Inductees

Del Crary’s life can be divided in two halves: first half as Peterborough’s most famous musician; second half as Peterborough’s most famous broadcaster. A talented saxophonist and arranger Del, at age 12, joined his first band. During World War II, Del worked with Canadian Army bands, entertaining troops overseas. On returning to Peterborough, he led his own band or played with such Peterborough stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman and Jimmy Duffus.

In 1947, Del joined CHEX Radio (now 100.5 FRESH FM), becoming the region’s most famous ‘morning man.’ He subsequently worked with CKPT (now ENERGY 99.7 FM), then with CKQM (now Country 105) until his death in 1978.

A 30 year broadcasting career made Del Crary a legend.

Actively involved in community service, especially the Easter Seals Campaign, Del was named Citizen of the Year. He would go on to help establish the Arts & Water Festival, the forerunner of today’s ‘MusicFEST’ held each summer in the park which now bears his name.

It’s the contention of many that a community is a living, organic entity. An individual is born into, or adopts a community; takes from the community, and gives back to the community.

In the case of Gillian Wilson, the balance is definitely tipped towards the ‘giving back’. For over 35 years, she’s been a vital member of Peterborough Theatre Guild as an actress, for which she received the Best Actress Award from the Eastern Ontario Drama League as production manager and director. She’s also directed four fundraisers for Showplace Peterborough.

As well, Gillian is an active member of The Art School of Peterborough and has directed two productions of Beyond The Fringe, to raise funds for the school.

Her tireless efforts in theatre, and on the boards confirm a belief that a community without a vital performance component is a community lacking in spirit, and vitality. Thanks to the creative dedication of individuals like Gillian Wilson, the performance component in Peterborough is very much alive, vital and growing.

There’s a story familiar to Canadians, that of a young leaving Newfoundland to seek a better life in Ontario and beyond. Some abandon their roots. Special ones fight to keep the essence of their small, tight-knit birth places in their souls. Reg Benoit came to Ontario to build a future in music, but he never forgot the intrinsic value of individual human beings he learned about in Stephenville.

Typical of many musicians, Reg created a steady, if unspectacular career. He did well enough to garner acclaim, although not enough to quit his day job.

Then, in 1998, Reg’s world came to an abrupt halt. A serious spinal cord injury sustained at his day job forced him to pursue music fulltime and fine-tune his passion for life, and people. The unexpected tragedy became a new direction in service to others through music, and a deeper understanding of how life will work out. He’s performed tirelessly entertaining seniors, the sick, and in aid of notable lists of fundraising projects, large and small, public and personal. His music benefited St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. He devoted time and energy to native groups and, when Canada’s last surviving Father of Confederation, Joey Smallwood, ran into financial difficulties writing his History of Newfoundland, Reg was there to help.

Along the way, Reg became a pastor in order to touch people in the darker corners where even music cannot reach. Reg Benoit is a symbol of those for whom music is not a road to riches, but a challenging path to the hearts of people.

Popular member of Peterborough music scene for most of his life, Ken Sharp was forced, by medical circumstances, to take centre stage in a truly life-affirming performance.

On dialysis for more than 20 years, Ken became an energetic, and eloquent advocate on behalf of dialysis patients across Canada. Travelling across Canada and the United States, he passionately lobbied governments, institutions and private citizens to raise awareness regarding the needs of dialysis patients, the importance of bio-artificial kidney research, and the absolute lifesaving value of organ donation.

Ken Sharp’s devotion to local causes continue to be significant and, for his efforts, is recognized with the Jack Bailey Memorial Award.

• Photo courtesy Karen Longwell, Northumberland News

For many, music is a pleasant form of entertainment – a way of sharing with others and, for those of a creative bent, the means to express ideas and emotions in a clever, compelling manner. For Carol Wakeford, music is all of that, but also a way to touch people and be in tune with the rhythms and melodies of life itself.

For Carol Wakeford music, like breathing, is essential to human life.

Carol plays guitar and sings and – like breathing – writing songs and poems comes naturally to her. Over the years, she’s created thousands of compositions. More than six hundred of them have been registered with SOCAN, the international song publishing organization. More than 20 have been recorded by various artists in both Canada and Nashville.

However, it’s in sharing music that Carol truly shines. She’s a driving force behind ‘Kawartha Friends,’ a group of amateurs in the best sense of the word, and musicians who gather weekly in the Norwood area to share music, stretch writing talents and convey musical thought and emotion.

For Carol Wakeford, music could never be considered a one-dimensional experience. It’s a means of expression, entertainment, craftsmanship and, most importantly a way of reaching out and connecting with others.

And, connecting with one’s inner self.

For many years during his broadcasting career, George Franks led a double life, much to the delight of countless radio listeners.

If there’s any doubt that music is a doorway to a life well spent, as an individual and an integral community member, one has only to look at the life of Elsie Chambers Flett.

As one of the first members of Peterborough Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association, she taught, and inspired children of this area for more than 50 years. As choir director and organist, she enriched services at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, as well as leading numerous musicals utilizing talented members of the choir.

However, it’s an offshoot of her work at St. Paul’s that many consider her most noteworthy achievement. She’s founder, producer and director of ‘Bethlehem Live.’ Through the marriage of music and spoken word, this yearly pageant brings to life the Christmas story in a poignant and tender way. Since its inception, the event has charmed, and inspired thousands of Peterborough residents and visitors.

The joy and meaning of music, accomplishment, and dedication to community.

Elsie Chambers Flett passed away in 2013, in her 90th year.

David W. Fisher has been an organizer since his teen years when he ran a neighborhood racing car fan club, the Eliminators Car Club. He later organized Couriers for Christ, in which young people helped run weekend crusades. He ran a local bookstore and helped start the Kawartha Church Slo-Pitch League. He founded the Epistle Sports Ministries, a charitable organization which over thirty years or so provided chaplaincy services to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Peterborough Petes and other sports organizations.

In 2003, ‘Fish’ went to Slovak Republic to teach children how to play baseball. In 2009, with his wife Carol, he founded the Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program, which now has three teams providing opportunities for over fifty players. His counseling energies are channeled through Friends Peterborough. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a the highest honour bestowed by the International Rotary Club. His lifetime of experiences has depended upon his organizational skills, confidence and willingness to help others.

A true gentleman in the traditional sense, David Fisher is a selfless and humble epostle of the Lord.

For many years, Gwen Brown was a major contributor to the growth and vitality of live theatre in Peterborough. She was involved in forming the Peterborough Theatre Guild, which came about as an amalgamation of several theatre groups, including St. John’s Players, with whom Gwen had been previously involved.

In 1964, Gwen directed ‘Ah! Wilderness,’ the first production of a newly-formed Guild. Since that beginning, she performed as director or actor in dozens of Guild productions. As well, she worked with Arbor Theatre, a professional company that ran for many years. Along the way, her teaching skills and creative enthusiasms have been an inspiration for countless theatre devotees.

Gwen Brown passed away in 2013, in her 92nd year. More than a year after her passing, Gwen’s fellow models from the famed 2004 Flood Relief Calendar gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the flood, and the tremendous community strength, determination and generosity that helped a community both weather the storm, and champion a comeback. Gwen Brown, on display in glorious black and white, was there in spirit…

• Photo courtesy of Lois Tuffin, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawartha

It’s argued by many the history of Canada is also the history of broadcasting.  For much of the 20th Century, this Dominion was a community of communities, held together and connected to each other by radio waves.

Frank Schoales was the Peterborough embodiment of both these worlds.

First hired as engineer/technician with CHEX Radio in 1942, Frank was the man who kept the shows on the air, and set up the remote broadcasts for which radio, of a different era, was so famous.  Through this job, he commanded a front row seat to historical events in the city, and country.  From the happy sounds of Glenn Miller, of Del Crary at Club Aragon, to social events, ceremonies, elections, sporting events and disasters, Frank allowed us to witness the voices of our history from the comfort of our home.

Through his work with The Peterborough Museum, and Trent Valley Archives a large number of these broadcasts are preserved for future generations to experience.

With his microphones and twists of cable, Frank Schoales gave us a precious gift: our living history, ‘live and direct.’

It’s true that in life, there are ‘do-gooders,’ and there are those who do good. Ray Peters certainly falls within the latter.

He didn’t pursue the limelight in helping the poor and less fortunate. It’s because he assisted so many due to his passion to assure that justice is served, he earned the gratitude of many. Ray Peters saw to it those experiencing difficulty were assisted, and received any benefits the system had to offer. Mr. Peters became a sought-after, and revered personality – so much so, he became legendary in the community. He dedicated most of his time to making sure those in need of assistance, received it.

His tireless efforts on behalf of those less fortunate, earned respect from his superiors, and reverence from his subordinates.

Mr. Bierk was a noted artist, teacher and co-founder of ARTSPACE with poet Dennis Tourbin, serving as its Director from 1974 until at least 1981. At the time, ARTSPACE was hailed as one of Canada’s earliest artist-operated arts centers.

Mr. Bierk was involved in the community since 1970, taking a teaching position at Kenner Collegiate and Vocational Institute in 1972, and later taught at Fleming College.

Mr. Bierk passed away August 28th, 2002.

A wise person once said, “God is in the details.” It’s often an overlooked fact of life: the ‘little things’ that can derail an ambitious project and the faithfulness to detail is often the key to its success.

Case in point can be found in the persona of Mary Stockdale.

The Kawartha region takes great pride in hosting the Ontario Open Fiddle & Step Dance Contest each June, in Bobcaygeon. The event has become one of the area’s largest tourist draws, attracting performers and visitors literally from all over the world.

For near 30 years, Mary Stockdale served as secretary for The Ontario Open. Many would argue, without Mary’s meticulous attention to detail, The Open couldn’t have gained its present stature. Mary made her home the event headquarters and centre for correspondence, inquiries and dissemination of information.

To those familiar with her dedication, Mary was The Ontario Open

Along the way, Mary was a lifelong member of the Bobcaygeon Horticultural Society, an active member of Trinity United Church, and a founding force behind the Bobcaygeon Meals On Wheels program.

An eye for detail and passion for people: two very important ingredients in the success of any community endeavour. One needs only to ask the friends of Mary Stockdale.

Alan Black, a singer, songwriter and drummer, is a major fixture on the local music scene. His musical career stretches over decades, mostly based in Peterborough where he is a co-owner of Maggie’s Eatery and a family man. He was described as, “the backbeat of the best blues,R&B and rock bands in this hip university town.”

He was a co-founder of Jackson Delta, which garnered two Junos nominations, and one for the BB King Lucille Award. Most recently, he has fronted Al Black and the Steady Band and its “New Orleans funk,” a mixture of Rock and Roll and Caribbean rhythms. The band won the 2013 Wire award for Roots/ Blues Band of the Year.

Alan Black has been a tireless promoter of local music, and himself has toured widely in the United States, Britain and Scandinavia. Singles include ‘Happy as a Monkey,’ together with recordings in collaboration with other groups.

George Novotny Sr’s short life is a prominent example that it is not how long you live, but what you accomplish while living it. Fleeing an oppressive regime in his native Czech Republic brought George Sr., his wife Sylvia and George Jr. to Peterborough in 1952. They brought with them nothing but the tremendous desire to succeed, and a tireless work ethic.

However, George Sr. did have some attributes that would help him, and his family to quickly settle in. He was fluent in seven languages, and was an accomplished pianist, accordionist, arranger and orchestrator. These abilities soon found favour with such area musical stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman, Del Crary, Buzz Buzzell, Paul “Streak” Konkle, Hugo Tapp and others.

George Novotny Sr. also had another ace up his sleeve. He had an innate ability to readily identify, and name any musical note immediately, which is commonly referred to as perfect pitch.

Bobby Kinsman was the first to utilize our inductee’s  wide-ranging musical talents. It was not long before George Sr. formed his own orchestra and began performing regularly at the Rock Haven Motor Hotel and, in the summer months at Viamede summer resort. CHEX Radio hosted his shows “Musician’s Corner” and “88 Keys,” and CHEX TV programmed a seasonal show “Music By George.”

The Novotny Orchestra played high school proms and he also presented music clinics on the history of music and piano stylings at Lakefield College School. He was also Church Organist, and Choir Director at St. John the Baptist Church.

Shock waves reverberated through the entire area when he passed at the age of 37 on November 3rd, 1961 after taking ill during a performance the night before at the Rock Haven. The relatively short period of time he contributed to the musical life of this area remains deeply imbedded in the hearts, and minds of all who were fortunate enough to have been entertained by him, or come in contact, in some way, with one of the greatest talents to ever grace this community.

The editorial cartoon is a truly unique art form requiring very special talent. Doug Landry demonstrated that special talent for over 50 years in the Peterborough area.

He sold his first cartoon to none other than Robertson Davies, then-editor of the Peterborough Examiner in 1950, and churned out a steady stream for area publications since that day. Doug estimated at one time he produced several thousand quick sketches at fairs and community events. In fact, special editions of his cartoons and caricatures are now becoming collector items.

Over the years, Doug branched out into commercial art and design, and landscape painting. However, it’s the quick sketches, caricatures and cartoons that remained his first love.

Bill Crane is a tireless champion of musicals and choirs throughout Peterborough and its surrounding Counties. The Peterborough Theatre Guild, numerous schools, Arbour Theatre, the Lindsay Theatre Guild and Bancroft Theatre Guild have all benefitted from his specialized musical arrangements. He has also been known to personalize music to meet the requirements of specific performers, even transposing the music to a different key to suit the performer’s vocal range better.

Bill has delighted audiences with his beautiful tenor singing voice, both ensemble and solo as well as his Church for a good many years. He has impressively sung solo with the Peterborough Symphony in Amahl and the Night Visitors and in Impresario. Bill Crane founded the Peterborough County Youth Choir in the mid 1970’s precursor to today’s Peterborough Children’s Chorus. He actually grew the Youth Choir to just under 280 children, admittedly a massive number.

He is also known as one the best vocal teachers in the area. Hundreds of people have learned priceless and lasting singing techniques from him, and they are still doing so as he remains actively engaged in giving private singing lessons today.

As an elementary classroom teacher, he introduced his own classes to playing the recorder. Over a number of years, he taught advance classes and eventually as lead Arts Coordinator for the Peterborough County Board of Education wrote a full curriculum for teaching the instrument.

Bill Crane has a music teaching credo containing 3 important aspects: 1) the understanding that music lifts the spirit 2) the deep conviction that every person is programmed to be able to make music – it just takes the right approach for each individual and 3) that learning to make music (singing or playing an instrument) should be fun.

While there are countless examples of people who have made Peterborough their home and quickly made a positive difference in the lives of others, few can hold a candle to the varied contributions made by Terry McLaren.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1995, Terry was appointed deputy chief of what was then the Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service before being named Chief of the department two years later. When he retired from that position in the summer of 2008, Terry had completed 37 years in policing – 24 of those years with the Niagara Police Service.

Terry’s service to his new community began in earnest when he became a member of the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough. Serving three terms as president of the service club, he also chaired a number of committees. Terry’s Kiwanis work brought forth a number of honours for him – Kiwanian of the Year in 2011, the Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and, in 2013, the Citizen of the Year Award from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada and the Kiwanis Life Membership distinction.

If that was the extent of Terry’s service that would be impressive enough – but it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, with his work on behalf of the YWCA and Ontario Special Olympics standing out. For the former, Terry was co-chair of the Week Without Violence Committee for seven years and served as a cabinet member for the Safe Haven Capital Campaign that led to the building of a new women’s shelter. For the former, he was host and co-Chair of the Ontario Special Olympics Spring Games in 1999 and was host of the Ontario Special Olympics Summer Games in 2004.

Earlier, in 1998 he volunteered for, and was a member of the Ontario Spring Games Committee.

Truth be known, there are few major community events that haven’t benefited from Terry’s involvement. In 1996, Terry was a member of the Memorial Cup Committee that oversaw the Canadian junior hockey championship tournament; he was a member of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Strategic Planning Committee for four years; he volunteered with the Peterborough Festival of Trees; served as past-President of the Peterborough Family YMCA; and from 2008 to the present is a volunteer off-ice official with the Ontario Hockey League.

Terry’s community service has been duly recognized. Along with three Community Betterment citations from the City of Peterborough, he was a finalist for the United Way’s Scholfield Award of Distinction; was inducted into the Ontario Special Olympics Hall of Fame; and was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of Canada of Police Forces in recognition of his community service and leadership.

• Photo Courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Stompin’ Tom Connors, and his trademark black Stetson, was a music legend whose ‘made-in-Canada’ career intertwined with Peterborough, the home of his first plywood board, his registered nickname, and one song, ‘The Peterborough Postman,’ that has become synonymous with the singer.

He released nearly fifty albums, containing most of his 300 songs that are rooted in Canadian place names. He was born in New Brunswick and raised in Prince Edward Island, and suffered a tough life before becoming an established artist. From 1951 to 1964, he hitchhiked across Canada, something of a singing troubadour. He was married in 1973 on the Elwood Glover show, and he was featured in 1974 on CBC’s ‘Stompin Tom’s Canada.’ Many of his songs are famous for their historical references.

His memorial service was held in Peterborough’s Memorial Centre, March 13, 2013. “When the Peterborough Postman passes by,” we will wonder why he said goodbye…

Longtime Peterborough family doctor, Don Curtis also found time to be an energetic and effective community activist. A strong supporter of the City’s Recreation Committee since the early 1970’s and instrumental, in 1982, of restructuring the committee into its present form as Parks & Recreation.

Dr. Curtis was an active participant in both 1980 and 1986 editions of the Ontario Summer Games and, in the 1970’s, co-chaired the groundwork entailed in establishing ParticipACTION Peterborough, and Snofest. Don Curtis provided invaluable support for the Peterborough YMCA and The Canadian Canoe Museum.

Dr. Curtis was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.

As a reporter for The Peterborough Examiner for more than 25 years, John is best known for his weekly ‘Labor Beat’ column and contribution to the Centennial Yearbook project, ‘Peterborough, Land of Shining Waters.’

His devotion to community ranges from volunteer work with area labour councils, to lecturing in area schools to foster a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal Peoples culture.

To hear Rob Phillips play the piano is to immediately sense that both, are part of the other!

He began classical studies at the age of 7. However it is safe to say, now decades later, that Rob was born to play, sing and write music. Introduction to boogie-woogie mates Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson and Albert Simmons set a tone for his musical pedigree, and articulates his jazz interpretation even now.

Peterborough and district is fortunate that Rob has so completely involved himself in playing with, and contributing to the sound of bands and individuals here at home. His dedication to playing piano and organ, singing, writing and arranging jazz, blues, rock and pop music – as well as being an accomplished classical pianist – has highlighted the local music scene for decades.

Rob Phillips is engrossed in the musical life of the community – from taking part in Musicfest, to serving as a director of Trent Radio, as well as fashioning and organizing countless benefit concerts.

Although he teaches classical piano and preps jazz students for post-secondary jazz studies at McGill and Humber Colleges, it is his commitment to the hometown music scene that makes Rob such an asset to this community. It’s his professionalism and musical excellence that shines as a respected ambassador for Peterborough wherever he travels, with his work.

When talking about those who’ve contributed to the growth of live theatre and performance in Peterborough, one name quickly comes to mind…

Beth McMaster is a founding member, and a tireless worker with the Peterborough Theatre Guild. She’s authored more than 30 plays, many of them debuting at the Theatre Guild under her direction.

In 1990’s, Beth McMaster was the driving force and guiding spirit behind the creation and success of Showplace Peterborough. She has written many fundraisers for the theatre and today, largely through her dedication, Showplace Peterborough is an unquestioned jewel in Peterborough’s performing arts crown.

What possible connection does a cemetery in San Rafael, California have to Peterborough? Well, Mount Tamalpais Cemetery is the final resting place of Dr. Jessie Birnie, the first woman to practice medicine in the city.

Born to Caroline and John Birnie, Dr. Birnie was in Peterborough in 1901, having graduated from the University of Toronto. It wasn’t until seven years after her arrival that she was granted hospital privileges.

Initially, Dr. Birnie lived on Water Street with American-born Frances Mary Best, the widow of well-known merchant James Best. When she passed in 1915, Dr. Birnie moved to a residence located at the current location of the Peterborough police station.

When Quaker Oats was rocked by a massive explosion in 1916 and consumed by flames, Dr. Birnie, in one account, “was barking like a Sergeant Major” while assisting fire wardens with the plant’s evacuation. The account goes on to note, in fairness to Dr. Birnie, the roar of the flames necessitated her “barking” to be heard.

A few years earlier, Dr. Birnie opened her home to eight ladies where, in her living room, they began a tradition of meeting regularly to discuss, research and debate the works of William Shakespeare. Thus the Women’s Shakespeare Club was formed.

In 1931, with her sister Caroline, Dr. Birnie crossed into the United States at Detroit on their way to see their brother John in California. There Dr. Birnie passed in 1935, just a few months after her sister died.

• Photo courtesy of the Birnie Family

Connie Brummel Crook spent a great deal of her life proving, if you enjoy a good story, you needn’t go further than our own Canadian history.

For 30 years, Connie taught English in Peterborough and area schools. She launched one of Peterborough County’s first Reading Labs and tutoring program to assist younger students.

Upon retiring from teaching, she concentrated on a writing career; authoring a series of popular novels extolling Canadian history and heritage. Connie Brummel Crook is recognized by the International Reading Association for her creativity and faithfulness to historical accuracy.

Many would agree Peterborough possesses a magical quality that lures those born here back to the area, and keeps those not born in Peterborough, here.  Heribert Michel planned to stay in Peterborough no more than two years, then move to bigger and better things.

That was in 1951 and, for over 50 years; he’s not only stayed but has added much to the musical, cultural and spiritual fabric of our community.

‘Temporarily’ filling the organist position at Sacred Heart Church, Heribert served as organist and choir director at Sacred Heart and St. Peter’s since that fateful year, 1951. During that time, he’s composed and arranged numerous masses and services. He passed on a love of music to countless young people through his teaching. His talents, and creativity are readily available to choirs, concerts and theatre groups in the Peterborough area. In recognition of his artistry and dedication to music in the church ministry, Heribert was invested as Knight of St. Sylvester by Pope John Paul II.

Heribert Michel possesses that special quality unique to true artists. He has the capacity to infuse both joy, and solemnity into spiritual music and make both ring true. His ‘temporary’ home of Peterborough has been the richer for his being here.

By way of her chosen profession and her volunteer pursuits, Helen Weichel committed herself long ago to making life better for countless others.

Upon graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Helen came to St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1960 before moving to what was then Civic Hospital, where she worked in many departments. Before retiring from Civic, she held a number of positions, including supervisor, and was very involved in the nurses’ association. Helen was the first recipient of the James McNabb Award, which recognized the community volunteer efforts of hospital staff.

As the leader of Cub Pack 17 based at St. Alban’s Church, Helen never missed an opportunity to involve her young charges in major events. When the Prime Minister, or Royalty visited, Peterborough Cub Pack 17 was front and centre. When medals were handed out at the Summer Games, Cub Pack 17 was involved. When Hugh Faulkner became Secretary of State, Helen brought Cub Pack 17 to Ottawa for a tour of the Parliament buildings, given personally by Faulkner. Long after her sons Greg and Tom moved on from Cub Pack 17, Helen stayed on, providing its members with unique opportunities while dedicating herself to their growth and development as good citizens.

With a passion for fostering recreational opportunities, Helen became involved with the Peterborough Recreational Association in 1970. She would play an instrumental role in the merging of the Peterborough Parks, and Recreation departments. In addition, Helen served with the Ontario Municipal Recreation Association, sitting as its chair for a period.

Helen’s guiding belief that recreational opportunities are essential for people of all ages saw her advocate relentlessly on behalf of the middle-aged, and seniors. In addition, she pushed for equality in terms of the allocation of sport facilities and resources, providing girls and women with the same opportunities to participate, as did boys and men.

An extension of that was Helen’s long tenure with ParticiPaction Peterborough, an organization dedicated to raising the level of personal fitness in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Helen was a member of the organization’s Sources and Resources Committee, charged with securing access to existing facilities, including schools, for fitness-related events. The committee also established a speakers’ bureau, produced brochures, and promoted existing and new fitness activities in local schools, including Trent University and Fleming College.

In 1977, the City of Peterborough recognized Helen’s unmatched efforts in the promotion of fitness and recreation, bestowing upon her its Award of Merit.

This Pathway inductee possesses one of the most familiar faces in Canadian broadcasting. His career offers proof that to be a trusted and recognized presence in broadcast news for close to 40 years, means he has continuously done the right things well.

Wally Macht began his broadcasting career in Saskatchewan in 1959, soon becoming Western Canada reporter for the CTV Network. In 1968, he moved to Toronto as national reporter and backup anchor to Harvey Kirck. Wally served as CTV’s weekend news anchor for 11 years and, in 1977 was elevated to news anchor for Canada AM.

In 1988, Wally looked north and landed in Peterborough as news anchor and Vice President of Information at CHEX Radio and Television, overseeing major updates in news-gathering, tech and presentation – including overseeing  the installation of a state-of-the-art newsroom.

Now, an integral part of the Peterborough community, he utilizes his broadcast skills to assist several local projects, most notably the Heart Catheter Fund, and the Trent Valley Archives.

As journalist, he demonstrates an uncanny news sense and capacity for hard work; as news executive, he demonstrates the rarest of talents; the ability to motivate, without intimidation.

To become acquainted with Paul Wilson is to know an individual who never stops promoting, supporting and contributing to the betterment of his community in so many ways.

Paul’s cheerful and outgoing manner makes him one of the best ambassadors the Peterborough area has ever had.
His position as the first Athletic Director at Trent University was characterized by his “sports for all” philosophy resulting in a special tribute wall in the University’s Athletic Building.

But it is in recognition of Paul Wilson’s selfless involvement in the Peterborough community which is being hailed by the Pathway of Fame.

Paul’s decade of service on City Council was marked by a civility combined with a constructive sense of humour to the workings of Council.  His contribution to the well-being of Peterborough citizens is legendary. Paul Wilson left an admirable legacy of achievement to many areas of the City. He is also a skillful, bright emcee who, over many years devoted his time to countless events for non-profit organizations.

Paul’s volunteer work with Cogeco Television (now Your TV, and well over 50 broadcasts a year) is well-known and respected for the fairness and common sense he contributes to the programs in which he is involved. David Feely, as of 2016 the Manager Programming and Community Relations unreservedly states, “(Your TV) is grateful to Paul for his dedication to the organization.”

His wife Gillian’s (Inducted 2003) immersion in Peterborough theatre has seen Paul become a great supporter as well. Paul, himself has brightened the stage in plays and revues, from time to time.

In so many areas of volunteer service Paul’s readiness to give of himself to the betterment of his community is an example to be emulated and admired.