(11/2021) Based on the results of the October 19th Joint Council and Finance Committee Workshop review of the Carroll Valley draft 2022 Budget prepared by our borough manager, Dave Hazlett, the current Borough tax rate will remain at 2.45 mills or .00245 of the assessed value of land and buildings – meaning No Tax Increase. The next steps – Council approves the advertisement of the budget for public review at the November meeting and, if no changes, the tax ordinance will be signed at the December meeting.

On Saturday, October 16th, the stats on the E-Recycling were 68 participants: Carroll Valley Borough – 24; Fairfield Borough – 15; Freedom Township – 1; Hamiltonban Township – 10: Highland Township – 5; and Liberty Township – 13. This year we turn back the clocks and say goodbye to Daylight Saving Time in the early hours (2 am) of Sunday, November 7th. This also means an extra hour of sleep for me, and at my age, I want all the sleep I can get, even if the rest of the nation wants to use that extra hour to go online and shop! This is also an excellent time to check your home fire alarms. The November Library Program schedule follows Nov 1 (Monday, 6:30) – KPets, Nov 11 (Thursday, 6:30) – Still Life Drawing Harvest Theme, Nov 15 (Monday, 6:30) – Teen Craft Night, Nov 18 (Thursday, 6:30) Thanksgiving Craft and the November story walk-in Carroll Valley Park is based on a storybook titled "Thanks For Nothing" by Ryan T. Higgins.

Fairfield Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) recently held their Winter Clothing Giveaway and had many donations, and about 50 families came out to shop for free clothing. Thank you to the 20 volunteers for their help throughout the day and approximately 50 families that shopped! Thank you to those who also volunteered and donated for the fall craft for the nursing homes and Meals on Wheels! NHN is planning for the holiday and will be asking for donations for goodie bags for the local nursing homes and Meals on Wheels. There will be postings on www.signup.com if you would like to donate. Also, NHN is working on coordinating families that need a little help with the holidays with organizations or individuals that would like to help make their holiday brighter in December. If you have any questions, please contact Robin Dicken at 717-642-6578 or email at dickenrobin@gmail.com.

I have received several questions about texting, cell phone, and seat belt usage while in a motor vehicle. And, since many of our residents commute down to Maryland, what are the differences. In Pennsylvania, texting is prohibited while driving and is considered a primary offense (the officer can pull you over if they see you do it). Texting means using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device to send, read or write a text-based message. At present, it is not illegal to make or receive a cell phone call while driving. As far as seat belts are concerned, if you are driving or sitting in the front seat of a car, you must wear your seat belt. If you are driving with anyone under 18 years old in the vehicle, they must always wear a seat belt both in the front and back seat. Failure to do so is considered a primary offense.

Pennsylvania vehicle law also requires your child to be placed in an appropriate car seat. In Maryland, texting is also prohibited while driving and is considered a primary offense. However, in Maryland, you must use a hands-free device to make or receive a cell phone call. The state also bans all learner permits and provisional license holders younger than 18 from cell phone usage when driving. Whether sitting in the front seat or back seat, all occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt. Again, failure to do so is considered a primary offense. I hope this helps you in your travels. Please follow the law and be careful when you are on the road.

Around this time of year, the question always comes up 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, farmhouse 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 field. 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." I wish you, your family, and friends a Happy Thanksgiving! If you have any questions, call 301-606-2021 or email me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.