Hi everyone! We have a very exciting announcement to make. In the year 2001, Toronto, Canada, will host DaVinci's "Portrait of a Lady with Ermine". Toronto is currently scheduled to be the painting's only North American stop. We are planning a Ferret Symposium to coincide with the showing of the painting. We will be featuring BIG as our MC, and Gary Holowicki (Timmy's Tonic), Dr. Bruce Williams, Bob Church, Troy Lynn Eckart, Chris from Pacific ferret shelter network and myself as speakers. Symposium highlights include: - viewing of the painting at the Art Gallery of Ontario (possibly private) - visiting the Metro Toronto Zoo, where the Black Footed Ferret breeding program is successfully running - a private talk from the curator of the Black Footed Ferret breeding program Here is the tentative schedule: Thursday evening: Meet and Greet at The Ferret and Firkin Friday morning: Trip to the Zoo and Black Foot display (spend the afternoon at the Zoo or exploring Toronto) Friday evening: Viewing of "Portrait of a Lady with Ermine" at the Art Gallery of Ontario, dinner Saturday: Guest speakers Dr. Bruce Williams, Bob Church, and Gary Holowicki (master of Ceremonies Bill Gruber) Sunday: Breakfast and speakers from shelters Troy Lynn Eckart, Chris from Pacific Ferret Shelter Network and Randy Belair of the Ferret Aid Society. We are still working on all the details and will be offering a choice between an all-inclusive package (accommodation, meals, conference, Zoo & Art Gallery admission) or conference-only packages to travelers. We are looking for volunteers to coordinate people in their state/province. This is not a money making thing for us, any costs are for flying up our speakers and renting the space. Many of you know our shelter is in trouble; regardless of our success in keeping our doors open, the Ferrets 2001 Symposium will go on. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer your time for this event, please e-mail me at [log in to unmask] Randy The Ferret Aid Society needs your help please see http://home.echo-on.net/~magick/auct.html Harley T-shirts are here! $36 US $46 Can. please see http://home.echo-on.net/~magick/store.html http://www.igive.com/html/ssi.cfm?cid=1383&mid=43897 click here to raise funds for the ferrets, just by using your mouse! [Posted in FML issue 2608]