SHAWN LACKIE, Special to The Standard
SCUGOG: The multiple generations and teams from the Port Perry Angels Softball group enlivened the 15th annual Scugog Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
It was a full house on hand (estimated to be more than 350 people) to celebrate the inductions of the 2023 group of inductees at the very popular event. Led by the Port Perry Angels, attending to celebrate the enshrinement of Angels' leader, Rick Finlay, in the Builder category.
When Bill McKee opened the ceremony, the room was alive with energy from the very onset. Keynote speaker Ron Smale had a very impassioned talk about the importance of Halls of Fame.
The second keynote speaker, Catherine Partlow, shared her experiences with the Special Olympics and had the first of a few standing ovations for her talk on her career and its impact on her.
Nolan Laird, Victoria Herrington, George Tzinis and Owen Belfry were recognized for their Youth Athletic and Sports Achievements.
Bob Carnegie was inducted into the Individual Athlete category and gave a short and powerful talk about his life in sports.
Members of the local Junior 'C' team were recognized in the Volunteer Recognition category. As were Cartwright Sports and Recreation Committee members Trish Paterson and Kerrie Ann Taylor.
Former Mayor Marilyn Pearce recognized the 50th anniversary of the Cartwright Minor Ball group.
The evening was closed out with the induction of Rick Finlay. In a fitting finale, Rick had a host of Angels (past and present) join him on the stage for a photo opportunity. All in attendance can agree it was the best event of this kind to date, and it only sets the table for an even bigger and better event next year.
A special thanks to sponsors Township of Scugog, MSIFN Maado'ookii Committee, Foodland, Paul Orchard and Shawn Lackie, Doug Scott, Robert Young, Brian and Joanne Callery, The Lake Scgugog Historical Society, Debbie Taylor and Jillian Edwards.
There was also a very strong contingent of local politicians, with Mayor Wilma Wotten, and Councillors Robert Rock, Harold Wright, Janna Guido and Terry Coyne in attendance.
The Mississaugas First Nation was well represented by Gary Edgar.
A special guest was also in the house. Historian and author William Humber was part of the festivities.
Special thanks to Chair Leanne Ashbridge and Induction Committee members Doug McLatchy, Clair Cornish, Kirk Swain, Ron Cosway, Brenda Robinson, Marilyn Pearce, Kim Coates and Canyon Myers for making this special event even more special. Can't wait for 2024.