(5/2025) It is May 2025. Talk about April showers. In our neighborhood, the period up to the end of April, Carroll Valley has seen more rain than in 2024. The community is invited to the 4th Annual Fairfield Area School District Art Exhibition hosted by the Carroll Valley Borough from May 2nd to May 27th. Approximately 200 pieces of artwork will be displayed in the borough's conference room and halls. On Friday, May 2nd, a reception will be held to meet these young artists from 4 to 6. Come down to the Borough Office.

Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11th – a day we set aside to remember those "mom moments" that made us who we are today. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May, which is May 26th. It is the nation's foremost annual day to mourn and honor its deceased servicemen and women. The Adams County Chiefs of Police Association will host the Adams County Fallen Officers Memorial Service on May 30th at 10 at the Adams County 911 Center at 230 Greenamyer Lane, Gettysburg. A roll of the seven fallen officers of Adams County and the 2024 fallen officers of Pennsylvania will be read at the service.

May is known as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month". May brings dog ticks and black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. These black-legged ticks' bite spreads the bacteria that infect people and our lovable dogs and cats with Lyme disease. We live in a beautiful valley. However, we need to avoid tick-infested areas. For example, when walking through the woods, stay on cleared, well-traveled trails and avoid tall grass and brushy areas. Wear protective clothing – wear light-colored clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that cover your entire foot. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants. Shower within two hours of potential tick exposure to wash away before they bite. In short, keep yourself and your family safe while you are enjoying our beautiful valley.

The REAL ID Act was passed in Congress in 2005. Starting May 7th, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification (like a passport or military ID) to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities, including those requiring federally acceptable ID at the door. It was enacted to prevent terrorists from successfully producing fraudulent identification. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7th enforcement deadline. The REAL ID documentation requirements are (1) Proof of Identity – you need one document proving your identity and lawful status. A birth certificate with a raised seal, issued by a government agency or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or a passport card; (2) Proof of Social Security Number – you need one document showing your Social Security number. This could be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub; (3) Proof of Pennsylvania Residency – you need two documents showing your Pennsylvania address, such as a PA driver’s license, vehicle registration, auto insurance card, or a utility bill.

The Carroll Valley Easter Egg Hunt was a very successful event. There were approximately 450 children who heard the Police Siren, and within 5 minutes, the 5,000 eggs were picked up. Thanks to Gayle Marthers, Amanda Bell, and Sarah Ginn for stuffing those 5,000 eggs. Thanks to the Fairfield Varsity Knights Baseball team for spreading those 5,000 eggs. The team members were Vaughn Lewis, Gavin Cramer, Trent Sewell, Riley Brown, Chase Clapsadl, Jayden Bell, Jacob Brent, Brayden Herb, Layton Wilhide, and Aden Frank. Helena Rodgers, Lisa McLeod Simmons, and her daughters, Sarah and Emma, were additional helpers. Thank you, Parks and Recreation Committee, and Jim and Jeni Jarrell. Thank you to Laura Mathews for the donation of two quilts. And, finally, a Special thank you to the Egg Hunt event sponsor, Jennifer Warden from State Farm Insurance. Thanks to the Carroll Valley Maintenance crew for preparing the manicured lawn on which the 5,000 eggs were laid.

As reported by Robin Dicken, Fairfield Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) had a very successful clothing giveaway in April. There were terrific donations, and we had about 45 shoppers. Twenty-five volunteers help with this event. NHN has some upcoming events that may be of interest to you. On June 11th, there will be an Ice Cream Social and Bluegrass music for senior citizens at the Carroll Valley Borough inside the Cortner Pavilion community room. On June 18th, there will be a "Walk and Talk" at Hamiltonban Township for a chance to make new friends for the summer. If you have any questions, call Robin at 717-253-7507. Are you looking to help the lives of Adams County Children?

You can help by purchasing Kiwanis Blueberries. To order, call 717-337-2434, $36 for a 10 lb. box fresh from the farm. Pick-up is June 30th from noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Gettysburg Rec Park, Long Lane, Gettysburg. Thank you, Kiwanis Club of Gettysburg/Adams.

The Carroll Valley Borough meetings are Planning Commission (Monday – May 5th), Borough Council (Tuesday – May 13th), Municipal Primary Election (Tuesday – May 20th), Nature Trail Committee (May 21st), Memorial Day (May 26th), Public Sewer (Tuesday – May 27th) and Parks/Recreation Committee (Wednesday – May 28th). As the weather warms up, more residents will be walking on our trails – please be careful when driving, especially in the evening. To the residents, when walking at night, you should wear reflective clothing to be seen by drivers. If I can help, contact me at 301-606-2021 or email MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.