(3/2020) What are some of the dates to remember in March? Employee Appreciation Day is celebrated on March 6th. This secular holiday was set aside so bosses could thank their employees for their hard work and effort throughout the year. Have you ever heard "Beware the Ides of March" which falls on Sunday, March 15. It marks an inauspicious anniversary associated with treachery and ill fortune. For that was the day, Julius Caesar was murdered by the Roman Senate. The NCAA March Madness 82nd annual edition of the Tournament is scheduled to begin on March 17 and will conclude with the championship game on April 6 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Also, on March 17 we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! If you get a green glow about you, do not drive. The first day of Spring is Thursday, March 19. And, don’t forget the clocks will be put forward by an hour at 2 am on Sunday March 29. This means the sun will rise an hour earlier too. It will be great to see the sun again leaving and coming back home from work.

Congratulations to the Carroll Valley Recreation Committee, Council members Jessia Phillips Kraft and David Lillard, Commissioner Marty Qually, Jeni and Jim Jarrell, Gayle Marthers, Amanda Bell, JoAnn Myers and the Carroll Valley Maintenance Staff for preparing and hosting such a wonderful and successful community event – The Carroll Valley Borough 6 Annual Daddy Daughter Luau Topical Celebration! The Polynesian entertainment was provided by Pacific Rhythm dancers. Everyone’s hips were swaying. Many thanks are also extended to all the volunteers who participated to ensure everyone had a memorable evening. Unfortunately, at the time of this column submission, I did not have all of their names. But, know I am so grateful for everyone’s willingness to devote their time on such a special evening. To appreciate how special, go to www.ronspictures.net to see the pictures.

The Adams County Carroll Valley Library Branch offerings are: "Teen Shamrock String Art Night" scheduled on Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to make a shamrock string art project for St. Patrick’s Day. "Civil War Lecture – Part II" scheduled on Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. What happened on 2nd Day at the Gettysburg Battle. "Pete the Cat Dance" to be held on Wednesday 18 at 1 pm. Read a Pete the Cat story and dance the afternoon away! This is opened to preschoolers up to the age of 6. "STEAM Stations" planned for Monday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. Visit different stations to learn and explore STEAM activities. Open to elementary and middle school age children. And finally, "Fairfield Kindergarten, Here I Come" slated on Monday March 30 at 6:30 pm. This event is for children going into kindergarten at Fairfield Elementary in the Fall of 2020. There will be a story time for children, kindergarten readiness activities, and children will have the opportunity to meet teachers from the Fairfield Elementary School.

As a reminder, do you have proper house number lettering on your mailboxes, so the fire company, ambulance, and/or the police department can find you. In an emergency, seconds count. It is so important that it is addressed in the Borough of Carroll Valley Ordinance §27-706. The ordinance states all improved property within the borough is required to post the official street address in three (3) inch numbers, which are luminous (reflective). The number shall be easily read from 20 feet day or night. If there is no mailbox at a residence or if it does not clearly identify the house, the reflective street address numbers shall be placed on the front of the house. If the residence sits back off the road or is not visible due to trees or bushes, a sign shall be erected displaying the proper address. Does your house meet code? If not, you can buy a reflective mailbox sign for just $8.00 from the Police Department. These signs are 6" x 18" aluminum and covered in green reflective vinyl with white reflective vinyl numbers attached on both sides. They have the same highly visible qualities of PennDot directional signs. If you are interested in one of these signs, visit the Borough Police Department and ask about ordering one. You can also contact the Police Department Administrative Assistant at pdadmin@carrollvalley.org.

The Borough will be holding the following meetings in March: Planning Commission (Monday – Mar 2), Tree Board (Thursday – Mar 5), Borough Council (Tuesday – Mar 10), Sewer/Water Authority (Mar 23), Parks/Recreation Committee (Wednesday – Mar 25) and Finance Committee (Monday – Mar 30). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net or by cell at 301-606-2021. Watch your speed on the trails.