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Derry Township eNews - April 4, 2025

Current News

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The public is welcome to attend the Derry Township Board of Supervisors Meeting scheduled on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be held in person at the Derry Township Administration Building, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA 17033. View the agenda, which will be available on the website.

Volunteers Planting 36 New Trees on

Derry Township's Public Right-of-Way

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, six teams of volunteers will be planting 36 new trees in Derry Township’s public right-of-way (street trees) and on township-owned land (parks and facilities). The bare-root trees planted in this project were made possible by a grant from TreePennsylvania, a statewide, private, non-profit organization. TreePennsylvania offers grants to non-profit organizations and municipalities through their seasonal Bare Root Tree Grant program. View more about the event details.

2025 Fall Bareroot Street Tree

Planting Program Invitation

for Derry Township Homeowners

The Township of Derry is planning to apply for free trees through the TreePennsylvania 2025 Fall Bareroot tree planting program. The Township would like to make these free trees available to homeowners in Derry Township for planting along the streets within the public right-of-way. If successful, the Township would expect the planting of these trees in early November 2025. These trees are various species of 1 ½ inch caliper size—about 8-12 feet tall. Discover everything you need to know by viewing it now!

Brookside Park CLOSED

During Stormwater Drainage

Improvement Project

Attention Residents: On Monday, March 31, 2025, DTMA began a stormwater maintenance project at Brookside Park. Weather conditions have significantly affected the project's duration. The anticipated completion date is now April 9, 2025. Due to the presence of construction activities and on-site equipment, Brookside Park will remain CLOSED for the duration of the project. Additional updates will be provided should the project be further delayed due to weather conditions. The project scope includes the installation of a small, shallow swale near the Brookside Park basin to promote positive stormwater runoff away from the playground area, as well as the installation of erosion control. We appreciate your understanding as we make these needed improvements.

Spring Shred-It Event

Derry Township invites its residents to bring personal documents that need to be shredded to its Shred-It Event on Saturday, April 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Derry Township Public Works Facility, located at 650 Clearwater Road. This event is for residents only and is limited to two bags/boxes per household. View the details of this event.

Derry Township & Derry Environmental Action Committee Need Volunteers!

Saturday, Apr. 12, 9:00 am

Derry Township and the Derry Environmental Action Committee are seeking additional volunteers for the Township Street Tree Planting Program, which will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The planting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude at noon. Volunteers are asked to wear work clothes, bring drinking water, and, if possible, bring a ground shovel. If you are interested in helping to plant trees, please contact Chuck Gassert at 717-460-7684. 

Derry Township Recycle Center and Yard Waste Drop-off

Spring has arrived! The Derry Township Recycling Center and Yard Waste Drop-off area has rolled out extended hours to serve our community's needs. Embrace the convenience of longer operational hours from March 10, 2025, to November 02, 2025, facilitating effortless recycling and responsible disposal of yard waste. Visit our page to check out our updated hours and make the most of this service!

Resurfacing Project to Resume on Multiple Routes in Derry Township

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced "that a resurfacing project on Route 39 (Hershey Park Drive), Route 322 (Governor Road), Route 743 (Fishburn Road/Cocoa Avenue), and Route 2011 (Fishburn Road/Hockersville Road/Swatara Avenue) in Derry Township, Dauphin County, is set to resume. This project began last year and is expected to be completed this spring." Furthermore, PennDOT stated that "weather permitting, the contractor will work during overnight hours from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to complete base repairs, milling, final paving, and line painting." Read more about the resurfacing project.

Township Meetings & Event(s) Calendars

Hershey Public Library's Events Calendar

2025 Board of Supervisor's Meeting Dates

Hershey Public Library Events

LoFi Friday

Friday, Apr. 4, 3:00 pm

Looking for a quiet place to let it all go? Come to the library to enjoy chill music while painting, coloring, reading, playing classic video games, doing a jigsaw puzzle, or nothing at all. There are no expectations to socialize or do a specific activity, just relax. Open only to individuals ages 13 to 18. View event details and REGISTER.

Quilting Exchange Drop-Off

Saturday, Apr. 5, 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Do you have quilting tools and supplies--orphan blocks, excess leader and enders, or that nifty tool that just isn't your style--taking up space in your sewing room? Clean out your stash and drop items off at the library on Saturday. View event details.

Chess Club

Saturday, Apr. 5, 1:00 pm

Join the Chess Club for a fun afternoon of chess. All ages and skill levels are welcome! View event details.

Hershey Reads Author Visit:

Grace M. Cho. Tastes Like War

Saturday, Apr. 5, 2:00 pm

Welcome to the 2025 Hershey Reads Author Visit featuring Grace M. Cho and her book Tastes Like War! Join us at the Hershey Public Library for this exciting in-person event where you can meet the author, ask questions, and dive into the world of her powerful storytelling. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and gain insight into Cho's unique perspective. Mark your calendars and get ready for an inspiring afternoon! Palmyra's Book Bar will be on-site selling copies of her book. Reserve your seat today! View event details and REGISTER.

Friends Film Festival: Foodie Films

Monday, Apr. 7, 2:00 pm

Join the Friends of the Hershey Public Library for a delicious film series focused on food! Soul Food (1997) - Saga of three sisters who must sort out their differences when their beloved mother becomes ill. The story is seen through the eyes of Ahmad, the young son of one of the sisters. Rated R. View event details.

Coffee & Conversation

with Jim Logue

Tuesday, Apr. 8, 10:30 am

Join Us for Coffee and Conversation! We believe in the power of the community, and there's no better way to bring people together than over a warm cup of coffee! Bring your coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or water bottle, and let's chat. View event details and REGISTER.

Fear of Commitment Book Group

(Short Fiction Only)

Thursday, Apr. 10, 6:00 pm

Join us at Cassel Vineyards to discuss The Egg by Andy Weir. Please make sure to arrive a few minutes early to grab a refreshment before we begin. This particular selection is only on the internet. View event details, and REGISTER.

Power Pointers

Friday, Apr. 11, 3:00 pm

Come share your 1–to 15-minute presentation on any topic you'd like! To present on screen, please bring your presentation on a thumb drive (USB drive) or device with HDMI output, or send it in advance by clicking here. For teens in grades 8-12 only. View event details and REGISTER.

Parks & Recreation Events

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, Apr. 12, 10:00 am

Join us for our 39th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12th at Shank Park! There will be egg hunts for children 8 and under, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and fun prizes! Be sure to come out for some Easter fun! View upcoming event details!

Open Positions

The Derry Township Community Center is hiring. We are currently seeking to hire for the following position(s): Basketball Referee (Part-time) and Facility Operator (Full-time). Submit your application today through Indeed for immediate consideration.

Spring Swim Lessons

Spring swim lessons are now open for registration(s)! Don't miss out on the opportunity to get your little one ready to swim for the upcoming summer months! REGISTER today!

Aquatic Group Exercise Classes

Aquatic Group(s) Exercise Classes for the spring are now open! REGISTER now for your spot for the group lesson that starts as soon as next week!

Mindful Movement

Check out this new class, Mindful Movement! This class focuses on joint mobility and inner calm; with a guided meditative approach, movements are joined with breath at a mild pace to encourage focus and centeredness. It also incorporates strengthening and muscle relaxation. You don't need to register. It's part of your DTCC membership, or pay a daily fee! Join us today!

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 April 19-20! All registrations can be completed through their website.

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!

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. Contact Jamie McGlaughlin for more information.

Youth Diving

Tuesdays at 6:15 pm

Begins Apr. 8th

Learn to Dive with our Youth Diving Program! The goal of this program is to equip participants with the skills to perform the very basic dives and progress to more complex dives. REGISTER today!

Intro to Digital Photography

Begins Apr. 8th

Do you have a DSLR camera and aren't sure how to use it? Are you still taking photos using only the AUTOMATIC mode? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this is the perfect class for you! Each class will begin with an exploration of a new topic followed by some hands-on application of the technique or idea. Weekly assignments will also be given to reinforce what has been learned in class. During this class, you will learn about the history of photography and cameras, the science behind how a DSLR camera works, lenses and how different ones produce different results, the exposure triangle - aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, lots of composition techniques, and much, much more. In order to participate, you need to have a DSLR or mirrorless camera. REGISTER today!

Next Generation Yoga®

with Cindy Lesher • After School Yoga Spring Session

Begins Apr. 15th

Ages 5-7 | 4:30-5:15 pm

Ages 8-10 | 5:30-6:15 pm

Ages 11-15 | 3:15-4:15 pm


Join Cindy Lesher’s Next Generation Yoga® spring session! These playful yet purposeful yoga classes follow adult yoga sequences while incorporating traditional poses, breathwork, mindfulness, relaxation, creativity, learning, visualization, sensory integration, and fun activities. Classes are tailored to specific age groups and use props, music, books, and games to engage students. REGISTER for all classes here!

Birds of Prey Program

Saturday, Apr. 26, 2:30 pm

Join Us for an Amazing Birds of Prey Program!

Come out to Millers Wildlife on Saturday, April 26th from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for an unforgettable experience with majestic birds of prey! This interactive program will give you the chance to learn about these incredible creatures up close and personal. Whether you're a bird lover or just looking for something fun to do, this event is perfect for the whole family! Registration is required for all participants, including parents! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. REGISTER now and secure your spot!

Art Exploration Summer Camp

Begins May 8th

Learn about a new artist each day and create an original artwork in their style. We will work individually and through collaboration. We will explore materials such as watercolors, oil pastels, acrylic paint, and more. Supplies

are included in the cost of the program. Please dress appropriately to get messy! REGISTER today!

CodeNinjas® Minecraft

Summer Camp

Begins Jun. 16th

For those with a keen interest in digital security, the cybersecurity Minecraft summer camp takes them on a thrilling journey as they defend virtual data centers, tackle cybersecurity challenges, and decipher cryptic clues. Using tools like Minecraft Education, campers will develop skills such as coding antivirus programs, identifying phishing scams, and building secret ciphers. These camps provide the perfect opportunity for children to explore, innovate, and connect with others in a creative, fun, and educational environment. Perfect for ages 8-14. Participants may sign up for both CodeNinjas® camps and stay all day. Participants opting to stay for the entire day will need to pack a lunch. REGISTER today!

CodeNinjas® Roblox

Summer Camp

Begins Jun. 16th

CodeNinjas® summer camps offer a dynamic and exciting experience for kids, blending fun with learning in a variety of engaging activities. Ninjas will kick off their adventure with a Roblox camp, where they’ll get hands-on with programming and design, creating their own 3D worlds and turning their imagination into reality. Perfect for ages 8-14. Participants may sign up for both CodeNinjas® camps and stay all day. Participants opting to stay for the entire day will need to pack a lunch. REGISTER today!

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

Derry Township Community Center's April 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.

The Downtown Hershey Association

Upcoming Events

Explore the upcoming events of the Downtown Hershey Association.


Hop Around Downtown Hershey, Saturday, Apr. 19, 10:00 am

You're invited to HOP around on Chocolate Avenue and visit our restaurants and businesses on Saturday, April 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. while searching for some EGG-cellent prizes in hidden eggs. We will have a location to turn in your numbered egg to claim your prize. One egg prize turned in per adult. Follow the discussion as prizes are received. If your business wants to be recognized, contact Michelle Emerick or the association email.


Kiss Hershey Back,

Saturday, May 10, 7:30 am

Clean communities are happier places to live, work, and visit. Downtown Hershey Association is teaming up to clean up Derry Township! We would love for you to get involved! The check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., Chocolate Town Park located adjacent to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Company on the day of the event. All registered participants are encouraged to sign in so that we can have an account of participation. We'll provide trash bags, gloves, safety tips, and more detailed information for the team leader. Individuals are encouraged to bring water for their group, or we ask to bring water for themselves. If you are a youth organization, you must have adult supervision the entire time you will be participating. Join us for a post-event held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. with refreshments, snacks, and plenty of laughs. Questions? please contact us by email. To sign up for the event, click the link.

2025 Market on Chocolate,

Begins Saturday, May 31

We are pleased to announce that Market on Chocolate will be back for the 2025 season! With the newly renovated ChocolateTown Square, we look forward to hosting some new and favorite vendors, family fun, live music, and yummy food! Interested in being a vendor? We are searching for specialty items and produce vendors. Apply today!

Hershey Horticulture Society

Monday, Apr. 7, 1:00 pm

The Hershey Horticulture Society is presented by Dauphin County Master Gardener Shirley Halk, "The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly," at the Brownstone Lodge, 215 W. Governor Road, Hershey. No registration is required; the program is free and is open to the public, and all are welcome. Click for more details.

Penn State Health

Free Head & Neck Cancer Screening

Tuesday, Apr. 8, 6:00 pm

Penn State Health’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery will host a free screening event for oral, head, and neck cancer. The screening will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, at the University Physician Center, 200 Campus Drive, Suite 400, on the Hershey Medical Center campus. REGISTER for this free screening by calling 1-800-243-1455.

Hershey Community Chorus

Spring Spaghetti Dinner

Wednesday, Apr. 9, 4:30 pm

The Hershey Community Chorus will host the annual Spring Spaghetti Dinner on Wednesday, April 9, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Avenue, Hershey. Cabaret-style entertainment will be featured throughout this event, such as vocal performances, instrumental pieces, and other varied ‘acts’ prepared by the talented members of The Chorus. To preorder by Saturday, April 5, speak to a Chorus member or email. Payment with cash or check will be accepted at the time of pick up. Click for ticket information.  

Joy of Sports Foundation

Youth Kickball 2025

Sundays, Apr. 13, 27, & May 4

Come Play Youth Kickball 2025 for grades K-5! Location TBD (Shank Park or fields near Derry Township Elementary). Registration: $10 (includes kickball, T-shirt, and weekly snacks). Scholarships available upon request. No rain make-ups. All abilities welcome! View for event details.

Miles for Matt

Saturday, May 3, 8:30 am

Join Us for Miles for Matt - May 3, 2025. Honor the memory of Matthew Prichett and support local charities at Miles for Matt in Chocolate Town Park, Hershey. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with the Opening Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. This family-friendly event includes face painting, basket giveaway(s), a scavenger hunt, falconry display, baby goat snuggling, the KONA Ice Truck! Don’t miss out on a day of fun and giving back to the community! Open for registration and event information.

Derry Environmental

Action Committee (DEAC)

Saturday, May 10, 9:00 am

The Derry Environmental Action Committee (DEAC) invites everyone to the 2025 season kick-off event on Saturday, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Conservation Area, Cocoa Avenue, Hershey. Join us to build habitats for Monarchs and pollinators. Work sessions are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to help prepare and plant new plots, lay woodchips, and refurbish older plots. Park at 1141 Cocoa, across from Cocoa Plex. Bring work gloves, tools (shovel, trowel, wheelbarrow), a reusable water bottle, and bug repellent. Plants, woodchips, and water for the plants will be provided. Sign up today!

Hershey Artfest

Saturday, May 10, 9:00 am

The Hershey History Center hosts the Hershey Artfest. Celebrate Mother's Day weekend at this lovely start to the spring art festival season! Everyone is welcome to attend this fine art and artisan outdoor show located at The Englewood Barn, 1219 W. End Avenue, Hershey, PA. Food trucks and live entertainment will be available throughout the day. Entrance is free for the public. Park at the Research Center Lot, opposite The Englewood. Over 2,000 spaces are available for guests and artists. Onsite parking is available for disabled visitors. For more information, email or call the museum at 717-520-0748.

William S. Bowman Trust

Flower Basket On Sale

***DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Bowman Trust is once again, we are selling beautiful flower baskets that will be available for pickup on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., the day before Mother's Day. ALL BASKETS MUST BE PRE-ORDERED AND PRE-PAID BY FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025! (The deadline has been extended from the original date listed on the form.) Please print out the attached image for more information. Two basket sizes are available. Thank you for supporting the William S. Bowman Trust and the beautification of Hershey! Order today!

Hershey Symphony

Upcoming Events

May 17, 7:00 pm

The Hershey Symphony Orchestra invites the community to Broadway Strings: A Night of Song for the Symphony on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hershey Story Museum Lobby. Explore for event details.


Hershey Symphony Announces

Young Artist Competition Winner

The Hershey Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that oboist Artemis Drake, an 11th-grader at Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, is the winner of this year’s Young Artist Competition. Read more about this exciting news!

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

Mennonite Children's Choir, Apr. 6, 4:00 pm

Holy Week Services, Beginning Apr. 17th


St. Joan of Arc Church

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner, Friday, Apr.11, 4:30 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

Basketball Referee (Part-time)

Facility Operator (Full-time)

Derry Township Police Department

School Crossing Guard (Part-time)

Derry Township Public Works Department

Assistant Director (Full-time)

Township Resources

Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes 

Mar. 11, 2025

Stay Informed. Stay Safe!

Residents, have you registered for emergency notifications yet? The Township of Derry has upgraded to Everbridge, an advanced alert system for flash floods, police, fire, and public health emergencies. Receive critical updates via text, email, or a phone call, and set your preferred notification times. Emergency alerts will always override these settings for your safety. REGISTER today!

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 long 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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