Nominations Open For JA-Neo 2026 Business Hall of Fame

Nominations for JA Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) 2026 Business Hall of Fame (BHF) are open for both Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes, announced on Tuesday.

The 2025 inductees of Ja-Neo’s Business Hall of Fame. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

JA-NEO invites the public to submit their nominations to help recognize Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lake’s exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the economy and community through their accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence in business. 

“JA-NEO is looking to honour individuals who, through their careers, have made a positive and everlasting impact on the community and the local business landscape,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President and C.E.O. “By recognizing and celebrating those who make an impact today, we are helping to inspire youth who will be our community’s leaders of tomorrow.” 

Nominations close on Nov. 28 at 3:00 p.m. Nomination forms are available online. Successful nominees will be announced at a formal announcement in January and will be officially inducted into the JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame on May 7 for Kawartha Lakers and on May 26 for Peterborough.

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Trent University Recognizes Nine Recipients With Alumni Awards

Nine individuals are honoured through the 2025 Trent University Alumni Awards to recognize their contributions to shaping a better world.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

This year’s recipients are being recognized for efforts advancing research in public health and family well-being, leading in sport and science and inspiring creativity, compassion and leadership in family-law policy, health equity, forensic science, community building, student leadership and student governance.

“This year’s recipients embody what it means to be part of the Trent community,” says Naomi Handley, Trent director of Alumni Engagement and Services. “Their leadership, innovation, and compassion shine through everything they do, from advancing research and championing equity to inspiring the next generation of learners. We’re honoured to recognize their accomplishments and the many ways they carry Trent’s spirit into the world.”

The 2025 alumni award recipients are:

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Dr. Zach Conrad ’02 (Champlain College) is an internationally recognized nutritional epidemiologist whose transformative research shapes national and international policy for the world’s biggest challenges around nutrition, health equity, and sustainability.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Glossop ’67 (Champlain College) is a distinguished researcher on family dynamics whose three decades of work have directly influenced social policy and family law across Canada to better support the well-being of families.

Spirit of Trent Award

Neil Horne ’96 (Champlain College) is a passionate and dedicated leader in Trent’s rowing community, whose 14 years of service to the Head of the Trent Regatta have elevated both the Trent Rowing Club and the regatta to international recognition.

Young Leaders Award

Dr. Theresa Stotesbury ’07 (Gzowski College) is an esteemed forensic scientist whose groundbreaking research on the degradation of biological tissues, such as blood, has revolutionized forensic investigations across Canada.

Jordan MacDonald ’17 (Lady Eaton College) is a dedicated researcher and community advocate whose work is reshaping how we understand and support teen parents – advancing policies that help young parents overcome barriers, complete their education, and thrive.

Founder’s Spirit Award

Newly introduced this year, the Founder’s Spirit Award honours alumni whose visionary leadership and lasting contributions have strengthened Trent University and its broader communities. The late David Christopher (Chris) Leach ’70 (Peter Robinson College) was a leader and Olympian whose founding role in Trent and Peterborough’s rowing clubs - including his instrumental role in creating the Head of the Trent Regatta - left a lasting legacy on sport, mentorship, and University life.

David Glassco Prize (student leadership)

Izabelle (Izzy) Miranda is a dynamic student leader who has held more than 10 leadership positions in campus clubs and organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the Trent community.

Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize (student governance)

Rylin Wormington (Otonabee College) is a fourth-year student who has served as junior senator, vice-president, and now president of the Otonabee College Cabinet, demonstrating exceptional commitment to student governance and University life.

Anne Warigia Kitheka ’18 (Lady Eaton College) is a dynamic leader whose dedication to equity, mentorship, and student advocacy has left a lasting impact at Trent while continuing to shape her path in science and business.

The 2025 awards will be presented at a reception on Nov. 18 at Trent University.

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Peterborough Musicfest Recipient of SOCAN's Licensed To Play Award

Peterborough Musicfest has received the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada’s (SOCAN) Licensed To Play Award, presented at the 35th SOCAN Awards Gala in Toronto as part of SOCAN’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

(From left to right) Matt Williams, Tracey Randall and Raff Melito of Peterborough Musicfest. The 35th SOCAN Awards Gala in Toronto is part of SOCAN’s 100th anniversary celebration. Peterborough Musicfest Photo Courtesy of Brad Ardely.

The Award is presented to a Canadian business or organization that consistently demonstrates legal and ethical use of music by ensuring proper music licensing for the public performance of music.

“On behalf of everyone at Peterborough Musicfest, we are deeply honoured to accept this award,” said Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “To be recognized by SOCAN during its centennial year, and in the same evening as Canadian icons like Joni Mitchell, Drake, and Boi-1da, is truly special. This award is a tribute to our founder Fred Anderson’s vision, our volunteers, staff, sponsors, funders, and above all, our community. Together, we have sustained what is now Canada’s Longest Running Free Admission Music Festival, operating as a not-for-profit dedicated to bringing world-class music to our region, barrier-free.”

Peterborough Musicfest was founded in 1987 (formerly known as the Festival of Lights and Little Lae Musicfest). According to a press release, they have had audiences totalling over 100,000 each season at Del Crary Park. The festival has had more than 700 artists on its stage.

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Peterborough Teen Awarded $500 Swim Ontario Student Athlete Scholarship For Swimming

Junior competitive swimmer Olivia Jones of the Peterborough Swim Club has been recognized with the $500 Swim Ontario Dan Taylor Student Athlete Scholarship, presented at the Swim Ontario Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon on at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Toronto on Saturday.

Olivia Jones (left) and Coach Kent Crockower (right) with the Award. Photo courtesy of Christina Jones.

A student at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School, Jones has maintained a GPA of 4.0. She began swimming competitively at the age of 10, when she joined the Trent Torpedoes Swim Club (now known as the Peterborough Swim Club).  Olivia recently earned a 10th-place finish in the 800-meter Freestyle event at the Ontario Swimming Championships and an eighth-place finish in the one-kilometre event at the Ontario Open Water Championships this past summer. 

“Swimming has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance,” she said. “I’m honoured to receive this scholarship, and feel motivated to keep pushing toward new goals- both at school, and in the pool.” 

Photo courtesy of Christina Jones.

Team Aquatic Supplies collaborates with Swim Ontario to fund the $500 scholarships, awarded to outstanding student-athlete swimmers across the province.

Each year, only 12 student-athletes across Ontario—one male and one female from each Swim Ontario region— are selected for the scholarship. Recipients are chosen for their combination of academic achievement and swimming excellence, reflecting the late Dan Taylor’s belief that the sport of swimming builds good habits, confidence, discipline, and leadership.

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City of Peterborough Recognizes the 2024 Civic Awards Recipients

The City of Peterborough recognized outstanding citizens and groups for their contributions to its residents during the 2024 Civic Awards ceremony, held at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Tuesday evening.

Councillor Joy Lachica speaking at the 2024 Civic Awards ceremony. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Since 1953, the Civic Awards have recognized individuals and groups that have contributed to enhancing the City through their dedication to sports, volunteerism, the arts and environmentalism.  

“The Civic Awards are one of the most meaningful ways we can say thank you to the residents who make Peterborough a better place,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Each nominee and recipient represent the spirit of generosity, creativity and commitment that defines Peterborough.”

Community members first nominate Civic Award recipients and a Citizen Appointment Selection Working Group reviews each nomination. A list of candidates is then brought to City Council for consideration.  

Here are this year’s Civic Award recipients:  

Community Betterment  

• Peterborough Housing Food Bank Volunteers  

• Aya Darrouba  

• Kinsmen Club of Peterborough 

• Trevor Hesselink 

• Activity Haven Board of Directors 

• Good Neighbours Care Centre 

Cultural Betterment 

• Guru Sai Charan Pitla  

• Friends of the Library 

• Peterborough Girls Hockey Association  

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability 

• Laura Gardner 

• Shelley Strain 

Athletic Award of Merit 

• Matthew Kathiravelu 

• Toula Pappas 

• Stone Shearer 

Mayor’s Youth Award  

• Rayne Froggatt 

Holnbeck Award 

• John Morris

Junior Athlete of the Year 

• Nicole Jin

Adult Athlete of the Year 

• Cole Lester

Senior Athlete of the Year 

• John Kasperski

Youth Volunteer of the Year 

• Brianna Hearn-Finney

Volunteer of the Year 

• Yvonne Zerafa-Rapson

Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Henry Clarke

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Four Fleming College Alumni Nominated For Premier’s Awards

Four Fleming College alumni have been selected as nominees for this year’s Premier’s Awards.

Michell Acorn (top left), Tracey Randall (top right), Cheryl Dowling (bottom left) and Dave Conroy (bottom right). Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Colleges Ontario administers the Premier’s Awards, the advocacy voice for Ontario’s 24 colleges and was founded in 1992. 

This annual celebration recognizes the significant social and economic contributions that college graduates make on a provincial and global scale according to Fleming

Colleges can nominate alumni in seven categories: Skilled Trades, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, and Science, Technology and Engineering. 

The Fleming College nominees for 2025 are: 

Health Care and Community Well-being  
Michelle Acorn: Nursing (1987)  

Dr. Michelle Acorn, a proud Fleming College Nursing alumna, has charted an inspiring path in healthcare leadership. Currently serving as CEO of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO), she champions over 5,400 Nurse Practitioners, nearly half of all NPs in Canada, advocating for improved access, integration, and innovation in Ontario’s healthcare system. Previously, Dr. Acorn made history as the first Chief Nurse of the International Council of Nurses, where she supported 138 national nursing associations and nearly 28 million nurses worldwide. Recognized as one of Canada’s top 25 women of influence and top 20 visionary CEOs, Dr. Acorn continues to blend policy leadership with hands-on clinical and teaching practice. 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation 
Cheryl Dowling: Counselling (2010) 

As the founder of The IVF Warrior, one of the world’s most recognized fertility platforms, Cheryl Dowling has built a globally trusted digital ecosystem that transforms how fertility care is accessed and understood. Her platform supports millions navigating infertility, IVF, and mental health with empathy, innovation, and evidence-based resources. 

An Emmy Award recipient and bestselling author (Unspoken), Cheryl is a trailblazer in digital health, leading advancement at the intersection of technology, science, and patient experience. Her work spans AI-informed tools, platform strategy, and tech-enabled solutions that improve outcomes, expand access, and modernize care systems. 

Through advocacy, storytelling, and cross-sector collaboration, Cheryl is redefining what’s possible in fertility care, ensuring no one faces this journey alone.  

Workforce and Skilled Trades Advancement 
Dave Conroy: Sustainable Building and Design (2009) 

Dave Conroy is a skilled trades leader and sustainable building advocate, a graduate of Fleming College’s Sustainable Building and Design program. In 2015, Dave co-founded The Little Building Company, leveraging the connections and hands-on expertise he gained during his time at Fleming. 

Now the sole owner, Dave has grown the company into a respected full-service general contractor based in the Township of Douro-Dummer. Deeply committed to sustainability and local economic development, Dave prioritizes sourcing materials and labour locally. From lumber and cedar to metal roofing and HVAC systems, nearly every aspect of the company’s builds supports small businesses and skilled tradespeople throughout the region. His team partners with trusted local trades, such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians, strengthening the skilled trades ecosystem in the Kawarthas. 

Cultural and Creative Achievement 
Tracey Randall: Business Tourism & Transportation (1988) 

A graduate of Fleming College’s 1988 Tourism and Business program, Tracey Randall is now the Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest, Canada’s longest-running free outdoor concert series, entering its 38th season. Since taking the helm in 2012, she has transformed Musicfest into a cornerstone of Peterborough’s creative identity, drawing thousands each summer to Del Crary Park and generating over $4.5 million in annual economic impact for the local community. Her commitment to creating space for emerging artists, fostering local pride, and promoting arts accessibility reflects her deep belief in the power of music to connect and inspire communities. Tracey Randall’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Ontario’s cultural landscape. 

The Premier’s Award winners will be recognized at a gala event in Toronto on Nov. 24.

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Youth and Holnbeck Civic Award Nominations Open Until Aug. 8

Civic Award nominations are open for the Holnbeck and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards.  

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Holnbeck Award recognizes a couple or person who has made a lifelong contribution that has enhanced the quality of life for people with disabilities through volunteer work. Nominees for this award can live in the City or County of Peterborough.   

The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who was 18 years old or younger in 2025 and has made significant contributions to the development and delivery of community programs and services through volunteer work.  

Nominations close Aug. 8.  

Nomination forms can also be picked up at City Hall, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  

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City of Peterborough Recognizes Employee Excellence with CAFÉ Awards

The City of Peterborough recognized several City employees for their excellence and dedication during the annual Corporate Awards for Excellence (CAFÉ) presentation on Monday evening at City Hall.  

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The awards are part of the City’s employee recognition program, focusing on service excellence. The awards recognize staff who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the City and support the City’s Strategic Plan.   

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding staff members who received a Corporate Award for Excellence,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “These awards highlight the dedication, innovation, and professionalism that our employees bring to their work each and every day. Your exceptional contributions not only support the goals of our Strategic Plan, they help build a stronger, more responsive City for all residents. Thank you for going above and beyond in service to our community.”

“The City of Peterborough’s greatest asset is our staff, whose skills and experience are combined with a deep personal commitment and sense of duty to the present and future of our great city. Though much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact is visible in every service delivered, every street maintained, every program that is managed, and every citizen that is supported. The Corporate Awards for Excellence puts a spotlight on those who go above and beyond for our community, and I am proud to recognize these recipients,” said Jasbir Raina, Chief Administrative Officer with the City.    

Customer Service Excellence 

This award recognizes an individual or team that has demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in customer service. 

Recipient: Dave Moore, Client Service Worker, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

Distinguished Teamwork 

This award recognizes individuals or teams who exemplify best practices of supportive and effective collaboration to achieve a shared goal that aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan. 

Recipient: Jocelyn Blazey, Manager, Homelessness and Data, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

Inspirational Leadership 

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout their work. 

Recipient: Robert Dunford, Manager, Transportation Planning, Asset Management and Capital Planning Division, Infrastructure, Planning & Growth Management Department. 

Strategy & Innovation Excellence 

Recognizes an individual or team that has developed and implemented strategic and innovative approaches within areas of responsibility that lead to effective deliverables in support of the City’s Strategic Plan. 

Recipient: Joe Crooks, Innovation & Quality Assurance Manager, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

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City Employee Given Award for Distinguished Service in Municipal Information Technology

The City of Peterborough has recognized Jamie Hagg, Manager Enterprise Technology, with the esteemed Regena Lerke Award for Distinguished Service by the Municipal Information Systems Association of Ontario (MISA).

Photo courtesy of MISA.

The Regena Lerke Award recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding service to MISA Ontario, going above and beyond in their support of the organization and its members while embodying the values of integrity, humour and humanity. Recipients are selected by a panel of representatives from municipalities across Ontario.  

Hagg has had a 25-year career with the City. His longstanding involvement with MISA Ontario includes more than eight years on the Board of Directors, serving in several key roles including Director, Central Region (2017 to 2019), Vice President (2019 to 2021) and President (2021 to 2023). Hagg just completed a two-year term as Past President in June.  

“Over the past eight years, this individual has served on the MISA Ontario Board with consistency, thoughtfulness, and a calm, kind approach to leadership,” MISA stated. “Jamie has been a steady presence — someone who listens carefully, considers all perspectives, and helps guide decisions with clarity and respect.” 

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of the incredible work and dedication shown over the years. Jamie’s leadership in municipal IT and his commitment to collaboration across Ontario have made a lasting impact, not just here in Peterborough, but across the province. On behalf of Council, I want to thank Jamie for his outstanding service and congratulate him on this remarkable achievement,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

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Class of 2025 Inductees Released For Pathway of Fame

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced its class of 2025 Inductees to be honoured at Showplace Performance Centre on Sept. 9.

The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park, in 1998. Photo courtesy of the Pathway of Fame.

The following are this year’s inductees:

• Jerry Allen (Dramatic Arts)

• Roy Craft (Entertainment)

• Ted Dawes (Samaritan)

• Susan Dunkley (Community Builder)

• Juile Fallis (Dramatic Arts)

• Dr. Garry Humphreys (Community Builder, Posthumous Induction)

• Peggy Shaughnessy (Samaritan)

• Bob Trennum (Entertainment)

The Heritage Trio is performing prior to the induction ceremony. The event is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

Inductees were chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by a newly appointed citizens’ committee tasked with reviewing nominations, followed by recommendations.

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