(4/2102) Spring has sprung! Hope you made it through the pranks and hoaxes of April Fool’s Day. Rumor has it that the origin of April Fool’s Day has something to do with the stubbornness of the French. They didn’t want to switch to the Gregorian calendar which shifted the observance of New Year’s Day from March to the first day of January. So people who continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on March 20th, the beginning of Spring, were made fun of. This is not a hoax. Be aware that on April 2nd you will see a traffic light on Fairfield Road in Cumberland Township as PennDOT repairs the Marsh Creek Road Bridge. The project is forecasted to be completed by October 26th. Be sure to anticipate a delay going into Gettysburg. When you change your clocks "Spring Forward", it is time to check your smoke alarm batteries. Did you? Batteries should be replaced twice a year. While you are at it, you should also check your carbon monoxide detector too. Check out www.carbonmonoxidekills.com for understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide.

If you live within the boundaries of the area served by the Fairfield Fire and EMS then you should be receiving information very soon, if not already received, the annual membership application for Ambulance Service. For a very reasonable rate of $40 per family or $25 per individual you and/or each resident family member are entitled to emergency service transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility, within a 75 mile radius. Emergency service is defined as an injury or illness for which an ambulance is the only suitable means of transportation for a patient to reach medical care. Emergency and non-emergency transfers between medical facilities, or from facilities to home, will be provided when manpower and equipment are available. Service beyond the 75-mile limitation will be billed to the member at Fairfield Ambulance rates. Non-emergency requests for ambulance service by a member shall be honored only for medical necessity when manpower and equipment are available, and with a referral from a doctor, hospital, medical center or health agency. Please note that the membership is available only to those living in the Fairfield Ambulance first due area. The money generated from this Spring membership drive is dedicated solely for the Fairfield Ambulance program. The Fall Fire Solicitation is similarly dedicated solely to the firefighters and their equipment. Volunteers are always needed. Bingo nights and other fund raisers take manpower. If you wish to help or have questions about membership, please call (717) 642-8842 and get involved.

I had the pleasure to join Cub Scout Pack 76 of Fairfield, PA, at their Blue and Gold Banquet on March 4th, at the Fairfield Fire and Rescue hall. The theme of this year’s banquet was "The Magic of Scouting." Tables were decorated with black top hat centerpieces, magic tricks, and magic wands. Departing Cub Scouts also received top hat goody bags with all kinds of treats in them. A magician also provided entertainment that was fun for all. This annual celebration of the birthday of American Boy Scouting and the achievements of the Cub Scouts and leaders and other volunteers of the Pack opened with a flag ceremony that included one scout from each den who was selected by his fellow den members as the scout who most represented the spirit of Cub Scouts. These scouts were Tiger Scout Lucas Stoner, Wolf Scout Alphie Cisar, Bear Scout Anton Mackey, and Webelo Scout Jeremy Whitmore. A "History of Cub Scouting" presentation/reading was given by Cub Scouts chosen from each of the dens. These scouts were Tiger Scout Will Gisriel, Wolf Scout Ross Clements, Bear Scout Kayden Fields, and Webelo Scout Christopher Toscano. The winners of this year’s Pinewood Derby were presented with their trophies. Winners were: First Place Overall Pack – Jeremy Whitmore, Tigers Winner – Lucas Stoner, Wolves Winner – Nathan Shah, Bears Winner – Zak Kritsberg, Webelo Winner – Jeremy Whitmore. During the presentation of awards, Tiger rank advancements were awarded by Tiger Den Leader Justin Gisriel to Will Gisriel and Lucas Stoner. Wolf rank advancements were presented by Wolf Den Leader Ken Kozack to Adam Kozack, Alphie Cisar, Ross Clements, Colby Fitzgerald, Holden Gibson, Hayden Moore, Nathan Shah, Nate Snyder, Nicolas Toscano, and Sebastian Toscano. Bear rank advancements were presented by Bear Den Leader Gail Wolcott to Anton Mackey, Kayden Fields, Bryce Jensen, Zak Kritsberg, and Kellan Schneider. Webelo rank advancements were presented by Webelo Den Leader Joe Whitmore to Jeremy Whitmore, Clayton Cupp, Cody Houck, Colton Houck, Christopher Toscano, and John Whitcomb. A special Arrow of Light ceremony celebrated Webelo II John Mackey’s receiving the highest rank in Cub Scouting. He was presented with an Arrow of Light plaque from his parents as well as his Arrow of Light patch for his uniform shirt. Four Webelo II scouts also were received into Fairfield Boy Scout Troop 76 in a special bridging ceremony during which they received their new Boy Scout handbook, neckerchief, slide, and their Scout rank for having met the requirements for the first rank of Boy Scouts. The Pack 76 Webelos bridging to Troop 76 were Clayton Cupp, Cody Houck, John Mackey, and Christopher Toscano. After the awards presentations and a wonderful meal, the banquet was ended with a touching flag folding and presentation performed by Arrow of Light recipient, John Mackey, and his older brother Brendan D. Mackey, A1C, USAF AFSPC 83 NOS/DOEO. John’s brother serves in the U.S. Air Force and was honored with a standing ovation from the Pack families for his service and the service of all of our soldiers serving in the U.S. armed forces. If you want to see the pictures taken during the banquet, go to www.ronspictures.net. While you are at the ronspictures website, check out the pictures taken on March 10th at the Fairfield Fire Awards Banquet. I had the pleasure to present a Certificate of Appreciation to the Fairfield Fire & EMS president, Bob Fitez, Sr. for their service to the residents of Carroll Valley. I also would like to congratulate Gayle Marthers, our Carroll Valley Borough Secretary, for receiving the 2012 Fairfield Fire & EMS President’s Award.

Mark your calendar on April 7th to attend the 12th Annual CVCA Easter Egg Hunt at 2 pm at Carroll Valley Commons. Areas will be set aside for ages 2 and under; 3 to 4; 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 years olds. I am sure everyone will walk away with at least one egg if not more. On April 19th (Thursday), the Adams County Conservation District will be holding a "Drinking Water Testing Clinic" at the Carroll Valley Pavilion from 1 to 3 pm and again from 6 to 8 pm. The clinic will provide education on proper location, construction, testing, maintenance, protection and treatment of private water systems (wells, springs, and septic systems). Participants can bring a sample of their drinking water on-site water testing for several water quality parameters including coliform bacteria, E. coli bacteria, pH, total dissolved solids, and nitrate. All tests except bacteria will be done during the two hour clinic so participants can discuss their results with the water specialists. Sample codes will be provided to allow participants to access their bacteria results within two days after the clinic by phone or web.

Do not forget to vote in the Primary on April 24th (Tuesday). The Borough office will be closed that day. On April 28th (Saturday) the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal from 10 am to 2 pm at the Fairfield Fire Hall. The Borough will be holding the following meetings: Planning Commission (April 2nd); Finance Committee (April 9th); Borough Council Meeting (April 10th); the Sewer/Water Authority (April 23rd) and Parks & Recreation Committee (April 25th). Please slow down while driving in the Valley. If you have any questions, contact me at mayor@carrollvalley.org or (301) 606-2021.