The old fashioned pen (or crayon) and paper letter to Santa is still very popular, but technology has changed how we all communicate.

Most people don’t send each other letters anymore through the post office. We call, text, chat, email, Skype and much more.

So, how do you help your child let Santa and your relatives know what your child would like for Christmas?

Do you send letters to Santa through the post office or email them?

My son in not yet old enough to write a letter to Santa or even dictate one, but I’ve started an Amazon gift list for family member who aren’t really sure what to get for him. I’m happy to have relatives give him what they want, but many already ask us what to get for him, so it seemed an easy way to show everyone the kinds of things he was interested in.

Amazon, Toys R Us and a number of other online stores offer registries where you or your child can let others know what presents your child has his or her eye on.

What works best for your family? Do you like another registry site that you want to share with your neighbors? Tell us in the comments section below.

December is a month filled with beautiful music.  Here is a list of top concerts we found in the greater Philadelphia Patch region.  

Musical Holiday Spectacular

• When: Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.
• Where: West Chester University, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater
• Why Go: WCU Live! presents A Christmas Wonderland performed by the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. The professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy family-oriented, song and dance tribute to the holidays.
• Cost: Adults $20; Seniors/Students $15.

Christmas Vespers

• When: Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
  
• Where: Valley Forge Military Academy & College 1001 Eagle Rd, Wayne
• Why Go: The annual Christmas Vespers held in the Chapel of Cornelius the Centurion, VFMAC will celebrate the Nine Lessons of Christmas with sacred music and scripture readings.
• Cost: Free

Vox Ama Deus Messiah

• When: Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m.
  
• Where: Daylesford Abbey, Paoli
  
• Why Go: The Vox Ama Deus Ensemble will perform Handel's Messiah at the Dayleford Abbey on Sunday afternoon. 
• Cost: $25

Holiday Pipe Organ Concert

• When: Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.
• Where: Colonial Theater, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
• Why Go: The Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley presents a musical extravaganza. This program benefits the Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley (TOSDV) Theatre Pipe Organ Restoration Fund.
• Cost: $5 - $10

The Keystone State Boychoir

• When: Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m.
• Where: The Church of Saint Monica, 63 Main Avenue, Berwyn
• Why Go: The Keystone State Boychoir will present Benjamin Britten's “A Ceremony of Carols."
• Cost: Free-will offering

Angels from on High

• When: Saturday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.
• Where: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chestnut Hill
  
• Why Go: Enjoy the sounds of regal brass and the voices of the Mendelssohn Club.  One of our most popular concerts, celebrate the holidays through timeless music spanning several centuries, traditions, and well-loved traditional carols.
• Cost: $28

Chester County Choral Society's 'Sing Forth This Day' Concert

• When: Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where:Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 212 South High St., West Chester
• Why Go: Celebrate the Chester County Choral Society's 40th Anniversary with their “Sing Forth This Day” concert with the West Chester Brass Quintet.
• Cost: Students - $5; Seniors - $12, Adults - $15

Chester Children's Chorus Winter Concert

• When: Saturday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.
• Where:St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 N. Providence Road, Media
• Why Go: The Chester Children's Chorus will present a winter concert at St. Mary Magalen Church.  They will be singing selections that will appeal to everyone. 
• Cost: Free

Christmas with the Philadelphia Singers

• When: December 15 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Church of the Good Samaritan, 212 W. Lancaster Avenue, Paoli
• Why Go: Participate in Philadelphia's beloved holiday tradition with a wonderful concert of gorgeous seasonal music. Enjoy a visually stunning and entrancing candlelight processional, capped by a glorious audience carol-sing.
• Cost: $30

Lower Merion Symphony Concert

• When: Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.
• Where: Lower Merion High School 315 E Montgomery Ave, Ardmore
• Why Go: Guest soloist, Kirsten Johnson, Associate Principal Violist with the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform the Viola Concerto by George Frideric Handel, accompanied by the Lower Merion Symphony conducted by Music Director Mark Gigliotti. Also on the program is Symphony No.5 in B-flat major by Anton Bruckner.
• Cost: Free, Donations Accepted

Festival of Christmas Lessons and Carols

• When: Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.
• Where: St. George's Episcopal Church, Ardmore
• Why Go: Enjoy a festive afternoon of traditional and inspirational favorites as presented by the choir, congregation and instrumentalists, by candlelight.  A Reception will follow immediately.
• Cost: Suggested donation $10 for The Ardmore Pantry at St. Mary’s, Ardmore.

The Brandywine Singers present Peace and Love at Christmas

• When: Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m.
  
• Where: Washington Memorial Chapel, Valley Forge National Park, PA
• Why Go: Words cannot adequately express the emotions one experiences during the holidays…so we’ll let the beautiful music and gorgeous setting do it for us. We are thrilled to be part of the holiday festivities at one of our nation’s most beloved landmarks. The concert will feature Hickory Brass and the superb pipe organ of the Chapel−a holiday experience not to be missed!
• Cost: Free will offering accepted

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

• When: Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
• Where: Church of The Redeemer 250 Pennswood Rd, Bryn Mawr
• Why Go: The combined choirs of the Church of the Redeemer will present a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Based on the well-known annual service at King’s College Chapel in England, the service includes many beautiful and beloved carols and choral works for the season. Advent and Christmas scripture lessons will also be read. Early seating is advised.
• Cost: Free, Offering

Vox Ama Deus presents Handel's Messiah

• When: Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m.
• Where:St. Katharine of Sienna, Wayne
  
• Why Go: The Ama Deus Ensemble presents Handel's Messiah, a 2 hour and 45 minute show, with intermission.  The concert features soloists, chorus and a baroque orchestra.
  
• Cost: $25

The Brandywine Singers present Candlelight Christmas

• When: Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
  
• Where: Church of the Holy Trinity, West Chester, PA
• Why Go: The Brandywine Singers present a Christmas favorite, Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. Featuring gorgeous harp accompaniment, this beloved work transports us to the middle ages with a 20th century flair. This will be followed by carol arrangements with Hickory Brass and the Chancel Ringers of First Presbyterian Church.
• Cost: Free

Friday Night Jazz: Jazzy Good Cheer

• When: Friday, Dec. 21 from 6 – 8 p.m.
• Where: Woodmere Art Museum, Chestnut Hill
• Why Go: Enjoy the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble as they perform holiday favorites such as “Let It Snow,” “The Christmas Song,” “Greensleeves,” and others.
• Cost:$20 ($10 members, Children under 12: Free)

Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds Holiday Concert

• When: Saturday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.
• Where: Exton Square Mall, Exton
• Why Go: Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds Holiday Concert will feature  beautiful holiday selections to brighten your season.
• Cost: Free

Hurricane Relief Sandy Holiday Concert

• When: Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
• Where:New Leaf Club 1225 Montrose Ave, Bryn Mawr
• Why Go: Join the Wilson Vocal Academy and New Leaf Club for a night of holiday and inspirational music to benefit the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. The cafe will be open and serving festive food and drink!
• Cost: $10.00. 10 and under - Free

The Philadelphia Mandolin and Guitar Ensemble Concert

• When: Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m.
• Where: Christ Ascension Lutheran Church, 8300 Germantown Ave.
• Why Go: Celebrate the holiday at this special concert featuring The Philadelphia Mandolin and Guitar Ensemble with music by O'Carolan, Bach, Mozart and contempory jazz composer Jim Dragoni. The ensemble will be performing the styles of Brazilian Chro, Folkloric , Classical and Jazz. The ensemble is comprised of mandolins, spanish guitar, mandola, mando guitar, mandocello and 12 string guitar. There are two shows, one on SAT then a SUN matinee.  www.emusictime.com.
• Reception and light refreshments to follow.
• Cost: $15 for church members, $20 for the public in advance, and $25 at the door.

Check out these homes featuring brick or mostly brick exterior in your area and across the Nation.

Sometimes it's hard to know what gift to give someone who is facing a particularly hard time. One suggestion is the book The Road Back: A Journey of Grace and Grit, which chronicles the inspiring comeback by St. Davids resident Matt Miller after a terrible cycling accident.

The book was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Michael Vitez. Vitez was recently a guest on Patch TV. Watch him tell Miller's compelling story in the video section of this article.

Check out our list of uniquely Radnor (and otherwise local) gifts by clicking on this link.

If you want to add a Radnor organization to this list, add it by commenting below or emailing Sam.Strike@Patch.com.

Radnor A Better Chance

A Better Chance is a program that allows children from disadvantaged areas to attend a high school that may give them a better chance at success. The Radnor ABC house is on West Wayne Avenue in Wayne. The organization is in desperate need of donations and volunteers. On Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. watch Patch TV on channel 21 for an interview with ABC representatives. The show will then be run on Radnor Patch and our Youtube channel.

Radnor Fire Company

You might have received in the mail an envelope from the Radnor Fire Company's Ambulance Division for its annual fundraiser drive. The fire company is a mostly volunteer organization funded by donations and by the ambulance billing. Find out more by reading Meet Radnor's New Fire Chief.The fire company is also collecting money and goods for Hurricane Sandy relief.

Radnor Historical Society

From the Radnor Historical Society

Have you attended one of our programs, visited http://RadnorHistory.org , done research at the Finley House, enjoyed reading The Bulletin for 2011, watched the Conestoga Wagon pass by on Memorial Day, noticed the improvements in the War Memorial,  or read the historical signs along the Radnor Trail?  The Radnor Historical Society has been involved in providing all of these services that improve the quality of life in Radnor.  As we continue to increase our presence in the community, our costs also increase.   

The RHS Board of Directors is very appreciative of the community support that we receive from our members.  Because of rising expenses, both in fixed costs such as house maintenance, electricity, postage and printing, and in our wider community involvement, the Board has voted to increase dues for 2013.  We normally send our mail solicitation in mid-December, but we would like to try something new this year.  We are asking you to print out this form and send your check in now, before the formal request is mailed around December 21.  It will also insure that you can get your tax deduction in 2012.   We are offering a 10% discount for those who mail their dues by December 18, so that we receive your membership prior to incurring the expenses of the mailing.  The lower dues are indicated in green.   Thank you in advance. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to join or to renew your membership in this manner, please print out either this email or the attachment and send the completed form, along with your check, to: Radnor Historical Society 113 West Beechtree Lane Wayne, PA 19087-3212.    The 2013 categories and rates are as follows:                                                                        

*Until December 18. 2012

Student   $10    $8.50

Associate Member   $35       $31.50

Member   $50    $45.00

Sustaining   $100      $90.00

Patron      $150       $135.00

Benefactor     $300 and up     $270.00+

                                    _____ New         ____ Renewal   Name:    _____________________________________________________________   Street Address:  ________________________________________________________   Town:   _______________________   State: ______________   Zip: ______________   Email:     ____________________________________________________________   Phone:    _________________________   Date:   ____________________________  

All contributions are deductible to the legal limit for US income tax purposes.

Find some other regional organizations to donate to by clicking on this link.

The body of a missing Delaware County woman has been found in Ridley Creek State Park, according to Pennsylvania State Police-Media Barracks.

The woman's body, which was found in the park Saturday afternoon, has been positively identified as Teresa Cathy Mastracola, of Millbourne, State Police announced Sunday evening.

A cause of death has not yet been determined but foul play does not appear to be associated with the death, according to State Police.

Mastracola, 44, had been missing since Dec. 2. As an avid biker and hiker she was known to frequent Ridley Creek State Park.

She was last seen by her roomate as she left the house wearing hospital scrubs the morning of Dec. 2, according to 6ABC.

Mastracola's vehicle, a silver 2006 Mazda 6, four-door sedan with Pennsylvania Tag DTA-5563 and with a black bike rack attached, has not been recovered.

Anyone with information regarding the location of the vehicle is asked to contact Millbourne Police at 610-352-1450 or State Police at 484-840-1000.

Mastracola worked as an Imaging Equipment Specialist at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and was a Master Sergeant with the National Guard, according to 6abc.com.

Got to Make Sure You Turn the Water Off: According to a report from Phoenixville Patch, two men were arrested after police say their attempted copper piping theft caused a water main rupture and a flood in the basement of an abandoned home. Read the full story here.

That's One Way to Get a Flat Screen, I Guess: According to a report from Admore Patch, A man in the Ardmore Wawa disconnected a sandwich-ordering computer, stuck it under his shirt and fled the store without attracting attention. Read the full story here.

Home Away from Home: According to a report from West Chester Patch, a Coatesville man was cited with disorderly conduct when police allegedly found him asleep in a stranger's car. The car was parked in the homeowner's driveway. Read the full story here.

NEWTOWN SQUARE–It's that time of year again, where you find yourself trekking it out to the nearest nursery or tree lot only to find yourself in the same situation as you were last year and the year before. You spend hours and, possibly, days hunting for that perfect tree.

Fear not, AJ Iacuzio of Mostardi Nursery in Newtown Square gives Patch the quick guide to choosing your tree. Iacuzio sees an average of 400-450 trees sold each winter. Iacuzio's has helped local residents choose their perfect tree for more than 20 years.

The first part is figuring out what you want your tree to look like. Iacuzio said he "looks at the overall shape of the tree" from top to bottom. Some people like larger bottoms while others prefer a pointier top.

Once you've decided the shape, the next step is deciding the type of tree. Iacuzio said the two common trees found in the area are the Douglas-fir trees and the Fraser-fir trees. Mostardi offers both types of trees. The Douglas trees are grown locally around Penn State University in State College, PA, and the Fraser-fir trees come from North Carolina.

Depending on what you would like to do with the tree, Iacuzio said both are "beautiful looking" but Frasers have "heavier branches" that are good for ornament decorations. And if you're looking for that sweet scent that evergreens give off, you'll be happy to know that "both the trees will have that smell," said Iacuzio. According to Iacuzio, both trees have fairly good needle retention, which is good news to the tree clean-up crew after the holidays.

Though both are good trees, Iacuzio said he personally likes the Fraser firs. "They're probably one of the best trees you can buy," said Iacuzio.  The Douglas firs also have a two-tone color to their branches, giving off a silvery-green color to the tree.

"The Douglas trees are a little lighter and have thinner branches, but they actually look really good with just white lights," recommended Iacuzio.

To determine if a tree is healthy, Iacuzio said to run your hand through the branches to see if a lot of needles fall off. Although it's normal for a few to fall, a handful of needles should indicate that it's not the tree you want.

And for those who are looking for easy maintenance and no clean-up process after the holidays, Iacuzio recommended the potted Dwarf Alberta Spruce evergreens. They can grow up to six or eight feet but the growth process is slow.

At Mostardi, they offer all their customers a fresh cut once a tree has been sold. Iacuzio said a fresh cut helps a tree live longer as it absorbs more water. It's recommended that a tree be stored in a container with at least one gallon of water.

The best way to discard the trees, said Iacuzio, is ideally to take the tree to a shredder, so the tree can be reused as mulch, as they do at Mostardi. The nursery currently does not offer shredding or mulching services. However, the Delaware County Compost Farm in Chester offers county residents a free place to drop off their trees, trimmings and shrubs.

The losing streak eventually had to end.

And rookie quarterback Nick Foles did it in grand fashion, throwing a last-second touchdown pass to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-21.

"Fly Eagles Fly, on the road to victory."

We haven't heard that theme song in some time. But the Birds battled all day, sparked by Foles and excellent games from receivers Jason Avant and Jeremy Maclin.

After an eight-game losing streak, the Eagles won a game they probably shouldn't have against a playoff-caliber team. While the Bucs shut down rookie running standout Bryce Brown to six yards, Foles found a way to get it done.

Special teams once again hurt the team as Damaris Johnson muffed a punt return while kicker Alex Henrey – who made 22 straight field goals – missed two, including a 58-yarder off the post.

No one expected the Birds to win.

Foles threw for almost 400 yards. He looked like he's been playing in this league for years. Foles even used his legs to gain key yardage and shook off enough sacks to drive the Birds downfield time and again.

The game looked lost when the Birds defense – which was strong in the first half – faltered in the second half.

Tampa Bay took a 21-10 lead after the Birds led 10-0. But Foles got them back with a score to Clay Harbor, who was filling in for tight end Brett Celek, who left the game early with a concussion.

After holding the Bucs, Foles fired away again with Maclin catching big passes and making a throw to Avant at the 1-yard-line. Avant had one of the greatest catches of the season earlier in the game with a one-hand catch.

And then Foles rolled out and hit Maclin for the game winner as the clock ran out.

It's been quite chaotic for the Eagles this season. And Coach Andy Reid was pumping his fists after the game ended with one finally in the win column.

The Birds fought like crazy, Reid said after the game, and the defense kept providing pressure. Corner Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie especially played well.

"To be able to sneak it out like that..." Reid said.

Tampa Bay took away the run, but Foles – if anything – showed that he can play in this league.

After the game Foles played today, he certainly looks like the team's quarterback of the future.

More importantly, the Eagles finally got a win. That should keep fans happy for a short week when the Birds play the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.

Looking for a job?  Here are some positions available in Radnor, all advertised on Craigslist within the past week.

• Valley Forge Military Academy is seeking a sociology adjunct professor. 
• High Road Cycles has bicycle sales and mechanic positions.
• Cole Wellness Spa needs a front dest receptionist. 
• Matador Restaurant is hiring hosts, servers, bartenders, and more. 
• Winberie's Restaurant needs hosts and servers.
• Sovereign Bank is currently hiring mortgage retail specialists.
• Essent Guaranty is looking for an underwriter. 
• Wayne Pediatrics is seeking a medical assistant.
• Focus Forward is hiring a project manager and a proofreader.  
• HTH Worldwide is hiring a health service coordinator. 
• Ascentia HCS is interested in adding a C#.net developer to their team.
• Brain Balance Achievement Centers is hiring a cognitive coach. 
• TakeLessons is hiring music instructors. 
• CubeSmart seeks several data entry professionals
• Client services assistant needed at CBRE, Inc.
• Tax preparer needed for Wayne CPA firm. 
• Early childhood teacher needed. 
• Front desk position available. 
• Inside sales, account executive needed. 
• Detail oriented individuals needed to analyze, structure and load data.

A Radnor resident has penned a children's Christmas play that will be performed this season at a regional theater.

Act II Playhouse in Ambler is presenting "Murray the Elf and the Case of the Missing Mistletoe" written by Garrett Hill's Bill D'Agostino.

D'Agostino, who earned his Master's in Theater from Villanova University in 2010, told Radnor Patch that he found his calling in a special study of theater for young audiences.

This is the first children's play that will be performed at Act II, where D'Agostino works as Communication and Education Director. Murray the Elf was a small character is last year's play, but D'Agostino took him and wrote an entire play around him.

It stars Will Dennis as Murray, a shopping mall elf who is called up by Mrs. Claus to the North Pole to solve “the case of the missing mistletoe.” But things in Toyland are never what they appear to be. Actor Andy Shaw plays all the other characters in this original story, including Mrs. Claus, Rudy the Reindeer, Chilly the Snowman, and the bewitching Candy Kane.

The show runs Dec. 14 to 23 and is recommended for families with children ages five and older. Every performance includes a pre-show sing-along and a post-show question and answer session with the writer and cast. D'Agostino said the audience helps Murray solve the mystery. "There's something really exciting for young people to solve the case," he said.

"I’m really grateful to [director] Tony [Braithwaite] for giving me this opportunity. I'm thrilled to be getting to do this," D'Agostino said.

Tickets are $8 for kids, $12 for adults, and $10 for Act II subscribers. There are six performances: Friday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m.; Friday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. Additional dates and times may be added for large groups.

Tickets are available by calling the Act II box office at (215) 654-0200, in person at 56 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler, or online. Box office hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Ashley Ryan Hareford, 20, of Grottoes, Virginia, will be charged with multiple felonies including Involuntary Deviant Sexual Intercourse, Statutory Sexual Assault, Indecent Assault, Criminal Use of a Communication Facility, Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Exposure and Corrupting the Morals of a Minor, District Attorney Jack Whelan announced Monday.

Hareford has been extradicted back to Pennsylvania and was in the custody of Radnor Township Police Department Monday.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Whelan said.

According to police, Hareford and a 13-year-old Garrett Hill resident met online. After Hareford traveled to Radnor and the girl disappeared from her home on Dec. 3, she was found Tuesday Dec. 4 around 7 p.m. as she and Hareford stepped off of a Mega Bus in D.C.

Hareford was facing a Corruption of a Minor charge from Radnor from online information gleaned by police.

On Sunday Dec. 2, Hareford was seen at about 10 p.m. outside close to the girl's home, and a police officer spoke with him, but nothing to lead them to believe any crime was happening.

The girl's father had said he spoke with Hareford on Sunday after finding out that his daughter was charging his cell phone in her house.

"He said he came up looking for work," he said, adding that he didn't believe the man.

Christkindlmarkt, the popular festival that takes place in Pennsylvania's own Bethlehem each holiday season, is celebrating its 20^th year. Here's what you need to know to enjoy the festivities:

1. Vendors: This year’s festival features 125 vendors each week – the most in the event’s history – and more than 200 in all during its six-week run.

2. Location: Christkindlmarkt is located at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 E. First St., Bethlehem. For tickets and information, visit www.artsquest.org.

3. Schedule: Christkindlmarkt is open Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 15-Dec. 23 (closed Thanksgiving) Hours are Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

4. Admission: Tickets are $8 for a daily pass and $18 for a season pass (ages 12 and under admitted free). 

5. Recognition: Christkindlmarkt -- recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure -- features aisles of handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans; live holiday music; glassblowing and ice sculpting demonstrations; jolly old St. Nicholas and more.

Established in 1993, the Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem holiday festival has welcomed more than 950,000 people through its doors over the past 19 years.

ArtsQuest will present the one-millionth Christkindlmarkt visitor, expected to walk through the doors some time in December, with a holiday gift pack including four Christkindlmarkt season passes for life, a $100 ArtsQuest gift card and four passes to see “Bethlehem: The Christmas City” film at the ArtsQuest Center .

Photos with Santa Claus can serve as a timeline for childhood. Whether it's baby's first Christmas, a newly married couple with Santa, or the family dog on Kris Kringle's lap, these holiday photos capture a memorable moment in the yuletide season.

Share with your community and Patch that Santa shot for 2012. We're looking for great photos of local kids today, when they were little ones, or even your own childhood shots. Post your pictures on Patch.

Be sure to include a caption and tell us who is in the photo.

The Board of Trustees of Eastern University announced Monday the appointment of Dr. Robert G. Duffett as the university’s next president. Duffett will start on July 1, 2013, when President David Black retires after 15 years.

“Bob Duffett brings a deep sense of purpose combined with decades of impactful leadership in Christian higher education,” said Dr. Ardell Thomas, chair of the presidential search committee.  “We were impressed with his skill set, his heart for ministry, and his passion for Eastern University's mission of Faith, Reason and Justice.”

Look at a photo gallery of Eastern University.

For the past 27 years, Duffett has served in a variety of leadership roles in Christian higher education. As president of Dakota Wesleyan University for the last 12 years, Duffett established the George McGovern Library, Museum and Center for Leadership and Public Service. Other key initiatives of his tenure include the Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship and the DWU Center for Talent Development,  a collaboration with the Gallup Organization to strengthen student success by coordinating personal talents, educational goals and post-graduate planning.

"I look forward to leading a university that I have admired from my earliest days as a Christian," Duffett said in a statement. In the face of demographic and economic challenges, I am committed to encouraging Eastern's culture of
entrepreneurship so its talented people may continue to develop solutions assuring middle income families and first generation learners access to an excellent education."

Duffett’s relationship with Eastern University began when his first pastor, an Eastern University graduate, encouraged him to pursue a career in ministry at his alma mater. Duffett reported, “I longed to attend Eastern, but I wanted to play football even more, and Eastern didn’t field a football team.”

A native of Youngstown, OH, Dr. Duffett attained his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Greek from Bethel College, St. Paul, MN.  His Master of Divinity degree was earned at Bethel Theological Seminary.  His Master of Theological Studies degree in theology and communication hails from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in organizational theory/management and historical theology was secured at the University of Iowa.  Bob and his wife, Connie, have a son and a daughter, both in college.

The above information was provided by Eastern University.

Valerie Craig, the noted plein air painter from St. Davids, currently has a solo exhibit at Newman and Saunders Galleries in Wayne.

The show, which features oil paintings of landscapes and buildings painted locally, in Maine and in Ireland, runs through Jan. 5. Prices for artwork range from $600 to $3,500.

"She's local, popular and really good," said Drew Saunders, owner of the gallery on Bloomingdale Ave. Saunders described Craig's work as "emotional impressionism."

"She has such an emotive feeling in her work," he said.

Newman and Saunders Galleries has been in Wayne for 32 years. The fine art gallery is one of the few still standing outside of Philadelphia. It is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

The Association of American Law Schools has placed Villanova University's School of Law on probation for two years for data falsification of its students' grades.

"The association, the main professional organization for law schools in the United States, said it stopped short of imposing tougher sanctions because Villanova had been thorough in investigating the scandal and taking steps to prevent future occurrences,"reports Philly.com.

Susan Westerberg Prager, the AALS executive director, wrote in a Nov. 28 letter, that you can read by clicking here, that "the misconduct was intentional and long-standing" and "it is so fundamentally inconsistent with basic concepts underlying AALS core values and bylaws."

The newspaper reported that the grade-inflating stopped around 2009 after the law school's former dean left the school.

*The victim's name and photos have been removed from this story because of the details of the case.

“She trusted him,” Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan said Monday about a 13-year-old Radnor girl who met up with a 20-year-old man she met online.

On Monday, Dec. 10 Ashley Hareford, of Virginia, was extradited to Pennsylvania to face felony charges that could mean nearly a century in prison. He is being held in Delaware County Prison on $1 million bail.

"We warn parents today to be careful, to know when your child is on the internet, if at all possible, to know your child's password to use filters and be familiar with what your child is doing on the Internet," Whelan said. (Watch a video by clicking here.)

As Hareford was led by police from Radnor Police station’s sally port into a waiting truck, he was asked by a reporter “Why did you do this to a little girl?” Hareford responded, “I didn’t.”

But the District Attorney said that Hareford had made a statement admitted to acts that lead to the charges of Involuntary Deviant Sexual Intercourse, Statutory Sexual Assault, Indecent Assault, Criminal Use of a Communication Facility, Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Exposure and Corrupting the Morals of a Minor.

Hareford traveled from Virginia to meet the girl in person. They saw each other the weekend of Dec. 1, and were found Dec. 4 in Washington, D.C. They may have been headed to Myrtle Beach, S.C. where her mother lives, Whelan said.

The charges stem from incidents that weekend in Delaware and Montgomery counties. According to Whalen, each knew each other’s age.

Are you a parent of a teen? Do you monitor their electronic activity? How much? Share with us by commenting below.

What appears to be a one-car accident has closed Lancaster Ave. between Bloomingdale Avenue and Conestoga/Eagle Road.

It appears a truck hit a pole at the intersection of Lancaster and Lantoga Road.

It could take hours for that stretch of Lancaster to reopen. PECO needs to replace the pole; as of 8:30 a.m. the energy company had not arrived on the scene.

Traffic is backed up on the surrounding roads, like Conestoga and Banbury Way to West Ave. to Eagle Road.

Radnor Patch will update this story as more information becomes available. Follow Radnor Patch on Facebook for the freshest information every day.