The Creche is back
by Pete Mazzaccaro

Last year, a week before Janine Dwyer was preparing to set up the community crèche – the miniature scene depicting the birth of baby Jesus – the structure’s normal spot in front of Chestnut Hill’s Sovereign Bank branch was filled with a large white bear statue purchased during the community’s AbZOOlutely2 fundraiser.

That year the annual caroling at the crèche event, which Dwyer has led for many years, was forced from its traditional spot to a cold Monday night performance at the Fountain Plaza behind Borders Book Store. Dwyer was surprised and displaced but not despondent.

“I just decided then that, somehow, the situation would take care of itself,” she said Dwyer’s assessment turned out to be correct. The bear statue was moved, and Monday morning she and a group of volunteers began to install a restored crèche in its traditional spot again.
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Volunteers look over the placement of figures in the Chestnut Hill community crèche, which is once again in front of Sovereign Bank, 8623 Germantown Ave.  At work last Monday were Antoinette DuBiel, Palladio owner Jay Susanin, and property owner Michael Young. (Photo by Pete Mazzaccaro)

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Who says kids can’t run around in a restaurant?
Innovative concept on Hill may spread throughout U.S.
by LEN LEAR

Everyone who eats out at restaurants has at one time or another witnessed this nightmarish scene: a family whose small child screams like his/her hair is on fire, has a temper tantrum, throws food on the floor or maybe even runs around the restaurant like a cheetah sprinting after a rabbit.
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Hey,Comcast, I oughtta get paid!
by Lila Bricklin

I want my cable TV! As a Comcast cable customer for nearly 20 years, its been one debacle after the other. The incompetence of it’s customer service is so routine that I’ve actually learned how to earn money and free premium channels for all my pain and suffering.  In the last 16 months, since I moved from the Hill to West Mt. Airy, it’s been one snafu after the next.
MorE

THREE-COURSE BARGAIN: Throughout the month of December Roller’s at Flying Fish, 8142 Germantown Ave., is offering three-course dinners for just$19.95. That includes soup-of-the-day or arugula & pear salad with asiago and cranberry vinaigrette; entrees: baked tilapia with bouillabaisse sauce and shellfish garnish; Eastern Shore crab cake with tartar sauce; sauteed chicken breast with cranberry-chestnut-brown sauce; or pasta bolognese with veal-mushroom-tomato sauce. Also a dessert selection. Seen here is owner/chef Paul Roller. More info: 215-247-0707, www.rollersrestaurants.com or info@rollersrestaurants.com. (Photo by Jimmy J. Pack Jr.)
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CHC tumbles to Kutztown and West Chester
by Tom Utescher

Contrary to the recent success experienced by traders in precious metals, the men’s basketball team at Chestnut Hill College did not fare well in the gold market last week.

In home games on Wednesday and Saturday, the Griffins lost to both the Golden Bears of Kutztown University and to the Golden Rams of West Chester. With these setbacks against long-established Division II rivals, CHC dropped below the .500 mark on the season, at 3-4.
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Holiday House Tour a hit despite tough times
The decorations starred at this year’s Holiday House Tour. (Photo by Jennifer Katz)

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