(1/2018) At the December Borough Council meeting, the Council passed the Tax Levy Ordinance which fixed the Tax Rate at 2.45 mills or 24.5 cents on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for 2018. There is no tax increase for the residents of Carroll Valley Borough. Also, without increase, council passed the fixed tax in the amount of .25 mills appropriated for the operation of fire and emergency service for the year 2018. I had the honor to recognize three council members who are leaving council after a total of 37 years of service to the residents of Carroll Valley. They are Councilor Tom Fitzsimmons (6 years), Councilor Dan Patton (12 years) and Councilor Ken Lundberg (19 years). I thank you all for your outstanding dedication and service. Your tireless pursuit of excellence and professionalism to enhance our community reflects great credit upon yourself and the Borough.

"Breakfast with Santa" was an overwhelming success. Every child who attended were delighted and dazzled when Santa arrived. The children expressed their wishes as they sat on Santa’s lap. This event was a cooperative effort of the Carroll Valley Recreation Committee, Fairfield Fire and EMS and local citizen volunteers. To have such a successful event, you need to have people who are willing to share some of their personal time for the benefit of others. The volunteers involved were Amanda Bell, Jayden Bell, Phyllis Chant, David Hazlett, Noah Hazlett, Jeni Jarrell, Morgan Jarrell, Lori Kolenda, Mike Kulkusky, Charlie Lambert, Bethany Lambert, Gayle Marthers, Charlee Marthers, Amie Metz, Lisa Mumpower, Caileigh Mumpower, Tyler Mumpower, Cali Paulus, Marty Qually, Brianna Redding, Dylan Reed, Emily Ridge, Mike Salisbury, Desiree Salisbury, Sarah Skoczen, Rachel Skoczen, John Svalina, Alyssa White, Heather Wright. This year a "Sensitive Santa" period was held after "Breakfast with Santa" ended.

Sensitive Santa is an event for families with children with all spectrums of special needs, providing a more controlled and welcoming environment to the experience of visiting Santa. Adjustments are made to reduce sensory stimuli (muted lights, music and waiting in long lines to visit Santa) to create a calming environment. Special thanks go to Santa Koz. Pictures of both events can be seen at www.ronspictures.net. The Borough has also established a "Fairfield Family Initiative" whereby the Borough is seeking to adopt families in need and seek to supply gift certificates for Christmas Dinner for the family, clothing and toys for the school-aged children for the Holiday. Referrals are sought through the Fairfield School District. The proceeds from the "Breakfast with Santa" is planned to be used for this initiative.

With January comes snow and ice which means you need to make sure that you winterized your car. If you haven’t, you need to get it done. Check the car’s tires and tire pressure, the heat/defroster and wipers. Please slow down. If you drive too fast, those antilock brakes will not help you to come to a smooth stop. When driving behind another car, remember to leave more space between your car and the car in front of you. Some experts tell us that this distance is four car lengths for every 10 mph you are traveling. Remember you have less control over your car during bad road conditions. If the Borough declares a Snow Emergency, the roads on the snow emergency route will be cleared first for obvious reasons. Please keep the snow emergency route clear (no park cars, etc.) to make it safe for our road crew to do their job and for a first responder to answer an emergency call.

We are in the 2017-18 Flu Season. While flu activity varies from season to season, the most activity commonly peaks in January or February. The single best way to prevent getting the flu is to get vaccinated. There are also other measures one should consider. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home. Folks, if you know or you believe you may be coming down with a cold, don’t shake hands. As a matter of fact, wash your hands often which can stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Watch out for those politicians! Naturally, I am the exception. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Teach your children to sneeze in the crook of their arm (the elbow) to prevent the spread of germs. Someone did suggest to me about using the armpit, but I don’t think that works – it would hurt! Simple advice – be careful and be mindful of others.

The Adams County Library at Carroll Valley is hosting two events in January. Meet with Live Animal Ambassadors from Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve on January 18th (Thursday) at 6:30 p.m.. Get up close and personal with the Strawberry Hill animals. Learn what makes a turtle shell special and the senses snakes use to find their food. The second event Leap into Science – Do You See What I See? will be held on January 29th (Monday) at 6:30 p.m.. In this workshop, children and families play with light by shining light through objects, bouncing it off shiny surfaces, and blocking it to create shadows. This activity is recommended for children ages 3-7. See you at the library.

Please be aware that Council passed Ordinance No. 5-2017 which prohibits the use of all tobacco products in the Borough’s recreational areas, parks and playgrounds. Borough meetings in January are: Council Reorganization Meeting (Jan 2nd); Planning Commission (Jan 8th), Borough Council (Jan 9th), and Parks/Recreation Committee (Jan 24th). Borough office will be closed on Monday, January 1st. Please reduce your speed to make sure you, your loved ones, your friends and neighbors will be safe. If you have any questions call me at 301-606-2021 or email MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.