(6/2014) On the same weekend in June, we celebrate our national flag and honor our fathers. National Flag Day is June 14th. Flag Day was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. In 1949, President Truman designated June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. Be proud! Fly the flag that day. Remember the flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It is permitted to display the flag at night if illuminated. Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 15th. Father’s Day originated in 1909 when a woman named Sonora Dodd came up with the idea to celebrate her father who was born in June. She encouraged others to honor their fathers in June. It didn’t become an official holiday until 1972 when President Nixon issued a proclamation declaring the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. A "Concealed Carry Seminar" is being hosted by State Representative Will Tallman on June 5th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company, 1750 Pine Road, Newville (Cumberland County). This is a great opportunity for anyone who holds a permit or is thinking about applying for one to learn about their rights and responsibilities. Be sure to reserve a seat by going to the website, http://www.repwilltallman.com/ .

School will be ending in June and more people, young and old, will be bicycling and walking on our trails. This might be a good time to take a look at our Pennsylvania laws regarding both. In Chapter 35, Section 3510 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes book, there is a law that requires all bicyclists age 12 and under to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet every time they ride their bicycle. As a matter of fact, it is recommended that all bicyclists wear a safety helmet when riding a bicycle. Please note that a bicycle is considered a vehicle and therefore when riding on a roadway must be operated in the same direction as required of other vehicles on the roadway. All bicyclists are required to use hand arm signals while on the road. Section 3507 mandates that bicyclists, who ride after dark, install reflective devices or lights on their bicycle. We know that pedestrians have the "right of way".

But what are your responsibilities/duties regarding walking on our trails? Section 3544 states that where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway. Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway. Bottom-line, please follow these laws. They are for you and your family’s safety on the road. For us drivers, slow down when in the Valley. Watch out for the unexpected when it comes to people walking, jogging and bicycling on our beautiful trails.

Hope you are planning to attend our July 4th Celebration. It is being held on Friday, July 4th. Event starts at 2 pm. Click on www.cvjuly4th.com to see all that is going on that day. It is an old time family picnic and the children rides are free. We also have a hayride that can be enjoyed by all. There is so much to do in a short period of time. The evening ends with Fireworks being launched from the top of Ski Liberty Mountain. Make plans to be there. If you want to see pictures of past July 4th celebrations, go to www.ronspictures.net. Also, if you enjoy playing golf, please think about coming out to our Firecracker Golf Tournament being held at the Carroll Valley Golf Course on Friday, June 13th at 12 noon. The cost is $60 per golfer. The format is a 4 person scramble. It includes lunch and beverages. While there are prizes, you also will have the opportunity to play in the "Hole-in Contest" and walk away with a brand new car. Not bad for an afternoon of relaxation and support your community. The proceeds support the Fireworks. If interested, contact Gayle Marthers at gayle@carrollvalley.org or me.

Borough meetings to be held are: Planning Commission (June 2nd); Public Safety (June 9th); Borough Council (June 10th) and Parks & Recreation (June 25th). Please be sure to mark your calendar for our July 4th Celebration. Please slow down when driving. Questions call me at (301) 606-2021 or email me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.