Derry Township eNews, February 8, 2019
Current News
PPL Hosts Open House on Hershey Line Rebuild
PPL will hold an open house on Wednesday, February 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Derry Township Municipal Building, 600 Clearwater Road.

Residents are encouraged to attend to receive information on the project and to ask questions. The existing transmission line will be rerouted and placed underground. Time slots have been designated by street. There will be no group presentation.

6:00 to 7:00 p.m. - Elm Ave., Cherry Drive, Almond Drive, Beech Avenue, Cocoa Avenue, and W. Governor Road

7:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Java Avenue, Fishburn Road, and Homestead Road

8:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Forest Avenue, Leearden Road, Sand Hill Road, Bromley Court, S. Hills Drive, Sterling Court, Apple Lane, and Peach Avenue

Get the Latest News on the New Hershey Community Center
An Open House on the new Hershey Community Center will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at 605 Cocoa Avenue, Hershey. 
Stop by and learn more about what's happening.

  • See the latest rendering
  • Check out the design elements
  • Get an update on the construction
  • And, hear news on the capital campaign

Light refreshments will be provided.
Conditional Use Hearing Scheduled
The Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Derry Township Municipal Complex, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment regarding Conditional Use Application No. 2019-01, as filed by A to Z Realty, LLC.  

The petitioner requests that a Conditional Use authorization be granted under the provisions of Chapter 225 (Zoning), Section 225-501.52 of the Code of the Township of Derry to convert a building formerly used as a medical office at 739 Fishburn Road, Hershey, into a group child care facility. 

The Conditional Use application and supporting information may be viewed at the Derry Township Department of Community Development, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Derry Township Community Cats to Hold First Clinic of the Year
It's once again the time of year to get stray cats spayed/neutered to prevent more births. Derry Township residents who are caring for outdoor cats can receive help from Derry Township Community Cats, DTCC, with trapping cats, receiving free spaying/neutering, and vaccinations.

The first clinic of 2019 will be held on March 12. Services are completely free to Derry Township residents. Call DTCC at 717-592-8087 by February 25 to make a reservation for the March clinic or for more information about the program. Information is also available at www.derrytownshipcats.org.

If you own a cat (versus an outdoor one) and cannot afford to have it spayed or neutered, DTCC has a low-cost option to get spaying/neutering and vaccinations. Call 717-592-8087 for details.
Recycling Center Technician Needed
There is an immediate part-time opening for a Recycling Technician at the Derry Township Recycling Center. This position is for approximately 24 hours per week. Duties include the operation of a cardboard baler and a forklift, and assisting residents in the disposal of materials.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years of age. The hourly pay is $13.89. An interview and background investigation will be conducted.

Apply at the Derry Township Public Works Building, 650 Clearwater Road, Hershey. Please call 717-533-2057, option 4, for further information.
Nominations Sought for Hershey High School Athletic Hall-of-Fame
The Derry Township School District created the Hershey High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 to recognize individuals for significant career accomplishments in the field of athletics. The Hall of Fame serves the dual purpose of recognizing such accomplishments and providing role models for current students in the Derry Township School District.
 
Each spring, the Hall-of-Fame committee solicits nominations for induction into the Hershey High School Hall-of-Fame. To qualify for recognition, nominees must meet the following criteria:
  • Nominee must have graduated at least 10 years prior to the year of nomination.
  • Nominee must have been an athlete, coach or an individual who achieved noteworthy and outstanding accomplishments for the athletic program of the Derry Township School District

Nominee may be recognized posthumously.

The nomination deadline is April 26.

Events
Promoting Acceptance and Tolerance
March 25, 2019, 5:30-7:15 p.m., Hershey Story Museum, 63 W. Chocolate Avenue

Shaashawn Dial-Snowden will present Promoting Social Justice and Equity and Creating Multi-identity Embracing Brave Dialogue.

Shaashawn is the Founder and Owner of Voycetress Media, LLC. Voycetress Media provides services that affirm and empower individuals and organizations via workshop facilitation and training on leadership, diversity, inclusion, social justice topics, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ loving communities. In addition to running her business, Shaashawn serves as Director of Social Equity & Affirmative Action for the City of Harrisburg, and as Chair of the Board of Directors of the LGBT Center of Central PA. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Administration and Leadership Studies at IUP – Dixon Center.

This program is underwritten by Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, The Hershey Company and Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company.

Schedule of Events:
5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Light Dinner
6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Presentation
7:15 p.m. – 7:25 p.m. Dessert

Register now, seating books quickly!
Coffee with a Cop to be Held Saturday at the Hershey Pantry Café
Coffee with a Cop will be held this Saturday, February 9, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Hershey Pantry Café at the Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Avenue.

Stop by to chat with a Derry Township Police Officer.
Friends Winter Film Festival Presents The Monuments Men
Friends Winter Film Festival: Based on the Book, will present The Monuments Men (Rated PG13) on Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Avenue.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners. 

Registration is not required, Friends will provide snacks. 
Friends of the Hershey Public Library Present Totally Vocally by Ball in the House
Sunday, February 10, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Totally Vocally is packed with music, entertainment, and education! Through contemporary and classic cover songs, as well as original works, Ball in the House helps students discover the history of a cappella singing from chant to doo wop. The elements of teamwork and collaboration are equally highlighted as students explore how various vocal parts create harmony and beats, working in unison to produce a multi-dimensional piece of music.

Registration is not required.
Township Meetings and Events Calendar 

Services
Second Saturday Family Fun Day
Saturday, February 9. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Families with children ages 3-6 are invited to come to share A Splendid Friend Indeed by Suzanne Bloom before enjoying centers that encourage family engagement. 
Discover Your Family's History
The Hershey Public Library will hold a pop-up class on Genealogy on Wednesday, February 13, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., 701 Cocoa Avenue.
Drop by the reference desk and the staff will show you how to access billions of historical documents from over 48 countries, millions of historical photos, public records, indexes, and more through the library’s electronic resources.

If genealogy is not your thing, we will help you explore the e-book collection covering a variety of subjects from arts to technology.
Teens Get Patriotically Creative at In the Middle: Art
Tweens and teens in grade 6 and higher are invited to the library to show your patriotic spirit in an art project on Wednesday, February 13, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. This month is full of stars, stripes and politics.

We will be creating with craft items that are red, white and blue and will open the creative box and see what patriotic things you can create. The library is located at 701 Cocoa Avenue.
Library and Recycling Center Hours and Addresses
Recycling Center Hours   - 650 Clearwater Road 
Hershey Public Library Hours  - 701 Cocoa Avenue
Community News and Events
Hershey Area Playhouse Presents Dearly Departed
Hershey Area Playhouse is proud to present the first main stage show of its 20th Anniversary Season, Dearly Departed , a comedy by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones.
In the Baptist backwoods of the Bible Belt, the beleaguered Turpin family proves that living and dying in the south are seldom tidy and always hilarious. Despite their earnest efforts to pull themselves together for their father's funeral, the Turpins' other problems keep overshadowing the solemn occasion.

Experience the history of Dearly Departed , running February 7-10 and 14-17. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday performances begin at 2:00 p.m.
 
Tickets are $20 for teens/adults and $17 for those 12 and younger. Tickets are available by visiting www.HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com or by calling the Playhouse's box office at 717-533-8525. 
Hershey Indivisible Team Presents "Does Your Vote Really Count?"
Join the Hershey Indivisible Team for a discussion on Wednesday, February 13 on gerrymandering in Pennsylvania and across the nation. The event will be led by Jean Handley, Dauphin County Coordinator for Fair Districts PA.

Understand the ‘why’ behind many districts and the effects on citizens, the economy, politics, and our democracy. Find out how you can help reform the process in Pennsylvania.

Formed in December 2016, Hershey Indivisible Team is a non-partisan grassroots organization that empowers the electorate through education, encouragement, and civic engagement to promote humane values and equitable policies at all levels of government.

The event will be held at the Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Avenue. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the
program will follow a short business meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Please email questions to info@hersheyindivisibleteam.org.
Hershey Symphony Orchestra to Celebrate 50 th Season at Golden Gala Celebration
The musicians of The Hershey Symphony Orchestra invite you to celebrate its 50th season at the annual Shall We Dance Golden Gala, Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Hershey Lodge.

Attendees will enjoy a full-course meal, silent auction, and dancing to the 80-member orchestra and The Hershey Symphony Dance Band. Guests can participate in an optional ballroom dance lesson right before the evening begins. Gala attendees will also enjoy a performance by leading area exhibition dancers.

Individual tickets are $125 with a discount for tables of eight or ten and can be reserved online at www.HersheySymphony.org. Please call 717-533-8449 to make a reservation.

Seats are still available for the remainder of the 2018-19 season including “A Night in the Tropics,” featuring the hot Latin Jazz of Tito Puente, Jr. on February 15; Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert on March 16; and an all-Tchaikovsky concert on April 12. To order tickets, please contact the Hershey Theatre Box Office at www.HersheyTheatre.com or call 717-534-3405.
Township Publications
If you have community news or an event that you would like to share in the township eNews, email it to jillh@derrytownship.org

Please note that listings should be related to local events and organizations. Events determined to be discriminatory, controversial, negative, or offensive to other persons or organizations, or which promote organizations engaging in such conduct will not be included.