Derry Township eNews - May 14, 2021
Current News
Road Closure
A major depression is forming on Orchard Road at Chocolate Avenue. This portion of the roadway will be closed from Chocolate Ave to W. Caracas Ave for safety concerns. Please use caution in the area.
Derry Township Supervisors Meeting
Watch the Derry Township Board of Supervisors meeting from May 7, 2021 on the Township YouTube channel.
National Police Week
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed into law designating May 15th as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. This also designated the week within which May 15th falls as National Police Week. During this time, we reflect on the sacrifices law enforcement officers across our nation make each and every day in their attempt to make their communities a safe place to live, work and play. Some of these officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their last full measure for their calling. It is our duty and honor to remember those women and men in order they never be forgotten. Those of us who are left behind to continue with this extremely difficult and dangerous job wish to take this moment to thank those who committed their entire being to this noble profession. The women and men of the Derry Township Police Department also pause to honor and remember one of our own, Michael L. Henry, Jr., whose End of Watch was on January 2, 2020. We miss you Mike and will continue to do the best we can, to carry on. We also want to thank our community, who we are blessed to have, and from whom we receive a great amount of support. You are why we do what we do. Thank you!
Traffic Issues on Downtown Streets
The Derry Township Police Department is taking extra efforts to enforce traffic laws on the downtown streets, specifically focusing enforcement efforts on W. Chocolate Avenue during times when there is a noticeable increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The goal of the enforcement is to increase our visibility downtown and to calm aggressive driving behaviors. The Police Department has also conducted a study of the roadways in the village area and has submitted Ordinance amendments to establish 25mph speed limits on various streets that previously had no posted speed limit. Once approved, the posting of the speed limits will assist in enforcement efforts and also help to raise awareness to those driving through the area.
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- Saturday, June 5th*
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 RIDERS must be vaccinated for Covid-19. Proof of vaccination is required. 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
Cocoa Castle Closes Temporarily
The Cocoa Castle Playground will be temporarily closed due to construction starting on May 3rd. The closure is expected to last several weeks. Please check for updates on the Derry Township Parks & Recreation Facebook page and at derrytownship.org.
Township Events
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Township Meetings and Events Calendars
Join Us at The Library
Piano Night in the r.g.
Friday, May 21 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Piano Night in the r.g. is open to any piano performer age 9 or older who wishes to share their talent and music with the community. Performers can sing as well play the piano; it doesn't need to be instrumental only. The event is open to the public. Registration is not required. Please bring lawn chairs and maybe a blanket. Kindly observe social distancing and wear a mask.
Virtual LEGO Club
Wednesday, May 19 - 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm

Budding architects and LEGO fanatics ages 6+ are welcome to join LEGO Club. A Zoom link will be provided along with the week's challenge via email prior to the club meeting. We will share related stories and videos and participants will have the opportunity to share the creations they made to meet the week's challenge. Please register online.
Growing Gardeners Storytime
Wednesday, May 20 - 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Join Ms. Rita and our Master Gardener friends in the Reading Garden for gardening themed stories and fun when the focus will be on seeds! We will follow current CDC guidelines for meeting outside. Register online for this family program to save your spot in the sun!
Fern Kokedama and Macrame Hanger Workshop by Terrarium Therapy
Saturday, May 22 - 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Join us for Knotting Tides and Terrarium Therapy for a fun and educational collaboration. The art of Kokedama literally translates from “koke” meaning moss and “dama” meaning ball. Kokedama is a traditional Japanese art form where the ball of soil is covered in moss to host a plant. During this very hands-on workshop, you will learn about ferns and the proper way to care for them along with a tutorial to create your very own macrame hanger to host your kokedama. This event will be hosted outdoors, practicing appropriate social distancing protocols. Please register on Eventbrite.
Community Blood Drive
Tuesday, May 25 - 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank runs a community blood drive at the library in Meeting Room #1. Please call the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank (CPBB) at 1-800-771-0059 or sign-up online to schedule an appointment with the CPBB. Walk-ins might have to wait if there are appointments at that time. Masks are required. A form of ID is required to donate. Donors must have eaten within a four-hour period prior to donating. If you are unable to attend the blood drive on this day, you may donate at a place and time more convenient to you, and when you give the library’s account # 1072, the library will be able to get credit for your donation. Thank you!
Community News and Events
Some Enchanted Evening Performance at the Playhouse
Hershey Area Playhouse is presenting Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, featuring a cast of more than 40 performers. The online performances will be held May 21, 22, and 23 at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at on the Hershey Area Playhouse website.
Shred Hunger Event
First United Methodist Church of Hershey is holding a “Shred Hunger” event on May 22 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the church parking lot, rear of 64 W. Chocolate Ave. The event features free document shredding by Shred-It plus collections for 3 local hunger relief organizations – Hershey Food Bank (nonperishable food), Bethesda Mission (#10 size cans), and Family Promise (Giant gift cards). More information may be found at http://firstumchershey.org/event/2058837-2021-05-22-shred-hunger-event/
Kickballapalooza
Join the Joy of Sports Foundation at Shank Park Field #1 for some good old fashioned kickball.

3rd-8th grade boys and girls are welcome for recreational co-ed kickball games.

Sundays, May 23rd and June 13th from 3-5 p.m.
AND
June 6th from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

To learn more or to register, visit www.joyofsportsfoundation.org
How to Talk to Kids about Race
Join Hershey Area All Things Diversity to learn how to help youth disrupt racism, change the norm through listening, develop empathy and create understanding for one another. 
 
This program will help to guide attendees in engaging youth in difficult conversations about race, and the impacts of racism on our youth. In addition to teachers and counseling staff from Milton Hershey School, teens will be on hand to offer their perspectives on approaching the topic of racism. 
 
Hershey Area All Things Diversity is a free series of programs to create awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion in our community. It is coordinated by Derry Township, The Hershey Story Museum, Derry Township School District, Milton Hershey School, The Hershey Company, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, and Hershey Trust Company. 
 
The program will be a virtual event livestreamed on the Derry Township YouTube channel. Please register to attend.
Hershey Area Playhouse to Host Open House on May 15
Join the Hershey Area Playhouse for an open house on May 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Themed Entr'acte, which means the start of Act 2, the event is both a fundraiser and a chance for our Playhouse community to come together to celebrate the arts in our community and the Playhouse reopening for visitors.

We are inviting family and friends to bring a blanket and settle on the Playhouse lawn to enjoy a variety of entertainment and festive activities. These include Broadway Roulette, a game-show style presentation of Broadway songs and crowd favorites, and audience participation Broadway Karaoke. The Playhouse will also be open for visitors and tours.

Onsite, guests can also purchase a gift card for future performances and learn more about group sales.
The event will be primarily outside, and guests must adhere to CDC guidelines. No RSVP is necessary—just head on over to the Playhouse lawn at 830 Cherry Drive on the grounds of Country Meadows in Hershey. This event is rain or shine.
Township Publications
Derry Township Newsletters
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Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes 
If you have a community news event that you would like to share in the township eNews, email it to eNews@derrytownship.org

Please note that listings should be related to local events. Submissions should be no more than a few sentences and include a link to a website with more information. 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.