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Outgoing Mayor Mercier receives standing ovation at Mayor’s Gala From the moment guests entered the glow- ing birch tree forest in the lobby of the Scugog, Recreation Centre, the Mayor’s Gala for the Arts on November 6th was an evening to remember. The theme for this year’s splendid arts fundraiser was “First Nations Inspired”, a motif that carried through the evening, from. the décor to the menu and entertainment. The event was a warm send-off for Scu- of the organizers for the Mayor's Gala take a break in the beautifully decorated foyer at the Scugog Community Centre. They are Meta4 owners, Jen gog’s outgoing mayor, as the guests offered Hardy, Bonnie Thomson and Birgitta Macleod. up a standing ovation for Chuck Mercier. It __ Photos Courtesy of was also an evening to honour the many rich oe Crete Pomparaeny if peti Missi: f 8 of Scugog, Island First Nation and the ae unity A Chief ee LaRocca was an honoured guest and speaker and entertain- ment was provided by First Nations musicians Gary LaRocca and Dave Mowat. Mr. Mowat also shared the history of the Mississaugas with the more than 175 guests. The Gala raised approximately $35,000 for the Scugog Council for the Arts, to help fund the public gallery and programs such as the annual liter- ary competition. Dozens of SCA volunteers plan and host the Gala and the generosity of local businesses and sponsors make it a success. This year’s major sponsors were the Baagwating Community Association, Vos’ Independent, Scotiabank and Gus Brown Port Perry. More than one hundred other businesses and artists donated items for the silent auction and prize draws. For more information about the Scugog Council for the Arts, visit www. scugogarts.ca. For photos from the 2014 Gala, visit the Scugog Arts Facebook page. Next year’s Mayor’s Gala for the Arts, with Tom Rowett in the seat of honour, will take place on Thursday, November Sth, 2015. _ By Birgitta MacLeod Honoured guest, Chief Kelly LaRocca, Special to Focus on Scugog of the Mississaguas of Scugog Isand. TT ie PUCKRIN & LATREILLE i ‘GROUP (og Oy Baia FOCUS - DECEMBER 2014 25