Inductees

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.

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

If you’ve any doubt that one individual can make a difference in the betterment of the human condition, look no further than the life of Dr. Barclay McKone.

A trusted, tireless family physician, Dr. McKone set his sights on the treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis. Over the years, he helped pioneer programs to rehabilitate tuberculosis patients, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs and First Nation bands in Northern Canada. He was instrumental in establishing a vaccine program to help eradicate tuberculosis in Ontario.

With an abiding commitment to cultural and the medical well-being of his community, Barclay McKone served with the Kiwanis Club, the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and late in life gained attention for his remarkable, handcrafted models of Peterborough’s historical buildings.

Raymond Murray Schafer, born 1933, is one of Canada’s best known living composers. Perhaps best known for his World Soundscape Project, concern for acoustic ecology, and his book The Tuning of the World (1977).

His passion for the environment was captured in Patria, “a monumental operatic salute to nature.” His work, “Patria 3:The Greatest Show,” was performed in Peterborough’s Del Crary Park in 1987 and again, the following year. He was for many years the artistic director of the Peterborough Festival of the Arts. His writing includes his memoirs, ‘My Life on Earth and Elsewhere.’ His studies of musical theory since the 1960s have included the concepts of soundscape of schizophonia. To that end he coined the term ‘schizophonia’ in 1969; the splitting of a sound from its source, or the condition caused by this split: “We have split the sound from the maker of the sound.”

Among his many honours, Schafer was the first recipient of the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music in 1978 for String Quartet No. 2 ‘Waves.’ He was conferred with the Governor General Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2009, and was named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2013.

Back in the 1980’s, Robert Winslow began giving voice to the dream of establishing a theatre company that would present original plays dealing with local history, and staged in a barnyard! Needless to say, the original reaction was one of ‘suspended credulity.’

But Robert Winslow followed his dream and created 4th Line Theatre.

He invited the world, and the world came.

4th Line Theatre has evolved an imposing reality, not only coping with challenges facing an outdoor theatre, but facing the challenges inherent with dramatizing oft times uncomfortable themes: Catholic vs. Protestant, East vs. West, Rural vs. Urban, white vs. native.

And yet, from Day One, 4th Line Theatre has been truly unique and compelling. Whether as producer, director, writer, actor and always as Artistic Director, Robert consistently nailed the essence of drama, and the essence of conflict. Through portrayal of both sides of conflict, we’re afforded an opportunity to better understand our roots, ourselves, and others.

4th Line Theatre is now recognized across Canada, drawing patrons from around the world. Today it ranks as one of Kawarthas’ major tourism draws and has given a remarkable number of aspiring artists a chance to shine, just before sundown.

Sometimes with pathos, often with humour, but always with poignancy, Robert Winslow has held up, for us a rear- view mirror through which audiences can disappear, for a brief moment, into an elusive but welcome past…

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.

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.

For many, of a certain age, we remember when heart disease translated to a death sentence. Medical science has made great strides in treating cardiovascular illnesses over the past 50 years, thanks in no small part to the work and dedication of pioneers like Dr. John Parker.

Having spent his formative years in Peterborough, John graduated as medical doctor in 1954. He went to Columbia University, New York, devoting himself to the relatively new field of cardiovascular medicine.

Returning to Canada in the 1960’s, John established one of the country’s first cardiac catheterization, and angiographic laboratories in Kingston. There, he helped streamline the use of heart-lung machines in cardiac surgery. He was instrumental in establishing a Division of Cardiology at Queens University and a research program in cardiovascular physiology and biochemistry. New inroads were made, under his guidance, in the use of nitroglycerin and other related drugs in treating cardiovascular disease.

He was adamant in his lobby effort with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to initiate a sub-specialty in Cardiovascular Medicine. In that way, an ever-increasing number of surgeons and specialists have been trained in this new discipline.

Throughout his life, John Parker maintained an abiding love of family, the outdoors and, of course, hockey. His life represents ongoing contributions to medicine, science and family. John never lost sight of the fact that a scientist is also a human being. Because of the balance and dedication, the future of cardiac patients continues to look a lot brighter.

Two individuals, dedicated to one historic cause…

Both gentlemen founded the restoration committee for Christ Church in Lakefield.  Their efforts saved the church as a viable heritage building in Lakefield village.  Christ Church is the product of Colonel Sam Strickland (brother of Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie) and his fundraising in England.  Christ Church, as the first church in the County (excluding the Town of Peterborough) is believed to have been built without a mortgage.  In any event, Bill Twist and Garnet Graham saw preserving the church a a priority of utmost importance, not just to the village but to the entire county – and they took up the challenge to make it so.  The foresight and endeavour to, not only, save Christ Church, but to see it morph into a genuine Village Museum remains an ongoing gift to the country in which we live.

Living his entire life in the hamlet with the heart of gold known as Cordova Mines, could be the reason for Dan Ireland’s talent and giving spirit.  He’d been singing and playing guitar since age 12, organizing events throughout his life to better the surrounding area.

Some major accomplishment: the organization of the Crowe Valley Jamboree in aid of the local Junior Hockey Association.  He was an asset toward building a new Recreation Centre, donating many hours entertaining, and raising money for its construction.  Dan Ireland was co-founder of the Havelock Country Music Talent Show, held each year, the proceeds of which help the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, Five Counties Children’s Centre, and local youth groups.  His own children are ‘chips off the old block’ and are carving their own place in the country music industry of the nation.  Residents of retirement homes, nursing homes, hospitals and fundraisers could always count on being entertained by Dan, and his fellow musicians.

Dan Ireland was an example of the best of a community’s heart.

Mr. Ireland passed away in 2016.

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

For many years during his broadcasting career, George Franks led a double life, much to the delight of countless radio listeners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Widely regarded as Peterborough’s pioneer Rock & Roll band, the The Sonics were the first to bridge the gap between the Big Band, and Rock & Roll eras by being the first Rock & Roll band to perform at Ontario dance pavilions.

The group was also the first Peterborough band of the Rock era to appear on American television.  Individual members went on to work with numerous other groups, setting the standard for the rich Peterborough music scene that followed.

Excerpted from Ed Arnold’s book, Peterborough’s First Rock and Rollers, Back When We Were Young

“Mike McCutcheon formed the first rock and roll band in Peterborough’s history when he was a Kenner student. He sang and played some guitar. A record company had suggested putting together a band if he hoped one day to have a recording contract.

“Mike, the son of a local doctor, was just a teenager and approached fellow Kenner student Verne Hope who played drums in the school’s band. He had no idea that the teenage Verne had a classical piano background and had been playing keyboards for years.

“Someone knew two guitarists at St. Peter’s, Tom Kingdom and Gerry Guyatt. Tom, a city teen and Gerry a farmer’s son knew another farmer’s son, Joe Delaney, from Douro who played a mean keyboard but couldn’t read a single note.

“It was quite a mixed bag of teen musicians gathering at Mike’s family west end home to rehearse for their first public appearance at Del Crary’s talent tent at the Peterborough Exhibition in the summer of 1960. Mike had been taking some science classes at Kenner and was studying sonic booms so he named the band The Sonics.

“Mike was hooked on the sounds of Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, and Elvis. That first gig at the Ex was so successful they got a few more invites to perform at dances and became the first rock and roll band at the Hastings Pavilion becoming its weekend house band. Their big competition was Fred Munro’s and Gary Hansler’s Count Victors.”

During his short life, Chris MacGee made profound contributions to the Peterborough arts community, both in administration, and as a remarkable creative artist in his own right. Chris worked at Artspace and as curator of the MacKenzie Gallery at Trent University, for five years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Despite his administrative duties, Chris still found time to pursue his true passion: creating art. On display in Peterborough and across Canada, Chris MacGee’s work exhibits a superb craftsmanship and clarity of vision, making his interpretive style distinctive and forceful.

Sam Strickland was one of the earliest settlers in what is now Peterborough, arriving at the same time as the Peter Robinson settlers. He built the first house in the area on what is now Nicolls Oval, where visitors can read a plague bearing the following history…

“Sam Strickland was an orphan immigrant to Canada in 1825 sponsored by a family friend, Colonel Black of Darlington, Ontario. He purchased this property, now Nichols Oval, in 1829 and built his first house here. He worked for John Galt and The Canada Company in the Huron Tract.

“In 1830, he sold this property and purchased farm land in North Douro. Sam Strickland became a land commissioner, Justice of the Peace, teacher, author and family man.

“Two sisters, Catharine Parr Trail and Susanna Moodie followed him to the Lakefield area. His 1853 book, Twenty-seven years in Canada West, was a helpful guide for immigrants, mostly young and working poor hoping to succeed in Canada.

“Within its pages he described the three great ‘wants’ in Canada. “We need pastors, teachers and population.”

“Sam Strickland emphasized the development of community and the education of the young. Col. Strickland was an early advocate of assisted child emigration to Canada; by 1935 more than 900,000 young people came to Canada as “Home Children.”

The plaque was erected by The City of Peterborough, in partnership with The Fenner Foundation.

Sam Strickland was a leading citizen of the area and is recognized as the founder of Lakefield. He supported the construction of Lakefield’s first mill, its first passable road, and its bridge over the Otonabee River. He was a member of Council for Douro Township and of Peterborough County.

Samuel Strickland was a true pioneer, and a giant among men in every sense of the word.

Each generation wishes to define its youthful existence through a definitive expression, thereby leaving its imprint on the modern evolutionary process.

So it was, the explosive 1960’s gave birth to a dedicated and talented group of young musicians, initially named “The Capris” and subsequently “Dino and the Capris.” It became one of the most popular groups to entertain three generations of Peterborough and area audiences. Whether rock and roll, or country and western, the group’s music was the sound of the 1960’s for this area.

From its formation, throughout its active playing years, the intent was to entertain as many young people as possible while improving on their musical talents. Its members, through the period spanning 1963 through 1986, included lead singer Paul (Dino) DeNoble, Garry Warriner, Ron (Hub) DeNoble, John Barnes, and Dave Coones.

One needs only to talk to anyone about those years to determine the impact of Dino and the Capris. Sheer love of music fuelled the musicians who played in the group over that time. Each participant usually spent whatever he earned to purchase more equipment to enhance their ability to produce the best sound possible.

The late Paul (Dino) DeNoble (deceased 1992) led the most popular Peterborough dance band of its era. People remain grateful for memories of the always-energetic group of musicians, namely Dino and the Capris.

By looking back we can, most times, see the direction our future is taking. Such is a gift few can claim to share as has Jean Murray Cole with her enthralling compositions.

Our community is certainly richer for her penning nine books, including three Peterborough township histories, plus a host of papers that fill her dossier to date. Jean Murray Cole is an acknowledged expert on the Strickland family; Samuel Strickland, Catherine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie, and their siblings who remained in England. The Stricklands mean much to the area because they wrote and recorded their experiences in its raw, evolving youthful years.

Jean Murray Cole holds an honours degree from Trent University, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, and the F.H. Dobbin award for her book, ‘Sir Sandford Fleming: His Early Diaries.’ Many of her manuscripts and research papers have been donated to Trent University Archives.

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

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

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

Mr. Bierk was a noted artist, teacher and co-founder of ARTSPACE with poet Dennis Tourbin, serving as its Director from 1974 until at least 1981. At the time, ARTSPACE was hailed as one of Canada’s earliest artist-operated arts centers.

Mr. Bierk was involved in the community since 1970, taking a teaching position at Kenner Collegiate and Vocational Institute in 1972, and later taught at Fleming College.

Mr. Bierk passed away August 28th, 2002.

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.

While it’s true there is great influence in numbers, Jenny and Cyril Carter remind us that number that can be as low as two.

The couple moved to Peterborough from England in 1968 with their three children, 15 years after they married. At the time Jenny, with an Honours degree in French from University College of London, was a French teacher while Cyril was completing his PhD in mathematical physics, also at University College London, en route to working as a scientist at the British government’s nuclear energy facility in Harwell.

It was in the early 1960’s that Jenny and Cyril became strong advocates for alternative power sources, believing nuclear energy to be both expensive, and dangerous.

Settling in Peterborough, Jenny worked as a high school teacher while Cyril was a professor of mathematics and environmental studies at Trent University. In addition, Jenny earned a degree in English and her Masters in Canadian Studies at Trent. But busy as life was for the couple, their mutual interest in social issues advocacy never waned. Joining the Peterborough NDP Association gave them the opportunity to act in a meaningful way on that interest.

Community service was a passion shared equallly Jenny and Cyril, the resumés of both brimming with examples.

A founding member of Kawartha Ploughshares, Jenny served as a director with the United Way as well as lending her talents and passion to the work of the Peterborough Social Planning Council and Kawartha Food Share. In addition, she helped establish the Peterborough Legal Clinic and served on its board.

But it was in the political arena that Jenny flourished on a bigger stage. Elected Peterborough MPP in 1990, she represented this area at Queen’s Park until 1995, serving as Ontario’s Energy Minister under Bob Rae in 1990 and 1991. Among her milestone achievements was the introduction of a government moratorium on new nuclear plants.

Cyril, meanwhile, was equally active, serving for 12 years with the Peterborough Utilities Commission, as both a commissioner and Chair. He played a major role in the Commission’s acquisition of the Wenonah property, ensuring its future use for the Riverview Park and Zoo.

In addition, Cyril served on the board of what was then Peterborough Civic Hospital, was a founding member of the Peterborough Solar Energy Society, was a director with the Canadian Solar Energy Society and co-founded the Environmental Studies Department at Trent University. With Jenny, he also helped establish the Peterborough Legal Clinic and  was a charter member of Trent University’s Legacy Society.

Cyril Carter passed away in 1999.

• Photo of Jenny Carter courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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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In the history of Peterborough, no one more personified the term ‘community service’ than did Stan McBride Sr.. Nearly all his adult life, he gave unselfishly of his time, energy and talents on behalf of almost every worthwhile community cause that came along.

In his early days, area residents cheered on his athletic abilities and, later, he served his city as Alderman, Mayor and Sheriff.

On a more casual basis, Stan was a popular and revered emcee, toastmaster and humourist – not to mention a willing volunteer for numerous boards and committees. For more than 50 years, Stan McBride Sr. demonstrated that volunteerism, with a smile, is the key to a better community.

Connie Brummel Crook spent a great deal of her life proving, if you enjoy a good story, you needn’t go further than our own Canadian history.

For 30 years, Connie taught English in Peterborough and area schools. She launched one of Peterborough County’s first Reading Labs and tutoring program to assist younger students.

Upon retiring from teaching, she concentrated on a writing career; authoring a series of popular novels extolling Canadian history and heritage. Connie Brummel Crook is recognized by the International Reading Association for her creativity and faithfulness to historical accuracy.

For over 75 years, Gwen Craw made a quiet but significant contribution to music in Peterborough.

As a teenager, she began as accompanist for YWCA exercise classes and silent films, shown at the George Street Opera House.  She performed, in concert, with Peterborough’s Madrigal Singers across Ontario; contributing her musical talents and knowledge to Women’s Art Association and Peterborough Concert Association.

For near 50 years, Gwen was the official accompanist for Peterborough Kiwanis Music Festival.  In recognition, the Kiwanis Club awarded Gwen Craw an honourary lifetime membership.

To be a popular influential figure in Canadian Country Music doesn’t necessarily mean you have to play and sing. To that end, Jim Higgins made remarkable contributions to local Country Music without ever picking up a guitar.

As broadcaster, promoter and executive, he introduced local and international performers to the area and broadened the appreciation of the music form among fans and followers.

Over the years, Jim became a familiar figure through his cable TV show, The World of Country Music, and his Classic Country radio show. He’s also influential in establishing the Victoria County Music Association and organizing The Grand Ole Night of Country Music at Academy Theatre. As well, he’s been a driving force behind many charity benefit shows in aid of worthy causes. Outside of music and broadcasting,

Jim is a also busy executive with the Peterborough Lakers, promoting lacrosse throughout the Kawartha region.

Jim Higgins is living proof that word of mouth, from the right mouth, can get the message across in music and community service.

Gary Dalliday became an institution in the area’s sporting fraternity during his 34 year career as Sports Director of CHEX TV and Radio.

Gary traded his job at General Electric in the mid 1970’s for the demanding, and somewhat tenuous sports executive post. It was a life-changing decision he never regretted making.

Dalliday was an athlete in his own right, playing Junior B hockey, a handful of games for Scotty Bowman’s Peterborough Petes as well as starring for years In the City softball league.

Gary Dalliday has made sports his life – and along with it, devoting what little spare time he had available to emceeing and hosting hundreds of charity events. In fact, the amount of work he devoted to charities became about as demanding as his job.

He deservedly was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 as a builder and athlete.
If one attempted to list a number of the colourful sports personalities who have dotted the Peterborough landscape and contributed to the local scene – among them, Scotty Bowman, Johnny Danko, Bob Gainey, Red Sullivan ,Chris Pronger, Dick Trotter, Bill Bennett, Roger Neilson – the name of Gary Dalliday is ranked right up there with them.

Besides the 34 years he was ‘Mr. Hockey’ on CHEX TV and Radio, he and his youngest son, Peter comprised a revered broadcast duo calling Peterborough Petes games on radio for 16 years. Son Peter did the play-by-play and Dad, Gary was the analyst.

Gary Dalliday retired from CHEX TV in 2009 but his caring demeanour, dedication to the sports fraternity and his tireless efforts supporting countless worthwhile causes will forever place him in high regard of the grateful community he served so well.

It should be noted that his son, Peter Dalliday, continues in his Dad’s footsteps and upholds the Dalliday family’s quiet legacy of service above self, as well as calling hockey and lacrosse for Your TV and the Halifax Thunderbirds, as well as co-hosting morning radio in Peterborough on 100.5 FRESH FM.

Gary Dalliday died in August, 2018 following a long, and courageous battle with cancer.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Stompin’ Tom Connors, and his trademark black Stetson, was a music legend whose ‘made-in-Canada’ career intertwined with Peterborough, the home of his first plywood board, his registered nickname, and one song, ‘The Peterborough Postman,’ that has become synonymous with the singer.

He released nearly fifty albums, containing most of his 300 songs that are rooted in Canadian place names. He was born in New Brunswick and raised in Prince Edward Island, and suffered a tough life before becoming an established artist. From 1951 to 1964, he hitchhiked across Canada, something of a singing troubadour. He was married in 1973 on the Elwood Glover show, and he was featured in 1974 on CBC’s ‘Stompin Tom’s Canada.’ Many of his songs are famous for their historical references.

His memorial service was held in Peterborough’s Memorial Centre, March 13, 2013. “When the Peterborough Postman passes by,” we will wonder why he said goodbye…