In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📆  NEW EVENT CALENDAR

🚔 Celebrate Community Night with NCPD and Norco Fire Company

🏟 Turf vs. Grass: Pottstown Schools Discuss Field Enhancements

 🍻 Pottsgrove-Pottstown Little League Hosts Summer Event at The Alley

⚾️ Phillies Make Roster Move: Merrifield Out, Wilson In

⚽️ Crucial Match for Union as They Face Toronto FC on the Road

Celebrate Community Night with NCPD and Norco Fire Company

Join the North Coventry Police Department (NCPD) and Norco Fire Company (NCFC) at the North Coventry Community Night on July 18, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at American Heritage located in the Coventry Mall. Come welcome American Heritage to North Coventry and enjoy a fun evening with police and fire vehicle displays, free Kona Ice, and more!

Event Details:

• Date: July 18, 2024

• Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

• Location: American Heritage, Coventry Mall

Activities:

• Police and fire vehicle displays

• Free Kona Ice

• Community engagement with NCPD and NCFC

Bring your family and friends for a night of community fun and support!

Turf vs. Grass: Pottstown Schools Discuss Field Enhancements

The Pottstown School District is considering installing at least one turf field for its high school athletes. This is part of a larger plan to improve the district’s athletic facilities. Pottstown and Boyertown School Districts are the only schools in their conference that do not have at least one turf field.

On June 20, the school board approved a $305,500 contract with ELA, a consulting firm, to explore options for either constructing turf fields or upgrading existing grass fields and tennis courts. This plan keeps all options open for future improvements.

The debate over turf fields was prominent during the June 13 facilities and finance committee meeting. Committee Chair Thomas Hylton voiced objections, citing environmental concerns and the heat retention of artificial surfaces. He argued that turf fields would worsen the town’s heat island effect and become much hotter than grass fields.

Justin Baker, the district’s director of athletics, noted that turf fields are less affected by weather and can handle more frequent use. This could allow for more sports and activities.

Board members and local coaches had mixed opinions. John Armato pointed out recent investments in natural fields, while Steve Kline and several coaches argued that turf fields are necessary for sports like field hockey and lacrosse, which are challenging to play on grass. Title IX compliance, ensuring equal facilities for male and female athletes, was also a key consideration, especially for upgrading the girls' softball field.

The cost of installing turf fields could exceed $7 million, with additional facilities pushing the price over $8.5 million. Hylton suggested that upgrading existing grass fields and necessary facilities could be done for as little as $2.5 million, presenting a more budget-friendly option.

Pottsgrove-Pottstown Little League Hosts Summer Event at The Alley

Join us for a summer celebration at The Alley on July 20th from 2 PM to 9 PM! Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a fun game of beer pong while supporting the Pottsgrove-Pottstown Little League.

Event Details:

• Date: July 20th

• Time: 2 PM - 9 PM

• Location: The Alley, High Street

Food and Drinks:

• Brick and Blaze Pizza

• Mexi-Boys Food Truck

Come out and have a great time with friends and family while supporting a good cause!

Phillies Make Roster Move: Merrifield Out, Wilson In

The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran utility player Whit Merrifield on Friday. Merrifield, signed in the offseason, struggled with a bench role, batting just .199 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 53 games. Manager Rob Thomson expressed his regret, citing Merrifield's positive influence in the clubhouse.

To fill the gap, the Phillies promoted Weston Wilson. Wilson, who had a brief stint with the team in 2022, showed promise in the minors, hitting .315 with 10 home runs after a slow start. Thomson plans to give Wilson an extended look over the next three weeks, especially against left-handed pitchers.

The Phillies will cover the remainder of Merrifield’s $7 million contract for this year and hold a buyout option for next season's $8 million.

Crucial Match for Union as They Face Toronto FC on the Road

The Philadelphia Union's season has been marked by an unusual trend: they score more easily on the road than at home. As they prepare to face Toronto FC this weekend (7:30 p.m., AppleTV), Manager Jim Curtin is keen to maintain their defensive solidity and end their winless streak. The Union's ability to counterattack effectively on the road has been a key factor, despite challenges in maintaining possession and lineup disruptions due to injuries and the departure of Julian Carranza. A win would level them with Toronto, who currently hold the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Key players returning from injury boost the Union, though they face challenges with absences due to the U.S. Olympic team. Both teams are desperate for a turnaround, making today’s match crucial.

Pottstown Local Scoop Launches
New Community Event Calendar

We’re excited to announce that we’ve launched a New Community Event Calendar! Introducing Pottstown Live!

To better serve and provide quick turnaround, we thought providing a resource that provided value through promoting local and community events more efficiently.

We invite you to check it out, stay informed, and submit your events to Thousands of Pottstown Locals!

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