Inductees

“’Tis not too late to build a better world…”

So said the iconic Canadian political leader, Tommy Douglas.

Linda and Alan Slavin are living examples of the truth of that statement.

The dynamic couple have been generations ahead of their time, working tirelessly to educate people in the community to make change for all in determinants of our health: physically, mentally and socially, and we are the better for their foresight.

Linda and Alan Slavin not only “talk the talk,” but they walk the walk – whether it be promoting matters of social justice, or the environment, or climate change. Individually and together they have led, educated, inspired, challenged and serve the Peterborough and area community in so many ways. They have widened understanding of our interconnected world.

Both have undertaken different initiatives for greater community good in such fields as climate change and women’s equality. In so doing, they have attempted to make us all better citizens.

Ms. Janet Duke (Linda’s sister) summarizes Linda and Alan’s vision and leadership best with these words…

“Together, she and Al have lived their lives in complete harmony with their values. They are a strong, connected couple that has lived a purposeful, and intentional life.”

A photographer is a truly magical artist.  With a camera, the photographer can freeze a moment in time that generations, to come, can hold in their hands.  Frederick Roy was a photographic artist who literally made time stand still.
From teenage years until his death in 1950, Frederick Roy devoted his entire life to photography while working in the family photography studio.  Peterborough residents are familiar with what’s known as the Roy Collection.  A collection of over 400,000 photographic images, lovingly and precisely documenting life in Peterborough area from late 19th century to the mid-20th century.  As well, Mr. Roy’s reputation spread beyond the Peterborough area.  His photography of Kings George V and George VI gained acclaim throughout Europe, and his portraits of Sir John A. Macdonald’s funeral and Jack Miner’s bird sanctuary are now part of Canada’s historical record.

Through his creativity and eye for detail, Frederick Roy’s photography gave us a precious gift.  What he gave was not only a piece of our history, but also a piece of our soul.

Johannus Boots is one of those rare and fortunate individuals who is able to combine career, with creative passion.

Formally trained as a commercial artist, Johannus spent a number of years using his artistic creativity to produce what was necessary to pay the bills. Working to the specifications and desires of others taught him much about the art business, laying a foundation for his dream of self-publishing, and self-distributing.

Since setting out on his own, Johannus has drawn upon the natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands to create his distinctive artistic expression. His lithograph and giclee editions gained him a significant, and ever-growing reputation; a reputation due, in no small measure to his extensive use of the internet to display his works to patrons, worldwide.

Passion for his art and determination to be an individual has made Johannus Boots a truly unique artist.

Question: Have you ever been lonely; have you ever been blue?
Answer: (to question posed by song) Alan and Shirley Horner have, for the most of their lives, provided an antidote.

They’ve been volunteers with Telecare since its inception in 1977. The local organization, one of 16 in Canada at the time, boasted as of 2011 some 90 volunteers from all walks of life. This practical 24/7 caring association listens to some 15,000 calls a year from the four county regions. Volunteers and callers are anonymous to each other. Well-trained volunteers provide time, talent and energy to keep the lines open and listen to callers sharing joys, or sorrows affecting their world.

The Horners attend to duties explicit in the Telecare operation. Although Alan and Shirley have retired from the phone lines, they remain active administrators for this valuable service. Shirley Horner was one of the original Telecare members in Peterborough.

It’s safe to say this needed community service would be less effective, without the Horners.

Alan Charles Horner died in 2017.

• photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week / MyKAWARTHA

One of Canada’s most imposing figures, Robertson Davies was a prolific writer of prose, drama, opera, literary criticism and journalism. For his ‘Deptford Trilogy,’ he won two Governor General Awards for Literature.

Although Davies began his adult life with dreams of becoming an actor while studying at Oxford, he gravitated to the family newspaper business, and to Peterborough.

From 1942 to 1963, he served as publisher and editor of the Peterborough Examiner. While living in Peterborough, he contributed significantly to the City’s cultural growth. He was a driving force behind the creation of Peterborough Little Theatre, Peterborough Summer Theatre and the formation of the Coventry Singers.

It should be noted that the ‘Samuel Marchbanks’ series of beloved books stemmed from his time at the Peterborough Examiner, when he penned a column under the Marchbanks pseudonym beginning in 1944.

American novelist Thomas Wolfe’s book ‘You Can’t Go Home Again’ left the impression that one can’t return to what was and pick things up again. It’s most fortunate for Peterborough that Len Lifchus didn’t take that message to heart.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1999 as the newly-minted Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Peterborough and District, Len served in that role for 10 years before moving to Hamilton to assume the same role in that city. This story would end here but for one thing – upon his retirement in 2014, Len returned to Peterborough to lend his energy, vibrancy and enthusiasm to a number of community initiatives.

In his first go-round, Len joined the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and was involved in numerous club projects. Upon returning to the city, he maintained that association by serving in a number of executive positions, including club President for 2017-18. Armed with the ability to juggle numerous projects at one time while bringing people together towards a common goal, Len’s leadership and determination has lifted his fellow Rotarians to new heights. Those contributions have been acknowledged through recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow – Rotary’s highest honour.

Len has gifted that same passion and commitment to the local theatre realm, most notably with the Peterborough Theatre Guild for whom he has directed numerous productions including The Mikado, La Cage Aux Folles, and Cats. In addition, Len’s directorial skills resulted in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Tonic@Twenty being very successful fundraisers for the Showplace Performance Centre. In October of 2018 he shepherded ‘The Music of ABBA’ across the Showplace boards to rave reviews.

In addition, a number of Board, and Committee tables have seen Len pull up a chair.

He served as Chair of the Central East Community Access Centre, and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce; vice-Chair of the City of Peterborough Committee of Adjustment, the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education; and he lent his voice to the discussion as a board member for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, the Estate Planning Council of Peterborough, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and the City of Peterborough Youth Commission. Len’s experience in strategic planning and governance has been invaluable for each of those bodies, and many more.

Never afraid to roll up his sleeves when there’s a job to be done, Len chaired the United Way’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2016 and, that same year, assumed a lead role with the volunteers for the Canada Games. And if you wondered as to the identity of Rotary Man at the 2018 Polar Plunge, take a wild guess…

The Warming Room was the benefactor of Len’s chilly dip into Chemong Lake.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

One of Canadian Music’s most poignant and admired singer/songwriters, ‘Willie P’ penned songs that would become award-winning classics for artists such as Prairie Oyster, David Wiffen, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Vince Gill and Pure Prairie League.  He was a fixture at folk clubs and festivals across Canada for more than 40 years and a valued member of Peterborough’s music scene.

Willie P. died on February 15th, 2008 at his home in Peterborough suddenly, of a heart attack. He was 56.

• Photo By Donna Hopper

Terry Finn, a native Peterboronian, was a music prodigy, studying piano and organ. By age 15, he played the organ at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, and began teaching music with Tommy Barnes’ Continental Academy of Music. Later, he opened his own Finn’s House of Music, where he taught a wide range of musical skills; his students included upcoming stars such as Serena Ryder.

Terry, along with fellow Pathway of Fame inductees Barry Haggarty and Ken Deschamp, formed a band called ‘Parnell,’ which played across Ontario and the Maritimes. During this time the group also released three singles which garnered airtime on Canadian radio. He has played in at least a dozen other bands, recorded with several notable musicians, and performed at nearly every venue in the Peterborough area. His nominator believes his feeling is captured best in the song “Immortality:” “So this is who I am, and this is all I know.”

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

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.

David and Patricia Morton have been dynamic philanthropists, whose generosity has had an incredible impact on all of Peterborough County.

David Morton was President and CEO for Quaker Oats Company, while Dr. Patricia Morton taught history at Trent University, and is now Professor Emeritus. Both have served on significant committees affecting the welfare of our citizens.

David was Chair of the Board of Governors of Trent University, the Board of Frontier College, Chair of the Five Counties Children’s Centre, the Fleming College Board, the Greater Peterborough Economic Development Corporation, the Festival of Lights, and the original campaign for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. He was Peterborough’s Volunteer of the Year in 2002, and received an honourary doctorate from Trent University.

Patricia, a respected and published historian, has served on the Board of the Morton Community Health Centre in Lakefield. The Morton Family Trail, on the east bank of Trent University was named for them. Since 2012, David and Patricia Morton have been the leading donors for the Lakefield Literary Festival. They were major donors for the First People’s House of Learning at Trent University’s Gzowski College, and have funded several outstanding scholarships and bursaries for the University. They donated $100,000 to the building of the Sport and Wellness Centre at Trent University.

Most significantly, they donated $500,000 to the Lakefield Primary Health Centre, since renamed the Morton Community Health Centre. They also gave support to the Trent Valley Archives for its J. J. Duffus Project, and to the publishing of the history of the Quaker Oats fire of 1916.

No words can adequately capture the depth of David and Patricia Morton’s support for the communities of Peterborough, Lakefield, Trent University and the County of Peterborough – or their incalculable influence in making so many community projects feasible.

• photo courtesy KawarthaNOW

The richness of cultural life in Peterborough and the Kawarthas is due, in no small part, to the contribution of First Nations people who live, and create here.

A lifelong resident of Curve Lake, Norman Knott’s artistry, whether in acrylics, oil or watercolours, gained him a reputation around the world. Drawing on a closeness to nature and his Ojibway heritage, Norman developed a powerful and unique style of painting by interweaving contemporary realism with traditional Ojibway symbolism.

The works of Norman Knott can be enjoyed in galleries across North America and Europe, and grace private collections of notables ranging from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Johnny Cash.

Glen Walker was hit with the theatre bug in Brantford in 1967 and, to the immense benefit of the Peterborough Theatre Guild since 1970, a cure was never found.

During his close to 50 years with the multi-awarded theatre company housed on Rogers Street in East City, Glen has served in virtually every capacity, including the holding of positions on the Executive, and the Play Selection Committee.

As the theatre’s property manager, Glen was involved in several building improvement initiatives such as the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and a new metal roof, as well as the addition of a wheelchair-accessible washroom.

Both onstage and behind the scenes, Glen’s love of, and commitment to community theatre has been abundantly clear. Along with his direct involvement in several productions as both actor and director, he has served offstage as a sound designer, and makeup artist.

Accolades for Glen’s talents have come in the form of a trio of Eastern Ontario Drama League Awards (EODL) – Best Sound Design (1981), Best Actor (1985) and Best Cameo (1989). Glen has also been recognized by the Province of Ontario for 30-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, Glen was recently made a Lifetime Member of the community theatre group.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Pathway of Fame experiences a “first of its kind” category this year.

In the year 2000, prolific songwriter Cyril Rawson was inducted. This year, his father Les Rawson is an Inductee – which marks the first father-son Inductions to the Pathway.

During World War Two, Les Rawson served in the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Norfolk, which was one of the ships to track the Bismarck and was present when the German battleship sank.

But it was after emigrating here with his wife and young son that he was to make his mark in the world.

Les Rawson made a huge impact on the musical history of our area. He not only accomplished that by giving young musicians the opportunity to get a start in their career by making the newest music products available, but – more importantly – through generosity, and trust. Les gave them a way to actually own their own instrument, which in most cases they could not afford.

Rawson’s Music Centre was a full-service music store, which also featured teaching studios. Les offered the local musician the tremendous opportunity to own their desired instrument over time, without the need for a credit check. He trusted musicians to make a weekly or monthly payment – keeping track on a personalized card in a box under the counter.

Les’ store became a place to meet and try out the newest instruments. Those meetings are credited with the birth of bands led by Bobby Kinsman and Del Crary, as well as other big bands. Les and his wife, Lillian, were also very involved in the Kiwanis Music Festival.

Les passed away in 1969 at the young age of 56, but left behind a legacy of grateful musicians who will never forget the trust, and confidence he placed in them.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

By nature, the Kulla Brothers are warm and outgoing and – by being true to their nature – became unofficial ambassadors on behalf of Peterborough and Kawarthas. Through their generosity and charm, they put a human face to our City, and area, for thousands of residents and visitors.
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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.

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.

It’s possible to live in a community without really being part of it. With his unselfish devotion of time, energy, commitment and caring, Gerry O’Connor was very much a part of this community. For 12 years he served on Peterborough City council, however his love for Peterborough didn’t stop there.

He was instrumental in developing Del Crary Park, and the creation of Peterborough’s three major shopping malls. He enjoyed local sports, and served in several capacities with Peterborough Minor Hockey and Minor Lacrosse Associations.

It was, however his enthusiastic support of Snofest, Peterborough’s annual winter carnival, for which he will be most fondly remembered. Serving as Snofest’s chairperson for 23 years, he embodied a spirit that made Snofest the success it remains today. ‘Mr. Snofest’ helped to make winter a brighter, and warmer time for all.

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.

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

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

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

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

Confirmation of any kind is a less-than-desirable state, in which to exist.  Bea Quarrie remains an example of a life spent championing the transformative power of what arts can achieve.  Bea is involved in all aspects of the arts, experiencing everything the world of drama offers in its many facets.

Bea’s theatrical experience extends a resume of over 150 productions as actor, director and producer; an award -winning director whose productions represented Canada at international festivals in Japan, Germany, Ciruba, Venezuela, and in her homeland.  For years, her expert theatre reviews appeared in The Peterborough Examiner.

Bea Quarrie found time to teach dramatic and visual arts at Lakefield College School.  Her expertise is acknowledged far beyond Peterborough but, thankfully, this community is beneficiary of her unique artistic vision.

• photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, MyKawartha.com

Music is made in many different ways; no one is 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, is legendary.

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.

During his short life, Chris MacGee made profound contributions to the Peterborough arts community, both in administration, and as a remarkable creative artist in his own right. Chris worked at Artspace and as curator of the MacKenzie Gallery at Trent University, for five years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Despite his administrative duties, Chris still found time to pursue his true passion: creating art. On display in Peterborough and across Canada, Chris MacGee’s work exhibits a superb craftsmanship and clarity of vision, making his interpretive style distinctive and forceful.

When it comes to the immeasurable level of giving, and support that John and Paul Downs have provided the local community, the challenge lies in finding an organization or cause that hasn’t benefitted from their kindness.

Raised in Toronto, John graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He started his career in marketing, first with Northern Telecom and then GTE Automatic Electric.

Paul, meanwhile, obtained his teaching certificate from Lakeshore Teachers College in Toronto and then his BA from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. For 15 years, he taught elementary school, eventually serving as a vice-principal and principal while attaining his Master of Education degree in educational administration from the University of Toronto.

In 1979, following the passing of his father Ed, John became the general manager of Durham Telephones Limited and Docon Telephone Supplies Limited before negotiating the purchase of Otonabee Municipal Telephone Systems in 1983. Close to 15 years later, John and Paul purchased cable TV assets from Shaw and the telecommunications conglomerate Nexicom was born.

Before the brothers sold Nexicom in 2017, some 1,000 people worked at the company’s offices in Millbrook, Peterborough, Lakefield and Lindsay while annual revenues went through the roof, climbing to an impressive $34.1 million in 2016.

While their business success and acumen is admirable on its own, it’s the Downs brothers’ incomparable giving spirit that sets them apart. In 2017 alone, benefactors of their philanthropy included the New Canadians’ Centre, the Peterborough Humane Society, Hospice Peterborough, the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, 4th Line Theatre, YMCA Peterborough, Special Olympics and Peterborough Musicfest, to name but a few. Since taking over the family business all those years ago, it’s estimated that John and Paul have donated more than $1 million to area charities and not-for-profits.

In addition, both have sat on numerous boards – 4th Line Theatre and Fleming College among the many organizations that have benefited from their involvement, and input.

A number of commendations and awards have come their way, including honours from the Peterborough Business Advisory Centre, Peterborough Economic Development, the Township of Cavan Monaghan, and the bestowing of top business excellence awards in Peterborough and Lindsay. Just this past May, the County of Peterborough honoured John and Paul with its Business Leadership/Entrepreneurial Innovation Award.

In telecommunications industry circles, both John and Paul have been major players. The Ontario Telecommunications Association made John a lifetime member in 1999. Paul is a past-president of the Independent Telecommunications Providers Association and the Canadian Independent Telephone Association. And, in 2009, John and Paul received Career Service Awards from the Telecommunications Hall of Fame for their contributions to the telecom industry.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner