(2/2011) Well, we are one month into the new year and I haven’t broken any of my new year’s resolutions. Come to think of it, I forgot to make any. Our community has an organization to help us seniors, the Fairfield Area Senior Center located at 106 Steelman Street in Fairfield. Their daily activities involve: socialization, games, puzzles, cards, information and referrals, lunch, and exercise. Their Wellness Program includes: Blood Pressure Screening, Health Presentations, Speakers, and again, most important exercise. The hours of the center are 9:30 am to 1:30 pm Monday through Friday. The site manager is Cheryl Kulkusky. If you are interested, contact Cheryl by either email at ckulkusk@acofa.org or by phone at 642-6170. Keep healthy by getting involved and exercising.

Did you know that the Senior Lawyers Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association created a statewide Guide to Legal Issues for PA Senior Citizens? It is a 94 page pdf document published by the Pennsylvania Bar Association that provides legal information to seniors on such topics as Financial Planning, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Orders, Guardianships, Social Security and other topics. If you are interested, go to www.pabar.org/pdf/guidelegalservicessc.pdf" to take a look. By the way, you don’t have to be a senior to be interested in some of the subject areas covered by the guide.

New on the scene in Carroll Valley and Fairfield is Boy Scout Venturing Crew 76, a challenging cutting edge program for male and female youth ages 14 through 21. Sponsored by Fairfield Lion's Club, the youth-led unit meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Scout Shack (the Old Rescue Squad Garage, 106 Steelman St, Fairfield). Crew events for 2011 include high adventure activities, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, white water, bicycling, hiking, field trips, winter sports, & more. Members can earn award recognitions and rank advancements based on leadership, skills development, and service. The Crew features Boy Scout Association (BSA) full liability assurance. The BSA Venture Program aims to foster lasting friendships via team building, bolster self-esteem through healthy competition, and serve the community. For more information about Crew 76, call Crew Advisor, Mark Greathouse at 642-5083.

As you know, Pennsylvania played a key role during the Civil War. Well, place a circle around April 22nd and April 23rd on your family calendars to find out what happen during the Battle of Fairfield. As part of the "Invasion of Pennsylvania" – a series of four Sesquicentennial kick-off events, Fairfield has been selected to focus on the Battle of Fairfield and the Stuart’s Raid to show the significance of each to the eventual outcome of the Civil War. The two day event is a great opportunity for the entire family to learn more about the area we live in.

I have received a number of calls about running for elected office. In Carroll Valley, there will be four councilors (4 year terms) who will be up for reelection as well as our tax collector (2 year term). In addition, based on the information I have received, there will be five school board members up for reelection. If interested you need to go to the Elections and Voter Registration Office in County Courthouse on 111 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg to pick up a Nomination Petition Pack. These packets will be available on February 1st. You have from February 15th to March 8th, to collect signatures on your petition(s) to run for the elected office of your choice. All petitions must be in by March 8th. Once the petitions have been reviewed and approved, your name will appear on the Primary ballot on May 17th. After the primary, those selected appear on the ballot for the general election held on November 8th. My advice, if you are interested in running for an elected position is to be aware of the responsibilities you will take on when you hold the office. I do believe it is one of the most important responsibilities a Pennsylvania citizen can undertake and that is to serve your fellowman. If you desire more information, call the Director of Elections & Voter Registration, Monica Dutko, at 337-9832 or visit the Adams County website at www.adamscounty.us

Our Police Chief, Richard L. Hileman II, asks residents to help out with snow removal. "Vehicles parked on or partially on the road way slow snow removal and are dangerous to plow operators. Additionally, during a snow emergency, which includes most snow events, it is illegal to park on the road or in the right of way just off the road and can result in being ticketed and towed. Please do your part to keep our roads clear.

The Borough will be holding the following meetings in February: Planning Commission (Monday – Feb 7th), Borough Council (Tuesday – Feb 15th), and the Parks/Recreation Committee (Wednesday – Feb 23rd). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at mayor@carrollvalley.org or by cell at (301) 606-2021. Be careful driving on the road. We need to slow down.