(3/2022) It is March, and with any luck, we will be over this nasty winter weather. Five years ago, on March 1st, the Adams County Library at Carroll Valley and the Carroll Valley Borough office opened for service in our new building. Time flies. Don’t forget that March 4th is Employee Appreciation Day. It is a day to celebrate and recognize employees. Remember to turn your clock forward one hour to mark the beginning of Daylight-Saving Time on March 13th at 2 a.m.

The "Ides of March" is March 15th. It is the day back in 44 B.C. that Julius Caesar was stabbed by Marcus Brutus and other members of the Roman Senate. We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Watch out for that green beer. If you get a green glow about you, do not drive.

The 2022 men’s NCAA tournament for March Madness starts with the first four games in Dayton, Ohio, and continues to 2022 final four in New Orleans. Selection Sunday for the men’s tournament is at 6 p.m. E.T. on March 13th on CBS. The tournament ends on Monday, April 4th. The Vernal Equinox will occur on Sunday, March 20th, at 11:33 a.m. Spring starts. Equinox means "equal night." The day and night are approximately equal (12 hours each).

On February 12th had the opportunity to attend Regional Churches Men’s Breakfast held at the Lower March Creek Presbyterian Church. As asked, I gave a 40-minute slide presentation on our Local Regional Area’s demographics, emergency services, Fairfield Regional Emergency Management Agency, 2020 census, taxes, and the Charitable Programs/Entities available to those neighbors in need. The presentation ended with discussing the value of sharing information across charitable organizations to benefit our populace.

Our local area volunteer fire service is facing a people crisis. They need volunteers. The Fountaindale Volunteer Fire Department is seeking junior members ages 14-17. No experience is required. Free training will be provided. The Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department is also looking for volunteers to assist with non-emergency tasks such as helping with bingo, maintaining the department’s website, managing fundraisers, preparing food, etc. Please consider getting involved. Share your talent and time with our local fire departments.

Fairfield Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) delivered Valentines to the local nursing homes and Meals on Wheels. The elementary students made the cards and bags for them. NHN announced that their Spring Clothing Giveaway will be held on Saturday, April 9th. The location will be inside Liberty Worship Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop off of the spring/summer clothing will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and you can shop for free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NHN is looking for volunteers to help with this event through www.signup.com. Each month, NHN gives a little special treat for the Food Pantry recipients, with local churches and organizations volunteering to help support this. Thanks to all those who kindly donated and volunteered to help our neighbors! The point of contact for NHN is Robin Dicken, who can be reached at dickenrobin@gmail.com. If you are interested in participating in a Christian Based Community Activity, Pastor Doug Lichty of the Iron Springs BIC Church located at 855 Iron Springs Road is holding a bi-monthly social activity for seniors 60+. For further information, contact Pastor Doug at 717-977-1739.

Is your house or mailbox number "up" properly and visible so that the police, fire department, or an ambulance can find you? In an emergency, seconds count. It is so important that the Borough of Carroll Valley Code of Ordinances – Chapter 27 Section 706 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 does not identify the house, the reflective street address numbers shall be placed on the front of the house. If the home 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 the code? If not, you can buy a reflective mailbox sign for just $8 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 as 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.

We are in the third month of the new year. Have you checked out your house fire alarms and replaced their batteries when needed. Do you have a carbon monoxide detector/alarm? If so, have you checked its operation? What about that fire extinguisher? Do have one. When was the last time you checked its operational status? Is that fire extinguisher located near the kitchen area where most fires start. Most importantly, if a fire starts in your home, first and foremost, evacuate your family and call 911 to report the fire. Once these two conditions have been met, and the fire is small, you could attempt to put it out; however, always make sure your back is to an exit so you can escape if need be. If the fire spreads, leave immediately. Allow professional firefighters to handle the fire. Life is more important than material possessions.

The Borough will be holding the following meetings in March: Planning Commission (Monday – March 7th), Public Safety Committee (Monday – March 14th) Borough Council (Tuesday – March 15th), Parks/Recreation Committee (Wednesday – March 23rd) Sewer/Water Authority (Monday – March 28th) and Finance Committee (Tuesday – March 29th). 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 the speed while driving on the trails.