Paint and Sip with Brandon Pizzola

SoulJoel Presents:

Paint and Sip with Brandon Pizzola

Where: Inside the Social House at SunnyBrook

Doors open at 6:30. Painting and Sipping starts at 7pm

All ages welcome!!!

Tickets are $40 and include all paint supplies plus 1 glass of wine, beer or 2 sodas/bottles of water

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Paint & Sip Studio PA brings a unique and relaxing way to get creative! Enjoy some wine with friends, family, or colleagues while re-creating the night's painting. All materials are provided as our experienced local artist, Brandon, leads you step-by-step through the process of unleashing your inner Van Gogh. No experience needed.

Brandon is a Lancaster, PA native who has a passion for bringing the joy of painting to those who may feel a little nervous about picking up a paint brush. Believe him when he says, “you’ll amaze yourself with what you can create!”

14 Reading Schools to Receive Over $500,000 in Federal Funding for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fourteen schools in Reading, Pennsylvania, will benefit from more than $500,000 in federal funding aimed at providing fresh fruits and vegetables to students. The funding is part of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, through which the state Department of Education is distributing $7.5 million to 252 schools across the state.

Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin emphasized the importance of healthy food options for children's learning, growth, and achievement. He stated that the program will help students access nutritious foods and establish healthy habits at no cost to their families, benefiting them both in the classroom and at home.

The selected schools will receive reimbursement for providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to students during the school day, separate from lunch or breakfast meals. The Reading School District will see 13 of its schools receive grants, along with one Catholic school:

- Amanda E. Stout Elementary School: $56,376

- Glenside Elementary School: $20,592

- Lauer's Park Elementary School: $39,240

- Millmont Elementary School: $42,696

- Northwest Elementary School: $36,576

- Riverside Elementary School: $51,048

- 16th & Haak Elementary School: $34,416

- 10th & Green Elementary School: $40,464

- 10th & Penn Elementary School: $32,256

- 13th & Green Elementary School: $32,832

- 13th & Union Elementary School: $45,432

- 12th & Marion Elementary School: $35,784

- Tyson-Schoener Elementary School: $31,320

- St. Margaret School: $15,120

A complete list of grant recipients is available at the state Department of Education's website.

Free Potassium Iodide Tablets to be Distributed Near Limerick Generating Station

The Pennsylvania Department of Health will provide free potassium iodide (KI) tablets on Thursday, August 17th, to those who live or work within 10 miles of the Limerick Generating Station in Montgomery County. This annual distribution is part of ongoing preventative measures in areas near the state's four active nuclear power plants.

Acting Secretary of Health, Dr. Debra Bogen, emphasized that while radiological emergencies are rare, it is crucial to have potassium iodide tablets on hand as part of emergency preparedness. These tablets can protect the thyroid gland from harmful radioactive iodine, and they can be used by anyone who is not allergic. However, Dr. Bogen also stressed that the tablets should only be taken when instructed to do so, and in the event of an emergency, Pennsylvanians should follow local authorities' directions.

KI tablets are available to all Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the state's four active nuclear power plants. They can be obtained by visiting a distribution center, calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, or by visiting a county or municipal health department or state health center.

Tablets will be distributed at the following locations on August 17th, and no appointments are required:

- Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St. Boyertown, PA 19512, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

- Kimberton Fire Company Banquet Hall, 2276 Kimberton Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460, from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

- Limerick Fire Department, 390 W Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA, 19512, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

- Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St. Pottstown, PA 19464, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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!

14-Year-Old Reading Boy Charged with Fatally Shooting His Father

A 14-year-old boy from Reading, Pennsylvania, Tomas E. Medina Jr., has been charged with the fatal shooting of his father near their home.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, and Medina Jr. faces charges of first- and third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and other related charges. He was arraigned before District Judge Tonya A. Butler and will be tried as an adult.

The circumstances of the shooting are currently under investigation. Medina Jr.'s mother, who witnessed the shooting, reported that her son fled the scene afterward. The boy later called 911 and confessed to the shooting. He was taken into custody a few blocks away from the scene of the shooting.

Limerick Man Insists on Innocence in Business Partner's Murder as Judge Allows Key Evidence

Blair Anthony Watts, a 33-year-old man from Limerick Township, continues to claim his innocence in the murder of his business partner, Jennifer Brown, after a judge denied his request to suppress evidence.

Watts is accused of killing Brown on January 3, 2023.

He appeared in court arguing that searches of his cellphones and car were conducted without lawful consent. However, the judge ruled that Watts had voluntarily given consent for the searches. The case involves unauthorized money transfers, inconsistent statements from Watts, and evidence from a cadaver dog.

Watts, charged with first- and third-degree murder, theft, and fraud, remains in county jail without bail awaiting trial.

Rising U.S. Gas Prices Spark Inflation Concerns as Global Oil Prices Climb

U.S. gas prices soared to their highest level in 10 months, reaching an average of $3.86 per gallon, after briefly spiking to $3.96 earlier on Monday. This surge is sparking concerns over a potential resurgence in inflation.

The uptick in fuel prices comes amidst a broader rise in global oil prices, driven largely by supply cuts from key producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia. Both Brent crude and the West Texas Intermediate benchmarks are currently trading above $80 per barrel.

Charlie Bilello, chief market strategist at Creative Planning, shared his concerns on the implications of rising gas prices for the upcoming U.S. inflation figures. "Gas Prices in the US rise to their highest levels of the year @ $3.96/gallon. What was a big tailwind for CPI in May/June (negative YoY commodity prices) was less of a tailwind in July and much less thus far in August. US inflation rate will likely increase again in August," Bilello wrote in a post on X.

Despite the Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hiking campaign that started in early 2022, inflation has been ticking up. July saw inflation increase to an annual pace of 3.2% from 3% in June, despite the central bank raising benchmark borrowing costs from near-zero levels to upward of 5% in a bid to curb inflation.

Although the central bank's efforts have significantly curtailed price pressures, they have indicated that more rate hikes may be on the horizon as they aim to bring inflation down to their 2% target.

Renowned economist Mohamed El-Erian recently weighed in on the impact of rising gas prices, noting that they have fueled concerns about an inflation "smile" in the U.S. El-Erian explained that this refers to the current fall in headline inflation potentially stabilizing before rising again in the fourth quarter of the year.

North End Swim Team Comedy Fundraiser at SoulJoel's

SoulJoel Presents: North End Swim Team Comedy Fundraiser at SoulJoel's

Proceeds will benefit the North End Swim Team

Thursday August 17th @ 7pm

Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm

General admission only $20

VIP tickets only $30

Where: 50 Sunnybrook Road Pottstown, PA 19464

Get tickets here:

https://www.souljoels.com/shop/tickets/northendswimteam/

St. Paul's Peach Festival

When: AUGUST 19TH, 3 PM – 8 PM
Where: 1979 Weavertown Rd, Douglassville, PA 19518

St. Paul's UCC of Amityville's 40th Annual Peach Festival featuring live entertainment from 3:00 to 8:00.

Peaches, Ice Cream, Peach Cobbler, Pies, Cakes, Variety of Food and Drinks, Games for All Ages, and White Elephant Sale beginning at 8:00 am.

Upcoming Local Events

• Paint and Sip with Brandon Pizzola - SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - AUGUST 16TH, 7 PM – 9 PM

• North End Swim Team Comedy Fundraiser at SoulJoel's - SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - AUGUST 17TH, 7 PM

• Trivia Night - Iron Gate Biergarten - AUGUST 17,TH, 7 PM – 9 PM

• A Night of Music from Ursula The Pipe Organ - The SunnyBrook Ballroom - AUGUST 17TH, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Bonnie McFarlane returns to headline at SoulJoel's Comedy Dome - AUGUST 18TH, 7 PM

• Butterfly Festival 2023 at Colonial Gardens - AUGUST 19th, 9 AM – 5 PM

• Los Gios @ Manatawny Creek Winery - AUGUST 19TH, 1 PM – 5 PM

• St. Paul's Peach Festival - AUGUST 19TH, 3 PM – 8 PM

• Philadelphia Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2023 - AUGUST 19TH, 10 AM

• Dave Attell Returns to SoulJoel's Comedy Dome @ SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook - AUGUST 19TH, 6 PM

• Designer Bag Bingo supporting Trilogy BMX Park - State Street Entertainment Hall - AUGUST 19TH, 6:30 PM

• Food Truck Festival - Bear Creek Mountain - AUGUST 20TH, 12 PM – 5 PM

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

Messi Stars in Inter Miami's 4-1 Win Over Union in Leagues Cup Semifinal

Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, continued his scintillating form with Inter Miami, scoring a stunning goal from 30 yards out in a 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union in a Leagues Cup semifinal on Tuesday night.

Messi, who has netted nine times in six matches for his new team, fired a shot past three Union defenders in the 20th minute, setting the tone for a dominant win. The crowd of nearly 20,000 fans, some of whom paid over $1,000 for tickets on the secondary market, erupted in celebration.

The presence of Messi, who led Argentina to the World Cup title last year, has made Major League Soccer his own, drawing massive attention to the league. Fans donned Messi jerseys, lined up for Messi fries at food trucks, and were captivated by his every move on the pitch.

The Union, though disappointed with the loss, benefited from the increased worldwide attention and the financial boost from the high-demand tickets. The match was held at Subaru Park, despite suggestions of moving to the larger Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Eagles, as Union coach Jim Curtain insisted on keeping the game at the team's regular venue.

Miami's other scorers included Jordi Alba and Josef Martinez in the first half, with David Ruiz adding another in the second. Alejandro Bedoya found the net for the Union in the second half. Inter Miami will now advance to the Leagues Cup championship game, where they will face either Nashville or Mexican club Monterrey.

The Messi spectacle drew attention from other sports stars, including Philly native and Hall of Fame boxer Bernard Hopkins, who played the 6-foot drum welcoming the teams, and Sixers center and NBA MVP Joel Embiid, who expressed his interest in the match on social media.

Despite their loss, the Union has made great strides under coach Jim Curtain, becoming one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. They won the Supporters' Shield trophy in 2020 and reached the MLS Cup final last season. However, with Messi's arrival in MLS, their path to a championship has become more challenging.

Union principal owner Jay Sugarman commented on Messi's impact, saying, "This is a fantastic league with a growing fanbase, but you always need that match to really light it. Messi is the match."

PHILLIES

Toronto Blue Jays Clinch 2-1 Victory Over Philadelphia Phillies with Bases-Loaded Hit-by-Pitch in the Eighth Inning

The Toronto Blue Jays secured a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies when Cavan Biggio was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the eighth inning, forcing in the winning run.

The Blue Jays' winning play followed a series of events, including a walk by pinch-hitter Nathan Lukes and a dropped liner by Phillies' left fielder Kyle Schwarber, which allowed Whit Merrifield to reach base. After a series of plays, Domínguez hit Biggio with a pitch, allowing Merrifield to score.

Jordan Hicks earned the win for Toronto, while Jordan Romano closed the game for his 29th save. The Blue Jays' victory came after a three-game losing streak, while the Phillies suffered their third consecutive loss.

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