(2/2020) Well, we are one month into the New Year and I haven’t broken any of my new year’s resolutions. Come to think about it, I forgot to make any. We are in the 20s "2020". What makes 2020 a special year? The answer is the 2020 Census. The Census of 2020 will be the twenty-fourth United States Census taken. The National Census Day, the reference day used for the census, will be April 1, 2020. By law, the U.S. Government is required to count the number of people living in the United States every 10 years. In 2020, households will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. The Census Bureau expects many households to complete the questionnaire online, using instructions received in the mail. These instructions will also include information about how to respond by phone. Some households will receive a printed questionnaire that they can mail, postage-free, back to the Census Bureau.

A small percentage of households, primarily located in remote areas of the country, will be visited by a census taker who will help collect the necessary information to complete the form. The Census Bureau’s schedule follows. Between March 12th and March 20th, an invitation by letter will be mailed to the household, renter, etc. and asked to respond online to the Census questionnaire. Some households will also receive a paper questionnaire. Between March 16th and the 24th, you will receive a reminder letter to fill out the census form. If you haven’t responded yet, you will receive a reminder postcard. If no response, then between April 8th and 16th you will receive another reminder letter and paper questionnaire. If no response is received by the middle of April, a final reminder postcard is sent before a Census taker visits you.

There are a number of questions you may have about the Census. Do I have to fill out the Census? Are my answers kept private? How difficult is it to fill out? How will my answers be used? Everyone is required by law to participate and the Census Bureau is also required by law to protect your answers. Under federal law, the Census Bureau cannot share census responses identifying individuals with public or other federal agencies, including immigration authorities and other law enforcement, until 72 years after the information is collected. The Bureau will never ask you for: social security numbers; money or donations, ban or credit card account numbers or political affiliation. The Census questionnaire form is projected to be easy to complete. You can judge for yourself by going to www.2020census.gov and take a look at the form.

Finally, why is it important for you to participant in the census. The data collected is used to provide critical services, and support for your community. Specifically, the census data is used to: (1) Distribute federal funding for such things as hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources; (2) Determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives; (3) Draw congressional and state legislative districts; (4) Inform business development and investment; (5) Measure the changes in population; (6) Assess economic activity; (7) Influence a wide range of government, business, and nonprofit decision-making and (8) Identify where and how much emergency help is needed during an emergency response in the wake of a disaster. So, when you get notified, please take the time to fill out the 2020 Census form.

The Adams County Library System – Carroll Valley Branch February schedule has a Valentine’s Day Bingo & Craft night for kids on February 6th at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. On Thursday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m. a Civil War Lecture series will be given. Part 1 of the series will be a lecture on the First Day at Gettysburg – July 1st, 1863 presented by David Booz, Gettysburg College, Civil War Era Studies. This will be followed by an Environmental Lecture – Tree Planting and the Riparian Buffer on Thursday, February 20th at 6:30 p.m. The presenter will be Joe Hallinan, Watershed Specialist, Adams County Conversation District.

Mark your calendar! On Saturday February 15th from 6 to 9:30 pm, the Carroll Valley Borough presents the 6th annual Daddy Daughter Luau – Aloha! It’s a Tropical Celebration! Wear your Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts and we’ll provide the leis! Enjoy an island vibe and dance to cool tunes while enjoying fruity drinks, finger-foods, and desserts throughout the night. Register at CVDaddyDaugther.eventbrite.com or call 717-642-8269. The special guests are the Pacific Rhythm and the Polynesian Dance Troupe. The Luau will be held at the Fairfield Fire Department Event Hall at 106 Steelman Street. The charge is $40 per couple and $10 per additional child. Hope to see you there!

The Borough meetings for February are: Planning Commission (Feb 3rd); Tree Board (Feb 6th); Public Safety Committee (Feb 10th); Council (Feb 11th); Sewer/Water Authority (Feb 24th) and Parks and Recreation Committee (Feb 26th). Borough Office will be closed on (Feb 17th) for Presidents Day. Please watch yourself when driving on the ice – especially at night.