Inductees

Serena Ryder – something about her name even hints of lurking greatness.

As a youngster, it was evident she was destined to reach goals to which others could only dream. Quite possibly, Serena’s years growing up in Millbrook, Ontario gave her a certain kind of stability found only in a small-town setting. It is equally evident that even while attaining the success she has already enjoyed, she retains a great deal of admiration and respect for the place from which she came.

During her years at PCVS she had the opportunity to hone her craft along-side Thousand Foot Krutch and Three Days Grace. Her songwriting became a vehicle for her expressive vocals and it was not long until industry and audience alike began to take note. Releases such as “Just Another Day,” “If Your Memory Serves You Well,” “Weak In The Knees,” and “Is it OK” solidified her popularity.  Awards – including prestigious Junos – began to reward Serena’s songwriting/vocal gifts.

It all happened so quickly that the resultant promotion and appearance whirlwind took its toll with a bout of clinical depression. Serena fought it with a determined response and in overcoming it, her works took on deeper, meaningful emotions which only resulted in gaining more appreciative audience attention. Then along came her hit “Stompa,” and with it international stardom.  Deservedly more Junos followed.

A highlight of a busy 2015 was her singing the Pan/Para Am Games official song, “Together We Are One.”
Serena Ryder never forgot her Millbrook roots and Millbrook did not forget her either.  In fact notification is given everyone approaching the town with “home of Serena Ryder” being added to the identifying Millbrook highway sign.

Serena actively supports numerous local and special causes – Young Artists in Haiti, Save the Children Canada, Peterborough Music Fest and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, Peterborough Examiner

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.

There are few individual in Peterborough’s sphere of endeavour who proved, more emphatically, the power of language to enlighten, amuse, provoke and, when necessary, enrage than did Bruce Knapp. His frequent calls to local radio, and community television talk shows, his unending flow of letters to the editor, and his appearances before City Council spoke of a man willing to take a stand to defend points of view that often may not be in vogue.

As an ardent monarchist, Bruce spearheaded a campaign to force Canada Post to commemorate the Queen Mother’s hundredth birthday. His humanitarian efforts in disaster relief in Canada and around the world were legendary.

For his efforts, he was awarded the Caring Canadian medal by the Governor General of Canada.

For many years, Gwen Brown was a major contributor to the growth and vitality of live theatre in Peterborough. She was involved in forming the Peterborough Theatre Guild, which came about as an amalgamation of several theatre groups, including St. John’s Players, with whom Gwen had been previously involved.

In 1964, Gwen directed ‘Ah! Wilderness,’ the first production of a newly-formed Guild. Since that beginning, she performed as director or actor in dozens of Guild productions. As well, she worked with Arbor Theatre, a professional company that ran for many years. Along the way, her teaching skills and creative enthusiasms have been an inspiration for countless theatre devotees.

Gwen Brown passed away in 2013, in her 92nd year. More than a year after her passing, Gwen’s fellow models from the famed 2004 Flood Relief Calendar gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the flood, and the tremendous community strength, determination and generosity that helped a community both weather the storm, and champion a comeback. Gwen Brown, on display in glorious black and white, was there in spirit…

• Photo courtesy of Lois Tuffin, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawartha

Peterborough city and county is known widely for its diverse music soundtrack – a formidable footprint that’s well worthy of heralding whenever the opportunity presents itself.

For more than three decades, John Lewis has been, and remains, local music’s head cheerleader, bringing to our collective attention the incredible talent of the many musical artists in our midst. His platform for doing so remains YourTV, for which he has voluntarily produced hours of programming that brings artists of all music genres and talent levels to our ears.

Bringing his background as a CBC audio engineer to the table, Lewis not only helps ensure the airing of high quality productions but his research is over the top. More often than not, his guests are taken aback by some tidbit Lewis knows about them, either personally or professionally. Lewis does his homework.

His head crammed with information drawn from a variety of sources, Lewis doesn’t simply recite a list of questions – he engages his guests in a dialogue that, once finished, leaves us with as complete a picture of him or her as one can obtain.

The list of those who have sat down with Lewis for multiple episodes of both Junction 28 and The Skinny is long and impressive, featuring the likes of Serena Ryder, Jimmy Bowskill and the late Colleen Peterson. But he hasn’t limited his interview subjects to those of the long established variety. Many an up-and-coming musician has been granted the chance to perform in-studio, introducing each to a large audience. Good things – very good things – have often followed as a result of their one-on-one time with Lewis.

On top of hosting his two programs, Lewis has played a huge role in YourTV’s Christmas season programming. He has spent hours creating notes that highlight every audio cue, vocal note and movement for the Peterborough Singers’ presentation of Handel’s Messiah. With Lewis’ help, local music talents such as Terry Guiel and Elyse Saunders have shared their holiday music favourites with YourTV viewers.

As a volunteer, John doesn’t mail it in. He professionally approaches every interview and performance he’s involved with. Leading by example, he plays a key role in training other YourTV volunteers, eagerly sharing his expertise with those looking to make their own mark in the community television realm.

There’s a reason any reference to Maureen Harris- Lowe is generously sprinkled with the term ‘mentor.’
As director of the Peterborough Children’s Chorus for the past 20 years, Maureen has served as a wonderful role model for countless youths and young adults, helping each to grow not only as a vocalist but also as a confident performer whose professionalism and good manners represent Peterborough and area exceedingly well.
Under Maureen’s direction, the Peterborough Children’s Chorus has won numerous awards while traveling to competitions across North America and beyond. Striving to give her charges new experiences that will create lifelong memories – the chorus’ recent backing of iconic rock band Foreigner during its recent Peterborough concert is one example – Maureen sets a high standard for the choral group but does so in a fun way that leaves all feeling good.

“She is quick to give him a smile, a hug and make him feel like he is the most special one in the room,” says a parent of a young chorus member.

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Musical Arts, Maureen is a superb vocalist who sings with the Peterborough Pop Ensemble as well as performs at numerous local events and gatherings. Her passion for music is abundantly clear in all she undertakes and that passion has been, and remains, infectious much to the benefit of all who cross her path.

While you may not place the face, chances are you know, and know well, the voice.

For more than two decades, as a morning radio personality for 101.5 CFMP (pre-dating The WOLF) and Oldies 980 CKRUz, Melnik’s distinctive tone helped start the day on the right foot for thousands.

Having first arrived at 980 CHEX Radio in 1977 where he worked alongside local broadcasting icons Graham Hart, Gordon Gibb and Gary Dalliday (and later, Wally Macht) Mike Melnik learned fast, and well.

Returning to Peterborough in 1988 from CKCK Regina, he again took to the local airwaves with CFMP, the FM affiliate to 980 CHEX. When he moved to the AM dial in 1992 with the debut of oldies CKRUz on AM, Mike’s easy and entertaining on-air banter with the late John Badham was the highlight of close to 5,000 morning shows. When Badham retired, Melnik didn’t miss a beat as he, and his new co-host Catherine Hanrahan went together like peas and carrots until Mike’s retirement from the airwaves in 2012.

Away from the studio, Melnik’s philanthropic nature has benefitted numerous causes and events. Besides lending his voice where, and when needed he has always taken an active role in fundraising. A prime example is his 25 years-plus involvement with the Easter Seals Telethon – a huge commitment that not only sees him host the Angel Board segment of the telethon, but also serving as a member of the telethon’s organizing committee.

As chair of Peterborough’s ‘Canada 150’ Anniversary Celebration, Melnik worked with the Downtown Business Improvement Association and Peterborough Musicfest, hosting pop-up performances and a signature concert featuring Kim Mitchell. A founding member of the Three Loonies fundraiser that has raised close to $2 million for Kawartha Food Share, Melnik has also gifted his time and talent to the Boston Pizza Smashed Volleyball Tournament, Pedal For Hope, and the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge, to name but a few of his associations.

But for all his work towards the betterment of our community, Mike Melnik’s capacity to put those he interviews at complete ease remains an enduring hallmark of his persona. Simply put, he was, and remains gifted in terms of helping his interview subjects to feel instantly comfortable and right at home, as his natural curiosity draws out their story.

Owner and operator of Impact Communications, Mike not only helps his many clients achieve success through their marketing acumen, but also continues to volunteer his time to Easter Seals and, more recently, as a board member with the Peterborough Foundation.

As a banjo player and the leader of the ‘Millbrook Barnyard Preservation Band’ from 1973 to 2012, Jim ‘Fearless’ Flood made it his mission to bring his highly entertaining brand of music to as many people as possible in the Peterborough region and beyond.

Typically at no cost, Jim brought his volunteer band to retirement homes, Legions, and Navy and Air Force clubs in an area stretching from Toronto to Trenton and north to the Kawarthas.

Always willing to lend a hand, Jim also built, and presented numerous floats for parades for Canada Day, Frontier Day and The Yuletide in both Peterborough and Millbrook. And, as The Great Zucchini, Jim entertained countless children with both his magic and his music.

An excellent banjo player gifted with perfect pitch, Jim’s legacy is a lifetime of selfless giving of himself, his good humour and his musical gifts to thousands, young and old and all ages in between.

Jim ‘Fearless’ Flood passed away in 2015 at age 80.

Jill, and her late husband Peter Adams were known as a great team working in countless ways to assist people near, and far. Jill Adams, a nurse by training, served as president of the Peterborough Theatre Guild (PTG) and as a long-time chair of the Anson House Auxiliary – as well as a member of the board for the Five Counties Children’s Centre. She has been an active volunteer with St. John’s Anglican Church, Canadian Hearing Society, Friendly Visiting Service, and the Lung Association. Jill was a producer and key fundraiser for the PTG when they submitted an entry in an international drama festival in Yokohama, Japan. She has volunteered with orphanages and shelters in Mexico, Jamaica and Baffin lsland.

Together, Peter and Jill visited Bangladesh, Honduras, lndia and Uganda on behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World. Both were also key volunteers for the Casa de Angelis home.

Peter Adams, a noted professor of Geography at Trent University, had a political career with the Peterborough Board of Education, and as Member of Provincial Parliament from 1987 through 1990, and Member of Parliament in Ottawa from 1993 through 2005. He also served as chair for the 1980 Ontario Provincial Summer Games held in Peterborough.

Peter Adams died September 28th, 2018 in his 83rd year. He is survived by his wife Jill.

What Bill Mullan lacked in formal training, he more than made up for in enthusiasm, and devotion to music.

That same devotion characterized his commitment to sports and humanitarian causes.  Bill’s fiddle music made him a fixture at the Peterborough Farmers Market, and various local events.  Overcoming serious physical adversity, he actively participated in many sports. One could say, Bill Mullan was Peterborough’s most famous one-legged goaltender.

Over the years, Bill served as an avid supporter of many causes, including Cancer Research, ParticipAction, and old timers hockey.

The essence of a true visual artist is to take the particular, and make it universal. The concept goes a long way in explaining the appeal of Eddie LePage’s artistry.

Completely self-taught, Eddie’s creative spirit embraces the beauty of the natural world, and finds an immediate kinship. Popularity of his portraits attests to the positive response of this kinship. Eddie’s works hang in private, and public galleries around the world. As well, his portraits of Ojibwa culture, past and present, found ready acceptance.

His talents are recognized by such groups as Ducks Unlimited, The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and The Bradford Exchange.

For over a quarter century, Eddie made the Kawarthas his home, not only for this region’s incredible natural beauty but for the sense of community he’s found. With great generosity, he shares his time and talents to aid numerous community causes, including Heart & Stroke Society, The M.S. Society, the YWCA, and Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Creativity, Nature and Community are three words shining through Eddie LePage’s art, and life.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Chuck Vollmar’s contribution to local theatre in general, and the Peterborough dramatic arts scene in particular is immeasurable.

Over the years he has won Best Actor awards, and has had leading roles in productions that have traveled to festivals as distant as Asia, Aruba, Venezeula and Newfoundland. “Hedges” in which Chuck played one of the lead roles toured to Japan representing Canada in an International Theatre festival.

Chuck Vollmar is also a talented cartoonist and graphic designer, who designed and created the artwork for hundreds of promotional posters and program covers for the Peterborough Theatre Guild. It seems he has always been involved in some way in all aspects of the Peterborough theatre scene. Working with young people in developing their acting abilities is another area of theatre in which Chuck revels. In the 1990’s he founded Peterborough Improv Group (PIG for short), a troupe of improv actors who appeared at local venues and performed murder mysteries at private functions.

Chuck is known to possess a lightning wit which makes him in demand as emcee at local events – and he has also rescued the odd theatre production when lines where missed or flubbed. His play “Kawartha Love Letters” was well- received at the Theatre Guild. Later, he wrote “Fishing Buddies” which sold out during its run at Showplace and subsequently, when staged again a few years later at the Guild.

To say that Chuck Vollmar is totally immersed in all areas of the local theatre scene would be (as the old saying goes) putting it mildly.

Chuck has won the Peterborough Civic Award twice for his dedication to the Arts, and in 2016 was recipient of an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for over 30 years with the Peterborough Theatre Guild. There should be no doubt that Chuck Vollmar is without question one of the most selfless, proficient theatrical talents in Peterborough, and area.

Mr. Vollmar passed away in June, 2025

Without question, he’s one of the most talented and multi-faceted musicians ever to make his home in Peterborough.

Bud Sullivan took to the saxophone early in life and never looked back. Under the tutelage of renowned Belgian musician, Ben Vereecken, Bud began playing with the famed Huntsville Band, and at Bigwin Inn. His talents quickly impressed vacationing musicians, leading to an opportunity of a lifetime.

In 1926, Bud began an eight year tour with the immortal John Philip Sousa Marching Band. After Sousa’s death, Bud went to work with the CBC and the Toronto Symphony. Also at this time he began a new, and fulfilling stage in his life; teaching music.

Opening his music store on Charlotte Street, with wife Dorothy, Bud shared his gift of musical genius with more than a generation of young Peterborough musicians, including Bobby Kinsman and Daniel Rubinoff. Testament to Bud’s teaching talent is the fact that several of his students went on to graduate from the illustrious Juilliard School of Music.

Bud Sullivan: a musician of considerable talent and creativity who maintained a love for music, and for people who made music.

“There is one thing a photograph must contain: the humanity of the moment.”

Charlie Gregory has certainly heeded the advice of Swiss photographer and documentary filmmaker Robert Frank.

Camera in hand and empathy flowing through his veins, his motivation has been, as he told The Examiner in February 2023, “to swing these people into having a heart,” a reference to you and me and anyone else who has seen the marginalized but remained blind to their full right to not only walk among us but live their lives on their terms.

So it is, through Gregory’s photographic essays, we have met Bongo Dave, Groundhog, The Shinny Man, One Legged Bill, Abby Red Scooter, Ottawa Bob, Quiet Ken, Big Joe Nap and The Drifter.

A self-described “watcher of folks who live on the edges of society,” Gregory has made it his selfless mission to be there for each of them and countless others – but his kindness extends well beyond the click of a camera shutter.

As the proprietor of Lumpy Bikes, Gregory habitually donates refurbished bicycles to the marginalized. But his compassion is much more up close and personal.

In the introduction to Dark Hallways Revisited and Other Lost Places In My Soul – the sequel to his 2012 published photo essay of the same name – Lynn Cummings writes “Stealthily, regularly, he checks the downtown neighbourhoods and gathering places of people who are homeless…sourcing medical and social assistance, providing rides and smokes, offering an ear for listening and a shoulder for leaning.”

But the essence of who Gregory is, and why it matters, can be found in his striking photographs. His documentation of those he has befriended brings us on a privileged journey where our eyes are opened as we stare into the eyes of his subjects. His accompanying insights speak to the soul of those his camera has frozen in time. The result is we see – really see – the homeless for who they are and always have been: people who, while lacking a home, are people all the same. Flesh and blood; dreams and hopes; interesting, quirky and full of life as they’ve experienced it.

The message of Gregory’s advocacy, both photographic and personal, is bogeymen are the stuff of fiction. Don’t dare avert your eyes. There’s nothing to be afraid of here. Never was. Never will be.

As one would guess, Gregory hasn’t come to this place at this time by accident.

In a 2018 interview with Peterborough This Week, Gregory revealed that there was no authority figure in his life after age 12, his widowed mother struggling to raise six children.

Showing “great signs of being a rascal at a very young age,” he was bailed out of the drunk tank six consecutive weekends when he was 16. Later, in the 1970s, his selling of recreational drugs brought a 13-month sentence at the Ontario Reformatory in Guelph. This sentence had a twofold effect in that it prevented him from further using soft and hard drugs, as well as introducing him to working in the prison school as both the secretary, and as a teacher with his own hand-chosen pupils, hardened by difficult lives at home.  After his marijuana grow operation for those suffering various maladies both physical and mental, was raided in Peterborough’s south end in April 2008, he was sentenced to a 45-day stay at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay.

Released early and ordered to complete his sentence by working weekends at the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) on Brock Street, Gregory was a witness to prostitution, overt drug activity and copious consumption of alcohol in the shelter’s vicinity – a firsthand experience that was an epiphany of sorts as he saw “the underbelly of Peterborough like I had never seen it before.”

Out many thousands of dollars because of his legal troubles but blessed with a family and a roof over their head, Gregory determined, then and there, to help people who “had nothing.” The following summer, he found, refurbished and donated no fewer than 74 bicycles to those in need. Lumpy Bikes is a byproduct of that experience, as is the name which satirizes the bikes he donates.

When all is said and done, Gregory’s striking photographs and from-the-heart stories put a face to the faceless, and give meaning to lives that indeed matter. He asks nothing of those who view his images and read his words, other than perhaps some long overdue reflection on ‘There but for the grace of God, go I’ and the love for others which often flows from that.

Many of those depicted in Gregory’s book have died since they were photographed – but the road to anonymity they were on has been lit by the photographic proof of their having been here with us.

“My job is to share the information I have on these people,” Gregory told This Week, adding “I don’t know why I do it but I think somewhere in there I say ‘This person needs a friend.’ So, I end up being their friend.”

And we end up being in a much better place as a result.

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.

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.

For Gene Canning, it seems art is more than intriguingly executed images on canvas. Indeed, he skillfully nurtures the dormant creativity within each student almost as an extension of himself. His ability to do so, has enhanced Gene’s artistic acceptance as an artist worldwide.

One of his paintings currently hangs in the Rideau Hall exhibit among Canada’s permanent art collection.
Expanding his compulsion to share the appreciation of art utilizing modern communicative tools, Gene Canning created and hosted ‘Journeys of an Artist,’ a weekly national PBS Network television program that aired from 2003 through 2008.

Sharing his talent on a more individual level, he teaches art at a Children’s Summer Camp, a senior’s group as well as an advanced plain art course each fall.

Mr. Canning has been especially supportive of those with special needs, assisting them to develop their artistic abilities. So great has been his influence, and his teaching skills, that a good many of his students have gone on to enjoy a tremendous measure of success in the world of art.

Gene Canning’s artistic accomplishments have earned him global recognition which has made his career the subject of TV documentaries, high profile interviews and studies. He is, at present engaged in an art project retracing the trails of Tom Thompson to commemorate the famous Canadian’s Centenary (1917).

It can be stated with considerable pride, that Gene Canning’s artistic pursuits will continue to spotlight the Peterborough area as his home and workplace for many years to come.

• Photo courtesy of Mike Lacey, Metroland

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.”

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.

When charged with being the face, and the voice for an organization, the pressure to deliver can, and often is equal parts overwhelming, stressful and daunting.

During his 27 years as Executive Director of the Five Counties Children’s Centre Foundation, if Dave Adams felt any pressure to deliver results, he never showed it. Quite the contrary, as he proudly heralded the centre’s mission of helping children and adolescents with physical, communication and developmental needs, strengthen their abilities.

Mr. Adams’ own daughter was in the pipeline to receive support and care from Five Counties, when Dave applied for the Executive Director’s position in 1991. He not only got the job, but over the ensuing years worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the centre’s work, and the need for funding to ensure that work continued.

In his role, Dave Adams spoke to numerous community groups, often outside of working hours – and he organized very successful fundraisers, including the annual door-to-door campaign which relied upon an army of volunteers to raise thousands of dollars.

When the Peterborough Festival of Trees ended its lengthy run, Mr. Adams, saw an opportunity and retooled the event as a Five Counties fundraiser dubbed Winterfest. He also coordinated an ambitious fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $5 million over five years.

Our inductee’s unabashed support of his community extended well beyond the Dutton Road centre, as he volunteered with Junior Achievement, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the United Way of Peterborough and District.

Mr. Adams was also heavily involved in sledge hockey for youths with special needs, and gifted his time to Special Olympics as well as the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services. Active in sport in his own right he skied, played hockey, baseball and golf, and even won a medal for speed skating. For a number of years Mr. Adams awoke many days at 6 a.m. to flood a neighbourhood ice rink before heading off to work.

Retired in 2018, David Adams sadly passed away three years later – but his influence and legacy is seen to this day in the continuing world-class care and support provided daily to children and their families from across the Peterborough region, and beyond.

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.

A faithful champion of the Canadian Armed Forces and veterans long after his 1970 retirement from the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Captain, Robert Ough has never stopped serving.

With decades of volunteer service in Peterborough and area – he moved here in 1982 with his wife Margaret – Robert has maintained a leading presence with the Air Force Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal Canadian Military Institute and the Peterborough United Services Institute. Local events held annually to honour veterans have benefited greatly from his involvement.

After leaving the Armed Forces, Robert spent 47 years in the helicopter industry, earning a life membership in the Helicopter Association of Canada. Still, as successful as he was in business, he never forgot his Military roots.
As a member of the 428 Peterborough Wing Air Force Association, Robert was one of those responsible for the restoration of the 1950 F-86 Sabre jet at Riverside Park in Peterborough. In June 2009, fully restored, the jet was returned to the park – a consecrated memorial to the memory of all airmen from the Peterborough district. While that was a much publicized effort, it is Robert’s unheralded efforts on the part of veterans that sets him apart as he regularly visits with them, advocates on their behalf and drives them to and from events.

Robert’s service extends well beyond the military realm, a prime example being his work with a 12 Step Program as well as his extensive service and contributions as a Mason for more than 50 years.

In 2012, Robert was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedicated service to his peers, his community and Canada as a whole.

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.

A retired computer science professor at Sir Sandford Fleming College, Al Tye has been a dedicated volunteer with the Peterborough Theatre Guild (PTG).

He directed 13 productions between 1980 and 2010, enjoying outstanding success with Proof (2008). ln more than forty years of association with the PTG he was connected with no fewer than 170 productions, serving as mentor, producer, director, actor and set designer.

He also served as founding Artistic Director for the Whispers Dinner Theatre, directing 14 productions. He was a professional set designer for Arbor Theatre, and for the Kawartha Summer Theatre in Lindsay.

ln 2005, the Market Hall Theatre named Al Tye as one of Peterborough’s ‘Greatest 100 in the Performing Arts.’

Peterborough born, country music singer/songwriter, Colleen Peterson had one of the purest voices ever recorded in Canadian history.  She was a two time Juno winner, and her songs were featured constantly on country radio in Canada.

CBC supported her career as well.

During Colleen’s colorful career she recorded three albums with Capitol Records Canada. Sadly, these recordings are no longer available as the albums are no longer a part pf Capitol’s active catalogue.  Many of these songs can be found on Colleen’s My Space page, and this is the only known site to archive these great songs.

She also recorded her own CD in the early 1990’s called “What Comes Around Goes Around,” but here again this work is no longer available.  Peterson released one album for the indie company, Bookshop.

Colleen also recorded three albums as a part of Quartette during the early 1990’s and remain available through the Quartette website.

The final recording of Colleen’s work, “Postcards From California,”  was released posthumously in 2004 and is available through CD Baby.

Colleen Peterson is buried at Little Lake Cemetery.

George Novotny Sr’s short life is a prominent example that it is not how long you live, but what you accomplish while living it. Fleeing an oppressive regime in his native Czech Republic brought George Sr., his wife Sylvia and George Jr. to Peterborough in 1952. They brought with them nothing but the tremendous desire to succeed, and a tireless work ethic.

However, George Sr. did have some attributes that would help him, and his family to quickly settle in. He was fluent in seven languages, and was an accomplished pianist, accordionist, arranger and orchestrator. These abilities soon found favour with such area musical stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman, Del Crary, Buzz Buzzell, Paul “Streak” Konkle, Hugo Tapp and others.

George Novotny Sr. also had another ace up his sleeve. He had an innate ability to readily identify, and name any musical note immediately, which is commonly referred to as perfect pitch.

Bobby Kinsman was the first to utilize our inductee’s  wide-ranging musical talents. It was not long before George Sr. formed his own orchestra and began performing regularly at the Rock Haven Motor Hotel and, in the summer months at Viamede summer resort. CHEX Radio hosted his shows “Musician’s Corner” and “88 Keys,” and CHEX TV programmed a seasonal show “Music By George.”

The Novotny Orchestra played high school proms and he also presented music clinics on the history of music and piano stylings at Lakefield College School. He was also Church Organist, and Choir Director at St. John the Baptist Church.

Shock waves reverberated through the entire area when he passed at the age of 37 on November 3rd, 1961 after taking ill during a performance the night before at the Rock Haven. The relatively short period of time he contributed to the musical life of this area remains deeply imbedded in the hearts, and minds of all who were fortunate enough to have been entertained by him, or come in contact, in some way, with one of the greatest talents to ever grace this community.

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.

Connie Brummel Crook spent a great deal of her life proving, if you enjoy a good story, you needn’t go further than our own Canadian history.

For 30 years, Connie taught English in Peterborough and area schools. She launched one of Peterborough County’s first Reading Labs and tutoring program to assist younger students.

Upon retiring from teaching, she concentrated on a writing career; authoring a series of popular novels extolling Canadian history and heritage. Connie Brummel Crook is recognized by the International Reading Association for her creativity and faithfulness to historical accuracy.

A musician and songwriter for over 30 years, Bryan D. Switzer is one of those genuine artists who uses his music to touch the hearts of people in his community, and country. He created a remarkable catalogue of songs celebrating Canada, the land’s history and beauty, and poignancy of the lives of individual Canadians. His songs had an impact on audiences across the country and as far away as Europe.

Throughout his career, Bryan’s been an ardent and passionate supporter of Canadian talent, especially those aspiring artists looking to get their foot in the door. There have been no worthy causes in our area that have yet to benefit from the musical generosity of Bryan D. Switzer.

If longevity is a hallmark of success, this gentleman has achieved his longevity with a caring commitment to his music, and his fellow Canadians.

Michael Cullen is a professional photographer who has been a tireless supporter of Trent University and other community groups. His company since 1985, Trent Photographics, specializes in high resolution photography so central to the world of fine arts and archives.

He catalogued the extensive Ken Thomson art collection. His commercial product photography clients included Quaker Oats, General Electric, Siemens Milltronics, and Flying Colours. He was photographer and editor of the Trent University Annual for 1984, and for books on canoeing, rowing and the Painters 11 group of artists.

His ‘Chair’ series, featuring Trent professors sitting in an iconic Ron Thom chair, was featured in Peterborough’s Russell Gallery, where he did several shows. His support and expertise have been valued by several charitable causes.

• Photo courtesy of Michael Cullen Photography