(2/2015) This is the month to remember loved ones. February 14th is Valentine’s Day. It is a holiday that dates back to 496 AD when Pope Gelasis declared February 14th to be a holiday to commemorate St. Valentine. Who was Valentine? Valentine was a priest who performed marriages even though the Emperor at the time felt that his soldiers should not be married so they could focus on fighting and not worrying about their loved ones. Valentine was killed for not obeying the Emperor. Over time he was associated with the love of married couples. Hand-written expressions of affections were sent to love ones during this period of time, our first Valentine cards.

Today, take a moment out of your busy day and think about those who come into your life and have left their footprint on your heart. Cherish these individuals that have affected you. On February 14th, you have the opportunity to express the gratefulness and affection to those individuals and/or your special person. A couple of days later – February 17th, we are celebrating "Fat Tuesday", which is the day before Ash Wednesday and the last day of Mardi Gras. It was the custom of the German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania to use up all the fat in their house prior to Lent by making the beignet. It is a square doughnut without a hole fried in fat. Wow! Hope you enjoy your fried cakes. What New Year’s resolution am I breaking?

With its traditionally 80 percent accurate weather forecasts, the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts heavy snowfall for the northeast part of the country. At the time of this writing, we have seen very little snow. Maybe we will be part of the 20 percent and skip the snow. However, we know it is coming. Our Police Chief, Richard L. Hileman II, asks residents to help out with snow removal when it shows up. "Vehicles parked on or partially on the roadway 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 and keep our roads clear.

Winter can be hard on animals both domestic and wild. We want to help but we also have to be careful on how we provide that help. For example, should we feed the deer population during winter? According to Pennsylvania Game Commission, the answer is "No". It is believed that during winter, the deer move less and rest more as a way to conserve their energy and thereby safeguarding their fat reserves. Setting up a feeding area can lure deer away from their protected areas, using their fat reserves for little gain. If you have an animal friend such as a dog or cat, be sure to clean their legs, feet and stomachs after an ice and snow storm. Remember, the trails are treated with salt and chemicals. These items are ingested when the animals clean themselves. If you park your car outside, be sure to bang your car’s hood to frighten any animals away before you start your car. During cold weather, some animals (cats, squirrels, etc.) climb under the hood to spend time next to the warm engine.

On January 7th, I had the pleasure to swear-in our new police officer, Jonathan P. Harvey. Officer Harvey is filling a Police Department vacancy because Officer Miller decided to leave to pursue a military career. Officer Harvey graduated from Bermudian School District in York Springs and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science from Alvernia University in Reading. He joined the Baltimore City Police Department in 2012 and attended their Police Academy. However, he was always looking to come back Pennsylvania. When a position opened up in Carroll Valley, he applied and after a rigorous Civil Service testing process he was offered the position. Chief Richard L. Hileman II said "he will make a great addition to the Department and serve our community with honor and distinction." As a newly hired officer, he will serve a one year probationary term. Welcome aboard Officer Harvey.

At the January 13th Council meeting, Patrolman Nathan Groft was promoted from probationary police officer to regular, full-time officer. Also at the same meeting, the council voted unanimously to give the go ahead to Murray & Associates (architect) to move forward with the design and preparation of all the documentation (estimates, plans, etc.) necessary for the Greater Carroll Valley Community & Education Complex and the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Grant Application.

The Carroll Valley Borough July 4th Committee is organizing their 1st Annual fundraiser Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance to be held on Friday, February 13th from 6 to 9:30 pm at the Fairfield Fire and EMS Banquet Hall. Ticket price is $25 per couple and $10 for each additional child. So whether your Valentine is a toddler or a teen, show her how special she is to you. Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers or anyone with a special girl is invited to spend a semi-formal evening full of music, entertainment, dancing, yummy food and more! Proceeds raised will go to support the Carroll Valley July 4th event. For more information or to reserve your tickets, email cvj4events@gmail.com or call Jeni at 717-642-8800.

The Borough will be holding the following meetings in February: Planning Commission (Monday – Feb 2nd), Borough Council (Tuesday – Feb 10th), and the Parks/Recreation Committee (Wednesday – Feb 25th). The Borough Office will be closed on Monday – Feb 16th for Presidents Day. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net or by cell at 301-606-2021. Be careful driving on the trails. We need to slow down.