(May, 2010) May is definitely a busy month for all of us. We have, Teacher's Appreciation Day (May 4th), the Carroll Valley Citizens Association (CVCA) Yard Sale (May 8th), Mother's Day (May 9th), National Police Officers Memorial Day (May 15th), the Fairfield Fire & EMS Open House (May 16th) and the CVCA July 4th Golf Tournament (May 28th). There is so much to do and so little time.

This is also the time of year that everyone starts to clean around the house. The question is what to do with the leaves and fallen branches. 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 and 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.

Our State Forest Fire Warden Bill Jacobs asks us to be aware of ground conditions when planning a recreation fire or burning leaves and branches. He recommends the area needs an inch of rain before it is safe enough to engage in an open burn. Remember the surface shrubs, leaves, and grass can dry out within an hour. Please be careful. You do not want to start a brush fire that can spread very quickly.

Don't know if you heard but I have created a website www.ronspictures.net to share the pictures I have taken in and around our community. After the home page appears, click on the gallery of interest. You also have the capability to view the pictures in slideshow mode. If you want a copy, move your mouse over the picture and a menu appears on the right side of the picture. Click the Save Photo folder icon and a dialog window appears asking you what to do with the file. Click the Save File radio button and then click OK. The picture is downloaded to your hard drive. Hope you enjoy your visit to the site.

On May 8th the CVCA Spring Yard Sale will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ski Liberty Parking Area off Sanders Road . The rain date is May 15th. If you are interested in reserving a table to sale your stuff, you need to reserve a space by calling (717) 642-9741. The payment of $10.00 to CVCA will be collected on the day of the sale before entering your space. When you reserve, you will be given a space number, and you will be directed to your space when you arrive on Saturday. You are asked to make your reservations as soon as possible. If you have any questions you should call the Yard Sale Coordinator John Springer at the above number.

By the way, if you are looking for a special treat for Mothers Day, how about a walk on the wild side that is a Wildflower Walk. Bring the whole family out to Strawberry Hill www.strawberryhill.org on May 9th from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and treat Mom to a guided hike through the preserve lead by local horticulture enthusiast Joe Breighner

The Fairfield Fire & EMS is planning to have an EMS Open House on Sunday, May 16th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. It is an opportunity to meet the people who respond when help is needed. The Open House involves some of the following attractions: Fire and Rescue Demonstrations, LifeNet Helicopter, Fire Truck and Ambulance rides and spraying water from a real fire truck. Children will receive a free Fairfield Fire & EMS t-shirt. The family will receive a free lunch. Spend an old fashion Sunday afternoon at the fire house on May 16th.

On May 28th the 4th Annual CVCA Golf Classic will be held at the Mountain View Golf Course. The check-in time is 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. The fee is $65.00 per golfer (4 person Scramble) which includes green fees, cart fees, donuts, coffee, lunch, door prizes and beverages. Prizes will be awarded in 3 men's flights and a ladies flight. A cash prize of $500.00 will be awarded to anyone who gets a hole in one on hole #3. Registration is due by May 18th. If paying by check, you are asked to make the check payable to the Borough of Carroll Valley. Questions should be directed to the tournament director Margaret Wile at (717) 642-6631. Please come out to the tournament and enjoy the play. The money is used to support our community's July 4th Celebration.

If you have any questions or if I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to email me mayor@carrollvalley.org or call me (301) 606-2021.