Derry Township eNews - November 15, 2024

Current News

Board of Supervisor Meeting Available

The Derry Township Board of Supervisors held its budget hearing at 5:30 pm and its regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm. The recording(s) can be accessed when available by clicking the link below. Click on the website.

NOTICE: Board of Supervisor December Meeting(s)

The Derry Township Board of Supervisors has canceled the regular meetings scheduled for December 3 and 17, 2024. A single meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Derry Township Administration Building, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA 17033. The public is invited, and the agenda will be posted on the township website.

Notice to Derry Township Residents

Derry Township 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. Submit a letter of interest and resumé by December 6, 2024, 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. 

Township & DTCC Facebook

Account Hacked

The Township of Derry and the Derry Township Community Center’s Facebook page was temporarily compromised. We are currently working to resolve this issue and appreciate your patience as we investigate and work to restore complete control. For the latest updates and accurate information, please visit our website. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Township Leaf Collection Schedule

Check out the 2024 Leaf Collection Schedule on our Township website for all the details. Stay informed on pickup dates and guidelines to ensure a smooth collection process. Click the link to access the schedule directly.

Single Stream Recycling Guidelines

Waste Management (WM) allows you to place all your recyclables in one container for collection. No sorting is necessary. Recycling items are plastic and glass bottles/containers, aluminum, tin or steel cans, paper products,

and cardboard. Click this link to view single-stream recycling guidelines. 

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. 

Derry Township's Veterans Day Ceremony Dedication

at Chocolate Town Park

On Monday, November 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., the Township of Derry Board of Supervisors, joined by special guests, celebrated the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial at Chocolate Town Park. This memorial stands as a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women of Derry Township, honoring their service and sacrifice in defending our freedom. Click the link to view images from this special occasion.

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

Wendy Makes DIY Card Class

Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 am

Make two seasonal cards with Wendy's guidance as your creative coach. Feel free to stop by anytime between 11 am - 1:30 pm. The class costs $10. Click the link for more details, and to REGISTER.

Chess Club

Saturday, Nov. 16, 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.

Fused Glass with Kathleen Forney

Saturday, Nov. 16, 1:00 pm

Join Kathleen Forney, a local artist, as she walks you through making a curved plate out of fused glass. Once you have assembled your plate, Kathleen will collect your creation and fire it in her kiln. The cost is $50.00, and the class is 3 hours. Click the link for more event details.

Dungeons and Dragons 101:

How to Build a Character

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 3:00 pm

Welcome adventurers! In this session, we will learn all about character creation and build our characters. If there's time, we will try out our new characters by taking on the nefarious Necromancer. If you have yet to attend the previous session, please feel free to join! For ages 12-18. Click the link for more event details.

True Crime: Servant Girl

Murders of 1885

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6:30 pm

Join Jeff Goble, retired from law enforcement, as we dive into the Servant Girl Murders of 1885 in Austin, TX. This is a 2-part series with homework. Click the link for more event details, and to REGISTER.

Community Crochet Night

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 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. It is appropriate for ages 12 and older. Click the link for more event details.

Teen Time

Thursday, Nov. 21, 3:00 pm

Drop in to 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.

Parks & Recreation Events

DTCC's Thanksgiving Hours

It's hard to believe the Thanksgiving holiday is quickly approaching! Please view our holiday hours in November!

Tennis Court Closures

All Tennis Courts at the Derry Township Community Center will be closed Tuesday, November 19th and Wednesday November 20th for repairs. Tennis Courts will re-open on Thursday November 21st.

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 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Registration opens for members on November 22nd and non-members of November 25th. 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! 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!

Art Exploration Classes

Art Exploration starts on November 21! This new session is a class for children ages 4-6 and 6-10! Sign your child up today for a fun art experience!

SilverSneakers - Open Enrollment

It's that time of year again! Open Enrollment season has begun! To keep everyone informed during the Open Enrollment timeframe, Derry Township Community Center (DTCC) will continue to work with those participating in SilverSneakers. DTCC will continue to only participate with SilverSneakers as we continue to evaluate our participation within the SilverSneakers program. We are not currently looking to expand to other fitness programs at this time. If your insurance company is no longer participating in the SilverSneakers fitness program, please email us at parkshelpdesk@derrytownship.org to let us know when your new insurance fitness program will be going into effect.

Silver Sneakers- NEW Members

Interested in becoming a SilverSneakers Member at the Derry Township Community Center? Feel free to register at our Front Desk, call 717-533-7138 to speak with our Front

Desk Attendants to assist you, or email us today via the parkshelpdesk@derrytownship.org! Prior to registration, please check your eligibility with SilverSneakers and have your SilverSneakers 16-Digit ID number ready for registration! Your 16-Digit ID number is required for our SilverSneaker Membership registration process. If you would like, you are welcome to fill out our New Member SilverSneakers Form online and submit it to us by printing off the form and bringing it into the facility or emailing it to us. We process each of our applications by creating or updating your account with us, checking your SilverSneakers eligibility, registering your membership, and taking your picture to print off a membership card! This process is time consuming with our high volume of applications, so please be patient with us! It could take 5-7 business days to complete. We would love to have you as a member. Submit an application today!

Go Mobile with your

Membership Card!

Originally, Derry Township Community Center was assisting our members who wished to have an electronic version of their membership cards to swipe into the facility using the Stocard App. Unfortunately, Stocard has been bought out by another consumer and changing their app to something new. We at DTCC found two new apps to replace the use of the Stocard App. If you are interested in continuing to have access electronically through your phone or smartwatch to swipe in your membership cards, please feel free to download either the VirtualCards app or the Key Ring app! DTCC is not associated with any of these apps professionally. We just research and test to see what is best for our customers to use within our facility. We do not have any contracts or rights to these applications. You are also more than welcome to use any other app as well!

Fall Memberships

Let the time of hot chocolate mornings, sweater weather, toasty marshmallow evenings, football, and jumping into a pile of leaves begin! And what better way to enjoy the Fall season than getting a membership with DTCC! Join us for some indoor pool fun, extended slide times, great workouts, programs, and meeting new people of all ages! Click to purchase today!

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

Derry Township Community Center's November 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.

Downtown Hershey Association

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye on the exciting upcoming events at Life on Chocolate in Downtown Hershey! From festive holiday celebrations to fun, family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season. Be sure to mark your calendars—these are events you won’t want to miss!

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 Art Association - Open House

Saturday, Nov. 23, 1:00 pm

The Hershey Area Art Association Holiday Art Display at Country Meadows, 451 Sand Hill Road, Hershey, beginning on November 3rd through November 30th. Their Open House will be on November 23, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. View more information, by clicking the link.

Derry Township Community Cats

Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:00 am

Join Derry Township Community Cats for the annual “Stuff the Truck” event—the organization’s largest fundraiser! It will be held at Karn’s in Hershey on November 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click the link for more information.

Hershey History Center -

Upcoming Events

Vendor Lineup for Makers Market

Sunday, Nov. 17, 11:00 am

The Hershey History Center and Stay Apparel Co. will host its final 2024 Makers at the Museum Makers Market on Nov. 17, welcoming nearly 25 area artisans to the Hershey History Center. For more information, click the link.

Holiday Train Show

Begins Nov. 29th

All aboard for the 2024 Holiday Train Show! From November 29 to December 30, enjoy a festive model train display included with museum admission. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm (last admission at 3:45 pm). Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Visit the website for details.

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 pm at The Hershey Story Museum, 63 W. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, and Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 pm 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.

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.

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, 2205. 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.

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

Cookie Walk and Jumbles Shop Set, 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 Offers Comfort, Tuesday, December 17, 6:00 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 

October 22, 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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