Inductees

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

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

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

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

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

A famous Rhythm & Blues singer once said she could see no difference between church and secular music, because God is present in all music. Diana McLeod’s devotion to music certainly fits that belief. As few have been able to, she’s used music to create bonds, bridge gaps and touch people.

For over 35 years, Diana worked with Trinity United Church choir, often introducing complex oratorios, public concerts and intercity exchanges to keep performance vigorous and challenging. For more than five years, she worked on a national committee to create ‘Voices United,’ the updated hymnbook that’s revitalized the music of the United Church of Canada.

Outside the church, she devotes her talents to community choirs such as Peterborough Singers, Jubillaires, Peterborough Centennial Choir and Interlink Choir, a choir of performers of different generations who come together to share and experience music. Diana also contributes to the rich history of musical theatre in Peterborough, serving as musical director, accompanist or performer in more than 30 memorable productions. Her devotion to community is further symbolized by her creative support of the Flood Relief Calendar, a devotion that went an extra mile when she posed as Miss December.

Music is a bridge, a means by which to plumb the depths of the human spirit, to share common bonds. This remains the essence of Diana McLeod, and her love of music.

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

Live music, at its best, should be welcomed like an old and trusted friend who’s come to visit, to share a time of fun and relaxation. If a little good can be done along the way, so much the better. That seems to be the spirit that follows Don Tandy & Just Plain Country wherever they go in the Kawarthas.

Formed in 1986 ostensibly to play at a wedding, the group quickly jelled into a first-rate Country group. The musicians gained a loyal following, delighting audiences at venues small, and large. In fact their performance schedules read like a road map of Central Ontario. With a strong sense of ‘people’ in their audiences, Don Tandy & Just Plain Country give generously of their time, and talent to raise funds for such worthy causes as the Peterborough Food Bank, PRHC, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Trent Radio and the Heart Catheter Fund. They’ve worked especially hard in support of spinal cord research.

What makes Don Tandy & Just Plain Country so unique is obviously their high-quality musicianship but, equally important to each group member, every audience is a collection of old friends whose acquaintance is to be renewed, or new friends they have yet to meet…

Formed in the late 1950’s, the group was this area’s first nationally recognized rock group.

The Count Victors began as The Teen Lords in 1961 and became the Count Victors when Danny Harrison came on board as lead singer. Danny was backed by Bob Dixon on bass, Freddy Munro on the piano, and Terry Lathangue on drums.

This song was a big local hit in Peterborough, and managed to climb to #33 on the 1050 CHUM charts in Toronto.

When someone who is predisposed to help others finds his niche, good things typically follow.

More than 17 years ago, as a member of the Peterborough Lions Club, Ray Ostapovich was a key player in the development of the service club’s Handicap/Medical Equipment Loan Program.

That was then and this is now, and now has seen a wide range of used assistive devices and medical equipment – walkers, wheelchairs, medical beds, crutches and the like – donated to the club for Ostapovich to collect and repair/refurbish for use by anyone in need.

Impressive, especially considering that Ostapovich is still hard at it…at age 88.

Once notified there is equipment available, Ostapovich initiates the collection process, bringing the donation to his workshop. There, he inspects and repairs the equipment logging it in his inventory. That done, he waits for the call from someone who, already burdened by health issues and, often, related financial challenges, is hard pressed to purchase expensive new equipment. Ostapovich then moves quickly to loan the needed equipment at no cost.

A number of organizations in Peterborough, such as PRHC, and many occupational therapists, are well aware of Ostapovich’s work and refer patients to him. In record time, he facilitates delivery and, if necessary, provides set-up in the patient’s home.

As of September 2023, there were more than 3,600 pieces of medical equipment and assistive devices on loan. Better still, Ostapovich’s garage is home to a large stockpile of equipment ready for the next call for help – a testament to his determination to ensure the demand is met, no matter how high.

As a huge side benefit, the environment comes away a big winner. Without Ostapovich’s intervention, many of the donated items would have been otherwise discarded. By repurposing each piece of donated equipment, he gives new life to that which, at one time, could very well have been landfill bound.

A member of the Peterborough Lions Club for close to 60 years, Ostapovich is a past chair of the Canadian Hearing Society, the Lions Multiple District A Hearing Committee and the Lions District A3 Hearing Committee – the latter a position he held for 40 years.

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.

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.

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.

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

The impact made by Agnes Logan Green on the appreciation of fine music is multi-faceted. But what else could be expected from such a multi-faceted talent?

As a youngster, her talents bordered on that of child prodigy, beginning on the piano at age four, giving recitals at age 12, sweeping music competitions and studying in England by her teens.

Agnes forsook a concert career for life and love in Peterborough. She often performed locally and spent years teaching music. As one of the original Peterborough Concert Committee members, she brought luminaries such as Glenn Gould to the City. During the 1950’s, Agnes performed a classical concert series on CHEX Radio.

Always willing to lend a helping hand, Agnes Logan Green was an early supporter of Kiwanis Music Festival and Kawartha Music Camp, as well as a number of worthy local causes.

Agnes Logan Green passed away on 2002.

Raymond Murray Schafer, born 1933, is one of Canada’s best known living composers. Perhaps best known for his World Soundscape Project, concern for acoustic ecology, and his book The Tuning of the World (1977).

His passion for the environment was captured in Patria, “a monumental operatic salute to nature.” His work, “Patria 3:The Greatest Show,” was performed in Peterborough’s Del Crary Park in 1987 and again, the following year. He was for many years the artistic director of the Peterborough Festival of the Arts. His writing includes his memoirs, ‘My Life on Earth and Elsewhere.’ His studies of musical theory since the 1960s have included the concepts of soundscape of schizophonia. To that end he coined the term ‘schizophonia’ in 1969; the splitting of a sound from its source, or the condition caused by this split: “We have split the sound from the maker of the sound.”

Among his many honours, Schafer was the first recipient of the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music in 1978 for String Quartet No. 2 ‘Waves.’ He was conferred with the Governor General Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2009, and was named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2013.

Any mention of Peggy Lockwood’s name in the Peterborough regional arts community is greeted with awe and reverence, which is due to such a composite, dynamic personality.  Peggy Lockwood is a major contributor to the vibrant dramatic life of our community.  In fact, it could be stated she’s creativity personified.

Author, director, actor, drama teacher; she’s involved in most every facet of Peterborough’s artistic life.  The Peterborough Theatre Guild is a beneficiary of her varied talents. A winner of the Best Supporting Actress award, Peggy is even known to join as a participant of numerous chorus parts in musicals.

Peggy is also a published writer of children’s books, as well as a writer of religious plays.  Her cherished focus is to utilize her many talents to teach a better, more moralistic way of life – especially to youth.  This community is better for having her in our midst, and contributing her many talents within, and without.

Bravo, Peggy!

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

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

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

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

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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.

Harry Pott is a much admired volunteer who brings enthusiasm and skill to every activity. Except for a stint in the army, until 1958 Harry’s life revolved around farming in Manitoba. After a visit to Peterborough, he decided to stay to be a carpenter until retiring in 1981.

He has been teaching line dancing, taught fitness and swimming to mentally handicapped children, and has been an organizer for major seniors events, such as the Happy Gang seniors and carpet bowling.

Mr. Pott has served on the St. Giles Church Board of Managers since 1968.

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.”

On the off chance that Brian MacDonald is accused of committing a crime in a Peterborough theatre or choral music setting, he would be well advised to get a good lawyer – his fingerprints are everywhere.

For more than 20 years, community theatre has provided the backdrop for Brian’s remarkable and varied creative talents as an actor and director with a number of companies, the Peterborough Theatre Guild and St. James’ Players among them.

Brian’s portrayal of Feste in the guild’s production of Twelfth Night earned him the 2009 Outstanding Male Performance award from the Eastern Ontario Drama League.

But Brian hasn’t stopped there. A singer and instrumentalist of note, he has served as musical director for a number of stage productions, as well as choral work with not one but three Peterborough churches. Brian also sang with The Peterborough Singers and Ada Lee’s celebrated gospel choir.

In addition, Brian has made a point of volunteering his time and talents to the benefit of young people as vocal director for high school and Trent University productions. Yet another artistic realm for Brian is dance and choreography, beneficiaries of his guidance and expertise including the Academy of Dance and the St. James’ Players, for whom he choreographed three shows.

Away from the stage, Brian’s advocacy for the Peterborough arts community as a place of inclusion, diversity and education led to his co-founding of Arts For Awareness, for which he currently serves as chairperson. The theatre collective, which is dedicated to the production of high quality art in various forms, raises awareness of social issues via partnerships with local agencies such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hospice Peterborough and the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network. In 2014, Arts For Awareness was recognized as a Mental Health Champion.

On the administrative side, Brian is a past president of the Peterborough Theatre Guild, and has served as board secretary for the St. James’ Players and Performing Arts Bancroft.

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

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

Freely giving away to others that which is your own expertise may qualify one as a Samaritan. To do so however a calm, never judgmental demeanor may help assure such a title.

Such is the nature and gift of Robert H. (Bob) Bannon whose greatest passion lay in his knowledge and love of the “pipes”- as in bagpipes. He belonged to the General Electric Pipe Band for 30 plus years, being its Pipe Major for 26 of those years. It was during that time Bob Bannon taught more than a hundred people both young and old, never asking as much as a penny for his lessons.

During his tenure as Pipe Major the GE Pipe band won many prestigious awards at highland games across Ontario and the Northern USA. In 1966 the band won the honours of North American champions.

It was, however, as a patient, understanding, teacher of that most cantankerous musical instrument for which Robert H. Bannon became most well-known and admired. Many of his students went on to become world class pipers and some even became Pipe Majors of Canadian Pipe Bands. It was Bob’s trust and faith in people that shone through all he did to impart the art of piping to those he taught.

He is fondly remembered for his altruistic nature in never asking for recompense. One of his former students echoes the sentiment shared by all who knew Robert H. Bannon – “he was a true gentleman.”

As Peterborough’s contribution in Nashville’s music machine, Cyril Rawson established himself as one of Country Music’s most in-demand writers.

Beginning as musician and record producer in Ontario, Cyril soon devoted himself to songwriting full time.  After penning hits for Canadian stars such as Colleen Peterson and Alannah Myles, he turned his attention to the Nashville market, serving up material for such superstars as Lorrie Morgan and Tanya Tucker.

Now working as an independent writer and producer, and dividing his time between Peterborough and Nashville, Cyril Rawson has penned an amazing portfolio of 250 songs recorded by artists around the world.

Poet, historian, genealogist, educator, philanthropist – Rosemary McConkey has worn many hats while making remarkable contributions to her community but, in the words of her nominator, it’s as a valued and compassionate friend that she has also stood out.

Professionally, Rosemary worked as an educator in various capacities and played a major role in a number of initiatives involving the education of medical practitioners and initiated a national professional standards review for physicians. In addition, Rosemary has made several contributions to the field of nutrition, her writings on the topic having found a permanent home in the Trent University Archives.

A sixth-generation family member with roots in both Peterborough and Smith-Ennismore, Rosemary comes by her passion for local history quite naturally.

A founding member of both Trent Valley Archives and the Kawartha Ancestral Association, Rosemary’s contributions as a genealogist has seen her research and record the histories of area families, including her own.

One her projects, titled Call Back Yesterday – A History of the Allen Family, is widely recognized for its investigation and research depth. A number of her published works on family histories are available as reference material at the Peterborough Public Library. Rosemary also regularly contributes to various publications.

Now well into her eighties, Rosemary has shown little to no sign of easing up on her creative urges.

Just last year, she contributed in a very big way as part of a team that produced a major theatrical production on Peterborough area family history. The same year saw the Peterborough Historical Society bestow upon Rosemary its F.H. Dobbin Heritage Award for her published work on local family genealogies.

We’ve all heard the old saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and nowhere did these words ring with more truth than in 19th Century pioneer Ontario. Back then, solutions to problems had to be found or else you suffered the consequence. Through combinations of luck, patience, skill and determination, an Otonabee Township farmer, named David Fife, rescued one of five strands of wheat and essentially built a nation.

In the 1840’s, David Fife, a Scottish immigrant farming in the Lang-Keene area, realized a hardy strain of wheat, resistant to disease and frost, was a vital necessity. Noticing that one wheat-strand, grown from seeds sent from Scotland seemed hardier than others. David carefully separated and nurtured this strain. His effort became known as Red Fife Wheat and the fame of its durability spread to Western Canada. It’s argued that, without David’s invention, the Canadian Prairies wouldn’t have obtained a reputation as ‘the breadbasket of the world.’ Bountiful wheat harvests needed transportation to world markets, so Red Fife Wheat was a contributing factor in constructing the Canadian rail system which, by the way, would bind this disparate string of settlements into the Dominion of Canada.

It’s become a remarkable truth of history that, from one small, fragile strand of wheat, David Fife grew a nation.

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.

One of Canada’s most imposing figures, Robertson Davies was a prolific writer of prose, drama, opera, literary criticism and journalism. For his ‘Deptford Trilogy,’ he won two Governor General Awards for Literature.

Although Davies began his adult life with dreams of becoming an actor while studying at Oxford, he gravitated to the family newspaper business, and to Peterborough.

From 1942 to 1963, he served as publisher and editor of the Peterborough Examiner. While living in Peterborough, he contributed significantly to the City’s cultural growth. He was a driving force behind the creation of Peterborough Little Theatre, Peterborough Summer Theatre and the formation of the Coventry Singers.

It should be noted that the ‘Samuel Marchbanks’ series of beloved books stemmed from his time at the Peterborough Examiner, when he penned a column under the Marchbanks pseudonym beginning in 1944.

What possible connection does a cemetery in San Rafael, California have to Peterborough? Well, Mount Tamalpais Cemetery is the final resting place of Dr. Jessie Birnie, the first woman to practice medicine in the city.

Born to Caroline and John Birnie, Dr. Birnie was in Peterborough in 1901, having graduated from the University of Toronto. It wasn’t until seven years after her arrival that she was granted hospital privileges.

Initially, Dr. Birnie lived on Water Street with American-born Frances Mary Best, the widow of well-known merchant James Best. When she passed in 1915, Dr. Birnie moved to a residence located at the current location of the Peterborough police station.

When Quaker Oats was rocked by a massive explosion in 1916 and consumed by flames, Dr. Birnie, in one account, “was barking like a Sergeant Major” while assisting fire wardens with the plant’s evacuation. The account goes on to note, in fairness to Dr. Birnie, the roar of the flames necessitated her “barking” to be heard.

A few years earlier, Dr. Birnie opened her home to eight ladies where, in her living room, they began a tradition of meeting regularly to discuss, research and debate the works of William Shakespeare. Thus the Women’s Shakespeare Club was formed.

In 1931, with her sister Caroline, Dr. Birnie crossed into the United States at Detroit on their way to see their brother John in California. There Dr. Birnie passed in 1935, just a few months after her sister died.

• Photo courtesy of the Birnie Family

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

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

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

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

Her life is marked by tireless commitment to community service.

Elva Chamberlain’s philosophy seemed to be that making a difference didn’t have to involve ingenious or revolutionary ideas, but it did have to involve a steady, and cherished desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

The connection between music and community service seems a recurring theme in Peterborough. Elva began playing music by ear at an early age. Over the years, she volunteered her musical talents to entertain at long-term care facilities and retirement residences throughout the area, as well as church functions and other gatherings. Her schedule often included at least four performances per week.

What’s more, Elva’s love of sports and her accounting background made her a natural executive for such groups as bowling leagues, the Peterborough Curling Club and the Lawn Bowling Club. She also found time to work with the Royal Canadian Legion and the Air Force Association – also volunteering for Meals On Wheels. As more and more became aware of her special dedication to community, recognition began to come. Elva was awarded a Canada 125th Anniversary Confederation Commemorative Medal, the Gordon Holnbeck Award For Volunteer Service, a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship, and the County of Peterborough Award for Volunteerism.

Glen Walker was hit with the theatre bug in Brantford in 1967 and, to the immense benefit of the Peterborough Theatre Guild since 1970, a cure was never found.

During his close to 50 years with the multi-awarded theatre company housed on Rogers Street in East City, Glen served in virtually every capacity, including the holding of positions on the Executive, and the Play Selection Committee.

As the theatre’s property manager, Glen was involved in several building improvement initiatives such as the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and a new metal roof, as well as the addition of a wheelchair-accessible washroom.

Both onstage and behind the scenes, Glen’s love of, and commitment to community theatre was always abundantly clear. Along with his direct involvement in several productions as both actor and director, he has served offstage as a sound designer, and makeup artist.

Accolades for Glen’s talents have come in the form of a trio of Eastern Ontario Drama League Awards (EODL) – Best Sound Design (1981), Best Actor (1985) and Best Cameo (1989). Glen was also recognized by the Province of Ontario for 30-plus years of volunteer service, and was the recipient of two Civic Awards for Cultural Achievement from the City of Peterborough.

Already the recipient of an award for Outstanding Service from the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Glen was recently made a Lifetime Member of the community theatre group.

Mr. Walker passed away in March, 2024.

Barbara Monahan: teacher, singer and musician, notably spearheading the Peterborough Pop Ensemble.