Inductees

In a city with such a rich musical heritage, it takes exceptional talent and dedication to be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Bobby Watson, Colleen Peterson or Buzz Thompson.

Ryan, and his brother Sam Weber arrived in Peterborough from their native Maryland in 2000, young and confident. With the goal of meeting the late Ronnie Hawkins, our inductees did just that – undertaking chores at his Stoney Lake property for the privilege of learning all they could absorb about the music business, stage performance and songwriting from the then-living legend. Ryan and Sam proved to be good students, soon striking out on their own as The Weber Brothers, and never looking back.

With 14 studio albums to their credit, their catalogue of original music is staggering – and still growing. They’ve performed on pub and event stages throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas as well as across Canada, the United States and Europe. In 2016, with filmmaker Rob Viscardis, they released the documentary Before We Arrive: The Story of the Weber Brothers, providing insight into the struggles that professional musicians routinely face.

In 2019, Ryan and Sam Weber launched their own production company as an extension of something they’ve done since day one – showcase, and promote the talents of up-and-coming musicians.

For all their success The Weber Brothers have rarely, if ever said “no” to helping any cause that comes knocking. They have headlined numerous fundraisers and benefits, never once mailing in their performance. When their mentor, Ronnie Hawkins called on them to accompany himself, Kris Kristofferson, Gordon Lightfoot and Willie Nelson on a re-recording of Me And Bobby McGee, our inductees were quick to help the man who helped them, all those years ago.

As was the case for musicians near and distant, the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to performing live. However, Sam Weber’s vision, Weber Brothers Productions, further evolved during that time in the form of a recording studio, allowing the brothers’ to share their musical knowledge and acumen – again, not unlike Hawkins did for them.

Recognized and respected by their peers, accolades have come their way, including three Wire Awards honouring their contributions to Peterborough’s vibrant live music scene. But at the end of the day, the Maryland natives’ all-in support of their adopted home (the Land of Dreams, about which Ryan Weber often refers), and in particular their fellow musicians – continues to set The Weber Brothers apart.

There have been a number of studies done pointing to the generosity of Canadians who display, in amounts of time, devotion to volunteer work. It says a lot about Canadian character.

For Paul Lafond, volunteering is more than a full-time job. It speaks volumes about Paul Lafond’s character.

To put Paul’s volunteer work in perspective, he averages about 1,800 volunteer hours a year. A person who works 40 hours a week puts in about 1,700 hours per year. So Paul’s volunteer work is definitely into overtime!

His fundraising achievements are impressive, helping to raise money for the Cancer Society, Hospital for Sick Children and the International Prevention of Child Abuse, just to name a few. To date, he’s raised more money for the M.S. Society in Super Cities Walks than anyone in the Kawarthas.

Paul also finds time to drive seniors to appointments and shopping. He shovels their sidewalks in winter, cuts their grass in summer.

Paul Lafond’s community commitment is truly the essence of volunteerism. To make a difference, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You simply have to care enough to do something for someone. Paul’s monumental achievement has been to do what the rest of us just talk about doing.

Few can claim to equal Stephen Kylie for his dedication and service to his community. He devotes so many volunteer hours to all his various pursuits that it gives one pause to wonder when he has time to pursue his law practice.

Stephen Kylie is one of those people who finds a great deal of satisfaction knowing he is contributing to the well-being, and strength of his community.

Stephen’s vision of a better, caring place in which to live is reflected by the committees in which he is involved. His focus is always on those who require a better standard of housing and care.

At present, Stephen is Chair of the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network, as well as Chair of the Mount Community Centre. Both are challenging, and demanding responsibilities that Kylie handles with ease, together with an insight possessed by a select few.

Stephen Kylie proves, at every turn, that he is the man of the moment.

It is an impossibility to list Stephen’s volunteer pursuits, as space does not allow.

However we dare mention a few: Co-Chair of the Rotary Club Victoria Day Fireworks and Family Night (Peterborough); President of the Peterborough Diocese Good Shepard Foundation, and Vice-Chair of the Trent University Board of Governors – chairing the Executive and Property and Finance Committees.
He is widely respected among his peers as a pillar of the community and one who can be trusted to offer up thoughtful, caring advice on any problem presented and requested of him. As busy as he is, he always has time to help assist projects other than those which may be commanding his attention at any given moment.

Stephen Kylie’s greatest attribute is the complete devotion he freely offers to any, and all community or church project requesting his expertise.

It is because of people like Stephen Kylie, that our City and surrounding areas remain the jewels they are – and all, for his willingness to give of himself so unselfishly, in order to make it a better place in which to live, for all.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

For true lovers of music and performance, it’s difficult to recall the first time they held an instrument in their hands.

Norm Post has been making music and captivating audiences since the age of 12 and is considered one of the most ‘instrumental’ individuals in Central Ontario Country Music.  In many ways, Norm’s life and career typify the road traveled by so many Country artists.

As fledgling performer, the dictates of raising a young family put a strain on his musical ambitions.  That worked itself out nicely, in 1967, with the formation of The Singing Post Family.  The next decade, the Post Family made inroads into the Canadian music scene, recording eight albums and making three cross-country tours.

In the 1970’s, as the kids went their separate ways, Norm reinvented his performing passion.  He became an active participant with the Kawartha Shrine Club, devoting much time and energy fundraising for crippled children.  To further his fundraising technique, Norm took the opportunity to become a registered clown and perform as ‘Cinders.’  He continued as solo Country artist, playing alongside such luminaries as Roy Clark, Hank Snow and Gordie Tapp.

He founded the Cross Country Jamboree, which introduced us to talents such as Carroll Baker and Wayne Rostad.  Organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Rockhound Gemboree, and Canadian Spinal Cord Research benefited from Norm’s organizational, and performing talents.

Music, and people; that’s the combination that comes together, with Norm Post.

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

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

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

When German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche told us that without music, life would be a mistake, he foretold what drives Fred Huffman and makes him tick.

Since coming to Peterborough in 1950 to work as an apprentice at General Electric, Fred has made it his mission to bring the joy of music to the lives of as many people as he can. After a work colleague told him about the then-called Peterborough Citizens Band on the day he started at GE, Fred brought his clarinet to rehearsal the very next day, embarking on a musical journey with the Peterborough Concert Band that would last until the early 2000s and see him named a Charter Member of the organization.

Gifted not only with musical talent but also personality in spades, Fred became the face of the band. In 1958, he became its president and, two years later, took on the dual roles of secretary/treasurer and manager and held those positions for close to 40 years.

Serving as a promoter of the band, he liaised on its behalf with numerous entities including the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Festival of Lights (now Musicfest) and the Canadian Band Festival. Fred’s passion for the band, and his efforts in terms of its promotion, have been key to the continued success of the band which, at 162 years old, is one of the oldest continuously performing bands in Canada.

Fred’s musical acumen has also led him to other opportunities, including musical theatre and his performing with the St. James’ Players on a number of productions including The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and Annie Get Your Gun.

In addition, as a member of the Kawartha Carollers, Fred entertained Christmas shoppers at local malls and, for several years, sang with The Peterborough Singers. To this day, Fred still has a song in his heart that he shares unselfishly as a member of the Mark Street United Church choir.

Whether promoting active transportation or working to increase climate resilience through community building, Tegan Moss is in a league of her own when it comes to ensuring our world finds itself in a better place.

Trent University-educated – she attained her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Environmental Studies – Moss was the longtime executive director of B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop before being named the executive director of Peterborough GreenUP in September 2021. Common to both roles has been Moss’ selfless dedication and leadership in fostering positive change and empowerment.

In 2011, Moss assumed the executive directorship of B!KE, a not-for-profit member-based cycling education and support organization that, since 2006, has taught bike maintenance, repair and riding skills from its George Street location in Peterborough’s downtown core.

Under Moss’ guidance, B!KE’s impact flourished with the expansion of cycling education initiatives. Via strategic collaborations, including a partnership with GreenUP, Moss spearheaded innovative programs, such as in-school cycling programs, community workshops and the Earn-A-Bike program, which provides access to a bike for those with limited means.

Moss’ leadership of B!KE didn’t go unnoticed. Among the accolades that came her way were the Wheels of Change Award from the Share The Road Cycling Coalition in recognition of her dedication to educating the next generation, and Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Award, a nod to her influence and commitment to the advancement of her community.

As a staunch advocate of increased active transportation, Moss went above and beyond in convincing the City of Peterborough of the need to add more bike lanes to the infrastructure landscape. Speaking before city council, writing letters and campaigning, Moss did whatever it took to sell the benefits of active transportation, lobbying tirelessly for its prioritization and inclusion as part of Peterborough’s overall transportation plan.

When the executive director role with Peterborough GreenUP opened after Brianna Salmon moved on to become executive director of Green Communities Canada, Moss jumped on the opportunity, eager for the challenge of leading the organization that, since 1991, has helped countless area residents lead more healthier eco-friendly lives.

When she’s not engaging with the community to help them better address the climate crisis, Moss can often be found doing just what you would expect – riding her mountain bike or getting her hands dirty in her wild garden. She indeed practices what she preaches and, in fact, was doing so long before it became common practice to do so.

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.

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.

It seems, to be part of Canadian character, many of our enduring cultural achievements come not just from larger centres but from smaller communities such as Peterborough. A proud case in point, remains the shining success story known as The Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Few have contributed more to the Guild’s artistic tradition, than Syd Waldron.

For over 40 years, Syd played a vital, multi-dimensional role in a continuing saga of The Guild. Behind the scenes, (if a director’s job can be considered behind the scenes), Syd directed such classic Guild productions as The Music Man, Ten Little Indians, The Mumberly Inheritance and Sinners, to name but a few. He also devoted much time and energy to fundraising, membership drives and whatever was needed doing, organizationally.

In front of audiences, Syd shone in stellar performances: Fiddler On The Roof, Kiss Me Kate, The King And I and many more.

For Syd Waldron, the stage is truly a two-way street. He takes delight in the vibrant world of live theatre and audiences have taken delight in his talent, creativity and imagination.

From the outside looking in, it would seem the Guild Hall on Rogers Street in East City is the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s most valuable asset.

While its longtime ownership of the live theatre space has reaped a huge benefit for the guild, there’s something else equally vital at play within its historic walls – the combined theatrical experience of those who have unselfishly led by example, all while mentoring those who will brandish the torch for many years to come.

Countless directors, actors and behind-the-scenes production volunteers have greatly benefitted from the fact that Jerry Allen didn’t exit stage left long ago and, in fact, has remained very passionate about his craft.

A lifetime member of the guild, Allen, as both an actor and director, has habitually, and happily, guided and mentored countless people over the past 40 years-plus. As a past chair of both the guild board and the play selection committee, his leadership, and passion for all things theatre, has ensured the guild’s vitality as the hub of community theatre activity in Peterborough.

Actress Kate Suhr, who was cast by Allen for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Sound of Music, still marvels over “the passion Jerry pours into everything he does,” adding “His belief in me meant more than I can express.”

“Jerry was generous with his time, was endlessly patient, and was not just a director but a true mentor – supportive, encouraging and always ready to help me grow.”

Allen’s directorial debut came in 1983 when he brought Our Town to the stage; his most recent turn as director was for Outside Mullingar in February 2025. In between, Allen directed 13 guild productions, with The Beauty Queen of Leenane earning Best Play honors from the Eastern Ontario Drama League.

To each of these productions, Allen brought his vision for the set, all technical aspects and each character portrayal. As for his commitment, that has been fully evident in countless hours spent at The Guild Hall over the course of months prior to opening night.

And Jerry’s gift and passion has extended beyond the Peterborough Theatre Guild stage. In an effort to see more young people interested in live theatre, Jerry began the extra-curricular challenge of mounting a bi-annual Broadway musical at St. Peter’s Secondary School. That was in 1991, with the production moving to the Showplace stage 7 years later. The bi-annual tradition continues, to this day.

“It’s always a joy and a privilege to work with Jerry,” offers actor Luke Foster, adding “He knows how to create a show into an experience for everyone involved, so the audience can escape for a couple of hours and go where Jerry wants to take them.”

Need proof of that? Take in the Allen-directed Guild production of Where You Are this coming January. Yes, Allen is still at, and Peterborough’s community theatre footprint remains all the better for it.

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

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

By nature, the Kulla Brothers are warm and outgoing and – by being true to their nature – became unofficial ambassadors on behalf of Peterborough and Kawarthas. Through their generosity and charm, they put a human face to our City, and area, for thousands of residents and visitors.
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If there’s a song to be sung, or a note to be struck, or both, the odds are pretty good that Bob Trennum is somewhere in the mix.

Equally proficient at the keyboard, or with a guitar, banjo, ukelele or harmonica in hand, Trennum’s selfless sharing of his musical gift has benefitted not only hundreds of young people, but also lifted the spirits of retirement and nursing home residents across the region.

Over a 33-year career as a music teacher, Trennum directed school choirs, but made time beyond that setting to assist with musicals staged by local theatre companies such as the Peterborough Theatre Guild, St. James’ Players and the Northumberland Players. At Showplace in Peterborough, Spring Tonic and Legendary Icon shows have featured his talents.

Trennum’s dedication to his craft is matched by his boundless generosity, with numerous fundraisers for community groups having met with success due in large part to his involvement.

Along the way, his eager willingness to work with, and support, performers such as Kate Suhr, Carling Stephen and Beth McMaster has earned him the respect and admiration of many.

Suhr makes note of “the joy” of performing alongside Trennum over several years, their first production together being State Fair staged in the late 1990s by St. James’ Players.

“Bob brought something special to the stage – an infectious energy, a deep sense of community pride, and a genuine love for connecting with audiences,” says Suhr, echoing the view of many.

Having written and recorded more than 50 songs – a number of them about his beloved Stony Lake – Trennum has been, and remains, a musician of considerable talents; his journey including, but not limited to, his years playing piano for The Dixie Cats. That’s when Tom Bell first made his acquaintance.

“Bob is a joy to work with; unlike many entertainers, his ego is always left at the door,” marvels Bell, adding “He celebrates his humanity by making music.”

Approaching 80 years of age, Trennum is showing no signs of slowing down. His continued commitment to his craft and to the betterment of his community is truly music to the ears, and hearts, of the many whose lives he continues to touch.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Fred Anderson died February 20th, 2006.

The Heffernan Family, a talented singing group from Lakefield, long consisted of six siblings and a friend. They learned their music in the family home of Barbara and Kevin Heffernan and was deeply rooted in Irish musical traditions.

The oldest siblings and a friend founded a high school band in 1969 and gradually, the younger siblings joined the group. They were Mary Jo (now deceased), Betty Ann, Kevin, Michele, Patricia and Jeanie, and with the addition of Tom King and his harmonica became ‘The Heffernan Family and Friends.’ These pioneers of the Peterborough Celtic sound performed for masses, weddings and funerals, and eventually played the Peterborough Market Hall and Peterborough Showplace, for Christmas concerts and fundraisers for charities.

They have four albums to their credit: ‘Stay Awhile’ (1997); ‘All the Folks are Home’ (2001); ‘Heart of an Immigrant’ (2011) and ‘The Village Concert – Story and Song’ (2013). The history of the family and Lakefield have been celebrated in the letters of Patricia and Mary Jo, printed in the Lakefield Herald as “Letters from Home,” some of which were published in booklet form in 2013. The Heffernan family has delightfully captured the spirit of the community for some forty years.

If anyone’s to be truly born with “printer’s ink” in their veins, such could be said of Peterborough’s own Ed Arnold.

Over 35 years, Ed worked his way through almost every position in Peterborough Examiner newsrooms from photography, dark-room, reporter, to city editor and managing editor. In the latter position, Ed Arnold is believed to be the longest reigning such executive of a daily newspaper in Canada.

He authored nine books, including a national best seller on minor hockey. Knowledge of his hometown spurred him to found “Kids In Need,” a registered charity helping children within Peterborough and County.

Recipients benefiting from Ed Arnold’s knowledge and cooperation can be found in a wide range of endeavours, such as the Gainey Foundation, as well as other authors’ access to archival material and electronic media.

Gary Dalliday became an institution in the area’s sporting fraternity during his 34 year career as Sports Director of CHEX TV and Radio.

Gary traded his job at General Electric in the mid 1970’s for the demanding, and somewhat tenuous sports executive post. It was a life-changing decision he never regretted making.

Dalliday was an athlete in his own right, playing Junior B hockey, a handful of games for Scotty Bowman’s Peterborough Petes as well as starring for years In the City softball league.

Gary Dalliday has made sports his life – and along with it, devoting what little spare time he had available to emceeing and hosting hundreds of charity events. In fact, the amount of work he devoted to charities became about as demanding as his job.

He deservedly was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 as a builder and athlete.
If one attempted to list a number of the colourful sports personalities who have dotted the Peterborough landscape and contributed to the local scene – among them, Scotty Bowman, Johnny Danko, Bob Gainey, Red Sullivan ,Chris Pronger, Dick Trotter, Bill Bennett, Roger Neilson – the name of Gary Dalliday is ranked right up there with them.

Besides the 34 years he was ‘Mr. Hockey’ on CHEX TV and Radio, he and his youngest son, Peter comprised a revered broadcast duo calling Peterborough Petes games on radio for 16 years. Son Peter did the play-by-play and Dad, Gary was the analyst.

Gary Dalliday retired from CHEX TV in 2009 but his caring demeanour, dedication to the sports fraternity and his tireless efforts supporting countless worthwhile causes will forever place him in high regard of the grateful community he served so well.

It should be noted that his son, Peter Dalliday, continues in his Dad’s footsteps and upholds the Dalliday family’s quiet legacy of service above self, as well as calling hockey and lacrosse for Your TV and the Halifax Thunderbirds, as well as co-hosting morning radio in Peterborough on 100.5 FRESH FM.

Gary Dalliday died in August, 2018 following a long, and courageous battle with cancer.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

For 45 years the Peterborough Theatre Guild (PTG), and indeed the theatre community in general, were gifted with the countless volunteer hours bequeathed by Nancy Bethune. A good deal of them in partnership with her late husband and 2002 Honouree, Bud.

Throughout her volunteer career at PTG, Nancy built an amazing theatrical portfolio, together with procedural notes and makeup inventory which is now utilized by other volunteers when designing makeup for a production.

As well as managerially involved in early ambitious musical productions, she worked on costumes and props. Nancy served as President of the PTG Board from 1978 to 1980. She took over the role as Chair of the Makeup Department in 1990, where she really found her niche, serving in that position until 2013.

Although competent and immersed in all aspects of theatre, it is for her thorough understanding and application of makeup design for which Nancy Bethune is most respected, and revered.

Her complete dedication to the Peterborough Theatre Guild will be forever cherished and remembered.

Nancy Bethune passed away in February, 2015 at the age of 82.

Were Peterborough history, and heritage to have a hero, that hero would be Elwood Jones.

This Trent University professor has consistently championed the cause of local history since arriving in the City in 1969. Over the past 30 years, Elwood has written major works on many aspects of Peterborough’s heritage, including the City’s history, the Peterborough Agricultural Society, St. John’s Anglican Church, and the City’s first golf course.

As a member, and past-president of the Peterborough Historical Society and Trent Valley Archives, Professor Jones has contributed numerous pamphlets, papers and articles, spreading the gospel of local heritage.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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

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

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

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

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

Widely regarded as Peterborough’s pioneer Rock & Roll band, the The Sonics were the first to bridge the gap between the Big Band, and Rock & Roll eras by being the first Rock & Roll band to perform at Ontario dance pavilions.

The group was also the first Peterborough band of the Rock era to appear on American television.  Individual members went on to work with numerous other groups, setting the standard for the rich Peterborough music scene that followed.

Excerpted from Ed Arnold’s book, Peterborough’s First Rock and Rollers, Back When We Were Young

“Mike McCutcheon formed the first rock and roll band in Peterborough’s history when he was a Kenner student. He sang and played some guitar. A record company had suggested putting together a band if he hoped one day to have a recording contract.

“Mike, the son of a local doctor, was just a teenager and approached fellow Kenner student Verne Hope who played drums in the school’s band. He had no idea that the teenage Verne had a classical piano background and had been playing keyboards for years.

“Someone knew two guitarists at St. Peter’s, Tom Kingdom and Gerry Guyatt. Tom, a city teen and Gerry a farmer’s son knew another farmer’s son, Joe Delaney, from Douro who played a mean keyboard but couldn’t read a single note.

“It was quite a mixed bag of teen musicians gathering at Mike’s family west end home to rehearse for their first public appearance at Del Crary’s talent tent at the Peterborough Exhibition in the summer of 1960. Mike had been taking some science classes at Kenner and was studying sonic booms so he named the band The Sonics.

“Mike was hooked on the sounds of Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, and Elvis. That first gig at the Ex was so successful they got a few more invites to perform at dances and became the first rock and roll band at the Hastings Pavilion becoming its weekend house band. Their big competition was Fred Munro’s and Gary Hansler’s Count Victors.”

Long before most of us were thinking ‘green’ and, in particular, about the importance of education as it pertains to environmental stewardship and sustainability, Jacob Rodenburg was a determined trailblazer on a mission.

A field teacher of outdoor education for more than 30 years as well as a longtime environmental education instructor at Trent University, Mr. Rodenburg is the current executive director of Camp Kawartha, an award-winning environmental education centre in Douro-Dummer Township.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Rodenburg has consistently found innovative ways to connect people to nature, as well as to empower youth as agents of change. For his continued efforts, Mr. Rodenburg has been recognized through awards from Otonabee Conservation, the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication, the Ontario Society of Environmental Educators, and Ontario Nature.

Jacob Rodenburg’s vision, leadership and fundraising efforts were key to the establishment of the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings that showcases ‘green’ building techniques, and has spawned several curriculum-linked environmental programs. Since opening in 2009, the centre has welcomed and educated more than 27,000 elementary, and high school students.

Working with more than 40 organizations, Mr. Rodenburg also conceived, and founded the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship – an innovative stewardship-fostering approach that identifies key experiences, or landmarks the community at large can deliver to children from the moment they are born, to when they graduate from high school.

In partnership with Trent University, Mr. Rodenburg was integral in the development of an environmental education training program from which more than 350 students and teachers have graduated. More recently, he was also key in the establishment of a national online environmental education program made available to faculties of education across Canada.

Having taught more than 100,000 students to date, Jacob Rodenburg frequently speaks before parent, teacher and community groups, showcasing how they can use local green spaces to connect children to nature. In addition, Mr. Rodenburg has written more than 75 articles on nature and environmental education and, together with Drew Monkman, co-authored a best-selling book entitled The Big Book of Nature Activities. More recently, Jacob Rodenburg published The Book of Nature Education, featuring no fewer than 70 sensory activities that serve to deepen, and strengthen a readers’ connection to nature.

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.

As scientist, engineer and inventor, Peter Eastcott brought fulfillment to many of his dreams for making the world a better place.

After a distinguished military career, he joined General Electric Canada as an electrical engineer. Peter became the most prolific inventor in the history of Canadian General Electric, registering 54 patents in the areas of industrial handling and safety.

Peter Eastcott also applied his engineering and inventing genius to humanitarian causes. He made life-saving contributions to the treatment of pulmonary disease and the invention of the HELPME program which, via computer, provides emergency response teams with vital, pre-incident, medical information.

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.

His commitment to community causes spanned more than six decades, making Gord Holnbeck one of Peterborough’s truly outstanding humanitarians. He served on City Council for several years while still finding time to volunteer time, and care to the betterment of others.

In 1980, Gord Holnbeck spearheaded the founding of the Peterborough County-City Disaster Trust Fund, providing essential lodging, logistical and financial support to thousands of Peterborough and area residents at a time of dire need.

Mr. Holnbeck passed away in 2012 at the age of 97.

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