Top 5 stories to watch in NW Philly this week

Here’s a look at what’s to come on NewsWorks this week:

1. For a few weeks this winter it looked like 2013 would be the first year in nearly 30 years that a professional bike race wouldn’t make its way through Philadelphia. But thanks to an influential congressman and a slew of sponsors, the first-annual Park Casino Philly Cycling Championship is on for June 2. We’ll bring you a complete guide to the race which now shines an even brighter light on Manayunk and Roxborough.

2. It’s hard to believe, but summer is just around the bend. With less than a month to go before its official start, we thought we’d feature some of Northwest Philadelphia’s best summer spots. You may already be familiar with some of them. If you aren’t, you’re welcome!

3. Starting next week, the Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill will be hosting its 72nd Annual Juried Exhibition. This year’s show, entitled In Front of Strangers, I Sing features works by more than 50, area artists from across a variety of medium. We’ll explore the exhibit next week.

4. Coulter Street in Germantown is not the first stretch you might think of for an espresso bar. Tell that to the owners of a new shop, which sits not far from a shuttered public housing high rise. The business will also have an art gallery inside. Check back next week to learn more.

5. In less than a month, Germantown High School will close for good. Starting this week, we kicked off a month-long series of remembrances from GHS alums, including Bill Cosby and Ralph Roberts. The series will continue next week with interviews from Germantown grads young and old.