Top 4 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s a look at what you may have missed:

1. Roxborough-Manayunk Food Co-op struggles in efforts to expand

More than 200 residents showed up to a meeting held last April to gauge interest in bringing a food co-op to the area. The Roxborough-Manayunk Food Co-op was launched not long afterwards, but has failed to garner the amount of community support needed to move forward with securing a storefront. Check out Emily Brooks’ story for more details.

2. West Mt. Airy civic leader recalls years working alongside Nelson Mandela

In 1992, Marilyn Cohen headed to South Africa as the country moved away from apartheid, its decades old system of racial discrimination against the black majority. She was only supposed to stay for six weeks. But over the next eight years, Cohen found herself at the center of post-apartheid reconstruction. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

3. ‘ Mount Airy Home Companion’ to offer up talking fruitcake, retiring Santa and the Pope at holiday show

For the third year in a row, members of Saint Mad, a Mt. Airy-based band, have created a holiday show with Northwest Philadelphia flair. This year’s edition will feature a reality-show spoof that centers on finding a new Santa Claus and, of course, poke some fun at some of WHYY’s programs. Check Alaina Mabaso’s story for more details.

4. One year later: Talking with kids on the anniversary of the Sandy Hook school

Saturday marks the one year anniversary of the massacre in Newtown. In this week’s Philly Parenting blog post, mother Jennifer Bradley explores how hard, but important it is for children to initially learn about tragic events from their parents. Check out the rest of post to learn more.