Top 5 stories to watch for in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at stories we’ll be covering in Northwest Philadelphia this upcoming week:

1. Like Center City, Germantown is chock-full of Philadelphia history, much of it tied to the Underground Railroad and the Revolutionary War. The neighborhood, however, has had a hard time getting tourists to travel to Northwest Philadelphia when they’re in town. Neighborhood and tourism officials are increasingly interested in writing a new chapter in that book. Check back next week to learn more.

2. Five former Roxborough High School students will be honored next week for their contributions to the school’s sports teams over the years. Among the Hall of Fame inductees, is Steve Passio, who excelled on the football field, the golf course and in the classroom. He wasn’t the biggest guy, but his family and friends helped make him a fierce competitor and, later on, a successful businessman. Check back next week for more details.

3. On Dec. 9, retired Villanova professor Carol Ambruster was found dead inside her Germantown apartment. A sub-contracted maintenance worker is accused of fatally stabbing the 69-year-old. His preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Check back next week to learn more.

4. For years, Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme (Philadelphia and Silence of the Lambs) has been collecting Caribbean art. Starting next weekend, a wide assortment of items – in fact, most of his collection – will be put on the auction block at Material Culture near East Falls. Check back next week for more details.

5. Simons Rec’s Youth Access Center in West Oak Lane has started a middle-school debate club. At the end of March, students from the program will head to the University of Pennsylvania to watch the Voices of Philadelphia Debate Tournament. Check back next week to learn more.