(10/2017) The first Electronic Recycling event held on September 9th by the Adams County Council of Governments in partnership with Adams County and the Adams Electric Cooperative Inc. was a success. A total of 274 cars came through the line bringing televisions, computer towers and monitors. The volunteers were averaging 17 cars every 15 minutes. Approximately 31,406 lbs. of electronic equipment were collected in 4 hours. It was so successful that the people involved are thinking about holding another recycling event sometime in the future. To see the pictures, go to ronspictures.net. Special thanks go to the Adams County commissioners, especially Marty Qually, the 40 plus volunteers, Supervisor Coleen Reamer, Supervisor Bob Gordon and Gus Fridenvaids.

Also on September 9th, I had the pleasure to attend Fairfield Boy Scout Troop 76 quarterly Court of Honor. The celebration was held at the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association airfield in Liberty Township. The glider club had graciously hosted the boys for an aviation camp-out weekend in the summer where the boys learn about aspects of aviation and went for glider rides. At the Court of Honor, the boys received 40 merit badges including Metalwork, Kayaking, Environmental Science, Rifle Shooting, Forestry, Fish & Wildlife Management, Aviation and Golf. Two boys were recognized for going to National Youth Leadership Training, Sebastian Toscano and Bryce Jensen. The AP Gleason Award, which is presented by the Fairfield Lion's Club for the year's most outstanding scout, was given to Bryce Jensen who is a Star Scout. Bryce exemplified what it is to be a scout. Members of the Soaring club were given certificates of appreciation for all their hard work and the sharing of their talents. The club was also presented with a plaque for their club house from an appreciative Troop 76. To see the pictures, go to ronspictures.net.

At the September 12th Council meeting, the Council decided to close the Yard Waste facility located in the Ranch section of the borough. The purpose of the facility was to provide a place for Carroll Valley residents to dump their yard waste and leaves at no cost. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out that way. Air conditioners, refrigerators, and as Borough Manager Dave Hazlett commented, "Someone decided to dump a full-size deck at the facility." The council already spent $8,500 to clear the previous pile and are now looking to spend an additional $4,500 to clear the current pile. So, what to do now? You may want to consider using the Refuse Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Route 16 in Washington Township. Their phone number is 717-762-4413, or browse their website at www.washtwp-franklin.org/recycling-center/. If you are planning to burn leaves and yard waste on your property, please be sure to read and follow Ordinance No. 6-2008. Go to carrollvalley.org and click on Administration and select ordinances.

On September 13th, I had the honor to attend the Getting Ahead graduation at the Seton Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The invitation was issued at the request of their graduates. These graduates completed a 20-week course that involved doing intense research into poverty in their own lives, their community, and their nation. From what I was told, they have gained tools and perspectives to make lasting personal and community changes. I especially would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Peter Ferguson on his accomplishment. Peter is a resident of Carroll Valley.

It is October. The leaves will start to change into brilliant colors – a last "hoorah" before they fall. National Fire Prevention week is observed from October 8th to October 14th. The National Fire Protection Association announced that their theme for this year is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out" which is a powerful reminder that fire escape planning saves lives. In their promotion, they shared the following suggestions: (1) Draw a map of your home with your family members (young and old); (2) Mark two exit routes from each room to the outside; (3) Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year (one at night and one during the day); (4) Teach your children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them; (5) Close doors behind you to slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire; finally, (6) Call the fire department and never go back inside the burning building. For more information on what you should do during the week to protect your family go to visit www.firepreventionweek.org. We celebrate Columbus Day on Monday, October 9th. And then, on Tuesday, October 31st children and adults will dress up in "strange looking" costumes to celebrate Halloween by going around the community proclaiming "Trick or Treat".

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away is a health hazard. In response, the "15th Medicine Take Back", a collaborative program between local law enforcement, adults, agencies and businesses, the Adams County Environmental Services, and Collaborating For Youth, will be held on October 28th, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Carroll Valley Community & Education Complex.

Community members are encouraged to participate in the disposal of any expired, unused, and/or unwanted prescription medications (liquids, pills, powders) during the disposal hours. The disposal allows community members to dispose of their medicines properly, reducing both the availability to youth and the contamination of water sources. Pet medications will be accepted. NO needles. For more information about the "Medicine Take Back", including opportunities to volunteer, contact Eileen Grenell, at acsaprevention@cfygettysburg or call/text 717-357-4439.

Borough meetings to be held in October are: Finance Committee (Oct 2nd), Borough Council (Oct 10th), Borough Council Finance Workshop (Oct 17th), Borough Council Finance Workshop (Oct 24th) if needed, and Parks/Recreation (Oct 25th). Please reduce your speed to make sure your loved ones, your friends and your neighbors will be safe. If you have any questions call me at 301-606-2021 or email at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.