(4/2022) It is April. Two years and a couple of months since we first heard the words coronavirus, COVID-19. January 20, 2020, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first U.S. laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. from samples taken on January 18 in Washington state. Today, based on CDC guidelines, our local community infection rate level is low. The guidance is to stay updated with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms. People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

As the weather improves over time, many residents are starting to rake leaves and gather fallen tree branches. The question is, what to do with the debris? One suggestion is to transport the debris to the Washington Township Refuse Transfer Station at 12721 Buchanan Trail East (off Rt 16) Waynesboro. Before going, check out their website at washtwp-franklin.org/transfer-station/ or call 717-762-4413 for further information on what they accept and the cost. If you plan to burn, read the Carroll Valley Borough Ordinance 6-2008.

The ordinance contains information about what you are and are not allowed to burn and your safety and supervisory responsibilities. The ordinance is in Chapter 20. To see a copy of the ordinance, go to carrollvalley.org, and on the home page, type open burning in the search box, and then click on the ordinance. If you have any questions, call the borough office at 717-642-8269.

Fairfield Neighbors Helping Neighbors (F-NHN) has announced that the Spring Clothing Giveaway is April 9th at Liberty Worship Center, 29 Carrolls Tract Road, Fairfield. The people who want to drop off their clean, gently used spring and summer clothing may do so from 8 to 11 a.m.. Clothing is for all sizes, from infants to adults, including maternity. You are asked to please sort the clothing by size, gender, and label. No shoes, please. Free shopping will occur from 11 to 2 p.m. If you have any questions, please message Robin Dicken at dickenrobin@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your continued support of our neighbors.

The Borough’s first community 2022 activity is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16th, at 11 a.m.. Be sure to show up earlier, so you have time to get into the appropriate age group before the hunt starts. Over 5,000 eggs will be filled and "hidden" for our youngest neighbors (ages 10years and under). The Borough is accepting donations of candy and small toys to fill the eggs. A list of appropriate items can be found on the Easter Egg Hunt Wish List. To see the wish list, go to myregistry.com. On the home page, type Borough of Carroll Valley on the search line and then click on the gift list of Borough of Carroll Valley.

On Saturday, April 23, Carroll Valley hosts a Fishing Derby from 9 to noon. All children 15 and under are invited to come out to the Carroll Valley Commons Park with their fishing poles, tackle boxes, and bait and take part in the derby. Pre-registration is strongly recommended but not required. Each participant can keep up to five fish, and catch and release are not allowed. The age groups are 4 & under, 5 to 7, 8 to 10, and 11 to 15. Fishing Derby Schedule: 8 to 9 a.m. registration/check-in, 9 a.m. – fishing begins, and at noon – fishing ends. If you have any questions, call the Borough office at 717-642-8269.

On April 30, from 10 to 2, in the Carroll Valley Borough parking lot, the Police and Liberty Township Police Departments will partner with Collaborating For Youth to cooperate with US Drug Enforcement Agency to carry out the Adams County "Medicine Take-Back" collection. This medicine collection allows Adams County residents to dispose of unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications safely and free of charge. Pills, liquids, creams, and pill bubble-packs will be accepted, and no needles or sharps will be accepted. Seventy percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers get them (take) from family and friends. In addition, safely disposing of prescription drugs and unused OTC medications helps reduce the damage to groundwater and the environment. For more information regarding the Adams County Take Back, don't hesitate to contact Collaborating For Youth at 717-338-0300.

In May, the Carroll Valley Borough Office will host an Art Show that displays the artworks of Fairfield Area School District’s middle and high school students. Throughout May, select high school work will line the hallways of the borough building. On May 6th there will be a reception for the artists, their families, and the public. The show will exhibit approximately 200 pieces of artwork in various mediums, including painting and sculpture. Please take the time to enjoy our local students' creative skills and imagination.

April Borough meetings: Planning Commission (April 4), Council meeting (April 12), Sewer/Water Authority (April 25), and the Parks/Recreation (April 27). The Borough Office is closed on April 15, Good Friday, and Federal Taxes are due April 18. If you have any questions, email me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net or phone 301-606-2021.