(11/1) November is definitely a busy month for all of us. The stores are already putting up their Holiday decorations. As a matter of fact some are skipping the turkey and going straight to the Santa Claus. But one thing is for sure, the trees are turning and because of all the rain we received, the autumn display should be spectacular. However, what to do with the fallen leaves. Some residents bag them and drop them at the Washington Township Transfer Station on Route 16. Others drive a shorter distance and dump their leaves in the designated borough leaf deposit area located at the Borough Municipal Service area in the Ranch section. You are asked to remove the leaves from the bag unless the bag is biodegradable.

As a reminder, if you choose to burn the leaves, you should refer to our ordinance #6-2008. Here are some of the highlights. You can burn yard clippings, leaves, shrubbery, brush, tree branches and tree trimmings (less than 6" in diameter). You are not allowed to burn garbage, plastic, Styrofoam, skid, chemically treated lumber, synthetic material, cardboard boxes, rubber-based materials or other hazardous materials. Burning must be performed between dawn to dusk. The property owner is responsible to assure the fire is under constant supervision control during the fire's duration. No open burning is allowed within 50 feet of an existing building or any paved portion of a public right of way. Under this ordinance, you no longer get your burn permit from the Borough office. You now call 334-8101 to get your permit from the Adams County Department of Emergency Services.

Have you received your seasonal flu vaccine? If not, you can contact the State Health Center located at 424 East Middle Street in Gettysburg. Their telephone number is 334-2112. By appointment, the State Health Center provides flu injections on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You need to call them to make sure that the vaccine is available when you arrive. With regards to the H1N1 vaccine, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is in the process of establishing the criteria for distribution based on the strategy of trying to reach those who are projected to be most affected by the disease.

Early recommendations are providing the vaccine to pregnant women, individuals 6 months to 24 years of age, healthcare providers and emergency medical service personnel, individuals who provide care for children less than six months of age and people under the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions. Approximately 2.5 million doses are expected in Pennsylvania by the end of October. If you are interested in more information, refer to www.H1N1inpa.com. The H1N1 in PA website provides information on how the virus spreads, what are the symptoms, how to protect yourself and family, information about the vaccine and what to do when you or a family member gets sick.

Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve is hosting their 8th Annual Auction Dinner, "Art from Nature," on November 14th from 6pm -10 pm at Liberty Mountain Resort. The auction dinner is a big fundraiser for Adams County's only non-profit environmental education center and preserve. The event primarily consists of a social hour, silent auction, dinner, raffles, and a live auction. This year the live auction will feature art items inspired by nature. A four paneled stained glass of Strawberry Hill's Historic 1798 Log Cabin, in all four seasons, will be the featured item.

However, there will also be hand crafted woodwork made from trees found on the preserve, along with various paintings, pottery, and nature photography. Strawberry Hill is looking for artists who would be interested in donating some of their work for the event. All proceeds from the donated art will be used to support Strawberry Hill's environmental education programs. If interested in attending the Auction Dinner, would like to make a donation, or would like participate in the photo contest, please contact Strawberry Hill for more details at (717)642-5840 or <mailto:info@strawberryhill.org info@strawberryhill.org.

November is a month about giving thanks. There is a group of unsung heroes in our area who deserve our thanks. They are the volunteers who make Meals on Wheels work. The Meals on Wheels of Fairfield and Carroll Valley is a non-profit organization that provides a hot meal each weekday (except on holidays) to clients who are unable to prepare meals due to illness or other reasons. The charge for meals, currently $4.00 each, offsets the cost of preparation incurred by the meal provider, Village Book & Table Restaurant in Fairfield. Payment is made to the Treasurer, Helen Maddox, on a weekly basis. If financial need is present, an application can be made through the Adams County Office for Aging in Gettysburg. If you want more information contact the current President Susan Strohler at 642-5858.

There are 11 Meals on Wheels drivers who make the delivery. Thank you Caryl Austrian, Chieko Cameron, Ginny Ciliotta, Pat Harris, Marsha Hinkle, Ed and Nancy Kane, Nancy Neighbours, Gordon Russell, Tom Sanders, John Strohler, and Charlie Vest. I would also like to offer my congratulations to Charlie Vest and his wife, Mary and Marsha Hinkle and her husband, Bill as well as Ed and Nancy Kane who just celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.

On November 20th, the Carroll Valley Citizens Association (CVCA) is planning to hold a dinner meeting at the Carroll Valley Resort. Election of CVCA officers will be on the agenda. If interested, you should contact Leslie Bartlebaugh at 642-4270 and make a reservation.

Our Borough Manager wanted me to remind everyone that we are once again participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. You can drop off your toy(s) or monetary donation at the Borough Office between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you want your child to receive a toy for Christmas, please contact Dave Hazlett at 642-8269. Your call will be kept confidential.

Keep well. If I can be of help, please do not hesitate to contact me at mayor@carrollvaley.org or call me (717) 642-8269 (Ext32). Happy Thanksgiving!