In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

📆NEW EVENT CALENDAR

 🔥 Grand Opening of New Hanover's Rink at Community Park

⚖️ Township Showdown: East Coventry Sues Over Sewer System Sale

🛣 Wells Fargo to End Naming Rights for Philadelphia Arena in 2025

 🤩 Pickleball Popularity Soars in Chester County

⚾️ Trade Deadline: Phillies Interested in Relievers Estévez, Finnegan, Scott

Grand Opening of New Hanover's Rink at Community Park

New Hanover Township will celebrate the grand opening of The Rink at Community Park on Wednesday, August 7, from 4 PM to 8 PM at 2798 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.

The event features an appearance by Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, and offers free pizza from Peppe’s Pizza & Grill and free Kona Ice from Whitetail Disposal.

The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, in collaboration with Flyers Charities, supports this project aimed at revitalizing the local hockey community.

For more details, visit newhanover-pa.org.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, August 7

• Time: 4 PM - 8 PM

• Location: New Hanover Community Park, 2798 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525

Join the celebration for a fun-filled evening and the revival of the hockey community in New Hanover Township!

Township Showdown: East Coventry Sues Over Sewer System Sale

East Coventry Township supervisors voted on July 8 to initiate a lawsuit against the North Coventry Municipal Authority and North Coventry Township over the stalled sale of its sewer system to Pennsylvania American Water for $7 million. East Coventry, which does not own a treatment plant, relies on North Coventry for sewage treatment under an existing agreement.

The sale, approved last August, aimed to distribute the $27 million cost of extending sewer services to the Parker Ford area among all Pennsylvania American Water customers. However, negotiations since November 2023 have stalled due to North Coventry's refusal to transfer the treatment agreement without clear billing details.

East Coventry Township Manager Eugene Briggs cited a June impasse, with North Coventry proposing bulk-rate charges without specifics on flow rates or upgrade costs. This delay threatens the Parker Ford project, critical for addressing failing septic systems, which would otherwise cause a significant increase in local sewer bills.

To move forward, East Coventry has hired special counsel Joe Frank and issued a legal notice. Further discussions are set for August 12.

Wells Fargo to End Naming Rights for Philadelphia Arena in 2025

Wells Fargo will remove its name from the South Philadelphia sports arena when its contract expires in August 2025. The arena, home to the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers, is owned by Comcast Spectacor. Wells Fargo decided not to renew the naming rights as part of an adjusted sponsorship strategy.

The venue, which opened in 1996, has had several names: CoreStates Center (1996-1998), First Union Center (1998-2003), Wachovia Center (2003-2010), and Wells Fargo Center (2010-present).

Wells Fargo will continue to support Philadelphia, with $21 million invested in local philanthropy since 2020.

Pickleball Popularity Soars in Chester County

Pickleball has become America's fastest-growing sport for the third consecutive year, with participation increasing by 223.5% post-pandemic, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

SFIA President Tom Cove and Pickleheads.com founder Brandon Mackie attribute the sport's growth to its accessibility and appeal to all ages. Pickleheads provides a directory of facilities, equipment reviews, and competition organization tools.

Chester County has 168 dedicated pickleball courts, including 78 indoor and 90 outdoor. The Downingtown YMCA Pickleball Center, a 25,000-square-foot facility, highlights the sport's popularity. West Chester plans to add more courts at Hoopes Park and Bayard Rustin Park.

Pickleball’s rise is driven by its easy learning curve and social nature. With 48.3 million U.S. players in 2023, it attracts all ages, with 18-34 being the largest group. Dave Mullen of the YMCA notes the sport's social aspect, fostering friendships and community.

Trade Deadline: Phillies Interested in Relievers Estévez, Finnegan, Scott

The Philadelphia Phillies are eyeing three potential relievers to bolster their bullpen ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. According to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies have shown interest in Carlos Estévez of the Los Angeles Angels, Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals, and Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins.

This follows a report by Matt Gelb of The Athletic linking the Phillies to both Finnegan and Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas. Additionally, Jon Heyman of The New York Post and Bob Nightengale of USA Today have noted the Phillies' interest in Scott.

Carlos Estévez, with 20 saves and a 2.38 ERA this season, is a new name on the Phillies' radar. Finnegan, the only non-rental option, has one year of arbitration eligibility left, potentially making him the most expensive to acquire. Estévez and Scott are set to become free agents after the season, which might influence the Phillies' decision-making process as they consider the costs and benefits of each potential trade.

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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