Inductees

(1938-1987)

Born and raised in Peterborough, Jack Bailey became one of Canadian Country Music’s most memorable performers. His talent as both vocalist and writer formed the basis for a solid recording career. As well, Jack’s natural affinity for people made him a welcome guest on stage, in clubs and on television across Canada and many parts of the United States.

Always one to be there when help was needed; Jack gave generously of his time and talent to support a variety of local causes, most notably, the M.S. Society, Easter Seals Campaign and area hospitals.

His untimely death from a heart attack at age 49, places Jack Bailey in a category of ‘Done too soon’ with so much more he could have given. He performed in the area for 35 years.

For many, altruism is a luxury. To Louis and Gus Yeotes and family, it’s a way of life.

In 1903, Louis Yeotes opened his first business on George Street and, for the next 74 years, embraced this community as few others have done. He donated money to almost every sports league in the city and purchased equipment for teams struggling through the Depression when money was scarce. To all charities and civic endeavours, he was a generous donor and the first major contributor to the Memorial Centre building fund. To honour his generosity and kindness to Peterborough, especially to the sporting community, Louis was inducted into the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Louis’ son, Gus, has followed his father’s footsteps. For over 25 years, he’s freely made available Lakeview Bowl to support Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Gus and his family continued to make substantial donations to a multitude of local causes, including Sports Hall of Fame, Showplace, Save The Town Clock fund and Peterborough Regional Health Centre, until they ultimately retired from the business.

For a century, the Yeotes Family has been a vital part of the Peterborough community and, for a century, far too many individuals and organizations – to even begin to mention – have benefited from their heartwarming generosity and kindness.

There are those who are too smart for their own good. Then there are those who selflessly put their abundant intelligence, skills and expertise to work to the benefit of their community and well beyond.

India born and educated, Dr. Ramesh Makhija most certainly belongs to the latter group, his extensive education as a chemist, and his associated research, anchoring a number of subsequent initiatives going back to 1966 when he arrived in Canada to pursue his research interests and teach at the university level.

Following a five-year period that saw him work as a chemist with two federal ministries, Dr. Makhija was named the chief chemist of Lakefield Research (now SGS Canada) in 1981. A year later, he co-founded Trent University-based R&R Laboratories where, until 2007, he specialized in the study of wastewater, air quality and other environment-related properties. Along with providing consulting and laboratory services, R&R trained more than 65 new graduates in analytical chemistry. R&R’s inventory of household waste led to the 1985 establishment of Peterborough’s blue box collection program.

Outside of the lab, however, is where Dr. Makhija has wholly earned the distinction being presented today. A 2012 recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, a 2014 recipient of an Ontario Community Service Award, a two-time recipient of a Peterborough Civic Award, and a 2019 inductee into the Peterborough Lakefield Muskoka Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, Dr. Makhija’s wide-ranging volunteer work has seen him sit on the boards of a number of local organizations, Peterborough Green Up and the Council for People with Disabilities among them.

However, perhaps most telling of his abundant generosity was his investment of time and money into ensuring the walk-in clinic established by his late wife Dr. Swarn Makhija remained open for two years after her untimely death in 2003. When it did close, all of its furniture, equipment and supplies were donated to health units in Peterborough, Madoc and Marmora.

If Peterborough hasn’t already formally thanked CHNS-FM, it’s well past the time some form of appreciation is shown the Halifax radio station for giving a young Graham Hart a summer job.

In pursuit of an engineering degree at the time but bitten hard by the broadcasting bug, Graham left Dalhousie University after his third year and pursued radio full-time. A series of on-air positions in Nova Scotia followed before Graham moved to Ontario and worked at radio stations in Chatham, Hamilton and Niagara Falls before his acceptance, in 1973 of a job offer from CHEX Television in Peterborough. Hired as news anchor, Graham quickly became the face of CHEX. Before retiring in 2018, he had served as News Director, Assistant Television Program Director and executive vice-president of affiliated CHEX Radio.

As big an impact as Graham had on viewers’ daily lives via his news reports, and his hosting of specials, documentaries the long-running Campus Quiz  and Flashback programs, his work outside of the studio cemented his position as a community leader. Beyond volunteering his silky smooth delivery to the benefit of countless events and fundraisers as an emcee and guest speaker, Graham has worked tirelessly for a number of non-profit organizations. The Canadian Mental Health Association, the Peterborough Family Resource Centre, the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, the Peterborough Festival of the Arts, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, the Peterborough Pathway of Fame, and the Ontario March of Dimes are but just a few of his many volunteer affiliations. And then there’s his work for Easter Seals that has seen him appear as a regular on the annual telethon broadcast for no fewer than 47 years.

As one would expect, Graham has been duly honoured by a variety of organizations. Named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International and a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club International Foundation, Graham was the first recipient of the Gordon Holnbeck Community Service Award and, in 2014, the City of Peterborough presented him with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Stuart Harrison, the General Manager of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce since 2003 has, over the years become a respected advocate for business, and a trusted friend of the community. His positivity, intuitiveness and inventiveness is matched only by his commitment to volunteerism and community well-being.

Through it all, he remains the same down-home prairie lad dust in his boots.

Stuart has, for decades written ‘The Business Beat,’ a weekly feature on changes and updates in the area’s business scene that appears in the Peterborough Examiner, and is also featured on CHEX-TV as ‘Stoo’s News.’ The columns, since 2004, are archived at KawarthaNow.com.

Stuart’s career in journalism began in his home province of Saskatchewan, in North Battleford, before continuing following a move to Peterborough as the mid-morning man on CHEX Radio, from 1977-1985. This show evolved into a talk show format that featured interviews with visiting authors, entertainers, and experts, as well as local people promoting events and fundraisers such as the Christmas Hamper program, Hospital drives, Five Counties, and Easter Seals.

As the station promotion manager he promoted events while dressed as the ‘CHEX Chicken,’ and added host for the annual Easter Seals Telethons for some thirty years, a role he continues to this day.
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Stu Harrison spent many years in advertising with the publisher of Kawarthas Today and The Business Advantage. He ran his marketing company, Harrison Advertising, from 1987 until becoming General Manager of the Chamber. During this time he developed the sophisticated ‘Visitor in Peterborough VIP’ promotions, an important feature of local tourism.

His many awards and accolades include induction as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow; in 2009 the Canadian Chamber Executive of the Year; in 2012 recipient of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce James Carnegie Award; and in 2013 the Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award “for demonstrating excellence in Chamber Management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service.”

It can be said that the business community, and the community as a whole, has no better friend than Stuart Harrison.

His, was a life devoted to the oral and aural tradition. If questions regarding sound arise, John K. Muir was the one to provide the definitive answer.

John Muir pursued a varied, and eclectic career as broadcaster, sound engineer, educator and administrator. John demonstrated proficiency in choral music, and is one of the few people in Peterborough to hold a certificate in campanology.

In the area of community service, John functioned in creative and administrative capacities with Artspace, The Kawartha Jazz Society, and Showplace Peterborough.

In the late ‘70’s, John was one of the founding directors of Trent Radio and, since 1994, served as its General Manager. Under his dedicated and energetic guidance, this student-sponsored radio facility became an influential and broad-based voice in the Peterborough community. His enduring legacy is tied to every program, every note of music, and every broadcast heard on what has evolved, truly, to a community radio station.

John Muir died in June, 2019 in his 63rd year.

If timing is truly everything, there is no better time than now to honour Kirk Wipper.

Back in May, when the new Peterborough home of the Canadian Canoe Museum was officially opened, it’s a certainty that Wipper was in the thoughts of many, and for very good reason. Without his generosity, his love of watercraft and his foresight, the museum wouldn’t have opened at its original Peterborough location back in 1997.

It was back in the late 1950s that Wipper started his extraordinary collection of canoes, a process kick-started by the gift of a rare circa 1890 basswood dugout destined to become the centerpiece of the museum. Wipper subsequently traveled the country in search of canoes to secure, housing each in a building at Camp Kandalore that later became home to the Kanawa International Museum of Canoes, Kayaks and Rowing Craft.

The world’s largest collection of watercraft grew to contain more 500 canoes and related artifacts, prompting the suggestion that Peterborough would be an ideal location for a permanent museum to both store, and display them. With numerous volunteers on board, the concept of developing a knowledge centre about the canoe was floated and adopted, leading to the opening of the Canadian Canoe Museum at the Monaghan Road location of the former Outboard Marine.

Besides providing the inspiration and the springboard for what has become the internationally-recognized home of all things canoe, Wipper was also instrumental in ensuring the immense contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada’s growth and development, have been kept front of mind.

A volunteer with several canoe, paddling, camping and water safety organizations, Wipper served 45 years with the Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada and was a national director of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association, which later became Paddle Canada, enjoyed the benefit of Wipper serving as the inaugural chair of its History and Archives Committee.

In 2002, Wipper was fittingly appointed a member of the Order of Canada. When he passed 12 years later, tributes to both him and his life work poured forth. Among those taking the time to honour him was James Raffan, the executive director of the Canadian Canoe Museum at the time.

“If you look at the tributes to Kirk that are pouring in, you will see that he indeed changed the world for the better,” wrote Raffan.

“This is surely the end of an era. Kirk will be missed – but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the members, volunteers, staff and friends of the museum (entrusted with) stewardship of these 600 canoes and kayaks – this unique portrait of Canada he created.”

Kirk Wipper made his final portage from this life in 2011.

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

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

A 30 year broadcasting career made Del Crary a legend.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

• photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, MyKawartha.com

A fixture on Peterborough’s Country Music scene, George McIlmoyle delighted audiences for more than 40 years. With his ‘Good and Country’ band, he performed on radio, television, in clubs and at gatherings throughout the Peterborough area.

Always willing to lend a hand to those in need, George was an avid and appreciated performer who contributed to countless local causes. George McIlmoyle personified the best in the tradition of giving to others through music.

Wayne Pritchard first came to the attention of Peterborough audiences as a talented bass player who performed with a number of local Country music groups, and was always willing to give of his time and talent in aid of worthy causes.  Wayne’s love of music, and of people led him to take an active role in the music business.  He toiled, for many years as promoter, and as a participant with organizations such as the Peterborough Musicians’ Union, and the Peterborough Exhibition Board.

With his vast knowledge of music and music people, Wayne Pritchard co-created the nationally-syndicated radio show ‘Canadian Top Ten’.  The program is credited with doing much to nurture the development of Canadian Country Music talent.

Margaret MacKelvie, teacher and community activist, was a woman with a deep, and abiding love for the magic of ‘living history.’

No one was more involved in the creation of Lang Pioneer Village.

Before Lang opened in 1967, Margaret supervised Village construction, including arranging for several buildings to be transported to the site. Over the years, she arranged ‘special days’ at Lang, as well as creating publications with a focus on Lang.

As evidence of her true devotion, Margaret served as volunteer curator from 1967 to 1995.

For her efforts, Margaret MacKelvie was awarded the Canada Commemorative Medal, an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Ontario Museum Association, and an honourary doctorate from Trent University.

The Northwest Mounted Police was formed in 1873 as a federal police force to maintain law and order in remote areas of Canada where provincial and municipal policing wasn’t sufficient.  The Mounties were essential in maintaining Canadian boundaries and, in turn, protecting Canadian culture and identity.

Two local residents played significant roles in the evolution of Canada’s national police force.

Inspector D’Arcy Strickland of The Northwest Mounted Police helped define the Canadian frontier in the Yukon Gold Rush of 1897-1898 and later served as Adjutant to the Fifth Mounted Rifles during the Boer War.

Corporal George Hendren was the only Canadian selected to serve as bodyguard to British Commander Lord Roberts in the Boer War.  He also became a ‘charter’ member of The Royal Northwest Mounted Police when it was established in 1904.

Erica Cherney, quite simply, never gave up…

Never gave up volunteering. Never gave up giving of her time and expertise to causes she felt made the community a better place. Never gave up despite a sign hanging in her office which read “Stop me before I volunteer again!” There is no end to the many stories of Erica’s generosity that has left an indelible altruistic mark all over Peterborough and surroundings.

A contribution to Trent University was met with the University bestowing upon her an honourary degree for her good works.

In 2000 Erica Cherney was named Citizen of the Year, an honour among a multitude of other City, and Provincial awards.

The Erica Cherney Inspiration Fund was established by the CCRC in 2006 in recognition of her leadership and community service. Peterborough area people donated over $100,000 to the fund, inspired by Erica’s generosity and compassion. The immediate, as well as lasting result of these funds was support of practical, helpful services and solutions such as homeless prevention funds, art therapy programs for women who had experienced violence, counselling services and local community gardens.

Her provision of economical office space for charitable organizations trying to get started, helped many fledgling groups.

When Erica Cherney was named Vice-Chair of TV Ontario, a particular focus was brought to our City.

There is no doubt Peterborough and surrounding communities are much better places because of her vision, caring and involvement. Erica Chereny was one-of-a-kind, and we are the better for it.

Erica Cherney passed away on August 16th, 2016 at the age of 84. She was aware of her nomination to The Pathway of Fame, but passed away just prior to her formal induction.

• Photo courtesy of Red Pashmina

You hear the expression: ‘You can dress him up but you can’t take him anywhere.’ Well, Howard Berry dressed others for decades, with skill and talent that took him everywhere.

With a knack for, and love of fashion from a young age – his father gifted him a manual sewing machine at age five – Howard could never remember a time when he wasn’t creating with fabric and experimenting with varied colour combinations.

Shortly after graduating in 1959 from a private design school in Toronto, Howard opened his own design shop in the big city. A number of different jobs in a variety of fields followed – but Howard’s love of fashion design never waned. Arriving in the Peterborough area in 1977, Howard landed a men’s wear retail job with Eaton’s, which took him back to Toronto. When he returned to Peterborough, he opened Howard Berry Designs in Charlotte Mews.

It was in 1980 that Howard’s long and fruitful association with the Peterborough Theatre Guild began with his design and creation of costumes for ‘A Doll’s House.’ Since that time, he was a constant fixture at the Rogers Street theatre. ‘The Mikado,’ ‘Le Cage Aux Follies’ and ‘Cats’ are just a few of the Peterborough Theatre Guild productions that soared thanks to his abundant talent for design.

However, Mr. Berry was no one-trick pony. In addition to costume design, he donated his time and abilities as a theatre set designer, director, production designer and painter for dozens of plays, musicals and special performances – greatly contributing to not only Peterborough Theatre Guild productions, but also to presentations at Showplace Peterborough.

Recognition has duly come Howard’s way. In 1990, the Eastern Ontario Drama League awarded him for set design followed, in 2008, with an award for Best Visual Presentation and, in 2009 an award for costume design. That same year, Theatre Ontario also recognized Howard’s work with an award for costume design. Finally, in 2015 and along with the cast and crew of ‘Twelfth Night,’ Howard accepted a Cultural Betterment Award from the City of Peterborough.

In 2017, at The Mount Community Centre, ‘Passion For Colour: A Design Retrospective’ saw Howard’s work put on public display – a show that featured many of his most spectacular theatre costumes, as well as his original paintings.

Mr. Berry passed away March 3rd, 2022 at the age of 84.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

A wise person once said you cannot know where you’re going without knowing where you came from. Few have been able to express so warmly their appreciation of family and community roots than has Clare Galvin.

Clare’s great, great grandfather was an immigrant of Peter Robinson, who settled in Ennismore Township in 1825. Mr. Galvin built a family home on land settled by his grandfather, and for more than 40 years, Clare was a successful men’s clothier in Peterborough.

However his true passion was sharing history in a gentle, yet compelling fashion. In 1978, drawing on his Irish heritage, he authored ‘The Holy Land – A History of Ennismore Township.’ He also wrote two other books sharing warmhearted memories of a lifetime lived in the Peterborough area: ‘My Town, My Memories,’ and ‘The Days of My Years.’ Along the way, he displayed his wit and humour through the pages of The Peterborough Examiner by way of his ‘Clare Remembers’ columns.

For Clare Galvin, history, place and family roots were a living trust, and he abided by that trust with perception, gentle grace and good humour.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marty Gerrard Murphy was a well-known Peterborough criminal lawyer renowned for his “dedication, wit and sense of humour.”

Except for his years studying law in Ottawa, Marty Murphy’s career was in Peterborough. He was a partner in Galvin and Murphy with his uncle, Doug Galvin. He was the brother of Sharon Murphy who was a lawyer with her husband at Gariepy Murphy. Marty founded the Thames Embankment Society, an organization to support lawyers and their work. As one of the city’s leading criminal lawyers, he was Federal Crown Attorney for Peterborough.

There were several stories of how Marty Murphy had helped clients, whom he said should always be treated as royalty. On one occasion he approached someone who was in trouble and was trying to defend himself and was distraught at the enormity of the task. Marty Murphy asked how he could help, and stayed with him the remainder of the day. He told the vindicated man to “do something for someone else in need when the opportunity arose.” Lawyers valued him as a colleague, and “our community was enriched by his contributions.”

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.’

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

Frank Schoales was the Peterborough embodiment of both these worlds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

An inability to say ‘No’ has been, and remains, a characteristic common to all Pathway of Fame inductees, past and present. Indeed, for Paul Rellinger, the word is simply not part of his vocabulary.

Since moving to Peterborough in 1989, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to lend his well-respected written and spoken voice, organizing skills, and near compulsive desire to simply help in any way he can. Initially, opportunities to become involved were a byproduct of his 27 years as an editor and weekly columnist with Peterborough This Week. However, upon his retirement in 2016 Paul has continued to put his hand up when the call is made.

Currently the board chair of Peterborough Musicfest and a member of the campaign cabinet for the United Way of Peterborough and District, Paul has also served as honourary chair of Peterborough Family Literary Day since 2011 – a natural fit with his time as an adult learning tutor with the Trent Valley Literacy Association. When Paul was asked in 2012 by the United Way to camp out on the roof of The Brick for 48 hours as a campaign fundraiser in partnership with Peterborough Cares, what was a one-off lark became Relly On The Roof that raised thousands of dollars for Habitat For Humanity over the next seven years.

A past president of the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, Paul has served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, the John Howard Society, and Showplace Performance Centre as well as time sitting on a number of committees. For nine years, he helped plan the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade – telling anyone who questioned his non-Irish roots that his real name is Fitzrelly.

Now a freelance writer, Paul’s self-admitted biggest joy lies in stepping up to help those in need. He has emceed numerous benefits for needful members of the local music community that he loves and, just last year in tandem with fellow inductee David Goyette, organized and produced Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness, a live music showcase that raised more than $30,000 for the city’s most vulnerable.

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

In today’s fast-paced world, no one can afford underestimating the importance of learning and getting a good education. Sometimes the impediment to a student’s success can be something as simple as the absence of a good breakfast. Jack Byers had an idea to remedy the problem and, several thousand breakfasts later, many Peterborough school children are healthier and more productive because of that idea.

In 1995, Jack approached his fellow members of St. James United Church Men’s Club about starting a breakfast program in city schools. Under Jack’s leadership, the Men’s Club provided a nutritious breakfast for close to 75 students each school day. It’s also the first breakfast program in the city to serve pupils from both Public, and Separate Boards. Thanks to Jack Byers efforts, and those of the St. James Men’s Club, these young people are fed at no cost to Boards, or students. It’s been, and continues to be Jack Byers who spearheads the organization of volunteers, food purchase, and fundraising events to keep the program cost-neutral.

With diplomacy, energy, creativity and dedication, Jack Byers represents the best of a community: You identify a need, and you do something about it. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it?

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.

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

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

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