Derry Township eNews - December 6, 2024

Current News

Board of Supervisor Meeting

The public is welcome to attend the Derry Township Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be held in person at the Derry Township Administration Building, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA 17033. The agenda will be available on the websiteClick on the website.

NOTICE: Board of Supervisor December Meeting(s)

This is a reminder to residents that the Derry Township Board of Supervisors has canceled the regular meetings scheduled for Tuesdays, December 3 and 17, 2024.

Notice to Derry Township Residents

The Township of Derry invites residents to apply for various board positions. The following open positions include Downtown Core Design Board, Park & Recreation Advisory Board, Industrial & Commercial Development Authority, Shade Tree Commission, Board of Library Directors, Zoning Hearing Board, and Planning Commission. They have extended the deadline by one week to Friday, December 13, 2024, to submit a letter of interest and resumé to 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA 17033, or email Christopher Christman. Appointments will be made at the January 6, 2025, Reorganization Meeting. Visit the link for more detailed information. 

Public Works Department -

Christmas Tree Disposal

Residents are reminded that Waste Management WILL NOT pick up Christmas trees. The Public Works Department will pick up the trees starting January 6, 2025, and continue until January 31, 2025 - WEATHER PERMITTING. The pickup will follow the fall leaf collection schedule. Trees should be free of all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands. Trees should be placed at CURBSIDE – no pickups will be made in alleys. As an additional option, any resident may dispose of their Christmas tree at the Township Recycling Center, at no cost, during normal operating hours. To view hours and the leaf schedule, view the link here.

DTMA - Stormwater Management

Program Project Update

The Derry Township Municipal Authority is providing an update on recent developments, including work on the storm sewer system at the intersection of Ridge Road and West Chocolate Avenue, upcoming phases of the project, and storm sewer replacements on Bittersweet Drive. Click the link for full details.

The Hershey Volunteer

Fire Company - Santa is Coming to Town!

Exciting News from the Hershey Volunteer Fire Company! The Hershey Volunteer Fire Company has received a special phone call... and guess what? Santa is coming to town! Check out the schedule below to see when Santa will drive through your neighborhood. Don’t miss out on the holiday magic – click the link for all the details! (Please remember Santa can't drive down every street.)

Traffic Alert - Hamilton showing

at the Hershey Theatre

The Township of Derry would like to inform residents that increased congestion may continue due to the Hershey Theatre's showing of Hamilton, which began on November 26 and runs through Sunday, December 8. Please remain alert while driving or walking in the area and allow extra travel time. Thank you.

Sound the Alarm - Save a Life

Home fires claim seven lives every day, but working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of death by half. That’s why the American Red Cross is rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms nationwide through Sound the Alarm events. Join them for a rewarding day of service by helping install FREE smoke alarms in your community. Request an installation today! Click the link to learn more.

Social Media Accounts - DTCC &

Township of Derry

Check out our social media accounts for the Derry Township Community Center and Township of Derry/Community Matters! Follow the Derry Township Community Center on Facebook and Instagram and stay connected with the Township's Facebook page. Keep following us for updates!

Protect Your Holiday Deliveries

from Porch Pirates!

To prevent your holiday packages from being taken, the Derry Township Police Department has shared essential tips to keep your deliveries safe. Don't let your gifts be a target! Follow the link to learn more and keep your holiday season stress-free!

Public Works - Removal of Recreational Equipment from

Right-of-way

During street sweeping, leaf picking, and snow plowing operations, freestanding basketball nets, soccer goals, and any other sporting equipment located along curbs, in alleys, and the street pose a serious safety issue to the drivers performing their duties either sweeping, collecting leaves, or plowing snow. The Department is asking that this equipment be moved from the roadway and alley, so they do not overhang or protrude into the right-of-way. The Township of Derry will not reimburse for any damage to basketball nets/poles, or any other recreational equipment located within the right-of-way that is damaged while performing the above-listed operations. The Township of Derry will seek full payment for any damage to any equipment caused by recreational equipment located within the right-of-way. 

NEW Everbridge Sign-Up

Residents, have you registered yet to receive emergency notifications for flash floods, police, fire, and public health emergencies? The Township of Derry has upgraded from Nixle to Everbridge, a more advanced Emergency Alert and Notification System. Everbridge subscribers receive critical alerts about police, fire, severe weather, and health and safety events. Registration is quick and easy, allowing you to choose your preferred delivery method—text, email, or phone call—and to set preferred times for receiving notifications. Please note that emergency alerts will override these settings to ensure your safety. Click the link to register today!

Township Meetings & Event(s) Calendars

Hershey Public Library's Events Calendar

2024 Board of Supervisor's Meeting Dates

Hershey Public Library Events

Pop-Up Booksale

Dec. 6 & 7, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Friends of the Library are hosting a Pop-Up booksale! Come enjoy a Holiday shopping opportunity for the whole family. The sale includes puzzles and games, hardback fiction, comics, and some children’s items. Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted. Proceeds benefit library programming. Click the link for more details.

Patrick Kerssen Trio:

Vince Guaraldi:

The Mad Behind the Peanuts

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2:00 pm

Great for the holiday season, Patrick and his trio perform all of the best-known tracks from the "Peanuts" specials, culminating in a Charlie Brown Christmas-style dance party to finish up the show, always sure to leave the audience smiling! Click the link for more details, and REGISTER.

Chess Club

Saturday, Dec. 7, 1:00 pm

Join the Chess Club for a fun afternoon of chess. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Click the link for more event details.

Philosophers' Round Table

Discussion Group

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2:00 pm

Register to join the round table discussion led by Jim Logue and engage in the Socratic method to delve into philosophical discussions and share opinions neutrally and respectfully without interruption. The group will choose a philosophical issue each month, and those attending will learn and discuss it in an open and respectful atmosphere. It's a great way to engage and expand your mind. Ages 18 and older, please. Click the link for more event details and to REGISTER.

Gather at the Library

Board Night

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5:00 pm

Come to the library and play! We will have board game options, or you can bring your own to share. Bring friends, family, and the whole gang! Click the link for more event details.



Community Crochet Night

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6:00 pm

Spend the evening crocheting with Rita and other community crafters. Bring your current project, ask questions, build a community, and make something new! This is a free event for crocheters of all levels. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. Click the link for more event details.

Teen Time

Thursday, Dec. 12, 3:00 pm

Drop into the Teen Space on Thursdays after school for snacks, video games, and crafts! This event is for teens in grades 7-12. Click the link for more event details.

Book Fair for Grown-Ups!

Friday, Dec. 13, 7:00 pm

Unwrap the joy of reading at our first after-hours adult book fair where you can discover the perfect gift for the readers on your list or find something special for yourself. Explore the selection curated by Cupboard Maker Books- including cozy mysteries, science-fiction, historical fiction, and even author-signed books. The best part of this evening is that a percentage of sales will be donated to the library.   Click the link for more event details.

Parks & Recreation Events

DTCC's Christmas and New Year

Holiday Hours

As the holiday season is upon us, Derry Township Community Center would like to inform every one of our holiday hours for

Christmas and New Year's this year.

Chocolate Splash Swim Meet

Pool Updates

Due to a scheduled swim meet, the competition pool will be closed starting Friday, December 6th at 2:00 p.m. and will reopen at the normal time on Monday, December 9th. The leisure pool will remain open throughout the weekend. Please refer to our pool calendars so you're up to date. Visit our website here to access those pool calendars.

Aquatic Classes

Get ready to sign up for aquatic exercise classes by getting familiar with the new registration format for 2025!

3rd Annual Santa's Holiday Swim Fest

Our 3rd Annual Santa's Holiday Swim Fest is back and will take place on Friday, December 13th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You are not going to want to miss out on this fun event to meet Santa, create fun crafts, and have time to swim in our Leisure Pool!

Scuba Diving at DTCC!

Interested in learning how to Scuba Dive? We are offering a scuba course each month run by Get-N-Wet scuba! Classes will run December 14-15, January 11-12, February 22-23, March 15-16, and April 19-20! All registration can be completed through their website.

Personal Training at DTCC!

Don't wait until the New Year to get on track with your fitness program. Personal Training can jump start your fitness plan now, improve your health and self-image, and provide the motivation you need to achieve your goals. Be healthier through the holidays! Contact Jamie McGlaughlin for more information.

Pickleball Clinics

Our next session of pickleball clinics is approaching. Classes fill up quickly, so make sure to enroll today!

Voice Lessons

Begins Jan. 4th

Focus on developing basic singing techniques, including proper breathing, vocal tone production, diction, dynamics, and musical phrasing, with an emphasis on applying these skills to a variety of music, incorporating this through warm-up exercises and performances! Enroll now and watch them grow as confident and skilled performers!

Weight Loss the RIGHT Way

Begins Jan. 6th

If weight loss is one of your goals or even a New Year's resolution, this 4-week course is for you! The sessions will show you how to sensibly and permanently lose weight. Topics will include information on general nutrition, macronutrients, blood sugar control, and intermittent fasting, to name a few. In addition to the group sessions, each participant will meet once with Lauren for a one-on-one to ensure individual goals are met. With all the conflicting information out there, you don't have to figure it out by yourself. Having a mentor alongside you can make all the difference! Follow the link to register today!

Next Generation Yoga®

with Cindy Lesher • After School Yoga Winter Session

Begins Jan. 7th

Ages 5-7 | 4:30-5:15 pm

Ages 8-10 | 5:30-6:15 pm

Ages 11-15 | 3:15-4:15 pm


Join Cindy Lesher’s Next Generation Yoga® winter classes! These playful yet purposeful yoga classes follow adult yoga sequences while incorporating traditional poses, breathwork, mindfulness, relaxation, creativity, learning, visualization, sensory integration, and fun activities. Classes are tailored to specific age groups and use props, music, books, and games to engage students. Register for all classes here!

Art Exploration

Begins Jan. 9th

Art Exploration is back this fall, starting on January 9th! This BRAND-NEW session is a class for children ages 4-6, as well as ages 6-10! Sign up your child up today for a fun art experience!

DTCC - Gift Cards!

The holidays are quickly approaching! Give your family and friends the gift of health and wellness this season with a Derry Township Community Center gift card! All gift cards can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person! Gift cards can be redeemed to buy a membership, daily passes, programs, or cafe item(s)! Click to purchase today!

December Newsletter

Join us this December for festive events, exciting programs, and community fun! From holiday activities to fitness classes, there's something for everyone. Our December newsletter will keep you updated on all our upcoming events and special offers! Let’s make this season merry and bright together at the Derry Community Center! Click the link for the latest news, schedules, and holiday happenings. 

New Year, New YOU, Memberships!

Each day is a new opportunity to improve yourself, but a new year is an opportunity to challenge yourself! Start the New Year out right by crushin' your fitness goals with a membership to the Derry Township Community Center (DTCC) or buy a gift of health and wellness for that special someone in your life! Try something new, whether that's a program or workout class, get those workouts or steps in throughout your day, or simply get out in the community and meet new people! DTCC is here to support all of your new, challenging New Year's goals! You will have access to our pools, fitness center, gymnasium, activity lounge, and fitness group exercise classes! Registration can be completed online, over the phone, or in person with the assistance of our Front Desk staff! If you are completing registration online and are a resident, please email or call to get your residency verified and added to your family account before processing a transaction! Buy a membership with us today!

Follow the link(s) below for more Parks & Recreation Program Offerings:

Derry Township Community Center's December Newsletter

Derry Township Parks and Recreation (activecommunities.com)

Community News and Events

Leader Center for Active Life

See what's happening at the Leader Center for Active Life. Take a look at their Newsletter! If you would like to learn more about the center, you can visit the website.

"Light Up" Downtown Hershey Event

Check out the exciting upcoming "Light Up" Downtown Hershey event! Be sure to mark your calendars—for this event and so much more!

Cocoa Packs Upcoming Events

Check out upcoming events at Cocoa Packs this holiday season! Visit CocoaPacks.org/Presents for event details and learn how you can help brighten the season for children!

Hershey History Center's La Festa Italiana: Feast of the Seven Fishes

Saturday, Dec. 7, 5:00 pm

Join the Hershey History Center for La Festa Italiana, celebrating Hershey's Italian heritage through food, music, and culture. This year’s theme is Feast of the Seven Fishes, a culinary holiday tradition featuring hors d'oeuvres, seven seafood courses, aperitivo, and digestive. BYOB, enjoy live music by Joe Caliva and Erin Echo Austin, and participate in a silent auction. Note: Seafood and shellfish will be served, no gluten-free options. To purchase tickets online and find more information, visit the website.

Hershey Community Chorus

Friday, Dec. 6, 7:00 pm

Sunday, Dec. 8, 3:00 pm

The Hershey Community Chorus celebrates “Cheers to 90 Years” - A Holiday Celebration under the direction of Mr. Matt Dickinson with piano accompaniment by Karen Kline. Traditional and contemporary tunes will be featured, all with some connection to the year 1934, to commemorate the founding of the Hershey Community Chorus. The Concerts will be presented on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at The Hershey Story Museum, 63 W. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, and Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m. at The Hershey Free Church, 330 Hilltop Road, Hummelstown. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for students, and children under 5 are free. Please visit the HCC website for further details.

12th Annual TubaChristmas

Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 pm

Come to the 12th Annual TubaChristmas, a free concert at Hershey Middle School on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to play in the concert is welcome to bring their instrument at 5:30 p.m. in the school's lobby. The rehearsal begins at 6:00 p.m. For more information and concert details, click the link or contact Douglas Beatty.

Hershey Symphony

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2:00 & 7:30 pm

Hershey Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Spectacular is on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The musicians will bring the holiday spirit to the Hershey Theatre stage and perform beloved favorites and some exciting new arrangements under the direction of Maestro Gregory Woodbridge. Click the link to learn more information.

Senior Citizen's Council of

Derry Township - "The People Mover" Upcoming Event

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2:00 pm

Join The People Mover volunteers for an open house at the Derry Township Community Center on January 11, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. To celebrate 50 years and 1.3 million miles of service to Derry Township seniors since their first ride on January 3, 1975. Please stop in and help celebrate with us! Meet volunteers and learn about our long history, all while enjoying culinary delights provided by Country Meadows of Hershey. Attendees will also be able to explore rewarding volunteer opportunities with The People Mover. Mark your calendars! To learn more about The People Mover, visit the website.

Hershey Soccer Club

Registration is Open Now!

Join the Hershey Soccer Club on Saturday mornings at the Derry Township Community Center from January 11 through March 8, 2025. The winter soccer program is designed for players to practice skills and have fun with other teammates once a week. Registration is open now. To learn more and to register, click the link.

Joy of Sports Foundation

Joy of Sports Foundation invites you to explore the fantastic programs, events, and initiatives happening now and in the upcoming year. Whether you're looking to get involved, develop new skills, or support the growth of sports in our area, we have something for everyone. Don’t miss out on being part of something special! Click the link to learn more and get involved today.

Hershey Figure Skating Club

The Hershey Figure Skating Club is offering "Learn to Skate" classes. All ages are welcome. Classes are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. To learn more about these classes, click the link.

Community Outreach Programs

We are excited to share upcoming events with you as part of our commitment to keeping our community informed and engaged. By clicking on the links below, you can access all the details about local church event(s), including their date, time, and location. We invite you to explore their websites and find events that interest you. Whatever you're looking for, there's something for everyone. Stay connected and be a part of our vibrant and welcoming community!


Derry Presbyterian Church, Upcoming Events

Cookie Walk and Jumbles Shop, Saturday, December 7, 9:00 am


"A Derry Christmas" Concert Features Choir, Handbells, Percussions, and Orchestra, Sunday, December 8, 3:00 pm


Derry Church's "Longest Night" Worship, Tuesday, December 17, 6:00 pm


Christmas Eve Service, Candlelight Service(s), Tuesday, December 24, 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm, Christmas Morning Service, Wednesday, December 25, 10:30 am


Stoverdale United Methodist Church

Food Drive, December 14, 9:00 am

Township Job Postings

Are you looking for a job opportunity with the Township of Derry? We've got you covered! Our employment page features current job openings with detailed descriptions and requirements. Whether looking for a full-time or part-time job, you can find all the information on our website.


Join our team and make a difference in the Township of Derry community!


Derry Township Community Center

Lifeguard (Part-time)

Derry Township Police Department

Community Service Officer (Part-time)

School Crossing Guard (Part-time)

Derry Township Public Works Department

Seasonal Laborer (Part-time)

Township Resources

Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes 

November 12, 2024

Sign up for the Everbridge Emergency Alert System

at this link.

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.
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