(7/2021) At 11:32 pm, Sunday, June 20th, summer began. On Monday, a heavy rainstorm with 30 miles per hour winds hit our local area, causing power outages, uprooted trees, and damaged power lines. Hopefully, we will have calmer weather for the rest of the summer. However, during July and August, we need to pay attention to heat advisories. It would be best if you understood the difference between an ‘Excessive Heat Warning’ and a ‘Heat Advisory.’

Excessive Heat Warning means "the Heat Index values are forecasted to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least two days of daytime highs = 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher". A Heat Advisory means the "Heat Index is forecasted to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days of daytime highs 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher". During a heatwave, you should listen to the updates from the National Weather Service.

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Use the buddy system when working in excessive heat and take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Please discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household.

While the 17-year cicada sound is subsiding and will mostly be gone by the middle of July, we need to be aware that the summer months represent a time when the cases of Lyme disease increase. Why? The reason is that we spend more time outdoors enjoying where we live. In Pennsylvania, Lyme disease (LD) is the most reported tick-borne disease and is usually seen during June through September months throughout the commonwealth. 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. Some of the 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. Many websites provide information on Lyme disease. One site you may want to visit is www.cdc.gov/lyme/. This website addresses diagnosis, testing, treatment, tick removal, and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. Please be careful. Enjoy summer and keep safe.

On June 17th, Carroll Valley Borough (CVB) lost one of its outstanding residents, Ms. Dorothy Anne Corbin, who served her community for over 17 years. She was an employee of the Borough for four (4) years, a member of the CVB Board of Health (17 years), Health Inspector (5 years), Roads & Parks Committee (16 years), and Borough Council (5 years). She also worked as a registered nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Frederick County Health Department. This lovely lady will be missed.

The Carroll Valley Library July virtual programs are: Rain Barrels, Monday, July 5th, 11 a.m. - Join Watershed Specialist Joe Hallinan from the Adams County Conservation District as he shows us how to build a rain barrel; Ninja Stress Ball (teen program), Monday, July 12th, 2 p.m. - Watch and learn how to make a great ninja stress ball and pick up the supplies at the Carroll Valley Library; Kindergarten Here I Come! Fairfield Elementary Edition, Wednesday, July 14th, 6:30 p.m. - Fairfield Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Westfall, reads a story!; Kite Craft, July 19th, 2 p.m. - Watch and learn how to make a colorful kite craft and pick up the supplies at the Carroll Valley Library; and Rainbow Craft July 26th, 2 p.m. - Watch and learn how to make a colorful rainbow craft and pick up the supplies at the Carroll Valley Library.

The Carroll Valley plans to have fireworks on July 4th displayed on top of Ski Liberty Mountain once again. The venue is all grass seating, so bring chairs or blankets and save a little room around you to dance! As our borough manager, Dave Hazlett, said, "What began as a small community picnic has evolved into a musical celebration of community." So please come on down and celebrate the anniversary of our country with your friends and neighbors. (See news brief on page 3 for more details.)

The Carroll Valley Borough is resuming in-person committee meetings. Check the website for which committees will be meeting in July. Also, when driving, please be aware that more people will be out and walking on the trails. Keep well.