Chester, Delaware County | featured news

You never know where a kooky idea will lead.On Christmas Eve 2009, George Trosset went surfing dressed as Santa out back of his beachside residence in Cocoa Beach, Fla. His son and daughter-in-law dressed up as elves. The local newspaper published a picture on the front page of its Christmas Day edition.

Good Morning. Here are some of the top stories from around the region.WEATHERIt's going to be rather chilly today, but the high will hit about 40 degrees with a bunch of sun.CLICK HERE to check your local forecast.EAGLES

SWARTHMORE >> In a packed lobby of town hall, borough Mayor Tim Kearney, a Democrat, announced his intention to run for the seat held by state Sen. Tom McGarrigle, R-26, of Springfield."I think what's important is that I'm not a typical politician," the 57-year-old married father and architect said.

"Voter-proof."Does that sound like representative government to you?It doesn't to Thomas Geoghegan, either.Now we have to hope it does not ring true to a panel of federal court judges in Philadelphia.Geoghegan used the term to describe Pennsylvania's twisted congressional map.

Monday was my birthday. As the years pass, my celebrations have changed, but one thing remains a constant: the cake. For as long as I can remember, I've feasted on Italian Rum cake, a confection that involves lots of cream, lots of sugar, a lavish coating of nuts and enough alcohol to fire up a Bunsen burner.

SWARTHMORE >> A flurry of action at a former Swarthmore College-owned property on Friday has all-hands on deck for the second location of Nick's House, an effort by the Ridley-based HEADstrong Foundation to offer rent-free stays for guests seeking cancer treatment in the Delaware Valley.Inside the 5,021-square-foot home at 200 S.

BEAUTY IN BYWOODCongratulations students of Bywood! Once again Bywood's talented musicians and choir entertained a packed Christmas audience for more than an hour. This year's show left everyone feeling the Christmas season had officially begun. Many thanks for delivering a true spirit-of-Christmas performance!BILL FROM BROOMALLWE PRINTED THIS I like what "Disgruntled Caller" said about his calling in numerous times and never having any of his comments printed.

CONCORD >> The parade marched down Bethel Road, and included the Garnet Valley High School Band, the Concordville Fire Co., Bethel VFW and over 800 men, women and children. Neighbors came out and clapped and drivers, passing by, beeped their horns. The mood was joyous on Sunday, Nov. 26, when the congregation of ValleyPoint Church held their final service in the auditorium of Garnet Valley Middle School, where they had met as a temporary home for the past 12 years.

NEWTOWN >> SAP has opened a second American innovation lab, this one at its U.S. headquarters in Newtown Square.The giant software company last week hosted partners and potential participants in a program meant to encourage the creation of new business solutions. The new lab, SAP's second in North America along with Palo Alto, Calif.

PennDOT has officially completed bicycle lanes on three state highways, including in the Pottstown area, as part of a new program. According to PennDOT, the pilot program will help determine long-term maintenance cost data for such bicycle facilities which, along with the Wolf Administration's PennDOT Connects initiative to reach out to communities and partners earlier in project planning, will help evaluate bicycle accommodations where planning efforts indicate such needs.