds day. Had to include this special day since I was told that almonds help improve your cholesterol levels. Have no words for the chocolate other than it tastes good. November 10th is Forget-Me-Not-Day. It is a day set aside to remember family and loved ones. On the same day, we celebrate the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Did you know that the Marine Corps was created in 1775 during the Revolutionary War. They are celebrating their 237th birthday. If you have never been, you may want to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps located in Triangle, Virginia. For more information go to www.usmcmuseum.com. On November 11th, we honor all Armed Forces veterans who have served our country. It was first celebrated in 1921 as Armistice Day. President Eisenhower changed it to Veteran’s Day in 1954. On the fourth Thursday in November (the 22nd), we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Around this time of year, the question always comes up as to whether someone can hunt in Carroll Valley. To clarify the rules, Carroll Valley cannot by law change state law regarding hunting; however, current state rules make legal hunting in Carroll Valley difficult. Pennsylvania has what are called "Safety Zones". In a safety zone, it is unlawful to hunt for, shoot at, trap, take, chase or disturb wildlife within 150 yards of any occupied residence, camp, industrial or commercial building, farm house or farm building, or school or playground without the permission of the occupants. It is unlawful to shoot into a safety zone, even if you are outside of the zone. Driving game, even without a firearm or bow, within a safety zone without permission is unlawful. For comparison, think of a safety zone as about one and a half football fields. Hunting on hospital and institutional grounds, and in cemeteries, is also prohibited. It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a Game Commission vehicle whose occupants are releasing pheasants.

The safety zone for archery hunters statewide, including those using crossbows, is 50 yards. Archery hunters carrying muzzleloaders during any muzzleloader season must abide by the 150-yard safety zone regulation. Around playgrounds, schools, nursery schools or day-care centers, the safety zone remains 150 yards. For further information, refer to www.pgc.state.pa.us . As Carroll Valley has grown over the years, it is more and more difficult to find a location outside these safety zones. Should you think someone is hunting too close to a residence, you can call the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Dispatch Center in Huntington at (814) 643-1831 and an officer will check for violations. If you see persons hunting from vehicles or after dark, call County Dispatch at 717-334-8101 or 9-1-1 to get the quickest response."

There have been some reports of seeing a bobcat in our area. Bobcats are common in mountainous suburban area like ours. They normally avoid contact with humans but they are known to prey on unattended pets, rabbits and rodents. These cats are wild animals and should be viewed from a safe distance. You should not leave food out for them or leave food out for your own pet. You do not want to attract a bobcat to your home. You can possibly move a bobcat from your home area by making lots of noise using bells. Be careful. they tend to hide in bushes. For further information contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

On November 3rd, Strawberry Hill will be holding a "Party for the Preserve". This is their 11th Annual Auction and Fundraiser to be held from 6 pm to 10 pm in the Alpine Room at Liberty Mountain Resort. Please help Strawberry Hill and their mission to protect the Swamp Creek Watershed, to provide environmental education, and to connect our community to the natural world around us. Register for the event by visiting their website: www.StrawberryHill.org.

Borough meetings and office closures in November are: Planning Commission (Nov 5th), Borough Office Closed (Nov 6th & Nov 12th), Borough Council (Nov 13th), Borough Office Closed (Nov 22nd & Nov 23rd) and Parks/Recreation Committee (Nov 28th). Please reduce your speed to make sure you, your loved ones, your friends and neighbors will be safe. If you have any questions call me at (301) 606-2021 or email at mayor@carrollvalley.org. Happy Thanksgiving folks!