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The Times Advocate, 2006-12-13, Page 2424 TIMES—ADVOCATE Wednesday, December 13, 2006 Announcements/Community "A Christmas Carol" comes to Exeter VON fundraiser —A dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" was performed Sunday night, presented by CBC Radio, the South Huron VON Palliative Care Program and Exeter United Church.Above front from left are Exeter United Church organizer Frances Anderson and host Pat Down; back row story tellers Dianne Shapton, Russ Watson and PeterTgahrt, Rev. Paul Ross and highlighted story teller CBC Radio's Metro Morning newscaster Jill Dempsey. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) EXETER — The charac- of story and song and Ontario, including ters of Scrooge, Marley happy the proceeds are Seaforth and Wingham and Tiny Tim were going to a good cause," who are offering a similar brought to life in words says one of the organizers program with the help of Sunday night at Exeter Frances Anderson. CBC Radio. United Church with a The event raised about "We are fortunate to first-ever dramatic read- $1,000 for the South have Jill Dempsey of CBC ing of "A Christmas Huron VON Palliative Radio's Metro Morning Carol." Care Volunteer Program. news join us as a guest "We are very excited to Exeter is among 55 reader, in addition to four be presenting this evening communities across of our own church mem- bers," says Anderson. The Sanctuary Singers, conducted by Bob Robilliard, provided music and led the audi- ence in carols.Cider and cookies topped off the evening. The story followed transformation of the hard-hearted miser, Scrooge, who visits past, present and future Christmases in his dreams and becomes reborn as a man who promises to honour Christmas in his heart, trying to keep Christmas all year round. Originally it was a novel written by Charles Dickens in the 1840s in response to the poverty existing at the time in England. Dickens even- tually shortened the book and began doing public readings in Britain, Paris and the United States, donating the proceeds to schools and hospitals. The tradition of public readings was resurrected in Canada by Judy Maddren in 1989. Maddren, who hosts CBC Radio's World Report read the story to her own four children one Christmas and realized the magic of the word pic- Christmas gift ideas for that hard -to -buy -for person Gift giving is never easy, but it can be a lot of fun. The catch is knowing what might tickle your loved one's fancy without wading through piles of holiday flyers, or spending hours in malls packed with people. The GATE, an online entertainment magazine, has come to the rescue of wary shoppers again this year with their 2006 Holiday Gift Guide - complete with hints for music, movies, games, and more to fill the gaps on your shopping list. GAMING Video games are a big deal these days and if you're buying for some- one who loves games and gadgets there are a number of hot items in stores. For younger kids or anyone who likes to play a few games on their way to work or school there's the Nintendo DS Lite at $149. Nintendo has lots and lots of games for the portable console and the new DS Lite is a lot of fun, thanks to features like the touch -sensitive screen and wireless connectivity. For shoppers looking for a bigger gift, look no further than the Xbox 360 priced between $399 and $499. The system already has a lot of games to offer, including many that are downloadable off of the Xbox Live Arcade service, and the graphics are top notch. Unlike the other new consoles on the market this year, the Xbox 360 is also readily available without waiting for new shipments. MOVIES & DVDs Boxed sets are still one of the best all-around great gifts around. The key is knowing what kind of movies the person enjoys. Since there are literally hundreds avail- able in stores you may want to shop around, but some of the top titles this December include: Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest ($25.99), the big hit of the year, starring Johnny Depp as everyone's favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow; TV's 24 on DVD ($55.99), with Kiefer Sutherland as top agent Jack Bauer; Six Feet Under: The Complete Series ($265), which rolls up the entire hit series in one big little box; Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition ($85), starring the one true man of steel, Christopher Reeve; The Premiere Frank Capra Collection ($49), which includes the legendary director's classics like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and American Dream; and for that ultimate James Bond fan who doesn't already own all the movies, check out any of the James Bond Ultimate Collection boxed sets ($69) which bring all the movies together on DVD with lots of bonus content. BOOKS There are lots of new books on store shelves this season, but a real favorite among many readers is the Vinyl Cafe series by CBC Radio's Stuart McLean. Each book is a collection of stories about the Vinyl Cafe, and they're all beauti- ful, and funny little tales of every- day life that are universal in every way. The newest book available is Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe ($35), and there are a handful of other books available, including Stories from the Vinyl Cafe, Vinyl Cafe Unplugged, Home from the Vinyl Cafe, and Vinyl Cafe Diaries (all retail for around $20). For fantasy lovers, Christopher Paolini's Eragon, and recent release Eldest ($32 each), are great reads about a young boy who discovers a dragon that could res- cue his land from an evil tyrant. Action and mystery fans will appreciate Dan Brown's big hit novel, The Da Vinci Code ($10 paperback, $50 hardcover special edition), but his prequel novel Angels & Demons ($10 paperback, $32 hardcover), is a much more exciting, and compelling adventure story. OTHER GOODIES Finally, to wrap up our list, we've got some extra -special extras that are sure to round out any list. Just remember, if you're ordering online for any of these you should place your order as soon as possi- ble, unless you're willing to shell out extra cash for delivery options. Even then, check with each web- site for their delivery recommen- dations. From the LCBO in Ontario, and most places where liquor is sold elsewhere, consider the new Starbucks Coffee Liquor and Cream Liquor. In Canada they retail for around $29.95 and go rather nicely in coffee, or a variety of mixed drinks, and they're sure to make for a good evening at home with that special someone too. For the collector in the family,why not give a great comic book, movie, cartoon figurines or busts. Check out the Lord of the Rings figures and also the recre- ations of characters from Marvel Comics, Terminator, James Bond or Star Wars to name a few. And finally, what would the sea- son really be without some cool gear. Check out the new t -shirt designs like "Heavenly" by the fan- tastic comic artist Jason Kieffer. tures it creates. She orga- nized a reading in her own community and the idea took off. CBC staff now volunteer their time to participate in readings across the coun- try, provided that pro- ceeds go to charities that Dickens would have sup- ported. "The Christmas holidays are a time of tradition and reflection. When you or someone you love is facing end of life or bereavement issues you face the holidays with sadness and memories of Christmas past, and with uncertainty about the future," says VON bereavement consultant Kim Winbow. The organizers of the reading believe Dickens would have appreciated the South Huron Palliative Care Volunteer Program which supports individu- als and families living in South Huron facing end of life issues or who are bereaved. NEW YEARS EVE 511AC AP DOE 4MATT THOMPSON 4 & LAURA McCORMICK Sun., Dec. 31, 2006 7 p.m. Exeter Rec. Centre Tickets $10 in advance $12 at the door • DOOR PRIZES • PORK ROAST • GAMES • COUNT 1)0\VN • Alien's Country Cafe 185 Main St. Dashwood 237-3553 Doak your sm ll ChriStP2PS Geheri14 ,7\r0w! 1110 10. OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 3 Seatings: 4pm, 5pm&bpm MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW! • PET ADOPTION BULLETIN Huron OSPCA (Ontario Humane Society) BAILEY Bailey is a 1yr.old, male, neutered, Collie Blue Heeler cross. This fellow has lots of energy and would love to be part of an active family that spends a great deal of time outdoors. Children over 10 would be best. Bailey is housetrained and going through kennel training currently at his foster home. He will need an assertive owner that can handle this boy. Though he is well trained, he is young and needs someone who can continue his positive reinforcement training. He is fabulous dog with a winning personality! Contact the Huron OSPCA at 519-440-0250 • Open Mon. -Sat. 9-4 at 5 North St. Goderich CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT www.huronspca.ca to see all the dos=s and cats who need loving homes! SPONSORED BY GeoShack Canada Ltd., 240 Thames Rd. W. EXETER Coming events... ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION - EXETER - New Years's Eve 2006. 9 pm. - 1 am. Music by Don Harvey. Lunch by Pine Ridge BBQ. $15.00 per person. For tickets call 519- 235-2962 or 519-235-1167. (48-50) SOUTH HURON GOLF & FITNESS OPEN HOUSE - December 16th - 10am till 12pm. "Special rates for new members". Draws & Refreshments. Meet our "challengee" for the 4 month weight loss program: meet Jim MacMillan who has done the 4 month challenge and lost 651bs. 190 Thames Rd. E. 519-235-4555 (50) EXETER LEGION ENTERTAINMENT - Li'l Audrey December 16th 4-6 pm. Meat draw, mystery draw. (49;50)