Inductees

Bing Doughty’s life stands as testament to his belief that music and friendship go hand in hand. If you loved old time country music, you were Bing’s friend and he, your’s. A true devotee of traditional Country Music, Bing Doughty was a familiar and welcome performer at all area fairs and jamborees. Although born and raised in the Peterborough area, he spent lots of time in Coe Hill and thus his signature tune, ‘The Coe Hill Cannonball’.

Over the years, Bing was a tireless performer, always ready and willing to entertain in aid of charitable causes and brighten the lives of seniors in, and around the Peterborough area.

Roberta Rowland Patterson, longtime arts teacher at Kenner Collegiatefrom  1965-1988, is a talented landscape artist.

Roberta had a wide range of interests in the arts and figure skating. But her education in art was impeccable. With her mother, Georgie Wilcox, a professional painter based in Winnipeg, she spent several summers in the art colony at Provincetown, on Cape Cod, where she learned techniques from many artists. She studied art at the University of Manitoba under Lionel Fitzgerald, and at the Ontario College of Arts, 1943-46,where Franklin Carmichael was an influential teacher. She was twice married, to Philip Rowland (d. 1964) and Robert Patterson (m. 1982).

In recent years, she has taken exciting painting excursions to France, England, Newfoundland, an Alaskan cruise, and British Columbia. Her work has become known for its deft use of colour, texture and composition.

Upon reviewing the long list of John and Stephanie MacDonald’s numerous community affiliations and contributions to Peterborough life as we know it, one question comes to mind before all others…

Just where did they find the time?

Between raising a family, serving Westdale United Church in a variety of capacities and serving as school principals respectively as lifelong educators – Stephanie still teaches with Trent University’s School of Education – our inductees made the time as opposed to finding it, solidifying their stellar reputations as respected leaders in the community. Their involvement alone, ensured projects and initiatives had the best chance of success.

A lifelong member of the local YMCA, John MacDonald chaired its Capital Campaign, and brought the same leadership qualities to his chairmanship of boards for both Fleming College and the former Peterborough Civic Hospital. John was also a founding director of what is now the Peterborough Innovation Cluster, a member of the YMCA Canada national board of directors, and served at Five Counties Children’s Centre for close to 10 years, including time as its finance chair.

As one would expect, John’s contributions didn’t go unrewarded. Honours bestowed upon him include the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the local Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, and Canada’s 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal for Community Services. For his 34 years as a volunteer trainer for Telecare Canada, John was also duly recognized.

Stephanie MacDonald, meanwhile, left her own mark on the many organizations and causes she selflessly stepped up to support. The founding chair of Peterborough’s Block Parent Program, she also served on boards for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Peterborough Community Care. Also ensured success through her involvement were Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, Fairhaven Home and, in tandem with her husband John, the YMCA Capital Campaign.

As noted by their nominator, John and Stephanie respectively, and selflessly gave of their time and talents “with a smile on their faces, open hearts and hands dedicated to helping others,” bringing to bear, in the words of another supporter three foundational factors which lead to “successful and resilient community building – participation, relationships and empathy.”

John MacDonald passed away on New Years’ Eve, 2022 in his 83^rd year.

The editorial cartoon is a truly unique art form requiring very special talent. Doug Landry demonstrated that special talent for over 50 years in the Peterborough area.

He sold his first cartoon to none other than Robertson Davies, then-editor of the Peterborough Examiner in 1950, and churned out a steady stream for area publications since that day. Doug estimated at one time he produced several thousand quick sketches at fairs and community events. In fact, special editions of his cartoons and caricatures are now becoming collector items.

Over the years, Doug branched out into commercial art and design, and landscape painting. However, it’s the quick sketches, caricatures and cartoons that remained his first love.

Part of the charm of living in a small community, such as Peterborough, is we get to know the local ‘characters’ by name and learn about their stories!

One such favourite character of Peterborough is Paul Henry MacFarland. He was affectionately known as “Half A Deck,” and made his living at odd jobs. Paul wasn’t a success in the conventional meaning of the word; he was, however, a success in making the most of what he did well, and that was marathon running.

Over the years Paul ran, walked or jogged in numerous marathons to raise tens of thousands of dollars in aid of causes such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Five Counties Childrens’ Centre, the Autistic Children, and Spina Bifida Associations. Towards the end of his life, after undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer, Paul jogged from Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital to Peterborough, raising money for the Cancer Society as a thank-you for providing him transportation to, and from chemotherapy.

Paul MacFarland remains a shining example that caring is the greatest gift one person can give – and one person’s greatest accomplishment is making the most of the hand, which you are dealt.

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.’

A wise person once said, “God is in the details.” It’s often an overlooked fact of life: the ‘little things’ that can derail an ambitious project and the faithfulness to detail is often the key to its success.

Case in point can be found in the persona of Mary Stockdale.

The Kawartha region takes great pride in hosting the Ontario Open Fiddle & Step Dance Contest each June, in Bobcaygeon. The event has become one of the area’s largest tourist draws, attracting performers and visitors literally from all over the world.

For near 30 years, Mary Stockdale served as secretary for The Ontario Open. Many would argue, without Mary’s meticulous attention to detail, The Open couldn’t have gained its present stature. Mary made her home the event headquarters and centre for correspondence, inquiries and dissemination of information.

To those familiar with her dedication, Mary was The Ontario Open

Along the way, Mary was a lifelong member of the Bobcaygeon Horticultural Society, an active member of Trinity United Church, and a founding force behind the Bobcaygeon Meals On Wheels program.

An eye for detail and passion for people: two very important ingredients in the success of any community endeavour. One needs only to ask the friends of Mary Stockdale.

For all his success, both professionally and personally, Jim Hendry hasn’t done well at the retirement thing.

Since departing from The Examiner in 2014 after a 32-year newspaper career, Hendry hasn’t come up for air. He has found, and continues to look for, opportunities to volunteer his time and talents to the benefit of his community. Sitting back with his feet up hasn’t been, and still isn’t, an option. Retirement, it would seem, can wait for a bit.

Born in Peterborough, Hendry moved with his family to Cobourg, returning to the city in 1982 for a job as a reporter with The Examiner. Over the following years, he rose through the ranks, serving as the daily newspaper’s weekend editor, city editor, editorial editor page and, finally, managing editor. A true professional who strove to report news factually and balanced, he was awarded a number of Ontario Newspaper Awards as well as the Harry Britain Fellowship Award granted by the Commonwealth Press Union.

Upon calling it a day with The Examiner, the road was clear for Hendry to pursue other interests, bringing to the table informed insights into Peterborough’s political and social challenges.

As a regular panelist for YourTV’s Politically Speaking, Hendry has provided fact-based opinions on the state of affairs at Peterborough City Hall and elected representatives’ performance, or lack thereof. And since retiring, he has written two editorials per week for The Examiner.

Over the past six years, the United Way of Peterborough and District has been a huge benefactor of Hendry’s passion for the place he calls home and those who need a hand up. First as a board member, then as the board chair and most recently as campaign cabinet chair, Hendry has wholly committed himself to the United Way’s mission while inspiring others to do likewise.

Other local entities that have progressed from Hendry’s board involvement include the ReFrame Film Festival as well as the Kawartha Golf and Country Club.

If these contributions aren’t enough to put Hendry into a volunteer class of his own, consider the countless hours he has contributed to ensuring newcomers to the city are felt welcome and valued.

Currently a lead member of a group supporting three Syrian refugee families, Hendry has hosted six Canada World Youth exchange participants, an American Field Services youth exchange participant, and a Belarusian boy displaced by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Collectively, that humanitarian work earned him Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honour bestowed by the international service club.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

The news story printed in the Toronto Daily Star, Monday May 21, 1951 describing a devastating fire in Peterborough, tells it best. The details contained therein, make it quite evident why Earl Spencely joins the over 300 Honourees in the Pathway of Fame.

A sub headline reads, “Always Ready to Help.” Friends said today they weren’t surprised when they learned Earl Spencley, a 34 year old army veteran was in the thick of it as he aided firemen in battling the blaze in a downtown office building. “That was typical of Earl,” said H. C. Munro, a business associate. “He was always in everything when he thought anyone needed help.”

“The father of two was on his way to work when he came upon the fire, and dashed in to help. Through the night, the trapped man’s father led rescue workers as they worked frantically to rescue his son. Finally at 3.30 am, and 16 hours after he became trapped, the body of Earl Spencley was carried out.

“Spencley could have stayed out of danger at the fire. Two years ago he opened a florist shop a few doors away and was fast building one of the best businesses in town. He had a wife, two children Susan (six) and the baby, Peggy, just a few years old and a new home in suburban Peterborough. ‘But he knew it was his duty,’ friends said. So Earl Spencley joined firemen and when they needed help to carry a hose inside the building he was the first to volunteer. Minutes after he entered the building, he was buried.

“Spencley was an active member of the YMCA, a member of the executive of the “Y” business men’s club and a member of Corinthian Lodge AF & AM.

“Whenever there was a job to do we could count on Earl to do it, “ they said. “that was the kind of man he was.”

Modern communications can often be a mysterious blend of words, ideas and technical hardware. John Gilbert Jones began his life as a television technician and HAM radio enthusiast. That was the ‘medium’ side of the ‘message.’ The ‘message’ side would come later.

Composing stories and a passion for narrative started as a youthful and personal pastime. Then in the 1960’s, John decided to pursue his dream of becoming a storyteller. Honing his craft as he went, John produced his acclaimed ‘Swamp Cedar Stories.’ He also undertook a daunting, but fulfilling project: updating and revising Hillier Williamson’s acclaimed history of Omemee. The book was originally published in 1968. John’s update was a popular success, rekindling enthusiasm for local history. The book became a turning point in helping to revitalize Omemee and District Historical Society.

John’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. For his work, he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

An integral aspect of communication and writing, is to assist other aspiring and established communicators. To that end, John was an energetic influence on the Kawartha Lakes Writers Association as well as writing groups in Keene and Peterborough. He was also an ardent supporter of the Historical Society’s annual Book Fair.

For a natural storyteller, the life of each human being, and of each community, represent stories that ache to be told, and shared. The Kawartha region was lucky to possess such a passionate storyteller, as John Gilbert Jones.

Mr. Jones died in 2015, at the age of 81.

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.”

Popular member of Peterborough music scene for most of his life, Ken Sharp was forced, by medical circumstances, to take centre stage in a truly life-affirming performance.

On dialysis for more than 20 years, Ken became an energetic, and eloquent advocate on behalf of dialysis patients across Canada. Travelling across Canada and the United States, he passionately lobbied governments, institutions and private citizens to raise awareness regarding the needs of dialysis patients, the importance of bio-artificial kidney research, and the absolute lifesaving value of organ donation.

Ken Sharp’s devotion to local causes continue to be significant and, for his efforts, is recognized with the Jack Bailey Memorial Award.

• Photo courtesy Karen Longwell, Northumberland News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert John Ainsworth, real estate agent, chiefly based in Peterborough, Ontario, has been a successful playwright and member of the Playwright Guild of Canada. Since emigrating from Birmingham, England in 1980, he has collaborated in producing musicals and children’s plays, and has written plays such as Dirty Little Secrets, Autumn Leaves and The Mouse House. As well as being a director and actor with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, he has directed musicals for the St. James Players, for Trinity United Church. He has twice taken productions to the Eastern Ontario Drama League festivals, both times winning awards as best director. The Mouse House won as well for best Canadian play and best production. He has also won Awards of Merit from the Peterborough Real Estate Board and from the City of Peterborough for his contributions. His play The Mouse House won the award for best production in the Theatre Ontario all ontario festival in Sault Ste Marie. The play won 7 awards including best director for Robert.

Judy Lynn Heffernan served, for over sixteen years as the general manager of the Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation. Community Futures provided access to capital, business consulting services and community economic development. Working with federal funding, Judy and others helped many organizations develop ideas and build upon initiatives. She helped small businesses and social enterprises maintain or create jobs and promote local prosperity. She gave solid advice to entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and women seeking funding. She was active with the Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Canoe Museum, The Women’s Business Network, and other organizations. She was married to Roy Heffernan, and they had two daughters and four grandchildren.

• Photo by Christina Roberts Photography www.christinarobertsphotography.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you look at Pathway of Fame nomination form, the criterion for Community Samaritan category reads, “one who is ready and generous in helping others.” Una and Alan Golding were a pair who readily and generously helped others. As a couple, as well as individually, they were also proof that what is important isn’t the magnitude of the act, it’s the magnitude of the heart behind them.

Una, and her late husband Alan were both veterans of World War II and, for years, were involved, energetic members of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52: Una as Branch secretary and Alan as youth education representative. Alan was also active with Smith Township Historical Society and Una, the chief organizer of the immensely popular Seniors Picnic every June at Del Crary Park.

Both were involved in organizing numerous seniors’ luncheons and events. For nearly two decades, they volunteered with Meals On Wheels and gave generously of their time and energy with Peterborough Community Care.

In their unselfish and caring way, Una and Alan Golding have made Peterborough area a better place in which to live. Now a widow, Una continues that proud tradition.

Alan Golding passed in 2019.

The 15 years Sylvia Sutherland devoted to being Mayor of Peterborough will, in the main be considered her greatest legacy to the community.

Sylvia received a grounding in journalism, beginning at the Orillia Packet and Times and, later at the Toronto Telegram where she and Isabelle Bassett became good friends having joined the newsroom at the same time. Sutherland graduated from Ryerson with a diploma in Journalism in 1963, and from Trent University in 1973.

When Sylvia, and husband David Sutherland lived in Norwood in the late 1960’s, Sylvia ran for town council and was elected. David Sutherland was the founding President of Fleming College, to which Sylvia contributed much as well. Her engaging personality and people skills attributed to her hosting a very popular afternoon CHEX TV program.

In all this activity, Sylvia Sutherland developed a love for Peterborough and area – so much so, she considered it her “adopted” home. It was her energy and popularity that inspired her to successfully run for Mayor of Peterborough. Preserving the character of the City through the saviour of many of its landmark buildings from the wrecking ball, was just one of her visionary accomplishments. Sutherland  saved the historic Cox terrace on Rubidge Street, and helped preserve the Peterborough Armouries by attracting government monies for that cause.

During the “great flood” of 2004, Her Worship Mayor Sutherland showed stalwart leadership and executive skills of a person worthy of that position. And who will ever forget the resultant “Calendar Girls” fundraiser? Sylvia championed the Market Hall restoration, a proud symbol of our City. Hutchinson House on Brock Street stands as part testament to our historical past through her efforts.

Much of our City’s stature owes its existence to Sylvia Sutherland who saw, in its past, its future attractiveness.
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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.

Artist, activist and academic – when it comes to expressing his views, particularly leading the call for a change in attitudes around equity and inclusion for members of the 2SLGBTQ community, Spencer J. Harrison’s voice and influence has soundly resonated in a very big way.

Having attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queen’s University (1987), a Master of Arts from Trent University (2003) and, most recently, his Doctor of Philosophy from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (2014), Harrison, in 2014, completed The Freak Show: A Painted Autoethnographic Exploration of Growing Up Gay in Rural Ontario in the 1960s – Canada’s first painted doctoral dissertation.

Positioning artists in the academic world as knowledge creators, Harrison’s art is exhibited and collected across Canada and beyond the country’s borders. His art has been referenced in the House of Commons as part of the effort to change more than 70 laws to provide more inclusion for the 2SLGBTQ community.

Harrison was the founding director of Camp fYrefly, a Trent University-based leadership retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersexed, queer, questioning and allied youth. Under his leadership, the camp combined arts-based and Indigenous knowledge and practices to help youth build strong positive identities, moving away from self-harm issues in the process.

Exhibitions of Harrison’s work date back several years, his thought-provoking work displayed at galleries in Toronto, Belleville, Milton and Ottawa. Confirmed for this winter at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, at which Spencer is the artist mentor for youths planning to pursue the medium at the post-secondary level, is his newest exhibition, Does It Give You The Gay.

For more than 12 years now, Harrison has taught at Toronto’s Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University, specializing in courses that explore subject matter and the value of the makers of their crafts. During his time at OCAD, he has been honoured with the Non-Tenured Teaching Award and the BLG Equity Teaching Award. Earlier, he served as artist-in-residence at Trent University in 1994-1995.

To be active and talented in drama, art, or sport is very special. Also to be able to write effectively about such enthusiasms is truly amazing. Don Barrie, a former Peterborough teacher for 34 years, has been both.

Don Barrie’s amazing career as athlete and coach, notably in lacrosse, led to his induction into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame, the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Don began, on the occasion of his retirement over 15 years ago, to write a weekend Peterborough Examiner sports column. Many historical columns were reworked into his books. Some of his published works (some collaborative, others solo efforts) include ‘Don’t Skate near the Lift Lock,’ ‘Five Decades with the Petes,’ and ‘Lacrosse, the Peterborough Way.’ He was awarded the Peterborough Historical Society’s Dobbin Award for an authoritative and voluminous book on lacrosse.

The Pathway of Fame is pleased to welcome the opinionated writer who shared his love of history of his, and Peterborough’s, favourite sports.

Farmer, politician, visionary, and conservation advocate.  David Nelson McIntyre, of Otonabee Township, possesses all these vocations and attributes and because he does we’re the beneficiaries of his endeavours.  He’s actively involved in the establishment of Serpent Mounds Provincial Park, and very much the force behind Century Village (now known as Lang Century Village).  For his determination to preserve the past for the education and delight of future generations, we are very much in his debt.

Michael A. Peterman, Professor Emeritus of English Literature, Trent University, is named in 2006 as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.  It’s peer recognition of his exceptional research accomplishments.

Working with various colleagues he researched archival records and original writings of several writers with links to the Peterborough area bringing them, and their work, to life in no fewer than 13 books, 100+ articles and countless speeches and papers. He’s a leading authority on Willa Cather, Susanna Moodie, Catharine Parr Traill, Robertson Davies, James McCarroll and Isabella Valancy Crawford.  Thanks to his efforts, their works are now studied at schools and universities here, and abroad.

At Trent, he taught its most popular courses in American and Canadian Literature.  With the Peterborough Historical Society, Michael Peterman – a past president – chaired its Publications Committee for more than 20 years and actively supported the Hutchison House Museum.

Michael Peterman is singularly successful in diligently researching, and imaginatively reconstructing the lives and times of writers he admires.  He also generously shares what he learns.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Stuart Harrison, the General Manager of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce since 2003 has, over the years become a respected advocate for business, and a trusted friend of the community. His positivity, intuitiveness and inventiveness is matched only by his commitment to volunteerism and community well-being.

Through it all, he remains the same down-home prairie lad dust in his boots.

Stuart has, for decades written ‘The Business Beat,’ a weekly feature on changes and updates in the area’s business scene that appears in the Peterborough Examiner, and is also featured on CHEX-TV as ‘Stoo’s News.’ The columns, since 2004, are archived at KawarthaNow.com.

Stuart’s career in journalism began in his home province of Saskatchewan, in North Battleford, before continuing following a move to Peterborough as the mid-morning man on CHEX Radio, from 1977-1985. This show evolved into a talk show format that featured interviews with visiting authors, entertainers, and experts, as well as local people promoting events and fundraisers such as the Christmas Hamper program, Hospital drives, Five Counties, and Easter Seals.

As the station promotion manager he promoted events while dressed as the ‘CHEX Chicken,’ and added host for the annual Easter Seals Telethons for some thirty years, a role he continues to this day.
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Stu Harrison spent many years in advertising with the publisher of Kawarthas Today and The Business Advantage. He ran his marketing company, Harrison Advertising, from 1987 until becoming General Manager of the Chamber. During this time he developed the sophisticated ‘Visitor in Peterborough VIP’ promotions, an important feature of local tourism.

His many awards and accolades include induction as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow; in 2009 the Canadian Chamber Executive of the Year; in 2012 recipient of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce James Carnegie Award; and in 2013 the Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award “for demonstrating excellence in Chamber Management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service.”

It can be said that the business community, and the community as a whole, has no better friend than Stuart Harrison.

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

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

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

Representing legendary business success in Peterborough in the early 20th Century, J.J. Duffus brought the first Ford Motor dealership in Canada, to Peterborough in 1909.  He served the community for 48 years as Alderman, Mayor, Member of Parliament and Senator.  He worked tirelessly to attract manufacturing industries to the City and, in the senate, was an early and effective proponent for the establishment of the Old Age Pension.

• Photo courtesy of the Duffus Family

In the eyes of many, a writer’s life is a solitary one, locked away in a small room, alone with one’s thoughts and the creative process. However, when you add a dimension of reaching out and a willingness to touch others on a number of levels, then the life of a writer takes on a fresh and meaningful vitality. Gail Corbett is a writer who has reached out, as well as taken in.

As historical writer, Gail’s books, such as ‘Barnardo Children in Canada,’ ‘Portraits,’ ‘Country Churches,’ and ‘Katherine Wallis’ add much to our appreciation of local and national history. Her life is also one of passing-on and sharing the craft of writing. For over 20 years, she’s taught creative writing at Fleming College and conducted numerous lectures and workshops. Gail is also a compelling force, especially locally, with the Canadian Authors Association.

For those of us living in the Kawarthas, Gail has given two precious gifts; a sense of community for aspiring writers and a sense of our own history. It’s often said of history and tradition that what is not written down will be forgotten.

Gail Corbett has written it down, so we shall not forget.

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.

Live music, at its best, should be welcomed like an old and trusted friend who’s come to visit, to share a time of fun and relaxation. If a little good can be done along the way, so much the better. That seems to be the spirit that follows Don Tandy & Just Plain Country wherever they go in the Kawarthas.

Formed in 1986 ostensibly to play at a wedding, the group quickly jelled into a first-rate Country group. The musicians gained a loyal following, delighting audiences at venues small, and large. In fact their performance schedules read like a road map of Central Ontario. With a strong sense of ‘people’ in their audiences, Don Tandy & Just Plain Country give generously of their time, and talent to raise funds for such worthy causes as the Peterborough Food Bank, PRHC, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Trent Radio and the Heart Catheter Fund. They’ve worked especially hard in support of spinal cord research.

What makes Don Tandy & Just Plain Country so unique is obviously their high-quality musicianship but, equally important to each group member, every audience is a collection of old friends whose acquaintance is to be renewed, or new friends they have yet to meet…