Inductees

Country Music fans in Peterborough area knew Stu McCue as a topnotch entertainer; what many don’t know, is the depth of his diversified talent.

A professional musician for more than 30 years, Stu McCue shared stages with many Country legends. However, he is equally talented as a landscape painter, and teacher. To better share a love of his heritage, Stu became a Certified Instructor of Native Languages and Culture in 1977.

Stu McCue is perhaps best known for his boundless generosity towards others. For years, he performed at local seniors’ residences and nursing homes on a weekly basis. He continually encouraged young talent by giving them an opportunity to perform with him. If there’s a local cause or charity in need of fundraising, Stu was always there to help.

During his short life, Chris MacGee made profound contributions to the Peterborough arts community, both in administration, and as a remarkable creative artist in his own right. Chris worked at Artspace and as curator of the MacKenzie Gallery at Trent University, for five years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Despite his administrative duties, Chris still found time to pursue his true passion: creating art. On display in Peterborough and across Canada, Chris MacGee’s work exhibits a superb craftsmanship and clarity of vision, making his interpretive style distinctive and forceful.

Not unlike most Pathway of Fame inductees, both past and those being honoured today, giving back to the community has been, and remains an integral part of Dawn Straka’s DNA.

A longtime Rotarian, much of Dawn’s good work has been accomplished via the service club that she served as District Governor in 2010-11. That said, Dawn’s insatiable desire to make her home a better place for others has seen her commit to a number of projects and organizations outside of the Rotary realm, including her serving as chair of the annual Peterborough United Way campaign in 2005 as well as chairing the hospital Board.

Beyond that, the list is long and impressive.

Dawn helped lay out the glass for the stained glass window at Westdale United Church. She folds boxes for Salvation Army Christmas hampers and serves meals at the One Roof Community Centre, as well as shipping hand- knitted baby cloths, hats and mitts to communities in the Far North, as well as Afghanistan. And Dawn was a member of a support team bringing a Syrian family to Canada. Now settled and doing well, the family has been able to sponsor a set of parents to join them here in Peterborough.

Dawn’s immense giving spirit has extended well beyond Peterborough’s borders as well. Having traveled internationally with both Rotary and Jamaican Self Help, she has put her nursing skills to use in Jamaica, distributed wheel chairs in Central America, immunized children against polio in India and helped rebuild schools in Haiti. As her nominator notes Dawn never stops and Peterborough, as well as several other communities around the globe, are better for her generosity, compassion and work ethis.

To that end, Dawn Straka simply asks what needs to be done, then rolls up her sleeves…

Since 1986, Mike Barker has been the founding director of Folk Under the Clock, a concert series that presents folk/roots music in Peterborough. Barker has brought some remarkable talents to Peterborough from around the world – Dougie MacLean (Scotland), Arlo Guthrie (U.S), Eric Bogle (Australia), Danu (Ireland) and legendary Canadian Bruce Cockburn. As well as bringing over 100 music acts to Peterborough stages, Barker has also been a Juror for the Canadian Juno Awards and a longstanding Juror for the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Mike Barker has brought a welcome diversity to the local music scene and has successfully promoted Peterborough as THE place to play in Southern Ontario.

Mike Barker photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, Peterborough Examiner

Confirmation of any kind is a less-than-desirable state, in which to exist.  Bea Quarrie remains an example of a life spent championing the transformative power of what arts can achieve.  Bea is involved in all aspects of the arts, experiencing everything the world of drama offers in its many facets.

Bea’s theatrical experience extends a resume of over 150 productions as actor, director and producer; an award -winning director whose productions represented Canada at international festivals in Japan, Germany, Ciruba, Venezuela, and in her homeland.  For years, her expert theatre reviews appeared in The Peterborough Examiner.

Bea Quarrie found time to teach dramatic and visual arts at Lakefield College School.  Her expertise is acknowledged far beyond Peterborough but, thankfully, this community is beneficiary of her unique artistic vision.

• photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, MyKawartha.com

As scientist, engineer and inventor, Peter Eastcott brought fulfillment to many of his dreams for making the world a better place.

After a distinguished military career, he joined General Electric Canada as an electrical engineer. Peter became the most prolific inventor in the history of Canadian General Electric, registering 54 patents in the areas of industrial handling and safety.

Peter Eastcott also applied his engineering and inventing genius to humanitarian causes. He made life-saving contributions to the treatment of pulmonary disease and the invention of the HELPME program which, via computer, provides emergency response teams with vital, pre-incident, medical information.

American novelist Thomas Wolfe’s book ‘You Can’t Go Home Again’ left the impression that one can’t return to what was and pick things up again. It’s most fortunate for Peterborough that Len Lifchus didn’t take that message to heart.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1999 as the newly-minted Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Peterborough and District, Len served in that role for 10 years before moving to Hamilton to assume the same role in that city. This story would end here but for one thing – upon his retirement in 2014, Len returned to Peterborough to lend his energy, vibrancy and enthusiasm to a number of community initiatives.

In his first go-round, Len joined the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and was involved in numerous club projects. Upon returning to the city, he maintained that association by serving in a number of executive positions, including club President for 2017-18. Armed with the ability to juggle numerous projects at one time while bringing people together towards a common goal, Len’s leadership and determination has lifted his fellow Rotarians to new heights. Those contributions have been acknowledged through recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow – Rotary’s highest honour.

Len has gifted that same passion and commitment to the local theatre realm, most notably with the Peterborough Theatre Guild for whom he has directed numerous productions including The Mikado, La Cage Aux Folles, and Cats. In addition, Len’s directorial skills resulted in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Tonic@Twenty being very successful fundraisers for the Showplace Performance Centre. In October of 2018 he shepherded ‘The Music of ABBA’ across the Showplace boards to rave reviews.

In addition, a number of Board, and Committee tables have seen Len pull up a chair.

He served as Chair of the Central East Community Access Centre, and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce; vice-Chair of the City of Peterborough Committee of Adjustment, the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education; and he lent his voice to the discussion as a board member for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, the Estate Planning Council of Peterborough, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and the City of Peterborough Youth Commission. Len’s experience in strategic planning and governance has been invaluable for each of those bodies, and many more.

Never afraid to roll up his sleeves when there’s a job to be done, Len chaired the United Way’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2016 and, that same year, assumed a lead role with the volunteers for the Canada Games. And if you wondered as to the identity of Rotary Man at the 2018 Polar Plunge, take a wild guess…

The Warming Room was the benefactor of Len’s chilly dip into Chemong Lake.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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.

Janet McCue has made remarkable contributions towards the preservation, and public awareness of native culture, language and teachings. She taught courses and wrote numerous songs in Ojibwa, and translates compositions, including the National Anthem.

Janet is lead vocalist and drummer, since 2005, in the Wshkiigamong Women’s Hand Drum Group. The group, based in Curve Lake First Nation, performed by invitation at Juno Beach on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion; then, toured in France and Holland.

Closer to home, the group donates countless hours to community events and charity fundraisers.

Her interest in presenting, and educating all who’ll listen about the Ojibwa culture is foremost in her accepting invitations to perform. Many of Janet’s songs relate to native teachings regarding conservation, and proper stewardship of our natural resources, and the environment.

Michael A. Peterman, Professor Emeritus of English Literature, Trent University, is named in 2006 as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.  It’s peer recognition of his exceptional research accomplishments.

Working with various colleagues he researched archival records and original writings of several writers with links to the Peterborough area bringing them, and their work, to life in no fewer than 13 books, 100+ articles and countless speeches and papers. He’s a leading authority on Willa Cather, Susanna Moodie, Catharine Parr Traill, Robertson Davies, James McCarroll and Isabella Valancy Crawford.  Thanks to his efforts, their works are now studied at schools and universities here, and abroad.

At Trent, he taught its most popular courses in American and Canadian Literature.  With the Peterborough Historical Society, Michael Peterman – a past president – chaired its Publications Committee for more than 20 years and actively supported the Hutchison House Museum.

Michael Peterman is singularly successful in diligently researching, and imaginatively reconstructing the lives and times of writers he admires.  He also generously shares what he learns.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

If all the stage is indeed a world, John Robinson has established himself as one of its leading citizens.

It was back in 1984 that John asked some friends “What do you actually do at Whispers Dinner Theatre?” Clearly he liked what he heard back as he has rarely left a theatre setting since.

As a volunteer with the St. James’ Players and the Peterborough Theatre Guild for more than 30 years, John has worked on more than 130 productions. In 1997, he joined the Peterborough Theatre Guild executive and served as technical director over the next 18 years, participating in workshops on lighting, pyrotechnics and theatre safety while sharing his invaluable knowledge with students at St. Peter and Thomas A. Stewart.

A recipient of awards from the Eastern Ontario Drama League, John was honoured in 2002 with the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s Outstanding Service Award and, just last year, with a Lifetime Membership. His work with the Peterborough Theatre Guild executive brought him a Community Betterment Award from the City of Peterborough in 2003 to go along with two other civic awards for his production team role on two productions. And in 2007, he received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award in recognition of more than 20 years of continuous service with the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Away from the bright stage lights, John has been no less dedicated and, as a result, no less busy. In 2005, he volunteered his time with Special Olympics Ontario for its Spring Games and again in 2018 for the school championships. For more than 20 years, he has worked behind the scenes to make the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life a huge success in both Peterborough and Bowmanville, and is currently serving his seventh year as a member of the planning committee for the annual Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope.

Rick Fines’ talents as artist, singer and songwriter have earned him wide respect from audiences, fans and those within the music industry. For 15 years, during the 1980’s and 1990’s, Alan Black (drums, harmonica), Gary Peeples and Rick Fines played as the Jackson Delta Blues Band. They played in rock bands but, on off nights, played acoustic blues. They pursued individual musical careers after the 1990’s. Rick, in 2005, for his song ‘Riley Wants His Life Back,’ won in the blues category of an international songwriting competition. Rick played in various parts of the United States, Canada and Eastern Europe over the past two years. His awards include a Maple Blues Award for Songwriter of the Year, and twice for Acoustic Act of the Year. Still in his ’40’s, he’s considered a veteran on the folk and blues circuits.

Rick believes those gifted with musical ability have a responsibility to share it by teaching others. He’s been teaching finger-style guitar at Haliburton, Kincardine and Hornby Island, as well as participating in Blues in the Schools programs from Saskatoon to Fredericton. He’s taught adults and youngsters to play the guitar and write songs. He blends traditional sounds with witty contemporary songwriting.

A true professional in every sense of the word.

• Photo courtesy rickfines.ca

To whoever gifted a very young Melissa Payne with a fiddle all those years ago, all we can say is thank you.

Born and raised in Ennismore, Payne subsequently learned to play the instrument at the knee of Doug Leahy. She learned well, to the point where today she is a formidable force, not just on the local music landscape but also well beyond its borders. Better still, Payne’s star is still rising with no limit in sight.

Anchored by a lifelong love of old-time fiddle and traditional Celtic music, Payne has steadily fashioned a remarkable recording and performance career that, to date, includes three full length albums of original songs and never-ending stage invites. She followed up her 2012 self-titled debut album with 2014’s High and Dry and, in early 2020, Darker Than Your Dark.

If one can be judged by the company he or she keeps, rest assured Payne is in a very good place. With her live performances having consistently brought forth critical acclaim, Payne has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Canadian music. Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), Natalie MacMaster, Matt Mays, James McKenty, Jimmy Bowskill (The Sheepdogs) and Nathaniel Smith share the common experience of having worked with Payne in the studio and on stage.

But Payne is no one-trick pony. Local theatre productions, such as 4th Line Theatre’s 2019 staging of Carmel and Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre tribute to Stompin’ Tom Connors, have drawn on her talent as well.

The thread running through Payne’s contributions to music and the arts is her wholly unselfish willingness to support up-and-coming performers. Her mentoring of those with a musical dream knows no bounds as she provides invaluable advice around booking gigs, publicity and other trappings of the business. If Payne is in your corner, chances are very good that success will follow.

Noted by many who know Payne well is her ability to mobilize others and rally support for important causes. Blessed with a boundless empathy, Payne consistently and easily connects with people from all walks of life.

McKenty, who has produced all three of Payne’s albums, writes his longtime friend “is genuine…people simply gravitate to her down-to-earth personality. I’ve long been in awe watching the way people are attracted not only to Melissa’s music but also to her character.” He clearly speaks for many.

If anyone’s to be truly born with “printer’s ink” in their veins, such could be said of Peterborough’s own Ed Arnold.

Over 35 years, Ed worked his way through almost every position in Peterborough Examiner newsrooms from photography, dark-room, reporter, to city editor and managing editor. In the latter position, Ed Arnold is believed to be the longest reigning such executive of a daily newspaper in Canada.

He authored nine books, including a national best seller on minor hockey. Knowledge of his hometown spurred him to found “Kids In Need,” a registered charity helping children within Peterborough and County.

Recipients benefiting from Ed Arnold’s knowledge and cooperation can be found in a wide range of endeavours, such as the Gainey Foundation, as well as other authors’ access to archival material and electronic media.

Ivy Sucee has fought zealously to keep alive the story of the Barnardo Home Children, the child emigrants of whom 9,000 came through Peterborough between 1883 and 1923. She has helped countless people gain access to Barnardo records in England and learn fresh details about the history of their ancestor who was a home child.

Her own father was a Barnardo home child and since 1995, she searched for information about Barnardos, which still operates in the United Kingdom handling adoptions and after care, but not emigration.

Her efforts have had some impact. A 1999 plaque summarizing the history of Hazelbrae, the Barnardo home and distribution centre, stands on a lawn near George Street. A dramatic monument listing the names of all who came through Peterborough stands on Barnardo Avenue on the lawn of Queen Alexandra school. To create that list was a major undertaking, for which Ivy Sucee recruited researchers and historians.

The Hazelbrae Barnardo Monument was unveiled on the inaugural Ontario British Home Child Day, September 28, 2011.

Ivy was a 25 year volunteer with the Peterborough Exhibition and helped produce their 1995 history of the fair.

She received several honours, including a city Lifetime Achievement Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

To strive to be an accomplished musician is a credit to any individual. To teach generations of young people the joy that striving takes, is truly a remarkable individual. For over 30 years, Peter Ford instilled love of music and performance in countless local and area young people.

In the early 1960’s, Peter created a music department in the newly constructed Crestwood Secondary School. Very quickly, Crestwood had a performance-ready band under Peter’s guidance. To nurture the importance of performance, he organized numerous band trips and exchanges. He utilized the fundraising capacities of band members and their families, making these excursions family, and life experiences as well.

Over the years, Peter worked tirelessly to bring instrumental musical education to even younger students, encouraging the Board of Education to establish music programs for senior elementary students throughout the county.

After retirement, Peter continued to support, and encourage aspiring musicians through the formation of the StarFire Band and Wind Symphony. An equally amazing innovation begun by Peter is the New Horizons Band for seniors who had little, or no musical experience.

Peter Ford passed away on Christmas Day, 2022. He was 85.

A musician and songwriter for over 30 years, Bryan D. Switzer is one of those genuine artists who uses his music to touch the hearts of people in his community, and country. He created a remarkable catalogue of songs celebrating Canada, the land’s history and beauty, and poignancy of the lives of individual Canadians. His songs had an impact on audiences across the country and as far away as Europe.

Throughout his career, Bryan’s been an ardent and passionate supporter of Canadian talent, especially those aspiring artists looking to get their foot in the door. There have been no worthy causes in our area that have yet to benefit from the musical generosity of Bryan D. Switzer.

If longevity is a hallmark of success, this gentleman has achieved his longevity with a caring commitment to his music, and his fellow Canadians.

Many Peterboronians may not be capable of correctly spelling his last name, but it is certain there are not many citizens who have not heard of him. Also affectionately known as ‘Johnny O’, he is well-regarded for his commitment to music and for the generosity he has shown sharing his time and talent.

John Oosterbroek’s life and musical journey are one, and the same. From the time, at 8 years of age, when his father taught him clarinet, his passion for playing and sharing his talent spread from his native Utrecht, Netherlands to Europe, the Middle East and North America. His teaching at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School and Lindsay’s LCVI High School endeared him to generations of aspiring musicians.

It is his involvement as Conductor of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and Peterborough Concert Band, as well as his status as a lifetime member of the Kiwanis Music Festival, that shine as his crowning achievements. So too, are the many, many people who have benefited from dutiful teaching courtesy of John and his wife in one of the two New Horizon Band organizations in this area.

A serious accident while performing only slowed him for a while, but with his recovery came his renewed dedication to giving of himself. A recipient of an Ontario government Volunteer Service Award for his work with the PSO, John Oosterbroek has touched so many hearts and brought forth their love of music.

With great pride and humility, The Pathway of Fame welcomes Johnny O to join its group of distinguished Honourees.

Mr. Oosterbroek passed away in June, 2019.

If experience, performance and repetition are keys to musical accomplishment, then Vera Keating must have been very close to ‘master’ status. Vera was a well-known, and beloved fiddle player in the Peterborough area. With her unique brand of traditional music, she entertained audiences for nearly 80 years. Her talent was validated by many fiddle contests she won, including events at the Peterborough Exhibition, and the Bobcaygeon Fair. Along with husband, Jack, Vera entertained at all local fairs and venues in the Peterborough area, too numerous to mention.

Throughout her career, she enjoyed warm kinship with her audiences and gave generously of her time, and talent in aid of many worthy causes. At one time, she performed several times a month with the Peterborough and Otonabee Oldtime Fiddlers, entertaining at local hospitals and retirement residences.

If longevity is the hallmark of success, then Vera Keating was indeed, a true success.

Vera Keating passed away in 2012, in her 99th year.

Jill, and her late husband Peter Adams were known as a great team working in countless ways to assist people near, and far. Jill Adams, a nurse by training, served as president of the Peterborough Theatre Guild (PTG) and as a long-time chair of the Anson House Auxiliary – as well as a member of the board for the Five Counties Children’s Centre. She has been an active volunteer with St. John’s Anglican Church, Canadian Hearing Society, Friendly Visiting Service, and the Lung Association. Jill was a producer and key fundraiser for the PTG when they submitted an entry in an international drama festival in Yokohama, Japan. She has volunteered with orphanages and shelters in Mexico, Jamaica and Baffin lsland.

Together, Peter and Jill visited Bangladesh, Honduras, lndia and Uganda on behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World. Both were also key volunteers for the Casa de Angelis home.

Peter Adams, a noted professor of Geography at Trent University, had a political career with the Peterborough Board of Education, and as Member of Provincial Parliament from 1987 through 1990, and Member of Parliament in Ottawa from 1993 through 2005. He also served as chair for the 1980 Ontario Provincial Summer Games held in Peterborough.

Peter Adams died September 28th, 2018 in his 83rd year. He is survived by his wife Jill.

Dick Beck was well-known in Peterborough for his day job, as engineer at Canadian General Electric, and for his work with the Peterborough Utilities Commission. But if truth be known, his true passion, was connected to  theatre.

For over 30 years, Dick was an active member of PTG, serving in many capacities. He directed six full-length plays and one children’s play. He penned music and lyrics for about a dozen children’s plays which have been performed in many parts of Canada as well as here at home, at the Guild.

As well, Dick logged time undertaking set design, set construction, production and stage management. In an administrative capacity, he served on the Executive and Board of the Guild as President, Treasurer and Chairman.

For 45 years the Peterborough Theatre Guild (PTG), and indeed the theatre community in general, were gifted with the countless volunteer hours bequeathed by Nancy Bethune. A good deal of them in partnership with her late husband and 2002 Honouree, Bud.

Throughout her volunteer career at PTG, Nancy built an amazing theatrical portfolio, together with procedural notes and makeup inventory which is now utilized by other volunteers when designing makeup for a production.

As well as managerially involved in early ambitious musical productions, she worked on costumes and props. Nancy served as President of the PTG Board from 1978 to 1980. She took over the role as Chair of the Makeup Department in 1990, where she really found her niche, serving in that position until 2013.

Although competent and immersed in all aspects of theatre, it is for her thorough understanding and application of makeup design for which Nancy Bethune is most respected, and revered.

Her complete dedication to the Peterborough Theatre Guild will be forever cherished and remembered.

Nancy Bethune passed away in February, 2015 at the age of 82.

Captain William H. Peryer was, without doubt, Peterborough’s most famous bandmaster.

Born in England, William Peryer came to Peterborough from Cleveland to assume the leadership of the Salvation Army Temple Band.  It was under his 40 year direction the Salvation Army Band toured Britain in 1914.  During the war, Peryer led the 59th Battalion Band overseas, gaining rank of Captain-Director of Music, and personal admiration from King George V.

Until his retirement in 1950, William Peryer served as musical director for several Peterborough brass bands, and played trumpet in the Grand Opera orchestra.  If you’re old enough to have enjoyed Sunday concerts in the park, featuring a wonderful mix of show tunes, hymns and military music, chances are those brass bands were under the direction of William Peryer.

Peterborough born and raised, Danny Bronson’s musical career spans more than 25 years. His natural talent allows him to move easily through the entire musical spectrum, from Country to Jazz, to Pop and Show tunes.

Danny has performed in such productions as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ with the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and in Kawartha Summer Theatre’s ‘Just a Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.’ He also shared the concert stage with the Kawartha Jazz Ensemble, Sylvia Tyson, Henry Cuesta (The Lawrence Welk Show) and his good friend, Colleen Peterson. Of special local note, Danny holds the record for most appearances at The Festival of Lights – the forerunner to MusicFEST.

With an abiding love for his hometown, Danny Bronson always gives generously of his time, and talent in support of local causes and charities.

• Photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawartha

In the eyes of many, a writer’s life is a solitary one, locked away in a small room, alone with one’s thoughts and the creative process. However, when you add a dimension of reaching out and a willingness to touch others on a number of levels, then the life of a writer takes on a fresh and meaningful vitality. Gail Corbett is a writer who has reached out, as well as taken in.

As historical writer, Gail’s books, such as ‘Barnardo Children in Canada,’ ‘Portraits,’ ‘Country Churches,’ and ‘Katherine Wallis’ add much to our appreciation of local and national history. Her life is also one of passing-on and sharing the craft of writing. For over 20 years, she’s taught creative writing at Fleming College and conducted numerous lectures and workshops. Gail is also a compelling force, especially locally, with the Canadian Authors Association.

For those of us living in the Kawarthas, Gail has given two precious gifts; a sense of community for aspiring writers and a sense of our own history. It’s often said of history and tradition that what is not written down will be forgotten.

Gail Corbett has written it down, so we shall not forget.

What Bill Mullan lacked in formal training, he more than made up for in enthusiasm, and devotion to music.

That same devotion characterized his commitment to sports and humanitarian causes.  Bill’s fiddle music made him a fixture at the Peterborough Farmers Market, and various local events.  Overcoming serious physical adversity, he actively participated in many sports. One could say, Bill Mullan was Peterborough’s most famous one-legged goaltender.

Over the years, Bill served as an avid supporter of many causes, including Cancer Research, ParticipAction, and old timers hockey.

Marie Callaghan was an outstanding television talk show host long before such programming became common fare. In fact, it is safe to say she was a television superstar prior the industry ever coining the phrase.

Marie devoted 5 days a week for more than 21 years to her half hour Marie Callaghan Show. Beginning in 1954 until she retired in 1976, it is estimated the talented lady interviewed an estimated 20,000 or more guests.

Her schooling as a fully-graduated physiotherapist was never put to use, as quite by accident she was offered employment at CHEX TV. From that moment on, Marie balanced a home life comprising husband Jack, and their children Dennis and Lynn, with producing and starring in her own daily TV show.

Nowadays she would be a pioneer in the then-fledgling television industry. That possibly could be one of the reasons she was privileged to “call her own shots” so to speak, and run her program without executive interference. The Marie Callaghan Show was programmed almost autonomously from the rest of the station – so much so that she was in the enviable position of having no restrictions as to  what she could, or could not do.

Marie possessed an innate sense of what would work and what would not, and she exercised that intuitive gift to its fullest. Marie Callaghan’s popularity grew with each passing program, and made her show a staple in East Central Ontario. When she finally volunteered to “throw in the towel” so she could enjoy more family time, she held the Canadian TV record for the greatest number of years of broadcasting at any one television station in all of Canada.

Marie gave of herself to a good many community causes. She certainly possessed the common touch, a humble quality which endeared her to all who came in contact with her. She was a lady who never placed herself above another, and was keenly interested in the lives of others while insisting to one, and all just to be known as Marie.

It was those characteristics she bequeathed to her family, friends, community and TV Industry. Attributes for which she will always be remembered, and revered.

More than a generation of Peterborough young people learned music under the tutelage of Tommy Barnes. As proprietor of the Continental Academy of Music, Tommy taught music for over 25 years.

Widely recognized as one of Canadian Music’s finest dobro and steel players, Tommy enjoyed a career as a much sought-after session player and band member. Playing with such locally-acclaimed groups as Wildwind and The Teddy Bear Band, Tommy Barnes gave generously of his considerable talents to further many charitable organizations and fundraisers.

Peterborough’s vibrant arts scene has been blessed with countless champions – but few have matched the relentless passion, leadership and commitment that Cathy Rowland has consistently exhibited.

Visual, literary, dramatic…whatever arts genre Rowland set her sights on advancing, good things have followed. Combine that with her advocacy for youth, and it’s not hard to comprehend the indelible footprint our inductee has left on Peterborough’s cultural landscape.

An educator by profession and in heart, Rowland’s vision had a lasting impact when, in 1990 she founded and coordinated the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS. Countless youths benefitted, many of whom went on pursue their studies in the arts and achieve great success in their respective fields. In 2002, local youth again benefitted when Rowland developed, and organized the first Best of High School Art Exhibition. Six years later, Rowland produced and directed the PCVS 100^th anniversary gala concert.

Behind the scenes, Rowland has had a major and lasting influence as lead writer for the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum. Her involvement with Trent University’s School of Education and, more recently its enrichment program has greatly influenced future educators to ensure the arts maintain a strong presence in their classrooms.

Away from the education tableau but no less significant, Rowland has written, produced and directed theatrical productions – her creative talents anchoring the success of numerous high school and community theatre offerings. In conjunction with the latter, she has won a series of regional Sears Drama Festival Awards. Never shy to roll up her sleeves and get busy, Rowland has also lent her considerable skills to costume and set design.

On the administrative side, Rowland has been a member of several boards, gifting her knowledge and enthusiasm to the great benefit of arts-related organizations: among them, the Peterborough Theatre Guild, the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) and the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery.

Just last year, Rowland brought together artists from various disciplines when she organized the Peterborough Sunflower Festival in support of Ukrainian refugees. 2022 also saw Rowland continue her work on behalf of the New Canadians Centre in the form of an interactive arts event for refugees new to the area.

Paul Ayotte was a technical writer for General Electric of Canada, 1964-2002, but is best known for his remarkable contributions to municipal government. He represented Ashburnham ward, 1978-85, 1987-2003. He served as mayor of Peterborough from 2006 to 2010. During these years he served frequently on committees for finance, public transportation, council procedures and affordable housing.

After the Ides of July flood in 2004, he chaired the Peterborough Area Flood Relief Committee, and while mayor established and energized the Mayor’s Action Committee on Poverty (Peterborough’s first since 1875). During 28 years in public office he has been a tireless advocate for fighting poverty, building affordable housing and finding ways to help the disadvantaged. He then accepted the challenge of chairing the Peterborough United Way campaign for 2012.

His family has been in the area for eight generations, and he admired the community’s ability to meet challenges and to support those in need. He challenged people to give a “gift of hope.”

His amazing public career has always been about finding ways to lead, ways to better the community one person at a time.

Paul Ayotte photo courtesy MyKawartha.com