Briefly... CITY/REGION

He came bearing - a gun

Perhaps inspired by the holiday season, a bank robber donned a fake Santa Claus-type beard on Friday and held up a TD Bank branch in Chadds Ford at gunpoint.

State police said he wore a dark hoodie that partly covered his head but left his beard protruding. He was described as a white man of medium height and build. He escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. Tipsters should call Trooper John O'Donnell at 484-840-1000.

Historic interactive Web site

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania has announced creation of an interactive Web site that connects stories to places across time in Philadelphia neighborhoods. It will launch on Wednesday.

The site, www.PhilaPlace. org., weaves stories shared by ordinary people of all backgrounds with historical records to present a picture of the rich history, cultures and architecture of the neighborhoods.

Event to honor slain cop

The Vaird Foundation, a Philadelphia Police Department initiative, and the Guardian Civic League will hold a celebration honoring the memory of Police Officer Lauretha Vaird at noon Jan. 2, the 14th anniversary of her death. The event, themed "Read and Lead," will be held at the Police Officer Vaird Boys and Girls Club at 4800 Whitaker Ave.

The event will focus on the importance of youth-reading. Books sponsored by Royal Pacific will be given to every youth who attends. Vaird was shot to death while responding to a bank robbery in the Northeast.

Nursery gets $20,000 gift

Laborers' District Council of the Metropolitan Area and Vicinity's Charity Fund has donated $20,000 to Jenkintown Day Nursery.

School's radio station is 60

Radio station WHHS at Haverford High School turned 60 years old yesterday. Founded in 1949, the 10-watt station is the oldest high school FM station in the country.

- Staff and wire report