(7/2014) This month we celebrate the most memorable day in the history of the United States, the 4th of July. On July 4th, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the formal statement called the Declaration of Independence. This historical, formal statement of independence was drafted by a committee of five appointed by the Continental Congress. One of the committee members, John Adams, writing to his wife, said this day will be celebrated in the future of the country "as a great anniversary festival" and this celebration will "include games, sports, and illuminations."

Well, living up to the words of John Adams, the Borough of Carroll Valley with the help of businesses such as Adams Electric, Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center, Comcast, and Buchanan Auto and a group of committed volunteers is preparing to celebrate our country’s great anniversary. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family; enjoy the Classic Car show, good music, join the horseshoe tournament or enter the golf putting competition, take the McCleaf Hayride around the park. Try the climbing wall or complete the Youth Obstacle course.

The children will love the Alligator Alley Slide. For those adventurous individuals, try the Extreme Air Bungee Jump. It’s all at the July 4th Picnic being held on Friday, July 4. The main event opens at 2 pm and ends with Fireworks at 9:45 pm. Check out the website for the Full Schedule of Events at www.cvjuly4th.com. The 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is back again and starts at 9:00 am. Bring your family, your friends, and your neighbors. The evening will bring more great music, a formal flag retreat ceremony and conclude with fireworks launched from atop Ski Liberty Mountain. Come on out and join the fun!

During July and August, we need to pay attention to heat advisories. You should understand the difference between an "Excessive Heat Warning" and a "Heat Advisory". Excessive Heat Warning means "the Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for a least 2 days (daytime highs = 105E – 110E Fahrenheit)." A Heat Advisory means the "Heat Index is forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs = 100E – 105E Fahrenheit)". During a heat wave, you should listen to the updates from the National Weather Service. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Use the buddy system when working in excessive heat and take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Please discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Enjoy the summer and keep safe.

Two of our neighbors are retiring from years of service to our country: Mr. Ed Kaplan and Chief Warrant Officer Adam Wine. Mr. Kaplan has retired from the Federal government after 36 years of service. The last 35 years he has been with the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg His last position held was chief of the Education, Training and Partnerships section within the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Kaplan has served on the Planning Commission for the past 19 years. CWO Adam Wine has retired from the United States Coast Guard after 30 years of service. During his career he has responded to more than 50 major events including: four hurricanes, the crash of TWA Flight 800, NY, the crash of the AMTRAK train the Sunset Limited near Mobile, AL, the flooding of the Red River along the North Dakota and Minnesota borders, and multiple oil spills, most recently the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you both for your dedication and service.

Borough meetings to be held in July are: Planning Commission (July 7th), Finance Committee (July 14th), Council Borough (July 15th), Parks/Recreation (July 23rd). Sewer/Water Authority (July 28th) Please reduce your driving speed when you are in the Valley. If you have any questions call me at 301-606-2021 or email MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.