In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Huge List Of Events This Week in the Pottstown Area!

💰 Fiscal Responsibility Drives Berks County's Property Tax Increase Decision

 🐘 J.P. Mascaro & Sons Invests $1 Million in Pennsylvania Education

 🏥 Potential Acquisition Talks Between StoneBridge Healthcare and Tower Health Surface

 🏈 Eagles' Coaching Shuffle: Patricia Takes Over Play-Calling from Desai

 🏈 Dom DiSandro Faces Sideline Suspension for Remainder of NFL Season

🏛️ Support Pottstown Local Businesses

Upcoming Local Events 

December 18th

• Intermediate/Advanced Open Pickleball - 9 - 11 AM

• Intermediate/Advanced Open Pickleball - 11 AM - 1 PM

• PHX REC BB/+ Coed Indoor Volleyball - 6 - 9 PM

• Open Play Pickleball - 7 PM

December 19th

• Line Dancing at Sunnybrook Ballroom - 6:30 PM

• Open Mic at SoulJoel's - 7 PM

December 20th

• Virtual - Mainline Startup Breakfast - 7 AM

• Drag Show Benefit w/ Morgan Morgan Morgan & Heavens to Betsy - 7 PM

• Trivia Night at Great American Pub!! - 7:10 PM

December 21st

• Trivia Thursday's at Gatsby's Pub - 7 PM

December 22nd

• Anthony Moore at SoulJoel's inside SunnyBrook - 7 PM

• Holiday Themed Music and Ursula's 95th Birthday Party - 7 PM

• The Dirty Show headlined by Brendan Donegan - 9:30 PM

December 23rd

• 2023 Christmas Bird Count - 7 AM

• Steve Simeone returns at SoulJoel's inside SunnyBrook (Family Friendly Comedy) - 7 PM

December 24th

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 Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

Fiscal Responsibility Drives Berks County's Property Tax Increase Decision

Berks County's commissioners have approved a 9% property tax increase in the 2024 budget to address inflation and slow tax base growth. The $651.8 million budget, though smaller than 2023's, faces a $13.2 million deficit. Influencing factors include increased personnel costs due to wage hikes and strategic investments. Despite the increase, the budget maintains funding for key county services.

J.P. Mascaro & Sons Invests $1 Million
in Pennsylvania Education

J.P. Mascaro & Sons, a prominent waste services company headquartered in Lower Providence, Montgomery County, has generously donated $1 million to over 115 Pennsylvania schools and school districts this year. This substantial contribution is aimed at supporting educational initiatives and scholarships. The company, known for its waste removal and recycling services in the region, has made these donations in various counties including Berks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery.

Potential Acquisition Talks Between StoneBridge Healthcare and
Tower Health Surface

Bucks County's StoneBridge Healthcare is reportedly pursuing a potential agreement to acquire Tower Health, which may be involved in discussions with the nonprofit WoodBridge Inc. WoodBridge's proposed deal includes a $550 million cash payment, assuming $156 million in financial lease liabilities, and a commitment to retain all 11,000 Tower Health employees. However, WoodBridge is only interested in acquiring the Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville hospitals, excluding St. Christopher’s.

Despite these developments, Tower Health, based in Berks County, indicates that it is not aware of any imminent offers for the hospitals. This comes after StoneBridge's two unsuccessful bids last year to purchase Tower Health's hospitals and assets for $675 million.

Founded in 2020, StoneBridge Healthcare focuses on revitalizing struggling medical centers, although it currently does not own any hospitals. Tower Health, on the other hand, faced a substantial operating loss of $192.9 million in the fiscal year 2023, driven by rising supply costs and labor shortages. In 2021, Tower Health decided to remain an independent entity.

Eagles' Coaching Shuffle: Patricia Takes Over Play-Calling from Desai

Matt Patricia is set to become the new defensive play-caller for the Philadelphia Eagles, taking over from Sean Desai. Desai will remain as the defensive coordinator but will move to the booth. Patricia, a former coach with the New England Patriots and the Detroit Lions, joined the Eagles earlier this year. This change comes as the Eagles, currently with a 10-3 record, have faced two consecutive losses.

Dom DiSandro Faces Sideline Suspension for Remainder
of NFL Season

Dom DiSandro, the Eagles' security chief, has been banned from the NFL sidelines for the remainder of the regular season following an altercation with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. DiSandro, known for his extensive role in team security since 1999, can still perform other duties but cannot be on the sidelines during games. This incident led the NFL to reiterate its policy against non-player personnel engaging in physical or verbal confrontations.

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