(9/2024) The Carroll Valley Borough is preparing to celebrate its 50th Golden Anniversary on Sunday, September 22. The celebration will begin at nonN with a performance by our Fairfield High School Drumline. Our local elected officials will offer remarks on the Borough’s accomplishments. Then, the Fairfield High School Show Choir will perform for everyone, ending the formal part of the festival. Many activities will be available for those in attendance to enjoy. These activities include the Giant Inflatable Slide, Corn Hole Tournament, Hayrides, Face Painting, Temporary Henna Tattoos, and the making of Friendship Bracelets. Equipment will be provided for a pick-up of games of basketball, volleyball, gaga ball, and horseshoe. The "Leaping Luci" Band will be in concert until 5 pm. For a bite to eat, visit the Lucky Truck and Sarah’s Creamery. Come to the Carroll Commons and celebrate the Borough’s Golden Anniversary with family and friends! See you there.

The school term has started, which means school buses are on the road again. Let us partner with the parents, teachers, administrators, and transportation personnel to keep our young residents safe when they are transported to and from school. How do we do that? Follow the law. According to Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law, when you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you must stop. You must stop when you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended. You must stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus. You must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving. And most important, do not move until the children have reached a place of safety.

Speaking with Lt. Sarah Ginn of the Fountaindate Fire Department, she mentioned the 8th annual Adams County Cadet Academy was held July 21-27 in Gettysburg. After exchanging a few more words, I realized more people like myself were unaware of the Adams County Cadet Academy and asked if she would explain the program. What follows is her description. Twenty-three junior firefighters from Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York counties completed the 2024 program.

The program was open to junior firefighters ages 14 to 17. These young men and women were dropped off by their parents on the afternoon of Sunday, July 21, and stayed at the Adams County Emergency Services building through Saturday, July 27. The teens did not require any previous training to attend the academy. 15 of the 23 cadets had previously participated in the academy and put their prior training and experiences to the test. For the other eight cadets, this was their first experience, and many conquered fears and anxiety as they were teamed up with more experienced cadets in their own "fire companies."

The Adams County Cadet Academy is sponsored by the Adams County Volunteer Emergency Services Association and led by Fire Chief Dave Martin of the Fountaindale Volunteer Fire Department. The cadets are taught by lead instructor Dustin Poist (United Hook & Ladder Deputy Fire Chief) and Sam Ginn (Fountaindale Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief). Some of the instruction topics included personal protective equipment, hoses, ladders, search and rescue, CPR, rural water supply, and fire prevention. The cadets spent part of their day in a classroom and implemented the lessons with hands-on skill stations. A crucial part of the cadet's success can be attributed to the "Moms" who staffed the kitchen all week. These volunteers coordinated and prepared three meals a day (plus snacks). Many individuals, fire departments, and local businesses have made key contributions to the academy by donating their time, equipment, food, or monetary gifts. The week was capped off with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, July 27, at 10:00 am to celebrate the cadets' accomplishments. Congratulations to the 2024 Adams County Cadet Academy graduates! Not only did they survive a week without their cell phones, but they also overcame challenges and obstacles that will serve them well in the fire service and life.

The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank will hold a Blood Drive on Friday, September 27, from 11:30 to 5 in the Carroll Valley Borough Council meeting room. There are two ways to schedule your donation appointment. You can go to 717GiveBlood.org and click on donate now or call 800-771-0059. You are strongly advised to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Appointments help the Blood Bank to improve your donation experience. Walk-ins are welcome; however, donors with appointments will be taken first, which may result in a significant wait time. Every donor will receive a Blood Donor T-Shirt!