(8/2023) Wow! Once again, the Carroll Valley July 4th Celebration was a tremendous success, with over 5,000 attendees. The Reagan Years band entertainment was outstanding. The band recreated the sounds of the 1980s. The band's talented musicians with remarkably diverse vocal abilities replicated the MTV era's pop, rock, and new wave hits. The crowd of people danced in place while respecting each other's space. The celebration ended with the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner by the band's lead singer, followed by a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display on top of Ski Liberty Mountain.

Many people were involved: Dave Hazlett, Gayle Marthers, Amanda Bell, Jayden Bell, Mike Olinger, Sarah Ginn, Brad Sanders, Makenzie Taylor, Doug Laptook, Littlestown Girl BSA Troop and Cub Scout Pack, the Borough's Municipal Services crew, the Council, the Carroll Valley Police Department, and Constable Steven Beans. Also, appreciation goes to the Liberty Mountain Resort for paying for half of the fireworks, the use of their park lots, three golf carts, and barricades used in the stage area. Others involved Shealer's Septic for the Porta-Johns, Parks Garbage, and the Fairfield and Fountaindale Fire Departments watching over the fireworks with their Brush Trucks on Liberty Mountain.

Last but not least, a special thanks to Jeff Richards of JDR Unlimited, the Metal Roof Specialist, for displaying the 50-foot United States flag from atop his 13-story ladder truck. Thank you all. Visit the Carroll Valley Borough website or ronspictures.net to see the pictures.

Our Carroll Valley Police are participating with Pennsylvania State Police and over 300 municipal agencies in conducting targeted aggressive-driving enforcement that started on July 5th and will end on August 20th. The goal of the targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving-related crashes, injuries, and deaths on roadways throughout the state. Any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive a ticket.

The enforcement wave will focus on heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, and tailgating. Motorists exhibiting unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or other aggressive actions will also be cited. The enforcement is part of Pennsylvania's Highway Safety Program and is funded by part of PennDOT's investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more information on aggressive driving, visit PennDOT.gov/Safety.

In August, the Borough will start preparing the budget for 2024. The Borough Manager reviews the draft 2024 budget during the Finance Committee on October 9th. On the following night, it is delivered to the Borough Council. A detailed review by the Borough Council is scheduled for October 17th and again on October 24th, if needed. These meetings are brought to your attention because these are the times you can participate and voice your opinion on how you believe your tax dollars should be spent.

Also, be aware that when reviewing the Borough's budget, we only address approximately 13.41% of the total taxes we pay. Of the 13 boroughs in Adams County, Carroll Valley ranks 4th in total millage assessed, indicating that Carroll Valley is one of the least expensive Boroughs to live in Adams County. It would be best if you also considered voicing your opinion to the Fairfield Area School District (60.92%) and Adams County (24.30%) on how they should spend your tax dollars. Check their websites.

August is usually the month that many of us go on vacation. But please do not overlook making sure your home is safe when you are away. There are several things you should consider to protect the homestead. According to the FBI, more than half (53%) of home burglaries happen during the day.

Here are a few tips: (1) Lock your doors and windows if you leave your house; (2) Do not share the details of your vacation with everyone and especially on social media like Facebook; (3) Make the house look as if someone is home by using light timers throughout the house; (4) Go to the Post Office and delay mail delivery; (5) Do not post pictures on social media indicating how much you are enjoying yourself – remember, if you are there I know where you are not; and (6) Contract with a security company and when selecting one, check out their references by going to the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. And, by the way, have a great, safe, and relaxing vacation.

Fairfield Community Fire Company is holding a gated outdoor event on Saturday, August 12th. Gates will open at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served from noon until 2 p.m. Soda, water, and adult beverages will be available. You can bring your canopy and lawn chairs. Small games of Chance and Gun Jars will be available to purchase. Ticket admission for two people is $40. No one under 18 years of age will be admitted. Beginning at noon, an admission ticket number will be drawn for a cash prize of $100 every 15 minutes until the $5,000 jackpot prize is awarded at 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting fcfc-thecompanystore.com or calling 717-642-8842, extension 2. Consider coming out and supporting our local Fairfield Community Fire Company.

The Borough meetings for August are Planning Commission (August 7th), Borough Council (August 15th), and the Public Sewer Advisory Committee (August 28th). If you have any questions, call me at (301) 606-2021 or MayorRonHarris@comcast.net. Please slow down when driving in the Valley, and be sure you use your seat belt.