Inductees

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.

When we consider the far-reaching success and resulting prominence of business people that have called Peterborough home, George Albertus Cox remains in a league of his own.

Born in Colborne, Upper Canada in May 1840, George came to Peterborough as a young man to serve as an agent for the Montreal Telegraph Company. According to historian Michael Bliss, after attaining the same position for the Canada Life Assurance Company in 1861, George vowed he would one day be its president. He did just that in 1900.

Prior to that, George became president of the Midland Railway in 1883, founded the Central Ontario Loan and Savings Company in 1884 and, in 1890, was named president of the Bank of Commerce. That was two years after he moved to Toronto as a member of a group purchasing the Toronto Globe and the Toronto Evening Star.

George died in January 1914 but not before he and fellow former city resident Edward Food founded Brazilian Light and Power, the largest utility company in South America to that point.

As impressive as his business acumen was, George’s political star was equally bright. Between 1872 and 1886, he served seven one-year terms as Peterborough’s mayor. In 1874, he served briefly as a Liberal member of the Ontario Legislature, completing the term of Thomas Fairbairn who died while in office. He was narrowly defeated when he ran for his seat the following year, meeting the same fate when he ran federally in 1987. Still, his political value was well noted as evidenced by his 1903 appointment to the Senate by Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier.

In addition to his business pursuits, George served as president of the Ontario Ladies College in Whitby, was bursar of Victoria College at the University of Toronto, and was a major supporter of the Toronto General Hospital.

Not surprisingly, George possessed a fine eye for real estate. Today, his legacy can be seen in a very tangible way on Rubidge Street in Peterborough, where the 2nd Empire Cox Terrace still stands, a designated National Historic Site.

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

In Canada, we’re undergoing a dramatic and revolutionary change in primary care delivery of medicine. Is it for the better? Many would argue it isn’t. Others argue it’s the way of the future based on the realities we face in today’s society. What’s certain, is that there are generations to come who’ll not know what it is to have a family doctor.

That’s why the people of Apsley treasure a friend named Wag Reyes.

Dr. W.E. Reyes has been the family doctor in Apsley area for many years; long enough to know thousands of patients and family members on a first-name basis. Dr. Reyes’ career stands as a symbol of a uniquely personal approach to primary care. His practice covers a large area of Central Ontario because he ignored quotas and ratios, and rarely turned down new patients. He’s been one of a rare breed who calls patients directly. and believes in follow up. Wag represents something we’re losing in today’s medicine – namely, a primary care provider who follows patients throughout their lives. One wonders too, about the continued existence of many small Ontario communities without a consistent primary care provider.

Wag Reyes is a committed family man and community member. His service combines science, technology, hands-on experience, a personal touch and an unflinching sense of personal morality. Our inductee remains the essence of what many believe medicine should still be.

Peterborough born, country music singer/songwriter, Colleen Peterson had one of the purest voices ever recorded in Canadian history.  She was a two time Juno winner, and her songs were featured constantly on country radio in Canada.

CBC supported her career as well.

During Colleen’s colorful career she recorded three albums with Capitol Records Canada. Sadly, these recordings are no longer available as the albums are no longer a part pf Capitol’s active catalogue.  Many of these songs can be found on Colleen’s My Space page, and this is the only known site to archive these great songs.

She also recorded her own CD in the early 1990’s called “What Comes Around Goes Around,” but here again this work is no longer available.  Peterson released one album for the indie company, Bookshop.

Colleen also recorded three albums as a part of Quartette during the early 1990’s and remain available through the Quartette website.

The final recording of Colleen’s work, “Postcards From California,”  was released posthumously in 2004 and is available through CD Baby.

Colleen Peterson is buried at Little Lake Cemetery.

A wise individual once defined life as what happens to you while you’re making other plans. Rarely has that observation hit home with more devastating clarity than in the lives of Syd, and Pamela Birrell.

A life in music and raising a family seemed to have been the original plan. Pamela found acclaim as a gifted coloratura soprano and shared her love for music through teaching. Syd became well-known as organist at Lakefield College, and Murray Street Baptist Church. He’s also a founder of the nationally-renowned Peterborough Singers.

Then life changed the plan.

In 1996, Pamela was diagnosed with breast cancer and, while recovering from chemotherapy, their son James was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

Syd and Pamela’s lives changed forever. They became unceasing advocates on behalf of neuroblastoma research and how a family can retain a sense of humanity while going through the struggle of terminal cancer.

James, sadly, died in 2001. However, thanks to the Birrell family, his story spread around the world, inspiring thousands. James’ short life shines like a bright star in the often dark sky of cancer. Today the James Birrell Neuroblastoma Research Fund is a world leader in cancer research.

Perhaps when the final plan is written, the greatest accomplishment will be how Syd and Pamela, Ben and Rebecca can go through hell, and emerge with their humanity intact.

When it comes to the immeasurable level of giving, and support that John and Paul Downs have provided the local community, the challenge lies in finding an organization or cause that hasn’t benefitted from their kindness.

Raised in Toronto, John graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He started his career in marketing, first with Northern Telecom and then GTE Automatic Electric.

Paul, meanwhile, obtained his teaching certificate from Lakeshore Teachers College in Toronto and then his BA from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. For 15 years, he taught elementary school, eventually serving as a vice-principal and principal while attaining his Master of Education degree in educational administration from the University of Toronto.

In 1979, following the passing of his father Ed, John became the general manager of Durham Telephones Limited and Docon Telephone Supplies Limited before negotiating the purchase of Otonabee Municipal Telephone Systems in 1983. Close to 15 years later, John and Paul purchased cable TV assets from Shaw and the telecommunications conglomerate Nexicom was born.

Before the brothers sold Nexicom in 2017, some 1,000 people worked at the company’s offices in Millbrook, Peterborough, Lakefield and Lindsay while annual revenues went through the roof, climbing to an impressive $34.1 million in 2016.

While their business success and acumen is admirable on its own, it’s the Downs brothers’ incomparable giving spirit that sets them apart. In 2017 alone, benefactors of their philanthropy included the New Canadians’ Centre, the Peterborough Humane Society, Hospice Peterborough, the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, 4th Line Theatre, YMCA Peterborough, Special Olympics and Peterborough Musicfest, to name but a few. Since taking over the family business all those years ago, it’s estimated that John and Paul have donated more than $1 million to area charities and not-for-profits.

In addition, both have sat on numerous boards – 4th Line Theatre and Fleming College among the many organizations that have benefited from their involvement, and input.

A number of commendations and awards have come their way, including honours from the Peterborough Business Advisory Centre, Peterborough Economic Development, the Township of Cavan Monaghan, and the bestowing of top business excellence awards in Peterborough and Lindsay. Just this past May, the County of Peterborough honoured John and Paul with its Business Leadership/Entrepreneurial Innovation Award.

In telecommunications industry circles, both John and Paul have been major players. The Ontario Telecommunications Association made John a lifetime member in 1999. Paul is a past-president of the Independent Telecommunications Providers Association and the Canadian Independent Telephone Association. And, in 2009, John and Paul received Career Service Awards from the Telecommunications Hall of Fame for their contributions to the telecom industry.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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.

There seems a point in an entertainer’s life when the call of home and community overtakes the lure of the road. People who create a life, and roots, become more important than heading out on the road to a new town, a new audience.

Make no mistake, Del Haddlesey still loves his music but benefiting others now occupies the driver’s seat in his life.

Many will remember Del Haddlesey from the ‘salad days’ of Peterborough music in ’60’s and ’70’s. Whether at Brock Ballroom, Queens Hotel, Marmora or Madoc Hotels, Del captivated audiences over many years of Saturday nights. In the 1970’s, he went on the road to share stages with the likes of Waylon Jennings and Chubby Checker. As time went by, and life imposed its dictates, Del returned to his Peterborough roots.

Switching gears, Del concentrated on making a difference on behalf of people who needed him in the Kawarthas. His date-book soon filled with events in aid of a veritable ‘who’s who’ of community endeavours. With his group, ‘Father Time,’ he worked in aid of local food banks, area Legions, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Cancer Society, many family benefits and an impressive list of community projects.

Dedication to community through time, talent, energy and selflessness is the hallmark of an exceptional human spirit. That’s Del Haddlesey.

The essence of a true visual artist is to take the particular, and make it universal. The concept goes a long way in explaining the appeal of Eddie LePage’s artistry.

Completely self-taught, Eddie’s creative spirit embraces the beauty of the natural world, and finds an immediate kinship. Popularity of his portraits attests to the positive response of this kinship. Eddie’s works hang in private, and public galleries around the world. As well, his portraits of Ojibwa culture, past and present, found ready acceptance.

His talents are recognized by such groups as Ducks Unlimited, The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and The Bradford Exchange.

For over a quarter century, Eddie made the Kawarthas his home, not only for this region’s incredible natural beauty but for the sense of community he’s found. With great generosity, he shares his time and talents to aid numerous community causes, including Heart & Stroke Society, The M.S. Society, the YWCA, and Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Creativity, Nature and Community are three words shining through Eddie LePage’s art, and life.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Long-standing member of Kawartha Shrine Club, Lloyd devoted himself to a long list of community projects.  He served in several capacities with Shriners, including club ambassador, sick and visiting chair and president.  Also influential in organizing Shrine support for Peterborough Youth Soccer and, as part of the Shrine clown unit, delighting in entertaining children.

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.

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

Lifelong resident of Peterborough, Barb Cantello’s community contributions cover the artistic, as well as the practical.

For more than 45 years, she’s been a dynamic and influential member of St. John Ambulance, Peterborough Branch. Active in community affairs, Barb played a pioneering role in developing a program to teach First Aid in area schools.

An added dimension to Barb Cantello’s contribution to the fabric of Peterborough, is her status as one of the founding members of Sweet Adelines Barbershop Singing Chorus, Peterborough Chapter.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

The news story printed in the Toronto Daily Star, Monday May 21, 1951 describing a devastating fire in Peterborough, tells it best. The details contained therein, make it quite evident why Earl Spencely joins the over 300 Honourees in the Pathway of Fame.

A sub headline reads, “Always Ready to Help.” Friends said today they weren’t surprised when they learned Earl Spencley, a 34 year old army veteran was in the thick of it as he aided firemen in battling the blaze in a downtown office building. “That was typical of Earl,” said H. C. Munro, a business associate. “He was always in everything when he thought anyone needed help.”

“The father of two was on his way to work when he came upon the fire, and dashed in to help. Through the night, the trapped man’s father led rescue workers as they worked frantically to rescue his son. Finally at 3.30 am, and 16 hours after he became trapped, the body of Earl Spencley was carried out.

“Spencley could have stayed out of danger at the fire. Two years ago he opened a florist shop a few doors away and was fast building one of the best businesses in town. He had a wife, two children Susan (six) and the baby, Peggy, just a few years old and a new home in suburban Peterborough. ‘But he knew it was his duty,’ friends said. So Earl Spencley joined firemen and when they needed help to carry a hose inside the building he was the first to volunteer. Minutes after he entered the building, he was buried.

“Spencley was an active member of the YMCA, a member of the executive of the “Y” business men’s club and a member of Corinthian Lodge AF & AM.

“Whenever there was a job to do we could count on Earl to do it, “ they said. “that was the kind of man he was.”

Canada is a country of immigrants. In a true sense, we’re all visitors. We, our parents or ancestors, have come from far away, from homelands that lost hope for the future. The Kulla Brothers are a shining example of those who adopted Canada as their home, Peterborough as their city, and made both a better place in which to live.

Jim, Mike and Eddie Kulla fled Communist Albania at the height of the Cold War. They faced grave physical danger, both to themselves and family members left behind, to seek freedom in a new land. The brothers settled in Peterborough, determined to explore the fullness of their potential. They worked hard to establish themselves as good corporate citizens and enthusiastic and caring members of the community. Many longtime Peterborough residents and visitors have fond memories of the Miss Diana Restaurant in Market Plaza, the Miss Diana Motor Hotel on Lansdowne and, more recently, Lakeside Dining in Lakefield.

By nature, the Kulla Brothers are warm and outgoing and – by being true to their nature – became unofficial ambassadors on behalf of Peterborough and Kawarthas. Through their generosity and charm, they put a human face to our City, and area, for thousands of residents and visitors.
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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…

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.

Born in nearby Castleton, Gertrude Cox came to Peterborough in 1924 to teach art and paint. She studied art extensively and, from 1950 to 1971 was in charge of the Arts and Crafts Program in Peterborough City, and County Elementary Schools. During the same time, she taught art in the Teacher Training Program for the Ontario Department of Education.

Besides being a superb teacher, Gertrude was also a significant artist in her own right. She experimented with various media, but is best known for her watercolours. Her works, first displayed at YMCA in 1939, delighted gallery viewers across Canada. In 1945, she was a founding member of the Peterborough Group of Painters.

Today, Gertrude Cox’s watercolours can be enjoyed at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

There have been many words used to describe Washboard Hank Fisher’s performing talents. Words such as “unique,” “different,” “silly,” and “funny” come to mind. However, one word that’s never been used to describe Hank’s performance is “boring!”

With stylish blends of vintage Country Music, hillbilly, undeniably original songs, and heaping helpings of energy and humour, Hank Fisher charms and delights audiences across North America. His numerous appearances on radio, television, in clubs and at festivals prove his music and showmanship know no boundaries of age or social status. With his trusty Strad o’Various, he raised the lowly washboard to lofty heights of art form. With abiding reverence for the best tradition of music and humour, he’s truly become an original.

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.

His vast reputation of never the narrow-minded or exclusionary cleric is legend in this area. His birth, and raising on a farm in Norwood may have had a lot to do with his ecumenical viewpoint on life.

‘Father Leo,’ or just plain ‘Leo’ to those who know him, has pastored the wider community, intellectually and spiritually, in life’s happy and sad moments without distinction. His greatest legacy is one of inclusion and genuine love and respect for all. Believers and non-believers have found in him one who is consoling, stimulating and collaborative.

Few clergy spend as much time visiting the sick at PRHC including those in Palliative Care, providing comfort to patients and family members during their difficult moments.

His life has been one of a lifelong search and study not only of spirituality but also of modern scientific cosmology.
Father Leo has an active internet presence (at Leospot.ca) where one can keep in touch with his thinking, read his Sunday homilies and read articles of interest from other contributors.

He has worked among leaders of all denominations and held workshops on difficult questions, such as death and dying. His secular community interests have seen him serve on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, organizing a commercial softball league and an industrial hockey league.

Father Leo Coughlin can be best described as a man who is loved by many – a happy and a humble man, a generous, spiritual and social man, and an all-inclusive person, – embodying all those qualities to which many aspire but few attain.

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.

For close to 30 years, Fred Anderson worked tirelessly to make Peterborough and the Kawarthas one of Canada’s most vibrant music and tourism centres.

In the early 1970’s, recognizing the immense drawing power of Little Lake, Fred was instrumental, along with Del Crary in establishing The Arts & Water Festival. By 1987, Fred began devoting time and energy to the creation of The Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights, which has since evolved into MusicFest. Under his guidance, The Festival of Lights became a unique event in Canada, featuring some of the top names in Canadian Music, and North America’s first synchronized illuminated boat show.

The Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, from around the world to Del Crary Park, making the festival the number one tourist draw in the Kawarthas. For his efforts, Fred Anderson was previously honoured with awards such as Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year, and Tourism Ambassador of Ontario.

Fred Anderson died February 20th, 2006.

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.

From the 1950’s to the 1990’s, if there was a theatre production or live performance in Peterborough, Mabel Smith would see it, and tell you about it. For 40 years, she served as theatre critic and performance reviewer for the  Peterborough Examiner, writing critiques that were enjoyed, and respected.

With a lifelong passion for live theatre, Mabel was a founding member of Peterborough Theatre Guild, toiling backstage for countless productions. Mabel Smith’s work as Guild archivist evolved into the acclaimed history, Peterborough Theatre Guild – The First Thirty Years.

David and Patricia Morton have been dynamic philanthropists, whose generosity has had an incredible impact on all of Peterborough County.

David Morton was President and CEO for Quaker Oats Company, while Dr. Patricia Morton taught history at Trent University, and is now Professor Emeritus. Both have served on significant committees affecting the welfare of our citizens.

David was Chair of the Board of Governors of Trent University, the Board of Frontier College, Chair of the Five Counties Children’s Centre, the Fleming College Board, the Greater Peterborough Economic Development Corporation, the Festival of Lights, and the original campaign for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. He was Peterborough’s Volunteer of the Year in 2002, and received an honourary doctorate from Trent University.

Patricia, a respected and published historian, has served on the Board of the Morton Community Health Centre in Lakefield. The Morton Family Trail, on the east bank of Trent University was named for them. Since 2012, David and Patricia Morton have been the leading donors for the Lakefield Literary Festival. They were major donors for the First People’s House of Learning at Trent University’s Gzowski College, and have funded several outstanding scholarships and bursaries for the University. They donated $100,000 to the building of the Sport and Wellness Centre at Trent University.

Most significantly, they donated $500,000 to the Lakefield Primary Health Centre, since renamed the Morton Community Health Centre. They also gave support to the Trent Valley Archives for its J. J. Duffus Project, and to the publishing of the history of the Quaker Oats fire of 1916.

No words can adequately capture the depth of David and Patricia Morton’s support for the communities of Peterborough, Lakefield, Trent University and the County of Peterborough – or their incalculable influence in making so many community projects feasible.

• photo courtesy KawarthaNOW

Serena Ryder – something about her name even hints of lurking greatness.

As a youngster, it was evident she was destined to reach goals to which others could only dream. Quite possibly, Serena’s years growing up in Millbrook, Ontario gave her a certain kind of stability found only in a small-town setting. It is equally evident that even while attaining the success she has already enjoyed, she retains a great deal of admiration and respect for the place from which she came.

During her years at PCVS she had the opportunity to hone her craft along-side Thousand Foot Krutch and Three Days Grace. Her songwriting became a vehicle for her expressive vocals and it was not long until industry and audience alike began to take note. Releases such as “Just Another Day,” “If Your Memory Serves You Well,” “Weak In The Knees,” and “Is it OK” solidified her popularity.  Awards – including prestigious Junos – began to reward Serena’s songwriting/vocal gifts.

It all happened so quickly that the resultant promotion and appearance whirlwind took its toll with a bout of clinical depression. Serena fought it with a determined response and in overcoming it, her works took on deeper, meaningful emotions which only resulted in gaining more appreciative audience attention. Then along came her hit “Stompa,” and with it international stardom.  Deservedly more Junos followed.

A highlight of a busy 2015 was her singing the Pan/Para Am Games official song, “Together We Are One.”
Serena Ryder never forgot her Millbrook roots and Millbrook did not forget her either.  In fact notification is given everyone approaching the town with “home of Serena Ryder” being added to the identifying Millbrook highway sign.

Serena actively supports numerous local and special causes – Young Artists in Haiti, Save the Children Canada, Peterborough Music Fest and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, Peterborough Examiner

On a very basic level, its obvious theatre is a ‘live performance.’  However, when that performance brings to life something precious to its audience, then, what is created is magic.  Ed Schroeter spent a sizable portion of his life and creative energies making magic come alive on stage.  An award-winning playwright and ‘live’ theatre producer, Ed took delight in creating dramas imparting a sense of reality and humanity to historical figures who’ve shaped our communities.

In cooperation with Centennial Museum & Archives, Ed served as a driving force behind the Heritage Pavilion Stage series, worked closely with 4th Line Theatre and a revitalized Arbor Theatre.  He conducted more than 50 play-writing workshops for elementary and secondary school students in the Peterborough area.  For his efforts, he earned four national playwriting awards, and shared in a City of Peterborough Civic Award for cultural achievement.

Thanks, in no small part to his creative commitment, Peterborough theatre and history are alive and well in young audiences and their families.  Ed Schroeter is dangerously close to making history fun.

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.