(9/2016) On August 2th the 2015 National Night Out event was held in the Fairfield Fire Hall. The purpose was to strengthen the relationship between the citizens and first responders. It also was an opportunity for our local residents to meet with representatives from different Adams County agencies. Over 400 adults and children were in attendance. Adams County SPCA gave rabies shots and microchipped a number of pets. Boy Scout Troop #76 prepared free hotdogs and chips for the 12 and under crowd. In addition, many more Adams County community organizations came together to share how they can help our local residents. Specials thanks goes to our Carroll Valley Borough Police Secretary, Jo Ann Myers (the event coordinator), and our Police Chief Richard L. Hileman II.

I would like to thank the following who met with our residents: Representative Dan Moul, Adams County Constables Association, Adams County Sport Handgunners Association, Cub Scout Pack#76, Carroll Valley Citizens Association (CVCA), the Battlefield Harley Owners Group, Well Span Rehabilitation Program, Western MD K-9 Search and Rescue, PA Counseling Service Collaborating for Youth, Children’s Advocacy Center, Safe Kids, the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Adams County Sheriff James Muller, Adams County Constables, the police departments of Carroll Valley Borough, Cumberland Township, and Liberty Township, Katie Myers for the Zumba dance demonstration, Carroll Valley Councilor Sarah Skoczen for Adams County Community Cats and updates on what is being accomplished in Carroll Valley. Also thanks to Dr. Lisa Wolkind, DVM for helping out. To see the pictures of the event, go to www.ronspictures.net and select the NNO 2016 galley or go to Facebook.com/MayorRonHarris.

The month of September brings with it a time to honor the American worker on September 5th. On a somber note, September 11th is a time to reflect on the lives lost during a terrorist attack on our homeland during the morning of September 11, 2001. Nineteen militants hijacked four planes. Two planes hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Center in New York (2,606 victims). One plane hit the Pentagon in Washington D.C. (125 victims). And, the fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania (40 victims) because of the heroic efforts of the passengers. It was thought that the fourth plane’s target was the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. I encourage you to take a moment on September 11th to reflect on this horrible event and say a prayer for the victims who died and their families, especially the children.

School has started which means school buses will be on the road again. Let us partner with the parents, teachers, administrators, and transportation personnel to keep our young residents safe when they are being transported to and from school. How do we do that? Follow the law. According to the Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law, when you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended you must stop. When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you must stop. You must stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus. You must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving. And most important, do not move until the children have reached a place of safety.

I would like to thank the Fairfield United organization for holding a free summer reading club for second, third and fourth graders in the Fairfield Area School District during July. They stepped in after the school district determined they didn’t have funds to support the summer school program this year. I had the privilege to be one of the readers. I think they understood my New York accent – "forgetaboutit". They were laughing a lot and that’s got to be a good thing! Two campaigns we should be aware of are: the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and the "2016 Child Passenger Safety Enforcement". The Drive Sober program goes into effect across the country from August 17th to September 5th. Sobriety checkpoints, roving DUI patrols and other enforcement activities will be used during this period. Best advice – plan ahead before going out. Please do not drink and drive.

The Carroll Valley Police Department is one of 60 selected law enforcement agencies in PA chosen to participate in the 2016 Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Enforcement Mobilization Program from September 18th to September 30th. Additional officers funded by Buckle Up PA will be out working to prevent injury and death to children involved in crashes through the use of age-and size-appropriate restraints. The Mobilization will be enforcement driven through increased understanding of Pennsylvania’s OP Laws, improving enforcement strategies, identifying experienced officers to participate, and providing education and community awareness. The Pippinfest event will be held in Fairfield this coming September 24th and 25th. During Pippinfest, CVCA is hosting an Art Show on September 25th at the Fairfield Mennonite Church. Stop in and support your local artisans.

Quick Note: Highland Township has been informed that the work on the Route 116 Muddy Run Bridge at the border between Highland and Hamiltonban Townships will kick off on either September 8th or September 12th. Carroll Valley Borough meetings to be held in September are: Planning Commission (Sept 6th), Public Safety Committee (Sept 12th), Council Borough (Sept 13th), and Parks/Recreation (Sept 28th). Please pay attention to the speed limits and watch out for our young people walking to and from school. If you have any questions call me at 301-606-2021 or email me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.