Inductees

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.

More than a generation of Peterborough young people learned music under the tutelage of Tommy Barnes. As proprietor of the Continental Academy of Music, Tommy taught music for over 25 years.

Widely recognized as one of Canadian Music’s finest dobro and steel players, Tommy enjoyed a career as a much sought-after session player and band member. Playing with such locally-acclaimed groups as Wildwind and The Teddy Bear Band, Tommy Barnes gave generously of his considerable talents to further many charitable organizations and fundraisers.

John Turner’s life was one of complete commitment to the betterment of his community and indeed, of the world in which he lived. His existence can be summed up in this sentence: he was citizen, family man, volunteer, World War Two veteran, business person, public servant – all the while conducting himself as a caring, concerned and true gentleman.

He dedicated himself to public life in an attempt to make his community, his Province and thereby our world a better place in which to live. His giving of himself to community betterment groups is legion, leading to City Council and a lengthy term at Queen’s Park as Member of Provincial Parliament for the Peterborough riding from 1971 through 1987.

To meet John Turner, it took very little time to assess his sincerity, and his caring for your cause (if you were furthering one) no matter what your political stripe.

A poignant paragraph in the Pathway of Fame nomination so aptly captures the essence of the man:

“John’s motto in life was to respect our freedom, learn from our elders and give back to Peterborough, to Ontario and to Canada in the form of volunteering as a personal thank-you for all we enjoy. This is how he raised his family, this was how he communicated to friends and associates, this was how he lived his life.”

On March 31st, 2014 Jeff Leal, then the Peterborough MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs announced that 55 kilometres of Highway 115 from Peterborough to the 401 MacDonald-Cartier Freeway, would dedicated as the ‘John M. Turner Memorial Highway’ in honour of Turner’s pubic service. Turner was a member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Peterborough Rotary Club.

Mr. Turner died in 2013.

It’s virtually impossible to imagine the Peterborough Theatre Guild being the community theatre tour de force it has become without the decades-long involvement, commitment and talents of Gwen Hope.

Gwen joined the Peterborough Theatre Guild family in October 1967, just two years after it was founded. What followed was an outstanding theatrical career that also included work with the Whispers Dinner Theatre, Arbor Theatre, St. James’ Players and the New Stages Theatre Company.

With the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Gwen’s resume features an impressive list of duties – costume design, makeup, stage management, stage décor, lighting, acting and directing credits abound.

Having created costumes for more than 25 productions, Gwen has taken home the John L. Walley Award for costume design a remarkable four times from the Eastern Ontario Drama League (EODL). That’s in addition to EODL awards for Best Supporting Actress and Personal Growth. Gwen has also been recognized by the Province of Ontario for 25-plus years of volunteer service and has received 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, Gwen was recently made a Lifetime Member of the community theatre group.

Christine Nornabell’s service to her community aptly confirms that actions and words together, speak loudest. With an abiding commitment to conservation and waterfront preservation, Christine was instrumental in establishing many of Peterborough’s natural treasures we take for granted.

In 1953, she was a charter member of a group organized to preserve and beautify the banks of the Otonabee River and Jackson Creek. Her involvement led to the establishment of Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, and Foundation. Due to her tireless efforts and skilled diplomacy, more than 10,000 acres of environmentally-significant land and heritage landmarks are held in trust for our enjoyment, and that of future generations.

Christine is a charter member of the City Parks Board, spearheading the acquisition of 53 acres of park land in the heart of Peterborough.

In recognition of her efforts, she received the Peter Robinson Award, the City Award of Merit and is named to the Order of Canada. If one has any doubt that one individual can make a difference in his, or her community, spend some time at Roger’s Cove or Millenium Place, and thank Christine Nornabell.

For close to 30 years, Fred Anderson has been a tireless worker in making Peterborough and Kawarthas one of Canada’s most vibrant music and tourism centres.

In early ’70’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 in its present form. Under his guidance, The Festival of Lights has become 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 #1 tourist draw in the Kawarthas. For his efforts, Fred Anderson has been honoured with awards such as Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year and Tourism Ambassador of Ontario.

Dr. Harterre is aptly labeled the ‘face of health care’ in Peterborough by his colleagues and peers. All who know Dr. Donald Harterre are aware of his caring concern as a devoted family physician, as well as a respected former hospital Chief of Staff, and again as champion and visionary for health care across this county, indeed the province.

Family Health Teams owe their existence to his undying positivity. Under Dr. Donald Harterre’s mentorship, the New Baby Placement Program provides placement of newborns in family practice.

His vision, guidance and professionalism benefit patient, family doctor and community, in countless ways. So much is owed by so many to this unique, caring individual we know as Dr. Donald Harterre.

• Photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week and MYKawartha

Usually, when a caring citizen does volunteer work, it’s for one or two causes and for a reasonable period of time.

Joe Whetung never put much stock in that approach.

For nearly 60 years, Joe volunteered his time, talent and energy to more than 30 causes and organizations. For Joe Whetung, volunteering is a lifelong commitment.

Joe was born with cerebral palsy. However, rather than allow it to become a deterrent, Mr. Whetung used it as a basis for observation. He couldn’t play sports, but he watched the coaches – and learned to be an exceptional coach himself. He also became a student of organizational structure and procedure. Along with his day jobs working with numbers, Joe became an invaluable addition to many organizations.

It’s an abiding truth that the success of any group lay in its structure, and management – ensuring that ‘the numbers’ are right. The organizations and projects that have benefited from Joe’s talents and dedication are many, and varied. Benefactors of Joe’s expertise were the Fair Boards of Peterborough and Lakefield, parks and recreation committees, Scouts Canada, O.R.C.A., men’s softball and the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Program, among many others.

An enthusiastic student of First Nations’ history, Joe’s ability to trace the Whetung family back several centuries, is stuff of legend.

“Use what you have, to do what you can” serves as a sum of Joe Whetung’s volunteer philosophy. For Joe, volunteering is a way to do good, improve lives and make friends.

Not a bad life philosophy, is it?

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.

“An individual who’ll gamble intelligently while others tremble with insecurity.” That’s a powerful description of a man who’s made a tremendous contribution to business and cultural progress of Peterborough.

John Bowes isn’t one to sit on his hands when opportunity beckons.

As co-founder of Bowes & Cocks Realty, John quickly proved himself to be an energetic and innovative business leader. He developed a brokerage model for selling as well as pioneering the use of computers and nationally franchising the brand name. Over 50 years ago, he was instrumental in organizing the Peterborough Real Estate Board with a mandate to raise, and safeguard professional standards. Throughout his life, John applied the same solid business acumen to his community involvement. As an integral player with Chamber of Commerce, John was instrumental in developing Peterborough Square, Showplace and Beavermead Park. He’s also an early supporter of what would become The Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights. With The Greater Peterborough Economic Council, John chaired a committee issuing a report entitled ‘Peterborough Into The 21st Century.’ The report was a visionary plan to revitalize the downtown core and improve transportation links.

John Bowes put his life story to paper in a popular autobiography called ‘Dreams For Sale:Make Me An Offer.’ As many commented, the book isn’t just a story of one individual; it’s a revealing portrait of a community in transition, from country town to one of the best places to live, anywhere. That’s been John Bowes’ contribution to Peterborough.

Whether in business or community involvement, his work is characterized by energy, commitment and vision.

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.

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.

It’s true that in life, there are ‘do-gooders,’ and there are those who do good. Ray Peters certainly falls within the latter.

He didn’t pursue the limelight in helping the poor and less fortunate. It’s because he assisted so many due to his passion to assure that justice is served, he earned the gratitude of many. Ray Peters saw to it those experiencing difficulty were assisted, and received any benefits the system had to offer. Mr. Peters became a sought-after, and revered personality – so much so, he became legendary in the community. He dedicated most of his time to making sure those in need of assistance, received it.

His tireless efforts on behalf of those less fortunate, earned respect from his superiors, and reverence from his subordinates.

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.

To see a need and to act upon it; to do the good act not for self-reward but because it is the right thing to do, is an admirable attribute.

Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum – in their own quiet and unassuming way and through their Friends of Honduran Children (FOHC) organization which they founded here in Peterborough – provide free medical, dental, and educational care, as well as building homes and schools for needy children in that country.

Both Dr. Jim and Anne are extremely community-minded, and support other local non-profit organizations. Recently they were successful at initiating a committee to accept refugees through their church community. Anne volunteers at her church and with St. Vincent de Paul. She deservedly received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

It is through their efforts, together with those of several hundred volunteers who fuel the immense undertaking to provide for the extremely poor children of Honduras. In a country which does not offer the social, medical and support system such as we are blessed, Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum and Friends of Honduran Children serve as a social net for the Honduran poor.

Dr. Jim harbours a personal dream, and fervent wish that one day they will grow a children’s village into a settlement to house 500 orphaned, and abandoned children.

It is absolutely inspiring that among the citizens of Peterborough, are people such as Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum who truly live, and understand the credo “we, are our brother’s keeper.” They give of themselves on a daily basis to the care, and welfare of others.

True Samaritans indeed – Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum.

• photo courtesy of KawarthaNOW

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

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

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

Son of a Methodist minister, ‘Mike’ Pearson and his family did a lot of moving during his youth. Several happy formative years were spent in Peterborough; the Right Honourable gentleman remains Central Public School’s most famous alumnus.

Beginning his adult life as a history professor, he moved into the Canadian diplomatic service, where, as Ambassador to the United Nations, Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in diffusing the Suez Canal crisis. He entered federal politics in 1956, becoming Liberal leader in 1958, and Prime Minister from 1963 to 1968.

As Prime Minister in two, successive minority governments, Lester B. Pearson’s major accomplishments included the adoption of the Canadian Flag in 1965, the Canada Pension Plan and the National Medicare Plan.

Longtime proprietor of The Red Dog Tavern, Ray McGregor was a significant contributor to the Peterborough area, both in supporting and encouraging young Canadian musical talent – and in his humanitarian efforts to make life better in the community.

Over the years, under Ray’s guidance the Red Dog afforded a great many aspiring local musicians with their first opportunity for professional employment. Established entertainers such as Prairie Oyster gained their first public exposure, thanks to Red Dog Ray.

Ray frequently utilized the Red Dog facilities to raise thousands of dollars for worthy causes, most notably Cancer Research. On countless occasions, especially at Christmas, Red Dog Ray prepared meals to feed the homeless and forgotten. For his heartfelt generosity, the City of Peterborough presented Ray McGregor with the Award of Merit in 1991.

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.

Two individuals, dedicated to one historic cause…

Both gentlemen founded the restoration committee for Christ Church in Lakefield.  Their efforts saved the church as a viable heritage building in Lakefield village.  Christ Church is the product of Colonel Sam Strickland (brother of Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie) and his fundraising in England.  Christ Church, as the first church in the County (excluding the Town of Peterborough) is believed to have been built without a mortgage.  In any event, Bill Twist and Garnet Graham saw preserving the church a a priority of utmost importance, not just to the village but to the entire county – and they took up the challenge to make it so.  The foresight and endeavour to, not only, save Christ Church, but to see it morph into a genuine Village Museum remains an ongoing gift to the country in which we live.

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.

Living his entire life in the hamlet with the heart of gold known as Cordova Mines, could be the reason for Dan Ireland’s talent and giving spirit.  He’d been singing and playing guitar since age 12, organizing events throughout his life to better the surrounding area.

Some major accomplishment: the organization of the Crowe Valley Jamboree in aid of the local Junior Hockey Association.  He was an asset toward building a new Recreation Centre, donating many hours entertaining, and raising money for its construction.  Dan Ireland was co-founder of the Havelock Country Music Talent Show, held each year, the proceeds of which help the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, Five Counties Children’s Centre, and local youth groups.  His own children are ‘chips off the old block’ and are carving their own place in the country music industry of the nation.  Residents of retirement homes, nursing homes, hospitals and fundraisers could always count on being entertained by Dan, and his fellow musicians.

Dan Ireland was an example of the best of a community’s heart.

Mr. Ireland passed away in 2016.

Marilyn Robinson first got involved with community theatre quite by chance, that happenstance marking the beginning of what has been a far-reaching 36 year dedication to her passion.

From the moment she was recruited from the audience to handle props during a Whispers Dinner Theatre production in 1984, Marilyn was hooked. At age 20, she became involved with the Peterborough Theatre Guild and has a hand in more than 60 productions since in a number of capacities including director, stage manager and production manager – serving as President of the Guild on three different occasions. In addition, she has gifted her skills to the benefit of 10 St. James’ Players shows.

Marilyn’s love for all things community theatre has extended beyond the stage, leading to her serving in various roles with the Eastern Ontario Drama League, and taking on various responsibilities for the staging of the League’s annual play festivals. At present, Marilyn is in her third year as the League’s Awards Chair.

When the Peterborough Theatre Guild developed a partnership with the Thomas A. Stewart Integrated Arts Program, Marilyn played a key role. And when it came time to secure grants for theatre capital projects, Marilyn was front-and-centre in that process.

Marilyn’s other passion for working with children with disabilities took root when she was in high school, providing the springboard for a lengthy career working with autistic children on their learning and life skills development.

Just like that time many years ago at Whispers Dinner Theatre, Marilyn has continued to step forward to the benefit of events such as Cycle For Autism and Special Olympics, and organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society for which she has volunteered for more than 40 years. Over the past five years, she has served as chair of the Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope.

The recipient of a Lifetime Membership from the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Marilyn was inducted into Kenner Collegiate’s Hall of Honour in 2018, adding to a long list of awards that includes an Ontario Volunteer Service Award and two City of Peterborough Civic Awards.

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

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

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

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

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.

Carl Oake has been in real estate since 1968, and founded his Century 21 office on George Street ten years later. In 1999, Century 21 United Realty Ltd. And Century 21 Gray-Munro Realty Inc. merged to form Century 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage.

Carl has served as President of the Peterborough Real Estate Board and the Men’s Sales and Advertising Club, Director of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club – and serves on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Since 1987, the Carl Oake Swimathon has raised over $900,000 for local worthwhile causes, and the number of businesses and swimmers has increased each year. The Swimathon has always raised money to support Easter Seals, but over the years several other charities have been added. Until just recently, Carl habitually swam at least 100 laps during the event, employing the Australian crawl. He began his swimathon, that first year, swimming solo, but now there are over 30 teams of swimmers participating.

Among his many honours, Carl Oake is a Paul Harris Fellow and is a Peterborough Citizen of the Year recipient. He has also been presented with the Easter Seals Helping Hand Award.

Mr. Oake has since retired from his firm, which is now in the capable hands of his daughter, Vanessa Oake Hogan.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

The song ‘The Impossible Dream’ could be said to reflect Ray Hutchinson’s inner spirit.

His career is the stuff of dreams, and he accomplished it. Physically challenged from age four, he spent most of his life on pain medications. Later, a near fatal accident left him with severe head trauma as well.

Teens from all over the North American continent in the late 1950’s danced to ‘Clap Your Hands.’ By  then Ray was balladeer, and lead guitarist of ‘The Beau-Marks’ who became Canada’s most recognized Rock’n Roll Band, as a result – at one time standing on  the same stage as Dick Clark on American Bandstand, and later with the renowned Ed Sullivan.  Much can be said about Ray Hutchinson that deservedly places him in Canadian music legend status. Ask anyone who enjoyed his many local performances in the 1970’s, while living at his Stewart Hall farm, about his captivating charm, and extremely great talent known continent-wide.

When, in like circumstances, faced with trials and tribulations others might have given up. Ray endured, and with his determination and perseverance, became an inspiration to his peers, friends and fans alike.

In an ideal world, art becomes a journey of self-discovery. In that ideal world, the artist who’s made the journey gives something in turn, to those who follow.

That’s not a bad description of the road Edwin Matthews chose to travel. In his 20’s while working in a commercial art studio, Ed was apprenticed to the legendary A.J. Casson of the famous ‘Group of Seven.’ From Casson, he learned much about the use of colour, design and philosophy.

Ed’s more than 50 years of painting has produced works of art that adorn the walls of 14 Canadian Consulates, major corporations and thousands of private homes around the world. In a desire to promote aspiring artists, he established the renowned Gallery on the Lake, and the Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival.

If one is looking for a model of a ‘complete artist,’ one who gives as well as receives, one needn’t look further than Edwin Matthews.

While there are countless examples of people who have made Peterborough their home and quickly made a positive difference in the lives of others, few can hold a candle to the varied contributions made by Terry McLaren.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1995, Terry was appointed deputy chief of what was then the Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service before being named Chief of the department two years later. When he retired from that position in the summer of 2008, Terry had completed 37 years in policing – 24 of those years with the Niagara Police Service.

Terry’s service to his new community began in earnest when he became a member of the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough. Serving three terms as president of the service club, he also chaired a number of committees. Terry’s Kiwanis work brought forth a number of honours for him – Kiwanian of the Year in 2011, the Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and, in 2013, the Citizen of the Year Award from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada and the Kiwanis Life Membership distinction.

If that was the extent of Terry’s service that would be impressive enough – but it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, with his work on behalf of the YWCA and Ontario Special Olympics standing out. For the former, Terry was co-chair of the Week Without Violence Committee for seven years and served as a cabinet member for the Safe Haven Capital Campaign that led to the building of a new women’s shelter. For the former, he was host and co-Chair of the Ontario Special Olympics Spring Games in 1999 and was host of the Ontario Special Olympics Summer Games in 2004.

Earlier, in 1998 he volunteered for, and was a member of the Ontario Spring Games Committee.

Truth be known, there are few major community events that haven’t benefited from Terry’s involvement. In 1996, Terry was a member of the Memorial Cup Committee that oversaw the Canadian junior hockey championship tournament; he was a member of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Strategic Planning Committee for four years; he volunteered with the Peterborough Festival of Trees; served as past-President of the Peterborough Family YMCA; and from 2008 to the present is a volunteer off-ice official with the Ontario Hockey League.

Terry’s community service has been duly recognized. Along with three Community Betterment citations from the City of Peterborough, he was a finalist for the United Way’s Scholfield Award of Distinction; was inducted into the Ontario Special Olympics Hall of Fame; and was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of Canada of Police Forces in recognition of his community service and leadership.

• Photo Courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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

She received an Honours Degree in Music and Education from the University of Western Ontario. While at Western, she studied clarinet and singing, sang with the university choir, and served on the Student Council for the Faculty of Music.

Upon her return to Peterborough, she became a teacher of English and Music at Kenner Collegiate, her home school, taking the Kenner Band on ten musical excursions. Barn served as Director of Music at Grace United Church., and has served as vocalist with community bands such as A Little Bit Country, Montana Hearts and, for 15 years, Odyssey.

She has written and produced musical scripts for different charities, and composed songs and music for the Peterborough Children’s Chorus, for the 2011 Pedal for Hope campaign, the 2010 International Dragon Boat Festival, and the 2004 Year of the Veteran.

With great gifts, come great responsibility. Barb Monahan, indeed, thrilled countless Peterborough audiences with her fantastic voice while she was alive, providing a soundtrack to the community.