(8/2015) The Carroll Valley Borough July 4th Celebration was a success this year even though it was celebrated with a period of "Liquid Sunshine". Attendance was approximately 1,500 participants. But those who had faith had a great time. 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, Ken Nicholas, 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, Morgan Jarrell, Jim Jarrell, CJ Jarrell, Jeni Jarrell, Robert Jester, Gayle Marthers, Larry Noel, Dan Sanders, Marie Schwartz, Tim Skoczen, Chuck Whitlow and James Whittington. I would also like to thank the 80 volunteers who shared their time and talents to make the celebration such a success. Their names were recognized during the Mayor’s Report at the July council meeting. The major sponsors of the event were Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center, Adams Electric Cooperative Inc., GMS Funding Solutions, Comcast, York Water, and Buchanan Auto Group.

For the entire list refer to the July 4th website or visit the July 4th Facebook page. Thank you all for your financial support. 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 4th from 5 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. 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 Life Lion is schedule to land behind the ball field around 5:30 p.m.; 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.

At a recent Troop 76 Court of Honor Award Ceremony held at Fairfield Fire Hall 50 Merit Badges were awarded. Ian Clements, Senior Patrol Leader, was the master of ceremonies for this event which was attended by Leaders, Scouts, parents and friends. The Merit Badges awarded were for achievements in the following areas: Art, American Heritage, Chess, Communication, Cooking, Digital Technology, Drafting, Emergency Prep, Energy, Entrepreneurship, First Aid, Fishing, Geology, Indian Lore, Law, Leather Work, Nuclear Science, Orienteering and Welding.

Four scouts received their Rank Advancements and Ian Clements was presented his Eagle Scout Award from Scout Master Herb Milligan. Other scouts that received awards were: Matthew Bollinger, Clayton Cupp, Jacob Hartness, Anton Mackey, Austin Mackey and John Mackey.

August is usually the month that many of us go on vacation. But please do not overlook making sure your home is safe when you are a way. There are a number of things you should consider to protect the homestead. According to the FBI, more than half (53%) of home burglaries happen during the day.

Here are a few tips: (1) Lock your doors and windows if you leave your house; (2) Do not share the details of your vacation with everyone and especially on social media like Facebook; (3) Make the house look as if someone is home by using light timers throughout the house; (4) Go to the Post Office and delay mail delivery; (5) Do not post pictures on social media indicating how much you are enjoying yourself – remember, if you are there I know where you are not; (6) Contract with a security company and when selecting one, checkout their references by going to www.bbb.org; and (7) Contact the Carroll Valley Police Department to be placed on their house check list. And, by the way, have a great, safe, and relaxing vacation.

The Borough meetings for August are: Planning Commission (Aug 3rd), Finance Committee (Aug 10th), Borough Council (Aug 11th) and the Parks and Recreation Committee (Aug 26th). 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 and be sure you use your seat belt.