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» Page 2 The Canadian Statesman. Bowmanvillc. Wednesday, March 31, 1999 Section Two Going to the Zoo Inter-Club Speaker Describes 25-Year History of Metro Zoo With 5,000 animals, over 250 staff members and more than a million visitors visitors dropping by every year, the Metro Toronto Zoo is a big operation. Last week, members of Bowmanvillc's service clubs received a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the zoo through a presentation by one of its spokespersons. Patrick McCarthy, director of public public relations and marketing, used color slides and equally colorful anecdotes to describe life at the zoo. He began by noting that the facility is celebrating its 25lh anniversary this year and expects to welcome its 30 millionth visitor some time in May. Conservation, education, research and recreation arc the four chief objectives objectives of the 710-acre operation. Pandas Drew Crowds . The biggest attraction in the zoo's history to date would be the panda exhibition in 1984. Toronto was the first zoo in Canada to welcome the guests from China and they stayed for about four months. "That was the biggest attraction ever," McCarthy said, estimating the attendance during the year of the pandas topped two million. million. They were flown to Toronto in the first class section of the aircraft. There was to be no cargo hold for these distinguished distinguished visitors. A more recent visit by a pair of while lions from the Philadelphia Zoo was another highlight. The lions helped fuel the World Series fever gripping Toronto that year, since they hailed from the city of the Blue Jays' arch-rivals. Publicity at the time reported that if Toronto won the series, Newcastle Family Connection Holds April 11 th Auction Family fun and great shopping await all who head to the Newcastle Town Hall on the afternoon of Sunday, April 11 for thé Newcastle Family Connection's 4th Annual Talents and Treasures Silent Auction. Public viewing begins at 12:00 p.m. with the Silent Auction closing times set for 1:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Auction registration is $4.00 per family. Kids of all ages will marvel at the martial martial arts demonstration and the dancing display will have the entire place "kicking up their heels". It will be well worth making making a special trip just to see the show. A supervised kiddie corner will keep the children amused. The craft table and coloring contest will allow the "little artists" to shine. Surprises and fun will be instore for all the children who join in. Adults will be thrilled with the array of items donated for the silent auction and the loonie table. New books, gift certificates certificates for restaurants, merchandise from local businesses, as well as many unique and interesting items arc all "up lor grabs". Refreshments may be purchased to enjoy while browsing or watching the incredible talent. The Mystery Bid Auction is back again this year, and sure to be a highlight. This is the major fundraiser for the Newcastle Family Connection, which provides provides numerous quality services for the parents, caregivers and children of Clarington. Please join us for some "auction "auction action", entertainment and lots of fun. The whole family can have a great afternoon afternoon adventure while supporting a local charily. See you there! Help for Gamblers From page 1 sites that accept wagers on everything from spoiling events, horse races and card games to bingo. With the ease of using a credit card to open a helling account, people tend to lose sight of losses when actual cash transactions aren't made. "The closer gambling comes to the home and bank account, the greater the risk of developing a problem." Treatment begins by building awareness of the downside of gambling, gambling, implementing preventative measures, and helping to change the inaccurate thoughts that don't match reality. Handling finances, structuring time, and making behavior changes are also parts of the treatment process. Most gambling addictions can be treated at a residential office like Pinewood. If the problem is serious enough, two outpatient facilities are available in Guelph and Hamilton. Taking a gambler out of their environment environment is a key factor in the outpatient facilities. "If a gambler believes that Guelph or I lamilton is belter for them, that is a huge factor," said Cliaisson of the referral process. There are also treatment programs in place for family members, Many are devastated when learning that a loved one has a gambling addiction, The most important aspect of treatment treatment is that it's "never too late," says Cliaisson, There is no such tiling as a helpless or hopeless case, the white lions would come for a visit at the Metro Zoo. If Toronto had lost the wager, the city would be obligated to send Philadelphia some Tasmanian devils. Pigs and koala bears have been among the featured attractions over the past 25 years. And, there arc special events throughout the season. Open All Year Not all Toronto and area residents arc aware that the zoo is open year- round, McCarthy told the group. In fact, the winter can be an ideal time to view the animals, since crowds arc smaller. On Boxing Day, the staff traditionally traditionally gives special treats to all the animals. And February's theme is "Love at the Zoo." Special events include sleep-overs at the zoo, a zoo-camp for kids and special fund-raisers. Naturally, the zoo has had to cope with its share of bad news over tbe past 25 years. A mono-rail accident, two robberies and the death of an orangutan orangutan which had been rescued from drowning by a passer-by were some examples. In coping with such incidents, McCarthy says the public relations staff follow the guidelines of being honest, being open, and telling the truth. "Thai's all you can do," he said. While there is no single major attraction planned for the zoo's 25th anniversary, you can expect special attractions every weekend. "We hope, with these special events and celebrations, celebrations, we'll get everyone to come back and see the Toronto Zoo," McCarthy said. Service Clubs Gather for Inter-Club Meeting Close to 200 members of Clarington's service groups got together Monday, March 22nd, for an evening of food and fellowship. The head table included representatives from each of the community groups present. They are shown above, along with guest speaker Patrick McCarthy, of the Metro Toronto Zoo. From left arc: George Rickard, Newcastle Lions; Bob Williams, Bowmanvillc Lions; Patrick McCarthy; Steve Okc, Branch 178 of the Royal Canadian Legion; Del Dykstra, Bowmanvillc Rotary Club; Jack Oegema, Bowmanvillc Kinsmen; Mark Borutskic, K-40; Sam Ivanoff, Optimist Club; and All'Connolly, Knights of Columbus. They said it couldn't last- Guess we proved them all wrong! Thirty years later... j And still going strong. For better or worse, We took a solemn vow, Lord willing, we'll still be dancing Thirty years from now! (Bet you thought I'd make a rhyme with cow!) Tlw family of Leslie and Bessie Welsh lovingly congratulate them on the occasion of their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Les & Bessie were married at Ebenezer parsonage on April S, 1939 by Rev. W.C. Smith. They have lived all their married life on their farm at Salem. They have three sons, Donald and his wife Norma; Ronald and his wife Joyce; Larry and his wife Jean - six granddaughters and one grandson. The family will celebrate on Sunday, April 4. McGregor Dnigs jilt Midi IIIIMM VtVIMI 5 King St. West, Bowmanvillc 623-5792 Sureties,. Nrn, c Vtori HoJ/c wE gg $ lÏÏ " r D«onucA„.|® e« V°oV»f