Inductees

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

If you believe, as Robert Louis Stevenson once said, that a busy person never has time to be unhappy, then the seemingly permanent smile on Lois Tuffin’s face makes perfect sense.

Since relocating to the Peterborough region from Almonte in the late 1990’s to assume a newsroom position with Peterborough This Week, Lois Tuffin has rarely, if ever, remained idle.  Over the past 25 years, our inductee has put her exceptional and effective communication skills to work on behalf of several events, and organizations.

Presently a board member with the Council for Persons with Disabilities and a volunteer with Peterborough Food Share, Ms. Tuffin previously oversaw communications for the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network, Youth Emergency Shelter, the YMCA, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Breaking Ground fundraising campaign. Starting in 2004, she was marketing co-chair for the Be A Goddess event for five years. In 2007, and again in 2019 the World Women’s Under-19 Field Lacrosse Championships benefitted greatly from Lois Tuffin’s skills as she attracted to the event unprecedented media attention while producing a daily newsletter for teams, and fans.

Long-term involvement with various initiatives has also been part, and parcel of Ms. Tuffin’s commitment to the betterment of people’s lives.

In 2009, via the pages of Peterborough This Week, she organized the Great Turkey Exchange that saw readers donate food for distribution to those who otherwise might go without a traditional Christmas meal. Now overseen by the East Peterborough Lions Club, more than 17,000 people have been helped to date. As a member of the board for The Mount Community Centre, Ms. Tuffin served in a variety of board positions for seven years, helping raise close to $3 million for the construction of much-needed affordable apartments.

And as a board member with Homegrown Homes from 2004 to 2010, Ms. Tuffin helped foster an important rebranding, and worked to restore the organization’s financial health.

Her volunteer involvement as a team player is noteworthy – but so too, are Lois Tuffin’s individual contributions that fall below the radar. Quickly closing in on 100 blood donations, Ms. Tuffin has worked one-on-one with newcomers from South America, helping them with their language skills and employment acquisition through her quiet involvement with the New Canadians’ Centre.

Unsurprisingly, Lois Tuffin has been duly recognized for her community service. In 2008, she was the recipient of a Peterborough Civic Award in the Sport Betterment category. The year prior, The Ontario Community Newspaper Association honoured our inductee with its Mary Knowles Community Leadership Award.

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

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

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

There’s a reason any reference to Maureen Harris- Lowe is generously sprinkled with the term ‘mentor.’
As director of the Peterborough Children’s Chorus for the past 20 years, Maureen has served as a wonderful role model for countless youths and young adults, helping each to grow not only as a vocalist but also as a confident performer whose professionalism and good manners represent Peterborough and area exceedingly well.
Under Maureen’s direction, the Peterborough Children’s Chorus has won numerous awards while traveling to competitions across North America and beyond. Striving to give her charges new experiences that will create lifelong memories – the chorus’ recent backing of iconic rock band Foreigner during its recent Peterborough concert is one example – Maureen sets a high standard for the choral group but does so in a fun way that leaves all feeling good.

“She is quick to give him a smile, a hug and make him feel like he is the most special one in the room,” says a parent of a young chorus member.

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Musical Arts, Maureen is a superb vocalist who sings with the Peterborough Pop Ensemble as well as performs at numerous local events and gatherings. Her passion for music is abundantly clear in all she undertakes and that passion has been, and remains, infectious much to the benefit of all who cross her path.

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

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

The quality of one’s life, not the quantity, is what people remember. In that regard, Courtney Druce has secured her rightful place as one who gave so much when it would have been so easy, and understandable, not to do so.

Before succumbing to her fifth battle with cancer at the age of 27, Druce not only inspired and greatly impacted her circle and the community at large, but also partnered with various organizations aimed at giving hope to those who needed hope, more than ever.

Learning from, and adapting to the experience of her 12-year battle with cancer – almost half her life – Druce never missed a beat, not only excelling at Lakefield College School and Queen’s University, but also partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House to better the lives of young cancer patients undergoing treatment not unlike her own. Peterborough’s annual Pink in the Rink fundraiser for cancer research owes much to Courtney’s partnership with the Ontario Hockey League and the Peterborough Petes.

At Queen’s, Druce secured a position with Queen’s Disability Services, supporting two students toward their graduation. Post graduation from Queen’s, while undergoing her own cancer treatment, she gifted her time and seemingly boundless energy to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation – promoting, and participating in local events: among them the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

In 2014 and together with her father John, Courtney was named honourary co-chair of the American Heart and Stroke Golf Tournament. Pre-pandemic, the Courtney Druce Golf Tournament raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. And as a spokesperson for cervical cancer awareness, Druce’s story pressed home the need for young women to be more vigilant in terms of regular screening.

Courtney Druce’s impact has extended well beyond the Peterborough region. In New Jersey, where she was treated, her name and story is attached to donations to an animal orphanage; in Philadelphia, the home of her beloved Eagles, her inspiring journey has proven a catalyst for annual donations to the bone marrow transplant unit in that city’s children’s hospital, as well as Ronald McDonald House.

Inspired by Courtney’s courage and spirit of selfless giving, Eagles CEO Don Smolenski took Courtney’s team jersey to the 2017 Super Bowl so she could be part of a championship win she predicted in writing, before her passing. To this day, Smolenski continues to impress upon others Courtney’s fight for life, love for others, infectious energy and desire to improve life quality for thousands.

Courtney Druce died April 27^th, 2016 eight days shy of her 28^th birthday.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rick Fines’ talents as artist, singer and songwriter have earned him wide respect from audiences, fans and those within the music industry. For 15 years, during the 1980’s and 1990’s, Alan Black (drums, harmonica), Gary Peeples and Rick Fines played as the Jackson Delta Blues Band. They played in rock bands but, on off nights, played acoustic blues. They pursued individual musical careers after the 1990’s. Rick, in 2005, for his song ‘Riley Wants His Life Back,’ won in the blues category of an international songwriting competition. Rick played in various parts of the United States, Canada and Eastern Europe over the past two years. His awards include a Maple Blues Award for Songwriter of the Year, and twice for Acoustic Act of the Year. Still in his ’40’s, he’s considered a veteran on the folk and blues circuits.

Rick believes those gifted with musical ability have a responsibility to share it by teaching others. He’s been teaching finger-style guitar at Haliburton, Kincardine and Hornby Island, as well as participating in Blues in the Schools programs from Saskatoon to Fredericton. He’s taught adults and youngsters to play the guitar and write songs. He blends traditional sounds with witty contemporary songwriting.

A true professional in every sense of the word.

• Photo courtesy rickfines.ca

It seems, to be part of Canadian character, many of our enduring cultural achievements come not just from larger centres but from smaller communities such as Peterborough. A proud case in point, remains the shining success story known as The Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Few have contributed more to the Guild’s artistic tradition, than Syd Waldron.

For over 40 years, Syd played a vital, multi-dimensional role in a continuing saga of The Guild. Behind the scenes, (if a director’s job can be considered behind the scenes), Syd directed such classic Guild productions as The Music Man, Ten Little Indians, The Mumberly Inheritance and Sinners, to name but a few. He also devoted much time and energy to fundraising, membership drives and whatever was needed doing, organizationally.

In front of audiences, Syd shone in stellar performances: Fiddler On The Roof, Kiss Me Kate, The King And I and many more.

For Syd Waldron, the stage is truly a two-way street. He takes delight in the vibrant world of live theatre and audiences have taken delight in his talent, creativity and imagination.

Dick Beck was well-known in Peterborough for his day job, as engineer at Canadian General Electric, and for his work with the Peterborough Utilities Commission. But if truth be known, his true passion, was connected to  theatre.

For over 30 years, Dick was an active member of PTG, serving in many capacities. He directed six full-length plays and one children’s play. He penned music and lyrics for about a dozen children’s plays which have been performed in many parts of Canada as well as here at home, at the Guild.

As well, Dick logged time undertaking set design, set construction, production and stage management. In an administrative capacity, he served on the Executive and Board of the Guild as President, Treasurer and Chairman.

Gordon Roper (d. 2012) was a Professor of English Literature at Trinity College, University of Toronto from 1944-1969, and then at Trent University from 1969-1977. His family was rooted in Peterborough, and he was a major scholar of local writers such as Robertson Davies, Susannah Moodie and others. His family came to Peterborough in 1915 when his father joined the staff of the local YMCA. He enjoyed lifetime friendships with F. M. de la Fosse, local naturalist William A. Breyfogle (1905-1958), Margaret Laurence and Mr. Davies.

He received the Peter Robinson medal in 2000 for his contributions to Peterborough and to its literary history. Streets in Peterborough – Roper, Hawthorne and Melville – were named for his heroes. His students have included professors now at Trent University, and the former Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson.

Gordon Roper was a pioneer in bringing the writing of local authors, to life.

Many would agree Peterborough possesses a magical quality that lures those born here back to the area, and keeps those not born in Peterborough, here.  Heribert Michel planned to stay in Peterborough no more than two years, then move to bigger and better things.

That was in 1951 and, for over 50 years; he’s not only stayed but has added much to the musical, cultural and spiritual fabric of our community.

‘Temporarily’ filling the organist position at Sacred Heart Church, Heribert served as organist and choir director at Sacred Heart and St. Peter’s since that fateful year, 1951. During that time, he’s composed and arranged numerous masses and services. He passed on a love of music to countless young people through his teaching. His talents, and creativity are readily available to choirs, concerts and theatre groups in the Peterborough area. In recognition of his artistry and dedication to music in the church ministry, Heribert was invested as Knight of St. Sylvester by Pope John Paul II.

Heribert Michel possesses that special quality unique to true artists. He has the capacity to infuse both joy, and solemnity into spiritual music and make both ring true. His ‘temporary’ home of Peterborough has been the richer for his being here.

Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot to make a difference in someone’s life, to ease pain or dry tears.  Sometimes it’s as simple as a teddy bear in the arms of a distraught child.

To Judy Gibson, that simple teddy bear was a symbol of love, comfort and hope.  To that end, Judy Gibson earned her title as ‘Peterborough’s Teddy Bear Lady,’ and remained the driving force behind the Peterborough Teddies organization.  Along with other dedicated volunteer members of Peterborough Teddies, Judy distributed teddy bears to local hospitals, nursing homes, funeral homes, Cameron House shelters and Crossroads, as well as organizations such as the Alzheimer Society and Five Counties’ Children’s Centre.  Thanks to Peterborough Teddies, Peterborough police cars and ambulances now come fully equipped with teddy bears.

As of 2001, the Peterborough Teddies had distributed over 20,000 bears; that’s over 20,000 people of all ages who received the gift of love, reassurance and a warm friend to hug in times of need.

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

Such was Peterborough’s Pansy Forbes.

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

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

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

Pansy Forbes is in the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame.

The essence of a good community Samaritan lies in translating your love of community into action, and deed. Words are easy, actions aren’t always so. Kenn Grainger is a shining example of the best community Samaritanism. In spite of growing personal limitations, Kenn seemed to find the secret to a life of vitality by giving of himself, to making the lives of others better.

Over 50 years ago, Kenn began an ongoing involvement with the ‘Elmer The Safety Elephant’ program in area elementary schools. His affection for young people carried over into a longtime association with youth hockey and baseball and a 38-year relationship with the Peterborough Figure Skating Club.

Increasing vision difficulties spurred Kenn to involvement with the CNIB and the Kiwanis Club. Of course there’s his ongoing volunteer work with United Way, Hospital Foundation, YMCA, Kinsmen Club and K-40 Club. In recognition of his community service, Kenn was presented with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and an Ontario Ministry of Education award. Both awards recognized his work with school children.

Although legally blind, Kenn raised money and scratched a few activities from his bucket list at the same time by doing an assisted jump from a plane, and water skiing.

When it comes to love of one’s community, Kenn Grainger has certainly ‘talked the good talk.’ But unlike so many others, he has backed those words with a lifetime of action.

Kenn Grainger passed away January 18th, 2022 two months shy of his 95th birthday.

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.

If it holds true that those who have our ear have a responsibility to lend their voice to community causes and campaigns, then John Mariasine has been very responsible indeed.

Upon arriving in the city in 1970, ‘Little John’ started his lengthy tenure with 1420 CKPT as a sports reporter before a promotion to the morning drive slot in 1973. Over the next 20 years, John was the warm and inclusive voice of CKPT, greeting morning listeners with a variety of popular ongoing segments.

John’s broadcasting career brought him benefits beyond the studio in the form of long-lasting relationships with a number of community organizations. His relentless promotional work on behalf of ParticipAction, the Ontario Summer Games and the Canadian Cancer Society proved invaluable to the success of each. With the annual McHappy Day fundraiser coinciding with his birthday, John turned it into a double celebration, selflessly sharing a slice of his cake before asking for a donation.

A number of annual events also benefitted from John’s skills as an engaging emcee and DJ, including GE Christmas parties at the Memorial Centre, toy drive kick-offs at Peterborough Square and a number of YMCA fundraising events. John brought his familiar voice to the theatrical stage as well, performing in a number of musicals staged by the Peterborough Theatre Guild and the St. James’ Players, starting in 1982 with Annie Get Your Gun and continuing his thespian pursuits after retirement with roles in seasonal productions.

Through the 1980s, John donated his time and talents to Up With People, an organization that supports the participation of children and young people in educational programs that promote cultural diversity and leadership through the arts. John and his wife Penny went above and beyond for the organization, often opening their home to participants. In 2017, John’s commitment to bettering life for others manifested itself through his volunteer work for TandemEyes that saw him serve as a guide rider for the visually impaired enjoying cycling paths.

“I have this idea…”

How often have we heard someone say this? Truth be known, ideas are a dime a dozen. A rare jewel is the individual with vision, fortitude and perhaps insanity to turn an idea into reality. Jack Blakely had a dream of starting a Country Music jamboree. He did such a good job of turning the idea into reality that, in the Country Music of today, the road to international stardom runs right through Havelock.

Jack had always been a respected businessman and energetic community supporter. His work with the Havelock Lions Club and numerous local fundraising projects always meant a great deal to the community. In the late ’1980’s, he began articulating the idea of a music jamboree, and proceeded to set the wheels in motion.

The early years were a learning experience – lots of trial-and-error and no small measure of risk-taking. But Jack closed his ears to naysayers and lukewarm supporters and held fast to his dream, and true enough Jack Blakely’s Havelock Jamboree became a monumental success.

It has since become one of the ‘go-to’ events in Country Music for both fans and performers around North America.

The spinoff is tremendous. With thousands of fans arriving each August, the Jamboree has become a major tourism event, providing a boon to Kawartha businesses and, in Jack’s insistence, benefiting many local service clubs and charities.

Making a dream into a reality is no easy task. There’s the big picture and, of course those nagging little things called ‘details.’ Jack Blakely has proven that concentrating on the positive and believing in the dream, is the road to achievement.

• Photo courtesy Havelock Lions Club

It would seem that Katherine Hooke comes by her affinity for Peterborough and area history quite naturally since her family was one of the first to settle in this region. Despite a difference in spelling, she was, in fact, named for one of the best-known pioneers, Catherine Parr Traill, and ably continues the tradition of documenting, in human terms, our culture and heritage.

For years, Katherine was a tireless worker with local historical groups and lectured extensively on historical and cultural subjects. She demonstrated her writing talents, authoring numerous books and booklets, bringing to life the beginnings and growth of our Kawartha heritage. Katherine’s best-known work is an illuminating volume on the history of Stony Lake’s landmark church, St. Peter’s on the Rock.

To the casual observer, sport is a form of exercise, competition, and entertainment. The primary object is to win but, for those feeling an affinity for athletic pursuits, the word ‘winning’ can take on a wide spectrum of meaning. For Paul Brown, sport is a way of touching the soul.

For close to 50 years, Paul Brown has been deeply involved in the discipline of Judo. He’s a 4th degree black belt and has spent countless hours teaching Judo to young people in the Peterborough area. Significantly, that teaching experience ran parallel to a longtime relationship with the Kawartha-Haliburton Foster Parents Association. With his wife Linda, Paul has been a foster parent for more than 25 years and has used sports to enhance the lives of young people. Through sports, he’s instilled in them the sense of accomplishment, dignity and self-worth; qualities essential to molding a vital human being. In recognition of his efforts, Paul received numerous honours, including and Ontario Volunteer Service Award and Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada.

In 2004, Paul was inducted into the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame. The recognition is appreciated. But the true rewards, for Paul Brown, are the meaningful lives that blossom because of his teaching; each human being has worth and can do amazing things.

David W. Fisher has been an organizer since his teen years when he ran a neighborhood racing car fan club, the Eliminators Car Club. He later organized Couriers for Christ, in which young people helped run weekend crusades. He ran a local bookstore and helped start the Kawartha Church Slo-Pitch League. He founded the Epistle Sports Ministries, a charitable organization which over thirty years or so provided chaplaincy services to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Peterborough Petes and other sports organizations.

In 2003, ‘Fish’ went to Slovak Republic to teach children how to play baseball. In 2009, with his wife Carol, he founded the Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program, which now has three teams providing opportunities for over fifty players. His counseling energies are channeled through Friends Peterborough. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a the highest honour bestowed by the International Rotary Club. His lifetime of experiences has depended upon his organizational skills, confidence and willingness to help others.

A true gentleman in the traditional sense, David Fisher is a selfless and humble epostle of the Lord.

The impact made by Agnes Logan Green on the appreciation of fine music is multi-faceted. But what else could be expected from such a multi-faceted talent?

As a youngster, her talents bordered on that of child prodigy, beginning on the piano at age four, giving recitals at age 12, sweeping music competitions and studying in England by her teens.

Agnes forsook a concert career for life and love in Peterborough. She often performed locally and spent years teaching music. As one of the original Peterborough Concert Committee members, she brought luminaries such as Glenn Gould to the City. During the 1950’s, Agnes performed a classical concert series on CHEX Radio.

Always willing to lend a helping hand, Agnes Logan Green was an early supporter of Kiwanis Music Festival and Kawartha Music Camp, as well as a number of worthy local causes.

Agnes Logan Green passed away on 2002.

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

Joe Whetung never put much stock in that approach.

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

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

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

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

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

Not a bad life philosophy, is it?

Born in nearby Castleton, Gertrude Cox came to Peterborough in 1924 to teach art and paint. She studied art extensively and, from 1950 to 1971 was in charge of the Arts and Crafts Program in Peterborough City, and County Elementary Schools. During the same time, she taught art in the Teacher Training Program for the Ontario Department of Education.

Besides being a superb teacher, Gertrude was also a significant artist in her own right. She experimented with various media, but is best known for her watercolours. Her works, first displayed at YMCA in 1939, delighted gallery viewers across Canada. In 1945, she was a founding member of the Peterborough Group of Painters.

Today, Gertrude Cox’s watercolours can be enjoyed at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Peer Christensen is 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 to the present.

He founded, and still maintains 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 has a great 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

Randy Read’s involvement in theatre began in 1975, while a student at Trent University.  He worked with Peterborough Theatre Guild, Kawartha Summer Theatre, Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and the Canadian Stage Company.

While continuing his work in Toronto, Mr. Read has maintained his to the Peterborough area.  With a world of experience, in 1997 and assisted by backers and new developments such as Showplace, Randy Read founded Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company, a local professional company “bringing compelling stories to life on stage.”  New Stages presented works and readings at Showplace and Market Hall Theatre.  In 2010, he played the role of Champlain for Little Lake Cemetery Pageant.

As Artistic Director of New Stages he works to give area residents a rare opportunity to see many of Canada’s top actors and singers perform on stage at Showplace and Market Hall.  Whenever possible, Mr. Read mixes local actors in productions with seasoned professionals.  He’s been a director with the Theatre Guild, and has served as a judge for several events.

Randy Read continues to contribute time and energy to help amateur groups and young thespians.  Peterborough is lucky to have a theatre professional promoting the arts in our city.

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.”

Barry Haggarty, a singer and an acclaimed guitar player, has played with Ronnie Hawkins, Bentwood Rocker and the Family Brown as well as with his own group. He has been a guest with Shania Twain, k.d. lang, and Ian Tyson.

Since 1991, he has operated his superb recording studio, Haggarty Sound Studio, in Peterborough, and recorded an incredible range of talented artists. A highlight for him was recording in the Abbey Road Studios, of Beatles fame, where he recorded some of his own songs, such as ‘Hockey Town,’ ‘If These Walls Could Talk,’ and an instrumental guitar pick. The sound in his own studio is equally good, and he has recorded over 100 CDs and albums for countless projects, and given opportunities for great talent to record in superior facilities.

His outstanding album ‘Old Days’ was performed with notable backup, and besides the title track included ‘Give Me a Break’ and ‘Doesn’t Mean a Thing.’