ANAF, Irish club hosting talent show
By Chris Simon

An invasion of talent will be taking over the Army, Navy and Air Force Club in Barrie later this month.

The Irish Claddagh Club is hosting their second annual Talent Extravaganza Jan. 27. Proceeds from the event will benefit the dialysis clinic at Royal Victoria Hospital, said organizer Reg Bettam.

Bettam, a volunteer at RVH, says residents from throughout the region use the dialysis clinic each week.

"I know a lot of people that go through (dialysis)," he said. "Because we knew someone who was going through it, we decided to put this thing out. Every penny helps. The more people that get involved in this, the more it will help the people using dialysis functions of the hospital."

A variety of performers will participate in the event, including Elvis impersonator Terry Chisholm, Celtic harpist Anneliese Cameron, Harry the Cap, the Double Toe Cloggers, Terme Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, the Kempenfelt Pipes and Drums, and the Miller School of Irish Dancing.

"We contact local people who have particular performing talents," he said. "They donate their time to us. We've got 10 different acts, belly dancers, cloggers, and a harpist (among others)."

Organizers hope to sell 300 tickets for the event. Last year, it raised over $3,000 for the clinic.

"Every penny goes to the dialysis," he said. "Our goal is to turn over all the proceeds to the dialysis (clinic). Sales are going slow, but historically that's what happens. We get a lot of drop ins at the door (on the day of the show)."

The show will run from 2 to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $15, while children under 12 cost $2. For more information, call 722-3644 or 431- 1087.