(7/2019) Did you celebrate July 2nd? It was "I Forgot" day. So, if you didn’t celebrate it, don’t give it a second thought. You always could say "fuhgettaboutit"! However, I would not forget about celebrating July 7th which is Chocolate Day. It is definitely an excuse, if you need one, to indulge yourself with "Oh Yeah!" chocolate. However, I recently found out that chocolate is a vegetable. So now I am faced with a problem, I don’t like vegetables, but I love chocolate. I guess I will just forget I don’t like vegetables and eat chocolate. I can always say "I am celebrating I Forgot Day." There are so many things to remember.

Don’t forget what happens on July 4th! It is the day that we celebrate the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. As mentioned in the June column, I hope you are planning to attend Carroll Valley’s July 4th Celebration. It is being held on Thursday, July 4th. This year the festivities will start around 6:30 p.m.. You will be entertained by the "he Hubcaps". Rock & Roll is still alive! Bring the kids, there will be free rides to enjoy. Food vendors will be setting up at 4 p.m.. As always, fireworks will be launched off Ski Liberty mountain around 9:45 p.m.. For further information, check the Carroll Valley website carrollvalley.org or call the office at 717-642-8269.

There will be some parking at Carroll Commons. Ski Liberty has agreed to provide parking at their resort. They will shuttle attendees from their parking lot to our event and theirs from 5:30 to 10 p.m.. Ski Liberty will be providing "Music on the Mountain" all evening. With bus service between both areas, you cannot miss having an evening of fun with family and friends on July 4th.

Based on Police Officer Courtney M. Herring outstanding performance during her one-year probationary period, the Carroll Valley Council approved her promotion to a full-time Carroll Valley Patrol Officer. Congratulations Officer Herring. The Movie In the Park showing of Disney’s film "Moana" was a complete success with an attendance over 100. The "Beach Party" theme was fully embraced by the children. The kids wore their bathing suits and enjoyed running under two sprinkler animals. Appreciation goes to the Carroll Valley Recreation Committee, Borough staff, the film sponsor who pays for the film rental and the food vendors. To see the pictures, go to ronspictures.net. Don’t miss the next Movie In the Park film "Incredibles" on July 19th. Be sure to bring your own blankets and chairs. Light concessions of popcorn and drinks will be available. For more information please call 717-642-8269.

Carroll Valley Borough was recently named a 2019 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Carroll Valley achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board, a tree care ordinance, annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Borough would like to express their appreciation to Lori Kolenda for her guidance and determination in helping us to achieve this distinction!

On July 26th, the Adams County Community Cats Connections will be hosting a Paint Night fundraiser to benefit Trap Neuter Return projects. Levato Shaw will guide you through painting a masterpiece. The event will be held at the Carroll Valley Commons Pavilion from 6:30 to 9 p.m.. Ticket(s) must be purchase ahead of time. They can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com Ticket prices are: $30 per adult and $20 for kids – 16 years and younger. Bring extra cash for raffle tickets. Several amazing items will be raffled that night. Come enjoy an evening with friends and support our community cats.

Summer has started which means those heat alerts are being broadcast. There are three types of messages that are sent out to the populace and they are: Excessive Heat Outlook, Excessive Heat Watch and an Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory. An Excessive Heat Outlook is used to indicate that a heat event may develop, and the emergency management and public health officials should be prepared. An Excessive Heat Watch means an excessive heat event may occur in the next 12 to 48 hours. Finally, an Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following criteria: heat index of at least 105E F for more than 3 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, or heat index more than 115E F for any period of time. Why pay attention?

According to the NOAA National Weather Service, the statistical data shows that heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. What to do? Here are a few tips. Slow down and do not perform any strenuous activities. Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids even though you may not feel thirsty. If you have problems retaining fluids, consult your physician before increasing your fluid intake. Eat light meals to decrease your metabolic heat production. Wear lightweight light-colored clothing. And naturally, try to spend time in an air-conditioned place. Remember E-Waste Recycling is scheduled for July 13th at Hamiltonban Township 31 Carroll’s Tract Road from 8:00 am to Noon. Questions? Call 717.642.8509.

Borough meetings to be held in July are: Planning Commission (July 1st); Tree Board (July 5th); Borough Council (July 9th), Sewer/Water Authority (July 22nd) and Parks & Recreation (July 24th). 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@carrollvalley.org. Please slow down when driving in the Valley.