Derry Township eNews - May 28, 2021
Current News
RR CROSSING CLOSED - EAST DERRY ROAD
The Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing at East Derry Road has been closed for emergency repairs/construction. This closure should reopen either late this evening or early tomorrow morning. Alternate routes of travel around this site are Park Avenue, Mansion Road, and Laudermilch Road.
Derry Township Supervisors Meeting
Watch the Derry Township Board of Supervisors meeting from May 25, 2021 on the Township YouTube channel.

The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be June 8, 2021 at 7pm.
Township Closed Memorial Day
The Derry Township Administration Building, including the Recycling Center and Library, will be closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day.
 
Our thanks to those in our community who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. We look forward to commemorating Memorial Day with everyone in person in 2022. 
Yard Waste Pickup Delays
There is a delay in Yard Waste pickup by Waste Management. It should be picked up by Saturday night. 
Cocoa Castle Remains Closed
Due to construction activities in the area of the playground, Cocoa Castle will need to remain closed until Mid-June. We apologize for the inconvenience and will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Please check for updates on the Derry Township Parks & Recreation Facebook page and at derrytownship.org.
Stop this Invader! Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly, native to Asia, is an invasive and extremely destructive pest that threatens important agricultural commodities, including the grape, hardwood, tree fruit, and landscape. 

This planthopper weakens plants by feeding on sap. It excretes a sugary substance called honeydew that promotes the growth of sooty mold and causes a messy nuisance.

An adult spotted lanternfly is approximately 1” long and ½” wide. Nymphs are 1/8” to ½” long and has four stages of development. Fresh egg masses are gray that give the appearance of a mud-like covering. Older egg masses will look dry and crack. 

If you see a spotted lanternfly, report it immediately online at https://services.agriculture.pa.gov/SLFReport or call 1-888-4BADFLY (1-888-422-3359). Importantly, when spotted kill it, squash it, smash it, just get rid of it. 

Click here to find out how to identify, prevent spread and for additional information.
Community Center Capital Campaign
Ends June 30th
The Hershey Community Center Captial Campaign will accept pledges of $5,000 or more until the end of June in order to start processing naming recognitions for donors.
 
If you're interested in making a pledge of $5,000 or more and wish to have a naming opportunity, please complete your pledge form by visiting the Community Center website. Pledges may be paid over time through the end of 2024.
 
One-time donations of less than $5,000 will be accepted online through June 30, or via check through the end of 2021. Please send checks to this address: 

Friends of Derry Township Parks & Recreation
ATTN: Hershey Community Center Capital Campaign
600 Clearwater Road
Hershey, PA 17033
 
To date, close to 2.8 million dollars has been pledged to the Community Center. Thank you to all the generous supporters! You can learn more about the project and see updates on construction on the Community Center website.
Public Works Seeks Seasonal Laborers
The Township of Derry Public Works Department has immediate openings for Seasonal Laborers. Work will consist of grounds and parks maintenance, leaf collection, and winter snow removal. Starting wage is $14.74 per hour. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a current valid PA Driver’s license. 
 
Applications are available at https://www.derrytownship.org
 
Contact Information:
Attention Bob Piccolo, at (717) 533-2057, option 4 or mail your application to 600 Clearwater Road Hershey, PA 17033
Residents Can Now Receive Real Time Public Safety Messages Through New System
Derry Township has launched Nixle to implement a new community notification system to provide real-time alerts about localized emergency situations and relevant community advisories.
 
This new system replaces the old Code Red alert system. All residents are encouraged to sign up for Nixle as soon as possible. If people currently receive emergency notifications from Derry Township via Code Red, they will still need to sign up for the new system.
 
Residents may choose one of three simple ways to register:
1.    Text your ZIPCODE to 888777 from your mobile phone
2.    Go to the Derry Township website at derrytownship.org and sign up via the Nixle link
3.    Visit www.Nixle.com to register
 
Once registered, residents will receive a confirmation text on their mobile device. Residents may also customize their alert settings by going to www.nixle.com and creating a user profile. You may also add the Nixle app to your phone to receive notifications.
Drive-In Movie at Shank Park
Friday, June 4 - 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family to enjoy a great movie in the park, featuring "An American Tail". Admission is absolutely free and concessions are available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs and blankets or you may watch and listen from your car too! The movies are generously sponsored by the Friends of Derry Township Parks & Recreation. For more information, please visit www.usatheatres.com. Rain Date is Saturday, June 5th.
Township Events
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Township Meetings and Events Calendars
Join Us at The Library
Summer Quest
The 2021 virtual reading challenge, “Tails and Tales”, begins on Tuesday, June 1. This program for all ages from 0-4, 4-12, 12-109 is to encourage you to experience the joy of reading all summer long. You may register as an individual, add an adult family member, and register a child through the same link. Read books, log activities, and experience new things. Earn virtual badges and a book! Please register online through Beanstack.com
Driftwood Planter Workshop with Terrarium Therapy
Saturday, June 5 - 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Your experience will include one driftwood piece sourced from the Chesapeake Bay area, succulents, soil, moss, and instruction. We'll discuss best practices for succulent care and maintenance, soil, sun requirements, grooming, watering, and propagation for healthy plants.
Small Driftwood 8-10 inches: $45
Large Driftwood10-12 inches: $55
This event will be hosted outdoors, and we will practice appropriate social distancing protocols.
Please register online through Eventbrite.com
Community News and Events
Snapology Summer Camps
Snapology Summer Camps are coming to Derry Township! Camps start June 14th and will run weekly through August 13th at the Derry Township Administration Building, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey.

For additional information or to register, click the link below:
The People Mover Returns
The Senior Citizens Council of Derry Township, aka THE PEOPLE MOVER, is pleased to announce that we are ready to SAFELY resume service, starting Monday, June 7, 2021, at 8:00 a.m.

ALL of our drivers and assistants are fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

All occupants of the People Mover Vans must be vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes riders, aides, drivers, and assistants. Riders must show proof of vaccination. All People Mover dispatchers must also be vaccinated. Masks MUST be worn while riding our vans.

We will begin taking phone calls, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., starting May 17, 2021, to schedule your appointments.
Call us at (717) 533-3642 or visit us online at thepeoplemover.org
Derry Committee to Share Results of Climate Survey
On August 28, 2018, when the Derry Township Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution 1555, they tasked a citizens group, known as the Climate Change Advisory Committee, with the preparation of a comprehensive inventory of greenhouse gas emissions emitted by the community. The committee will eventually also recommend strategies that will help to reduce our community’s impact.
 
After more than two and a half years of work, the committee completed their study and sponsored a related survey to determine residents’ attitudes and concerns about climate change. The survey found that by a large majority (80%), respondents are either moderately or urgently concerned about climate change and believe that local action is needed.
 
The survey report will be available for review at the Market on Chocolate on Saturday, June 5th from 9 am to 1:30 pm and the Farmers’ Market at The Beanery on Thursday, June 10th from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. Click here to read the report on-line. Members of the committee will be available at both markets to answer questions and further explain the significance of the study and what all citizens can do to make a difference. Each positive step will make a difference in protecting Planet Earth. For more information, please email HersheyClimateAction@gmail.com.
Derry Township Community Cats Clinic
Derry Township Community Cats offers township residents assistance with trapping outdoor free-roaming cats to have them spayed/neutered and vaccinated for free. The next clinic is June 8th. reservations can be made by calling the "cat line" at 717-592-8087.

Residents may also obtain low cost spay/neuters and vaccinations for owned cats by calling the same number. Please note that cats must be at least six months old. For more information visit www.derrytownshipcats.org.
Township Publications
Derry Township Newsletters
Sign up to receive the library's monthly newsletter directly here.
Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes 
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