(11/2015) It’s November. As of November 1st we are 27 days to the unofficial or official start of the holiday shopping season. I guess if you want to make it seem like it is a longer period of time, you could always say you have 648 hours or 38,880 minutes left before you start on Black Friday. If you are wondering why it is called Black Friday it is because it relates to businesses recording their losses in red ink and gains in black. I don’t think that helps.

One good thing though and that is this year we turn back the clocks and say goodbye to Daylight Saving Time during the early morning hours heading into Sunday, November 1st. That means an extra hour of sleep and at my age I want all the sleep I can get even if the rest of the nation wants to join in. You always could use that extra hour to go online and shop. It is also a good time to check your smoke alarms.

Election Day is November 3rd (Tuesday). The polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm. The two polling locations remain the same: Carroll Valley Borough Office and Ski Liberty Children’s Learning Center. Be sure to go to your correct location. If you have any questions regarding the election polls, contact Ms. Monica Dutko, Adams County Director of Elections and Voter Registration at 717-337-9832. A sample of the Official General Election Ballot can be seen by going to the Adams County website, www.adamscounty.us.

On November 10th, our nation celebrates the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Did you know that the Marine Corps was created during the Revolutionary War? They are celebrating their 240th birthday. "Ooh Rah!" On November 11th, we honor all Armed Forces veterans who have served our country. As they do each year, Fairfield School is holding a "Veteran’s Day Breakfast" on that day from 8:30 am to 10:00 am in the Fairfield High School cafeteria. All veterans as well as their spouse or guest are invited to attend. However, RSVP’s are necessary by November 5th. You can call the office at 642-2045 or email fasdvets@fairfield.k12.pa.us. As a 20-year veteran, please accept my heartfelt appreciation. We celebrate Thanksgiving this year on November 26th.

Around this time of year, the question always comes up as to whether someone can hunt in Carroll Valley. To clarify the rules, Carroll Valley cannot by law change state law regarding hunting; however, current state rules make legal hunting in Carroll Valley difficult. Pennsylvania has what are called "Safety Zones". In a safety zone, it is unlawful to hunt for, shoot at, trap, take, chase or disturb wildlife within 150 yards of any occupied residence, camp, industrial or commercial building, farm house or farm building, or school or playground without the permission of the occupants.

It is unlawful to shoot into a safety zone, even if you are outside of the zone. Driving game, even without a firearm or bow, within a safety zone without permission is unlawful. For comparison, think of a safety zone as about one and a half football fields. Hunting on hospital and institutional grounds, and in cemeteries, is also prohibited. It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a Game Commission vehicle whose occupants are releasing pheasants.

The safety zone for archery hunters statewide, including those using crossbows, is 50 yards. Archery hunters carrying muzzleloaders during any muzzleloader season must abide by the 150-yard safety zone regulation. Around playgrounds, schools, nursery schools or day-care centers, the safety zone remains 150 yards. For further information, refer to www.pgc.state.pa.us. As Carroll Valley has grown over the years, it is more and more difficult to find a location outside these safety zones. Should you think someone is hunting too close to a residence, you can call the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Dispatch Center in Huntington at 814-643-1831 and an officer will check for violations. If you see persons hunting from vehicles or after dark, call County Dispatch at 717-334-8101 or 9-1-1 to get the quickest response."

Hold the date — Friday December 11th to attend the "Snowflake & Snowman" Dinner Dance. The CVCA will be providing a great Social Event in the new HIGHLAND LODGE" at Liberty Mountain Resort from 6:30 pm until 11 pm with the DJ from the 4th of July Celebration providing the music and entertainment. The cost will be $30.00 per person for the sumptuous buffet; a cash bar will be available; and the event will be held in 'The Overlook Room" which faces west looking across the ongoing improved golf course and the beautiful adjacent South Mountains. CVCA will be given one of the first opportunities to enjoy this beautiful Resort addition to the community.

Hopefully, the Dinner Dance attendees will be given a tour of the newly built convention facility; which is quite a big addition to the golf & ski complex as known in the past years. Check on details about this Dinner Dance in posters around town; calls and invitations received from friends and neighbors; and for the techie people on web pages, in face book postings, and in emails. You really do not want to miss this chance to enjoy an evening of fun with friends or the preview of the new building. Contact Marie (642-8343) or Mary (642-6654) for tickets and/or more information. This Dinner Dance will also provide an opportunity to join the revitalized CVCA group and pay your dues, volunteer to help with other events and programs, and share your ideas to enhance and enrich life in our beautiful Valley Home Area.

Based on the results of the October 12th Finance Committee review of the Carroll Valley draft 2016 Budget prepared by our borough manager, Dave Hazlett, the current Borough tax rate will remain at 2.45 mills or .00245 of assessed value of land and buildings – meaning No Tax Increase. The next steps – Council approves the advertisement of the budget for public review at the November 10th meeting and will sign the ordinance at the December 15th meeting. The Planning Commission will meet on Monday, November 2nd. The Borough Office will be closed November 3rd (Election Day), November 26th and 27th (Thanksgiving Holiday). Please reduce your speed to make sure you, your loved ones, your friends and neighbors will be safe. If you have any questions call me at (301) 606-2021 or email at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net. Happy Thanksgiving folks!

If interested, you can view the pictures taken at the Yard Sale, Pippinfest and the Fairfield Fire & EMS Open House at www.ronspictures.net.