Zoo offers winter program for families

Meerkats, snakes and lynx part of the fun as Zoo Crew program returns with monthly sessions

The popular Zoo Crew program at Riverview Park and Zoo is back with winter sessions. This parent and tot program, for children ages 2-5, will run the first Friday of each month from October to March from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

“This very popular program is one of our favourites at the park and zoo,” said Cathy Mitchell, program supervisor. “The parent tot program is fun and engaging. It helps to create a lasting love for animals.”

Sessions start with a story book, followed by a craft, activity, singsong, T-shirt painting, and ends with an animal encounter.

Each session is based on animals that reside at the zoo. Weekly sessions include camels (Oct. 7), meerkats (Nov. 4), otters (Dec.2), snakes (Jan. 6), and lynx (Feb. 3). The final session, March 3, is Li’l Keepers, where the kids learn about the health of the zoo animals.

“Kiddos bring their stuffed animals for an annual health check up by our special guest, and learn about how we care and provide medical checkups for our animals at the zoo. They all get vet kits and help with the checkup. So fun,” said Mitchell.

Each monthly session takes place at the Rotary Education Centre, located just inside the main gate of the park and zoo (behind guest services in the main parking lot at 1300 Water St.

“We will be spending each session in our education centre and outside in the zoo so everyone must come prepared for the weather. This includes rain or snow gear if needed. In the case of adverse weather, thunderstorms or ice storms, we will postpone,” said Mitchell.

Pre-registration is required. The cost is $70, which includes a Zoo Crew T-shirt. For registration or inquiries email connect@riverviewparkandzoo.ca.

Turkey lunch

Activity Haven is hosting a Thanksgiving lunch with live entertainment Thursday, Oct. 6 at noon. Community members are invited to attend, but you must register by Sept. 26. Your meal will include turkey, dressing, potatoes, turnips, carrots, gravy, cranberry sauce, a roll and pumpkin pie.

Entertainment will be provided by Corby Kemp.

The cost is $20. Call the Activity Haven office at 705-876-1670 to register. Activity Haven is located at 180 Barnardo Ave.

Fall colours walk

Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN) have a nature fall colours walk planned along the Ballyduff Trails near Bethany Sunday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Don McLeod will lead the walk that is a joint outing between PFN and Willow Beach Field Naturalists (WBFN). Participants will look for birds plus wildlife tracks and signs.

The Ballyduff Trails are on private property owned by Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin who allow access to their trails through an agreement with the Kawartha Land Trust. Accessibility is moderate with significant uphill walking along 3 km.

Registration is required. Email Don McLeod at donaldmcleod.com@gmail.com. Directions and outing details will be provided. This outing is open to PFN members only. Visit peterboroughnature.org to learn about the benefits of becoming a member and how easy it is to do online.

CFUW celebrates

University Women’s Club (CFUW) of Peterborough will not hold their first meeting after the summer break at their regular meeting location of Northminster Church, as reported in last week’s column. Instead, they will begin their season with a special dinner Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Berc’s Steak House to celebrate their 85th anniversary.

“In 1937, a small group of women living in Peterborough, wanted to give back something to their community after completing their formal education. After exploring the goals of CFUW (a national organization), they decided to form the Peterborough CFUW Club,” said member Anne Heffernan. “Our Club fosters education, lifelong learning, advocates for women’s equality and human rights, and is open to all women who share these ideals. We believe that when provided equal opportunities for education and when surrounded by friendship and fellowship, our ability to achieve greatness is astounding.”

The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from September to May, at Northminster Church, located at 300 Sunset Blvd. The next meeting is Oct. 25.

New members are welcome. For information on how to join visit cfuw.org.

Questions about membership can be addressed to cfuwpresident@gmail.com.