Linda Shisko, one of Peterborough’s hardest-working and most dedicated volunteers, was recognized on Friday morning (October 20) in the lobby of Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal attended the event to present a letter and certificate of achievement to Linda, who is retiring in advance of her 73rd birthday from almost 30 years of volunteering. Linda’s birthday was also celebrated at the by-invitation-only event, which included staff from Public Energy Performing Arts as well as Washboard Hank, who provided musical entertainment.
“The work that you have been doing as a volunteer for many groups in the City of Peterborough over a very long of period is just the inspiration we need,” Mayor Leal told Linda, before reading his letter to Linda recognizing her contributions to the community and presenting her with the certificate from the mayor and city council.
Linda has been living with the effects of a traumatic brain injury she sustained as a teenager.
Since 1996, with support from Community Living Trent Highlands, Linda has volunteered her cleaning services every week for at least a dozen local non-profit agencies, including the Peterborough Arts Umbrella, Peterborough GreenUp, Artspace, James Strath Day Care, Sadleir House, OPIRG, the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Trent University’s blueboxing program, the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, and — for the past 20 years — Public Energy Performing Arts.
“Linda, I’ve had an opportunity to make a lot of presentations during the special privilege I’ve had of being in public life,” Mayor Leal said. “But today is one of the most important ones I’ve ever done, to somebody like you and what you’ve done for our community.”
