Inductees

Lois Harte-Maxwell was proof that with hard work and dedication, the only insurmountable impediments in life are not physical, but that of the human spirit.

Despite her own difficulties with physical mobility, Lois tirelessly supported and, in some cases, was a pioneer in creating community awareness in Peterborough for those with any form of disability. She served several terms on City Council and sat on a number of committees dealing with accessibility issues for those with disabilities. More than any other individual, Lois Harte-Maxwell was instrumental in making City Hall physically accessible to all citizens of Peterborough.

Lois Harte-Maxwell died in 2016, in her 80th year.

For true lovers of music and performance, it’s difficult to recall the first time they held an instrument in their hands.

Norm Post has been making music and captivating audiences since the age of 12 and is considered one of the most ‘instrumental’ individuals in Central Ontario Country Music.  In many ways, Norm’s life and career typify the road traveled by so many Country artists.

As fledgling performer, the dictates of raising a young family put a strain on his musical ambitions.  That worked itself out nicely, in 1967, with the formation of The Singing Post Family.  The next decade, the Post Family made inroads into the Canadian music scene, recording eight albums and making three cross-country tours.

In the 1970’s, as the kids went their separate ways, Norm reinvented his performing passion.  He became an active participant with the Kawartha Shrine Club, devoting much time and energy fundraising for crippled children.  To further his fundraising technique, Norm took the opportunity to become a registered clown and perform as ‘Cinders.’  He continued as solo Country artist, playing alongside such luminaries as Roy Clark, Hank Snow and Gordie Tapp.

He founded the Cross Country Jamboree, which introduced us to talents such as Carroll Baker and Wayne Rostad.  Organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Rockhound Gemboree, and Canadian Spinal Cord Research benefited from Norm’s organizational, and performing talents.

Music, and people; that’s the combination that comes together, with Norm Post.

Allan Harding’s fundraising ventures have placed him well above others – literally.

On a March weekend over the course of 16 years, Allan took to the roof of the Canadian Tire store, initially at the former George Street location and then at the store off Lansdowne Street. His ‘Al On The Roof’ fundraiser not only brought the Easter Seals Society close to $150,000 but also greatly raised awareness of the organization’s mandate and many associated programs.

Crediting his father Art with instilling in him a strong desire to help others, Allan has a self-professed soft spot for children in need. When one youngster had an urgent need for a wheelchair accessible van, Allan spent 48 hours on a boat in extremely cold weather, joined by the boy’s father. ‘Al In The Boat,’ as it was coined, raised $1,400.

Going back much earlier, in 1987, Allan perched himself on the roof of the former Red Oak Inn in downtown Peterborough, bringing in money for the emergency department at the then Peterborough Civic Hospital. In addition, his feet firmly planted on the ground, Allan has raised money for Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart initiative that ensures children have equal access to sports and physical activity.

Unselfish in the extreme, Allan has always been quick to give credit to others who have supported his efforts. In October 2011, when Relly On The Roof – initially a fundraiser for the United Way – debuted atop The Brick, a very surprised Paul Rellinger was visited by Allan who made the climb and took the time to offer his warm support, offering the novice survival tips in the process.

In 2012, Allan returned to the roof of Canadian Tire one more time, again to the benefit of Easter Seals, but that was the last time as the physical strain of his rooftop sojourn had proven difficult. Other awards that have come his way, include Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award for exceptional community service, and Easter Seals’ Spirit of Giving Award.

David Edgerton will always be associated with the long, and successful effort to build a Wall of Honour in Peterborough to commemorate those who served in the military during the two world wars, and Korea. This incredible project grew out of his association since 1970 with the Canadian Legion, of which he has been an outstanding leader since. The Wall of Honour project was led by David with assistance from the Canadian Legion,Trent Valley Archives, Susan Kyle, and various community leaders and departments of government.

The Wall of Honour was unveiled in Confederation Park in late 2010, and remains a tribute to all those with local roots who served in three wars.

Whether promoting active transportation or working to increase climate resilience through community building, Tegan Moss is in a league of her own when it comes to ensuring our world finds itself in a better place.

Trent University-educated – she attained her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Environmental Studies – Moss was the longtime executive director of B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop before being named the executive director of Peterborough GreenUP in September 2021. Common to both roles has been Moss’ selfless dedication and leadership in fostering positive change and empowerment.

In 2011, Moss assumed the executive directorship of B!KE, a not-for-profit member-based cycling education and support organization that, since 2006, has taught bike maintenance, repair and riding skills from its George Street location in Peterborough’s downtown core.

Under Moss’ guidance, B!KE’s impact flourished with the expansion of cycling education initiatives. Via strategic collaborations, including a partnership with GreenUP, Moss spearheaded innovative programs, such as in-school cycling programs, community workshops and the Earn-A-Bike program, which provides access to a bike for those with limited means.

Moss’ leadership of B!KE didn’t go unnoticed. Among the accolades that came her way were the Wheels of Change Award from the Share The Road Cycling Coalition in recognition of her dedication to educating the next generation, and Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Award, a nod to her influence and commitment to the advancement of her community.

As a staunch advocate of increased active transportation, Moss went above and beyond in convincing the City of Peterborough of the need to add more bike lanes to the infrastructure landscape. Speaking before city council, writing letters and campaigning, Moss did whatever it took to sell the benefits of active transportation, lobbying tirelessly for its prioritization and inclusion as part of Peterborough’s overall transportation plan.

When the executive director role with Peterborough GreenUP opened after Brianna Salmon moved on to become executive director of Green Communities Canada, Moss jumped on the opportunity, eager for the challenge of leading the organization that, since 1991, has helped countless area residents lead more healthier eco-friendly lives.

When she’s not engaging with the community to help them better address the climate crisis, Moss can often be found doing just what you would expect – riding her mountain bike or getting her hands dirty in her wild garden. She indeed practices what she preaches and, in fact, was doing so long before it became common practice to do so.

Long before most of us were thinking ‘green’ and, in particular, about the importance of education as it pertains to environmental stewardship and sustainability, Jacob Rodenburg was a determined trailblazer on a mission.

A field teacher of outdoor education for more than 30 years as well as a longtime environmental education instructor at Trent University, Mr. Rodenburg is the current executive director of Camp Kawartha, an award-winning environmental education centre in Douro-Dummer Township.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Rodenburg has consistently found innovative ways to connect people to nature, as well as to empower youth as agents of change. For his continued efforts, Mr. Rodenburg has been recognized through awards from Otonabee Conservation, the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication, the Ontario Society of Environmental Educators, and Ontario Nature.

Jacob Rodenburg’s vision, leadership and fundraising efforts were key to the establishment of the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings that showcases ‘green’ building techniques, and has spawned several curriculum-linked environmental programs. Since opening in 2009, the centre has welcomed and educated more than 27,000 elementary, and high school students.

Working with more than 40 organizations, Mr. Rodenburg also conceived, and founded the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship – an innovative stewardship-fostering approach that identifies key experiences, or landmarks the community at large can deliver to children from the moment they are born, to when they graduate from high school.

In partnership with Trent University, Mr. Rodenburg was integral in the development of an environmental education training program from which more than 350 students and teachers have graduated. More recently, he was also key in the establishment of a national online environmental education program made available to faculties of education across Canada.

Having taught more than 100,000 students to date, Jacob Rodenburg frequently speaks before parent, teacher and community groups, showcasing how they can use local green spaces to connect children to nature. In addition, Mr. Rodenburg has written more than 75 articles on nature and environmental education and, together with Drew Monkman, co-authored a best-selling book entitled The Big Book of Nature Activities. More recently, Jacob Rodenburg published The Book of Nature Education, featuring no fewer than 70 sensory activities that serve to deepen, and strengthen a readers’ connection to nature.

For a great many musicians, a fond memory of youth is spending hours wandering through one of those wonderful, small music stores with guitars hanging everywhere, getting lost in dreams of a guitar you’ll own one day, if you work and practice hard enough.

For thousands of Peterborough musicians, that memory conjures up one name: Bud Monahan.

The Peterborough music scene and the name Bud Monahan have been synonymous for over 50 years. Few have exercised such an influence over musicians in the Kawartha region. For nearly all his life, music played an integral part.

In early days, Bud played with many legendary names in Peterborough music, such as Paul Konkle, Del Crary and Freddie Coupland. Teaching music at such memorable establishments as Rawson’s and Musicland led to opening Bud Monahan’s House of Guitars. For over 40 years, Bud supplied instruments and taught the rudiments to literally thousands of aspiring musicians. In many instances, Bud taught multiple members of the same family, employing many former students as teachers.

For Bud, music supplied an extended family and a generational rite of passage. Good musicians will tell you it’s in the sharing of same that music affords the greatest satisfaction – and it’s in playing, teaching and sharing by which Bud Monahan personified the greatest gift of music.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Usually, when a caring citizen does volunteer work, it’s for one or two causes and for a reasonable period of time.

Joe Whetung never put much stock in that approach.

For nearly 60 years, Joe volunteered his time, talent and energy to more than 30 causes and organizations. For Joe Whetung, volunteering is a lifelong commitment.

Joe was born with cerebral palsy. However, rather than allow it to become a deterrent, Mr. Whetung used it as a basis for observation. He couldn’t play sports, but he watched the coaches – and learned to be an exceptional coach himself. He also became a student of organizational structure and procedure. Along with his day jobs working with numbers, Joe became an invaluable addition to many organizations.

It’s an abiding truth that the success of any group lay in its structure, and management – ensuring that ‘the numbers’ are right. The organizations and projects that have benefited from Joe’s talents and dedication are many, and varied. Benefactors of Joe’s expertise were the Fair Boards of Peterborough and Lakefield, parks and recreation committees, Scouts Canada, O.R.C.A., men’s softball and the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Program, among many others.

An enthusiastic student of First Nations’ history, Joe’s ability to trace the Whetung family back several centuries, is stuff of legend.

“Use what you have, to do what you can” serves as a sum of Joe Whetung’s volunteer philosophy. For Joe, volunteering is a way to do good, improve lives and make friends.

Not a bad life philosophy, is it?

While the origin of the quote “If you want something done, ask a busy person” is attributed to a few people, there’s no question of its rightful place when the conversation focuses on Patricia (Pat) Hooper.

Several organizations in Peterborough have benefited from Pat’s personal commitment to making a lasting, and positive change. As one nominator puts it, Pat is “truly selfless when she commits to something, and [her] tenacity to get the job done is second to none.”

Twenty years ago, when she served as Chair of the annual United Way campaign while working at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Pat spearheaded that appeal to a total of just under $2 million – a record up to that time. Committed wholly to the organization, Pat later became chair of the United Way of Peterborough and District Board of Directors, as well as the Central Eastern Ontario representative on the board of the United Ways of Ontario.

Further, Pat has served in leadership roles with a number of community organizations, her fingerprints leaving a lasting impression on the success of each. The Rotary Club of Peterborough, the Festival of Trees, Community Care Peterborough and the Community Counseling and Resource Centre have each benefited from Pat’s determination to leave an organization in better standing than it was when she arrived.

In addition, Pat has volunteered with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Fairhaven, the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Peterborough Foundation, Peterborough Musicfest and the Peterborough Scottish Country Dancers, and is currently Chair of the Board of Showplace Peterborough.

With a volunteer resume that is as long as the thirty years it covers, Pat, as one supporter writes, “is remarkably personal and upbeat…her passion for people and the community make her a highly-sought volunteer and a friend to all the organizations she supports.”

There’s an old Celtic saying; the greatest sin is the unlived life. This individual’s life is a true mosaic of experiences, events, relationships and dedications to his belief. It could never be said Father Bernard Heffernan is guilty of an unlived life.

An ordained priest since the early ‘60’s, this son-of-Douro worked as labourer, plumber, truck driver and RCAF flight lieutenant. His parishes existed in quintessential small-town Ontario, but often his congregation was the world.

Father Heffernan was an innovator in the use of mass media to spread his message of faith. He penned, and produced the widely-distributed TV series ‘The Church’ as well as numerous radio programs and series.  Among the shows he hosted and produced was ‘Gospel Gold,’ airing Sunday evenings at 6pm on CKQM ‘Country 105’ radio in 1987. A similar program aired on 910 CKLY Radio in Lindsay. He crafted an influential, and well-received book called ‘The Future Vision of the Christian Mass Media Mission.’

Whether interviewing celebrities such as Garth Brooks, spending time listening to prisoners in local jails, or seniors in nursing homes, he always held fast to the belief that each person is valued in God’s eyes. Regardless of his many accomplishments in mass media, for Father Bernard Heffernan, faith is passed on one soul at a time. As well, it can be said, one note at a time. Ahead of most of the major Peterborough Petes or Lakers Lacrosse games, ‘Father Hef’ would often be seen outside the entrance of The Peterborough Memorial Center, playing his fiddle and spreading the Good Word.

And especially, on St. Patrick’s Day.

Father Heffernan went to be with the Lord in 2016, at age 81.

When German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche told us that without music, life would be a mistake, he foretold what drives Fred Huffman and makes him tick.

Since coming to Peterborough in 1950 to work as an apprentice at General Electric, Fred has made it his mission to bring the joy of music to the lives of as many people as he can. After a work colleague told him about the then-called Peterborough Citizens Band on the day he started at GE, Fred brought his clarinet to rehearsal the very next day, embarking on a musical journey with the Peterborough Concert Band that would last until the early 2000s and see him named a Charter Member of the organization.

Gifted not only with musical talent but also personality in spades, Fred became the face of the band. In 1958, he became its president and, two years later, took on the dual roles of secretary/treasurer and manager and held those positions for close to 40 years.

Serving as a promoter of the band, he liaised on its behalf with numerous entities including the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Festival of Lights (now Musicfest) and the Canadian Band Festival. Fred’s passion for the band, and his efforts in terms of its promotion, have been key to the continued success of the band which, at 162 years old, is one of the oldest continuously performing bands in Canada.

Fred’s musical acumen has also led him to other opportunities, including musical theatre and his performing with the St. James’ Players on a number of productions including The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and Annie Get Your Gun.

In addition, as a member of the Kawartha Carollers, Fred entertained Christmas shoppers at local malls and, for several years, sang with The Peterborough Singers. To this day, Fred still has a song in his heart that he shares unselfishly as a member of the Mark Street United Church choir.

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.

Bing Doughty’s life stands as testament to his belief that music and friendship go hand in hand. If you loved old time country music, you were Bing’s friend and he, your’s. A true devotee of traditional Country Music, Bing Doughty was a familiar and welcome performer at all area fairs and jamborees. Although born and raised in the Peterborough area, he spent lots of time in Coe Hill and thus his signature tune, ‘The Coe Hill Cannonball’.

Over the years, Bing was a tireless performer, always ready and willing to entertain in aid of charitable causes and brighten the lives of seniors in, and around the Peterborough area.

As a retired Peterborough County OPP officer, David McNab is well acquainted with all things required to serve and protect. Beyond that, however, our Inductee committed himself to, and has acted upon in multiple ways, an obligation to help in any way possible.

McNab may have retired from policing in 2017 – but he hasn’t retired from a lifelong commitment to roll up his sleeves and get busy on behalf of someone else’s wellbeing. If you listen carefully, you can almost hear the wheels turning in McNab’s head as he answers the self-directed question of “What I can do?” with a knowing smile as the answer comes to him.

If anyone has earned the moniker of global citizen, it’s David McNab. As an example, his commitment to the Peterborough settlement and integration of Syrian refugees is deep, and life-changing.

When Syrian children new to Canada – sponsored by McNab and his wife Kristy Hiltz – tried tobogganing for the first time, McNab rolled in the snow alongside them.

When teen Syrian refugee Rashid Sheikh Hassan pleaded to come to Canada to escape the civil war ravishing his country, David and Kristy navigated the red tape to make that happen, bringing him to Peterborough where a small network of like-minded people, McNab among them, made his successful integration their mission.

When a Kenyan woman couldn’t come up with the money to send her young son to school, McNab monetized videos depicting their life and Kenyan wildlife, sharing them on YouTube and raising the money needed for not only her son’s school supplies, but also the medicine she needed.

Closer to home, McNab’s kindness has made life better for many, going back to his tenured involvement with Cops For Cancer. McNab’s zest for life and desire to have fun doing whatever he tackles, remains as infectious as it is uplifting. In 2021, McNab issued a Ghost Pepper Eating Challenge, tears welling in his eyes as he and his challenger raised money for One City Peterborough. The next year saw McNab knit toques that he donated to the same organization and also sold to help those seeking shelter from the cold.

Unsurprisingly, McNab’s compassion for others, and his related actions, have brought him significant recognition. In 2021, he was awarded the YMCA Peace Medal, and this past March, Rotary named McNab a Paul Harris Fellow – the highest honour awarded by the international service club. Rashid spoke during that presentation, capturing perfectly, in near perfect English, the essence of his benefactor.

“This is a man who saved my life. I have never met someone like him. He’s kind. He helps people and he respects people. The world needs people like Mr. David.”

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

Kent Brockwell is living proof that without a loving sense of history, one can never fully embrace the future. As singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer, and recording artist, Kent never missed an opportunity to perform in the Peterborough area and spread his gospel of traditional country music.

His vast knowledge of ‘Country’ roots made him a master, at whose knee many aspiring performers would learn. One of his most devoted fans was the legendary Stompin’ Tom Connors. On many occasions, Kent and Tom performed together, recorded together and wrote songs together. A high point in Kent’s career was appearing in the highly acclaimed Stompin’ Tom film, ‘Across This Land.’

Katherine Wallis was one of the earliest, and most influential visual artists to hail from the Peterborough area.

Her childhood love of painting and drawing turned into a passion for sculpture after visiting the renowned galleries of Europe. Katherine returned to Europe to study in London and on the Continent. Soon after, her works were winning prizes and exhibited in galleries around North America, as well as Europe.

Although residing in California for much of her adult life, Katherine Wallis retained a deep affection for Peterborough and area, donating a significant number of her works to the City. She was also an influential supporter of Peterborough’s Women’s Art Association, and the establishment of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

While it’s true there is great influence in numbers, Jenny and Cyril Carter remind us that number that can be as low as two.

The couple moved to Peterborough from England in 1968 with their three children, 15 years after they married. At the time Jenny, with an Honours degree in French from University College of London, was a French teacher while Cyril was completing his PhD in mathematical physics, also at University College London, en route to working as a scientist at the British government’s nuclear energy facility in Harwell.

It was in the early 1960’s that Jenny and Cyril became strong advocates for alternative power sources, believing nuclear energy to be both expensive, and dangerous.

Settling in Peterborough, Jenny worked as a high school teacher while Cyril was a professor of mathematics and environmental studies at Trent University. In addition, Jenny earned a degree in English and her Masters in Canadian Studies at Trent. But busy as life was for the couple, their mutual interest in social issues advocacy never waned. Joining the Peterborough NDP Association gave them the opportunity to act in a meaningful way on that interest.

Community service was a passion shared equallly Jenny and Cyril, the resumés of both brimming with examples.

A founding member of Kawartha Ploughshares, Jenny served as a director with the United Way as well as lending her talents and passion to the work of the Peterborough Social Planning Council and Kawartha Food Share. In addition, she helped establish the Peterborough Legal Clinic and served on its board.

But it was in the political arena that Jenny flourished on a bigger stage. Elected Peterborough MPP in 1990, she represented this area at Queen’s Park until 1995, serving as Ontario’s Energy Minister under Bob Rae in 1990 and 1991. Among her milestone achievements was the introduction of a government moratorium on new nuclear plants.

Cyril, meanwhile, was equally active, serving for 12 years with the Peterborough Utilities Commission, as both a commissioner and Chair. He played a major role in the Commission’s acquisition of the Wenonah property, ensuring its future use for the Riverview Park and Zoo.

In addition, Cyril served on the board of what was then Peterborough Civic Hospital, was a founding member of the Peterborough Solar Energy Society, was a director with the Canadian Solar Energy Society and co-founded the Environmental Studies Department at Trent University. With Jenny, he also helped establish the Peterborough Legal Clinic and  was a charter member of Trent University’s Legacy Society.

Cyril Carter passed away in 1999.

• Photo of Jenny Carter courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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.

Tanglefoot, a revered folk music group, was one of the great sensations of the mid-1970’s in Peterborough. The group consisted of three elementary school teachers: Tim Rowat, a bilingual Joe Grant and Bob Wagar, who played guitar, fiddle and mandolin and sang tight three-part harmony in period dress. They penned, and presented songs about aspects of Canadian history in a style as if they had found folk songs. The songs dealt with General Brock, the Plains of Abraham, and pioneer life.

They performed in school auditoria across the Province, and their story-telling was punctuated with their music and song. They had a general following because of their appearances at summer events and historic sites – and because they recorded some of their performances for sale.

At one Ottawa festival, the legendary Canadian folksinger, Stan Rogers, opened for Tanglefoot.

The group, with new membership and the continuity of Joe Grant, has toured Canada and lreland. But the music of the 1970’s remains the yardstick for this venturesome group, who most cleverly made history come alive in so many ways.

As a healer, advocate and visionary, Peggy Shaughnessy has transformed the lives of thousands, her work buoyed by a fearless dedication to community care and wellness.

Those who know fully acknowledge that the world, and in particular our world here in Peterborough, is a better, safer and more soulful place because of Shaughnessy’s service, innovation and unwavering belief that every person, no matter their station life, has the right to heal.

“Peggy exemplifies the good neighbour,” assesses Cheryl Lyon.

“That member of the local community who looks around with compassion and a sense of justice, sees a need and steps up.”

In 2002, after her firsthand experience with the justice system, and while completing her Master’s thesis titled Friction Within The Machine: Aboriginal Prisoners Behind The Wall, Shaughnessy founded Whitepath Consulting.

Created to serve the 90 percent of people who never access help, its centrepiece was her RedPath Model, an emotional and social competency-based approach to healing that offers an alternative to traditional cognitive-behavioural therapies. Her mission was simple: connect the disconnected.

Five years later, Shaughnessy opened the Whistle Stop Café in downtown Peterborough. For 15 years thereafter, it was a warm and welcoming space that provided a sense of home, connection and dignity to people from all walks of life.

In the meantime, driven by the urgency of Peterborough’s opioid crisis, Shaughnessy co-founded Right to Heal, a grassroots initiative that brought her RedPath addictions treatment program to her hometown. Right to Heal offers free holistic out-patient care rooted in connection, community and cultural safety, all with a no-judgment approach. For more than two years now, the space has seen no overdoses and no calls for police. What it has seen is countless stories of transformation and hope.

Now working toward her Ph.D, Shaughnessy is a grandmother, a potter, a truth teller and a warrior for change. Whether quietly advocating on clients’ behalf, support Indigenous people before the courts, or working with women or men at risk, she is creating healing ripples that extend well beyond Peterborough to across Canada.

As her daughter Liz offers, Shaughnessy is “a seed planter,” laying the groundwork for others to carry forward her vision of wellness and dignity for all.

Sandford Fleming’s time in Peterborough wasn’t long but one can’t but imagine that such a time would have a significant impact on forming the man who would become one of Canada’s most creative, and independent thinkers.

Armed with only primary school education, Fleming came to live with his cousin Doctor John Hutchison in 1845, and would soon draw the first Peterborough map. While in Peterborough he met, and married the sheriff’s daughter, Jean Hall. Consequently he had reason to revisit Peterborough on several occasions during his lifetime.

Sandford Fleming’s accomplishments were indeed impressive. He served as Chief Engineer for constructing the CPR. He’s also credited with adopting International Standard Time, the theory developed from his papers on ‘time reckoning’, some of which were composed in Peterborough. Sir Sandford Fleming also designed the first Canadian Postage stamp, ‘The Beaver,’ issued in 1851.

For many, of a certain age, we remember when heart disease translated to a death sentence. Medical science has made great strides in treating cardiovascular illnesses over the past 50 years, thanks in no small part to the work and dedication of pioneers like Dr. John Parker.

Having spent his formative years in Peterborough, John graduated as medical doctor in 1954. He went to Columbia University, New York, devoting himself to the relatively new field of cardiovascular medicine.

Returning to Canada in the 1960’s, John established one of the country’s first cardiac catheterization, and angiographic laboratories in Kingston. There, he helped streamline the use of heart-lung machines in cardiac surgery. He was instrumental in establishing a Division of Cardiology at Queens University and a research program in cardiovascular physiology and biochemistry. New inroads were made, under his guidance, in the use of nitroglycerin and other related drugs in treating cardiovascular disease.

He was adamant in his lobby effort with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to initiate a sub-specialty in Cardiovascular Medicine. In that way, an ever-increasing number of surgeons and specialists have been trained in this new discipline.

Throughout his life, John Parker maintained an abiding love of family, the outdoors and, of course, hockey. His life represents ongoing contributions to medicine, science and family. John never lost sight of the fact that a scientist is also a human being. Because of the balance and dedication, the future of cardiac patients continues to look a lot brighter.

If there were no Cultural Community Betterment category in this Pathway of Fame, one would have to be created especially for Su Ditta.

Born and raised in Toronto, she studied at Trent University where she earned a degree in Political Studies and Canadian Studies. Su Ditta is best known nationally, for her work as Associate Curator, Media Arts at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa; as head of the Media Arts Section of the Canada Council of the Arts; and as Adjunct Curator, Media Arts at the Oakville Galleries. Completing a six year term with the Canada Council of Arts, in 2013 she was the lead consultant working with the Canada Council on developing new approaches to supporting organizational management and development for arts organizations across the country.

But since taking up residence here, Su Ditta has become known for her work on the Board of Artspace and Art Gallery of Peterborough, Chair of the City’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Board, Vice-Chair of the Community Grants Committee, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Artsweek, and Coordinator of Benchmarks. She is a founding director and has also served as Vice-Chair of the Community Leadership Committee, and the municipal Public Arts Committee.

Su participates as a volunteer in the Trent Student Mentoring Program, serves on the Art Committee for the Mount project as well as provides volunteer management advice and support to a number of local arts organizations including Artspace, EC3, Public Energy and Reframe.

To state that Su Ditta is totally, and completely involved and dedicated to this community would be a gross understatement.

For all his success, both professionally and personally, Jim Hendry hasn’t done well at the retirement thing.

Since departing from The Examiner in 2014 after a 32-year newspaper career, Hendry hasn’t come up for air. He has found, and continues to look for, opportunities to volunteer his time and talents to the benefit of his community. Sitting back with his feet up hasn’t been, and still isn’t, an option. Retirement, it would seem, can wait for a bit.

Born in Peterborough, Hendry moved with his family to Cobourg, returning to the city in 1982 for a job as a reporter with The Examiner. Over the following years, he rose through the ranks, serving as the daily newspaper’s weekend editor, city editor, editorial editor page and, finally, managing editor. A true professional who strove to report news factually and balanced, he was awarded a number of Ontario Newspaper Awards as well as the Harry Britain Fellowship Award granted by the Commonwealth Press Union.

Upon calling it a day with The Examiner, the road was clear for Hendry to pursue other interests, bringing to the table informed insights into Peterborough’s political and social challenges.

As a regular panelist for YourTV’s Politically Speaking, Hendry has provided fact-based opinions on the state of affairs at Peterborough City Hall and elected representatives’ performance, or lack thereof. And since retiring, he has written two editorials per week for The Examiner.

Over the past six years, the United Way of Peterborough and District has been a huge benefactor of Hendry’s passion for the place he calls home and those who need a hand up. First as a board member, then as the board chair and most recently as campaign cabinet chair, Hendry has wholly committed himself to the United Way’s mission while inspiring others to do likewise.

Other local entities that have progressed from Hendry’s board involvement include the ReFrame Film Festival as well as the Kawartha Golf and Country Club.

If these contributions aren’t enough to put Hendry into a volunteer class of his own, consider the countless hours he has contributed to ensuring newcomers to the city are felt welcome and valued.

Currently a lead member of a group supporting three Syrian refugee families, Hendry has hosted six Canada World Youth exchange participants, an American Field Services youth exchange participant, and a Belarusian boy displaced by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Collectively, that humanitarian work earned him Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honour bestowed by the international service club.

It’s one thing to be blessed with abundant musical and theatrical talent. It’s quite another, to unselfishly share that talent to the betterment of one’s community.

From an early age, it was very clear that Kate Suhr had a musical gift, prompting her subsequent study of musical theatre at PCVS, and opera at Western University – on her way to attaining a Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree from Humber College.

Locally, Kate has performed lead roles with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, the St. James’ Players and New Stages Theatre. For more than 10 years, our inductee starred in Beth McMaster’s Legendary Icon Series at Showplace, helping raise thousands of dollars for the downtown performance venue.

During the COVID-19 pandemic which began in late 2019, when so many were in need of a lift, Kate Suhr collaborated with her good friend and 2021 Pathway of Fame inductee Megan Murphy to create The Verandah Society, a song-and-storytelling performance that brought joy to people’s lives right where they live. Many of their performances were fundraisers for various causes. In 2021, The Verandah Society was staged professionally at 4th Line Theatre.

Beyond Peterborough, Kate’s artistic footprint has been equally substantial and impressive. She starred in The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins at Toronto’s Lower Ossington Theatre, as well as worked alongside a number of top Canadian artists in Podium Concert Productions’ The Secret Garden and Nine. Musically, Kate has performed at the Boots and Hearts Festival, and worked alongside Blue Rodeo, as well as Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy. A talented songwriter, Kate Suhr has recorded her own music, including the single Better Off Together in late 2021. Her YouTube videos have garnered more than 50,000 views and counting.

While her work has seen her divide her time between Peterborough and Toronto, Kate has always been first in line to perform in support of local causes – a long list that includes Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness. A member of the Peterborough Theatre Guild Board of Directors, Kate recently put together a fundraising show to help the company get back onto its post-pandemic feet.

As busy as she is on stages both near and distant, Kate Suhr is a volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peterborough – further evidence of her inspiring concern for the well-being of others, ahead of her own.

For over 75 years, Gwen Craw made a quiet but significant contribution to music in Peterborough.

As a teenager, she began as accompanist for YWCA exercise classes and silent films, shown at the George Street Opera House.  She performed, in concert, with Peterborough’s Madrigal Singers across Ontario; contributing her musical talents and knowledge to Women’s Art Association and Peterborough Concert Association.

For near 50 years, Gwen was the official accompanist for Peterborough Kiwanis Music Festival.  In recognition, the Kiwanis Club awarded Gwen Craw an honourary lifetime membership.

To use a modern expression – Man! Is there a lot to be said in telling factual stories surrounding Ted Higgins!

For example, Ted left school at 15 to work with his father in the hardwood flooring business, which prospers to this day.

However, it’s his contribution to Canada’s national sport, the game of lacrosse, that endears Ted Higgins to this community.

In his youth, he was a player; he was on a team that won Minto Cup. While he was coach and executive member of the Junior A lacrosse club, the Junior Lakers won four Minto Cups. He made Peterborough Lakers Major Series Lacrosse Club into a major force, with a winning team and a strong fan base.

During Ted Higgins’ presidency, the Peterborough Lakers Major Series Lacrosse Club won four Mann Cups. He’s nurtured respect of players, growth of community spirit, and gained personal dedication in bringing it all about, many times, at great cost to himself. Proof positive Ted Higgins’ determination has bettered the entire community in many ways, more than once.

• Photo courtesy Metroland / MYKawartha

Being in it for ‘the long haul’ has been a characteristic long sought by the Pathway of Fame. When talking about longevity in the music business, there’s no finer example than Jersey Joe Henderson – a fixture on the Peterborough entertainment scene for more than 40 years.

His career represented, in many ways, a history of musical entertainment in Peterborough. From his early days as part of such groups as The Sonics and The Emeralds, to his later work at venerable landmarks as the New Grand Hotel, The Ship and Shore, the Commercial and Montreal House, Joe charmed audiences with his talent and personality. He was one of the first artists signed to play Havelock Jamboree, sharing the stage with a remarkable list of notables, including Ronnie Hawkins, Merle Haggard and Colleen Peterson. Over the years, Joe gave freely of his time and talent in aid of worthy causes, too numerous to mention, but especially, worked with palliative care patients through Red Cross.

To be Peterborough’s longest standing full time musician means you must have done something right. In keeping an audience entertained, Jersey Joe Henderson wrote the book on doing it right.