Derry Township eNews - January 24, 2025

Current News

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The public is welcome to attend the Derry Township Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, January 28, 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 website; to view it, click the link.

Notice of Hearing

Notice of Hearing - The Derry Township Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Administration building at 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA. The hearing will review Conditional Use Application No. 2024-06 filed by Chocolate, LP, for a Group Child Care Facility at 1143 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA (Parcel Nos. 24-006-129, 24-006-130, and 24-006-131). The Board will consider public comment and evidence and may take action at the hearing. A digital copy of the application is available by email, and a paper copy can be accessed at the Community Development office. All interested parties are invited to attend.

WM - Early pick-up time

on Saturday, January 25, 2025

Due to the delay on Monday, January 20th, Waste Management will begin collections ONE HOUR EARLIER on Saturday, January 25, 2025, starting at 4:00 a.m. Please ensure your containers are placed out the night before to guarantee pickup. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.


Coffee with a Cop

Join the “Coffee with A Cop” for a community event at Starbucks™, located at 46 Outlet Square, as we kick off 2025 with a hot cup of coffee with great company! We’re excited for the Derry Township Police Department to be joined by the Pennsylvania State Police and their hosts at Starbucks™, for this special event on Monday, January 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. We hope to see you there! Click the link for details.

Hershey Lions Club Award Recognition

On January 21, 2025, the Hershey Lions Club hosted its annual recognition dinner to honor Derry Township’s Firefighter, Police Officer, and Teacher of the Year. The tradition, which began 39 years ago, added the Teacher of the Year award 25 years ago, rotating among local schools. This year’s honorees are Chris Stein (Firefighter of the Year), Jason Rode (Police Officer of the Year), and Maryanne Bonn (Teacher of the Year, Saint Joan of Arc School). Congratulations to the recipients, and thanks to the Hershey Lions Club for their continued support of this inspiring program. To view the honorees, click the link.

Hershey Theatre - 14 East Chocolate Renovation/Sidewalk Closure

Residents of the Township of Derry have been informed that the Hershey Theatre has planned a sidewalk closure for the 14 East Chocolate Renovation. The 11-month renovation will occur on East Caracas Avenue from January 21, 2025, to December 12, 2025. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay safe. Click the link to view the visual representation of the closure.

Public Works Department -

Christmas Tree Disposal

Residents are reminded that Waste Management WILL NOT pick up Christmas trees. The Public Works Department started picking up trees on January 6, 2025, and will 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 collection schedule, view the link here.

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(s) 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

2025 Board of Supervisor's Meeting Dates

Hershey Public Library Events

Hershey Reads Event:

Friends Edible Book Contest

Saturday, Jan. 25, 12:00 pm

Pull out the measuring cups! Dust off the cookbooks! It's time for the Edible Book Contest. Baking for the coveted Friends of the Hershey Public Library cake plate always renders fun, creative, and yummy results. Those entering, please register and fill out all the information in the registration form. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More details can be found on our website!

Chess Club

Saturday, Jan. 25, 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 details.

Family Game Room

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2:00 pm

Come play games at the library including Mario, Pokémon®, VR, and cooperative and competitive board games! Open to everyone looking to have fun together. Registration is helpful but not required. Click the link for more details.

Silent Book Group at

Starbucks in Towne Square

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 10:00 am

Grab your current read and join us at Starbucks in Hershey Towne Square. Everyone deserves an hour and a half of uninterrupted reading, and this is yours. The library will see you at Starbucks with your book! Click the link for more details.

Bad Movie Club

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 3:00 pm

We choose from the worst movies we love to watch... with fistfuls of popcorn! This time, we're watching "Teaching Mrs. Tingle," about a manipulative high-school history teacher held hostage by three students. (PG-13, 95 minutes) Can't make it? We're showing this again on Friday, February 7, at 3:00 p.m. For ages 13-18 only. Click the link for more details.

Gather at the Library

Board Game Night

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 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. Let's have fun!!!! Click the link for more details.


Community Crochet Night

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 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 details.


Palliative Care vs Hospice of Central PA

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6:00 pm

Join Hospice of Central Pennsylvania to discuss how hospice care and palliative care differ. Ask questions, bring up concerns, and build a map for future discussions with loved ones. Click the link for more details.

Teen Time

Thursday, Jan. 30, 3:00 pm

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

Winter Weather Closures

The Hershey Public Library sometimes closes in the case of inclement weather. 

There are several different ways to check if we are open: 

  1.  Call the library at 717-533-6555; we will place the information on our voicemail recording if we will be closed. 
  2. Our website includes announcements about weather delays or closings.  
  3. Check our Facebook page for updates. We pin announcements about closures to the top of the page.  
  4. We post information on the "Closing and Delays" pages for ABC27 and WGAL8.

Don't forget to stock up on books and movies before a storm. Stay warm this winter!

Parks & Recreation Events

Adult Rec League Survey

The Derry Township Community Center wants to hear from you. We are currently looking into adding Adult Rec Leagues to our programming. If this interests you, do us a favor and fill out our brief survey so we can bring more programming to our community! Follow the link and complete it today!

Free Aquatic Group Exercise Class!

We invite you to participate in a free class to meet our new Aquatic Group Exercise Instructor on Wednesday January 29th at 9:00 a.m. and February 5th at 10:00 a.m. No registration is required! Simply show up, check in at the front desk, and receive a wristband. Bring a friend along! Our staff will be available to answer your questions and assist with registration for future classes.

Water Worx

Our New Class, Water Worx, is a fun blend of cardio workout and resistance training, incorporating resistance tools such as aqua dumbbells and noodles, taught in the Leisure Pool. Registration now open! Classes offered on Monday's at 9:00 a.m. February 10, 17, 24, March 3 & Wednesday's at 9:00 a.m. February 12, 19, 26 March 5.

Scuba Diving

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

NEW Group Ex Afternoon/Evening Classes

New classes have been added to the Group Ex Schedule! Give our afternoon/evening classes a try!

Nutrition or Weight Loss Counseling

Looking to improve your diet or lose weight? Let our nutrition experts guide you in the right way! If you would like to learn more about this program, please email Jamie McGlaughlin.

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.

Basketball Clinics

Begins Feb. 2nd

The Derry Township Community Center has two exciting Basketball Clinic Opportunities coming up. On Sunday, January 19th, join instructor Josiah Peay for a 1.5-hour intensive skills clinic. Coach Peay will also be offering a 4-week clinic on Sundays, starting on Sunday, February 2nd. Space is limited. Register Today!

Pickleball Clinics

Begins Feb. 9th

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

Aqua Yoga

Begins Feb. 10th

Join us for a NEW aqua exercise class: AQUA YOGA! This low-impact aquatic exercise combines yoga principles and poses with the water's therapeutic properties.

Aqua Fusion

Begins Feb. 11th

Registration is now open for our Deep-Water Aquatic Exercise class, AQUA FUSION in the competition Pool Tuesday Feb 11, 18, 25 Mar 4 at 9:00 a.m.

Gentle Joints

Begins Feb. 12th

A new Aquatic Group Exercise program, Gentle Joints, is great for those who need to move with little resistance in the water and to help with Arthritis. Register now for class! Wednesday Feb 12, 19, 26 Mar 5 at 10:00 a.m.

Art Exploration

Begins Feb. 13th

Learn about various art techniques and artists, as well as materials, to create original artwork in each class. We will explore materials such as watercolors, oil pastels, paint markers, and more. Supplies are included in the cost of the program. Please dress appropriately to get messy! Click the link to register today!

ZooAmerica® Presentation

Begins Feb. 15th

Join us for an exciting family program featuring ZooAmerica®! Discover the incredible adaptations animals use to survive in the wild through an interactive presentation called "Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tails." This engaging event will showcase a variety of educational animals, offering a unique opportunity to learn about how creatures defend themselves, find food, eat, swim, and escape predators. Perfect for all ages, this program promises a fun and educational experience for the whole family! Space is limited, Register Today! All participants must be registered to attend (This includes adults).

Water S.E.T. GO!

Begins Feb. 24th

Join us for a NEW aqua exercise class: WATER S.E.T. GO! This mid-shallow aquatic group exercise class is for all abilities and levels. It focuses on interval training using cardio exercise and sometimes weight equipment for strength and conditioning all while listening to upbeat music!

DTCC Gift Cards

Want to share a wonderful gift of love this Valentine’s Day with a special someone in your life? Together, DTCC can assist you or your loved ones with creating those new beginnings, giving you that fresh start, enrolling in that class/program you've been wanting to try, or a reason to hit the gym to gain that self-image you've been dreaming about. All gift cards can be purchased online, by phone, or in person! Gift cards can be used to purchase any of our various membership packages, Aquatic, Recreation, and Fitness programs, Aquatic Exercise classes, use for daily admissions, and/or for our Cafe items located at the Front Desk. Gift Card amounts are customizable. Purchase today!

DTCC Memberships!

Roses are red, violets are blue, DTCC is here forever and ever, to love and support you! If you are looking for a wonderful gift of love this Valentine's Day for your loved ones, sign up for one of our various memberships today! Memberships can be purchased online, by phone, or in-person! If you have any questions, give us a call 717-533-7138 or email us parkshelpdesk@derrytowship.org! Buy a membership with us today!

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

Derry Township Community Center's February 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.

Hershey Horticulture Society

Monday, Feb. 3, 1:00 pm

Join the Hershey Horticulture Society on February 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., Brownstone Masonic Temple, 215 West Governor Road, Hershey, for the Topic: A Photographic Tour of Three English Gardens, presented by Deborah Musselman, HHS President. No pre-registration is required, and free to the public. All are welcome. Click the link for more information.

Heart 4 Hunger 2025

Saturday, Feb. 15, 5:00 pm

Sleek, Shimmer, Shine…It’s Heart 4 Hunger time! Join Cocoa Packs for their annual Hearts 4 Hunger event on February 15 at Hotel Hershey for a reception and dinner, a live & silent auction, black tie optional, and a cash bar. Sponsorship Opportunities and Individual Tickets Available Now! Click the link to purchase your ticket today!

Hershey Symphony

Saturday, Feb. 22, 7:30 pm

Join the Hershey Symphony in their upcoming performance of "Broadway's Bad Boys," on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Click the link for more details!

Hershey Little League

The Hershey Little League 2025 Spring Baseball Season for players ages 4-12 is now open! Teener levels are also available. The season runs approximately mid-March through mid-June. Click the link to learn more and get registered today.

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

Knotwork Band, Sunday, February 16, 4:00 pm

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 

December 10, 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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