Top 8 stories of the week in Northwest Philadelphia

Here are several stories that you may have missed this week in Northwest Philadelphia:

1. Yards Brewing Co. builds ‘living hops wall’ with help from Manayunk’s Tiny Terra Ferma

With roots in Northwest Philadelphia, Yards Brewing Co. worked with locally-based Tiny Terra Ferma to make a vertical garden on the side of its building along Main Street in Manayunk. The area has a new Yards sign (made of wood from a native tree which grows along the Schuylkill River), three kinds of hops and a pollinator garden at the base. Read Emily Brooks’ article for further details.

2. Rose Petals Café and Lounge celebrates 1st anniversary

The owners of Rose Petals Café and Lounge on Chelten Avenue in Germantown celebrated a big day Wednesday. It had been a year since opening their business’ doors and eight since their wedding. Check out the celebration and background in Brian Hickey’s report.

3. Fattah Jr. released on bail following U.S. indictment on theft, fraud and tax-evasion charges

Chaka Fattah Jr., the son of a 10-term Democratic U.S. representative, has been indicted on federal charges of theft and tax-fraud. Prosecutors alleged, among other things, that Fattah lied about elements of budgets for the school district’s Southwest School. Fattah maintained his innocence and said he looks forward to his day in court. Tom MacDonald has the story.

4. PIAA grants football eligibility to MLK transfer student, calls for recruiting investigation

Dawayne Young, a rising senior and football star, was cleared by the PIAA to play football at Martin Luther King High School. The decision was made by a five-member panel just outside of Harrisburg who voted unanimously that Young’s transfer from George Washington High this year was not motivated by football. Hickey updates Young’s case.

5. Mental Health First Aid brings model of recovery and resiliency to community members

Since 2012, more than 700 city employees, many from the school district, have attended an eight-hour adult Mental Health First Aid course. The class delves into learning about mental health and how to help someone that faces a mental crisis. Check out Michael Buozis’ article on the program.

6. Green Party gov candidate from Germantown fails to qualify for Nov. election

Paul Glover dropped out of the race for governor after receiving the Green Party’s nomination but failing to collect the required 17,000 signatures in order to be on the November ballot. Glover said he came up short by around 3,000 signatures, more than is required of Republican and Democratic candidates. Hickey spoke with Glover about the end of his campaign.

7. Plants from Germantown Ave. beautification effort damaged, stolen

Decorative plants, as part of a beautification effort for Germantown Ave., have gone missing or destroyed within a month of being set up. Business owners along the avenue have mixed opinions about the plantings. Check out Marcus McCarthy’s report on the issue.

8. ‘Beyond repair’ home at heart of historic-preservation battle in Chestnut Hill

A 104-year-old house in Chestnut Hill may soon be demolished and the plot divided for two new homes. However, community leaders are attempting to prevent this as it sets a dangerous precedent for an area full of historical landmarks, they said. Read Alan Jaffe’s report for more details on the disputed property’s future.