(6/2025) The last two weeks of April were interesting as far as the weather was concerned. Due to the lack of rain, windy conditions, and extremely dry conditions, a Burn Ban was issued. However, based on the numerous rainstorms experienced in early May, the Burn Ban was lifted based on the recommendation of Chief Bill Jacobs of the Fairfield Fire & EM and Chief David Martin of the Fountaindale Volunteer Fire Department. Let’s see what June brings us. Remember, open burning of any construction/demolition waste, garbage or food, tins or containers, or municipal waste on any premises is prohibited. Burning of leaf and yard waste is permitted only in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 19 of the Carroll Valley Code of Ordinances, the International Fire Code, latest edition, and 25 Pa.Code §129.14. When you conduct an open burn, you must notify Adams County at 717-334-8101.

In June, we celebrate our national flag and honor our fathers. National Flag Day is June 14th. President Woodrow Wilson officially established Flag Day on May 30th, 1916. In 1949, President Truman designated June 14 as National Flag Day each year. Be proud! Fly the flag that day. Remember, the flag should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. You are permitted to display the flag at night if illuminated. Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 15th. Father’s Day originated in 1909 when a woman named Sonora Dodd conceived the idea to celebrate her father, who was born in June. She encouraged others to honor their fathers in June. It didn’t become an official holiday until 1972 when President Nixon issued a proclamation declaring the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.

Now that school is out, more people, both young and old, will be bicycling and walking on our trails. This may be a good opportunity to review our Pennsylvania laws regarding both. In Chapter 35, Section 3510 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, a law requires all bicyclists aged 12 and under to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet every time they ride their bicycle. In fact, it is recommended that all bicyclists wear a safety helmet when riding a bicycle. Please note that a bicycle is considered a vehicle and, therefore, when riding on a roadway, must be operated in the same direction as required of other vehicles on the roadway. All bicyclists are required to use hand-arm signals while on the road. Section 3507 mandates that bicyclists who ride after dark install reflective devices or lights on their bicycle.

We know that pedestrians have the "right of way". But what are your responsibilities/duties regarding walking on our trails? Section 3544 states that where a sidewalk is provided, and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway. Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway. Bottom line, please follow these laws. They are for you and your family’s safety on the road. For us drivers, slow down when in the Valley. Watch out for the unexpected when it comes to people walking, jogging, and bicycling on our beautiful trails.

The Carroll Valley Trout Fishing Derby was held on Sunday, April 27, with 96 children and 71 adults in attendance. It was an outstanding event that everyone enjoyed. Thank you, Council, especially Councilmember Cody Gilbert, for organizing and managing the derby. Thank you, Dave Swope and the McSherrystown Fish and Game, for providing the fish, and the Carroll Valley Maintenance crew for depositing the trout into the designated areas of Tom’s Creek. Approximately 400 trout were deposited. Vicky Simmet, Gannon Associates Insurance, and the Laptook family provided donated gifts. The Reddings hardware of Gettysburg gave the Borough a discount on the purchase of the door prizes. Thanks to the volunteers who assisted the attendees. The volunteers were Cody Gilbert, Vicky Simmel, and Gayle Marthers—special thanks to Mrs. Laura Mathews, who created and donated a lovely quilt to be given away. To see the photo taken, visit www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-XQDDvQ

Note that in Pennsylvania, a REAL ID is optional but is required to board domestic commercial flights and access certain federal facilities starting May 7. If you don't have a REAL ID, you'll need an alternative federally acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or military ID, for these purposes.

On June 5 a new state law, known as Paul Miller’s Law, takes effect in Pennsylvania, banning the use of all handheld devices while driving. This includes situations where you are stopped at stop signs or traffic lights. The handheld device includes phones, tablets, or computers while the user is operating a motor vehicle.

The last Blood Drive was held on Monday, May 12th, at the Carroll Valley Borough Office conference room. There were 26 donors. Twenty-two (22) pints of blood were collected, which means sixty-six (66) potential local lives will be saved. Thank you for your gift of life.

The Carroll Valley Community-Wide Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, June 7th. There is a new "twist". Read on. There are two ways to participate: namely, (1) Rent a $20 spot at the Carroll Valley Borough Office from 8 am to 1 pm, or (2) Rent a $10 spot on the online Yard Sale map and have the yard sale at your house. To register, go to carrollvalley.org. Click on Online Payments > Other Payments, then select Community Yard Sale, and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, please call the Borough at 717-642-8269, Ext. 104. If I can help, call 301-606-2021. Have a great day!