News

The Pathway Congratulates Rosemary McConkey

Our congratulations to Peterborough historian, genealogist and Pathway of Fame inductee Rosemary McConkey on the release of her new book Green Routes, a focus on the Peter Robinson settlers, and their descendants.

McConkey commenced work on the book in 2017, writing the manuscript in long hand, with the goal of having it ready for publishing by 2023.

And Rosemary met her deadline.

“I wanted to put something out before the public in our area, two years before the bicentenary for the Robinson immigration of 1825,” McConkey said, in comments to The Peterborough Examiner. “That would bring back historical interest of this important immigration.”

In writing  the book, our Class of 2020 inductee wanted to ensure the story engaged readers, as opposed to droning on akin to a historical research paper.

“I think history has to have a face,” she told Peterborough’s oldest newspaper. “So, I’ve given an historical perspective, and literary perspective as well.”

Green Routes was published in association with the Trent Valley Archives.

Congratulations to Rosemary McConkey – author, historian, and Pathway of Fame inductee!

Pathway of Fame to Explore New Initiative

For 25 years the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District has been focused on celebrating the previous, and in many cases ongoing efforts of those who have devoted a lifetime to volunteerism.

Going forward, it is our intent to explore the recognition of young people who are just embarking on such a path.

To that end, we acknowledge the contributions of young people who are already actively giving of their time and talents towards the benefit of others. And we would like to recognize and encourage those efforts through a new category: ‘Youth Ambassador.’

As an ongoing legacy, we intend to spend the next year seeking guidance and partnerships with various stakeholders to help identify criteria, facilitate nominations, and achieve the ultimate goal of recognizing a Youth Ambassador as part of our annual Induction – and as a part of our legacy going forward, for the next 25 years for the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

It is our ultimate hope that this initiative, providing all goes well in establishing its genesis and structure, will not only put the spotlight on adolescents already on the track to a lifetime of volunteerism, but will serve the dual purpose of encouraging young people to consider the value, and rewards of volunteerism.

Please check back with us for additional details and progress throughout the year.

Pathway of Fame Day is September 10th

It’s official: September 10th has been proclaimed ‘Pathway of Fame Day’ by both the County, and the City of Peterborough.

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District has for 25 years fostered the recognition, and inductions of deserving individuals who have contributed to the community in the arts and humanities. The very first induction – the Class of 1998 – occurred when the Pathway was already a year old, and had gone through the inaugural process of calling for, and accepting nominations that led to the very first crop of names. And well before that, establishing criteria, protocols and securing a home in Del Crary Park.

And now, we are 25 – with a proud roster of new honourees to be inducted the morning of Saturday, September 10th downstairs during an invitation-only ceremony in the Nexicom Lounge at Showplace, followed by The 25th Anniversary concert that evening in the newly-renovated upstairs theatre, beginning at 7:30pm and featuring Pathway inductees over the years.

Tickets are $25 in keeping with the occasion and are available online at this link: https://tickets.showplace.org/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent474.html

You can also purchase tickets in person, as the box office at Showplace has reopened as of August 29th.

Come celebrate with us!

Introducing the Class of 2022

PETERBOROUGH: Del Crary Park

June 15, 2022

This morning, The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District announced our 2022 inductees for our 25th anniversary year:

David Carley (Dramatic Arts)

With more than 450 Canadian and American stage, radio and television productions having resulted from his storytelling talent, including several locally-staged plays, David Carley has won, and been nominated for, a number of honours, including a Governor General’s Award finalist distinction.

Kate Suhr (Entertainment)

Blessed with abundant musical and theatrical talent, PCVS graduate Kate Suhr has sung and acted her way into the hearts of audiences both near and distant while always taking the time to unselfishly perform in support of organizations and causes right here in her native Peterborough.

The Weber Brothers (Entertainment)

The Weber Brothers came to Peterborough from Maryland in 2000 to learn all they could about making and performing music from the legendary Ronnie Hawkins, learning very well to the tune of numerous studio albums, memorable performances locally as well as across North America and Europe, and charitable support of several local causes.    

Donald Glenn Forde (Cultural/Community Betterment)

As a former executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, Donald Glenn Forde set the organization on the path to success, all while contributing to his community as a minor hockey executive and as a multi-instrumentalist who performed with the likes of Del Crary and Bobby Kinsman during big band music’s heyday.  

Jacob Rodenburg (Cultural/Community Betterment)

For more than 30 years, Jacob Rodenburg has made environmental stewardship, sustainability and education his business, not only as executive director of Camp Kawartha and as a Trent University environmental education teacher but also as a developer of forward-thinking ‘green’ related programs and initiatives.

Lois Tuffin (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From the time she arrived in Peterborough, former newspaper editor Lois Tuffin has tirelessly employed her considerable communication and organizational skills to the benefit of a number of causes and events, including the Great Turkey Exchange that she started and has since fed more than 17,000 people during the holiday season.

John F. (Jack) Bardeau (Community Builder)

A combination of musicianship, service work and sports involvement saw John F. (Jack) Bardeau rarely sit still during his 44 years in Peterborough, the RCAF veteran’s work supporting the hearing impaired as a member of the Telephone Pioneers earning him Bell Canada’s Community Chest Award for Outstanding Citizenship.

David Adams (Community Builder)

For 26 years, David Adams was the face of the Five Counties Children’s Centre as its foundation’s executive director, endlessly promoting and heralding the groundbreaking treatment provided children with physical, communication and developmental needs while volunteering his time for a wide variety of community organizations and events.   

The formal induction of our 9 inductees will take place Saturday, September 10th at The Showplace Performance Center.

Our Leadership Additions

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District is pleased to welcome three new members to our Leadership Team, effective immediately.

Stephanie Bolender was Founding 1st Vice-Chair of The Pathway of Fame at its inception in 1997-1998, and served as assistant to fellow Director Barb Bell. Stephanie remained active with the Pathway Facilitating Committee until Bell’s death in 2008. Listeners to Trent Radio 92.7 may remember Stephanie as long-running co-host of a popular weekend country music program.

Jim Ross has volunteered at Showplace for the Pathway of Fame annual induction ceremony over the past four years. A fraternal associate of our Chair, Mr. Ross is a Past Master the Masonic Lodge locally. Since retiring from Fed-Ex, Jim and his wife are busy remodeling their new home on Baseline Line Road.

Tom Watt is retired, and continues to serve as Councillor at Large for the municipality of Douro-Dummer. Mr. Watt is eager to begin his tenure on our Facilitating Committee in this, the 25th year of the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District.

Remembering Kenn Grainger

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District is saddened to share the passing of Past Chair and Pathway Inductee (2005) Kenn Grainger, who died January 18th, 2022 in his 95th year.

Anyone who knew Kenn, knew him to be proud, caring, compassionate, dedicated, genuine, generous and ultimately charming. His, was a life brimming with volunteerism and possibility. To the latter, most will remember his more recent exploits that saw the legally blind senior  make an assisted jump from an airplane and later, managing to get up on water skiis – all the while raising funds and awareness that retired individuals need not be merely ‘retiring’ in their attitude towards life.

Few will forget his 90th birthday party at Fairhaven, which saw Mr. Grainger, ever-dapper in tux and Florsheims, charming his guests from across the community at a gathering not to be missed – and he outlasted everyone.

Mr. Grainger was also a dedicated volunteer with the Pathway of Fame – a past Chair of the Facilitating Committee, and more recently taking on the responsibility of sales for the annual Pathway publication, ‘Footprints of Life.’ No one, it seems, was capable of saying ‘no’ to Kenn Grainger.

A dedicated friend to the community, various health challenges including the gradual loss of his eyesight did little more than slightly alter his stride. He would prove to find ways to strive forward, proving an inspiration to all through his charm, his wit, his commitment and his humanity.

His profile from 2005 on The Pathway of Fame website sums up the flavor, and the tenor of a man so many of us loved, and called a valued friend. He will be missed.

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

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

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

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

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

SHARE THE JOY BY MAKING A NOMINATION TO THE PATHWAY OF FAME

With the Christmas Season now here, The Pathway of Fame of Peterborough and District is asking the community to consider nominating someone deserving of recognition to The Pathway as a gesture of goodwill befitting the season.

While the call for nominations is heightened in the spring (admittedly we reference an April 30th deadline for submissions to be considered for the current calendar year), nominations can be submitted at any time throughout the year. As we are now in the season known for generosity and goodwill, recognizing an individual, or individuals who have had a lasting, and positive impact on the community would translate to a unique gift, at this time of giving.

The Pathway also encourages groups and organizations to consider nominating a deserving individual in any of the available categories:  Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Literary, Entertainment / Musical, Cultural Betterment, Community Samaritan, Community Builder, or Media.

A one-page nomination form can be downloaded as a pdf from https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/nominees/. The Pathway of Fame is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022.

Postcards from The Pathway

This week, none other than one of our first inductees into the Pathway of Fame during our inaugural year in 1998: author, and Canadian literary icon Margaret Laurence.

A major figure in Canadian literature, Margaret Laurence is admired for brilliant novels such as ‘The Stone Angel,’ ‘The Diviners’ and ‘Jest of God.’ An opportunity to serve as ‘writer in residence’ at Trent University in the mid-seventies led to a love affair with the Kawartha region.

To that end, Ms. Laurence settled in Lakefield, serving as Chancellor of Trent University from 1981 to 1983. Forever embracing the concepts of humanitarianism and self-examination, Margaret’s books have been translated into dozens of languages and remain bestsellers around the world.

In recognition of her immense contribution to nuclear disarmament, as environmentalist, peace activist and an active member of Canadian culture, Margaret Laurence received honourary degrees from no fewer than 12 universities. She was named as a Fellow of The Royal Society of Canada, and made a Companion of the Order of Canada.

DID YOU KNOW: Although somewhat reclusive, Ms. Laurence – for many years – donated a luncheon in her home with the author as part of the annual fundraiser for the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. The successful bidder was treated to a private meal and a few precious hours with the author, going home with not only memories of an incredible experience but also with autographed copies of two of her books. In 1982, while co-hosting the annual ‘Dream Auction’ broadcast on CHEX 980, future GM of the Peterborough and District Chamber of Commerce Stuart Harrison remarked that he had been speaking with the successful bidder the year prior and was told the time spent with Ms. Laurence was “nothing short of fascinating.”

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District facilitates induction of deserving individuals having made a lasting, positive impact on, or within the community. The not-for-profit, grassroots organization celebrates its 25 anniversary in 2022.

Pathway Seeks Treasurer

F O R   I M M E D I A T E   R E L E A S E

Leadership Changes, Pathway Seeks Treasurer

Peterborough, ON – The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District would like to acknowledge a number of dedicated individuals who have supported the organization with their time and expertise:

Wellington (Wimpy) Borland of Peterborough has tirelessly served the Pathway for a number of years, assuming various roles along the way including, but not limited to the coveted, ‘bell-ringing’ position of ‘Speech Timing Tech.’

Garry, & Ruth Johnson of Peterborough have recently stepped away from our Facilitating Committee, but will continue to assist on-site for the annual Induction Ceremony at the Showplace Performance Center each September.

Pam Partridge is a familiar face to our valued sponsors, and will continue to support advertising sales in our annual Footprints of Life magazine – a major source of our funding – from Eastern Canada, to which she has relocated.

The Pathway wishes to thank the aforementioned for their service, and generosity to our organization.

The Pathway of Fame is actively seeking community-minded citizens interested in serving on our Facilitating Committee, and welcomes David Goyette as a director. Mr. Goyette is a recent inductee to The Pathway, joining the august group this year.

We are also actively seeking a qualified individual to serve as the organization’s Treasurer, effective the first of January. The position would be voluntary.

Interested individuals are asked to contact Gordon Gibb, Communications Liaison, via email: gordon.gibb@bell.net

                                                                                                                                    More…

The Leadership Team

PRESIDENT AND HONORARY LIFE CHAIR: Sean Eyre

FIRST VICE CHAIR:                                               Geoff Hewitson

SECOND VICE CHAIR:                                         Graham Hart

DIRECTOR AT LARGE:                                         Kenn Grainger

SECRETARY:                                                          Heather Aiton Landry

ARCHIVIST:                                                            Elwood Jones

DIRECTORS:                                                          Doreen Brockwell

                                                                                  Gordon Gibb

                                                                                  David Goyette

AD SALES:                                                              Pam Partridge

CEREMONY SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS:           Garry Johnson

                                                                                 Ruth Johnson                                                         

We’re Looking…

The Facilitating Committee governing the Pathway of Fame for Peterborough and District is currently seeking a qualified volunteer to join our committee – and specifically, to assume the role of Treasurer.

A background, and proficiency in accounting and book keeping would be an asset, as would some familiarity with the workings, and requirements of a not-for-profit organization.As a member of our Facilitating Committee, you would be joining a proud, grassroots organization that has succeeded in honouring hundreds of people for their contributions to our community in the Arts and Humanities for nearly 25 years. The Committee currently meets via ZOOM once per month on Wednesday evenings for about an hour, at which financial reports are submitted, and approved.

This is a strictly volunteer position. If interested, please reply in confidence to The Pathway in care of gordon.gibb@bell.net and you will be put in touch with our Committee Chair.

And please feel free to browse our web site at https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/

Thank you!

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