(Dec, 2010) On Sunday, November 21st I attended the funeral for Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer David Grove. He was killed in the line of duty while investigating a poaching incident in Freedom Township. It was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. It reminded me of all those who serve us in uniform do so at the risk of their own life. They belong to a brotherhood that share the ideals of professionalism, honor and pride. There were over 650 officers who attended. It seem to me that every state sent an officer(s) to honor their fallen comrade. Among the dignities in attendance were Governor Edward Rendell, Pennsylvania State Senator Richard Alloway, and Fairfield Mayor Robert Stanley. There were approximately 2,000 people honoring WCO Grove and showing their support to the family. The most stirring moment came when taps was played and echoed off the headstones throughout the cemetery. Thereafter there was the sound of the helicopter with its light beam shining down as it flew over the grave site surrounded by family and friends. And, then the last radio call to WCO Grove with no response – retiring his badge number forever. The uniformed men standing at attention gave this officer their respect by saluting him for his service. WCO David Grove will be remembered.

Troop 76 presented the Eagle Scout rank award to Matthew S. Greathouse, son of Mark and Carolyn Greathouse of Carroll Valley. The Eagle Scout award is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve in Scouting. The Court of Honor ceremony was held in the sanctuary of Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church in Gettysburg. Matthew has been a member of Troop 76 since 2006. He served as Order of the Arrow Representative, Chaplain's Aid, an Assistant Patrol Leader, and is Chapter Secretary for the Blue-Grey Chapter of the Order of Arrow Scouting honorary. To earn the Eagle Scout, Matthew had to progress through each of the Scouting ranks and complete a minimum of 21 merit badges, of which 12 were required. In addition, he had to be active in his troop and patrol, demonstrate spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in his everyday life, serve in a leadership position for at least 6 months as a Life Scout, complete a community service project, and pass an Eagle. Congratulations to Eagle Scout Matthew Greathouse.

At the November meeting, the Council expressed their concern that the police, fire department or EMS personnel would not be able to locate a resident in an emergency when seconds count because residents are not following the ordinance regarding mailbox address signs. Is your mailbox number in compliance with ordinance §27-706 Official Street Address Signs. The property building number must be permanently affixed to both sides of the mailbox, a minimum height of 3 inches each character, a contrasting color to the mailbox and be luminous. The numbers must be easily read from a distance of 20 feet, day or night and free from obstructions. Take a moment and evaluate whether your mailbox number meets these requirements. This ordinance is planned to be enforced.

The reassessment has been completed. The new 2010 tax base has been certified and all taxing districts are now required by law to lower the millage rate by the same proportion that the tax base increased. No taxing district may collect any more revenues as a result of the reassessment than it did the previous year. The exception is that after the new tax based and equalized millages are certified, Pennsylvania law permits the county, townships, and boroughs to increase overall revenues by not more than 5% and school districts by not more than 10%, not considering new construction growth. The bottom-line is that individual changes in taxes will depend upon a specific property's change as compared to the overall change for the taxing district. As of this writing, the Carroll Valley Borough does not intend to raise taxes. Based on what has been reported in the newspaper, Adams County does not intend to raise taxes. It is now up to the school district to decide. Final adoption of the 2011 proposed budget and tax ordinance is scheduled for the Borough Council meeting on December 14. If you would like to examine the budget, it is available for your review at the Borough office. Call Gayle Marthers at 642-8269.

As part of the "Invasion of Pennsylvania", a series of four Sesquicentennial kick-off events scheduled in Adams and Franklin Counties, the Fairfield Area is hosting a celebration on the evening of April 22nd and the day of April 23rd 2011. Planned events will focus on the Battle of Fairfield. A Fairfield Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Jack Inskip to come up with the plan. You will be hearing more about this event in coming months.

For those who attended the veterans breakfast held at the Fairfield School District and the luncheon held at the Eisenhower Hotel, you should checkout the pictures by going to www.ronspictures.net. The Carroll Valley Citizens Association is inviting everyone to come to the "Tree Lighting" on December 3rd at 6:00 pm at the Carroll Valley Commons. Be sure to bring the kids to the Fairfield Fire House to have breakfast with Santa on December 11th from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. I believe Santa is scheduled to arrive at 9:00 am. Folks, I hope you enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Be careful on the road. Happy New Year!