Culture and Sports Hall of Fame inductees for 2025 gathered at the Avening Community Centre for an awards ceremony and dinner on June 10.
“Congratulations again to all of the nominees,” said Mayor Doug Measures. “Congratulations, and great thanks to those that made the nominations, because that is what really counts. In all honesty, I’m so happy that you took the time to nominate your fellow citizens for the great work that they do here in our town.”
Young Leader in Sport – Corey Cox
Corey Cox is recognized for leadership and athletic resilience throughout his involvement in New Lowell Minor Baseball.
Cox was chosen by his peers to represent his team at the SSMBAAll-star game, demonstrated leadership and camaraderie to help his team get to the finals in 2022, semi-finals in 2023 and SSMBA Champions in 2024.
Nominator Trevor Harris said, “Words I would use to describe Corey are professional, respectful, integrity, loyal, dedicated, trustworthy, mature and exemplary. Positively represented the community, whether he was a player or a coach, resulting in theassociation receiving respectful feedback from other centres and parents regarding his overall deportment. Mature beyond his years, striking an organizational balance between working, and dedicating time to the team. Corey’s dedication and leadership to the teamconcept and his teammates was admirable, making him deserving to be nominated for the Young Leader in Sports Award.
Athlete of the Year – Ashley Harvey
Ashley has had a remarkable trajectory in broomball, quickly rising from a local league to being ranked as the top female player in the country. She was part of the 2025 gold medal winning Clearview Brewers Mixed team at provincials, securing a spot at the national championships.
She was named MVP multiple times, ranked the top female player in Canada, and was named to the First All-Star Team.
Playing for the Mixed Canadian National team at the North American Super Series, where she scored the first goal of the tournament.
“Despite being World Class Ashley remains the ultimate team mate. She brings the same grit and passion to her local ice on Sunday mornings with the Brewers and Tuesday evening’s in the Creemore women’s league,” said her mom and nominator,” Cheryel Harvey.
Builder Award – Chris Skelton
Biathlon coach Chris Skelton is recognized for his dedication to sport culminating with two Highlands Trailblazer athletes capturing overall category titles and a 10th place national finish for the club.
He is also lauded for his leadership in developing a biathlon range at Highlands Nordic in Duntroon in 2020. Prior to that, athletes often had to travel as far as Sunridge, north of Huntsville, simply to access training facilities. The lack of local infrastructure created significant barriers for young athletes hoping to pursue the sport.
Skelton has mentored athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers, helping to build a strong foundation for the future of biathlon locally.
“I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, leadership, and passion that have helped transform our local sporting landscape,” said Scott McCulloch.
Athletic Achievement Award – Nathan Elliott
Nathan Elliott has been playing baseball in New Lowell for approximately 11 years. He readily takes the field no matter what position he is assigned to and plays all positions soundly. Often seen on the ball diamond during off baseball time with his peers working on various skills related to pitching (mechanics, balance, pitching grip), catching and in- fielding. He continuously strives for self-improvement to be the best that he possibly can.
Elliott acts as a valuable mentor to younger and less experienced players, providing them with technical tips and constructive advice. He was nominated by Trevor Harris for his ability to offer constructive criticism while always ending conversations on a positive note, keeping his teammates encouraged.
Artistic Achievement Award – Jo Christopher
Stayner artist Jo Christopher is recognized for 30 years of original set design with Clearview Community Theatre and a lasting contribution to the arts community. She is valued for her exceptional artistic skill, craftsmanship, professionalism and
creative vision to create an immersive story-driven stage environment, balancing safety with budget.
“Just as importantly, Jo strengthens the wider theatre community,” said Grenville Bray. “She collaborates generously with directors, stage managers, and volunteers and is known for being calm under pressure, reliable with timelines and constructive in solving last minute challenges – and if you’ve ever done theatre, you know there are always last minute challenges.”
Community Volunteer Award – Marianne Buie
Marianne Buie was honoured for her 30-year dedication to Sunnidale Corners Community Centre. Buie was described as outgoing and enthusiastic by presenter Judy Smith for her ability to recruit hall volunteers.
Buie was involved in two periods of renewal for the hall: a 2010 Trillium grant and a recent two-year renovation at the hall, making the demands of the community known to the builders, said Smith.
“Every community needs leaders and we, at Sunnidale Corners, are fortunate to have Marianne to draw us together in fellowship,” said Smith. “She’s a great leader and doesn’t mind delegating whenever necessary.”
Buie thanked those who supported her in her “community centre obsession.”
“This small hall was built for the living. While our days will eventually come to an end this hall will [remain] standing to welcome a new generation of life within,” said Buie.
Community Volunteer Award – Valerie Bradey
Valerie Bradey was nominated by Stayner Siskins general manager Richard Gauthier and Creemore Coyotes general manager Tom Macham for 47 years of volunteer work. Bradey got involved through the interests of her three daughters through school, sports and community groups, serving many roles on executive committees.
Hockey became a large part of her life when she started attending Siskins games in 1989, volunteering as driver, fundraiser and secretary, and working the door.
Macham asked Bradey to help out when he was launching the Coyotes and has now been involved for five years.
“Volunteering has never been about recognition for her,” said Macham. “It was simply her way of giving back to a community that has given so much to her and her family.”
Gauthier said without dedicated volunteers, sporting events wouldn’t happen and the team wouldn’t succeed, adding he is very proud of what Bradey has done for the community.
Festival and Event Award – Sunnidale Winterama
Former chair Chuck Arrand nominated Sunnidale Winterama for its 51-year legacy as "the greatest little show on snow."
For three days each February the New Lowell community comes together to celebrate winter.
He welcomed representatives of the 30 volunteers that organize the event to accept the award.
“It is through their efforts that this has been a success for so long,” said Arrand, acknowledging the contributions of township staff in recent years.
Lifetime Contributions to Community Awards:
Doug Inkster, awarded posthumously
For more than 60 years, Doug Inkster dedicated his life to serving the Stayner and Clearview community through volunteerism, leadership, and quiet acts of kindness.
Doug was known as a dependable and humble community builder who gave his time freely to improve the lives of others and strengthen the fabric of the community.
He joined the Stayner Lions Club in 1969 and remained an active member for over 55 years. Inkster, who passed away in 2025, also helped develop and fundraise for Stayner Community Centre, Ives Park, the Stayner pool, Station Park gazebo, the Clearview Memorial Forest, local arenas, and playgrounds. He volunteered as a Cub and Scout leader, a driver for the Canadian Cancer Society, and supported the Stayner Granite Curling Club. At Centennial United Church, Doug served faithfully on church boards, sang in the choir, and cared for fellow members as a church elder.
Judy Hutton
Judy Hutton was recognized for dedicating her time, energy and talent to beautifying the community of Stayner through her extraordinary involvement with the Stayner Garden Club.
A lifelong gardener with a passion for sharing knowledge, Hutton has become a respected and valued leader whose contributions have strengthened both the club and the wider community. Her enthusiasm, kindness and willingness to help have inspired fellowgardeners and created lasting friendships throughout the region.
Hutton has served as a longtime executive member and past president. She was also a volunteer at the Stayner Fair, minor hockey, and the Siskins. She helped launch Music, Market and Park It, and volunteers at Tulip Days.
Seeta Ferris
Born in Trinidad, but calling Clearview Township home, Seeta Ferris has been a driving force behind community spirit, volunteerism, and charitable giving. Known for her boundless enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, Seeta has become a pillar of the Singhampton community whose impact can be felt across countless local organizations and events. Her leadership is rooted in genuine compassion and an extraordinary ability to bring people together in support of causes that strengthen the social fabric of the region.
She has raised more than $76,000 through her Singhampton Community Centre Golf Tournament, has volunteered at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital for more than 20 years and supports the local fire department, and hall events.
“Seeta approaches every effort with dedication, humility, and remarkable ability to bring people together,” said Jim Halliday. “Her impact is not only seen in the outcomes of her work but also in the lasting relationships and sense of unity she fosters.”
The awards are on display in the atrium of the Stayner Community Centre and Stayner Branch of the Clearview Public Library. For more information about the Culture and Sports Hall of Fame or to view past inductees, please visit www.discoverclearview. ca/hall-of-fame.
