Derry Township eNews - November 08, 2024

Current News

Board of Supervisor Meeting

The Derry Township Budget Hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Both meetings will occur in person at the Derry Township Administration Building, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA 17033. The public is welcome, and the agendas will be available on the township website. Click on the 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. 

Veterans Memorial Ceremony

The Township of Derry is honored to announce the dedication and ceremony for the new Veterans Memorial, taking place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Chocolate Town Park. The ceremony celebrates the construction of the Veterans Memorial, a tribute to the brave men and women of Derry Township for their service and sacrifice. Click 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.

NEW Bare Root Trees on

Derry Township's public right-of-way

On Saturday, November 9th, 2024, volunteers will plant 31 new trees in Derry Township’s public spaces thanks to a TreePennsylvania grant. This project supports Pennsylvania’s goal to grow community forests and tree canopies. Learn more about TreePennsylvania’s Bare Root Tree Grant program by clicking the link.

Tree Planting Volunteers Needed

Derry Township and the Derry Environmental Action Committee are planting thirty trees on a Saturday in early November. More volunteers are needed to help plant these trees. Which Saturday will depend on the date of the delivery of the trees, which is not yet known. The trees will be planted between 9:00 a.m. and about 11:00 a.m. Volunteers are asked to wear work clothes, bring drinking water, and a ground shovel. If you are interested, please contact Chuck Gassert at 717-460-7684.

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. 

Township of Derry - Police Department Business Manager - Now Hiring!

The Derry Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Business Manager. This is a full-time, civilian administrative position responsible for the fiscal management and logistical operation of the Police Department. Click here for more information and an application.  The Derry Township Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Age, Gender, Marital Status, Race, Color, Creed, National Origin, Political Affiliation, Religion, or Disability. Any person needing accommodation per the Americans with Disabilities Act during the application process contact 717-533-5498.

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

Storytimes Resume!

Begins Nov. 11th

Wiggle, read, sing, and learn at the library with another 6-week session. Register to receive reminders for each session and stay up to date on all the fun.

Books and Babies - Mondays at 10:15 am

1, 2, Whee! - Tuesdays at 10:15 am

Storytime for Everyone -

Mondays at 11 am and Thursdays at 10:15 am

Chess Tournament

Saturday, Nov. 9, 10:00 am

USCF-Rated Chess Tournament Format: Open (all ages) and Scholastic Quads. Quads are 4-player sections. Each player plays one game vs each player in his/her quad. Click the link for more details, and to REGISTER.

Friends Film Festival: Only You

Monday, Nov. 11, 2:00 pm

Join the Friends of the Hershey Public Library to escape to Italy with a series of films while enjoying special treats! Only You (1994) with Marisa Tomei & Robert Downey Jr. - An idealistic schoolteacher flies to Italy to pursue a shoe salesman whom she believes to be her soul mate. Click the link for more event details.

Silent Book Group at

Starbucks in Towne Square

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 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 event details.

Philosophers' Round Table

Discussion Group

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2:00 pm

Register to join the round table discussion led by Jim Logue and engage in the Socratic method. Each month the group will choose a philosophical issue and those attending will learn and discuss in an open and respectful atmosphere. Click the link for more event details, and to REGISTER.

Teen Advisory Board

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 3:00 pm

Come together with other teens to help steer the direction of teen programs and initiatives at Hershey Public Library. If you did not attend the previous meeting, please feel free to join in! For ages 12-18. Click the link for more event details, and to REGISTER.

Inca Glories: The Rise and Fall

of the Greatest Empire of the

Americas with John Maietta

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:00 pm

The program explores the fascinating culture of the Incas, the swift collapse of their society after the Spanish conquest of 1533, the rediscovery of the mountaintop wonders of Machu Picchu in 1911, and the persistence of Inca influence today. Click the link for more event details and to REGISTER.

Gather at the Library

Board Game Night

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 5:00 pm

Come to the library and play! We have board games for all ages, but please feel free to bring your own. Click the link for more event details.


Community Crochet Night

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 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.


Daily Practices for Rejuvenating Sleep with Lindsay

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 pm

During this interactive presentation, we will review the current state of sleep for the average person, shedding light on some common experiences that many of us may also share. Most importantly, we will take a deep dive into several practical strategies that you can take to get closer to experiencing the seemingly mysterious and elusive idea of quality sleep. There is a $5 fee for this program paid directly to Lindsay on the day of the event.  Click the link for more event details, and to REGISTER.

Teen Time

Thursday, Nov. 14, 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!

DTCC Temporary Parking Lot Closures

The Derry Township Community Center asks for your understanding as we temporarily close sections of the Derry Township Community Center parking lot for leaf removal.

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.

Resiliency & Mobility

Thursdays 11:00 am

Small Fitness Studio

Derry Township Community Center proudly presents, Resiliency & Mobility, a new, functional training Group Ex class that is FREE with membership. Join certified Exercise Physiologist, Deb Tregea, in active stretching and passive rest postures to improve mobility and function, especially getting down and up from the floor.

Karate Classes

The next session of Karate Classes will be starting on Tuesday, November 12th (No Class on November 26th) and Thursday, November 14th (No Class on November 28th)! This engaging 4-week program is designed for children and adults ages 3 and up. Classes will be held on Tuesday nights, times vary depending on class, at the Derry Township Community Center. Enroll today to join in on the action!

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.

SilverSneakers- Renewing Members

Renew your SilverSneakers membership at the Derry Township Community Center by registering at the Front Desk, calling 717-533-7138, or emailing parkshelpdesk@derrytownship.org. Before registering, verify your eligibility with SilverSneakers and have your 16-digit ID ready. You can also fill out and submit the Renew SilverSneakers Form online, by printing and bringing it in or emailing it. Due to high application volume, the process is time-consuming, so please be patient—it may take 5-7 business days to complete. We look forward to having you as a member! Submit an application today!

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.

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. 9 & 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 9, 2024, and November 23, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. View more information, by clicking the link.

Penn State College of Medicine

Begins Nov. 11th

The 10th Annual Penn State College of Medicine Addiction Conference is a two-day, hybrid event focusing on translational research and clinical practice aspects of substance use research, treatment, education, and community engagement. It will be held November 11-12 at the University Conference Center on the campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 30 Conference Drive, Hershey. A virtual option is also available. The conference is free and open to the community. For registration and additional info, visit online.

Penn State Health "Share the Keys"

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:30 pm

Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center will host a free "Share the Keys" safe driving orientation for parents and teens on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Auditorium C/D. The hospital is located at 503 N. 21st St., Camp Hill, PA. The event is designed to help families reduce young driver crash risks by increasing parental involvement. Offered by NJM Insurance Group, “Share the Keys” provides parents with valuable information, resources and experience to support their teen drivers. RSVP to Sunny Goodyear at 717-975-3267 or by email.

Hershey History Center - Upcoming Events

Vendor Lineup for Nov. 17

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.

2024 Annual Feed the Need 2024

Feed the Need 2024 will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Hershey Country Club. This is the only fundraiser for the Hershey Food Bank and Community Outreach. Click on the link to learn more and purchase tickets. Partnerships and Silent Auction items are still being accepted! If you would like details on this event, please check 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, 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!


Saint Joan of Arc Church

Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, November 9, 8:00 am


Derry Presbyterian Church

Cookie Walk and Jumbles Shop Set, Saturday, December 7, 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

Business Manager (Full-Time)

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 8, 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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