(6/2015) This month, we celebrate our national flag and honor our fathers. National Flag Day is June 14th. Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. Be proud! Fly the flag that day. If you have any questions related to the display and use of the flag, go to Title 4 of the United States Code and Title 36 section. There is a Federal law Public 94-334 related to the United States Flag. It is important to note that you must lower the flag before sunset unless it is lit during the night.

Also, please be aware that the code states: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." There are a number of veterans’ associations that will accept the flag for disposal.

Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 21st. This special 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. I did come across a bizarre holiday to celebrate in June, the National Chocolate Ice Cream Day on June 7th. Could not find the origin of the special day. However, who cares! Be sure to celebrate the day with some chocolate ice cream.

Last month I had the honor to attend the annual memorial service for officers who fell in the line of duty held by the Adams County Chiefs of Police Association. Our Carroll Valley Police Chief Richard Hileman and the State Police Lt. Fred Hess, commander of the Gettysburg barracks, read the names of those officers who lost their lives while on duty and the circumstances under which they passed away.

Thank you all who every morning put on your uniform and risk your life to protect us. If interested, go to www.ronspictures.net to view the pictures of the ceremony.

At 12:38 pm on June 21st summer begins. This summer solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year. It’s a time to relax and enjoy our natural environment. We are surrounded by the aesthetics and natural beauty of Carroll Valley’s country scenery and wildlife. But we need to be aware that the summer months represent a time period when the cases of Lyme disease increase.

Why? We spend more time outdoors enjoying where we live. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is carried to people from a bite from a black-legged or deer tick.

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. It is treatable. Some of 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. There are many websites that provide information on Lyme disease. One site you may want to visit is www.lymemd.org.

Did you submit your Fairfield Ambulance membership fee ($40 family and $25 single)? If not, contact 717-642-8105. It is a great deal. As a member you are entitled to Emergency Service transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility, within a 75-mile radius. Emergency Service is defined as an injury or illness for which an ambulance is the only suitable means of transportation for a patient to reach medical care. Residents who take advantage of the subscription plan will have their bill submitted directly to the appropriate insurance carrier. Should the carrier deny payment for service, your bill will be adjusted to zero balance upon written confirmation of denial from the insurance carrier. If your insurance carrier should only pay a portion of your bill, the remaining balance will be adjusted to zero. If you do not carry any medical insurance, your subscription donation takes care of the services provided. In New York terms "Thinkaboutit!"

The Carroll Valley Yard Sale is scheduled to be held on Saturday, June 6th from 8 am to 2 pm. For those who are new to the area, the Yard Sale is held in the Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center parking lot. Anyone interested in reserving a place for $10 to sell should contact Charles Dalton at 717-420-0744 or charleswdalton@gmail.com. I hope you are planning to attend our July 4th Celebration. It is being held on Friday, July 4th. Click on www.cvjuly4th.com to see all that is going on that day. There is so much to do in such 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 events, go to www.ronspictures.net. Hope to see you there.

Borough meetings to be held are: Planning Commission (June 1st); Public Safety (June 8th); Borough Council (June 9th) and Parks & Recreation (June 22nd). Please be sure to mark your calendar for our July 4th Celebration. If you have any questions, call me at 301-606-2021 or email at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net. Please remember to watch your speed in the Valley.