Inductees

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.

There’s a story familiar to Canadians, that of a young leaving Newfoundland to seek a better life in Ontario and beyond. Some abandon their roots. Special ones fight to keep the essence of their small, tight-knit birth places in their souls. Reg Benoit came to Ontario to build a future in music, but he never forgot the intrinsic value of individual human beings he learned about in Stephenville.

Typical of many musicians, Reg created a steady, if unspectacular career. He did well enough to garner acclaim, although not enough to quit his day job.

Then, in 1998, Reg’s world came to an abrupt halt. A serious spinal cord injury sustained at his day job forced him to pursue music fulltime and fine-tune his passion for life, and people. The unexpected tragedy became a new direction in service to others through music, and a deeper understanding of how life will work out. He’s performed tirelessly entertaining seniors, the sick, and in aid of notable lists of fundraising projects, large and small, public and personal. His music benefited St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. He devoted time and energy to native groups and, when Canada’s last surviving Father of Confederation, Joey Smallwood, ran into financial difficulties writing his History of Newfoundland, Reg was there to help.

Along the way, Reg became a pastor in order to touch people in the darker corners where even music cannot reach. Reg Benoit is a symbol of those for whom music is not a road to riches, but a challenging path to the hearts of people.

Dignity, dedication, caring and good, old-fashioned hard work is characteristic of a life, well-lived.

Alta Whitfield demonstrated these qualities and more in whatever pursuit she followed.  With strong ties to family and church, Alta served as an educator in Peterborough area schools, and at Fleming College.  She thrived as a successful business person.

Her resume of community service includes tireless volunteer hours in the fields of education, health care and cultural history.  In many aspects of her life, Alta was a pioneer.  She’s the only woman, in over 170 years, to serve on North Monaghan Township Council and, later, as Reeve.  She’s also the first woman to chair the Peterborough Civic Hospital Board of Directors.

For her dedication to a long life of service, Alta was awarded a fellowship by Fleming College, and a nomination as the YWCA Woman of the Year.

When a devastating spinal cord injury left Douro-Dummer native Alec Denys paralyzed from the waist down at age 29, he could have retreated, wallowing in self-pity with the question ‘Why me?’ running constantly through his mind.

Yes, he could have – but he instead forged a path lined with volunteer service, lived leadership, mentorship, advocacy and athletic achievement to build connection, reduce isolation, expand accessibility and create opportunity for countless others spanning multiple generations. The result has been a full life that is an inspiring example of resilience, determination and full-on empathy.

Truth be known, Denys’ athletic achievements alone could have brought him to the Pathway of Fame on their own.

An archer who represented Canada at five Paralympic Games from 1984 to 2000, Denys competed in more than 30 international tournaments, won gold and helped set a world team archery record in 2012, as well as establishing Canadian records in swimming and javelin. All very impressive, for sure, but it’s Denys’ work and dedication out of the sports arena that sets him apart.

For more than 15 years as a peer mentor and support leader with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SPIO), Denys has helped individuals and families navigate one of the most difficult and emotional transitions imaginable.

For having developed and sustained a peer support network serving some 40 participants monthly in Peterborough County, Denys received the organization’s Peer Volunteer of the Year Award as well as Peterborough’s Holnbeck Award in recognition of his contributions to improving quality of life for people with disabilities.

A member of the Peterborough County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, Denys is a founding member and chair of the Active Together Program offered through the Council for Persons with Disabilities, helping create recreational opportunities for those with both visible and hidden disabilities. If this isn’t enough, Denys also sits as president of the Douro-Dummer Seniors Club, and is vice-president of the Peterborough Curling Club.

While each of his volunteer roles has been a focus, Denys has never strayed far from the sport he loves.

As part of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay, he carried the torch into Del Crary Park where he proudly lit the community cauldron. With Archery Canada, Denys has held senior leadership roles, including chair of the High-Performance Committee. And holding true to the path his life has followed, he has mentored others involved in the sport, a list that includes Canadian Paralympic gold medalist Jon Thurston.

When all is said and done, we’re left with a man who transformed adversity into service, achievement into opportunity, and lived experience into lasting impact.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

For many, music is a pleasant form of entertainment – a way of sharing with others and, for those of a creative bent, the means to express ideas and emotions in a clever, compelling manner. For Carol Wakeford, music is all of that, but also a way to touch people and be in tune with the rhythms and melodies of life itself.

For Carol Wakeford music, like breathing, is essential to human life.

Carol plays guitar and sings and – like breathing – writing songs and poems comes naturally to her. Over the years, she’s created thousands of compositions. More than six hundred of them have been registered with SOCAN, the international song publishing organization. More than 20 have been recorded by various artists in both Canada and Nashville.

However, it’s in sharing music that Carol truly shines. She’s a driving force behind ‘Kawartha Friends,’ a group of amateurs in the best sense of the word, and musicians who gather weekly in the Norwood area to share music, stretch writing talents and convey musical thought and emotion.

For Carol Wakeford, music could never be considered a one-dimensional experience. It’s a means of expression, entertainment, craftsmanship and, most importantly a way of reaching out and connecting with others.

And, connecting with one’s inner self.

Longtime Peterborough family doctor, Don Curtis also found time to be an energetic and effective community activist. A strong supporter of the City’s Recreation Committee since the early 1970’s and instrumental, in 1982, of restructuring the committee into its present form as Parks & Recreation.

Dr. Curtis was an active participant in both 1980 and 1986 editions of the Ontario Summer Games and, in the 1970’s, co-chaired the groundwork entailed in establishing ParticipACTION Peterborough, and Snofest. Don Curtis provided invaluable support for the Peterborough YMCA and The Canadian Canoe Museum.

Dr. Curtis was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.

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 over 75 years, Gwen Craw made a quiet but significant contribution to music in Peterborough.

As a teenager, she began as accompanist for YWCA exercise classes and silent films, shown at the George Street Opera House.  She performed, in concert, with Peterborough’s Madrigal Singers across Ontario; contributing her musical talents and knowledge to Women’s Art Association and Peterborough Concert Association.

For near 50 years, Gwen was the official accompanist for Peterborough Kiwanis Music Festival.  In recognition, the Kiwanis Club awarded Gwen Craw an honourary lifetime membership.

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.

There’s an old Celtic saying; the greatest sin is the unlived life. This individual’s life is a true mosaic of experiences, events, relationships and dedications to his belief. It could never be said Father Bernard Heffernan is guilty of an unlived life.

An ordained priest since the early ‘60’s, this son-of-Douro worked as labourer, plumber, truck driver and RCAF flight lieutenant. His parishes existed in quintessential small-town Ontario, but often his congregation was the world.

Father Heffernan was an innovator in the use of mass media to spread his message of faith. He penned, and produced the widely-distributed TV series ‘The Church’ as well as numerous radio programs and series.  Among the shows he hosted and produced was ‘Gospel Gold,’ airing Sunday evenings at 6pm on CKQM ‘Country 105’ radio in 1987. A similar program aired on 910 CKLY Radio in Lindsay. He crafted an influential, and well-received book called ‘The Future Vision of the Christian Mass Media Mission.’

Whether interviewing celebrities such as Garth Brooks, spending time listening to prisoners in local jails, or seniors in nursing homes, he always held fast to the belief that each person is valued in God’s eyes. Regardless of his many accomplishments in mass media, for Father Bernard Heffernan, faith is passed on one soul at a time. As well, it can be said, one note at a time. Ahead of most of the major Peterborough Petes or Lakers Lacrosse games, ‘Father Hef’ would often be seen outside the entrance of The Peterborough Memorial Center, playing his fiddle and spreading the Good Word.

And especially, on St. Patrick’s Day.

Father Heffernan went to be with the Lord in 2016, at age 81.

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.

With a lifelong love of painting and sketching, George Elliott was one of those rare individuals who actually pursued his dream. Following 28 years as graphic artist with Outboard Marine Corporation, George opened his own studio and Peterborough has been the richer for it.

Through hundreds of pen-and-ink sketches, George served as area chronicler, with his series on historical, and heritage buildings. As well, he taught his craft to aspiring artists as part of the Continuing Education Program at Fleming College for over 20 years. He illustrated a number of books, and his generous donation of many pieces of his work has benefited countless local charities and causes.

Mr. Elliott passed away in July, 2020 at the age of 81.

• Photo Source: PTBOCanada

Arnold (Arn) ALLEN has served the Scouting Movement for over a half century.  His dedication is unparalleled and has been a large part of the backbone of Kawartha Waterways Area (formerly Peterborough District).  Arn’s wife, Lenore ALLEN, has also given over a half century to Scouting, and continues to render further dedications.  This Scouter has taken every challenge presented to her, with an attitude and fortitude of “let’s get moving, there’s work to be done.”  Arnold and Lenore ALLEN truly deserve the title “Mr.&.Mrs. Scouting” because they personify the scout law spirit.

In a city where post-secondary education is an exemplary pillar of the community both past and present, David Sutherland stands out as a true architect of that legacy.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1967 to assume the founding president role of what was then known as Sir Sandford Fleming College, David ensured the community college was exactly that with its offering of daytime and evening courses, the establishment of campuses in Lindsay, Haliburton and Cobourg, and the fostering of relationships with local employers via college advisory committees.

More uniquely, David’s relationship with Trent University founding president Tom Symons laid the groundwork for what was a mutually beneficial education-based partnership that remains intact to this day in a number of ways, including the joint nursing program. To show their commitment to that relationship, both David and Tom served on each other’s board of governors.

Retirement in 1981 did little if anything to slow David down. With local lawyer and parole board member Alex Edmison, he helped establish Edmison House, a halfway house for parolees, many of whom were given work at the city’s recycling plant. It didn’t hurt matters that David’s wife Sylvia was mayor at the time and had some influence on that decision.

Other volunteer pursuits saw David serve on the boards of Junior Achievement, the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Council and Trent Valley Literacy. Also benefitting from David’s clear commitment to community, was Meals On Wheels.

David Sutherland passed in 1991, robbing Peterborough of what was sure to be years of more meaningful contributions. As Sylvia notes, David’s initial plan was to stay at Fleming five years. That became 10 years and then almost 15, leading to the relatively easy decision that Peterborough, thankfully, would remain their home after his retirement.

Music is made in many different ways; no one was more aware of it than Joseph DeNoble Sr., or just plain ‘Joe.’ The Musicland store he created and operated was a palace of musical instruments and a place of learning.

Joe played most every instrument but was quick to emphasize, he played them all badly, except for the accordion and Hammond organ.

‘Music is Happiness’ was his motto and Joe DeNoble’s contribution of instruments and sound equipment to charitable functions of the day, remains legendary to this day.

Musicland benefited from Del Crary’s promotion which aided the excellent quality of service; some of the area’s foremost musicians staffing the teaching roster.

Joe’s generosity and accomplishments served as a lively springboard for careers of countless musicians in the area.

Mr. DeNoble passed away in 1988 after a courageous battle with cancer.

It’s a telling comment in today’s news-gathering industry that reputation is built on seeking out the flashy, big-event stories while glossing over essential human elements inherent in every story. In his long, and varied journalism career, Don Grant never bypassed the true meaning of each story and how it affected his readers.

Starting out as cub reporter at the Peterborough Examiner, Don’s determination came to the attention of then-editor Robertson Davies who expanded his duties. During his Examiner years, he covered every possible kind of story and learned to excel at the new craft of photo journalism. His talents led him to a job with the Toronto Telegram and an enviable reputation as a tenacious, much respected reporter. After the Telegram folded, Don went to The Globe & Mail, where he rose to a weekend editor position and then assistant city editor. On the way, he always took time to help younger journalists learn their craft and responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Don Grant thrived at technical aspects of reporting, but, more importantly, he never minimized the humanity in each story. He developed a true, and abiding love for people about, and for whom he wrote. In today’s journalism, that’s indeed a rare and treasured quality.

Don Grant passed away in 2014. he was 85.

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

He founded the Starving Artist Framing Outlet.

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

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

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

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

Peer Christensen passed away May 25th, 2026 at the age of 72, after a battle with brain cancer.

When big bands and their music ruled, none seemed bigger or more lasting than Hal MacFarlane’s Orchestra, usually boasting 14 musicians.

In Peterborough and surrounding area there was one band commanding large followings and enjoyed by hundreds of fox-trotting, ballroom dancing fans; the Hal MacFarlane Orchestra.

As a youngster, Hal aspired to be a theatre pianist. He added saxophone and developed a great reputation as a music teacher. Hal MacFarlane inspired more than a generation of musical aficionados. His Orchestra was one of the largest in the area in 1940’s through to the 1960’s.

The Hal MacFarlane Orchestra was, for years the resident band at the Brock Ballroom on Saturday nights, where they developed novel ways to protect their instruments from the hockey-rink ice. During war years, the band played for army recruitment shows, and at the Peterborough Exhibition. The band was in demand for proms and high school formals until the 1960’s, when many young dance bands emerged.

Hal MacFarlane, a two-time president of the local musicians’ union, was also organist for the Peterborough Petes hockey team. His music, and our memories will never end. Nor will we forget the good times.

Harry Pott is a much admired volunteer who brings enthusiasm and skill to every activity. Except for a stint in the army, until 1958 Harry’s life revolved around farming in Manitoba. After a visit to Peterborough, he decided to stay to be a carpenter until retiring in 1981.

He has been teaching line dancing, taught fitness and swimming to mentally handicapped children, and has been an organizer for major seniors events, such as the Happy Gang seniors and carpet bowling.

Mr. Pott has served on the St. Giles Church Board of Managers since 1968.

Country Music fans in Peterborough area knew Stu McCue as a topnotch entertainer; what many don’t know, is the depth of his diversified talent.

A professional musician for more than 30 years, Stu McCue shared stages with many Country legends. However, he is equally talented as a landscape painter, and teacher. To better share a love of his heritage, Stu became a Certified Instructor of Native Languages and Culture in 1977.

Stu McCue is perhaps best known for his boundless generosity towards others. For years, he performed at local seniors’ residences and nursing homes on a weekly basis. He continually encouraged young talent by giving them an opportunity to perform with him. If there’s a local cause or charity in need of fundraising, Stu was always there to help.

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.

For many, of a certain age, we remember when heart disease translated to a death sentence. Medical science has made great strides in treating cardiovascular illnesses over the past 50 years, thanks in no small part to the work and dedication of pioneers like Dr. John Parker.

Having spent his formative years in Peterborough, John graduated as medical doctor in 1954. He went to Columbia University, New York, devoting himself to the relatively new field of cardiovascular medicine.

Returning to Canada in the 1960’s, John established one of the country’s first cardiac catheterization, and angiographic laboratories in Kingston. There, he helped streamline the use of heart-lung machines in cardiac surgery. He was instrumental in establishing a Division of Cardiology at Queens University and a research program in cardiovascular physiology and biochemistry. New inroads were made, under his guidance, in the use of nitroglycerin and other related drugs in treating cardiovascular disease.

He was adamant in his lobby effort with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to initiate a sub-specialty in Cardiovascular Medicine. In that way, an ever-increasing number of surgeons and specialists have been trained in this new discipline.

Throughout his life, John Parker maintained an abiding love of family, the outdoors and, of course, hockey. His life represents ongoing contributions to medicine, science and family. John never lost sight of the fact that a scientist is also a human being. Because of the balance and dedication, the future of cardiac patients continues to look a lot brighter.

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.

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.

How far will one guy go to raise money for a most worthy cause?

In the case of Ted Dawes, it’s not how far. It’s how high, how often. Although there is an aspect of how far involved here, as well. Confused? Read on.

A longtime employee of Minute Maid in Peterborough, Dawes took to the roof of Morello’s Independent Grocer in May 2024 for a 20th time, raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, every penny brought in destined for research.

Supported by his work union, United Food and Commercial Workers International, Dawes’s annual long weekend rooftop stay had brought in some $400,000 over the years prior.

Why Morello’s? Simple. Holly, his wife of 39 years, is a longtime employee of the east Peterborough grocery store, while owners Dave and Kim Morello have been, and remain, staunch supporters of Dawes’ fundraising efforts.

In 2009, Dawes deviated from his Ted on the Roof script, opting to undertake Ted on the Road and walking from Parliament Hill in Ottawa to Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital. In addition, Ted at Your Door has seen Dawes go door-to-door for donations, while Ted on the BBQ has seen him flip burgers and the like for the cause that remains near and dear to his heart.

Back in 2011, when Relly on the Roof took flight atop The Brick as a fundraiser for the United Way initially and later for Habitat for Humanity, newbie ‘roofer’ Paul Rellinger was quick to praise Dawes for blazing the roof fundraising path along with Al Harding, who raised money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for years prior from his perch atop Canadian Tire.

“The best ideas are stolen…and I stole this one,” admitted Rellinger, crediting both men for their dedication to their respective causes, and for voicing their support of the new kid on the roof.

While Ted should be applauded for his years of roofing for an important cause, he’d no doubt shrug such praise off, noting his greatest achievement has been, and remains, his and Holly’s raising of Corey, Chris and Caitlyn, coupled with their enduring love for their grandchildren, Jayde and Sophia.

Was it chance they taught at two local high schools? Coincidence they directed plays at each? No matter! Destiny played a part in their eventual union and thereby carried a mutual love of live theatre over their lifetime.

John and Nora Martyn have devoted their lives to various roles, comprising the production of musical and dramatic theatre. Their co-directed productions at Peterborough Theatre Guild have been met with much success.
John and Nora’s strength as directors reflects an ability to make the most out of the time, and resources available. Their direction, as good coaches in sport, is putting together the best team possible, and ensuring specific attention is paid by everyone to the meaning behind the words in the script.

Such investment of time, energy and encouragement combine to create the various nuances of a Martyn stage production.

• photo courtesy of The Peterborough Theatre Guild

In the early part of this century, no one was more important to a community than a family doctor. Doctor Donald Munro met all medical requirements in the village of Warsaw and area, adding much more to the vitality of the community.

Dr. Munro opened his Warsaw practice in 1907. A time when house calls were the norm, he braved all kinds of weather to attend to more than 3,000 births over a 50 year period.

Reaching out to the heart of the community, Dr. Munro served as Church Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent at St. Andrew’s Church for over 25 years.

A self-taught violinist, he shared his love of music by teaching and conducting a local concert orchestra and, as an ardent political activist, he served as president of the East Peterborough Liberal Association.