The public is welcome to attend the Derry Township Board of Supervisors Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, October 10^th, at 7:00 pm. 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.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has recently announced that it will be holding a series of public meetings for Pennsylvania residents to provide feedback on their Interim Final Environmental Justice Policy. The DEP's Office of Environmental Justice hopes to engage the local community and shape environmental justice policy for their community and communities in the state. The public section of the meetings commenced on September 16, 2023, and will continue through October 29th, 2023. The DEP encourages all Pennsylvania residents to attend and share their thoughts on the proposed policy. For more information, click here.

We are excited to announce that the Township's Fall Shred-It event will take place on October 14, 2023, from 8:00 to 10:45 am at the Derry Township Public Works Facility at 650 Clearwater Road. This event is exclusively for residents and is limited to two bags or boxes per household. We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of confidential or sensitive documents. Don't miss out on this fantastic event! Click here for more information.

Here is a friendly reminder of our community guidelines for tree branches over sidewalks and roadways. Please ensure that no branch hangs lower than 9 feet over the sidewalk and 12 feet over the roadway. This helps keep pedestrians and vehicles safe. Additionally, ensure trees, bushes, shrubs, and other foliage do not block street signs or streetlights’ brightness. It’s essential for drivers to see signs and pedestrians to navigate sidewalks safely during the daytime and night. Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks, streets, and alleys by pruning trees and removing any obstructing vegetation. If you need to dispose of branches, drop them off at the Derry Township Public Works Recycling Center during their operating hours. Click here for hours.

The Public Works Department organizes the annual leaf collection. Here's a kindly reminder that leaf collection began on Monday, October 2, 2023, and continues until Friday, December 8, 2023. We kindly request that residents gather leaves at the curb’s edge while ensuring that fire hydrants and street signs remain unobstructed. Furthermore, we urge you not to blow leaves onto the street, which poses risks for drivers and pedestrians. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in maintaining clean and safe streets for everyone. For a comprehensive 2023 Leaf Collection Schedule, please click here.

State PA Representative Tom Mehaffie has provided outreach programs for the remainder of 2023. The programs consist of a Veterans Breakfast on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 8:00 to 10:00 am (to register for the breakfast, click here) and a Tea with Tom for couples on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Each outreach program(s) will cover various topics. For more details on these events, click here.

Friday, October 6, 2023, 6:00 pm

We are kicking off the 3rd Annual Chocolate Town Book Festival at Cassel Vineyards with a visit from New York Times bestselling author Isaac Fitzgerald! We are very grateful to both the Hershey Library Endowment Trust for funding and to Cassel Vineyards for welcoming us to their winery for this event. We recommend bringing your own lawn chair and maybe a blanket. Harrisburg's Midtown Scholar will be on-site selling Isaac Fitzgerald's books for you to get signed after the program. For more event details, click here.

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11:00 am

Join us for the 3rd Chocolate Town Book Festival with over 50 local authors. Working with Cupboard Maker Books, we are excited to welcome Maria V. Snyder, April Hunt, and Patricia Jackson as our featured authors this year. This is a great time to start your holiday shopping, add to your To-Be-Read pile, and meet some amazing and interesting people. All authors will be signing and selling their books! For more event details, click here.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 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 in a neutral and respectful way without interruption. Each month the group will choose a philosophical issue, and those attending will learn and discuss it in an open and respectful atmosphere. A great way to engage and expand your mind. Ages 18 and older, please. For more event details, click here.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 9:30 am

Meet Aly (and most likely one of her dogs) in the Reading Garden at the Hershey Public Library with your walking shoes. From there, we will walk around town and return to the library. For those interested, we will do a brief stretch and ab workout after we return. Please bring a towel or mat for that workout. If you plan to bring a furry friend with you, please make sure they are good in groups and plan to pick up any "business" they may conduct. This is a friendly, brisk walking group. Challenge by choice and bring a friend! For more event details, click here.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 6:00 pm

Join Carly and spend an evening crocheting. Bring your current project. Ask questions from people who are more experienced. Build a community and have fun. This is a free event for those new to crochet and those who have been at it for a while. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. For more event details, click here.

Saturday, October 14, 2023, 1:00 pm

While all are welcome, children aged 11 and under must have a responsible person to remain in the library during chess club. For more event details, click here.

Saturday, October 14, 2023, 2:00 pm

There are many ways to share stories. The Hilarious Magic of Sam Sandler will wow you with the wonders of prestidigitation while sharing Sam's story. A lifelong magician, Sam became deaf as an adult. He embraced this change by creating the DEAFinitely Magic Show. As Sam, who has performed over 8000 shows in 45 states, says, "The magic to succeed is already inside each and every one of us." For more event details, click here.

The Township of Derry Department of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with the Friends of Parks & Recreation and the Hershey Federal Credit Union, will sponsor the 75th Annual Hershey Halloween Parade through the streets of Hershey on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 7:00 pm. A special thank you to the Hershey Company for supplying the candy for the spectators along the parade route! Registration forms may be found online via the following link.

The Derry Township Community Center will be closing at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 18th in preparation for the 75th Annual Hershey Halloween Parade. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and invite you to join us at the parade. The parade will begin at 7:00 pm. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see you at the parade! If you wish to review the parade route, click here.

Some spooky vibes are coming from Derry Township Community Center (DTCC)! Carve out some time and enter at your own risk for DTCC's Annual Trick-or-Treat night! It should be a spooktakular good time from 6:00-8:00 pm on Halloween night, Tuesday, October 31, 2023! Wishing you an eerie, spooky, spellbinding, fang-tastic Halloween! 

Saturday, November 4, 2023, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, save the date to begin the holiday shopping season at the 37th Annual Hershey Arts & Craft Show! Over 150 vendors from all over Pennsylvania and the surrounding states will have their handmade original items for sale. The following food trucks will also be on site: Crema Coffee, Blue Bear BBQ, and 717 Tacos! Follow the link for more event details.

Please check out our revised Group Ex fitness schedule! We have something for everyone, from cardio and strength training to yoga and cycling. Don't miss out on the opportunity to join our amazing fitness community and take advantage of our Group Ex fitness schedule. Check out our website or visit us in person to see the full schedule and sign up for classes today! Click here to check it out!

We regret to inform our members that the LaBlast Line Dancing class with Georgi, scheduled for Thursdays at 11:00 a.m., has been canceled indefinitely. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We understand the importance of this class to our members, and we assure you that once we know when Georgi is available to return, we will get this class back on schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Thank you.

Interested in personal training but need more information on what a trainer can do for you? Come meet our trainers in person! Get to know a little bit about them before committing to any service. They're here to help and would love to meet you!

Find your Zen! Whether you are a beginner or experienced Yoga participant, our classes are designed to help you improve your overall health and wellness. All Group Ex classes are FREE with membership. Our certified Yoga instructors will guide you through a variety of poses and sequences to help you increase flexibility, strength, and balance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your mind, body, and spirit!

Calling all seeking to learn valuable lessons in the

4-week karate classes at the Derry Township Community Center. Take your pick between Mondays or Thursdays, or both! To register, visit our site today!

Begins October 9^th

There's only one more chance to sign up for tennis lessons in 2023 at the Derry Township Community Center! Join Green Net Tennis after school or on Saturday mornings. Classes for ages 7-15 and for adults 18+. For more details, please visit our site today.

Begins October 12^th

Introducing an 18+ co-ed Volleyball League held at the Derry Township Community Center! Teams are encouraged to sign up before it's too late. For more details, please visit our site today.

Begins October 19^th

Kid's art classes are back! Starting October 19th! Art Exploration For Kids is always popular, so be sure to sign up soon to secure your child's spot. To register for this class, visit our site today.

Begins October 31^st

After-School Yoga

Ages 5-7 – 4:40-5:15 pm

Ages 8-10 – 5:30-6:15 pm

Ages 11-13 – 3:15-4:15 pm

Begins November 2^nd

Grown Up & Me Yoga

Ages 2-4 – 9:30-10:00 am

Classes are forming now with Next Generation Yoga® with Cindy Lesher! The classes are a style of Yoga that might seem like play on the outside, but it has a purpose. It follows the same sequence as adult Yoga, incorporating traditional yoga poses, breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, creative elements of movement, learning points, visualization, sensory integration, and fun stuff. Each class is tailored for the age group being taught. Props, music, books, and games grab their attention as they practice Yoga. To register for this class, visit our site today.

Begins November 4^th

For ages 40 and older, this Music for Memory class will not only be a great time but will help keep your memory strong through music. Time is running out to sign up, so don't wait any longer to get enrolled! To register for this class, visit our site today.

Begins December 16^th

This holiday season, STEAM Through the Holidays will give kids the gifts of engineering, imagination, and creativity with Challenge Island's winter-themed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) workshops. To register for this class, visit our site today.

Begins December 20^th

Our December Nerf® Night is filling up quickly, and we're still 2 months away! Spots will go quickly, so register soon before it's too late! We will have holiday-themed games and themes throughout the night on December 20th. To register for this class, visit our site today.

See what's new this month at the Leader Center for Active Life. Take a look at the October Newsletter. To learn more about the center, visit the website.

Begins October 7th

Penn State is offering free flu shots and free hernia talks that residents may find of interest. For more information, click here.

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11:00 am

Hershey Christian Academy is hosting a Kauffman's BBQ fundraiser on October 7, 2023, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For tickets and event details, click here.

Saturday, October 7, 5:00 pm

Courtyard of Honor is excited to announce their Gala 2023 on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 5:00 to 10:00 pm at the Purcell Friendship Hall, McCorkle Road, Hershey, PA. They are thrilled to present the premiere of the Courtyard of Honor Documentary by Curtis Dubinsky, President of Backyard Productions, Inc.

This is a chance to celebrate the community and the individuals who have significantly impacted their mission. Join them for a night of entertainment, delicious food, and great company. For more information, click here.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Derry Township Community Cats is the township's trap, neuter/spay, vaccinate, and return program for free-roaming cats in our community. The next clinic is October 11, 2023. Please call the cat line (717) 592-8087 to connect with our services. For more information, visit the website.

Thursday, October 12, 2023, 10:15 am

Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers Club (HANNC) will meet at the Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Avenue, Hershey, at 10:15 am on Thursday, October 12, 2023. This month's guest speaker is Christine Drexler, founder of Cocoa Packs in Hershey. Come along to hear about the profound impact she has made on the welfare of children they have assisted over the years. HANNC meets on the second Thursday of the month from September through April. Guests are invited to attend. If you would like more information, you can visit the website.

Thursday, October 12, 2023, 4:30 pm

PREORDER BY OCTOBER 9^th

Hershey Community Chorus is offering a Spaghetti dinner made with "Richard's Famous Sauce." Please preorder by email at info@hersheycommuitychours.org before Monday, October 9, 2023, to guarantee your meal. The event date is on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church (Old School) 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

Begins October 14^th

The Top Hershey/Hummelstown artists will open their studio and gallery doors to the public on October 14-15, 2023, for the Annual Hershey Hummelstown Art Studio Tour! You don't want to miss this once-a-year opportunity to view their latest works! For more information, please click here.

Saturday, October 14, 2023, 11:00 am

Join us for Choctoberfest 2023: A celebration of bands, beers, bites, and chocolate! The 8th Annual Choctoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm in Chocolate Town Park, Downtown Hershey. The fall event will have live music, local craft beer, delicious food from downtown restaurants, and chocolate! We'll also be featuring the 3rd Annual Chocolate Cake Baking Contest this year! To sign up for this amazing event, click here, or to keep up to date on all Choctoberfest events, click here!

Sunday, October 15, 2023, 10:00 am & 1:00 pm

The Hershey Hawks Baseball Club will be running baseball clinics for all children ages 4-8 on Sunday, October 15th, at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at North/South Field in Hershey. This clinic is designed to help kids develop baseball skills while having lots of fun! For more information, please click here.

Begins October 19^th

The Love INC of Greater Hershey will be holding an online auction opening Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10:00 am, and closing on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 8:00 pm. For more information, please click here.

Thursday, October 26, 6:00 pm



Derry Township residents are invited to attend our first Community Engagement Event focused on the Hershey Elementary School building project. We deeply value the thoughts and insights of our community, and this event is an opportunity for all Derry Township residents to learn more about the project from district and building administrators and project architects. The event will take place Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 6:00 pm at Hershey Elementary School. In order to attend, register by clicking this link.

The Hershey Food Bank is pleased to announce that we are updating our website to better serve our community. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause during the transition. However, we are still available to answer your questions and provide information regarding the food bank. Please email us at hersheyfoodbank@verizon.net for any inquiries. Thank you for your patience and continued support.