The Alligator Affair of Antietam Creek

Issue #062

Author

Drew Griffin
03 Aug

In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 🔦 Local Pottstown Business Spotlight: Center Massage

 🐊 When Landscaping Becomes a Gator Wrestling Match: The Alligator Affair of Antietam Creek

 💈6-Year-Old Local Hero Mullet-ively Impacting National Competition and Worthy Cause!

👮🏼‍♂️ Speeding Stop Unravels Major Gun and Drug Charges for Two Norristown Locals

 🗞️ Tree of Life Synagogue Gunman Robert Bowers Sentenced to Death for Deadliest Antisemitic Attack in U.S. History

🌤️ Pottstown PA Weather

 📅 Lots of Events this Week

⚾️ Phils lose in the 12th Inning to Miami

 ⚽️ Israeli Striking Sensation Tai Baribo Joins The Union: Goal Drought Be Gone!

 

Pottstown PA Weather

Local Business Spotlight

Center Massage: A Beacon of Wellness and Self-Care Thriving in the Heart of Pottstown

For this edition of our Local Business Spotlight, we’re thrilled to feature a special haven of wellness and self-care located right in the heart of Pottstown – Center Massage. Now in its fifth year, Center Massage, found at 600 Heritage Drive, Suite 105, offers a broad range of wellness services including massage therapy, stretching, Shiatsu, craniosacral therapy, skincare, localized cryotherapy services, and energy work.

The journey of Center Massage began in 2018 under the inspiring leadership of Lindsey Crits, a licensed massage therapist with a passion for helping people transform physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through the art of massage therapy. Despite the challenge of the pandemic, Center Massage has not only survived but also thrived, evolving significantly over the years.

One of the defining elements of Center Massage is its unique ambiance. As you step into the studio, you are welcomed by fresh plants that instantly create a soothing atmosphere. The dedicated staff, each bringing their own personality, age, and background, contribute to the diverse and inclusive environment. This eclectic team works together like a family, offering a variety of top-quality services in a spa-like setting. Known for its Cupping Massage, Sports Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Dermaplane, Shiatsu, and Localized Cryotherapy services, the studio also hosts one of the region’s best acupuncturists, Jaime Ziegler.

Being a strong part of the community is important for Center Massage. They’ve recently joined Pottstown Rotary and started offering donations to local fundraisers. As part of their future commitments, they plan to support charities focusing on women’s health and human trafficking awareness, which will be announced at a later date.

Exciting things are on the horizon for Center Massage. They have just launched their skincare services, with a special Summer Facial treatment to rejuvenate sun-damaged skin. Additionally, they are looking to expand their dedicated team and hire two massage therapists. Interested applicants can apply via their website, www.centermassage.co.

The Center Massage team invites you to keep in touch and stay updated with their latest offerings, specials, and last-minute openings through their social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook (@centermassagepa), or drop them an email at [email protected]. You can also reach them directly by phone at 484-938-8343.

Join us in celebrating Center Massage, a fantastic local business dedicated to enhancing our community’s well-being and fostering a sense of relaxation and renewal. Their continued success is a testament to their professionalism, passion, and commitment to serving the people of Pottstown.

When Landscaping Becomes a Gator Wrestling Match: The Alligator Affair of Antietam Creek

So, there you are. You're a landscaper. It's Wednesday, the humdrum middle of the week, and you're by Antietam Creek at Butter Lane doing whatever landscapers do—pruning, trimming, trying to make Mother Nature look like she's wearing makeup.

Then bam! You see a 2.5-foot alligator.

Yes, that's right, folks. An alligator. In Pennsylvania.

I'm not spinning a yarn here, this is straight from Lt. Sean Fullerton, the guy who talks to the public for the Exeter Township Police Department.

These poor landscapers, probably more used to handling leaf blowers than gators, somehow managed to wrangle the toothy visitor. They then made the logical next move—call the cops. Because what else do you do when you have an alligator on your hands? The police, always ready for such reptilian eventualities, arrived on the scene, rounded up the alligator, and took it to the station.

No, it wasn’t read its rights.

They did, however, make the alligator comfortable. In a jail cell. In a plastic tub. Because nothing says "cozy" quite like hard plastic in a repurposed cell. "The alligator seemed content and in good health, as far as I can discern," Fullerton declared. We’ll just have to trust his gator assessment skills on that one.

The responsibility for the alligator is now shifting to a reptile specialist from the Venom Institute in Schuylkill County, according to Jose Joel Delgado-Rivera, the Chief Communications Officer at ARL. I don't know about you, but that's the kind of job title that makes me feel incredibly boring.

Our friend Fullerton admits he's a bit in the dark about where our scaly friend came from or how it turned into a Pennsylvanian tourist. However, he didn't waste the chance to play the part of stern cop, reminding the community that even though it’s legal to have alligators as pets in Pennsylvania, launching them into the wild isn't exactly kosher.

Lt. Fullerton's words of wisdom? “We urge folks to find other legal, and frankly less terrifying, ways to surrender animals if they can't take care of them anymore. It's not safe for the community, the environment, or the alligator to just let it loose. Besides, think about the landscapers.”

Truer words, Lieutenant. Truer words.

6-Year-Old Local Hero Mullet-ively Impacting National Competition and Worthy Cause!

In the charming confines of West Pottsgrove Township, a 6-year-old lad named Rory Ehrlich is turning heads and causing double-takes. With his hip hairdo, he's secured his spot in the next round of the Locks of Glory Kids Mullet Competition. But wait, there's more to Rory than his stellar mullet – he's also rolling up his sleeves to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

Chatting about his hairstyle adventure, Rory admits he's fond of his mullet because it's simply "cool". Well, who are we to argue with this pint-sized trendsetter?

The journey to this epic hair began about a year ago when Rory approached his parents with the idea of rocking a mullet. After some parental pondering and a quick huddle with the barber, they decided to let him go for it. Now, look at where we are, with Rory's story being a testament to the magic of mullets!

But his flowing locks aren't just scoring him style points; they're also helping raise funds for a worthy cause. Rory has rallied support to raise over $1,000 for Jared Allen's Homes For Wounded Warriors, a charity that hits close to home, as his grandfather is a retired senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Mullet power and philanthropy – now that's a winning combination!

Well done Rory!

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!

Speeding Stop Unravels Major Gun and Drug Charges for Two Norristown Locals

Two Norristown locals, Robert Jamal Porter III and Dylan Michael Marchese, face jail time for gun and drug charges following a traffic stop in Perkiomen Township.

Porter, 25, received a 4 to 10-year sentence after admitting to unauthorized firearm possession, intent to distribute marijuana, and conspiracy to commit drug crimes.

Meanwhile, Marchese, also 25, got 11½ to 23 months in jail after pleading guilty to unlicensed firearm possession, intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to commit drug crimes, and DUI.

A state police trooper stopped their car for speeding, leading to a search that revealed two handguns and around 3.7 pounds of marijuana. Neither man had a concealed carry permit. The court ordered the seized weapons to be given to the state police for disposal and mandated that the two avoid contact with each other during their sentences.

Tree of Life Synagogue Gunman Robert Bowers Sentenced to Death for Deadliest Antisemitic Attack in U.S. History

Robert Bowers, the gunman responsible for the 2018 massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which killed 11 people, has been sentenced to death.

This represents the first federal death sentence imposed during President Joe Biden's tenure.

A jury convicted Bowers on 63 counts and determined that the attack was motivated by his hatred of Jews. The sentencing follows a lengthy trial detailing Bowers' actions, in which the defense attempted to highlight Bowers' troubled past and untreated mental illness.

However, the jury sided with the prosecution's argument that Bowers acted deliberately and without remorse. Bowers' formal sentencing will take place soon, offering survivors and those affected another opportunity to address him directly..

SoulJoel Presents: Comedy Fundraiser Night at SoulJoel's inside Sunnybrook

Headlined by Julian McCullough

Tonight, August 3rd @ 7pm : Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm

General admission only $20

VIP tickets only $30

50 Sunnybrook Road Pottstown, PA 19464

Proceeds from ticket purchases will benefit each cause.

Purchase tickets to help pay the medical bills for Shiela Leonard:

Purchase tickets benefit Super T's Mast Cell Foundation:

Who is Super T's Mast Cell Foundation?

Super T's Mast Cell Foundation was created by Taylor Nearon, who passed away at the age of 20 from complications of a mast cell disease.

Taylor's vision was to provide financial and emotional support to patients living with mast cell diseases so they never felt alone. As the only nonprofit providing financial support to offset living and medical expenses, our foundation is committed to providing financial and emotional support to patients living with mast cell diseases.

Despite being unrecognized, and currently incurable, mast cell diseases can significantly impair patients' quality of life and require specialized diagnosis and treatment. Super T's strives to help patients overcome these challenges by providing funding and connection to resources that guide patients in receiving a diagnosis and treatment.

Upcoming Local Events

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PHILLIES

Marlins Defy Odds with Miraculous Comeback, Clinch 9-8 Win in 12th Inning Nail-biter Against Phillies

In an exhilarating bout of bat and ball between the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night, the Marlins pulled off a miraculous 9-8 win in the 12th inning after trailing a five-run deficit. Jesus Sanchez became Miami's hero, delivering a crucial bases-loaded single with no outs in the 12th.

Down 5-0, Miami's bounce back began with back-to-back homers by newcomers Josh Bell and Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the bottom of the sixth. Bell, a recent transfer from Cleveland, made a striking debut, going 4 for 5 with a walk. Jake Burger, another newcomer, didn't disappoint either, chipping in with a 2 for 4 and a walk.

After an intense see-saw of scores in the extra innings, where Philadelphia's Brandon Marsh and Miami's Jorge Soler traded two-run and solo homers respectively, it came down to the 11th. A clutch two-out single by Josh Bell equalled the score, setting up the dramatic showdown in the 12th.

Alec Bohm, the star for the Phillies, despite his commendable four hits, including one that pushed Philadelphia ahead in the 11th, couldn't save the day. Phillies got knocked down in the 12th by Miami reliever Tanner Scott, who was the eighth pitcher for the Marlins in the game.

The highlight of the match remained the Marlins' astonishing comeback from 5-0 down against Philadelphia's Zack Wheeler. Despite their early struggle, the Marlins managed to turn the tide, showcasing their new acquisitions' prowess and delivering an extraordinary game of baseball.

UNION

Philadelphia Union

Israeli Striking Sensation Tai Baribo Joins The Union: Goal Drought Be Gone!

The Union's prayers for a new goal-scorer have been answered from down under, folks! Get ready to wave your scarves for Tai Baribo, a dynamite striker from Israel who's been wreaking havoc with Wolfsberger AC in the Australian Bundesliga.

They finally let him off the leash, and he's making a beeline for us!

This 25-year-old goal-hunter has put pen to paper for a deal lasting through the 2025 season, with an option to extend the stay till 2026. And yep, he'll be the new face in one of our international roster slots.

Baribo's got quite a score-sheet folks - 16 goals last year, with a side dish of three assists, and 11 goals with two assists the year before that. And where did Wolfsberger end up in the Bundesliga last season? Seventh. Not too shabby, eh?

If you're the type who likes to keep count, Baribo has pulled on the Israel jersey 11 times, banging in three goals. A 5-foot-11, 174-pound striking sensation, this guy has been turning heads across Europe. This Eilat native kick-started his professional journey with Maccabi Petah Tikva.

Ernst Tanner, our sporting director, was all praise for the new recruit. "In a mere couple of years in the Austrian Bundesliga, Tai's shown he's a lethal striker," he announced in a team statement. "We're always on the lookout for talent, and snatching one of the top scorers from the Austrian league is a big win. We're eagerly waiting to see what he's got for us this season and beyond."

Baribo's arrival fills the void up front that the Union had been grappling with. Cory Burke, our former goal-machine, left for the New York Red Bulls in the offseason and left us in a bit of a pickle. But Tai's here now and things are looking up!

Baribo will be sharpening his cleats to back up Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre. He's got the jump on Quinn Sullivan and Chris Donovan, who've been holding the fort quite well but haven't quite managed to grab the reins. Plus, should an irresistible offer for Carranza come in during the offseason, we've got Baribo as a solid backup plan.

Now that's what I call a strategic signing!

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