Inductees

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.

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

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

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

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

How fortunate are those who are able to not only do what they love, but also blessed with the capacity to pursue their passion with the help, and support of those whom they love?

Born near Ottawa, Enid Swerdferger attended Queen’s University, bringing to that institution an unbridled love for both reading, and Canadian history. It was at Queen’s that she met Gord Mallory. They married in 1960 and moved to Peterborough where Gord worked as an engineer at Canadian General Electric. The couple raised four children, who have since blessed Enid and Gord with 10 grandchildren.

Having worked as both a social worker and a librarian, Enid never lost her love of Canadian history. Combining that with a talent and passion for writing, she penned and published her first book ‘Kawartha: Living On These Lakes,’ following that up with ‘Countryside Kawartha’ published through Peterborough Publishing, an enterprise started and operated by herself, and Gord. Combined, those first two books sold more than 10,000 copies locally.

With Gord’s assistance in photography and publishing, Enid has written 11 books. Along with those two initial efforts, other books she has written include ‘Robert Service: Under The Spell Of The Yukon’; ‘Coppermine: The Far North of George M. Douglas’; ‘Captain Fitz: FitzGibbon, Green Tiger of the War of 1812’; ‘Travels With Birds in Eastern North America’; ‘The Remarkable Years: Canadians Remember The 20th Century’; ‘Over The Counter: The Country Store In Canada’; and in 2017, ‘Susannah’s 1837: Rebellion in the Canadas.’ In addition, Enid has contributed articles to the Canadian Geographical Journal, Beaver’ and Reader’s Digest.

Enid’s research for her books has taken her and Gord across Canada, including two trips to the Yukon where she conducted interviews for ‘Robert Service: Under The Spell Of The Yukon.’ For her e-book ‘Travels With Birds,’ they trekked across eastern Ontario, and the eastern United States.

Back home, Enid was a member of the Friends of the Bata Library at Trent University, and both were members of the Peterborough Field Naturalists. In addition, numerous speaking engagements have filled Enid’s calendar, including talks featured at the annual Lakefield Literary Festival and before several local historical societies.

Until his passing in April of 2018, Gord was equally busy.  After working in the Civilian Atomic Power Department at GE, he founded Spectrum Engineering in 1971 with three other engineers. Sold to a Norwegian company, that company is now owned by Rolls-Royce, which employs 140 people locally. In Seoul, South Korea, Gord taught a nuclear radiation safety course for the Korean Atomic Energy Commission. Locally, he served with Otonabee Conservation as chair of its Water Control Board, and chaired the Board of Northminster United Church.

Details of Joseph Scriven’s life are somewhat limited, but what is known makes a remarkable story.

He was born in Ireland to a family of comfortable means and educated at Trinity College, Dublin.  On the eve of his wedding, his fiancée accidentally drowned.  It was a shock from which he’d never recover.

Emigrating to Port Hope area, Joseph taught school and developed a strong faith in Christ. Adhering to a strict life of piety, he gave all his possessions to the poor and became known as The Good Samaritan of Port Hope.  He died under mysterious circumstances in August, 1886.

His gifts to the poor of Port Hope were his possessions, but Joseph Scriven’s gift to the world were the many hymns he composed after embracing Christianity, the most notable being, ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus,’ a song that’s been sung in every Christian church around the world for the past one hundred years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

A 30 year broadcasting career made Del Crary a legend.

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

An individual who helped thousands of youngsters, spent a lifetime developing award-winning teams, was on duty at 6:30 in the morning until late at night, and who refused as much as a penny in remuneration.

Such was Peterborough’s Pansy Forbes.

Pansy was a pioneer of synchronized swimming, as sport, in Ontario and in Canada; an involvement encompassing more than 30 years.

Early in her career, she included basic figures and patterns in her instruction, concluding with a display of synchronized swimming. A Peterborough club was formed with Pansy as coach. Her accomplishments included many Canadian and International titles, exhibiting the sport at the 1954 British Empire Games and representing Canada at the 1955 Pan Am Games in Mexico City.

Pansy Forbes received numerous awards, one of which was being named to the Aquatic Hall of Fame in Winnipeg.

Pansy Forbes is in the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame.

In visual arts, excellence is defined by an artist’s genius, passion and impact of his, or her work upon viewers. In the unique art form of classic automobile restoration, Harry Sherry demonstrated all criteria necessary to be considered a truly remarkable visual artist.

From simple beginnings in his Warsaw, Ontario auto body shop in the early 1960’s his artistry grew, as did his recognition. Over ensuing years, Mr. Sherry was the recipient of countless national, and international awards for lovingly, and faithfully restoring vintage automobiles.

At an unveiling of the restoration of a 1908 heritage McLaughlin Buick for General Motors, a GM executive summed up Harry’s artistry, thus; “There are those in life who meet expectations, and there are those like Harry Sherry, who exceed them.”

Mr. Sherry passed away March 1st, 2021 at the age of 82

• photo courtesy of Jil McIntosh

When Peterborough born-and-raised Doug Pearcy moved to Norwood with his wife Sandra in 1969 to begin work in the auto parts business, there was little, to no indication of what that would mean for the town east of Peterborough.

Over the 50 years since, Doug’s fingerprints have been all over many aspects of Norwood’s growth and development.

Mr. Pearcy sat on Peterborough County Council from 1992 to 2014, serving as Reeve of Asphodel-Norwood for six years and, in 1996, as County Warden. However, his contributions to his community have extended well beyond the political arena.

Doug has been a member of the Norwood Lions Club for 49 years, awarded a life membership by the service club for his outstanding service. In addition, for 39 years, Doug has been a member of Branch 300 of the Royal Canadian Legion and currently serves as Service Officer, helping veterans and their families secure benefits owed to them. And, having become a Mason in 1966, Doug has held a number of positions with that organization through his association with the Norwood Masonic Lodge.

With Mr. Pearcy serving as co-chair, Action 2000 saw the raising of $1.5 million towards the building of the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre, which opened in 2003. When it was decided that a senior AAA hockey franchise would be an ideal tenant for the new arena, Doug was front-and center in that effort and, on most Sunday nights, sold 50-50 tickets at Vipers games, the proceeds of which supported a number of community projects.

Currently president of Hospice Norwood Incorporated, Doug is leading the effort to see that project become a reality. There’s no question his 14-year stint as chair of the Committee of Management for Fairhaven has served him well in that effort. Doug still sits on that committee as a member.

When Doug was presented with a community recognition award on July 1, 2016, there was no doubt his significant service to Norwood spoke precisely to why the late J.J. Stewart, created the award.

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

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

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

Bravo, Peggy!

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.

When David Carley puts pen to paper, there’s a pretty good chance the words that result will take on new life in the form of a play, be it produced for stage, radio or television.

With more than 450 productions having sprung from his storytelling acumen, Mr. Carley has won, or been nominated for, a number of honours including The Governor General’s Award (Writing With Our Feet, finalist), The Arthur Miller Award from the University of Michigan, the New York International Radio Festival Award, and several Dora Mavor Moore Awards. In 2012, for his significant and sustained contributions to theatre in Ontario, Mr. Carley took home the Maggie Bassett Award.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Dave Carley wrote Susanna! for the Peterborough Theatre Guild in 1979 while a student at the University of Toronto. His musical spoof based on the life of Susanna Moodie marked the beginning of a writing career spanning the next 40 years. In 1985, Mr. Carley’s play Hedges, staged by the Guild, represented Canada at an international theatre festival in Japan. He has also written plays staged by Peterborough-based New Stages Theatre.

Beginning in 1990, Carley was the radio drama script editor for CBC and continues to write for the Corporation. He was script editor for the Wendy Lill drama series Backbencher, and wrote three second-season episodes.

More recently, Dave Carley wrote Canadian Rajah based on the life of Esca Brooke Daykin, the eldest son of Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak. It premiered in January 2019 at Toronto’s Campbell House. Prior, Mr. Carley’s work about the death penalty, Twelve Hours, premiered in March 2014 at the Garden Theatre in Columbus, Ohio and, in 2016 his stage adaptation of Al Purdy’s novel A Splinter In The Heart was premiered by the Festival Players of Prince Edward County.

An active member of numerous organizations, including the Playwrights Guild of Canada and Amnesty International, Dave Carley founded Friends of Freddy, an association formed for the appreciation of the Freddy the Pig series of books by Walter Brooks. He’s also the founding editor of the Playwright Guild of Canada’s magazine CanPlay, and serves as chair of the dance and opera divisions for the Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

It’s an interesting human characteristic: a few strains of melody quickly releases a flood of memories; the good times we had in our youth. Part of such cherished memory belongs to musicians who gave form to melody.

One name that’s long been associated with musical good times in Peterborough area is Paul ‘Streak’ Konkle.

Paul was, to many a musical genius who could write arrangements as easily as other mere mortals could write down phone numbers. For several decades, he was one of the most respected guitar teachers in Peterborough, enabling countless young musicians to set sail on their own careers.

Yet, is is through his performing talents, that most will remember Paul Konkle. Solo or part of a small, or large ensemble, Paul charmed audiences with his musical ease and craftsmanship. He excelled as a valued member of many legendary bands, coming out of bygone eras in our history; working with names such as George Novotny, Hal MacFarland, Bobby Kinsman and Del Crary. It was a time when Saturday nights meant fun with friends and up-close live music. That’s where Paul shone.

Whether it’s dancing at The Aragon or relaxing at The Algonquin, musical memory and Paul ‘Streak Konkle was part of our lives.

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

In 1970, it was obvious Otonabee Township needed a library, but no suitable location could be found at the time.

Gayle and John Nelson stepped up, and offered their Keene home as the first library location. That generosity symbolized more than 50 years of dedication to Otonabee-South Monaghan Township and the Greater Peterborough area.

Since their marriage in 1954, Gayle and John volunteered in numerous capacities, adding much to the cultural enjoyment of the Kawarthas. Both are founding members of Otonabee-South Monaghan Historical Society; serving in numerous executive positions within the organization. They supervised, and helped fund the completion of a public library in Keene, combining the library with the Historical Society.

Gayle indulged a passion for history with two highly acclaimed books: ‘Forest To Farm – Early Days In Otonabee,’ and an extensive history of the United Church in Keene. She pursued a lifelong enthusiasm for genealogical research, serving on a board of directors for Kawartha Ancestral Research Association. Gayle also submitted a number of well-researched articles for KARA’s publication, ‘Trees and Forbears.’

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

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

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

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

From the 1930’s to the 1970’s, if you enjoyed live entertainment at one of Peterborough’s legendary ‘hot spots,’ chances are you were charmed by the multi-faceted talents of Ernie Victor.

Beginning his career with the Salvation Army Band at the ripe age of seven, Ernie wowed audiences with his ability to play a duet on two horns at the same time. As leader of his own group, a member of Graydon Sheldon’s Oldtimers, or as a soloist, Ernie delighted an entire generation with his musical virtuosity.

In the 1950’s he added magic to his repertoire, and subsequently became one of Peterborough’s most prolific booking agents. He brought countless big name entertainers to the Peterborough area and booked grandstand shows for the region’s major fairs and exhibitions. Achieving distinction as musician, conductor, arranger, vocalist, magician, comedian, and booking agent, he could well have been called the “Mr. Everything” of Peterborough entertainment.

The magic of musical performance lay in its capacity to entertain, delight, inspire, challenge and express thoughts and emotion – too deeply felt, to be entrusted to mere words. Shirley Lannen spent a lifetime expressing thoughts and emotions through music and audiences; the Kawarthas have been the richer for her passion, and talent.

Shirley spent her formative years playing and singing in church, school choirs and at community events. By the late 1950’s, her talents were on display with area dance bands. Her broad love of all genres of music made her the Kawarthas’ unofficial ‘wedding singer.’

In the 1970’s, Shirley began a 28-year love affair with the St. James Players and her natural affinity for Musical Comedy contributed much to the enviable reputation the St. James Players enjoyed over the years. With the Players, she served as director, pianist, choral and musical director, costume director, producer and leading lady.

She served as organist at Donwood United Church and enjoys participating in church musical fundraisers.
Whether in church, on stage or before a dance band, Shirley Lannen always said it best with music.

Paul Crough, in the words of his nominator, “has sung and danced and acted on virtually every stage in the area.”
He is a teacher at St. Peter’s Secondary School who has written, choreographed, directed his students to some remarkable performances.

He toured with Up With People. Locally he founded the Ennismore Homestead Theatre, and has written and directed their shows, designed the choreography and played the leading roles. He was outstanding in the 2013 Peterborough Theatre Guild production of Sound of Music. He played the lead role as Captain Von Trapp, and was a joint choreographer for this outstanding musical. He has had a major role in some forty shows. In 2011, he played the lead in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. With the St. James Players in 2005 he was a tour de force with Slainte! the remarkable story of Irish emigration to this area, in which he was a co-writer and starred in the lead role.

Paul Crough is an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of theatre in all its local manifestations, and has sung and danced his way into countless audiences.

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

Eveline Foster is one of those rare and wonderful musicians who warmly combined her love of music with her love of family and community.

For near 60 years, Eveline charmed the Peterborough people as both performer and teacher. She taught piano and violin to such future luminaries as Del Crary, Ernie Victor and Stan McBride Sr.. As musician, she played at silent movies, numerous minstrel shows, the Peterborough Symphony, the YWCA and, on Saturday nights, the Sergeant’s Mess at the Armouries. A humble woman, she poured her heart into her music. Eveline once said she never did solo work because that would mean facing the audience. “They should be just enjoying the music,” she said, “not seeing me.”

In recognition of her dedication to music and community, a trophy in her name is awarded each year at the Kiwanis Music Festival. To those who knew her or felt her influence, Eveline Foster represents the best in our musical tradition: a love of people and the making of music for the pure joy of it.

There are not enough improv phrases to conjure up the immense contribution Dan Fewings has made to this community. No doubt, he has helped bridge the gap between the Trent University, and Peterborough communites through his varied activities, and as a consequence made Peterborough a more welcoming place to live.

Dan Fewings’ vocation as music teacher at PCVS and Crestwood High Schools enabled him to note, encourage and help promising talent. He became mentor to such exceptional people as Jimmy Bowskill. Dan single-handedly expanded the Peterborough Folk Scene, hosting and performing 5 years of Tuesday nights (count ’em ,256 in all) at Red Dog Ray McGregor’s (Inducted 1999) Hunter Street West Tavern stage in the early 1990’s.

It can be said of Dan Fewings that his comedic talents boarder on genius, making him sought after by numerous groups as performer, emcee and comic.

His presence in ‘Bowskills and Fewings,’ ‘The Three Martinis,’ ‘Slim Pickets’ and ‘The Union Cards,’ also with son Josh in ‘Fewings and Son,’ and then on occasion with the Citiots Improv Group, has resulted in the stuff legendary stories in equal parts colourful,and simply great.

It would be safe to say that those with whom he has graced the stage: Linda Kash (Inducted 2015), Sean Cullen, Serena Ryder (Inducted 2016) and Rick Mercer to name but a few, will concede that the billing could be just as meaningful the other way around!

It is estimated Dan has volunteered over 1000 hours of music, clowning around or emcee to numerous functions. His wit, energy, promotion of others and love of people combine to bestow Dan Fewings, an Honouree of the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

It’s a widely-held truth, in the music business, that really successful groups gather together not to gain fame and fortune, but for the pure pleasure of making music.

That’s essentially how The Kountry Klassics became one of Peterborough’s most popular country groups. Back in the early 1990’s, a handful of musicians got together at one of their homes to jam and have fun playing old time country music. The sound produced was so good; they decided to ‘go public.’ Over an ensuing decade, the group underwent a few personnel changes until coming up with the mix they now have, in 1996.

With Don Stiver on steel, Paul Jones and Al Marshall on guitars, Jim Hobson on drums and Bonnie Irwin on vocals, the Kountry Klassics quickly made a name for themselves on the Peterborough music scene and have given selflessly of their time and talent in aid of numerous local causes.

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.

Red Moncrief, born in South Monaghan, learned to play violin and piano as a child. As a young man, Red combined farming and music, gaining popularity performing at local house parties and barn dances.

During the days when there were few records, and electricity wasn’t readily available outside the city, weekly dances were a top source of entertainment. Red decided to form a dance band; ‘Red Moncrief and the Haymakers.’ The band stayed together for 22 years, garnering an immense local following by playing at area Legion halls . For three years, the band performed weekly live shows on CHEX radio.

For many longtime Peterborough area residents, Red Moncrief and the Haymakers remained the most popular, and fondly remembered musical act during the Depression, and into the War years.

There’s a danger in our long term care system that the dignity and individuality of many seniors can be overlooked. Larger elements of care are provided, but attention to smaller consideration is too time-consuming. Often, its attention to ‘small stuff’ that provides the most dignity for those who seem forgotten.

Heather and John Collins are symbolic of countless volunteers who add so much to quality-of-life by ‘sweating the small stuff’ for those who can’t.

For over 25 years, Heather and John volunteered their time and friendship at Extendicare facilities in Peterborough and Lakefield. It’s faithfulness to ‘small things’ that make their contributions so meaningful. They’ve given of their time to accompany residents to physicians and hospital appointments as well as shopping trips and social outings, often using their own vehicle. The prospect of an outing for someone who is alone with mobility problems can be so daunting the chance to interact is often missed. John and Heather made a career of making certain no one is left out. Their faithfulness to little things includes bringing home-baked treats when they visit. They cheerfully repair small objects and do sewing repairs. John makes wood, and coloured-glass ornaments to brighten residents’ rooms, and Heather provides manicures for the ladies.

These are simple things, but are things that add so much to a sense of dignity.

Peterborough’s vibrant arts scene has been blessed with countless champions – but few have matched the relentless passion, leadership and commitment that Cathy Rowland has consistently exhibited.

Visual, literary, dramatic…whatever arts genre Rowland set her sights on advancing, good things have followed. Combine that with her advocacy for youth, and it’s not hard to comprehend the indelible footprint our inductee has left on Peterborough’s cultural landscape.

An educator by profession and in heart, Rowland’s vision had a lasting impact when, in 1990 she founded and coordinated the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS. Countless youths benefitted, many of whom went on pursue their studies in the arts and achieve great success in their respective fields. In 2002, local youth again benefitted when Rowland developed, and organized the first Best of High School Art Exhibition. Six years later, Rowland produced and directed the PCVS 100^th anniversary gala concert.

Behind the scenes, Rowland has had a major and lasting influence as lead writer for the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum. Her involvement with Trent University’s School of Education and, more recently its enrichment program has greatly influenced future educators to ensure the arts maintain a strong presence in their classrooms.

Away from the education tableau but no less significant, Rowland has written, produced and directed theatrical productions – her creative talents anchoring the success of numerous high school and community theatre offerings. In conjunction with the latter, she has won a series of regional Sears Drama Festival Awards. Never shy to roll up her sleeves and get busy, Rowland has also lent her considerable skills to costume and set design.

On the administrative side, Rowland has been a member of several boards, gifting her knowledge and enthusiasm to the great benefit of arts-related organizations: among them, the Peterborough Theatre Guild, the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) and the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery.

Just last year, Rowland brought together artists from various disciplines when she organized the Peterborough Sunflower Festival in support of Ukrainian refugees. 2022 also saw Rowland continue her work on behalf of the New Canadians Centre in the form of an interactive arts event for refugees new to the area.

When most people walk by old Peterborough buildings, they simply see old brick, wood and shingles. When Martha Kidd passes an old Peterborough building, she sees life and history. She sees the men who built the structure, the individuals and families who inhabited the building over decades, who worked and played, laughed and cried, lived and died there to mold Peterborough into what it is today.

Active in many phases of local history, Martha served as president of Peterborough Historical Society and vice-chair and research director with Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.

A book she co-authored with Louis Taylor, (Historical Sketches of Peterborough,) and a myriad of newspaper articles and columns are a continuing source of fascination, bringing to life so many aspects of Peterborough history. Her writing also enriches any city walking tour.

Few have contributed more to our appreciation of local history and architectural heritage than Martha Ann Kidd.

Martha Ann Kidd passed away in 2012. Image credit: MyKawartha.com

For more than three decades, no charity concert in Peterborough would be complete without the familiar figure of Johnny Driscoll. An avid Country Music enthusiast, he’d give unselfishly of his time and energy to organize and promote concerts in aid of many worthy fundraisers.

With a deep sense of commitment to Peterborough’s performing arts community, Johnny Driscoll was an early and vocal proponent of establishing a city performance centre. He was also a grassroots supporter of the Pathway of Fame.

There have been many words used to describe Washboard Hank Fisher’s performing talents. Words such as “unique,” “different,” “silly,” and “funny” come to mind. However, one word that’s never been used to describe Hank’s performance is “boring!”

With stylish blends of vintage Country Music, hillbilly, undeniably original songs, and heaping helpings of energy and humour, Hank Fisher charms and delights audiences across North America. His numerous appearances on radio, television, in clubs and at festivals prove his music and showmanship know no boundaries of age or social status. With his trusty Strad o’Various, he raised the lowly washboard to lofty heights of art form. With abiding reverence for the best tradition of music and humour, he’s truly become an original.