Melissa McTiernan Appointed as Phoenixville's New Superintendent in Unanimous Vote

Melissa McTiernan, the current superintendent of schools in Scranton, has been appointed as the new superintendent for the Phoenixville school district.

Her appointment was unanimously approved by the school board on Monday night, with her contract set to run for five years, starting on November 1, 2023, and ending on June 30, 2028.

McTiernan was selected from 33 applicants across 11 states and will receive a starting salary of $245,000, a significant increase from her current salary in Scranton.

She will succeed Alan Fegley, who served as Phoenixville's superintendent for 13 years. McTiernan, who has an extensive career in education and school administration, plans to move to the district with her husband, Bob.

Montgomery County Community College Opens Fall Registration and Announces Open House Events

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is inviting prospective students to register for the fall semester and attend a series of open house events on Aug. 2, 9, and 10.

These events, held at its Blue Bell and Pottstown campuses, will provide information about programs focused on training health care workers, teachers, and first-responders - fields experiencing shortages since the pandemic.

The open house events will introduce students to various programs, many of which can be completed within a year, and offer information on admissions, financial aid, student services, and the application process.

Potential students will also have opportunities to register for the fall semester at the open house events.

For additional details about each summer open house event, visit mc3.edu/openhouse or contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or call 215-641-6551.

You’re Invited To Join the Pottstown Local Scoop - Official Community Discussion Group on Facebook

We’re so glad you’ve joined the Pottstown Local Scoop - Official Community Discussion Group! This group was created as a place for residents to come together and discuss everything happening in our great town.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just moved to Pottstown, we’re excited to have you as part of this community forum. Here are a few things we hope you’ll use this group for:

• Share local news and events - help your neighbors stay in the know!

• Recommend your favorite local businesses - help support our local economy

• Ask questions and get advice about the area

• Join or organize community groups and meetings

• Stay up to date on town issues and developments

• Connect with fellow residents who share your interests

• And more! Everything Pottstown-related is welcome.

This group is for residents to discuss news, events, businesses, issues, and anything else related to our town. Let’s keep the conversations friendly, relevant, and productive.

We can’t wait to see members sharing local insights, tips, and perspectives.

Introduce yourself in the comments!

• What brought you to Pottstown?

• What do you love about the town?

• What would you like to see happen here in the future?

Thanks for being part of this community forum. We’re looking forward to the great discussions ahead!

Jefferson Health Announces Plan to Dismiss Hundreds of Employees This Week

Philadelphia's Second Largest Employer Aims to Cut Expenses by $300 Million This Year

This week, Jefferson Health announced plans to lay off about 400 employees, which constitutes approximately 1% of its total workforce. The organization indicated that the majority of the job cuts will be in corporate and administrative roles. Jefferson Health declined to provide any interviews regarding the layoffs.

According to a statement from Jefferson Health's CEO, Joseph Cacchione, the not-for-profit organization has been examining its operations for several months.

The layoff decision follows a thorough review of the organization aimed at identifying potential operational changes that could lead to improved efficiency and cost savings. This review process also resulted in the elimination of several vacant positions.

Bobcat Goldthwait and Chuck Nice to Headline Comedy Shows at SoulJoel's Comedy Club

Veteran actor, director, and stand-up comedian Bobcat Goldthwait is set to entertain audiences at two shows, scheduled for 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, at SoulJoel’s Comedy Club in Sunnybrook, Pottstown.

Goldthwait, who made his debut on “Late Night With David Letterman” at the tender age of 20, has sustained a successful career since then. His comedic prowess has seen him star in several HBO and Showtime specials, perform globally, and even tour as the opening act for the band Nirvana. While known for his parts in “Scrooged” alongside Bill Murray and as Zed in the “Police Academy” series, Goldthwait has also earned accolades as a director.

Following this, Chuck Nice will take to the stage at SoulJoel’s Comedy Dome on Saturday at 7 p.m. Nice's work includes roles in “The Week of” with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, and the television show “Kevin Can Wait.” He also co-hosts “StarTalk with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson” and frequently appears on NBC’s “Today Show.”

Tickets and additional details can be found at souljoels.com.

Upcoming Local Events

• Axes & Apps at Splitting Edge Axe Throwing - July 27th 6-8 PM

• Trivia Night - Iron Gate Biergarten, July 27th 7-9 PM

• Bad Slice / Free Outdoor Show at Rivet! - July 28th 6-10 PM

• Bobcat Goldthwait debuts at SoulJoel's - July 28th - 9:30 PM

• Wine Tasting & Art Show at Rivet! - July 29th - 6-9 PM

• Special Event: Line Dancing Saturday at SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - July 29th at 7 PM

• The Alley Arts & Craft July Event - July 30th 12-5 PM

• Variety Dance Party w/ Lessons inside SunnyBrook Ballroom - July 30th - 2PM - 6 PM

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

PHILLIES

Edmundo Sosa's Seventh-Inning Home Run Seals Philadelphia Phillies' Victory over Baltimore Orioles

In a dramatic seventh inning tiebreaker on Wednesday night, Edmundo Sosa delivered a solo home run, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

J.T. Realmuto contributed with a double that secured two runs, while Bryce Harper's single in the seventh inning provided an additional run, allowing the Phillies (55-47) to take the majority in the three-series game against the Orioles.

Sosa expressed his satisfaction at aiding his team to victory, while the Orioles, despite a three-run homer by Adley Rutschman, expressed disappointment. Even though the Orioles ended their seven-game road trip with a 4-3 standing, they managed to maintain their 1 1/2 game lead over Tampa Bay in the American League East.

Sosa got his chance to shine at shortstop after Trea Turner, who signed a 10-year, $330 million contract with Philadelphia last December, was given a rest day by manager Rob Thomson.

Sosa hit a career-high seventh home run of the season, a solid hit into the stands inside the right field foul pole. He managed this right after slicing a ball just foul outside the foul pole, against Orioles' starting pitcher Kyle Bradish.

Bradish (6-6) ended up allowing five earned runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. Following Sosa's home run, the Phillies took advantage of an opportunity when Kyle Schwarber walked and Nick Castellanos was hit by a pitch. Harper then hit a grounder up the middle, which allowed Schwarber to score.

The Phillies' strategic use of Craig Kimbrel in the eighth inning proved successful, retiring Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle, and Jordan Westburg on just 12 pitches. This move was complemented by Seranthony Dominguez (2-2), who secured the win for the Phillies. Gregory Soto rounded off the victory by securing his second save of the year with a clean ninth inning.

The Phillies' victory was also highlighted by Jake Cave's two-hit game, while Austin Hays stood out for the Orioles with two hits.

UNION

Daniel Gazdag continued his hot streak, netting a hat-trick in Philadelphia Union's decisive 5-1 victory against Queretaro F.C., thereby ensuring their advancement to the Leagues Cup Round of 32.

1-0

2-0

In a breathtaking 13-minute spell, the Union dominated the game with Gazdag scoring twice and homegrown star Nathan Harriel capitalizing on a corner from Kai Wagner. This ensured the Boys in Blue seized the top spot in East 1 Group.

3-0

4-0

Union's Head Coach, Jim Curtin, made four tactical changes to the starting lineup, shifting to a 3-5-2 formation to combat the high press tactics of the visitors. The new strategy allowed the Union to control the game, despite some early tension on the pitch.

The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Gazdag collected a pass from center back Jack Elliot and weaved his magic, scoring from a long-range shot that zipped across the pitch and into the goal.

Riding on the momentum, Gazdag continued his scoring spree when he set up Julian Carranza for a penalty after being fouled by Queretaro's goalkeeper, Alejandro Arana. Gazdag then confidently dispatched the penalty, bagging his first-half brace.

Determined not to let the pace slacken, the Union added a third before the half-time whistle, with Harriel executing a textbook header from Wagner's corner.

Despite a commanding lead, the Union did not ease off in the second half. Gazdag came tantalizingly close to making tournament history by scoring the first hat trick, but was pipped by Giacomo Vrioni of New England by a few minutes. The fourth goal came from a penalty resulting from a foul on Jesus Bueno, which Gazdag expertly converted, outsmarting the keeper again.

The game was sealed in the Union's favor, despite a late consolation goal for Queretaro F.C. by Raul Sandoval. Union's homegrown star, Jack McGlynn, capped the night with a stunning long-distance goal, restoring the four-goal lead.

5-1

The victory means Philadelphia Union will host their Round of 32 Leagues Cup match as the winners of the East Group 1. The opponent and kick-off time are yet to be confirmed, with potential contenders being either CF Montreal, D.C. United, or Pumas UNAM.

EAGLES

Philadelphia Eagles Kick Off Training Camp with a Focus on Improvement and High Hopes for Season Ahead

The Philadelphia Eagles formally commenced their Training Camp at the Novacare Complex on Wednesday. The team, brimming with enthusiasm, aims to make a triumphant return to the grand finale in February.

From day one, head coach Nick Sirianni has been focusing on continuous improvement rather than fixating on the grandeur of the final stage.

The Eagles started strong with 11-on-11 drills, with top players on each team showcasing their prowess. This intense competition has only amplified the enthusiasm among the players in green and white.

Right tackle Lane Johnson spoke about the psychological preparedness required during the initial phase of the season.

He stated that the initial part of the season is often the most challenging. Training camp brings a game day ambiance every day, requiring players to be mentally prepared. He added that this process also aids in preparing for the upcoming season.

Veteran and team leader, center Jason Kelce, is eager to get back on the field with his teammates and to see their progress this week.

He mentioned the excitement of witnessing not only the improvements among returning players but also the performance of the new members added to the team.

Kelce likened the experience to the first day of school, full of anticipation and excitement to see the young players and rookies perform live for the first time.

The football season has officially commenced in South Philadelphia.

USWNT

Lindsey Horan's Header Rescues U.S. in Thrilling 1-1 Draw Against the Netherlands in Women's World Cup

Co-captain Lindsey Horan scored a crucial second-half goal, enabling the United States to secure a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in a gripping Women's World Cup Group E encounter on Thursday.

This anticipated rematch of the 2019 final didn't disappoint, with both teams creating numerous opportunities to claim victory during a highly competitive last 20 minutes.

The Netherlands initially took the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Jill Roord, who shot from the edge of the box in the 17th minute. As a result, the U.S. found themselves trailing at half-time in a World Cup match for the first time since 2011.

Horan responded in the 62nd minute with an impressive sprint to the near post, where she dispatched a powerful header that proved too much for Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to handle.

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