Inductees

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.

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

In her native Germany, Freidel Washchuk learned needlework and weaving skills, making her one of Canada’s most compelling artists. On a world tour to promote her works, Friedel fell in love with the allure of the Canadian landscape and heritage, and moved to Canada. After working for a time in Toronto, she relocated to the Peterborough area, devoting herself to a remarkable passion as a tapestry artist.

Drawing on the natural beauty and history of the Kawarthas, Freidel Washchuk became the first weaver to serve as Artist-in-Residence at Trent University. Her tapestries have delighted patrons at galleries across Canada and Europe.

Ken DesChamp blended his passions for music and teaching to great effect.

He began playing the guitar at age 9, and as a teen performed at the Arts and Water Festival (the forerunner to Musicfest) and taught songs at a children’s day camp. He played bass for three years in ‘Jawbone,’ Jersey Joe Henderson’s band, and then with Barry Haggerty and Terry Finn formed the band, ‘Parnell,’ which played across Ontario and the Maritimes. They released three singles which garnered air time on Canadian radio.

Ken remained active in bands during his university years which led to a BA from Guelph and a B. Mus. (Hons.) from Queen’s. While a music teacher in Elliott Lake he participated in a long distance collaboration with St. Peter’s Secondary School in Peterborough; the students created a dance drama which played at the school and in the Sears Drama Festival, when DesChamp won an award for music composition.

He taught at Crestwood Secondary School from 1990 through 2014, and was Head of the Music Department for twenty years. During his years at Crestwood, he directed wood ensembles, concert bands, stage bands and choirs – and working with Rob Steinman produced several musical productions.

Since 1990, he continued to be highly regarded and active on Peterborough’s music scene. One observer noted that he had ‘the singing voice of an angel.’ In the 2013 Peterborough Wire Awards, for example, he was named Bassist of the Year and his band, ‘The Cadillacs,’ for which he was the vocalist and bassist, was considered the best cover band.

The Cadillacs still perform to this day.

When Peterborough born-and-raised Doug Pearcy moved to Norwood with his wife Sandra in 1969 to begin work in the auto parts business, there was little, to no indication of what that would mean for the town east of Peterborough.

Over the 50 years since, Doug’s fingerprints have been all over many aspects of Norwood’s growth and development.

Mr. Pearcy sat on Peterborough County Council from 1992 to 2014, serving as Reeve of Asphodel-Norwood for six years and, in 1996, as County Warden. However, his contributions to his community have extended well beyond the political arena.

Doug has been a member of the Norwood Lions Club for 49 years, awarded a life membership by the service club for his outstanding service. In addition, for 39 years, Doug has been a member of Branch 300 of the Royal Canadian Legion and currently serves as Service Officer, helping veterans and their families secure benefits owed to them. And, having become a Mason in 1966, Doug has held a number of positions with that organization through his association with the Norwood Masonic Lodge.

With Mr. Pearcy serving as co-chair, Action 2000 saw the raising of $1.5 million towards the building of the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre, which opened in 2003. When it was decided that a senior AAA hockey franchise would be an ideal tenant for the new arena, Doug was front-and center in that effort and, on most Sunday nights, sold 50-50 tickets at Vipers games, the proceeds of which supported a number of community projects.

Currently president of Hospice Norwood Incorporated, Doug is leading the effort to see that project become a reality. There’s no question his 14-year stint as chair of the Committee of Management for Fairhaven has served him well in that effort. Doug still sits on that committee as a member.

When Doug was presented with a community recognition award on July 1, 2016, there was no doubt his significant service to Norwood spoke precisely to why the late J.J. Stewart, created the award.

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.

Lois Harte-Maxwell was proof that with hard work and dedication, the only insurmountable impediments in life are not physical, but that of the human spirit.

Despite her own difficulties with physical mobility, Lois tirelessly supported and, in some cases, was a pioneer in creating community awareness in Peterborough for those with any form of disability. She served several terms on City Council and sat on a number of committees dealing with accessibility issues for those with disabilities. More than any other individual, Lois Harte-Maxwell was instrumental in making City Hall physically accessible to all citizens of Peterborough.

Lois Harte-Maxwell died in 2016, in her 80th year.

In the Peterborough area, we are blessed with a rich tradition of Irish Music. Whether it’s jigs, reels or waltzes, there seems a spiritual quality to music that binds people together and, in those rare, magical moments binds fiddler to music.

Few personify that spiritual essence better than Albert Moher.

Known far and wide as ‘the fiddler from Douro,’ Albert came to music at an early age, spending his life sharing his talented gift of music. To Albert music, like love is truly a gift when shared. For more than a few years, Albert captivated listeners at weddings, wakes, community events, fairs and contests. With fiddle in hand, he gives generously of his time and talent to cheer those who live in nursing homes, seniors residences, at church services and celebrations, small and large. He has an uncanny ability to touch the heart with the strings of his fiddle. His repertoire, whether classical or traditional, borders on the monumental and his fame has spread well beyond the confines of his native Douro.

There was a time, not long ago, when the art of the fiddler and magic of timeless music was about to be a thing of the past. But in Albert Moher, the spiritual bond between musician and his music is a tradition that will live for years to come.

John Greco was Peterborough’s most visible, and energetic hotel manager for over two decades.  Always enthusiastic to give aspiring talent a place where they could hone their craft, John became known as the ‘Godfather of Live Music’ in Peterborough.  He readily made available his venues for numerous charitable causes and was instrumental in developing the very popular Hunter Street cafe district.

Allan Harding’s fundraising ventures have placed him well above others – literally.

On a March weekend over the course of 16 years, Allan took to the roof of the Canadian Tire store, initially at the former George Street location and then at the store off Lansdowne Street. His ‘Al On The Roof’ fundraiser not only brought the Easter Seals Society close to $150,000 but also greatly raised awareness of the organization’s mandate and many associated programs.

Crediting his father Art with instilling in him a strong desire to help others, Allan has a self-professed soft spot for children in need. When one youngster had an urgent need for a wheelchair accessible van, Allan spent 48 hours on a boat in extremely cold weather, joined by the boy’s father. ‘Al In The Boat,’ as it was coined, raised $1,400.

Going back much earlier, in 1987, Allan perched himself on the roof of the former Red Oak Inn in downtown Peterborough, bringing in money for the emergency department at the then Peterborough Civic Hospital. In addition, his feet firmly planted on the ground, Allan has raised money for Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart initiative that ensures children have equal access to sports and physical activity.

Unselfish in the extreme, Allan has always been quick to give credit to others who have supported his efforts. In October 2011, when Relly On The Roof – initially a fundraiser for the United Way – debuted atop The Brick, a very surprised Paul Rellinger was visited by Allan who made the climb and took the time to offer his warm support, offering the novice survival tips in the process.

In 2012, Allan returned to the roof of Canadian Tire one more time, again to the benefit of Easter Seals, but that was the last time as the physical strain of his rooftop sojourn had proven difficult. Other awards that have come his way, include Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award for exceptional community service, and Easter Seals’ Spirit of Giving Award.

When one combines a passion for youth’s well-being with exceptional leadership skills, the inevitable result is an individual who makes his, or her mark in a very big way.

A proud, and long-serving member of the Peterborough Kiwanis Club, his service included co-chairing the Kiwanis Music Festival. And Donald Glenn Forde was certainly no stranger to stepping up to the benefit of his community. However, when he came out of retirement in 1982 to serve as Executive Director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peterborough, his service to others took on a whole new dimension.

Over the next seven years, Mr. Forde organized numerous fundraising events that helped eliminate a large mortgage eating into the organization’s annual budget. When he led the relocation of Big Brothers, Big Sisters from Simcoe Street to its current home on George Street, the move was accomplished without the need for a mortgage, resulting in fewer overhead costs. That freed up more dollars to help match a greater number of Peterborough youths, with adult role models.

Mr. Forde’s tireless efforts on behalf of young people impacted the sports arena as well. Besides volunteering his time as the inaugural president of the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, he also gave many hours on behalf of the Peterborough Community Church Hockey League, in particular the Trinity United Church hockey program. From 1971 to 1974, Mr. Forde served as chair of the then-new Peterborough all-star minor hockey system – his involvement and contributions reflected in a display at the Healthy Planet Arena.

Throughout his adult life, Forde was an accomplished musician, playing trumpet, tuba, French horn and reed instruments. He was a member of The Bobby Kinsman Dance Band for more than four decades, as well as a member of The Hal MacFarlane Big Band and the Peterborough Civic Band.

Forde’s musical pursuits saw him play alongside the region’s big band luminaries including Del Crary, Paul Minicola and George Novotny while gracing the stages of equally legendary music venues such as Club Aragon, Brock Street Summer Gardens and The Pines in Bridgenorth. And for his executive duties with the local Federation of Musicians, Donald Glenn Forde was presented with an exclusive Lifetime Membership Gold Card.

There’s political service…and then there’s Jack Doris.

First elected as a separate school board trustee in 1966, Jack Doris sought a Peterborough city council seat the following year, won election, and ultimately served Peterborough residents for 45 years – the longest serving council member in the city’s history. That incredible run was comprised of 39 years representing Monaghan Ward residents and another six years as mayor from 1991 through 1997.

Born and raised in Keene, young Jack found himself in Peterborough at age 13 when opportunities in the city triggered a family move. A superb athlete, he excelled at hockey and softball, his prowess as a left-handed pitcher earning him the lifelong nickname of ‘Lefty.’ Entering the workforce at a young age, he worked 40 years for General Electric, initially as a fitter/welder before retiring in 1990 from his position as shop operations department manager.

Doris met his beloved Sheila (Grady) in 1950 on a blind date at Club Aragon where they danced the night away to the Bobby Kinsmen Orchestra. They married the following year, embarking on a remarkable 72-year life journey together that ultimately blessed them with six daughters, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Long before the lure of politics grabbed hold, in 1953 Doris, along with others, explored the co-operative housing concept. Those involved worked their respective jobs by day, studied the building trades at night and subsequently built each other’s homes. By July 1956, no fewer than 41 families had moved into their new homes located in what became known as The Greenhill Subdivision.

Upon his retirement from politics in 2014, Jack’s outstanding service to the city and its residents saw him awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the key to the City of Peterborough, the Mayor’s Civic Award, and Homegrown Homes’ Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Betterment.

Having displayed, through his words and actions, the highest standards of integrity, Jack Doris – upon his passing this past March at age 92, was widely, and fondly remembered for his compassion for the less fortunate and those in need. Whatever one’s station in life, Jack Doris had your back, listening and responding with genuine interest and empathy, offering encouragement and hope for better days ahead.

His greeting was always thus, with an outstretch hand and a smile: “Hello, I’m Jack Doris. How can I help?”

Jack Doris died March 4^th, 2023 in his 93^rd year.

The Northwest Mounted Police was formed in 1873 as a federal police force to maintain law and order in remote areas of Canada where provincial and municipal policing wasn’t sufficient.  The Mounties were essential in maintaining Canadian boundaries and, in turn, protecting Canadian culture and identity.

Two local residents played significant roles in the evolution of Canada’s national police force.

Inspector D’Arcy Strickland of The Northwest Mounted Police helped define the Canadian frontier in the Yukon Gold Rush of 1897-1898 and later served as Adjutant to the Fifth Mounted Rifles during the Boer War.

Corporal George Hendren was the only Canadian selected to serve as bodyguard to British Commander Lord Roberts in the Boer War.  He also became a ‘charter’ member of The Royal Northwest Mounted Police when it was established in 1904.

Alan Black, a singer, songwriter and drummer, is a major fixture on the local music scene. His musical career stretches over decades, mostly based in Peterborough where he is a co-owner of Maggie’s Eatery and a family man. He was described as, “the backbeat of the best blues,R&B and rock bands in this hip university town.”

He was a co-founder of Jackson Delta, which garnered two Junos nominations, and one for the BB King Lucille Award. Most recently, he has fronted Al Black and the Steady Band and its “New Orleans funk,” a mixture of Rock and Roll and Caribbean rhythms. The band won the 2013 Wire award for Roots/ Blues Band of the Year.

Alan Black has been a tireless promoter of local music, and himself has toured widely in the United States, Britain and Scandinavia. Singles include ‘Happy as a Monkey,’ together with recordings in collaboration with other groups.

Carl Oake was in real estate since 1968, and founded his Century 21 office on George Street ten years later. In 1999, Century 21 United Realty Ltd. And Century 21 Gray-Munro Realty Inc. merged to form Century 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage.

Carl served as President of the Peterborough Real Estate Board and the Men’s Sales and Advertising Club, Director of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club – and served on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Since 1987, the Carl Oake Swimathon has raised over $900,000 for local worthwhile causes, and the number of businesses and swimmers has increased each year. The Swimathon has always raised money to support Easter Seals, but over the years several other charities have been added. Until just recently, Carl habitually swam at least 100 laps during the event, employing the Australian crawl. He began his swimathon, that first year, swimming solo, but now there are over 30 teams of swimmers participating.

Among his many honours, Carl Oake is a Paul Harris Fellow and is a Peterborough Citizen of the Year recipient. He was also presented with the Easter Seals Helping Hand Award.

Mr. Oake retired from his firm, which remains in the capable hands of his daughter, Vanessa Oake Hogan.

Carl Oake passed away on January 2nd, 2025 in his 80th year following a courageous battle with cancer.

• photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Longtime member of Warsaw & District Lions Club, Cecil gave freely of his time and talent to raise funds for a number of local causes.  He was instrumental in constructing the band shell at Warsaw Lions Park and organizing a series of charitable concerts performed there.  Believed to be the last steam-powered sawmill operator in Ontario, Cecil volunteered his expertise to help establish a viable lumber industry on the Island of Dominica.

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.

Is there still a place in this world for a renaissance man? There is, and to the immense benefit of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, a renaissance man in every respect has made this place his home.

David Goyette most certainly brings all the characteristics of a renaissance man to the table. He’s highly educated, cultured in the arts and he has charisma in spades. And yes, he’s an intelligent man who is good at many different things, accomplishing much with an ease that belies his boundless energy.

Since moving to the region 13 years ago David has gifted his leadership to several initiatives, as well as contributed financially in a big way to a number of projects and campaigns, including a $50,000 donation made in March 2020 in support of the David Goyette and Victoria Pearce Arts and Wellness Initiative that provides funding for arts-related projects undertaken by United Way member agencies. His philanthropy has also included support of the Showplace Performance Centre in the form of a 10-year funding commitment for the purchase of a state-of-the-art theatrical lighting console. In 2018, Showplace named its stage in his honour.

As a board chair, David’s guidance steered a clear path for the downtown performance venue and, in 2019-20, his term as Chair of the Peterborough and District United Way campaign saw an invigorating vibrancy injected into the annual appeal. As a board member, David has rolled up his sleeves to the benefit of the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Artisan Centre of Peterborough, and the Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival. David most recently chaired a very successful campaign for the Camp Kawartha Health Centre.

With an eye firmly focused on the nurturing of the local arts scene, David is not one to sit on the sidelines, bringing his talents as an artist and musician to the fore. A songwriter and guitarist, he has three CDs of original music to his credit and, as an abstract expressionist painter, he has mounted no fewer than 20 shows of his work with many of his pieces having found a home in private collections. The former Peterborough Examiner weekly columnist has also authored four books, the sale proceeds from two of his books benefitting Our Space and the Purple Onion Festival.

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.

Corporal George Hendren was the only Canadian selected to serve as bodyguard to British Commander Lord Roberts in the Boer War.  He also became a ‘charter’ member of The Royal Northwest Mounted Police when it was established in 1904.

Katherine Wallis was one of the earliest, and most influential visual artists to hail from the Peterborough area.

Her childhood love of painting and drawing turned into a passion for sculpture after visiting the renowned galleries of Europe. Katherine returned to Europe to study in London and on the Continent. Soon after, her works were winning prizes and exhibited in galleries around North America, as well as Europe.

Although residing in California for much of her adult life, Katherine Wallis retained a deep affection for Peterborough and area, donating a significant number of her works to the City. She was also an influential supporter of Peterborough’s Women’s Art Association, and the establishment of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

To whoever gifted a very young Melissa Payne with a fiddle all those years ago, all we can say is thank you.

Born and raised in Ennismore, Payne subsequently learned to play the instrument at the knee of Doug Leahy. She learned well, to the point where today she is a formidable force, not just on the local music landscape but also well beyond its borders. Better still, Payne’s star is still rising with no limit in sight.

Anchored by a lifelong love of old-time fiddle and traditional Celtic music, Payne has steadily fashioned a remarkable recording and performance career that, to date, includes three full length albums of original songs and never-ending stage invites. She followed up her 2012 self-titled debut album with 2014’s High and Dry and, in early 2020, Darker Than Your Dark.

If one can be judged by the company he or she keeps, rest assured Payne is in a very good place. With her live performances having consistently brought forth critical acclaim, Payne has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Canadian music. Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), Natalie MacMaster, Matt Mays, James McKenty, Jimmy Bowskill (The Sheepdogs) and Nathaniel Smith share the common experience of having worked with Payne in the studio and on stage.

But Payne is no one-trick pony. Local theatre productions, such as 4th Line Theatre’s 2019 staging of Carmel and Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre tribute to Stompin’ Tom Connors, have drawn on her talent as well.

The thread running through Payne’s contributions to music and the arts is her wholly unselfish willingness to support up-and-coming performers. Her mentoring of those with a musical dream knows no bounds as she provides invaluable advice around booking gigs, publicity and other trappings of the business. If Payne is in your corner, chances are very good that success will follow.

Noted by many who know Payne well is her ability to mobilize others and rally support for important causes. Blessed with a boundless empathy, Payne consistently and easily connects with people from all walks of life.

McKenty, who has produced all three of Payne’s albums, writes his longtime friend “is genuine…people simply gravitate to her down-to-earth personality. I’ve long been in awe watching the way people are attracted not only to Melissa’s music but also to her character.” He clearly speaks for many.

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.

Del Crary’s life can be divided in two halves: first half as Peterborough’s most famous musician; second half as Peterborough’s most famous broadcaster. A talented saxophonist and arranger Del, at age 12, joined his first band. During World War II, Del worked with Canadian Army bands, entertaining troops overseas. On returning to Peterborough, he led his own band or played with such Peterborough stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman and Jimmy Duffus.

In 1947, Del joined CHEX Radio (now 100.5 FRESH FM), becoming the region’s most famous ‘morning man.’ He subsequently worked with CKPT (now ENERGY 99.7 FM), then with CKQM (now Country 105) until his death in 1978.

A 30 year broadcasting career made Del Crary a legend.

Actively involved in community service, especially the Easter Seals Campaign, Del was named Citizen of the Year. He would go on to help establish the Arts & Water Festival, the forerunner of today’s ‘MusicFEST’ held each summer in the park which now bears his name.

What Bill Mullan lacked in formal training, he more than made up for in enthusiasm, and devotion to music.

That same devotion characterized his commitment to sports and humanitarian causes.  Bill’s fiddle music made him a fixture at the Peterborough Farmers Market, and various local events.  Overcoming serious physical adversity, he actively participated in many sports. One could say, Bill Mullan was Peterborough’s most famous one-legged goaltender.

Over the years, Bill served as an avid supporter of many causes, including Cancer Research, ParticipAction, and old timers hockey.

No historical figure more romantically personifies the pioneer spirit of a young and growing Canada than does Catherine Parr-Traill.

Emigrating to Canada in 1832, Catherine lived in Lakefield, the Rice Lake area and finally, in Peterborough until her death.  During her 69 years in the Kawarthas, she balanced eking out life in the Canadian wilderness with a prolific writing career.  Her books are often referred to as complete studies in Canadian pioneer life, including the now- classics ‘The Backwoods of Canada,’ ‘The Female Emigrant’s Guide’ and ‘Plant Life in Canada.’

With the publication of her last book, ‘Pearls and Pebbles’ in 1894, she was held in esteem as the oldest living author in the British Empire.

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.

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.

As a means of communicating a message to a specific group, music has long been effective.

In the 1960s, Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, to name a few, spoke to anti-war protesters and civil rights activists in a voice they understood and rallied around. Fast forward to the new millennium and Peterborough singer-songwriter Glen Caradus who, for some 20 years now has, through his music, spoken to countless children and young people about the environment and nature, and their developing role in the preservation of both.

As an educator with Camp Kawartha, Ecology Park and the Canadian Canoe Museum, Caradus’ exuberant and creative teaching style has seen him add his skills as an exceptional storyteller and puppeteer to the mix. Since 1999, The Paddling Puppeteers, a musical puppet show he created, has enlightened kids across the country on topics such as shoreline naturalization, a critically endangered prairie ecosystem and the geological history of the Peterborough region.

Able to play multiple instruments, Caradus is also an accomplished musician, having recorded three children’s CDs, each with an environment or nature theme.

Caradus practices what he sings of. He bikes more than he drives, and when he does drive, his electric hybrid provides his ride. His garden is home to native trees, shrubs and wildflowers that he gives away for free, and under the cover of darkness, he sometimes undertakes ‘guerilla re-wilding’ – the planting of native trees in parks and green spaces in a bid to improve biodiversity.

More recently, Caradus created The Ride for Climate. In 2021, he cycled 350 kilometres over 14 hours, raising money for Peterborough Green-Up. The following year, joined by his friend Nick Ormond, Caradus covered 421 kilometres in 20 hours, bringing in more than $10,000 for Camp Kawartha and Rowan Tree Children’s School’s nature-based programming. And in 2023, Caradus logged 280 kilometres, raising more than $5,000 to the benefit of For Our Grandchildren’s climate change education efforts.

First Nations and reconciliation awareness is also near and dear to Caradus’ heart and, on that front, he has been very active. In 2014, he partnered with the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha to create Adventure In Understanding, a since annual six-day/five-night culture-based canoe experience for First Nation and non-native youths aged 16 to 18 years old. The 100-kilometre trek through the Kawartha Lakes culminates at Curve Lake First Nation. Participants engage in reconciliation by learning about First Nations in the region, connecting with Elders and the land, and by being together.

Meanwhile, the developmentally disabled have benefitted from Caradus’ voluntarism. Over the past three years, he has volunteered for the Dream Players, which performs musical theatre. Other benefactors of Caradus’ time and talents include the Five Counties Children’s Centre and, for 25 years now, Ecology Park where he helps with its gardens and tree nursery.

Whether promoting active transportation or working to increase climate resilience through community building, Tegan Moss is in a league of her own when it comes to ensuring our world finds itself in a better place.

Trent University-educated – she attained her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Environmental Studies – Moss was the longtime executive director of B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop before being named the executive director of Peterborough GreenUP in September 2021. Common to both roles has been Moss’ selfless dedication and leadership in fostering positive change and empowerment.

In 2011, Moss assumed the executive directorship of B!KE, a not-for-profit member-based cycling education and support organization that, since 2006, has taught bike maintenance, repair and riding skills from its George Street location in Peterborough’s downtown core.

Under Moss’ guidance, B!KE’s impact flourished with the expansion of cycling education initiatives. Via strategic collaborations, including a partnership with GreenUP, Moss spearheaded innovative programs, such as in-school cycling programs, community workshops and the Earn-A-Bike program, which provides access to a bike for those with limited means.

Moss’ leadership of B!KE didn’t go unnoticed. Among the accolades that came her way were the Wheels of Change Award from the Share The Road Cycling Coalition in recognition of her dedication to educating the next generation, and Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Award, a nod to her influence and commitment to the advancement of her community.

As a staunch advocate of increased active transportation, Moss went above and beyond in convincing the City of Peterborough of the need to add more bike lanes to the infrastructure landscape. Speaking before city council, writing letters and campaigning, Moss did whatever it took to sell the benefits of active transportation, lobbying tirelessly for its prioritization and inclusion as part of Peterborough’s overall transportation plan.

When the executive director role with Peterborough GreenUP opened after Brianna Salmon moved on to become executive director of Green Communities Canada, Moss jumped on the opportunity, eager for the challenge of leading the organization that, since 1991, has helped countless area residents lead more healthier eco-friendly lives.

When she’s not engaging with the community to help them better address the climate crisis, Moss can often be found doing just what you would expect – riding her mountain bike or getting her hands dirty in her wild garden. She indeed practices what she preaches and, in fact, was doing so long before it became common practice to do so.