(1/2021) At the December 2020 Borough Council meeting, the Council passed the Tax Levy Ordinance, which continued to fix the Tax Rate at 2.45 mills, which means there is no tax increase for Carroll Valley Borough residents. Also, without increase, Council passed the fixed tax in the amount of .25 mills appropriated for fire and emergency service for 2021.

Did you ever watch the holiday movie classic "It’s a Wonderful Life"? The film explores the true meaning of what these holidays are about – the values of basic goodness, the gift of friendship, the sense of community and belonging that helps us feel genuinely connected to each other. While we are not experiencing a Christmas in 1945, nor are we in Bedford Falls, New York, I truly believe we are nurturing those same values and feelings in our communities today.

Fairfield Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a loosely knit group of caring individuals organized by Robin Dicken, made up 65 bags of personal care items for the elderly in the Nursing Homes and Meals on Wheels in the Fairfield community area. Each bag contains the following items, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, bath soap, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, hand soap, shampoo, chapstick, socks, crackers, mints, and a word search book.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors wish to thank the community for their generous support with the donations to make this happen! Through our local community support, Neighbors Helping Neighbors were able to add a little smile to peoples’ faces during the holiday! Using the financial and food donations made by the Carroll Valley residents, members of the Carroll Valley staff, and with the Fairfield Fire & EMS Department’s permission to use the kitchen and drive-thru window, 37 meal kits were handed out. Each kit contained turkey, chicken, or ham, stuffing, potatoes, corn, green beans, yams, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, dessert, eggs, and butter. The goal of the meal kit was to provide an entire Christmas dinner for the whole family.

On December 20th, our residents, young and not so young, were treated to the sight of a pre-visit by Santa Claus. Through the Fairfield Fire and the Fountaindale Fire Departments' coordinated efforts, Santa was driven around the communities of Carroll Valley, Fairfield, and Hamiltonban. Thanks go out to all involved, especially Santa! Yes, we are living through this pandemic. We have no choice. We bear the emotional turmoil. But through these acts of kindness during the holiday season, we know we have not lost our innate emotion to care for one another.

January and you all know what I am about to share – my resolutions. Well, not all of them. Some are personal. However, here are a few. I am going to try to do my best to help others. To let those around me know how important they are in the lives of others. And to be sure to thank those who assist others. Remember, "Give out what you most want to come back." Oh, I also promise my wife that the next time I bring my "stuff" down to the Carroll Valley Yard Sale when we can have one, I will "sell" the items rather than just "show" the items. With January comes snow, which means you need to make sure that you winterized your car. If you haven’t, you need to get it done. Check the car’s tires and tire pressure, the heat/defroster, and wipers. Please slow down. If you drive too fast, those antilock brakes will not help you to come to a smooth stop. When driving behind another car, remember to leave more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Some experts tell us that this distance is four car lengths for every ten mph you are traveling. Remember you have less control over your car during bad road conditions.

I received sad news when I learned that one of Carroll Valley's well-known celebrities, Fred Snyder, passed away at 76. He hosted "Freddie’s Breakfast Nook" a 30-minute morning radio show on 1320 WGET. After 19 years hosting the radio show, Fred switched to print.

He published a column every Tuesday in the Gettysburg Times for seven years. Fred loved his community and will always be remembered for his passionate coverage of local politics.

Borough meetings in January are Planning Commission (Jan 4), Tree Board (Jan 7), Borough Council (Jan 12), Sewer and Water Authority (Jan 25), and Parks/Recreation Committee (Jan 27). Please reduce your speed to make sure you, your loved ones, your friends, and your neighbors will be safe. Don’t Drink and Drive. As of Dec. 22, there have been 178 COVID-19 positive cases reported in Zip Code 17320. Take care.

If you have any questions, call me at 301-606-2021 or email me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.