(Nov, 2010) The reassessment process is not over yet. Where are we now? The formal Assessment Appeals Board hearings will continue until all appeals have been heard. The next step, if you want to appeal the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals is to go to the Adams County Court of Common Pleas.

According to the information on the Adams County website, the individual/entity who is planning to appeal the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals must file an appeal and pay the required filing fee which is currently $155 in the Office of the Prothonotary of Adams County within 30 days of the date of the decision of the Board. If the 30th day falls on a day when the Courthouse is closed, the appeal may be filed before the close of the next day that the Prothonotary Office is open for business.

If the appeal is not filed in a timely manner the Court loses jurisdiction to hear the appeal. While there is no statutory provisions governing the form of the notice of appeal, the Adams County of Common Pleas has developed a local rule requiring that the notice of appeal shall include the following information: the name(s) and address(es) of the property owner, the parcel number of the property(ies), the name of the municipality and school district in which the real estate is located, a copy of the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals, and a brief averment stating the grounds for the appeal.

A sample form is available on the Adams County website: www.adamscounty.us. If you are thinking about appealing the decision of the Appeals Board, my advice is that you seek legal counsel. For further information about what happens during the trial, be sure you go to the Adams County website and/or call the Adams County Assessment Office at (717) 337-9837. If your trial date is not scheduled until July of next year and you have received your tax bill (that you are appealing) pay the amount on the tax bill when it is due. If after your trial, the tax amount has been lowered, you will be refunded. But again, if you have a question, call the Assessment Office to be sure you understand the process. They are more than willing to help.

The holiday season is upon us again and many of us will wake up Christmas morning to the joy of finding presents under the tree. However, some families will not have presents to open on Christmas Day. And this is why the Toys for Tots was started. The Toys for Tots program is an annual toy drive sponsored by the United States Marine Corp. The goal of this program

is to make sure every child has a present on Christmas morning. I am asking you for your support this year. Donation boxes for new unwrapped toys have been placed in all school buildings and local businesses throughout the district.

For Carroll Valley residents, there is a donation box in the borough office. We are also looking for families that are in need, so if you have information about a family that may benefit from the Toys for Tots campaign, please call Bill Echert at (717) 762-5622 or cell phone (717)

830-6912. Confidentiality will be honored. Thank you for your support with this worthwhile project. The distribution date will be Sunday, December 19th at the Fairfield Fire Hall. Distribution will start promptly at 12:00 p.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. Everyone has to be preregistered by December 15th by calling Bill Eckert.

Regardless of the day of the week, Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th. The purpose of Veterans Day is to thank everyone who has served in the military. All military veterans are invited to attend a Veterans Day Breakfast on November 11th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at the Fairfield High School cafeteria. If interested in attending, you should call the FASD Office at 642-2045 or email fasdvets@fairfield.k12.pa.us by November 5th. Our veterans are also being recognized by Representative Dan Moul and Representative Wil Tallman on November 13th. If you served in the U.S. Armed forces and live in Adams County, call (717) 334-3010 to attend their Veterans Recognition Event. As a 20 year veteran, I hope to see you on the 11th and 13th.

One of the best way for friends to help friends is to give of yourself by donating blood. On Monday, November 8th you can donate your blood at the Fairfield Fire & EMS Hall, 106 Steelman Street, Fairfield from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Frank Phillips at (717) 642-6232 or contact the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank at (800) 771-0059.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part of our community.