Five Community Members to Be Recognized by Rotary Clubs at Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner

By Scott Arnold

From creating more opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to supporting affordable housing, helping children build independence and protecting local natural spaces, five people are being recognized for the difference they have made in the Peterborough community.

Last year’s Paul Harris Fellow recipients (front row, L to R): Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Also honoured was Eric Steinmiller, who joined by Zoom from New Zealand. (photo provided by Rotary Club of Peterborough)

The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha will honour the five recipients at their annual Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Thursday, November 26th, at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition honours individuals for their leadership and service in areas including community, vocational, youth and environmental service. Named after Rotary International founder Paul Harris, who established the organization in 1905, it is one of Rotary’s highest honours.

This year’s recipients are Debbie Quinlan and Susan Musclow for Community Service, Jennifer Mai for Vocational Service, Randy Riel for Youth Service and Susan Paradisis for Environmental Service.

Debbie Quinlan – Community Service

For more than 22 years, Debbie Quinlan has helped athletes with intellectual disabilities find opportunities to participate, compete and succeed through Special Olympics Peterborough.

A longtime head coach of the swim program, Quinlan has also been instrumental in expanding opportunities for female athletes in soccer and basketball. Her advocacy helped Peterborough’s women’s soccer team win the first-ever gold medal in the women’s division at the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Games. She also helped establish the Peterborough Blazers women’s basketball team.

In 2025, she was named Special Olympics Ontario Coach of the Year.

Her approach to coaching and advocacy is guided by a simple philosophy: see the ability, not the disability.

Susan Musclow – Community Service

Susan “Su” Musclow has spent more than five decades supporting children, families and vulnerable members of the community.

Following a 40-year career in education, including 17 years as a principal, Musclow devoted her retirement to addressing poverty, food security and affordable housing.

She has held leadership roles with Kairos Non-Profit Housing, the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network and The Mount Community Centre. As one of The Mount’s original volunteers, she helped turn the vision for the community into a reality that now includes nearly 80 affordable homes.

For more than a decade, she has volunteered at The Mount almost daily, contributing her financial expertise, leadership and compassion.

Her commitment to providing “a hand up, not a handout” reflects her focus on helping people access dignity, stability and opportunity.

Jennifer Mai – Vocational Service

Jennifer Mai is being recognized for a 34-year career as a physiotherapist at Five Counties Children’s Centre, where she helped thousands of children and youth develop greater independence, confidence and quality of life.

Throughout her career, Mai worked to ensure every child had the opportunity to participate fully in life, finding creative solutions tailored to individual needs and supporting families along the way.

She also mentored generations of colleagues, sharing her knowledge and helping establish a lasting standard of excellence in family-centred care.

Mai retired in January 2026, but her influence continues through the children, families and professionals she supported throughout her career.

Randy Riel – Youth Service

For decades, Randy Riel has volunteered with Camp Northern Lights, helping provide summer camp experiences for young people who might otherwise never have the opportunity to attend.

His contributions have helped the camp continue year after year, giving young people a place to build friendships, try new things and experience a sense of belonging.

Known for his warmth, humour and ability to connect with young people, Riel brings both enthusiasm and leadership to his work.

The impact of his commitment can be seen in generations of campers, including former campers who return as counsellors to help provide the same opportunities to others.

Susan Paradisis – Environmental Service

Susan “Sue” Paradisis has dedicated years to helping people understand, appreciate and protect the natural environment through her work with the Peterborough Field Naturalists.

A longtime member and president of the organization, Paradisis shares her knowledge of local plants and wildlife through nature outings, educational programs, citizen-science initiatives and community events.

Her work introduces people of all ages to the biodiversity found throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas while encouraging greater awareness of the importance of protecting natural spaces.

She has also contributed to environmental advocacy, conservation efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Peterborough Field Naturalists for future generations.

Through her leadership and enthusiasm, Paradisis encourages others to get to know the natural world and take an active role in its conservation.

An Evening to Celebrate Community Service

The annual recognition dinner brings together family, friends and community members to celebrate the recipients and their contributions.

The Paul Harris Fellow honour has also been awarded to internationally recognized figures, including Mother Teresa, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, astronaut James Lovell and Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine.

The November 26th dinner begins at 6pm at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Tickets cost $65 per person and include a reception, cash bar, dinner and the recognition ceremony.

Registration is required by November 10th. Those interested in attending can register through the online registration form.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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