Inductees

As scientist, engineer and inventor, Peter Eastcott brought fulfillment to many of his dreams for making the world a better place.

After a distinguished military career, he joined General Electric Canada as an electrical engineer. Peter became the most prolific inventor in the history of Canadian General Electric, registering 54 patents in the areas of industrial handling and safety.

Peter Eastcott also applied his engineering and inventing genius to humanitarian causes. He made life-saving contributions to the treatment of pulmonary disease and the invention of the HELPME program which, via computer, provides emergency response teams with vital, pre-incident, medical information.

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

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

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

• Photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week and MYKawartha

For true lovers of music and performance, it’s difficult to recall the first time they held an instrument in their hands.

Norm Post has been making music and captivating audiences since the age of 12 and is considered one of the most ‘instrumental’ individuals in Central Ontario Country Music.  In many ways, Norm’s life and career typify the road traveled by so many Country artists.

As fledgling performer, the dictates of raising a young family put a strain on his musical ambitions.  That worked itself out nicely, in 1967, with the formation of The Singing Post Family.  The next decade, the Post Family made inroads into the Canadian music scene, recording eight albums and making three cross-country tours.

In the 1970’s, as the kids went their separate ways, Norm reinvented his performing passion.  He became an active participant with the Kawartha Shrine Club, devoting much time and energy fundraising for crippled children.  To further his fundraising technique, Norm took the opportunity to become a registered clown and perform as ‘Cinders.’  He continued as solo Country artist, playing alongside such luminaries as Roy Clark, Hank Snow and Gordie Tapp.

He founded the Cross Country Jamboree, which introduced us to talents such as Carroll Baker and Wayne Rostad.  Organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Rockhound Gemboree, and Canadian Spinal Cord Research benefited from Norm’s organizational, and performing talents.

Music, and people; that’s the combination that comes together, with Norm Post.

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.

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.’

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.

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.

Gary Stewart was a funeral director with Comstock Funeral Home until 1974, and subsequently since 2003 with Community Alternatives.

Stewart founded G. Stewart Travel Services, and directed the firm for nearly 30 years, when he sold it to Scott and Dana Stewart. The firm was connected to Carlson Wagonlit.

Stewart was an Otonabee Township councillor from 1981 through 1995, serving as Deputy Reeve, and Reeve. He served as the Progressive Conservative Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough, 1995-2003.

As MPP, he was particularly determined in working to secure the funding needed to assure the success of the new Peterborough Regional Hospital. Stewart has spent his entire life in Stewart Hall and Peterborough, and is well-known and connected with the community.

In varied and quiet ways, Gary Stewart has helped countless people, and innumerable causes in the community. As John Cunningham, of Community Alternatives has noted, “Gary is extremely personable, exudes trust and just has a way with people…”

• photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, MyKawartha and Peterborough This Week

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.

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.

Robert Rehder, professional engineer, enjoyed a stellar 47 year career with General Electric Canada, and retired to consulting work on high voltage switch gears and insulation systems. The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has observed, “Mr. Rehder’s vision, leadership qualities, community pride, his skills and passion have provided opportunities for youth education in forest ecosystem management, for volunteer involvement in conservation, the restoration of the historic Hope Mill…” and more.

The Hope Mill was originally for carding and fulling but was converted to a sawmill in 1892. The task of restoring the mill was complex, as Rehder’s group fixed the foundations, repaired machinery and built a solar powered kiln for drying lumber, among countless other tasks. It took “time, energy and wisdom” to get this gem running again.

Rehder has won the Centennial Medal of the Institute of Electronic Engineers, the Engineering Excellence Award, and the Citizenship Award of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. The Hope Mill project itself won several heritage accolades in 2003 and 2004, including an award from the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

In his day job he was an engineer with General Electric and Ontario Hydro, but for Bud Bethune, his real passion was theatre. His first job with the Peterborough Theatre Guild was producer. However, it was as set designer and builder he found his true calling. He added his creative flair and sizeable skills to every production the Guild staged for more than 35 years.

Bud’s involvement with PTG went beyond the creative side. Over the years, he served as Guild president and Chairman of the Board. Also as a genuine token of love for Peterborough theatre, his archival photographs of Guild productions, the people and the building added a treasured dimension to the appreciation of the history, and accomplishments of Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Throughout his theatre career, Bud embodied that most rare of artistic achievement: he sincerely enjoyed working with people. With quiet dignity but with strength, diligence, skill and that elusive spark called genius, Bud Bethune added so much to the tradition of theatre in Peterborough.

Every community has volunteers, but only Peterborough is lucky enough to have Ken Armstrong. As volunteer broadcaster with Cable 10, Ken moderates three open-line shows dealing with three levels of government. Were that not enough, in itself, Ken’s been a very lively community activist. He’s chaired numerous committees including the Evinrude Centre fundraising committee and presently chairs committees on Peterborough’s 150th Anniversary celebration and millennium celebrations.

In recognizing his outstanding efforts, Ken received the Community Service Award, Citizen of the Year Award and, in June 1998, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario awarded Ken Armstrong the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for his remarkable contribution to the wellbeing of the Peterborough community.

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.

If timing is truly everything, there is no better time than now to honour Kirk Wipper.

Back in May, when the new Peterborough home of the Canadian Canoe Museum was officially opened, it’s a certainty that Wipper was in the thoughts of many, and for very good reason. Without his generosity, his love of watercraft and his foresight, the museum wouldn’t have opened at its original Peterborough location back in 1997.

It was back in the late 1950s that Wipper started his extraordinary collection of canoes, a process kick-started by the gift of a rare circa 1890 basswood dugout destined to become the centerpiece of the museum. Wipper subsequently traveled the country in search of canoes to secure, housing each in a building at Camp Kandalore that later became home to the Kanawa International Museum of Canoes, Kayaks and Rowing Craft.

The world’s largest collection of watercraft grew to contain more 500 canoes and related artifacts, prompting the suggestion that Peterborough would be an ideal location for a permanent museum to both store, and display them. With numerous volunteers on board, the concept of developing a knowledge centre about the canoe was floated and adopted, leading to the opening of the Canadian Canoe Museum at the Monaghan Road location of the former Outboard Marine.

Besides providing the inspiration and the springboard for what has become the internationally-recognized home of all things canoe, Wipper was also instrumental in ensuring the immense contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada’s growth and development, have been kept front of mind.

A volunteer with several canoe, paddling, camping and water safety organizations, Wipper served 45 years with the Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada and was a national director of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association, which later became Paddle Canada, enjoyed the benefit of Wipper serving as the inaugural chair of its History and Archives Committee.

In 2002, Wipper was fittingly appointed a member of the Order of Canada. When he passed 12 years later, tributes to both him and his life work poured forth. Among those taking the time to honour him was James Raffan, the executive director of the Canadian Canoe Museum at the time.

“If you look at the tributes to Kirk that are pouring in, you will see that he indeed changed the world for the better,” wrote Raffan.

“This is surely the end of an era. Kirk will be missed – but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the members, volunteers, staff and friends of the museum (entrusted with) stewardship of these 600 canoes and kayaks – this unique portrait of Canada he created.”

Kirk Wipper made his final portage from this life in 2011.

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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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.

The Peterborough region is blessed with many who light up a room by simply walking into it, but few can lay claim to a more memorable entrance than Megan Murphy.

Gifted with a spark and quick wit that endears her instantly to everyone, Megan has brought her boundless enthusiasm and energy to several projects and organizations, and also to the theatrical stage as an actress with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, St. James’ Players, New Stages and 4th Line Theatre.

A college-educated documentary filmmaker, Megan’s piece de resistance remains the multi-awarded ‘Murphy’s Law,’ a self-exploratory cycling journey across Ireland that retraced the same journey her late father had made years earlier…on the same bicycle. And many remain grateful for her film documentation of the history of Town’s General Store in Douro which, shortly afterwards, was lost to fire.

A number of campaign and event organizers have been wise to tap into Megan’s talents and natural exuberance to energize their respective causes. In 2018-19, Megan served as Chair of the United Way of Peterborough and District campaign, and the Showplace Performance Centre recently named her an ambassador, alongside Linda Kash, of its ‘Showplace Project: Act II’ fundraising campaign. As an event host, Megan has called on her many years of radio broadcast experience to become the emcee voice of numerous events, including the Easter Seals Telethon.

When the shadow of COVID-19 darkened the landscape, Megan partnered with her good friend Kate Suhr to bring light to the life of many via The Verandah Society that saw the duo present a number of “On the Verandah” musical performances. Also during the pandemic, Megan stepped up on behalf of Kawartha Food Share, spearheading a number of campaigns that helped the agency feed countless families during an unprecedented demand. That same compassion for strangers was clearly evident years earlier when Megan travelled to southeast Asia to help with the rebuilding effort in the wake of the tsunami in late 2004.

There seems a point in an entertainer’s life when the call of home and community overtakes the lure of the road. People who create a life, and roots, become more important than heading out on the road to a new town, a new audience.

Make no mistake, Del Haddlesey still loves his music but benefiting others now occupies the driver’s seat in his life.

Many will remember Del Haddlesey from the ‘salad days’ of Peterborough music in ’60’s and ’70’s. Whether at Brock Ballroom, Queens Hotel, Marmora or Madoc Hotels, Del captivated audiences over many years of Saturday nights. In the 1970’s, he went on the road to share stages with the likes of Waylon Jennings and Chubby Checker. As time went by, and life imposed its dictates, Del returned to his Peterborough roots.

Switching gears, Del concentrated on making a difference on behalf of people who needed him in the Kawarthas. His date-book soon filled with events in aid of a veritable ‘who’s who’ of community endeavours. With his group, ‘Father Time,’ he worked in aid of local food banks, area Legions, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Cancer Society, many family benefits and an impressive list of community projects.

Dedication to community through time, talent, energy and selflessness is the hallmark of an exceptional human spirit. That’s Del Haddlesey.

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.

If anyone’s to be truly born with “printer’s ink” in their veins, such could be said of Peterborough’s own Ed Arnold.

Over 35 years, Ed worked his way through almost every position in Peterborough Examiner newsrooms from photography, dark-room, reporter, to city editor and managing editor. In the latter position, Ed Arnold is believed to be the longest reigning such executive of a daily newspaper in Canada.

He authored nine books, including a national best seller on minor hockey. Knowledge of his hometown spurred him to found “Kids In Need,” a registered charity helping children within Peterborough and County.

Recipients benefiting from Ed Arnold’s knowledge and cooperation can be found in a wide range of endeavours, such as the Gainey Foundation, as well as other authors’ access to archival material and electronic media.

For more than three decades, no charity concert in Peterborough would be complete without the familiar figure of Johnny Driscoll. An avid Country Music enthusiast, he’d give unselfishly of his time and energy to organize and promote concerts in aid of many worthy fundraisers.

With a deep sense of commitment to Peterborough’s performing arts community, Johnny Driscoll was an early and vocal proponent of establishing a city performance centre. He was also a grassroots supporter of the Pathway of Fame.

For a great many musicians, a fond memory of youth is spending hours wandering through one of those wonderful, small music stores with guitars hanging everywhere, getting lost in dreams of a guitar you’ll own one day, if you work and practice hard enough.

For thousands of Peterborough musicians, that memory conjures up one name: Bud Monahan.

The Peterborough music scene and the name Bud Monahan have been synonymous for over 50 years. Few have exercised such an influence over musicians in the Kawartha region. For nearly all his life, music played an integral part.

In early days, Bud played with many legendary names in Peterborough music, such as Paul Konkle, Del Crary and Freddie Coupland. Teaching music at such memorable establishments as Rawson’s and Musicland led to opening Bud Monahan’s House of Guitars. For over 40 years, Bud supplied instruments and taught the rudiments to literally thousands of aspiring musicians. In many instances, Bud taught multiple members of the same family, employing many former students as teachers.

For Bud, music supplied an extended family and a generational rite of passage. Good musicians will tell you it’s in the sharing of same that music affords the greatest satisfaction – and it’s in playing, teaching and sharing by which Bud Monahan personified the greatest gift of music.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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.’

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.

Lifelong resident of Peterborough, Barb Cantello’s community contributions cover the artistic, as well as the practical.

For more than 45 years, she’s been a dynamic and influential member of St. John Ambulance, Peterborough Branch. Active in community affairs, Barb played a pioneering role in developing a program to teach First Aid in area schools.

An added dimension to Barb Cantello’s contribution to the fabric of Peterborough, is her status as one of the founding members of Sweet Adelines Barbershop Singing Chorus, Peterborough Chapter.

Kent Brockwell is living proof that without a loving sense of history, one can never fully embrace the future. As singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer, and recording artist, Kent never missed an opportunity to perform in the Peterborough area and spread his gospel of traditional country music.

His vast knowledge of ‘Country’ roots made him a master, at whose knee many aspiring performers would learn. One of his most devoted fans was the legendary Stompin’ Tom Connors. On many occasions, Kent and Tom performed together, recorded together and wrote songs together. A high point in Kent’s career was appearing in the highly acclaimed Stompin’ Tom film, ‘Across This Land.’

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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