Top 9 stories of the week in Northwest Philly

Here are the stories you may have missed in Northwest Philadelphia this week …

1. Philly Mart to hold grand opening at Manayunk’s newly-minted Venice Island

The “carefully curated” artisan and vintage market will make its outdoor debut between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday at Manayunk’s recently-opened Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center.

2. Neighbors demand consultation in sale of former East Falls psychiatric institute

New CourtLand Senior Services recently bid $3 million to purchase the former Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute property, located at 3200 Henry Ave., from the Pennsylvania General Services Administration. It was a topic of much discussion at Monday night’s East Falls Community Council meeting.

3. Residents seek ‘shared community values’ for potential Germantown Town Hall rebirth

About two dozen neighbors gathered over coffee and doughnuts on Saturday morning to discuss their hopes for the future of Germantown Town Hall, the once-stately building located within eyeshot of an also-shuttered high-school structure.

4. Trolley Car Diner kicks off two weeks of fundraising for schools in need

When patrons use a special fundraiser coupon at Trolley Car Diner in Mt. Airy or Trolley Car Cafe in East Falls before Oct. 26, 20 percent of their bill will be donated to a nonprofit that offers grants to teachers in local schools to fund special projects, trips or supplies.

5. Underground Railroad tour in Germantown offers ‘hidden history’ lessons

The Moonstone Arts Center recently led a guided bus tour of Underground Railroad stops in Germantown and Plymouth Meeting. It was narrated by Larry Robin, of Larry’s Books, who called the underground-railroad tour a lesson in “hidden history.”

6. East Falls Community Council hosts pre-election ‘candidates night‘

The four candidates present at the East Falls Community Council’s forum were Armond James, the Republican challenger to embattled U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah; state Rep. Rosita Youngblood (D-198), who is running unopposed and both incumbent state Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-194th) and her challenger, Bill Pounds.

7. Eagles player promises ice-cream party if West Oak Lane students read regularly

Brandon Boykin, a cornerback on the Philadelphia Eagles, met with two dozen students in the Prince Hall Elementary School library for the “READ! By 4th Campaign” literacy-push launch on Wednesday. (And, he made some promises contingent upon youngsters’ reading).

8. First lady’s message in Northwest Philly: ‘When we stay home, they win‘

At the Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center near West Oak Lane on Wednesday, Michelle Obama praised Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Wolf’s background as a businessman and supporter of public education. She also urged voters to get to the polls on Nov. 4.

9. East Falls shindig honors historic brewery with revival of century-old craft-beer recipe

“Party Like It’s 1899” is the theme of Saturday’s throwback party on the Hohenadel House grounds, 3617 Indian Queen Lane.

The celebration will include period-appropriate staging and a performance by local legend Harry Prime, a pop-up museum by the East Falls Historical Society and period-appropriate food and beverages including a recreation of the Hohenadel German Lager.