In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Monster List of Events this Week!

 🤣 SoulJoel's Hosts Comedy Night to Support Family Devastated by Christmas Day Fire

👮🏼‍♂️ Pennsylvania State Police: Decrease in Crashes, Spike in DUI Arrests Over Christmas

🍽️ Historic Underground Railroad Site to Transform into White Dog Cafe in Chester Springs

⌚️ Federal Court Temporarily Lifts Ban on Apple Watch Sales Amid Ongoing Patent Dispute

⚾️ Phillies Hit with $6.98M Tax Bill: Second Straight Year Over Luxury Threshold

🏛️ Support Pottstown Local Businesses

Upcoming Local Events 

December 28th

• Business Referral Networking Group - 9 AM

• Intermediate/Advanced Open Pickleball - 9 - 11 AM

• The Thing (1982) on 35mm!!! Food and drinks after!! - 6:30 PM

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

• 7 for 7 with Steve Rinaldi at SoulJoel's inside SunnyBrook - 7 PM

December 29th

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

• Round1- Karaoke and Bowling - 7 PM

• NIGHTWOLF – LIVE AT RIVET! (FREE SHOW) - 7 PM

• Salsa & Bachata dance w/ Lessons inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom - 7 PM

• Double Headliner w/ Chip Chantry & Mary Radzinski - 8 PM

• WE DANCE PRE NEW YEARS PARTY w Main Street Band @ Pepper's - 8:30 PM

December 30th

• BFIT 360 - Group Fitness Class - 9 AM

• Legs N' Eggs Drag Brunch inside SoulJoel's at Sunnybrook - 12 PM

• Noon Years Eve at The Carousel at Pottstown - 10 AM - 12 PM

• PHX REC BB/+ Saturday 1-4:30pm Coed Indoor Volleyball - 1 PM

• Vik Raolji Acoustic at Hares Hill Brewing Co. - 6:30 - 9:30 PM

• Tom & Jimmy @ Bistro on Bridge - 6:30 PM – Sun, Dec 31, 12:30 AM

• 90's Karaoke Party at Big Phil's Bar and Grill - 7 - 11 PM

• Ryan Shaner's Philly Takeover Featuring The BEST comedians in Philadelphia - 7 PM

• New Year's Eve EVE Line Dancing Saturday at the SunnyBrook Brook - 7 PM

December 31st

• New Year's Eve Matinee Celebration w/ The Sounds of SunnyBrook - 1 PM

• New Year's Eve Comedy w/ Jason Salmon at SoulJoel's - 7 PM

• NEW YEAR’S EVE AT RIVET: THE TY FAHERTY BAND + SPECIAL GUEST! - 8 PM

• New Year's 2024 Celebration inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom - 8 PM

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

 Click Here to Let us Know About Your Upcoming Event

🤣 SoulJoel's Hosts Comedy Night to Support Family Devastated by Christmas Day Fire

In a heartwarming display of community support, SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook is hosting a comedy benefit event on Thursday, January 11, 2024, dedicated to aiding the Herrmann family of Lower Providence, who tragically lost their home to a fire on Christmas Day. The event, open to the public and accessible via Facebook, promises an evening filled with laughter for a noble cause. All proceeds from ticket sales will directly assist the Herrmann family during this difficult time.

Additionally, a dine-and-donate initiative at Gatsby's Pub, between 5 and 7 pm, will contribute 10% of the dinner bills to the family's fund. The event kicks off at 6 pm with doors opening, followed by the show at 7 pm. Attendees have the option of purchasing general admission tickets for $20 or opting for VIP tickets at $30. The event will take place at SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook, located at 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown, PA 19464. Tickets can be purchased through the SoulJoel's website.

👮🏼‍♂️ Pennsylvania State Police: Decrease in Crashes, Spike in DUI Arrests
Over Christmas

During the Christmas weekend of 2023, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) reported a notable decrease in vehicle crashes and injuries compared to the previous year. According to their data, there were 404 crashes investigated by PSP between December 23-25, 2023, resulting in three fatalities and 70 injuries. In contrast, the same period in 2022 saw 661 crashes with seven fatalities and 113 injuries. Interestingly, alcohol was a factor in 36 crashes in both years, but none of the fatal crashes in 2023 involved alcohol, while in 2022, alcohol played a role in two fatal incidents.

A significant increase was observed in DUI arrests, with PSP making 198 arrests in 2023, compared to 116 in 2022. Troop K, which covers Delaware, Philadelphia, and Montgomery counties, reported 49 crashes with 11 injuries, five alcohol-related crashes, and 11 DUI arrests. In Chester County, covered by Troop J, one fatal crash occurred among the 36 crashes investigated, along with four injuries and three alcohol-related incidents. Troop J also made 32 DUI arrests.

In terms of traffic citations, PSP statewide issued 1,036 for speeding, 123 for seat belt violations, and 22 for failing to secure children in safety seats. Troop K issued 49 speeding tickets, two citations for child seat violations, five seatbelt citations, and 266 other citations. Additionally, they made 166 non-DUI self-initiated arrests, including three in their coverage area. Troop J issued 139 speeding citations, one child seat violation, six seatbelt citations, and 291 other citations, along with 31 self-initiated arrests.

The release from PSP also included a cautionary note regarding the upcoming New Year's Eve celebrations. They emphasized the importance of planning for a safe ride home, especially if alcohol consumption is involved in the celebrations.

Historic Underground Railroad Site to Transform into White Dog Cafe

in Chester Springs

Fearless Restaurants is gearing up to launch its fifth White Dog Cafe in 2024 at the historic site of the former Vickers Restaurant in Chester Springs, a location with significant ties to the Underground Railroad. The property, which was once a stop on this clandestine network aiding enslaved African Americans to freedom, will undergo extensive renovations and refurbishments, all while preserving its rich historical essence.

The new White Dog Cafe, celebrated for its focus on local, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine and its unique dog-themed atmosphere, will occupy the space that once housed Vickers Restaurant, a well-known fine dining establishment operating since the 1820s. This site has a storied past as the home of abolitionist John Vickers and played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad. It has also hosted notable figures such as former President Richard Nixon and astronaut George “Pinky” Nelson.

Marty Grims, the managing partner of Fearless Restaurants, shared that the upcoming White Dog Cafe will span over 7,500 square feet, accommodating around 300 guests. The restaurant aims to create a homely ambiance, with each room featuring its own distinct personality. Moreover, the establishment is expected to create approximately 100 jobs.

Notably, the White Dog Cafe Chester Springs will introduce a three-season room for outdoor dining and partition the main banquette room into three separate areas. It will continue the tradition of serving award-winning American cuisine, utilizing local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients. The restaurant will offer lunch, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch.

Adding to its unique character, the new location will feature commissioned pup portraits by Janelle Morrison, a local artist specializing in animal paintings. Guests will have the opportunity to have their dogs' portraits created and permanently displayed at the restaurant. These portraits, limited to 20, will support Alpha Bravo Canine™, a Philadelphia-based organization providing service dogs to U.S. veterans with combat-related disabilities.

Fearless Restaurants acquired the White Dog Cafe brand from social activist Judy Wicks in 2010 and has since expanded with additional locations in Wayne, Haverford, and Glen Mills.

⌚️ Federal Court Temporarily Lifts Ban on Apple Watch Sales Amid

Ongoing Patent Dispute

A federal court has temporarily lifted the ITC’s sales ban on two high-end Apple Watch models amid a patent dispute with Masimo over blood-oxygen measurement technology. This follows Apple's compliance with an earlier ITC ruling, halting sales of these models. The decision allows temporary sales pending the court's final decision on Apple’s appeal. This is not Apple’s first patent challenge related to its health-technology features in watches.

⚾️ Phillies Hit with $6.98M Tax Bill: Second Straight Year Over

Luxury Threshold

The Philadelphia Phillies owe $6.98 million in competitive balance tax for 2023, crossing the luxury tax threshold for the second consecutive year. Other teams, including the Mets, Padres, and Yankees, also face significant tax bills. Looking forward, the Phillies are projected to exceed the tax threshold in 2024 as well, potentially reaching their highest tax payroll ever, especially with the focus on adding key players and possibly extending Zack Wheeler's contract.

Maxey and Harris Lead 76ers to Decisive Victory Over Magic

The Philadelphia 76ers got the win over the Orlando Magic with a 112-92 win, showcasing strong teamwork in the absence of Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and De'Anthony Melton were key players, contributing significantly to the score. Despite efforts from the Magic's Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Paolo Banchero, Orlando's shooting fell short. The 76ers' maintained their lead throughout, further solidifying their successful recent record.

How Did We Do On This Issue?