(7/2025) The Carroll Valley’s annual fireworks display will be held on July 4th on Ski Liberty Mountain at 9:45 pm. The Carroll Valley Commons (park) and free parking will open at 5:30. Once again, "The Reagan Years" band will be in concert on the Carroll Commons Stage. This band recreates the sounds of the 1980s. These talented musicians with remarkably diverse vocal abilities enable this group to replicate uncanny versions of the pop, rock, new wave, and heavy metal hits of the MTV era. The band covers all the mega-artists, including Bon Jovi, Madonna, Devo, Joan Jett, Def Leppard, Billy Idol, Gus ‘N Roses, A-Ha, and ZZ-Top, to name a few. So, bring your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Pack your picnic basket or stop by one of the food trucks Antietam Dairy, Bricker’s Fries, Funnel N Around Funnel Cakes, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, R & A Asian Cuisine, The Savagery, Fryzaholic, The Hot Mess Express, What’s Popping Kettle Korn, Michaux Brewing Company, Rough Edge Brewing, 1623 Brewing Company and Stacey’s Orangeade.

The venue is all grass seating, so bring chairs or blankets and save a little room around you to dance! As our borough manager, Dave Hazlett, said, "What began as a small community picnic in 2005 has evolved into a musical celebration of the community." So please come and join our community and celebrate the anniversary of our country with your friends and neighbors. The show begins at 6:30 and lasts until 9:45 when the fireworks explode on top of the mountain. Hope to see you there. I will be the guy with the camera.

The summer started on June 20th, the longest day of 2025. During July and August, we need to pay attention to heat advisories. It would be best if you understood the difference between an "Excessive Heat Warning" and a Heat Advisory." Excessive Heat Warning means "the Heat Index values are forecasted to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least two days of daytime highs = 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher". A Heat Advisory means the "Heat Index is forecasted to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days of daytime highs 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher". During a heatwave, you should listen to the updates from the National Weather Service. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Use the buddy system when working in excessive heat, and take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Check on your animals frequently to ensure they do not suffer from the heat. Please discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household.

Also, we need to be aware that the summer months represent a time when the cases of Lyme disease increase. Why? The reason is that we spend more time outdoors enjoying where we live. In Pennsylvania, Lyme disease is the most reported tick-borne disease and is usually seen from June through September months throughout the commonwealth. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is carried to people from a black-legged or deer tick bite. The disease affects different body systems, such as the nervous system, joints, skin, and heart. Early symptoms may include headache, fever, fatigue, and a characteristic circular skin rash. Some of the things you should consider when you are out and about are: stay out of tall grass and un-cleared areas of the forest floor; don’t roll in a pile of leaves; check daily for ticks; and if you plan to use insect repellent, be sure to review the safety information on the label. Many websites provide information on Lyme disease. One site you may want to visit is www.cdc.gov/lyme/. This website addresses diagnosis, testing, treatment, tick removal, and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

The 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg is right around the corner. The commemoration will include a variety of programs and tours at Gettysburg National Military Park, re-enactments at the Daniel Lady Farm and Shriver House Museum, the Gettysburg Foundation’s Sacred Trust Series, living history encampments, the Civil War Collector’s Show, return of "The Night Before Gettysburg", as well as programs, lectures, and events at museums and historic sites throughout the destination. The Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg takes place on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

You should have received an advertisement in the mail announcing the Adams Regional Emergency Medical Services (AREMS) Drive. While you still receive emergency ambulance service if you do not subscribe to this program, you are strongly encouraged to participate to avoid costs beyond what a typical insurance will cover. Please note that you must have a minimum primary insurance plan to be eligible for the AREMS ambulance membership. Three memberships are offered: Individual, Family, and Family Extended. The Individual membership costs $50 and covers one adult age 18 or older. The Family membership costs $75 and covers two adults and all dependent children under 18 who reside in the household. The Family Extended costs $125 and covers three or more adults and all dependent children under 18 living in the household. When you have time, read the AREMS materials and determine whether the AREMS membership cost will cover any amounts not allowed by your insurance company. For further AREMS information, refer to www.AREMS.net.

During the June Council meeting, I had the pleasure of swearing in Emma and Sarah Simmons as Junior Council members. The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Junior Council Person Program allows youth in a community to engage in borough government and develop leadership skills. It allows the borough officials to mentor students who will be future community leaders. When driving, please watch for residents walking on our trails. Keep safe and enjoy your summer.