Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philadelphia

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

1. Mt. Airy native climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro at the age of 81

Wallace “Jerry” Martindale didn’t let his age keep him from tackling Africa’s tallest mountain during a recent trip. NewsWorks caught up with Martindale post-climb. Check out Tyler Dougherty’s story for more details on his age-defying feat.

2. A mural begins: Will Chestnut Hill ever be the same?

A Wissahickon woods-themed mural is starting to take shape on the side of Bredenbeck’s Bakery. Check out Bob O’Brien’s story to learn more about the Mural Arts Program-led project on Germantown Avenue.

3. St. Mary’s celebrates final Mass after 163 years in Manayunk

Sunday marked the final Mass at the historic parish which will now merge with two other neighborhood congregations as part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Pastoral Planning Initiative. Check out Matthew Grady’s story for the details of the emotional day.

4. East Falls resident debuts brain-injury awareness documentary in Ambler

Doug Markgraf was left for dead following a hit-and-run accident while riding his bike in 2006. But that didn’t stop the 26 year old from getting back on a bike, let alone ride cross-country, after years of rehab. Check out Jimmy Viola’s story for more details about Markgraf’s miraculous comeback and the film documenting it all.

5. Photographers capture Germantown’s past and present beauty during inaugural event

Gary Reed’s vision became a reality last Saturday during the first-ever Photo Walk, an event aimed at finding the people, places and things that shimmer in the historic Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story to learn more.