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There is a 'better way' to phone from abroad! Canada Direct is its official title and it can save you a lot of money when calling back to Canada from many countries of the world. The service is not available eve- rywhere at present but is expand- ing almost daily. Travel agencies have the information and a wal- let size card which lists the toll free numbers you can call from a country to connect you to a Ca- nadian operator and the Cana- dian phone network to place your call. In some cases you can also call between other countries. A good service supplied by our phone companies which we have used with good satisfaction. Str We have often talked about Niagara Falls as a place to visit and have used a weekend at the Oakes Inn, overlooking the Falls, to assist in several fund rais- ing events throughout the Region of Halton. Now it is an even bet- ter location (only an hour's drive) to go to, with the addition of the casino. This is the 13th govern- ment-run casino in the country, and is 10,000 square metets, the largest, with 3,000 slot machines and 123 games tables. The ac- tual Falls are still listed as one of the Wonders of the World and a spectacular view at night this time of year with the Christmas lights -- not to be missed! The Casino addition should help revi- talize the former 'honeymoon city', and hopefully bring people there for more than the average four hour visits of the past. 44 Canadian Airlines bookings have picked up again with a huge sigh of relief by just about eve- tyone! Especially those who are employed by that corporation of course, but also you, the trav- eller can do nothing but benefit from the continuance of two national carriers. If you look at the fares in some other countries of the world where there is only one airline representing the, county, you realize the impor- tance of competition for fares and service -- even if it is subsidized in some way, by many! ade DID YOU NOW DEPT.: Due to an apparent increase in fuel costs over the past few months -- you may be asked to pay a 'fuel surcharge' on some suppliers bookings. 888 TRAVEL TIP OF THE WEEK: Yes, you can 'exchange' your home/cottage/boat for a vaca- tion, perhaps in a far-off coun- try. Next week we'll take a look at some. sat hel Travel Your professional Travel & Cruise Officials Call now! 56 Mill St. E. THE GEORGETOWN GEMINI a weekly column of facts and finds in Downtown Georgetown I've never been one to get into Boxing Day sales, having spent my millions before Christmas. It strikes me it would make economic sense to go easy on the 25th, and then scurry around for bargains afterwards, but that is time we devote to family and travel. Having just returned from several days in Montreal I cannot yet report on Main Street sales, but I can share some of my last minute successes. For those who believe home-made gifts are the best - my son proudly presented his father with a treasured sample of his grade two artwork, carefully framed by Theresa of Pictures and Presents. My ex was also thrilled with the executive length socks he found in his stocking, from H&H Clothing. He had searched high and low for these in Toronto with no luck. I saw a gorgeous Christmas tree skirt at Teddy Bear Specialties. (I hope it's still there). Did you know that you can actually buy little home-made outfits for your teddy? My daughter used part of her allowance for a little knit vest that fit her brother's stuffed pig perfectly. We introduced my Montreal nephew to "Bertrand" books (that's Clifford in French) from the Freckled Lion. I know my brother will do a much better job in reading these to him than I could. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the delightful miniature recliner chairs at Goodlets for 3 to 9 year olds - available in various colours to match your decor. Hurry in before they are gone. Lunch Pick: I had no time for lunch out last week, but my husband raved about a pre-Christmas lunch he enjoyed at the Ivy House: delicious beef and barley soup and tortiere, which he claims was just as good as anything he ever sampled in Quebec - and he should know. Spotted on Main Street: Lynn Johannson on a mission. Mimi Burdett from The Body Shop Floyd Nelson CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS Tel: 873-8102 Fax: 873-4834 med 22nd Side Rd. Georgetown 853-3580 Sales Position Available Wicklow Hills Publishing presently requires an advertising sales representative. This part-time position is ideal for an energetic, organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environ- ment. You will need your own vehicle and an understanding of this newspaper and its role in our community. Please respond by fax to: The Publisher, Wicklow Hills Publishing Co. Inc. 519-853-5040 Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by telephone. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 1996 GEORGETOWN SENIORS' CENTRE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Christmas kaleidoscope - a soliloquy BY DEIDRE THOMAS Special to The Gemini As achild in England during World War II, Christmases were very low-key affairs, especially when compared to the over-abundance of the season nowadays, although I always looked forward to Christmas Day with a sense of excitement and anticipa- tion. One of my happiest Christ- mases as an early teenager had little to do with the sea- son except that Dec. 27, 1952 was my maternal grandpar- ents Golden Wedding anni- versary. Ina happy departure from their usual carefully fru- gal habits, they decided to , fort got married, with my fiancé splurge on a catered dinner, with all the trimmings, for a large group of family and friends. The dinner took place in a very elegant hotel, and because in those days nobody we knew owned their own car, Granny and Granddad hired a double-decker bus to transport the guests there and back. This unique occasion was the event of the season, talked about in our village for many months afterward. Working as a secretary during my late teen years, I actually relished going out with my co-workers on our precious free Saturdays to do our Christmas shopping, as a lively, sociable group of girl- friends. Money had to be carefully budgeted, but some- how it always seemed such fun. : For the Christmas before I just home from two years National Service with the Royal Air Force in Germany, I splurged on a gorgeous red dress. Full skirted and trimmed with satin bows, it matched the glow of the holi- day season as I prepared to become a bride. For the second Christmas into our new marriage, there was an almost walking small son to share it with us. In 1966, I spent my first Christmas in Canada. Disap- pointingly, it looked as though we were to experi- ence a green Christmas --just what we had been used to, but not what we had been led to expect! We gasped with surprise on awakening Christmas Day -- about 18 inches of soft white snow had been thoughtfully deposited by Mother Nature while we slept. We spent a good deal of the day glued to the win- dow watching the efforts of the snow-removal crews. FREE WHEELING! Christmas came early for James Taylor of Georgetown when he was given a motorized scooter by four area businessmen. The 10-speed scooter is worth $4,500. Back row, from left: Bob McKan of McKan Alternators, Derek Hazelwood of Halton Hills Radiator, Dave Tucker of The Trany Shop, Auto Glass. Taylor at front. (Jamie Harrison photo) and Derrick Williams of Apple KIM@ID Commercial & Residential Cleaning Services e Reliable « Bonded « ¢ Free Estimates e Call today -- we'll take your dust away! (905) 877-0045 |