Top 7 stories in NW Philly this week

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

1. Brain-injury survivor to debut documentary on his ride to recovery this Saturday

East Falls resident Doug Markgraf has made a miraculous recovery after a grizzly hit-and-run incident in 2006. In what was perhaps the best illustration of his success, Markgraf spent last summer biking from New Jersey to California. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more about a related documentary and Markgraf’s advocacy for traumatic brain injury recovery awareness.

2. A last look, and a last trip down the aisle at St. Lucy’s

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The Manayunk parish is one of many that will close for good at the end of the week as a result of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Pastoral Planning Initiative. Plan Philly reporter Amy Z. Quinn grew up attending Sunday Mass at the Smick Street site. Check out her personal essay to learn how she feels about the end of her childhood church.

3. Rep. Parker files appeal with Pa. Supreme Court in April 2011 DUI case

State Rep. Cherelle Parker was pulled over and arrested more than a year ago for allegedly driving drunk in Germantown. A Municipal Court Judge initially ruled to toss all evidence in the case after he determined police testimony laced credibility. That ruling was later overturned. Now Parker is hoping the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear her appeal. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

4. Temporary mini Weavers Way store being set up in Mt. Airy

A multi-million dollar renovation is fast approaching at the nonprofit’s Mount Airy location. In anticipation of the resulting month-plus long closure, Weavers Way has begun constructing a pop-up grocery store to provide put-out customers with the basics. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story for more details.

5. Wired beans to hold soft opening on Saturday

The café’s highly-anticipated second location will open its doors this weekend inside Chelten Plaza in Germantown. Check out Yasmein James’ story to learn more about owner Robert Wheeler’s vision for the new spot and what he hopes to achieve in the neighborhood as a result.

6. Mt. Airy installs colorful rain barrels on Germantown Avenue

The Mt. Airy Business Improvement District recently installed several eco-friendly barrels along the neighborhood’s commercial corridor. The streetscape additions were spruced up by artists part of the Mt. Airy Art Garage. Check out Jana Shea’s story to learn just how green the barrels really are.

7. As of Sunday, St. Vincent de Paul Church will be Germantown’s lone Catholic parish

Sunday marks a new beginning of sorts for the historic Price Street parish. Two nearby parishes will close and merge with the neighborhood’s mother church. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about the new chapter in St. Vincent’s history.

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