(8/2014) The Carroll Valley Borough July 4th Celebration was a tremendous success this year with an attendance of approximately 10,000 people throughout the day and evening. It was "The Place To Be" on the 4th of July to enjoy our Nation’s birthday. The weather worked out. No rain! The temperature was at 72 degrees without any humidity. I believe everyone had a great time and the evening fireworks were outstanding! This "family picnic" which only attracted approximately 500 people back in 2006 has evolved into what they call today a "Happening." We had visitors from Virginia, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, and a couple from Florida. They all commented on "how family oriented the event was" and they plan to come next year. They said "It was the highlight of their visit to the greater Gettysburg area."

The success of the day would not have been achieved without the continued involvement of many individuals and local businesses. It is through their participation that we were able to enjoy the day. Special thanks go to the Carroll Valley Municipal Services crew: Steve Fitez, Bruce Pecher, Donny Shaffer, Sterling Shuyler, Terry Weikert, and Jeff Wise for their tireless efforts preparing the Carroll Valley Commons for the day’s event. I would like to thank the members of the July 4th (J4) Planning Group who planned the event under the outstanding leadership of Gayle Marthers over a period of a year.

The J4 Planning Group members are: Brenda Colesanti, Charles Dalton, Lori Davidson, Mary Ellen Jester, Robert Jester, Gayle Marthers, Larry Noel, Dan Sanders, Marie Schwartz, Tim Skoczen, Chuck Whitlow and James Whittington. I would also like to express my appreciation to the following individuals for making it such a special day: Dave Baker, Steve Beans, Amanda Bell, Steve Bell, Frank Buhrman, Jesscia Christine, Kim Ewing, Pat Feeser, John Ferguson, George Fisanich, Ptlm Nathan Groft, Mary Hanvey, Mike Hanvey, Chuck Hayes, Charlie Hayes, Dave Hazlett, Noah Hazlett, Erika Hetlyn, Shannon Lewis, Councilman Ken Lundberg, Charlee Marthers, Ptlm Dustin Miller, Hunter Paulus, Tyler Pyles, Morgan Reed, Emmy Rines, Tracie Rippeon, John Rollhauser, Brett Schmidt, Brieanna Short, Makenzie Taylor, Councilman John VanVolkenburgh and Pastor Dale Williams.

A special thanks to William McCleaf Jr. and family. Mr. McCleaf Jr. provides, at no charge, the July 4th Hayride. From what I have been told, he continued through the evening until 9 pm because he didn’t want to refuse anyone from taking the ride. He also allows us to use his land for parking. Carl Keller and family make sure the farmland is ready for our guests. I would like to also recognize the generosity of our Fireworks Major Sponsors: Adams Electric Cooperative Inc., Borough of Carroll Valley, and Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center.

Other special contributors were: ACNB, AJ Photography, Alexander’s Plumbing/Heating, Amvets Post 172, B & B Stump, Boyer and Ritter, Bergdale Insurance, Buchanan Automotive Inc., Buchart Horn, Inc., Carroll Valley Citizens Association, Comcast, CRS Insurance, Emmitsburg Glass Company, Excalibur Towing, Fairfield Borough, Fairfield Fire & EMS, Hamiltonban Township, Harrington’s Equipment, Harrington and Sons, JEP Enterprises, Jester’s Computers, Karen Graff, KPI Technology, Lockwood Business Support, McLaughlin’s Heating Oils, Med One Pharmacy, Melissa M. Wetzel, CPA, Mike Ball State Farm, Monahan Funeral Home, Park’s Garbage Service Inc., Paul’s Pit Stop, PNC Bank, Randy Smith Financial, Realty Leasing & Management Company, Salzmann Hughes, School Safaris Inc., SGI, Shealer’s Septic Tank Service, Sites Realty, Strawberry Hill Nature Center, The Benecon Group, The Carriage House, The Leland of Laurel Run, Taverna 5450 and Wm. F. Hill & Assoc., Inc.,

Finally, I personally again would like to express my appreciation to Gayle Marthers who managed the day’s event to a successful completion and to Dave Hazlett, our Borough Manager, for his outstanding managerial and technical skill in preparing all the marketing information, raising funds for the event and in creating a very attractive and intuitive July 4th website. As I have said before, Dave is definitely a "Man for All Seasons"! If interested, visit www.ronspictures.net to view the pictures taken that day.

Please mark your calendar for Carroll Valley Borough’s National Night Out (NNO) event to be held on Tuesday, August 5th from 5:00 to 8 p.m. (rain or shine). NNO is celebrated each year across the United States to increase awareness for safety within the community, and to educate residents on how to protect their families and familiarize them with available services. All events are FREE. Young people up to the age of 12 will receive a free meal consisting of a hot dog, a bag of potato chips and a drink. Children should bring their bikes and helmets for a bike rodeo. If available, the STAT MED-EVAC will make a visit; child identification packets and fingerprinting; children’s games; fire and police displays; counseling services; food and much more. NNO is a time to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. The children should see our police officers as people who can help them in their time of need. I do hope you take the time to come and join us.

Our community has lost one of our dedicated leaders who served the borough for 19 years. Mr. Dennis M. Didio passed away on July 18th. He served on the Sewer and Water Authority from 1981 to 1996 and on the Borough Council from 1984 to 2003. I offer his friends and family my deepest condolences. The Borough meetings for August are: Planning Commission (Aug 4th), Borough Council (Aug 12th) and the Parks and Recreation Committee (Aug 27th). If you have any questions, call me at 301-606-2021 or email me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net. Please slow down when driving in the Valley.