Inductees

Janet McCue has made remarkable contributions towards the preservation, and public awareness of native culture, language and teachings. She taught courses and wrote numerous songs in Ojibwa, and translates compositions, including the National Anthem.

Janet is lead vocalist and drummer, since 2005, in the Wshkiigamong Women’s Hand Drum Group. The group, based in Curve Lake First Nation, performed by invitation at Juno Beach on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion; then, toured in France and Holland.

Closer to home, the group donates countless hours to community events and charity fundraisers.

Her interest in presenting, and educating all who’ll listen about the Ojibwa culture is foremost in her accepting invitations to perform. Many of Janet’s songs relate to native teachings regarding conservation, and proper stewardship of our natural resources, and the environment.

Peer Christensen is an influential professional artist based in Peterborough since 1985. He founded local art galleries: Williamson House Gallery, 1986-95; Hunter West Gallery, 1995-2006; Christensen Fine Art Gallery, 2006 to the present.

He founded, and still maintains the Starving Artist Framing Outlet.

He has been the featured artist in solo exhibits, 2002 and 2010 at The Art Gallery of Peterborough; and with his wife, Lori was honorary chair for the Art Gallery of Peterborough Fundraising Gala in 2011.

His art is housed in several private, and corporate art collections and has been featured in fundraising events for several organizations. He has served on the PRHC Foundation Volunteer Art Committee from the outset. He has a great track record for getting involved in projects important to the local arts community and seeing them through.

Some of his most striking work captures the changeability of nature and the impact of the industrial landscape.
According to Peterborough This Week, “Self taught in drawing and watercolour, Christensen works primarily as an oil painter, his immense classical-based talent clearly evident and his work respected well beyond the city’s borders.”

• Photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawatha

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.

They called him ‘Mr. Soul!’ – and it could be argued the title not only reflected his lifelong admiration for James Brown, but also the guiding spirit that infused all of Brian ‘Buzz’ Thompson’s music.

‘Brian’ may have been on his birth certificate. But he was known to everyone, as ‘Buzz.’

There seems a proven path taken by those who’ve become part of Peterborough’s legendary Rock & Roll history. As a teen, Buzz joined a throng of unforgettable local groups, memory-evoking names such as The Gemtones, BJ & The Interns, Gary & The Goodtimes and Max Mouse & The Gorillas.

Then, in true Peterborough Rock & Roll fashion, Buzz did ‘post-graduate’ work as part of Ronnie Hawkins’ Hawks. Testament to Ronnie’s appreciation of Buzz’s artistry is the fact Buzz performed with The Hawks longer than any other musician. He also shared the stage with a remarkable array of talent, among them Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.

Buzz’s solo albums reflect his infectious energy and enthusiasm while demonstrating a sensitivity and romantic spirit that stops even the most casual listener in his, or her tracks. For over 40 years, Buzz was a valued part of the Peterborough music scene. He made us get up and dance and sit down and check our souls.

The hallmark of a true musician.

The Peterborough Examiner’s Centennial Edition listed Buzz Thompson as one of the ‘Performing Arts Top 100 of the Past 100 Years.’ At age 14, he was quoted as saying, “to entertain gives me the chance to let myself go,” and where his music has gone is straight to our hearts.

Buzz Thompson died in 2018.

Even a most fleeting visit to the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame will confirm the important role sports play, in Peterborough’s cultural life.  But would sports be as popular if the accomplishments of games weren’t reported with enthusiasm and clarity?  In Peterborough journalism, Cec Perdue set the bar for all sports reporters who’ve followed.

In 1931, Cec became The Peterborough Examiner’s first sports editor, serving as reporter and columnist for the next 37 years.  He covered area sporting events and those around Ontario and across Canada with any Peterborough connection.  For his writing, he earned a reputation as a fair, honest and respected reporter who genuinely understood, and appreciated athletes and athletic competition.

In recognition of his journalistic skills and his contribution to Peterborough community, he was given a Civic Award by the City in 1965.  Cec Perdue was inducted into the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in its founding year of 1980: a fitting tribute for one of Peterborough’s most fondly-remembered pioneers of journalism.

• Photo courtesy The Peterborough Examiner

Paul Ayotte was a technical writer for General Electric of Canada, 1964-2002, but is best known for his remarkable contributions to municipal government. He represented Ashburnham ward, 1978-85, 1987-2003. He served as mayor of Peterborough from 2006 to 2010. During these years he served frequently on committees for finance, public transportation, council procedures and affordable housing.

After the Ides of July flood in 2004, he chaired the Peterborough Area Flood Relief Committee, and while mayor established and energized the Mayor’s Action Committee on Poverty (Peterborough’s first since 1875). During 28 years in public office he has been a tireless advocate for fighting poverty, building affordable housing and finding ways to help the disadvantaged. He then accepted the challenge of chairing the Peterborough United Way campaign for 2012.

His family has been in the area for eight generations, and he admired the community’s ability to meet challenges and to support those in need. He challenged people to give a “gift of hope.”

His amazing public career has always been about finding ways to lead, ways to better the community one person at a time.

Paul Ayotte photo courtesy MyKawartha.com

Ken DesChamp blended his passions for music and teaching to great effect.

He began playing the guitar at age 9, and as a teen performed at the Arts and Water Festival (the forerunner to Musicfest) and taught songs at a children’s day camp. He played bass for three years in ‘Jawbone,’ Jersey Joe Henderson’s band, and then with Barry Haggerty and Terry Finn formed the band, ‘Parnell,’ which played across Ontario and the Maritimes. They released three singles which garnered air time on Canadian radio.

Ken remained active in bands during his university years which led to a BA from Guelph and a B. Mus. (Hons.) from Queen’s. While a music teacher in Elliott Lake he participated in a long distance collaboration with St. Peter’s Secondary School in Peterborough; the students created a dance drama which played at the school and in the Sears Drama Festival, when DesChamp won an award for music composition.

He taught at Crestwood Secondary School from 1990 through 2014, and was Head of the Music Department for twenty years. During his years at Crestwood, he directed wood ensembles, concert bands, stage bands and choirs – and working with Rob Steinman produced several musical productions.

Since 1990, he continued to be highly regarded and active on Peterborough’s music scene. One observer noted that he had ‘the singing voice of an angel.’ In the 2013 Peterborough Wire Awards, for example, he was named Bassist of the Year and his band, ‘The Cadillacs,’ for which he was the vocalist and bassist, was considered the best cover band.

The Cadillacs still perform to this day.

Julie Johnston grew up in a small town in eastern Ontario, then went to the University of Toronto to study physio and occupational therapy. After university she and her husband, whom she met while in Toronto, worked for over a year at the Ontario Hospital School for physically and mentally handicapped children in Smith Falls. There followed four months in Europe, a move to Kingston, then Toronto and, finally settling in Peterborough where Julie raised four daughters.

Over the years, she published many short stories in several magazines, but not until an encouraging interview with a writer-in-residence at Trent University, did she begin work on a novel. The first draft of ‘Hero of Lesser Causes’ was completed in 1986. After many re-writes and several publishing delays, it was published to great acclaim in 1992, winning the Governor General’s Literary Award / Children’s Literature (for English text) that year. Julie Johnston’s second novel, Adam and Eve and Pinch-Me, was also honoured with the Governor General’s Literary Award, making her the first author to win the award for both her first, and second books.

Johannus Boots is one of those rare and fortunate individuals who is able to combine career, with creative passion.

Formally trained as a commercial artist, Johannus spent a number of years using his artistic creativity to produce what was necessary to pay the bills. Working to the specifications and desires of others taught him much about the art business, laying a foundation for his dream of self-publishing, and self-distributing.

Since setting out on his own, Johannus has drawn upon the natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands to create his distinctive artistic expression. His lithograph and giclee editions gained him a significant, and ever-growing reputation; a reputation due, in no small measure to his extensive use of the internet to display his works to patrons, worldwide.

Passion for his art and determination to be an individual has made Johannus Boots a truly unique artist.

Stompin’ Tom Connors, and his trademark black Stetson, was a music legend whose ‘made-in-Canada’ career intertwined with Peterborough, the home of his first plywood board, his registered nickname, and one song, ‘The Peterborough Postman,’ that has become synonymous with the singer.

He released nearly fifty albums, containing most of his 300 songs that are rooted in Canadian place names. He was born in New Brunswick and raised in Prince Edward Island, and suffered a tough life before becoming an established artist. From 1951 to 1964, he hitchhiked across Canada, something of a singing troubadour. He was married in 1973 on the Elwood Glover show, and he was featured in 1974 on CBC’s ‘Stompin Tom’s Canada.’ Many of his songs are famous for their historical references.

His memorial service was held in Peterborough’s Memorial Centre, March 13, 2013. “When the Peterborough Postman passes by,” we will wonder why he said goodbye…

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.’

If experience, performance and repetition are keys to musical accomplishment, then Vera Keating must have been very close to ‘master’ status. Vera was a well-known, and beloved fiddle player in the Peterborough area. With her unique brand of traditional music, she entertained audiences for nearly 80 years. Her talent was validated by many fiddle contests she won, including events at the Peterborough Exhibition, and the Bobcaygeon Fair. Along with husband, Jack, Vera entertained at all local fairs and venues in the Peterborough area, too numerous to mention.

Throughout her career, she enjoyed warm kinship with her audiences and gave generously of her time, and talent in aid of many worthy causes. At one time, she performed several times a month with the Peterborough and Otonabee Oldtime Fiddlers, entertaining at local hospitals and retirement residences.

If longevity is the hallmark of success, then Vera Keating was indeed, a true success.

Vera Keating passed away in 2012, in her 99th year.

For Al Poolman, creating works of art was a lifelong source of pleasure, and expression.  Beginning as fashion designer for such companies as Eaton’s, Simpsons and The Bay, Al went on to working as a set designer for CHEX-TV until he decided to pursue his love of art, full time.

He created over 2,000 paintings which grace private, and corporate collections around the world.  Locally, Al Poolman was a generous supporter of charitable causes through donations of his works of art.

An amazing life-accomplishment for an artist both self-taught, and colour-blind!

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.

The richness of cultural life in Peterborough and the Kawarthas is due, in no small part, to the contribution of First Nations people who live, and create here.

A lifelong resident of Curve Lake, Norman Knott’s artistry, whether in acrylics, oil or watercolours, gained him a reputation around the world. Drawing on a closeness to nature and his Ojibway heritage, Norman developed a powerful and unique style of painting by interweaving contemporary realism with traditional Ojibway symbolism.

The works of Norman Knott can be enjoyed in galleries across North America and Europe, and grace private collections of notables ranging from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Johnny Cash.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With a significant international artistic career in her wake, since relocating to Peterborough Linda Kash has lent her considerable talents to the many, and varied entertainment and theatrical aspects of this community.

Previous to her local involvement, she boasts an impressive resume which includes Second City appearances, and a number of plays for the Canadian stage. A busy actor, Linda has appeared on everything from Seinfeld, Best of Show, Waiting for Guffman and more recently, the series Fargo. Movies include Cinderella Man, and the made-for-TV movie ‘Titanic’ produced in commemoration with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking, and cast as the ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown.’

If there were any doubt about her pedigree of performance, it should be noted that Linda and her four siblings were born to beloved Canadian operatic contralto Maureen Forrester, and Toronto-based violinist and conductor Eugene Kash.

However, in all likelihood her best-known role was her portrayal of the Philadelphia Creme Cheese Angel on television that took on iconic status for years.

It is for her vitality and creativity while contributing to such projects such as the Festival of Trees, appearances in New Stages productions, improv nights at the Gordon Best Theatre, directing Beau Dixon’s “Beneath Springhill: the Maurice Ruddick Story” for black history month, and host for countless charitable events to assist with fundraising in the community which has earned the respect and admiration of Peterborough audiences.

As director of the Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA) as well as the mentoring of people of all ages with an interest in dramatic arts, have combined to place Linda front and centre in the theatrical life of the community.

Linda Kash certainly raises the bar for all theatrical artists in Peterborough and district. And it is for her genuine caring and willingness to share her tremendous talent, that she is welcomed into the Pathway of Fame.

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

Justin and Mark Hiscox herald a first in the Pathway of Fame; the first occasion that siblings have become Honourees. The Hiscox Brothers are held with such esteem, so appreciated, and so musically talented that what follows are accolades and comments submitted from a number of supporting letters of nomination.

“Music flows from Justin’s fingers and music is his life.”…. “He is currently the Music Director and musician for St. James Players, 4th Line Theatre, Peterborough Theatre Guild as well as the Anne Shirley Theatre Company at Trent University.” “Mark is a very talented musician, conductor, singer, actor and theatre director – has been at 4th Line Theatre for 17 consecutive seasons.”

From notes in reference to Justin and Mark’s involvement in the Peterborough New Horizon music program… “They know, instinctively, how to make their students feel good about our contributions to our music.”
Support regarding Justin and Mark’s participation in the Peterborough Theatre Guild… “(I) have seen wonderful growth in the skills and confidence of both men… their musical direction and creativity has pushed the musical productions of these theatre groups to a new level of amateur theatre production.” “They have enriched the culture of Peterborough, and this City and the community is blessed to have them.”

Music leaders at St. James United Church since 2011: “They can play any genre of music – on many Sundays, Justin has our Church “rocking” with his piano music. Mark leads our choir with passion and humour and provides us with lots of laughter.”

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

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

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

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

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

• Photo courtesy Metroland / MYKawartha

To have talent to make music is a joy! To make music with a sense of tradition and community is an even greater joy for both artist, and audience alike.

It’s that joy that’s made Bobcaygeon Olde Tymers one of the most popular musical groups in the Kawarthas, and Central Ontario.

Bobcaygeon Olde Tymers is a group of seniors who have loved, and played music all their lives. Collectively, these eight musicians represent over 400 years of musical experience and they take pride in their dedication to performing and preserving old-time fiddle music. The music, and the style without doubt has an energizing effect because these ‘mature’ musicians average close to 100 dates each year – performing at hospitals, nursing and senior’s homes, as well as dances, fairs and countless community functions; in other words, wherever a toe is willing to tap.

Bobcaygeon Olde Tymers are frequent, and welcome performers at The Seniors Jubilee held every year at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto. In 2003, the group received a recognition award from the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce honouring their dedication to community.

From Bobcaygeon to Bowmanville, Peterborough to Port Hope, Lindsay to Lakefield, wherever people gather to enjoy old-time fiddle music, the Bobcaygeon Olde Tymers have been there.

Virtually any Peterborough stage production of note that had dancing and movement at its centre can be attributed to the skills and guidance of Julie Fallis.

Under the tutelage of Joanne Agar at the Academy of Dance in East City, a young Fallis was bitten hard by the dance bug. The after effects of that have been long lasting and significant, not only for the countless students she taught and mentored at her Move N’ Grooove Studio, but also for the Peterborough Theatre Guild, St. James’ Players, Ennismore Homestead Theatre, and St. Peter’s Secondary School.

Before opening Move N’ Grooove more than 30 years ago, Fallis attended Fleming College, taking her recreation and leadership skills to the Royal Academy of Dance where she earned certification as a dance instructor.

Under Fallis’ tutelage, Move N’ Grooove provided hundreds of students, from primary aged kids to adults, with a safe space where they felt seen, heard and accepted. The studio’s walls were home to hundreds of awards – a testament to the high calibre of instruction they received. Countless former students – many of whom have gone onto very good things – credit their time as Fallis’ students with shaping them into what they have become.

As a sideline dancer for the Toronto Argonauts football club, as a performer with Up With People and as an always encouraging supporter of her students at dance competitions, Fallis’ passion for dance and movement has been, and remains, the common denominator. That she got involved with local theatre productions was a natural progression of not only her training but also her overriding desire to see others soar.

Following the challenge of choreographing Guys and Dolls for the Peterborough Theatre Guild in 1997, Fallis embarked on a long line of theatrical collaborations, lending her skills to the success of a number of productions. Her most recent theatre project was with the guild’s 2025 staging of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Forced to close Move N’ Grooove as a result of the pandemic shutdown, Fallis did what the resilient do – she regrouped and, upon attaining her yoga teaching certification, opened Inspired Movement where she continues to share her love of movement, albeit in a different form.

But there’s another side of Fallis’ contributions that doesn’t get the attention it should. Over the years, when a cause or organization asked for her talents and time, she repeatedly answered the call. The Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, the Five Counties Children’s Centre, Fleming College and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation are but a few of the entities having benefited greatly from Fallis’ giving back to the community she loves.

John Greco was Peterborough’s most visible, and energetic hotel manager for over two decades.  Always enthusiastic to give aspiring talent a place where they could hone their craft, John became known as the ‘Godfather of Live Music’ in Peterborough.  He readily made available his venues for numerous charitable causes and was instrumental in developing the very popular Hunter Street cafe district.

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

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

By looking back we can, most times, see the direction our future is taking. Such is a gift few can claim to share as has Jean Murray Cole with her enthralling compositions.

Our community is certainly richer for her penning nine books, including three Peterborough township histories, plus a host of papers that fill her dossier to date. Jean Murray Cole is an acknowledged expert on the Strickland family; Samuel Strickland, Catherine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie, and their siblings who remained in England. The Stricklands mean much to the area because they wrote and recorded their experiences in its raw, evolving youthful years.

Jean Murray Cole holds an honours degree from Trent University, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, and the F.H. Dobbin award for her book, ‘Sir Sandford Fleming: His Early Diaries.’ Many of her manuscripts and research papers have been donated to Trent University Archives.