Top 7 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s a look at what you might have missed

1. One man undertakes hefty spring-cleaning mission in Wissahickon Valley Park

Mt. Airy resident Bradley Maule has long been in love with Fairmount Park. And so, it bothered him to see park-goers leave behind their trash. So much so that he recently decided to put his money where his mouth is and start routinely collecting it. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

2. Water main-replacement project coming to Ridge Ave. in Roxborough this summer

Philadelphia Water Department will replace two existing water mains with a single 12-inch main. The start date for project —expected to take about three months—was bumped up after the utility learned that the same stretch of Ridge Avenue was slated to be repaved as part of a seven-mile PennDOT effort. Check out Matt Grady’s story for more details.

3. PHA head can’t wait ‘to tear down’ Queen Lane Apartments high-rise

Multiple community meetings, a pair of archaeological surveys and one very important legal document has finally led the Philadelphia Housing Authority to the doorstep of demolition. PHA officials are relieved. The building’s Germantown neighbors couldn’t be happier. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

4. Community fund for local teachers looks to aid resource-starved schools

The Teacher’s Fund, based in Northwest Philadelphia, has had a banner year. It’s never handed out so many grant dollars to neighborhood schools, including C.W. Henry Elementary in Mt. Airy. There, teachers are using the much-needed funds for library books and a new special education effort. Check out Jana Shea’s story for more details.

5. Kelly School greening project and Queen Lane demo the focus of community forum

Germantown residents gathered with Philadelphia University students this week to kick-around ideas for two forthcoming green spaces in the neighborhood. One of them is elementary school-based. The other will sit the middle of a brand new, public housing development. Check out Queen Muse’s story to learn more.

6. Robotics competition gets crowds on their feet for STEM education

Students from across the tri-state area descended on Springside Chestnut Hill Academy this past weekend to show off their robotics skills. Teams from Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey each built robots programmed to compete in a three-on-three basketball-style game. Check out Queen Muse’s story for more details.

7. Crowds pack historic Sedgwick theater for annual ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?’ event

Mt. Airy USA, a community development corporation, has hosted the event for a decade now. This year’s event featured food from neighborhood restaurants and a cast of noteworthy Philadelphia residents mingling with attendees. Check out Jana Shea’s story to learn more.