Barry Lakes hosts Halloween party

VERNON — Little goblins were treated to a Halloween party on Oct. 20 at the Barry Lakes Clubhouse.
Community Recreation Director Tracy Mulvaney and her crew lavished the clubhouse all-purpose room with Halloween décor, frightful movable inflatables, spooky treats, goblin apple juice and black cat lemonade.
Pixie Pop the Clown was on hand creating superb balloon ghosts and offering various face painting possibilities.
Mr. Johnny, from Rizzo’s Wildlife World, enthusiastically worked and educated the crowd of about 30 Halloween costumed youngsters on some appropriately spooky creatures.
“Being fearful and careful is OK when it comes to dealing with animals and everyday situations in life,” said Mr. Johnny as he held a Corn snake for the children to observe.
Many in the group shunned the snake but were later convinced by the wildlife specialist to touch the snake and feel its smoothness. Children learned that the Corn snake named Cornflake eats mice and has a forked tongue which allows the snake to smell its environment.
Continuing in the sensory touch pattern, the next animal subject fit into the slimy category. A tree frog, a member of the amphibian family, could absorb air through his skin.
“Should you kiss the frog and turn him into a prince,” Mr. Johnny quipped.
The majority of the partiers were immensely repulsed. Therefore, no kiss.
Representing tactilely soft was Rico Sauve, a very cute chinchilla who according to Mr. Johnny was a high jumper. Defensively, a chinchilla can shriek loudly and also pee on, his attackers.
The most impressive creature to the audience, seemed to be an alligator snapping turtle who appeared spikey and very dinosaur-like. The animal expert mentioned this particular turtle’s jaws are extremely powerful and can snap one’s fingers and break them. These turtles are capable of living for centuries. One turtle has reached the age of 400 years and upon examination has several bullets from the Civil War lodged in his tough hide and shell.
The party continued to early afternoon with children as well as parents enjoying the festivities.