(10/2021) On September 11th, a 60-minute 20th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony was held at the Fairfield Regional 9/11 Memorial located on the grounds of St. Mary’s Church. Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, Roman Catholic Bishop of Harrisburg, provided the blessing and closing prayer. Mayor Bob Stanley of Fairfield Borough led the approximately 150 people in attendance through the 9/11 program. Highlights included a welcome by Anthony Venzin (memorial’s creator), the singing of the national anthem by Cassie Hoch, songs sung by the Fairfield Choir under the direction of Patsy Mills and St. Mary’s Choir under the direction of Christine Carpenter, the flag ceremony during which I had the honor to read the timeline of the 9/11 highlights of that horrible morning as the state flags (New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) were raised under the leadership of Scoutmaster Jamie Gaskin with the assist of the Knights of Columbus.

The program ended with State Representative Dan Moul delivering an inspiring speech that contained the following thought – "This tragedy transformed our nation. It brought together people from all races, ages, genders and classes into one diverse but strongly united group – Americans!" Many people were involved in the planning of this 20th Anniversary. I want to thank everyone. On the committee were: Mayor Bob Stanley (co-chair), Charlene Balistrere (Secretary), Christine Carpenter, Reverend Peter DiTomasso, Jamie Gaskin, Supervisor Bob Gordon, Alex Hayes, Supervisor Bob Jackson, Chris Kimple, Patsy Mills, Rob Olyphant, Vince Perticone, Maryland Senator Frank Shore (Retired) and Anthony Venzin.

Special thanks are given to the Fairfield School Choir (Jadyn Baker, John Callenbach, Grant Chesko, Sarah Cordell, Sarah Crum, Sydney Crum, Coghan Jones, Beyla Kline, Taylor Shriner, Nina Smith, Victoria Sutherland, Sebastian Toscano, Noah Wylie and Paige Younkins, director: Patsy Mills), St. Mary’s Church Choir (Lee Ann Tarrant, Lee Ann Derr, Jeannie Thornton, Jamie Gaskin, Kathy Gaskin, Georgiann Koehler, Kathy Pecher, director: Christine Carpenter), American Troop 76 of Fairfield (Alyssa Rugh, Michael Gaskin, Eddie Gaskin, Lila McDannell, Aidan Glenn, Enna Mehl, Tony and BreAnne Rugh, Shelley and John Mehl, and Darlanna Meckley), Knights of Columbus – Divine Mercy #12250, Kathleen Lane, Rachel Murdorf, Cathy Pecher, Dennis and Sharon Ranney, Joyce Ryman, Devin Shorb, Becky Sites, Roger and Michele Venzin. Thank you all! The following browser addresses can be used to access the video and the pictures taken: video at https://www.communitymedia.net/9-11-memorial-service-2021 and pictures at www.ronspictures.net (click on 9/11 20th Anniversary Memorial Service album).

October 3rd thru 9th is National Fire Prevention Week. The 2021 National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) theme for National Fire Prevention Week is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety." Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. One-quarter of home fire deaths were caused by fires that started in the bedroom. Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. One-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, more than half never practiced it. These statistics collected by NFPA indicate several things for you to think about. First and foremost, make sure you have working smoke alarms. Check them. Be sure that you installed a smoke alarm in each bedroom as well as throughout the house. Finally, do you have an escape plan? How to get out from the second floor if need be. Please take care.

On Sunday afternoon, October 10th, the Fairfield Fire & EMS, celebrating 100 years of service in the community, is holding an Open House from 1until 3 p.m. There will be demonstrations, fire truck rides, and a visit from Life Net Helicopter. Movie In the Park is scheduled for October 15th at 7:30 p.m. The movie will be a Disney film titled "Hocus Pocus." The story begins in 1693 about three sisters who were executed in Salem for their "unforgivable witchcraft." A great movie to see for Halloween. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, food, and have an evening picnic while enjoying the movie.

2021’s last E-Waste Recycling will be held on October 16th from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Ranch Trail Park, 14 Ranch Trail. Acceptable turn-ins are computers, monitors, laptops, peripherals, TVs (TVs must be removed from any cabinetry in which they were contained), printers, keyboards, copiers, scanners, cell phones, stereo equipment, telephones, modems, and routers. This event is for current Park’s Garbage Service customers in the boroughs of Carroll Valley, Fairfield, and the townships of Freedom, Hamiltonban, Highland, and Liberty. For additional information, email gayle@carrollvalley.org or call 717-642-8269.

Have you ever heard of GaGa? No not Lady GaGa the American singer, songwriter, and actress. I am referring to GaGa Ball game. This game is believed to have started in Israel in 1950s. Ga means "hit" or "touch" in Hebrew. The game is play in a hexagon or octagon fenced area called the pit. The players stand against the sides of the pit. Players yell Ga as the dodgeball bounces and the ball is in play after the second bounce. Players can hit the ball with one but cannot pick up and throw it. If the ball touches a player anywhere on or below the waist, that player is eliminated. The last player standing (not touched) is the winner and the game starts over again. Brody Holz has chosen to build a GaGa pit in the Carroll Commons Park for his project to become an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He needs to raise $3,000 to purchase the material to build the GaGa pit. If you are interested in supporting him, go to Facebook, search for Carroll Valley Parks & Recreation and donate to the GaGa Pit project.

Halloween will be held on October 31st in both Fairfield and Carroll Valley Boroughs from 6 to 8 p.m.. Carroll Valley is holding its "Trunk or Treat" affair. Decorate your trunk, love to see the participants in costume. Sign-up to be a "Trunk" to hand out candy. See Facebook for details – Parks & Recreation and the click the link to sign up. Please slow down. If you have any questions contact me at 301-606-2021 or email at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net. Keep well!