Trent University Honours Faculty In First-Ever Celebration of Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences Awards

Trent University hosted its first-ever Celebration of Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences awards ceremony by bringing together department chairs and distinguished donors to celebrate exceptional faculty and students.  

Award winners from the inaugural Humanities and Social Sciences Award Ceremony gather together on the Symons Campus. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The Humanities and Social Sciences are the heart of any university, leading the way in challenging the way we think, especially in challenging times, by inspiring students and alumni to think critically and creatively about how we can better understand and improve the world around us," said Dr. Mark Skinner, Trent dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This awards ceremony symbolizes not only a celebration of our students' remarkable achievements but also the enduring culture of academic excellence that thrives within Trent’s Humanities and Social Sciences departments. We are honoured to recognize the dedication of our students and to showcase the profound impact of our outstanding faculty.” 

A full list of the awards and recipients follows: 

• Alexander Nielsen (Lady Eaton College), Anthropology Faculty Prize — Awarded to a student with the highest overall standing in the introductory course in Anthropology from the previous year, provided they continue as an Anthropology or Archaeology major and earn the top mark in any of our first-year Anthropology courses. 

• Isla Gole ‘18 (Catharine Parr Traill College), Andrew Wernick Essay Prize — Awarded to a Cultural Studies major or joint-major for the best essay of a critical or theoretical nature related to the subject areas of the Cultural Studies program, submitted to a juried competition held by the department. 

• Samantha Paolucci, Department of English Literature Scholarship — Awarded annually to the highest achieving student entering the fourth quarter of the Honours program in English Literature. 

• Mady Rodrigues-Raby (Lady Eaton College), W.L. Morton Essay Prize in History — Named after the distinguished Canadian historian, an early member of the Trent History Department, and the first principal of Champlain College, this prize is awarded to the third-year student writing the best essay. 

• Sasha Jones ‘19 (Peter Gzowski College), Alan Wilson Prize — Named in honour of the founder of the Trent History Department and the Canadian Studies Program, this prize is awarded to the Honours student achieving the highest record in the fourth year. 

• Avery Shortland (Peter Gzowski College), International Development Studies (IDST) Fundraising Trust Award — Awarded annually to the student with the highest standing in the first year of IDST. 

• Lucas Skolseg (Champlain College), The Mary's Fund Scholarship — Awarded annually to an outstanding student entering the final year of the Honours program in Philosophy. Established in honour of Mary Margaret (Stewart) Beattie and Mary Marjorie (Murphy) Beattie. 

• Lindsey Russell ’19 (Champlain College), Outstanding Graduating Sociology Student Award — Awarded annually to a top graduating student at each campus. Sponsored by the Canadian Sociological Association.  

• Jack Carey (Peter Gzowski College), Carolyn Sarah Thomson Scholarship — Awarded annually in recognition of the Canadian Studies student with the highest average entering their second year at Trent. 

• Jasmine Boisvert ‘19 (Catharine Parr Traill College), Swiss Embassy Award/Prix de l'ambassade de Suisse au Canada — Awarded to the graduating student with the highest overall average in recognition of credits acquired in the study of the French language. 

• Alex Bruneau (Lady Eaton College), George S. Henry — Awarded annually to the student that achieves the highest combined grade average in the two introductory courses, POST 1011H and POST 1002H. 

• Carly Walker (Lady Eaton College), ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award — Established by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), this award is granted annually to an exceptional student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

• Sophie Medeiros (Lady Eaton College), ROMA Humanities and Social Sciences Award — Established by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), this award is granted annually to an exceptional student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

• Dean Howley ’06 (Peter Gzowski College), School of Business, Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence — Awarded to exceptional faculty member who has made a profound impact on student success through teaching and mentorship.  

• Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sánchez, Trent History Department — Recognized for recent election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. 

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan Announced as Co-Recipients of CMHA's 'Champion of Mental Health Award'

Douro professional boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan are co-recipients of the ‘Champion of Mental Health Award’ from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting that took place Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTHER LIN / SHOWTIME.

Crowley has actively advocated for mental health as launched a campaign in memory of his father. Irt raised close to $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness for youth mental health. CMHA HKPR says that his dedication to changing the narrative around mental health is exemplary and aligns with their mission of fostering knowledge, hope and belonging for mental health for all.

This year’s Annual Meeting at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club celebrated the organization's growth and success over the past year according to CMHA HKPR.

Other award winners include:

• Kristi MacMillan, co-winner of the Champion of Mental Health Award

• Wanda Findlay, recipient of the Exemplary Values through Direct Service Staff Award

• Tracy Graham, honored with the Administrative Service Staff Award

• Miles Leech, who received the Achievement Through Adversity Award

• Sherryl and Matt Wyatt, winners of the Caregiver Champion Award for Family Members

• Johnathan Hauser, presented with the Maurice Lovnes Volunteer Award

• Impact Recovery and Century Theatre, recipients of the Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award

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Trent University Announces Decanal Awards For Teaching and Mentorship

Trent University has announced is recipients for its 2023 Decanal Awards for Teaching Excellence and Outstanding Graduate Mentorship to recognize its exceptional faculty members who have made a profound impact on student success in various academic fields on Monday.

The awards (now in its second year) honour Trent University faculty members, spanning the Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Education, Trent University Durham GTA, School of Nursing and the School of Graduate Studies. 

“Trent’s annual Decanal Awards celebrate excellence in teaching and graduate mentorship across the University,” said Dr. Kristy Buccieri, Trent Teaching and Learning acting associate dean. “This year’s recipients have been nominated by students, for the passion, innovation, and dedication they bring to their discipline,”

Recipients of the 2022-2023 Decanal Awards:

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Education: Dr. Kelly Young, School of Education 

Professor Young is recognized for her consistent development of highly effective teaching strategies and her demonstration of exemplary pedagogical skills. Nominators cited her transformative teaching style, characterized by its supportive and uplifting nature, which fosters exploration and active learning within the classroom. 

Trent Durham GTA Award for Teaching Excellence: Dr. Brenda Smith-Chant, Psychology  

Professor Smith-Chant is celebrated for her ability to offer positive and constructive feedback, her innovative approach to creating learning materials, and her aptitude for elevating student participation and engagement. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Nursing: Kinza Malik, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) 

Instructor Malik is renowned for her thorough assessments, adept use of concept maps, and an overarching pedagogical approach that not only inspires but also greatly facilitates student learning. She excels in devising innovative and imaginative approaches to course design, particularly in the realm of instruction and assessments. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences: Dean Howley, Trent School of Business 

Professor Howley is recognized for his commitment to nurturing student learning, his enthusiasm for teaching, and his remarkable capacity to captivate and motivate students, inspiring them to establish meaningful connections between course content and real-world scenarios. Through the inclusion of pragmatic and engaging assignments, Prof. Howley empowers students to embark on journeys of self-discovery as aspiring entrepreneurs and prospective business proprietors. 

Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Sciences: Dr. Wesley Burr, Mathematics 

Nominations for Professor Burr spoke to how he makes himself available to students and supports their academic growth. Prof. Burr’s innovative teaching methods and supportive pedagogical approach, alongside his mastery-based learning and availability to students, ensure that all students putting in the work to succeed can understand course concepts and do well. 

School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for New Mentors: Dr. Kateryna Keefer, Psychology 

Graduate students highlighted Professor Keefer’s dedication to sharing her passion for supporting student learning, nurturing critical thinking, and guiding students to become proficient scholars. The nominations also celebrated her generous commitment of time and expertise as a mentor, along with her encouragement for students to further explore and enhance their own abilities. She is recognized as a supervisor who seamlessly integrates theory and practical application. 

School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for Senior Mentors: Dr. David M. K. Sheinin, History 

Professor Sheinin is acknowledged for his distinctive mentorship style, characterized by genuine support for students, enabling them to develop self-assurance in their abilities and pursue academic endeavours both within and outside of Trent University. He is widely regarded as an outstanding mentor who inspires self-discovery and self-confidence, empowering those he mentors to embark on their professional journeys with newfound independence. 

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Dietrich Homes Nominated For Two Awards Including Builder of the Year

Dietrich Homes is a finalist for the Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA)'s 2023 Awards of Distinction for Builder of the Year (Small Volume) and for Low-Rise Amenity announced on Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Dietrich Homes.

The OHBA Awards of Distinction recognizes the creativity, innovation and excellence of land developers, builders, renovators, designers, marketers and service professionals within the Ontario residential construction industry according to a press release.

“Dietrich Homes is thrilled to be announced as a 2023 Builder of the Year (Low Volume) and Low-Rise Amenity finalist,” said Paul Dietrich, Dietrich Homes owner and builder. “We appreciate the recognition from our Industry peers and colleagues of our team efforts and engagement of our Preferred Vendors to deliver an exceptional product with an outstanding client experience.”

The OHBA's 2023 Awards of Distinction ceremony will occur on Sept. 19 in Collingwood, Ontario.

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Peterborough Museum & Archives Tourism Named Award Finalist For Tourism

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) is a finalist in the “Tourism” category for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards, organized annually through the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday.

File Photo.

The Business Excellence Awards promote the advancement of responsible business leadership and prosperity within the community in categories such as: Entrepreneurial Spirit, Local Focus, and Green Initiatives.

The Tourism category recognizes organizations with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in attracting tourists to the Peterborough and Kawarthas area according to The City of Peterborough. Considerations include guest services, marketing and unique promotions, quality of facilities, signage, and staff and volunteer knowledge.

“There are many reasons why the Peterborough Museum & Archives is worthy of this distinction,” says Dustin McIlwain, PMC visitor experience coordinator. “Naturally, tourists to the area might want to learn more about the place they are visiting, and the PMA is a great place to acquire those stories. However, the PMA takes it a step further by offering interesting programming and events, engaging exhibitions and gallery spaces that are welcoming to all.”

The PMA’s current exhibition, “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” has been a significant attraction from a tourism perspective according to McIlwain.

“Extensive work went into creating this important exhibition, including contributions from the six Mississauga Nations, the Royal Collection Trust in England, and the Department of Canadian Heritage to name a few,” he said. “Together, we’re reconnecting a piece of tangible cultural heritage to the descendants of those who created them. It has produced multiple opportunities for learning and relationship-building which will have a positive impact on our community long after the exhibition comes to end. For now, we will continue to welcome visitors from near and far to see these gifts.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for Oct. 18 at The Venue.

Admission to the Peterborough Museum & Archives is by donation.

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2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists Announced; Awards Ceremony Held On Oct. 18

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have announced the finalists for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards which recognize and honour local businesses and business people that have demonstrated a passion for excellence, announced on Wednesday.

Matt Strano of Charlotte Products LTd. (left) was Business Citizen of the Year for 2022.  Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce.

The award recipients are being revealed in an awards ceremony at The Venue on Oct. 18. A reception is followed by a ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre. Hosted by Megan Murphy, the event have awards handed out in 22 categories, including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year. 

“The Excellence Awards event is the Chamber’s way of shining a spotlight on the outstanding businesses and business leaders in the City and County of Peterborough,” says Sarah Budd, Chamber President and CEO. “We encourage the community to join us in learning more about our business community at our annual celebration.”  

The following are the 2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists (listed alphabetically):

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem (winners)

• Ashley Bonner

• Ashley Flynn

• Lauren Hunter

• Laura Montague

Businesswoman of the Year (winner)

• Nicole Truman (Fox Law Professional Corporation)

Business Citizen of the Year

• To be announced

Business Student Leadership Prizes (winners):

• Emma Olstad (Trent University)

• TBA (Fleming College)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Key Design Inc. (Key Design Inc. Studio & Office)

• Peterborough Housing Corporation (Hunt Terraces)

• Peterborough Humane Society (Peterborough Animal Care Centre)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre

• The Willow Studio

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Gauvreau | Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Hospice Peterborough

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Cheeks Ahoy

• Flossophy Ptbo

• Y Drive Canada

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year (Winner)

• Todd & Jennifer Payne & Family (Asphodel Sheep Company)

Green Initiatives

• Cheeks Ahoy

• The Land Canadian Adventures Inc.

• Peterborough Folk Festival

Health & Wellness

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• The Spa + Clinic at Fleming College

• The Willow Studio

Hospitality

• Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites

• Nostimo By The Original Greek

• Taso's Restaurant & Pizzeria

Local Focus

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• New Beginnings Building Services

• Peterborough GreenUP

Marketing & Promotion

• Community Futures Peterborough

• INSPIRE: The Women’s Portrait Project

• Showplace Performance Centre

Micro Business

• OmniWorx Design

• Peterborough Currents Media Inc.

• Social Kat Media

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year (Winner)

• Imad Mahfouz & Hashem Yakan (Levantine Grill)

Not-for-Profit

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

• Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation

• Peterborough Humane Society

Stuart Harrison President's Award

• To be announced

Professional Services

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Fox Law Professional Corporation

• Lett Architects Inc.

Retail

• Living Local Marketplace

• Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre

• Plant Goals

Skilled Trades

• Black Rock Developments

• Bruce Maly Plumbing & Drain Services Inc.

• Van de Bor Paving Ltd.

Tourism

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority

• Peterborough Museum & Archives

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Trent University Honours Past Graduates With Alumni Awards

Trent University has distributed its 2023/24 Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) awards to outstanding alumni to acknowledge the impact alumni make in their community, professions or with the University.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

 “Congratulations to all of the award winners who chose to study at Trent University because of their desire to create momentous change in the world and have gone on to lead that change in their professional careers and community with vision, commitment, and creativity,” said Sherry Booth, associate vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “The work they do is important, and we are honoured to recognize their remarkable achievements.”  

A full list of 2023/24 winners is as follows: 

Distinguished Alumni Award 

Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet ’74 (Catharine Parr Traill College), former MP for Hochelga in Montreal who served as NDP whip and housing critic; Dr. Keith Stewart ’86 (Peter Robinson College), senior energy strategist for Greenpeace Canada; and Dr. Gesa Weyhenmeyer ’90 (Peter Robinson College), professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, are recipients of 2023/24 Distinguished Alumni Award. This is the TUAA’s top award that recognizes demonstrated leadership, community involvement and notoriety in their sectors of work.  

Spirit of Trent Award 

Henry GB Clarke '70 (Catharine Parr Traill College), a former City of Peterborough councillor and deputy mayor who supported hundreds of residents experiencing homelessness; and Alice Olsen Williams '69 (Otonabee College), a renowned Indigenous artist-activist who has supported many Indigenous causes are co-recipients of the Spirit of Trent Award, recognizing their commitment to making a difference in the world by demonstrating values and lessons learned at Trent. 

Young Leader Award 

The Young Leader Award, recognizing young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status, has been awarded to Jacob Dockstator ’10 (Peter Gzowski College), who has boldly, creatively, and collaboratively promoted economic development for Indigenous communities across northern Ontario. 

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Peterborough Folk Festival Announces Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell as 2023 Emerging Artist Award Winners

The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced that local talents Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell are the winners of the 2023 Emerging Artist Award.

Peterborough Folk Festival believes in investing in young local performers to encourage and support their careers. To that end, PFF created an annual award in 2001 to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. For the list of previous winners, visit the website.

Applicants may be solo artists, groups or bands and must live in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations, and be under the age of 30. A committee assesses applicants on skill, dedication and artistic merit.

Irish Millie is a 16-year-old fiddle player who loves to play East Coast, Bluegrass and Contemporary Trad styles – especially driving, up-beat tunes that get the crowd up on their feet. As a youngster, Millie (whose real name is Amelia “Millie” Shadgett) busked every Saturday along with her Dad at the local farmers’ market to gain experience and help pay for music camp.

Millie has already received nominations for two Canadian Folk Music Awards as Young Performer of the Year – in 2022 for her first album, ‘Thirteen’, and in 2023 for her work with The Receivers, a collaboration between Millie and sisters Willow and Fern Marwood. In addition to regularly playing in the Peterborough area, Millie has toured in Denmark and is touring Canada’s east coast of Canada this summer, and toured in Vermont with The Receivers this past spring.

“It is truly an incredible feeling to be recognized for my art in this beautiful city that I call home. I am grateful and honoured to be receiving Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Award alongside the very talented Nicholas Campbell,” said Millie. “I have been very lucky to have the full force of the Peterborough community behind me from a very young age. I can not wait to get up on that stage and make you proud – see you there!”

From slick hot-rod rockabilly to smooth crooning honky tonk, Nicholas Campbell is the real deal. Inspired by some of the last century’s most iconic country sounds, Campbell first picked up the guitar at age 10 and was gigging by 11. Campbell began playing consistently with his band, The Two-Metre Cheaters, during the early months of the pandemic, and the band quickly found their groove as live shows became an option once again. Campbell’s 2021 debut album, ‘Livin’ and Other Western Ideas’, combines elements of rockabilly, western swing, and old-fashioned honky tonk. The band has enjoyed worldwide coverage and airplay since, spanning from western Canada to Spain, Italy and beyond. Nicholas has also played lead guitar for Melissa Payne, Pat Temple, Jane Archer and other artists.

With Campbell’s new singles and the album to come, ‘Gonna Have A Ball Tonight’, the group has embraced a more rock n’ roll-centric sound, adding renewed energy to Campbell’s signature country sensibilities.

“I’m very grateful to be part of such a supportive music scene and I feel very fortunate to be recognized as Emerging Artist,” said Nicholas Campbell. “It’s very humbling to be recognized on a list with so many other great artists.”

Recipients of the Emerging Artist Award are provided showcase performance spots during the festival weekend and a trip to the Folk Music Ontario Conference where they have the opportunity to meet artistic directors, festival organizers, other musicians, agents and publicists. Peterborough Folk Festival would like to thank our Emerging Artist Sponsors: Cambium Consulting and Engineering; Engage Engineering Ltd. & Part Time CFO Services.

Peterborough Folk Festival 2023 kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18 at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by a free-admission weekend of music, food and culture on August 19 and 20 at Nicholls Oval Park. Recent announcement of headliners Broken Social Scene and Loreena McKennitt will be followed soon with the complete line-up of performers.

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Peterborough Pathway of Fame Announces Class of 2023 Inductees

Pathway of Fame has announced the most recent group of Inductees for the Class of 2023 in Peterborough and District.

photo courtesy of pathway of fame, facebook.

The Pathway of Fame Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization first formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities. The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park in 1998.

Recent inductees include:

John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (Community Builder)

First elected to Peterborough City Council in 1967, John Ambrose (Jack) Doris subsequently represented his Monaghan Ward constituents for 39 years and served another six years as Mayor before stepping back from politics in 2014 – his legacy secure as someone who always had your back, and treated all with equal kindness and compassion.

Courtney Druce (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Before cancer tragically cut short her life at 27, Courtney Druce made it her mission to inspire and provide hope for others fighting their own battles – raising funds for, and bringing awareness to the important work of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name but a few benefactors of her empathy for others. Courtney Druce died April 27, 2016 just shy of her 28th birthday.

Sean Eyre (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From his radio broadcasting heyday as ‘Sunshine Sean’ to his co-founding of Rocklands Entertainment, to his relentless promotion of local artists – Sean Eyre’s love of his community has also encompassed service as a City alderman, not to mention one of the driving forces behind the 1998 founding of the Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame.    

Charlie Gregory (Barb Bell Humanity Award Recipient)

Charlie Gregory’s photographic essays of the homeless have not only afforded the viewer a window into the harsh realities of the unhoused, but his images reveal the humanity of those who exist on the fringe. A self-described “watcher of folks who live on the edges of society,” Gregory has made it his selfless mission to both document, and offer support for the marginalized. As part of his advocacy, the proprietor of ‘Lumpy Bikes’ donates refurbished bicycles to those in need. His only ask: “That I take your picture.”

Stephanie and John MacDonald (Cultural/Community Betterment)

This Peterborough couple’s compelling, and vast contributions to the betterment and well-being of their community run the gamut, with the list of organizations having benefitted from their involvement, drive and passion as long, as it is impressive – all while serving as selfless and dedicated lifelong educators who each rose to the position of school principal. John MacDonald passed away at the end of 2022, in his 83rd year.

David McNab (Samaritan)

Having fully earned his status as global citizen, retired Peterborough County OPP constable David McNab continues to play a key role in the settlement and integration of Syrian refugees into the Peterborough community, displaying the same selfless compassion for others that fuelled his long involvement with Cops For Cancer and countless local organizations and initiatives.

Mike Melnik (Media)

As the popular morning host for ‘KRUZ’ AM and FM before his retirement from the airwaves in 2012, Mike Melnik’s welcoming and distinctive voice started the day for thousands of listeners. His passion for the community, and his capacity for instantly putting his guests at ease was a gift that translated into a coveted spotlight for countless events, causes and organizations – Easter Seals, and its annual telethon among them.

Cathy Rowland (Dramatic Arts)

A staunch champion of the Peterborough arts scene and in particular the involvement, and creative works of our community’s youth, Cathy Rowland founded the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS and served as lead writer of the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum – in addition to writing, producing and directing numerous theatrical productions.

Jeannine Taylor (Media)

A self-made entrepreneur of close to 30 years, KawarthaNOW founder, CEO and publisher Jeannine Taylor was first out of the gate locally in terms of recognizing, and acting upon the emergence of the Internet as a media communications platform, having since leveraged her experience and influence to mentor other women in business.   

Greg Wells (Entertainment)

As a two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most sought-after record producers in the world, Los Angeles-based Greg Wells has never forgotten his Peterborough roots – honouring and celebrating the City’s rich musical heritage by devoting his time and considerable skills to the furtherance of homegrown talent.

Inductees are chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by an anonymous committee comprised of community citizens having no current association whatsoever with, or connection to, The Pathway of Fame. The Nominations Chair is tasked with appointing a new Selection Committee each year, the members of which are confidential and never revealed to The Pathway of Fame.

Induction ceremonies are held each September at the Showplace Performance Centre. This years’ induction for the Class of 2023 will return to the main stage Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. and is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Past inductees are welcome. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

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Winning Grandparents Named at 35th Annual Grandparent of the Year Award Ceremony

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) held its 35th Grandparent of the Year Awards presentation at the Peterborough Public Library on Tuesday.

file photo.

Community Care received almost 200 stories and artwork entries from children this year, telling the organization why their Grandparent should win this award. A panel of volunteer judges chose one winner and two honourable mentions from each group of grades; primary (Grades 2 and 3) and junior (Grades 4, 5, 6).

“After two years of virtual events, it was amazing to return to an in-person awards ceremony hosted by the Peterborough Public Library,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP’s donor relations and communications lead. “There (was) so much pride and happiness felt in the room, a definite ‘Smiles All Around’ event.”

Winners and honourable mentions read their stories and introduced their Grandparent, Elder or special older person to the crowd of about 80 people in attendance. CCP got their story and artwork framed as a gift for the children to present to their grandparents.

Local businesses and organizations also provided prizes for the children and their grandparents, which included Ashburnham Ale House, Boardwalk Board Game Café, Gerri's Arts and Crafts Warehouse, Lakeview Bowl Peterborough, The Little Frozen Yogurt Company, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Peterborough Public Library, Silver Bean Café and Tim Hortons.

Special guest Deputy Warden Sherry Senis presented each of the grandparents the award on behalf of Peterborough County. Local photographer Heather Doughty was onsite for the event, capturing family photos for the winners.

Primary Category – Grades 2 and 3

Primary Winner: Finn Frampton, Grade 3, St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Reginald Caley

Primary Honourable Mention: Kylie Beasley, Grade 3, North Shore Public School. Honouring: Grandpa Ken Beasley

Primary Honourable Mention: Launa Hobbs, Grade 2, Monsignor O'Donoghue Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Nana Judy Masters

Junior Category – Grades 4, 5 and 6

Junior Winner: Maya Kubica, Grade 5, École catholique Monseigneur-Jamot. Honouring: Grandad David Peters

Junior Honourable Mention: Molly Cotnam, Grade 6, Apsley Central Public School. Honouring: Grandma Eva Malloy

Junior Honourable Mention: Madeline McBride, Grade 6, St. John Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Dan Burke

“We want to thank every child that entered, they have a participation certificate coming to them,” continued Vandine. “Every year we are amazed by the scope of stories we have received, it was not an easy task for our volunteer judges to choose the winners. Congratulations to Finn (honouring Grandpa Reginald Caley) and Maya (honouring Grandpa Dan Burke) for their winning entries.”

For more information about the annual Grandparent of the Year event, visit the website.

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