The following letter was submitted by the Board of Supervisors and published in this week's Sun newspaper.

We are writing to the residents of Derry Township and the readers of this newspaper to provide current and accurate information regarding the possible funding of the proposed Hershey Community Center.

The new Community Center plans are the product of more than four years of collaborative work with Township officials and staff, consultants and most importantly, the residents. Community members were invited to attend multiple listening sessions with consultants to help create a center that focuses on their needs and the needs of future generations. Residents participated in stakeholder community groups to help refine the programming and help shape key components of a new facility. Residents have also attended numerous public meetings to learn more about the project and share their concerns. We are pleased that the entire process has been extremely collaborative and transparent.

The Township has provided information about the project and proposed funding plans on the Township website and communicated the updates through the weekly email newsletter and Township newsletter.

As you can imagine, the proposed funding of the center is complex and changes often as new sources of income are identified and other sources may not come to fruition.

Because of this, the Township provides regular updates on its website so residents can stay informed. We also encourage residents to attend Board of Supervisors meetings and call or email us with questions.

Many sources of funding are being considered to cover the costs of the projected 32 million-dollar facility and the debt service on the project. We just started a 5 million-dollar capital campaign and have received extremely positive results in the first two weeks. Early pledge amounts will be announced later this month. In addition, we’re exploring funding from state, local and regional grants and foundations as well as several other sources. Lastly, and most directly affecting us as residents, we anticipate at most a tax increase for the Community Center that would be implemented incrementally over three years that would ultimately increase property taxes .576 mils. For example, a resident with a home valued at $300,000 assessed at $250,000 may expect to pay about $144 more per year once the taxes were fully increased. It’s important to note that this projected increase is to help with the Community Center and does not include other possible increases that may be needed in years to come to help with other Township expenses, as reflected on the infographics on the Township website. We are working diligently to minimize the tax impact as much as possible.

In addition, the Board of Supervisors, Township Manager and Parks and Recreation Director have done extensive financial planning with consultants for two and-a-half years. We have worked on business planning for the new Community Center for more than a year and the most recent version will be available to the public before the September 25 ^th Board of Supervisors meeting. All decisions to date have been made based on very thoughtful analysis and planning.

Along with our staff and community volunteers, we work every day to find the best solutions to make this project happen with the least impact on the taxpayer. We hope that this letter and the information provided on our website, provides more clarity and understanding. As always, we encourage you to ask questions and seek out accurate information to render an informed opinion.

We also recognize that not every resident is in favor of a new community center. It’s impossible to get everyone to agree on what’s best for our community but hope you trust that every day, our board and staff try to make decisions that are for the good of our residents today and for decades to come.

Note: For more information, please visit www.derrytownship.org/hershey-community-center-2

Sincerely,

The Township of Derry Board of Supervisors

Derry Township is embarking on two road projects in the Township starting this fall and continuing into the spring of 2019.

The US 422 Streetscape Improvements project will include right turn lanes along US 422 at Ridge and Linden Roads, roadway paving, delineated on-street parking, and a grass island near Orchard Road, in addition to the installation of high-visibility decorative crosswalks at the intersections of Linden, Ridge, Valley, and Orchard Roads on Chocolate Avenue, and at the intersection of Cocoa Avenue and Caracas Avenue.

The project will also include enhanced pedestrian safety aspects including pedestrian activated lighted signage at the crosswalk at Valley Road near Duck Donuts, a new crosswalk with pedestrian refuge island at Para Avenue, and a new section of sidewalk to accommodate grade changes and eliminate the need for concrete steps near Mansion Road.

PPL will be completing necessary advance work on Chocolate Avenue between Ridge Road and Linden Road starting September 8, 2018 and progressing through fall. Although the construction schedule is subject to change, the contractor plans to begin work near Mansion Road and Para Avenue in September.

After the East Chocolate Avenue work is complete, the contractor will begin work at the western limit of the project on West Chocolate Avenue, near Orchard Road, and will work east. Work will occur in the core downtown area near Ridge Road and Linden Road in the spring of 2019. Decorative crosswalk installation is planned for late spring 2019.   Work will generally be completed Monday through Friday during daytime hours.

The US 322 Improvements Project will result in new right turn lanes on Governor Road in both directions at the intersection with Hockersville Road and Fishburn Road. Curb and sidewalk improvements and stormwater work will begin in late September and will continue through the fall. The majority of paving work and signal upgrades will occur in the spring of 2019.   Work will generally be completed Monday through Friday during daytime hours.

The annual Drool in the Pool event will be held on Saturday, September 8 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Hershey Recreation Center. The cost is $5.00 per dog. Pups must be at least six months old. Owners must bring written proof of their dog's current rabies vaccine.

Bring your four-legged friend for a refreshing afternoon swim. Guards will be on duty.

The public is invited to attend a special fundraising event inside the empty outdoor pool to help raise money for the new Hershey Community Center.

Adult Swim: Last Call  will be held Friday, September 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and feature food and drinks donated by area businesses including Devon, Houlihan’s, Chocolate Avenue Grill, Smoked, The Hershey Pantry, Primanti Brothers, Woo de La Kitchen, Café on Cocoa, Trö egs, Hidden Still, The Vineyards at Hershey and Snitz Creek Brewery.

A DJ will be playing music from 1963 to the present and attendees will get a chance to look at historic photos of the recreation center and designs for the proposed community center.



The event is $100 per person and contributions are tax-deductible. 

The last concert in the Music on Chocolate series will be held on Saturday, September 8 and will feature Danielle Miraglia and Gleason Drift .

Visit the Downtown Hershey Association/s website for more information on the musicians.

The concert will be held from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Food and beverages are available for purchase. 

Now until September 28, drop off costumes in clean, wearable condition during the following children's programs: Books & Babies, 1, 2, Whee! and Storytime

You will receive a ticket for each costume you drop off. Saturday, September 29, between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., come back to swap your ticket for a new-to-you costume.

If you have questions, call Children’s Services at 533-6555, ext. 3708.

In the Middle Art will be held on Wednesday, September 12 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Come and create your own Superhero! Make a Superhero bracelet/cuff. We'll open the creative box and see what super things you'll create.

This program is for students in grades 6 and up and will be offered during the school year. Each month there will be themed programs which will include games, art, writing, and creative projects that will range from cookie frosting to video making.

Monthly themes such as superheroes, food, Frankenstein, and fandoms, will be presented by local artist Suze Moll. 

The Hershey Public Library will offer a four-week course on Wednesdays, 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., beginning September 12 through October 3.

Diverse painting styles of Persian miniatures, Mughal painting, Rajasthani painting, and modern Indian art are some of the works we will investigate. The influence of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam on the architecture of the region is also on the agenda.

We will take a look at the timeless wonders of the caves at Ajanta, architectural sculpture at Khajuraho, and witness the creative beauty of Angkor Wat. The study of Indian art is incomplete without the mystical achievement of the Taj Mahal.

The course will be a feast for the heart, mind, and soul! Register in person at the library. The class fee is $30 and can be paid at registration. 

Meet new friends and enjoy making two handcrafted cards on Thursday, September 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Make two seasonal cards for $6.00 using different stamping techniques with Stampin’ Up! Products.

Registration is not necessary. This program is designed for adults and children with an adult companion.

Hershey Figure Skating Club is offering learn to skate classes.Classes teach the fundamentals of ice skating and provide a foundation for figure skating, ice hockey, and

speedskating.

With six progressive levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of

skating. Ice hockey instruction is also offered. Skaters learn proper skating techniques and how to be more proficient and agile on the ice. All classes are taught in a positive, fun, and social environment!

Family Learn to Skate classes are for skaters of all ages and all abilities and are held Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday evenings at 4:30 p.m. Discounts are available for subsequent family members!

TOTs Learn to Skate classes are for skaters under the age of 6 and are held Thursday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. Homeschool/Cyberschool Learn to Skate classes are for skaters of all ages and abilities and are held Thursday

afternoons at 1:45 p.m.

The six-week sessions are $79. A current USFS membership of $16, valid through June, 2019, must be held. Skate rental is $2.50 per class. Gloves and helmets are recommended. Parking is free. All classes are at the Hersheypark Arena.

Visit the Hershey Figure Skating Club's website for more information and to register.

The Hershey Community Chorus will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale on Tuesday, October 2 at the Mohler Senior Center located at 25 Hope Drive, Hershey, across from Karn’s Market.

Tickets for spaghetti with homemade meat or marinara sauce, accompanied with tossed green salad, bread, butter, and a beverage, are $9.00 for adults and $6.00 for children under 12. The dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. or until sold out. Take-out is available. 

Advance sale tickets can be purchased from any chorus member, by emailing a request to info@HersheyCommunityChorus.org  ,or by calling 717- 508-4400. Tickets will also be sold at the door. 

This event helps to fund the upcoming Christmas concerts, which are scheduled for Friday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 16, at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 210 W. Main Street, Hummelstown. 

Guest musicians for this concert are Harpist Ruth Hunter and Todd Grundon on Guitar.

More information about the Chorus can be found on their website , or by calling (717) 508-4400.

Hershey Region and the Antique Automobile Club of America welcome antique and classic vehicle enthusiasts from all over the world to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the AACA Eastern Division National Fall Meet, hosted by the Hershey Region, October 10 to 13, 2018.  

Admission for the public to all events is free. Visit the flea market which features 9,000 vendors and over 1,000 vehicles for sale in the Car Corral, open dawn to dusk, Wednesday through Saturday. There are free programs for kids and adults!

Saturday, 1,250 antique vehicles will enter the show field beginning at 7:00 a.m.  Spectators are welcome. Judging begins at 10:00 a.m.

Juniors at Hershey will celebrate "90 Years of the Plymouth Automobile" at noon in front of the Giant Center. Participants will disassemble an engine, identify engine components, and discuss the evolution of windshield wipers. The event will include a display of wipers and Plymouth cars. Students from Penn College of Technology will have hands on displays for all age groups.

Visit www.hershey.aaca.com for a program schedule and additional information.

Hershey Area Playhouse will be holding auditions for the final show of their 2018 season, A Christmas Story directed by John Mallonee, on Friday, September 14 starting at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, September 15 starting at 2:00 p.m. Callbacks will be held on Sunday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. if necessary.

Those auditioning will be asked to read director-selected scenes from the play, individually and in small groups.

The parts being cast will include two to five men, stage age 30+, two women, stage age 20+, five boys, stage age 8+, and two girls, stage age 8+.

Additional walk on/speaking roles may be available.

Performances of A Christmas Story will be held December 6-9 and 13-16, at the Playhouse. Character descriptions and additional audition information is available on the Playhouse's website, www.HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com. 

The Hershey/Derry Township Historical Society invites you to A Walk in the Park on September 28 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Step back in time to revisit the early days of our beloved Hershey Park.

Remember when we could walk through the park for free, canoe on Spring Creek, swim in Comet Hollow, ride the Bug for 10 cents, scream on the Comet and go merrily around on the Carrousel's whimsical animal menagerie?

Although other exciting innovations have been added throughout the years, those of us who were privileged to live and work in this beautiful town in the 20th century want to share our early memories with you. Join us on this remarkable ride.

Tickets are available at the Society, by phone at 717-520-0748, or online at www.hersheyhistory.org. The cost is $20 for members until September 15 ($25 after), and $25 for non-members.