Inductees

Paul Ayotte was a technical writer for General Electric of Canada, 1964-2002, but is best known for his remarkable contributions to municipal government. He represented Ashburnham ward, 1978-85, 1987-2003. He served as mayor of Peterborough from 2006 to 2010. During these years he served frequently on committees for finance, public transportation, council procedures and affordable housing.

After the Ides of July flood in 2004, he chaired the Peterborough Area Flood Relief Committee, and while mayor established and energized the Mayor’s Action Committee on Poverty (Peterborough’s first since 1875). During 28 years in public office he has been a tireless advocate for fighting poverty, building affordable housing and finding ways to help the disadvantaged. He then accepted the challenge of chairing the Peterborough United Way campaign for 2012.

His family has been in the area for eight generations, and he admired the community’s ability to meet challenges and to support those in need. He challenged people to give a “gift of hope.”

His amazing public career has always been about finding ways to lead, ways to better the community one person at a time.

Paul Ayotte photo courtesy MyKawartha.com

Peterborough city and county is known widely for its diverse music soundtrack – a formidable footprint that’s well worthy of heralding whenever the opportunity presents itself.

For more than three decades, John Lewis has been, and remains, local music’s head cheerleader, bringing to our collective attention the incredible talent of the many musical artists in our midst. His platform for doing so remains YourTV, for which he has voluntarily produced hours of programming that brings artists of all music genres and talent levels to our ears.

Bringing his background as a CBC audio engineer to the table, Lewis not only helps ensure the airing of high quality productions but his research is over the top. More often than not, his guests are taken aback by some tidbit Lewis knows about them, either personally or professionally. Lewis does his homework.

His head crammed with information drawn from a variety of sources, Lewis doesn’t simply recite a list of questions – he engages his guests in a dialogue that, once finished, leaves us with as complete a picture of him or her as one can obtain.

The list of those who have sat down with Lewis for multiple episodes of both Junction 28 and The Skinny is long and impressive, featuring the likes of Serena Ryder, Jimmy Bowskill and the late Colleen Peterson. But he hasn’t limited his interview subjects to those of the long established variety. Many an up-and-coming musician has been granted the chance to perform in-studio, introducing each to a large audience. Good things – very good things – have often followed as a result of their one-on-one time with Lewis.

On top of hosting his two programs, Lewis has played a huge role in YourTV’s Christmas season programming. He has spent hours creating notes that highlight every audio cue, vocal note and movement for the Peterborough Singers’ presentation of Handel’s Messiah. With Lewis’ help, local music talents such as Terry Guiel and Elyse Saunders have shared their holiday music favourites with YourTV viewers.

As a volunteer, John doesn’t mail it in. He professionally approaches every interview and performance he’s involved with. Leading by example, he plays a key role in training other YourTV volunteers, eagerly sharing his expertise with those looking to make their own mark in the community television realm.

As a banjo player and the leader of the ‘Millbrook Barnyard Preservation Band’ from 1973 to 2012, Jim ‘Fearless’ Flood made it his mission to bring his highly entertaining brand of music to as many people as possible in the Peterborough region and beyond.

Typically at no cost, Jim brought his volunteer band to retirement homes, Legions, and Navy and Air Force clubs in an area stretching from Toronto to Trenton and north to the Kawarthas.

Always willing to lend a hand, Jim also built, and presented numerous floats for parades for Canada Day, Frontier Day and The Yuletide in both Peterborough and Millbrook. And, as The Great Zucchini, Jim entertained countless children with both his magic and his music.

An excellent banjo player gifted with perfect pitch, Jim’s legacy is a lifetime of selfless giving of himself, his good humour and his musical gifts to thousands, young and old and all ages in between.

Jim ‘Fearless’ Flood passed away in 2015 at age 80.

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.

In 1970, it was obvious Otonabee Township needed a library, but no suitable location could be found at the time.

Gayle and John Nelson stepped up, and offered their Keene home as the first library location. That generosity symbolized more than 50 years of dedication to Otonabee-South Monaghan Township and the Greater Peterborough area.

Since their marriage in 1954, Gayle and John volunteered in numerous capacities, adding much to the cultural enjoyment of the Kawarthas. Both are founding members of Otonabee-South Monaghan Historical Society; serving in numerous executive positions within the organization. They supervised, and helped fund the completion of a public library in Keene, combining the library with the Historical Society.

Gayle indulged a passion for history with two highly acclaimed books: ‘Forest To Farm – Early Days In Otonabee,’ and an extensive history of the United Church in Keene. She pursued a lifelong enthusiasm for genealogical research, serving on a board of directors for Kawartha Ancestral Research Association. Gayle also submitted a number of well-researched articles for KARA’s publication, ‘Trees and Forbears.’

In the early part of this century, no one was more important to a community than a family doctor. Doctor Donald Munro met all medical requirements in the village of Warsaw and area, adding much more to the vitality of the community.

Dr. Munro opened his Warsaw practice in 1907. A time when house calls were the norm, he braved all kinds of weather to attend to more than 3,000 births over a 50 year period.

Reaching out to the heart of the community, Dr. Munro served as Church Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent at St. Andrew’s Church for over 25 years.

A self-taught violinist, he shared his love of music by teaching and conducting a local concert orchestra and, as an ardent political activist, he served as president of the East Peterborough Liberal Association.

While the origin of the quote “If you want something done, ask a busy person” is attributed to a few people, there’s no question of its rightful place when the conversation focuses on Patricia (Pat) Hooper.

Several organizations in Peterborough have benefited from Pat’s personal commitment to making a lasting, and positive change. As one nominator puts it, Pat is “truly selfless when she commits to something, and [her] tenacity to get the job done is second to none.”

Twenty years ago, when she served as Chair of the annual United Way campaign while working at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Pat spearheaded that appeal to a total of just under $2 million – a record up to that time. Committed wholly to the organization, Pat later became chair of the United Way of Peterborough and District Board of Directors, as well as the Central Eastern Ontario representative on the board of the United Ways of Ontario.

Further, Pat has served in leadership roles with a number of community organizations, her fingerprints leaving a lasting impression on the success of each. The Rotary Club of Peterborough, the Festival of Trees, Community Care Peterborough and the Community Counseling and Resource Centre have each benefited from Pat’s determination to leave an organization in better standing than it was when she arrived.

In addition, Pat has volunteered with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Fairhaven, the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Peterborough Foundation, Peterborough Musicfest and the Peterborough Scottish Country Dancers, and is currently Chair of the Board of Showplace Peterborough.

With a volunteer resume that is as long as the thirty years it covers, Pat, as one supporter writes, “is remarkably personal and upbeat…her passion for people and the community make her a highly-sought volunteer and a friend to all the organizations she supports.”

Was it chance they taught at two local high schools? Coincidence they directed plays at each? No matter! Destiny played a part in their eventual union and thereby carried a mutual love of live theatre over their lifetime.

John and Nora Martyn have devoted their lives to various roles, comprising the production of musical and dramatic theatre. Their co-directed productions at Peterborough Theatre Guild have been met with much success.
John and Nora’s strength as directors reflects an ability to make the most out of the time, and resources available. Their direction, as good coaches in sport, is putting together the best team possible, and ensuring specific attention is paid by everyone to the meaning behind the words in the script.

Such investment of time, energy and encouragement combine to create the various nuances of a Martyn stage production.

• photo courtesy of The Peterborough Theatre Guild

A famous Rhythm & Blues singer once said she could see no difference between church and secular music, because God is present in all music. Diana McLeod’s devotion to music certainly fits that belief. As few have been able to, she’s used music to create bonds, bridge gaps and touch people.

For over 35 years, Diana worked with Trinity United Church choir, often introducing complex oratorios, public concerts and intercity exchanges to keep performance vigorous and challenging. For more than five years, she worked on a national committee to create ‘Voices United,’ the updated hymnbook that’s revitalized the music of the United Church of Canada.

Outside the church, she devotes her talents to community choirs such as Peterborough Singers, Jubillaires, Peterborough Centennial Choir and Interlink Choir, a choir of performers of different generations who come together to share and experience music. Diana also contributes to the rich history of musical theatre in Peterborough, serving as musical director, accompanist or performer in more than 30 memorable productions. Her devotion to community is further symbolized by her creative support of the Flood Relief Calendar, a devotion that went an extra mile when she posed as Miss December.

Music is a bridge, a means by which to plumb the depths of the human spirit, to share common bonds. This remains the essence of Diana McLeod, and her love of music.

By way of her chosen profession and her volunteer pursuits, Helen Weichel committed herself long ago to making life better for countless others.

Upon graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Helen came to St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1960 before moving to what was then Civic Hospital, where she worked in many departments. Before retiring from Civic, she held a number of positions, including supervisor, and was very involved in the nurses’ association. Helen was the first recipient of the James McNabb Award, which recognized the community volunteer efforts of hospital staff.

As the leader of Cub Pack 17 based at St. Alban’s Church, Helen never missed an opportunity to involve her young charges in major events. When the Prime Minister, or Royalty visited, Peterborough Cub Pack 17 was front and centre. When medals were handed out at the Summer Games, Cub Pack 17 was involved. When Hugh Faulkner became Secretary of State, Helen brought Cub Pack 17 to Ottawa for a tour of the Parliament buildings, given personally by Faulkner. Long after her sons Greg and Tom moved on from Cub Pack 17, Helen stayed on, providing its members with unique opportunities while dedicating herself to their growth and development as good citizens.

With a passion for fostering recreational opportunities, Helen became involved with the Peterborough Recreational Association in 1970. She would play an instrumental role in the merging of the Peterborough Parks, and Recreation departments. In addition, Helen served with the Ontario Municipal Recreation Association, sitting as its chair for a period.

Helen’s guiding belief that recreational opportunities are essential for people of all ages saw her advocate relentlessly on behalf of the middle-aged, and seniors. In addition, she pushed for equality in terms of the allocation of sport facilities and resources, providing girls and women with the same opportunities to participate, as did boys and men.

An extension of that was Helen’s long tenure with ParticiPaction Peterborough, an organization dedicated to raising the level of personal fitness in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Helen was a member of the organization’s Sources and Resources Committee, charged with securing access to existing facilities, including schools, for fitness-related events. The committee also established a speakers’ bureau, produced brochures, and promoted existing and new fitness activities in local schools, including Trent University and Fleming College.

In 1977, the City of Peterborough recognized Helen’s unmatched efforts in the promotion of fitness and recreation, bestowing upon her its Award of Merit.

Poet, historian, genealogist, educator, philanthropist – Rosemary McConkey has worn many hats while making remarkable contributions to her community but, in the words of her nominator, it’s as a valued and compassionate friend that she has also stood out.

Professionally, Rosemary worked as an educator in various capacities and played a major role in a number of initiatives involving the education of medical practitioners and initiated a national professional standards review for physicians. In addition, Rosemary has made several contributions to the field of nutrition, her writings on the topic having found a permanent home in the Trent University Archives.

A sixth-generation family member with roots in both Peterborough and Smith-Ennismore, Rosemary comes by her passion for local history quite naturally.

A founding member of both Trent Valley Archives and the Kawartha Ancestral Association, Rosemary’s contributions as a genealogist has seen her research and record the histories of area families, including her own.

One her projects, titled Call Back Yesterday – A History of the Allen Family, is widely recognized for its investigation and research depth. A number of her published works on family histories are available as reference material at the Peterborough Public Library. Rosemary also regularly contributes to various publications.

Now well into her eighties, Rosemary has shown little to no sign of easing up on her creative urges.

Just last year, she contributed in a very big way as part of a team that produced a major theatrical production on Peterborough area family history. The same year saw the Peterborough Historical Society bestow upon Rosemary its F.H. Dobbin Heritage Award for her published work on local family genealogies.

To make your community a better place doesn’t always necessitate major and widely publicized feats. Sometimes it’s the little things, done with love and compassion. Helping neighbours means the most. With modesty and an extremely large heart, Pearl Goodall was a consummate good neighbour, and friend.

Known for her involvement, for many years, including that of her brother Bill and husband Stan involved with the Commercial Hotel in Lakefield, Pearl loved baking and sharing the bounty of her efforts with family, friends and strangers. She’s an active participant in the Lakefield Fair and, for 18 years, helped organize the Lakefield Santa Claus Parade. Pearl volunteered tirelessly with the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Red Cross. Pearl Goodall was recognized by the Ontario Community Care Program for having logged the most hours as a volunteer driver in the entire province of Ontario.

To be fondly remembered for unselfish dedication to your community, for your love, compassion, spirit and good humour is the surest indication of a life, well-lived.

Bill Crane is a tireless champion of musicals and choirs throughout Peterborough and its surrounding Counties. The Peterborough Theatre Guild, numerous schools, Arbour Theatre, the Lindsay Theatre Guild and Bancroft Theatre Guild have all benefitted from his specialized musical arrangements. He has also been known to personalize music to meet the requirements of specific performers, even transposing the music to a different key to suit the performer’s vocal range better.

Bill has delighted audiences with his beautiful tenor singing voice, both ensemble and solo as well as his Church for a good many years. He has impressively sung solo with the Peterborough Symphony in Amahl and the Night Visitors and in Impresario. Bill Crane founded the Peterborough County Youth Choir in the mid 1970’s precursor to today’s Peterborough Children’s Chorus. He actually grew the Youth Choir to just under 280 children, admittedly a massive number.

He is also known as one the best vocal teachers in the area. Hundreds of people have learned priceless and lasting singing techniques from him, and they are still doing so as he remains actively engaged in giving private singing lessons today.

As an elementary classroom teacher, he introduced his own classes to playing the recorder. Over a number of years, he taught advance classes and eventually as lead Arts Coordinator for the Peterborough County Board of Education wrote a full curriculum for teaching the instrument.

Bill Crane has a music teaching credo containing 3 important aspects: 1) the understanding that music lifts the spirit 2) the deep conviction that every person is programmed to be able to make music – it just takes the right approach for each individual and 3) that learning to make music (singing or playing an instrument) should be fun.

Michael Cullen is a professional photographer who has been a tireless supporter of Trent University and other community groups. His company since 1985, Trent Photographics, specializes in high resolution photography so central to the world of fine arts and archives.

He catalogued the extensive Ken Thomson art collection. His commercial product photography clients included Quaker Oats, General Electric, Siemens Milltronics, and Flying Colours. He was photographer and editor of the Trent University Annual for 1984, and for books on canoeing, rowing and the Painters 11 group of artists.

His ‘Chair’ series, featuring Trent professors sitting in an iconic Ron Thom chair, was featured in Peterborough’s Russell Gallery, where he did several shows. His support and expertise have been valued by several charitable causes.

• Photo courtesy of Michael Cullen Photography

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.

It’s a telling comment in today’s news-gathering industry that reputation is built on seeking out the flashy, big-event stories while glossing over essential human elements inherent in every story. In his long, and varied journalism career, Don Grant never bypassed the true meaning of each story and how it affected his readers.

Starting out as cub reporter at the Peterborough Examiner, Don’s determination came to the attention of then-editor Robertson Davies who expanded his duties. During his Examiner years, he covered every possible kind of story and learned to excel at the new craft of photo journalism. His talents led him to a job with the Toronto Telegram and an enviable reputation as a tenacious, much respected reporter. After the Telegram folded, Don went to The Globe & Mail, where he rose to a weekend editor position and then assistant city editor. On the way, he always took time to help younger journalists learn their craft and responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Don Grant thrived at technical aspects of reporting, but, more importantly, he never minimized the humanity in each story. He developed a true, and abiding love for people about, and for whom he wrote. In today’s journalism, that’s indeed a rare and treasured quality.

Don Grant passed away in 2014. he was 85.

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.

A musician and songwriter for over 30 years, Bryan D. Switzer is one of those genuine artists who uses his music to touch the hearts of people in his community, and country. He created a remarkable catalogue of songs celebrating Canada, the land’s history and beauty, and poignancy of the lives of individual Canadians. His songs had an impact on audiences across the country and as far away as Europe.

Throughout his career, Bryan’s been an ardent and passionate supporter of Canadian talent, especially those aspiring artists looking to get their foot in the door. There have been no worthy causes in our area that have yet to benefit from the musical generosity of Bryan D. Switzer.

If longevity is a hallmark of success, this gentleman has achieved his longevity with a caring commitment to his music, and his fellow Canadians.

The fact that Peterborough has been, and remains, a relatively safe city to live, work and play can’t be denied. For those who believe that status is simply a matter of good luck, Don Parnell reminds us that rolling up one’s sleeves and getting the job done plays a very important role in our collective well-being.

A proud auxiliary member of the Peterborough Police Service for close to 15 years, Don has volunteered an average of 320 hours annually for a variety of supplemental law enforcement tasks, the past nine years as a lead team member of the service’s Home Guard doing, among other things, inspections of break-ins and incidences of domestic violence as well as assisting with missing person searches, door-to-door canvassing and traffic control.

As a full-time member of the Pedal For Hope support team, Don has gifted his time to the annual police-led fundraiser for pediatric cancer research and support dollars. A Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation awarded him by the RCMP is a testament to his dedication to Pedal For Hope and its mission. In addition, over the past nine years, Don has assisted in a big way with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, both locally and in other Ontario jurisdictions where he has assisted other police services with the staging of their special events.

A Kenner Hall of Honour inductee – a distinction he shares with his wife Lesley – Don has been a member of the board for the Kenner Foundation since 2009, serving as its chair for past six years. As such he has been very involved in the organization of fundraising events for the foundation.

Since 1989, Don has played a major role in the staging of the annual Victoria Day fireworks presentation over Little Lake as the lead pyrotechnician, has served as coach and trainer for numerous local hockey and soccer teams, and has been involved with the Food For Kids program.

A recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Betterment, Don has received two City of Peterborough Civic Awards for his long service.

Son of a Methodist minister, ‘Mike’ Pearson and his family did a lot of moving during his youth. Several happy formative years were spent in Peterborough; the Right Honourable gentleman remains Central Public School’s most famous alumnus.

Beginning his adult life as a history professor, he moved into the Canadian diplomatic service, where, as Ambassador to the United Nations, Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in diffusing the Suez Canal crisis. He entered federal politics in 1956, becoming Liberal leader in 1958, and Prime Minister from 1963 to 1968.

As Prime Minister in two, successive minority governments, Lester B. Pearson’s major accomplishments included the adoption of the Canadian Flag in 1965, the Canada Pension Plan and the National Medicare Plan.

George Novotny Sr’s short life is a prominent example that it is not how long you live, but what you accomplish while living it. Fleeing an oppressive regime in his native Czech Republic brought George Sr., his wife Sylvia and George Jr. to Peterborough in 1952. They brought with them nothing but the tremendous desire to succeed, and a tireless work ethic.

However, George Sr. did have some attributes that would help him, and his family to quickly settle in. He was fluent in seven languages, and was an accomplished pianist, accordionist, arranger and orchestrator. These abilities soon found favour with such area musical stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman, Del Crary, Buzz Buzzell, Paul “Streak” Konkle, Hugo Tapp and others.

George Novotny Sr. also had another ace up his sleeve. He had an innate ability to readily identify, and name any musical note immediately, which is commonly referred to as perfect pitch.

Bobby Kinsman was the first to utilize our inductee’s  wide-ranging musical talents. It was not long before George Sr. formed his own orchestra and began performing regularly at the Rock Haven Motor Hotel and, in the summer months at Viamede summer resort. CHEX Radio hosted his shows “Musician’s Corner” and “88 Keys,” and CHEX TV programmed a seasonal show “Music By George.”

The Novotny Orchestra played high school proms and he also presented music clinics on the history of music and piano stylings at Lakefield College School. He was also Church Organist, and Choir Director at St. John the Baptist Church.

Shock waves reverberated through the entire area when he passed at the age of 37 on November 3rd, 1961 after taking ill during a performance the night before at the Rock Haven. The relatively short period of time he contributed to the musical life of this area remains deeply imbedded in the hearts, and minds of all who were fortunate enough to have been entertained by him, or come in contact, in some way, with one of the greatest talents to ever grace this community.

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.

Peter Brackett made his mark in the Peterborough community not only as musical artist, but as leader in raising large amounts of money for many charitable organizations and worthy causes.

An import from Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, he’s enhanced the Peterborough area since making it his permanent home.  He gained admiration from his peers with a caring heart and giving talent in aid of numerous causes.  His singer/songwriter abilities are admired, as well, by huge followings of fans who enjoy his large repertoire of traditional country tunes, and off-the-wall humour.  Peter shows particular passion for Peterborough and those requiring assurance that someone is there, someone who cares, and he shows it with each compassionate commitment he makes.

While there are countless examples of people who have made Peterborough their home and quickly made a positive difference in the lives of others, few can hold a candle to the varied contributions made by Terry McLaren.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1995, Terry was appointed deputy chief of what was then the Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service before being named Chief of the department two years later. When he retired from that position in the summer of 2008, Terry had completed 37 years in policing – 24 of those years with the Niagara Police Service.

Terry’s service to his new community began in earnest when he became a member of the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough. Serving three terms as president of the service club, he also chaired a number of committees. Terry’s Kiwanis work brought forth a number of honours for him – Kiwanian of the Year in 2011, the Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and, in 2013, the Citizen of the Year Award from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada and the Kiwanis Life Membership distinction.

If that was the extent of Terry’s service that would be impressive enough – but it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, with his work on behalf of the YWCA and Ontario Special Olympics standing out. For the former, Terry was co-chair of the Week Without Violence Committee for seven years and served as a cabinet member for the Safe Haven Capital Campaign that led to the building of a new women’s shelter. For the former, he was host and co-Chair of the Ontario Special Olympics Spring Games in 1999 and was host of the Ontario Special Olympics Summer Games in 2004.

Earlier, in 1998 he volunteered for, and was a member of the Ontario Spring Games Committee.

Truth be known, there are few major community events that haven’t benefited from Terry’s involvement. In 1996, Terry was a member of the Memorial Cup Committee that oversaw the Canadian junior hockey championship tournament; he was a member of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Strategic Planning Committee for four years; he volunteered with the Peterborough Festival of Trees; served as past-President of the Peterborough Family YMCA; and from 2008 to the present is a volunteer off-ice official with the Ontario Hockey League.

Terry’s community service has been duly recognized. Along with three Community Betterment citations from the City of Peterborough, he was a finalist for the United Way’s Scholfield Award of Distinction; was inducted into the Ontario Special Olympics Hall of Fame; and was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of Canada of Police Forces in recognition of his community service and leadership.

• Photo Courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

One of the best-known, and most loved figures on Peterborough’s music scene: Bobby Kinsman was known as ‘Mr. Big Band’ for over 50 years. During the War years, Bobby did tours of duty with Canadian Army Shows overseas. Returning to Peterborough, he assembled a tight-knit big band that played to packed houses every night at Club Aragon (now The Trentwinds). Many of his Saturday night performances were broadcast ‘live’ across Canada on the old CBC Blue Network.

The popularity of the Big Band era began to wane as musical tastes changed. But Bobby Kinsman’s Big Band popularity, never waned. His group continued to perform at dances, concerts, and venues such as the Festival of Lights, as Bobby Kinsman kept the sound of the Big Band alive.

When discussing the talents of certain musicians, a phrase is often heard: “It’s in his blood.” That’s certainly very true of inductee William Wright.

Bill started on the drums at age ten and was soon performing in clubs long before he was old enough to partake of the ‘refreshments’ those clubs offered…

Bill’s first taste of the road came when he joined the band of ‘rock’n roll’ star Ray Smith, touring Canada and the U.S. He later played Las Vegas with Canadian pop legend, Bobby Curtola. Locally, Bill gained acclaim performing with such luminaries as Dino And The Capris, the Brian Browne Trio and Stu McCue & Wildwind.

In 1964, Bill opened Wright’s Music on George Street, which became a centre for Peterborough’s musical life. Bill taught many aspiring musicians, and his shop housed the local Academy of Music and the Musicians Union with which Bill was very active.

As performer, teacher, union supporter and businessman, there’s no doubt music remained a foundation, flowing through the veins of Bill Wright.

In visual arts, excellence is defined by an artist’s genius, passion and impact of his, or her work upon viewers. In the unique art form of classic automobile restoration, Harry Sherry demonstrated all criteria necessary to be considered a truly remarkable visual artist.

From simple beginnings in his Warsaw, Ontario auto body shop in the early 1960’s his artistry grew, as did his recognition. Over ensuing years, Mr. Sherry was the recipient of countless national, and international awards for lovingly, and faithfully restoring vintage automobiles.

At an unveiling of the restoration of a 1908 heritage McLaughlin Buick for General Motors, a GM executive summed up Harry’s artistry, thus; “There are those in life who meet expectations, and there are those like Harry Sherry, who exceed them.”

Mr. Sherry passed away March 1st, 2021 at the age of 82

• photo courtesy of Jil McIntosh

While you may not place the face, chances are you know, and know well, the voice.

For more than two decades, as a morning radio personality for 101.5 CFMP (pre-dating The WOLF) and Oldies 980 CKRUz, Melnik’s distinctive tone helped start the day on the right foot for thousands.

Having first arrived at 980 CHEX Radio in 1977 where he worked alongside local broadcasting icons Graham Hart, Gordon Gibb and Gary Dalliday (and later, Wally Macht) Mike Melnik learned fast, and well.

Returning to Peterborough in 1988 from CKCK Regina, he again took to the local airwaves with CFMP, the FM affiliate to 980 CHEX. When he moved to the AM dial in 1992 with the debut of oldies CKRUz on AM, Mike’s easy and entertaining on-air banter with the late John Badham was the highlight of close to 5,000 morning shows. When Badham retired, Melnik didn’t miss a beat as he, and his new co-host Catherine Hanrahan went together like peas and carrots until Mike’s retirement from the airwaves in 2012.

Away from the studio, Melnik’s philanthropic nature has benefitted numerous causes and events. Besides lending his voice where, and when needed he has always taken an active role in fundraising. A prime example is his 25 years-plus involvement with the Easter Seals Telethon – a huge commitment that not only sees him host the Angel Board segment of the telethon, but also serving as a member of the telethon’s organizing committee.

As chair of Peterborough’s ‘Canada 150’ Anniversary Celebration, Melnik worked with the Downtown Business Improvement Association and Peterborough Musicfest, hosting pop-up performances and a signature concert featuring Kim Mitchell. A founding member of the Three Loonies fundraiser that has raised close to $2 million for Kawartha Food Share, Melnik has also gifted his time and talent to the Boston Pizza Smashed Volleyball Tournament, Pedal For Hope, and the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge, to name but a few of his associations.

But for all his work towards the betterment of our community, Mike Melnik’s capacity to put those he interviews at complete ease remains an enduring hallmark of his persona. Simply put, he was, and remains gifted in terms of helping his interview subjects to feel instantly comfortable and right at home, as his natural curiosity draws out their story.

Owner and operator of Impact Communications, Mike not only helps his many clients achieve success through their marketing acumen, but also continues to volunteer his time to Easter Seals and, more recently, as a board member with the Peterborough Foundation.

His, was a life devoted to the oral and aural tradition. If questions regarding sound arise, John K. Muir was the one to provide the definitive answer.

John Muir pursued a varied, and eclectic career as broadcaster, sound engineer, educator and administrator. John demonstrated proficiency in choral music, and is one of the few people in Peterborough to hold a certificate in campanology.

In the area of community service, John functioned in creative and administrative capacities with Artspace, The Kawartha Jazz Society, and Showplace Peterborough.

In the late ‘70’s, John was one of the founding directors of Trent Radio and, since 1994, served as its General Manager. Under his dedicated and energetic guidance, this student-sponsored radio facility became an influential and broad-based voice in the Peterborough community. His enduring legacy is tied to every program, every note of music, and every broadcast heard on what has evolved, truly, to a community radio station.

John Muir died in June, 2019 in his 63rd year.

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

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

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