Updates from MESA – Winter 2025
Two MESA Team Members Now ‘Car Seat Certified’
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about half of all child car seats are installed incorrectly, significantly reducing their effectiveness in a crash. Proper car seat installation is essential to help children stay safe when traveling in a vehicle and maximizing protection.
Earlier this year, two Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County (MESA) team members became “Car Seat Certified,” which is a national certification for technicians who teach people how to use car seats correctly.
To be Car Seat Certified means to have completed extensive training covering the proper installation, use, and selection of car seats for various ages and vehicles. Car Seat Certified individuals are knowledgeable about state laws, different types of car seats (rear-facing, forward-facing, boosters), and how to accommodate special needs. Certification requires passing both written and hands-on examinations and is typically renewed every two years through continuing education.
Make a Car Seat Inspection Visit
Offering car seat inspections is one more way MESA helps keep our community safe!
MESA is now accepting appointments for car seat inspections. During a car seat inspection visit, MESA will:
- Review your car seat’s history to ensure it hasn’t been recalled, isn’t expired, and wasn’t involved in a moderate-to-severe crash.
- Demonstrate proper installation using your specific car and seat, including checking for tightness (less than one inch of movement side-to-side and front-to-back at the belt path) and correct angle.
- Verify the harness fit on your child, ensuring the chest clip is at armpit level and the straps are snug against the child’s body.
- Answer any questions and practice installation with you so you feel confident doing it yourself.
MESA also has a limited supply of car seats available, donated by the American Trauma Society, for families who lack financial resources or have an immediate need due to an accident that damaged a car seat.
For more information or to schedule a car seat inspection, call MESA at 717-361-8220. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm.
Attention Paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs: Apply Now
MESA is hiring full-time, day-shift paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs! If you want to work in a welcoming and family-like environment with competitive pay, benefits and time-off, we may be the right fit for you. Visit www.mesalancasterpa.gov to learn more and complete an application.
2025 Trick or Treat – FRIDAY, October 31st, 6:00pm-8:00pm
2025 Trick or Treat night will be held on Friday, October 31st from 6pm – 8pm
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- The recommended date and time for Trick or Treat is done for the safety of those participating and does not prohibit or prevent residents from conducting Trick or Treat activities on other dates or times.
- This recommended date and time will not be changed, altered or cancelled, for any reason, including the possibility of inclement weather.
- Participation in Trick or Treat is voluntary. Please make decisions based on your personal comfort level after considering all factors, including inclement weather.
Parents can help make sure this Halloween will be a safe one by following these tips:
- Costumes should be bright and reflective, not drag on the ground, and masks should allow for unobstructed vision. Ensure shoes fit properly and are comfortable for walking.
- Young children should be accompanied by an adult, even if it’s not a parent.
- Pack a flashlight in each candy bag for walking after dark.
- Avoid houses that are dark.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, and use a flashlight for safety.
- Keep a cell phone handy to call 911 in case of emergency.
- Inspect all candy before eating — while tampering is rare, it’s always best to be cautious.
Tips for Homeowners
- Keep your yard clear of tripping hazards such as hoses, ladders, flowerpots, dog toys, or unlit steps.
- Use battery-powered lights in Jack-O-Lanterns instead of candles to prevent fires.
- Secure pets in a room away from trick-or-treaters — and remember, chocolate is harmful to animals.
Neighborly Reminders
- Knock or ring only once: If no one answers, move on to the next house.
- Lights off? Skip the house: Turning off outdoor lights signals that you’re not participating.
Payment Drop Box Has Been Relocated!
Please note that the Township’s payment drop box has been relocated to the front entrance of the Township building.
Residents may use this drop box to submit trash and sewer payments at any time, without needing to enter the building. This box is checked twice each weekday to ensure payments are processed promptly. We hope this new location provides added convenience and easy access for our residents.
Here’s a look at the new drop box location:
Trash Tags Now Available at Milanof-Schock Library!
We are pleased to announce that Trash Tags are now available for purchase at the Milanof-Schock Library for East Donegal Township residents!
The library is located at: 1184 Anderson Ferry Rd, Mount Joy, PA 17552
Library Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Tag Pricing:
- Extra Trash: $1.00
- Yard Waste: $2.00
- Oversized Item: $5.00
- Tire or Rim: $4.00 (Collected and sold twice per year)
- Appliance: $15.00 (Collected and sold twice per year)
Please refer to the East Donegal Township 2025 Special Pickup Schedule for collection dates for Tires, Rims, and Appliances.
Grab your tags today and help keep our community clean!
Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Position
East Donegal Township is accepting applications for the position of Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer. This full-time role is a hybrid position combining duties of Zoning Officer, Building Code Official (UCC Administrator), Construction Code Official, and Floodplain Administrator.
Key responsibilities include reviewing and processing permit applications, conducting field inspections, investigating and enforcing zoning and code violations, coordinating with third-party inspection agencies and engineering consultants, and representing the Township in meetings, hearings and court proceedings. The position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while maintaining positive relationships with residents, contractors, and officials.
Candidates must hold a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and maintain certification as a Building Code Official. Some evening meetings and occasional emergency response are required.
Click here for the full job description.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, résumé, salary expectations, and a completed Employment Application to Township Manager Scott Kingsboro at Scott@eastdonegaltwp.com
Alternatively, application materials may be mailed to:
East Donegal Township
190 Rock Point Road
Marietta, PA 17547
Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2025, or until the position is filled.
New Walking Path in Progress!
We’re excited to share that construction is underway on a new walking path connecting Fuhrman Park to the Township Building! This path is being built to provide safe and easy access for all residents — whether you’re heading to community events, meetings, or just enjoying a walk through the park.
Thank you for your patience as we complete this project to improve accessibility for everyone in our community!
USDA Designates Pennsylvania County as Natural Disaster Area for Excessive Heat and Drought
USDA Designates Pennsylvania County as Natural Disaster Area for Excessive Heat and Drought
This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
Impacted Area: Pennsylvania
Triggering Disaster: Excessive Heat and Drought
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
Primary Counties Eligible:
- Pennsylvania: York
Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
- Pennsylvania: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster
- Maryland: Baltimore, Carroll, Hartford
More Resources
On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Community Shredding Event – Saturday, September 13, 2025
Hosted by:
East Donegal Township • West Donegal Township • Mount Joy Township
WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2025
TIME: 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
WHERE: East Donegal Township Municipal Building – 190 Rock Point Road, Marietta, PA
Support Our Local Food Banks!
Bring non-perishable, unopened canned or boxed food items.
Monetary donations are also welcome.
Please DO NOT bring perishable or expired food items.
✅ Items Accepted for Shredding
- White or colored paper
- Checks
- Envelopes
- Fax paper
- File folders
- Green bar paper
- Paper with staples or paperclips (if they cannot be removed)
❌ Items NOT Accepted
- Binder clips, ring/plastic/hanging file folders
- Hard drives, x-rays, microfiche
- CDs, DVDs, electronics, batteries
- Syringes, medical waste
- Glass, cans, cardboard, Styrofoam
- Ink/toner cartridges, food, trash, hardback books
- Metal items – #1 cause of shredding fires
- Lithium batteries – #2 cause of shredding fires
⚠️ Please inspect your materials before arrival to ensure all items are safe and acceptable for shredding.
Protect your identity. Help your community. Stay safe.
Questions? Contact East Donegal Township for more information at (717) 426-3167.
School Bus Safety Reminder
School is back in session! Please remember: Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to STOP when a school bus has flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended. Protect our children—know the law, stop for school buses, and keep our roads safe.
2025 Township Scholarship Winner Announced
The East Donegal Township Board of Supervisors recognized the 2025 Township Scholarship recipient, Ms. Julia Brixius, at the Board’s August 7th, 2025, public meeting. As this scholarship winner Ms. Brixius will receive $1,000.00, which may be used for tuition, books, and fees. Julia is the daughter of Aleisha and Timothy Brixius and she plans on attending Bucknell University pursuing a degree in environmental science.
The Board of Supervisors have implemented the scholarship program to recognize outstanding Donegal High School graduates that are residents of East Donegal Township. Applications for the scholarship are available annually, each spring, at Donegal High School and the Township office. The recipient is announced during the Donegal School District’s annual Senior Awards Night.