Inductees

The quality of one’s life, not the quantity, is what people remember. In that regard, Courtney Druce has secured her rightful place as one who gave so much when it would have been so easy, and understandable, not to do so.

Before succumbing to her fifth battle with cancer at the age of 27, Druce not only inspired and greatly impacted her circle and the community at large, but also partnered with various organizations aimed at giving hope to those who needed hope, more than ever.

Learning from, and adapting to the experience of her 12-year battle with cancer – almost half her life – Druce never missed a beat, not only excelling at Lakefield College School and Queen’s University, but also partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House to better the lives of young cancer patients undergoing treatment not unlike her own. Peterborough’s annual Pink in the Rink fundraiser for cancer research owes much to Courtney’s partnership with the Ontario Hockey League and the Peterborough Petes.

At Queen’s, Druce secured a position with Queen’s Disability Services, supporting two students toward their graduation. Post graduation from Queen’s, while undergoing her own cancer treatment, she gifted her time and seemingly boundless energy to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation – promoting, and participating in local events: among them the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

In 2014 and together with her father John, Courtney was named honourary co-chair of the American Heart and Stroke Golf Tournament. Pre-pandemic, the Courtney Druce Golf Tournament raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. And as a spokesperson for cervical cancer awareness, Druce’s story pressed home the need for young women to be more vigilant in terms of regular screening.

Courtney Druce’s impact has extended well beyond the Peterborough region. In New Jersey, where she was treated, her name and story is attached to donations to an animal orphanage; in Philadelphia, the home of her beloved Eagles, her inspiring journey has proven a catalyst for annual donations to the bone marrow transplant unit in that city’s children’s hospital, as well as Ronald McDonald House.

Inspired by Courtney’s courage and spirit of selfless giving, Eagles CEO Don Smolenski took Courtney’s team jersey to the 2017 Super Bowl so she could be part of a championship win she predicted in writing, before her passing. To this day, Smolenski continues to impress upon others Courtney’s fight for life, love for others, infectious energy and desire to improve life quality for thousands.

Courtney Druce died April 27^th, 2016 eight days shy of her 28^th birthday.

For over 40 years, he was a beloved figure on the Peterborough entertainment scene.

Fred Coupland loved making audiences happy as much as he loved making music, itself. Songwriter, bandleader and entertainer extraordinaire. However going beyond his stage work, Fred always enjoyed the talents of his fellow musicians and lent a helping hand to those aspiring to make music their life’s work. In that capacity, he served as president of Peterborough Chapter of the American Federation of Musicians.

True testament to the popularity of Fred Coupland’s musical entertainment mastery was 13 consecutive-year engagements at the Rock Haven Motor Hotel. When not performing professionally, he gave graciously of his time and talents at area seniors’ residences, hospitals and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Fred Coupland was a consummate musician who took a genuine liking to people. That’s what made him a treasured part of Peterborough’s entertainment tradition.

A self-made entrepreneur for the past 27 years, Jeannine Taylor has backed her vision with substance as the founder, CEO and publisher of kawarthaNOW.com – the only independent Kawarthas media company owned, and operated by a woman.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Taylor graduated from Fleming College in arts administration and marketing, working for several local arts organizations before becoming marketing director for Lansdowne Place.

After toiling for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and serving as managing editor for three local magazines, Taylor’s visionary recognition of the emerging importance of the Internet as a communications platform led to her launch quidnovis.com, the local region’s first ‘electronic’ magazine and, later, Quid Novis Internet Productions, a website development and hosting company with hundreds of clients.

By the early 2000s, as numerous entities became embroiled in the online media frenzy by developing their own websites and related Internet presence, Taylor saw the writing on the wall for Quid Novis, and decided to pivot. In 2006, she re-launched quidnovis.com as kawarthaNOW.com, a digital media company focused on local community, business and arts/entertainment news.

Serving Peterborough, the Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Hastings and Haliburton, kawarthaNOW.com now boasts more than 72,000 regular readers, 13,800 weekly e-news subscribers and more than 70,000 followers on social media.

As committed as she is to her business and to her clients, Taylor has consistently gifted her time to support and mentor other women in business. She has been a member of the Women’s Business Network since 1987, a founding member of 100 Women Peterborough, and served on the committee for Inspire: The Women’s Portrait Project Gala in 2018.

Truth be known, Taylor’s board and committee work resumé is too vast to include in its entirety – but suffice to say countless organizations, and their clients, have benefitted from her insight, dedication and drive to succeed – as many have, thanks to her wise counsel.

Add to the mix kawarthaNOW.com’s sponsorship of numerous local non-profits that provides far-reaching, invaluable promotion of their respective programs and initiatives.

Named Peterborough Business Woman of the Year in 2005, Taylor has brought home a boatlload of other awards and honours. The recipient of two Peterborough Chamber Business Excellence Awards – in 2011 for Best Micro Business, and 2013 for Entrepreneurial Spirit, Taylor was a finalist for the Kawartha Chamber’s Entrepreneur Innovation Award in 2018. That same year saw then-MP Maryam Monsef present Taylor the Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Award.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

Describing what she does so very well as “an extraordinary privilege and a daunting responsibility,” Ann Douglas has been, and remains, celebrated as Canada’s foremost writer on all things parenting.

The author of numerous books about pregnancy and parenting as well as the creator of The Mother Of All book series that has seen more than half a million copies sold, Ann’s knowledge, insight and advice has calmed the often stormy waters for parents and parents-to-be across North America.

In addition to her books, Ann has written more than 1,000 pregnancy and parenting articles for a number of respected publications including Canadian Living, Today’s Parent, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Chicago Tribune and Canadian Family, whose former editor-in-chief has praised her as “Canada’s most trusted parenting writer.” Ann has also contributed to a number of anthologies about motherhood as well as earned praise as a passionate and inspiring speaker, delivering keynote addresses and leading workshops at conferences across the country.

When she’s not putting pen to paper, Ann volunteers her time with a variety of projects and causes, currently sitting on the national editorial board of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and a member of the social media team for the Canadian Red Cross.

Several honours have come Ann’s way, including a Lifetime Membership from the Professional Writers’ Association of Canada in recognition of her contributions to the freelance writing profession – just the second writer given that distinction. And in spring 2012, Ann was one of 16 Canadians invited to Rideau Hall in Ottawa to discuss family policy with then governor-general David Johnston and his wife Sharon.

Currently the host of online conversations on parenting and mental health issues, Ann’s most recent book, Parenting Through The Storm: How To Handle The Highs, The Lows and Everything In Between, provides further evidence of her belief that writers can change the world by sharing ideas that can fuel social change.

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.

In the music business, the promoter is the individual who makes the show or concert happen. Through quiet determination, integrity and ingenuity, Peterborough’s Brian Edwards has become one of Canada’s most respected, and admired promoters.

While still a student at Kenner Collegiate, Brian began promoting shows, dances and contests. He quickly became the youngest person ever, at 17 years of age, to be granted a North American professional booking license.

It wouldn’t be long before Edwards’ brand of personal trust, dependability and integrity made Brian the exclusive Canadian agent for legendary Kitty Wells and Wilf Carter, and led to strong working relationships with stars such as George Jones, Roger Whittaker and Anne Murray. Today, Brian provides exclusive management for superstars Tommy Hunter, Frank Mills, and before his death the late Stompin’ Tom Connors.

Stubbornly continuing to be based out of his Peterborough home base, Brian Edwards quietly gained a worldwide reputation and has made an indelible mark on Canadian Country Music.

It’s a telling comment in today’s news-gathering industry that reputation is built on seeking out the flashy, big-event stories while glossing over essential human elements inherent in every story. In his long, and varied journalism career, Don Grant never bypassed the true meaning of each story and how it affected his readers.

Starting out as cub reporter at the Peterborough Examiner, Don’s determination came to the attention of then-editor Robertson Davies who expanded his duties. During his Examiner years, he covered every possible kind of story and learned to excel at the new craft of photo journalism. His talents led him to a job with the Toronto Telegram and an enviable reputation as a tenacious, much respected reporter. After the Telegram folded, Don went to The Globe & Mail, where he rose to a weekend editor position and then assistant city editor. On the way, he always took time to help younger journalists learn their craft and responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Don Grant thrived at technical aspects of reporting, but, more importantly, he never minimized the humanity in each story. He developed a true, and abiding love for people about, and for whom he wrote. In today’s journalism, that’s indeed a rare and treasured quality.

Don Grant passed away in 2014. he was 85.

Was it chance they taught at two local high schools? Coincidence they directed plays at each? No matter! Destiny played a part in their eventual union and thereby carried a mutual love of live theatre over their lifetime.

John and Nora Martyn have devoted their lives to various roles, comprising the production of musical and dramatic theatre. Their co-directed productions at Peterborough Theatre Guild have been met with much success.
John and Nora’s strength as directors reflects an ability to make the most out of the time, and resources available. Their direction, as good coaches in sport, is putting together the best team possible, and ensuring specific attention is paid by everyone to the meaning behind the words in the script.

Such investment of time, energy and encouragement combine to create the various nuances of a Martyn stage production.

• photo courtesy of The Peterborough Theatre Guild

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

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

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

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

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

Without question, the greatest waste is a waste of human life and when that life belongs to a child, the waste is all the more poignant. In 19th Century England when the Industrial Revolution was taking its greatest toll, Dr. Thomas Barnardo was one of those rare human beings who didn’t simply lament the waste of human life, but did something about it.

Appalled by the number of homeless children scavenging an existence on city streets, Thomas began feeding them, then came up with an idea of starting up homes for destitute and unwanted children. In these homes, the children could receive proper food, warm clothing and training in useful trades, thereby allowing them a chance to build a life for themselves as adults. Dr. Barnardo’s good works came to the attention of Peterborough’s George Cox. Cox offered Barnardo the choice of two city properties. Barnardo saw this as an opportunity to help children escape the degradation they suffered in England and find gainful employment in a young country; itself hungry for those who were willing to work. Thus the home called Hazelbrae was born.

From 1884 to 1922, Dr. Barnardo was instrumental in bringing 10,000 young people to Peterborough to find better, more meaningful lives. Another 20,000 Barnardo children found equally suitable homes elsewhere in Canada.

Today the legacy of Barnardo Children and their descendants can be seen in the city, the country and families they’ve built. The legacy of Thomas Barnardo remains as meaningful today as it did then; what one person can accomplish when they have the courage to get involved.

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

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

The magic of musical performance lay in its capacity to entertain, delight, inspire, challenge and express thoughts and emotion – too deeply felt, to be entrusted to mere words. Shirley Lannen spent a lifetime expressing thoughts and emotions through music and audiences; the Kawarthas have been the richer for her passion, and talent.

Shirley spent her formative years playing and singing in church, school choirs and at community events. By the late 1950’s, her talents were on display with area dance bands. Her broad love of all genres of music made her the Kawarthas’ unofficial ‘wedding singer.’

In the 1970’s, Shirley began a 28-year love affair with the St. James Players and her natural affinity for Musical Comedy contributed much to the enviable reputation the St. James Players enjoyed over the years. With the Players, she served as director, pianist, choral and musical director, costume director, producer and leading lady.

She served as organist at Donwood United Church and enjoys participating in church musical fundraisers.
Whether in church, on stage or before a dance band, Shirley Lannen always said it best with music.

• Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Examiner

“An individual who’ll gamble intelligently while others tremble with insecurity.” That’s a powerful description of a man who’s made a tremendous contribution to business and cultural progress of Peterborough.

John Bowes isn’t one to sit on his hands when opportunity beckons.

As co-founder of Bowes & Cocks Realty, John quickly proved himself to be an energetic and innovative business leader. He developed a brokerage model for selling as well as pioneering the use of computers and nationally franchising the brand name. Over 50 years ago, he was instrumental in organizing the Peterborough Real Estate Board with a mandate to raise, and safeguard professional standards. Throughout his life, John applied the same solid business acumen to his community involvement. As an integral player with Chamber of Commerce, John was instrumental in developing Peterborough Square, Showplace and Beavermead Park. He’s also an early supporter of what would become The Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights. With The Greater Peterborough Economic Council, John chaired a committee issuing a report entitled ‘Peterborough Into The 21st Century.’ The report was a visionary plan to revitalize the downtown core and improve transportation links.

John Bowes put his life story to paper in a popular autobiography called ‘Dreams For Sale:Make Me An Offer.’ As many commented, the book isn’t just a story of one individual; it’s a revealing portrait of a community in transition, from country town to one of the best places to live, anywhere. That’s been John Bowes’ contribution to Peterborough.

Whether in business or community involvement, his work is characterized by energy, commitment and vision.

If you believe, as Robert Louis Stevenson once said, that a busy person never has time to be unhappy, then the seemingly permanent smile on Lois Tuffin’s face makes perfect sense.

Since relocating to the Peterborough region from Almonte in the late 1990’s to assume a newsroom position with Peterborough This Week, Lois Tuffin has rarely, if ever, remained idle.  Over the past 25 years, our inductee has put her exceptional and effective communication skills to work on behalf of several events, and organizations.

Presently a board member with the Council for Persons with Disabilities and a volunteer with Peterborough Food Share, Ms. Tuffin previously oversaw communications for the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network, Youth Emergency Shelter, the YMCA, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Breaking Ground fundraising campaign. Starting in 2004, she was marketing co-chair for the Be A Goddess event for five years. In 2007, and again in 2019 the World Women’s Under-19 Field Lacrosse Championships benefitted greatly from Lois Tuffin’s skills as she attracted to the event unprecedented media attention while producing a daily newsletter for teams, and fans.

Long-term involvement with various initiatives has also been part, and parcel of Ms. Tuffin’s commitment to the betterment of people’s lives.

In 2009, via the pages of Peterborough This Week, she organized the Great Turkey Exchange that saw readers donate food for distribution to those who otherwise might go without a traditional Christmas meal. Now overseen by the East Peterborough Lions Club, more than 17,000 people have been helped to date. As a member of the board for The Mount Community Centre, Ms. Tuffin served in a variety of board positions for seven years, helping raise close to $3 million for the construction of much-needed affordable apartments.

And as a board member with Homegrown Homes from 2004 to 2010, Ms. Tuffin helped foster an important rebranding, and worked to restore the organization’s financial health.

Her volunteer involvement as a team player is noteworthy – but so too, are Lois Tuffin’s individual contributions that fall below the radar. Quickly closing in on 100 blood donations, Ms. Tuffin has worked one-on-one with newcomers from South America, helping them with their language skills and employment acquisition through her quiet involvement with the New Canadians’ Centre.

Unsurprisingly, Lois Tuffin has been duly recognized for her community service. In 2008, she was the recipient of a Peterborough Civic Award in the Sport Betterment category. The year prior, The Ontario Community Newspaper Association honoured our inductee with its Mary Knowles Community Leadership Award.

Dr. Harterre is aptly labeled the ‘face of health care’ in Peterborough by his colleagues and peers. All who know Dr. Donald Harterre are aware of his caring concern as a devoted family physician, as well as a respected former hospital Chief of Staff, and again as champion and visionary for health care across this county, indeed the province.

Family Health Teams owe their existence to his undying positivity. Under Dr. Donald Harterre’s mentorship, the New Baby Placement Program provides placement of newborns in family practice.

His vision, guidance and professionalism benefit patient, family doctor and community, in countless ways. So much is owed by so many to this unique, caring individual we know as Dr. Donald Harterre.

• Photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week and MYKawartha

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

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

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

If you’ve any doubt that one individual can make a difference in the betterment of the human condition, look no further than the life of Dr. Barclay McKone.

A trusted, tireless family physician, Dr. McKone set his sights on the treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis. Over the years, he helped pioneer programs to rehabilitate tuberculosis patients, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs and First Nation bands in Northern Canada. He was instrumental in establishing a vaccine program to help eradicate tuberculosis in Ontario.

With an abiding commitment to cultural and the medical well-being of his community, Barclay McKone served with the Kiwanis Club, the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and late in life gained attention for his remarkable, handcrafted models of Peterborough’s historical buildings.

Some might question why a person would devote so much time and effort for others, even to the extent of spending money out of his own pocket. The answer to the question, was Al Beavis.

His, was a lifelong quest to assist people and organizations, giving him great pleasure knowing he made a difference; in fact, a big difference.

And, what a difference! In the area of personally attracting over $200,000 toward assisting various causes that he supported from Five Counties Children’s Centre to Art Space. Al even put his portly physic to work, investing in a red suit and appropriate white beard to raise funds for a number of charities.

Al Beavis epitomized a community fundraising Santa by combining his altruistic character and creativity, resulting in helping all those in need.

Mr. Beavis passed away on March 15th, 2009

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.

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.

One of Canadian Music’s most poignant and admired singer/songwriters, ‘Willie P’ penned songs that would become award-winning classics for artists such as Prairie Oyster, David Wiffen, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Vince Gill and Pure Prairie League.  He was a fixture at folk clubs and festivals across Canada for more than 40 years and a valued member of Peterborough’s music scene.

Willie P. died on February 15th, 2008 at his home in Peterborough suddenly, of a heart attack. He was 56.

• Photo By Donna Hopper

For more than three decades, no charity concert in Peterborough would be complete without the familiar figure of Johnny Driscoll. An avid Country Music enthusiast, he’d give unselfishly of his time and energy to organize and promote concerts in aid of many worthy fundraisers.

With a deep sense of commitment to Peterborough’s performing arts community, Johnny Driscoll was an early and vocal proponent of establishing a city performance centre. He was also a grassroots supporter of the Pathway of Fame.

It’s possible to live in a community without really being part of it. With his unselfish devotion of time, energy, commitment and caring, Gerry O’Connor was very much a part of this community. For 12 years he served on Peterborough City council, however his love for Peterborough didn’t stop there.

He was instrumental in developing Del Crary Park, and the creation of Peterborough’s three major shopping malls. He enjoyed local sports, and served in several capacities with Peterborough Minor Hockey and Minor Lacrosse Associations.

It was, however his enthusiastic support of Snofest, Peterborough’s annual winter carnival, for which he will be most fondly remembered. Serving as Snofest’s chairperson for 23 years, he embodied a spirit that made Snofest the success it remains today. ‘Mr. Snofest’ helped to make winter a brighter, and warmer time for all.

Dignity, dedication, caring and good, old-fashioned hard work is characteristic of a life, well-lived.

Alta Whitfield demonstrated these qualities and more in whatever pursuit she followed.  With strong ties to family and church, Alta served as an educator in Peterborough area schools, and at Fleming College.  She thrived as a successful business person.

Her resume of community service includes tireless volunteer hours in the fields of education, health care and cultural history.  In many aspects of her life, Alta was a pioneer.  She’s the only woman, in over 170 years, to serve on North Monaghan Township Council and, later, as Reeve.  She’s also the first woman to chair the Peterborough Civic Hospital Board of Directors.

For her dedication to a long life of service, Alta was awarded a fellowship by Fleming College, and a nomination as the YWCA Woman of the Year.

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…