Residents of Lavigne are prepping for a fun “mayoralty race” between Ti-Pois (Marc) Poirier and his cat Pumpkin, a unique fundraiser in support of Marc Pellerin (seated centre) as he works to recover from a devastating injury. Volunteers for the event include (left to right) Marc’s wife Carol Pellerin, Cathy LaPlante, Gabby Poirier with candidate Pumpkin, Robin Guerin, Dan Bouffard, Derrick Messner, Don Wilds, (front) Gilles Pelland, Dawn Wheatley and Rose Ranger. 
Who will be “Mayor of Lavigne”, Ti-Pois or his cat Pumpkin?
Joyce Beauchamp
Special to the Tribune
At 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 26, the doors of the Lavigne Tavern will open to all residents of West Nipissing who wish to “vote” or otherwise participate in the unofficial “Lavigne mayoralty” race between the “incumbent mayor,” Lavigne resident Ti-Pois (Marc Poirier) and his cat, Pumpkin. Lynn Binette, who will MC the event, says advance polls suggest Pumpkin is in the lead. Pumpkin is running on his good looks, primarily, but his campaign manager, Gabby Poirier, Ti-Pois’ daughter, will make a detailed campaign speech at 1:00 p.m. Gabby says she cannot disclose highlights of the speech for fear that Ti-Pois will copy them. Ti-Pois is expected to make his own compelling speech setting out his various campaign promises as well. Voting opens directly after the speeches. It is possible that beer, wine, spirits and friendly banter may influence voting outcomes. Claire McMartin and the French River Band will begin entertaining guests at 2:00 p.m., compliments of Dan Bouffard, owner of the Tavern. Ballots will be counted at 4:00 p.m., followed by announcement of the winner.
A general meeting of the event planners was held at Lavigne Tavern on April 8th. Robin Guerin has been key to planning the unique happening, which originated as a fundraiser for West Nipissing resident Marc Pellerin, who was injured in a hunting accident last fall. “Marc is still in rehab from his hunting accident back in October. Recovery has been more difficult than expected, and much more expensive as well. It’s his will to live that kept him alive through the ordeal. A bunch of Marc’s friends want to “give him a leg up,” and that’s what this fundraiser is all about,” Guerin said.
Rose Ranger told The Tribune that she has known Pellerin since he was a teenager. Ranger will be putting donation jars at checkout counters throughout Lavigne, Verner and Warren. “You wouldn’t believe how close the community is here in Lavigne. We’re a little town, but it’s a really tight and busy community. People come to Lavigne from all over because we have such a big heart. It’s infectious. Come and see for yourself.” Gilles Pelland, who was hunting with Pellerin when the accident happened, is among many volunteers organizing the event and placing campaign signs. Don Wilds and Dawn Wheatley, owners of Oak Island Lodge, Cathy LaPlante of Cardinal Park and Marina, and Derrick Messner of Caron Road are also involved in event planning. Mayoral candidate Ti-Pois could not be at the meeting due to work commitments in Sudbury, but he is also instrumental in putting the fundraiser together.
