(2/2022) Before sharing the February news, I would like to offer my deepest thanks for the prayers I received during my stay at Gettysburg Hospital in January. I also want to express my appreciation for the outstanding care I received from the dedicated medical staff. By the time you read this, I should be back on the job full time.

February is Black History Month. Groundhog Day is February 2nd. If you are a football fan, Super Bowl LVI is Sunday, February 13th. February 14th is Valentine’s Day, and it is a day to pause to remember loved ones. February 21st is President’s Day – a federal holiday. What follows is a "potpourri’ – a mixture of thoughts for you to consider whether they are actionable or not.

COVID-19: I do not know where you stand regarding taking or not taking vaccine shots or whether you believe you should or should not wear a mask or, for that matter, follow the CDC guidelines. These are personal decisions you need to make to protect you and your family in relation to the community you live in. As of January 23rd, there are 1519 confirmed COVID-19 cases in our 17320-zip code community (Carroll Valley, Fairfield, Hamiltonban, Liberty, and Freedom). By population, Carroll Valley is approximately 40% of our regional community. Why do I mention this? The federal government launched a new website (Covidtests.gov) for free at-home COVID-19 tests. Their announcement said that every home in the U.S. can order four free at-home COVID- 19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days," the government website states. You can pick up a free test from a community health center or Medicare-certified health clinic if you are on Medicare. Officials are warning Americans of fake at-home COVID-19 tests that are being sold online. If you do not get one of these free tests, make sure yours is FDA-approved.

Blood: On December 30th, 31 donors were seen by the American Red Cross (ARC) and collected 21 units of blood. This donation will lead to saving 63 local lives. The Red Cross continues to stress that as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met, they had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and limited blood product distributions to hospitals in recent weeks. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to donate. If you are eligible to donate, attend the following Red Cross Blood Drive on March 24th at the Carroll Valley Borough Office from noon to 5 p.m.

Trash Collection: I’ve learned of some inconsistencies in trash collection in the Borough and neighboring communities. I know how frustrating this can be for everyone and would like to assure you that Borough Staff is in regular contact with Apple Valley Waste (formerly Parks Garbage). The current contract expires on March 31st. Carroll Valley is again working with our neighbors: Fairfield Borough, Freedom Township, Hamiltonban Township, Highland Township, and Liberty Township to obtain the best price for trash collection services. The group rejected our first round of bids received due to a bidder’s error and subsequent bid withdrawal, leaving only one bidder. To garner the best contract we can, the group decided to re-bid the contract, so we are on round two of the bidding process and expect to award a contract at the Council’s Regular Meeting on February 15th. Questions, concerns, and comments can be directed to the Assistant Borough Manager/Secretary via email at gayle@carrollvalley.org.

Adams County Arts Council: The Council has received a $16,000 grant from PA Humanities as part of its $1.4 million recovery and growth program for The People Project 2022. The People Project is a community performance and visual arts project that addresses current needs to hear diverse voices and cultivate empathy in our community. To learn more or to become involved in The People Project 2022 in Adams County as a volunteer, sponsor, contributor, artist, or performer, please attend at least one of the two planning meetings scheduled at the Adams County Arts Council’s Arts Education Center, 125 S. Washington Street, Gettysburg. Meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, February 2nd, and Thursday, February 3th from 5-7 p.m. (Inclement weather delay date: Wednesday, Feb. 9th). Pre-registration is preferred but not required. Topics for discussion will include performance schedules, venue(s), and selection of a theme that reflects Adams County. All are welcome. Pre-registration is preferred but not required. Pre-register on ACAC’s website: www.adamsarts.org or call (717) 334-5006. Lisa Cadigan, ACAC Director of Outreach and Community Resources, can address additional questions: lcadigan@adamsarts.org.

Volunteers Needed: Dr. Jim Hammett, President of Fairfield Fire & EMS, asks the community members to come back and get involved with the fire department in some capacity. They need members to serve as officers and on committees. Or volunteer to help with Bingo and other fundraising activities. Contact Dr. Hammett at 717. 321-63550, a phone call or text message will work. You can also reach him via email at drjimhmt@embarqmail.com.

Land Zoning Public Hearing: A zoning ordinance divides all the land within a municipality into zones/districts and creates regulations that apply to the entire municipality and specifically to the individual districts/zones. The draft ordinance addresses such subjects as solar panels, windmills, rental properties, commercial development, childcare, and home offices. The Planning Commission has been working on this ordinance for a few years and is scheduled to hold a Public Hearing on February 15th to listen to resident comments. The zoning ordinance is posted on the Carroll Valley website for your review.

Borough February Meetings: Planning Commission (Feb 7th), Council (Feb 15th), Parks/Recreation (Feb23rd) and Sewer/Water Authority (Feb 28th). All meetings start at 7 pm and are live streamed on Facebook and videotaped. Borough office will be closed on February 21st – Presidents’ Day. Please be careful driving on winter roads. If you have any questions, you can contact me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net or 301-606-2021. Keep well!