Eg TTI EITHER rE EN TH ETT TT... --s--_------ ee es Eee ee ee 8- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 16, 1999 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Key to tourism success is locals, says TADR prez Scugog's JoAnne Cerovich says Durham has plenty to offer for vacation opportunities By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The key to promoting Durham Region as a tourist destination may be as sim- ple as getting residents to take time to discover what their community has to offer. JoAnne Cerovich, newly- elected president of the Tourist Association of Durham Region (TADR), says most people living here don't know what they're missing when they travel outside of the region for their sight-seeing, shop- ping, and vacations. "We talked a bit at our board meetings and we decided we have to get the" message out to the people who live here -- the people always moving throughout Durham Region -- that this is a great place. We have to get the outbound people inbound," she said last week. "Some of the people here don't realize how much Durham has to offer; there's lots to do here for every- thing they have planned: day trips, overnight trips, activities and sights. "This year, 1999, marks the 25th anniversary of Durham Region and we want to bring it into the new millennium on a high note. There will be all kinds of celebrations, festivities and fairs... there's going to be a lot of things going on in Durham Region. We want to bring Durham into Directory of Coming Events Gentle Aerobics Gentle Aerobics for older adults, Mondays and/or Thursdays - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Masonic Hall, Port Perry. New members welcome. Mary 905-655-5917. Tuesday, Feb. 16 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Blackstock United Church, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. $5/adults; $3 under 10. February 17 Pot luck luncheon sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion - noon .- 1 p.m. euchre to follow. Hitchison $5, euchre 2 Saturday, Feb. 20 A Valentine's Gourmet Dinner will be held at Burns Church, Ashburn from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for $39/couple. Call 655-4825 or 655-8509 for reservations. Sunday, Feb. 21 Valentine's Dance, Good Time Country Music Club of Oshawa, Kingside Park, Oshawa. Admission $3 - 1-5 p.m. Info. Don 433-8662. March 11 St. Patrick's Luncheon and Euchre - Oddfellows Hall. Supper, Luncheon $5; Euchre $2. March 17 Pot luck lunehcon, sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion - noon - 1 p.m. euchre to follow. Luncheon $5, euchre $2. Sunday, March 21 St. Patrick's Day Event, Good Time Country Music Club of Oshawa, Kingside Park, Oshawa. Admission $3 - 1-5 p.m. Info. Don 433- 8662. March 27 and 28 The fourth annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival, two days of family fun featuring sugar bush tours, pan- cake breakfasts, a street mall with vendors and all day entertainment, Newfoundland dog cart- ing, clowns, a special church service, bed races, horse and wagon rides, an art and craft show, a colouring con- test for kids, and a tal- ent contest. Contact Janette Pilgrim 705-357- 2578 for info. April 15 Spring Luncheon and Euchre - Oddfellows Hall. Luncheon $5; Euchre $2. Coming Events sponsored buy. 1575 HWY. 7A PORT PERRY 985-5277 the main focus, to draw their attention, to the unique attractions we have here that they don't have far to go and see." After living here for five years, Mrs. Cerovich says she wouldn't hesitate to recommend Durham to anyone looking for a vaca- tion destination. "I'really enjoy living here and I would feel very com- fortable recommending people to come here. But, I also think the people who live here should look in their own backyard first before travelling elsewhere. There's enough here for a day trip, a weekend, or a week's vacation." The Tourist Association of Durham Region's main function is to promote each municipality within Durham, and the associa- tion. Representatives are sent to trade and tourism shows to promote the area. While TADR has been around since 1982, only about 100 members are cur- rently registered. The oth- ers are missing out on a potential network that could create business, said Mrs. Cerovich. "One great thing about ~ it is partnering; businesses complimenting each other," she said in reference to the good job Haugen's Restaurant, Ocala Orchards and Winery and the Scugog Shores Museum do promoting each other. Other priorities TADR has for the upcoming year will be a Super Host semi- nar, the Visitors' Guide book and an updated Routes of Durham road map. "I'd really like to increase the awareness of the association to potential members, as well as to local residents and of course vis- itors," said Mrs. Cerovich. "I want to work with each municipality and busi- ness represented and iden- tify their attractions and tourist destinations and help them develop a day package or a weekend itinerary." Mrs. Cerovich has been a board member of TADR for the past two years, and will represent the Association as president in her third year. She is cur- rently the second vice-pres- ident of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, represents the interests of Scugog Township on the Celebrate the Future Durham '99 Steering Committee and is a mem- PORT PERRY DENTAL. OFFICE INSURANCE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED I EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE (WE COLLECT FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES) 1 DENTISTRY WHILE YOU SLEEP - PAYMENT PLANS ARRANGED ESENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNT BM GENERAL ANAESTHESIA AVAILABLE NEW PATIENTS WELCOME 462 PAXTON ST. (ACROSS FROM PORT PERRY Lu Stonemoor Day Care Centres Inc. 399 Queen Street, Port Perry 985-0800) Openings now available Jor all ages gionemoor " 0, 4° "0 Care genet Open 6:30am to'6:00pm Call karen for more info RET Registration accepted Jor all ages New TADR president JoAnne Cerovich wants to promote Durham from within. ber of the Scugog Township Economic Development Committee. She presently lives in Blackstock with her hus- band Sandy and is a part- ner in the Moon Graphics Design Group. (. © The Community Care COPE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM holds a WOMEN'S SUPPORT GROUP every Wednesday night in Uxbridge and every Thursday moming in Port Perry. Group members are dealing with various challenges in their lives including emotional distress (depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions) etc. Currently inviting new members. No cost to members. Confidential. \ For further information and details call, Elaine at 852-9560 py 90% "70%" ENTIRE WINTER COLLECTION (Excludes New Arrivals) SALE STARTS THURS. FEB. 18 RESORT WEARIS IN - THINK HOT, FEEL COOL! Come See Our New Spring Arrivals! * Fashions & Finishing Touches l); 189 Queen Street Downtown Port Perry BOUTIQUE (905) 985-0143 OR ght SP CRE ea