The Advisory Board

Posted by Alex on Jul 17, 2010 in Featured Articles | Comments

As many of you know, the Haliwards is my first international project. After the success of the inaugural year, I wanted to start to involve local people by the way of an Advisory Board. Here is a short and sweet look at the people who make up the 2010/2011 board. Though we have only been working together for a few weeks, I can safely say we are in for a good year!

My name is Cara Muise. I grew up in Sydney, NS but moved to Halifax for school. I’m pursuing a undergraduate degree in linguistic analysis. It’s an inter-university program, so you can find me bouncing back and forth between Dal, SMU and MSVU. When I’m not busy pouring coffee, I’m either running with my dog or curled up on my sofa with a book. I became interested in the Haliwards while chatting with the project’s director, Alex Maine, via Twitter. After reading about previous award winners and how they contributed to their communities, I was 100% sold. I try to volunteer as much as I possibly can (with groups like the Canadian Cancer Society, tutoring children/my peers, teaching religious education classes, helping palliative care patients and their families) so I understand how much time and effort the nominees are putting into their communities. More importantly, I understand the need to thank them, to tell them that their work hasn’t gone unnoticed, and remind them that they’re contributing to a better and brighter Halifax. As we at the Haliwards like to say, it’s time to say thank you! Here’s looking forward to an incredible 2011!

Hi everyone, I’m Maeghan Murphy. I’ve got a passion for two things: my studies and my city. Working with the Haliwards, I get the opportunity to pair both of these and I couldn’t be happier. Two years ago, I moved to Halifax to study Public Relations at Mount Saint Vincent University. I’ve been in awe of the perfect balance Halifax has – a big, beautiful city with a small town feel. Growing up in the booming metropolis of Sydney, Cape Breton, I definitely appreciate the small town feel. I became involved with the Haliwards after receiving the newsletter and reading that Alex was looking for board members. I crossed my fingers and hoped no one had already claimed the PR role. Luck was on my side – bring on the press releases! What really drew me into the project was the lack of rules that go along with nominations. As long as it’s extraordinary – it’s Haliwards approved. Behind every strong community is its people – here in Halifax, our people are of elite quality.

Let’s get celebrating!

My name is Alanna Langille and I was not only born, but also raised in Halifax. In my spare time, when I have “me time”, you can find me with my camera in hand. I love photography and it has become one of my favourite hobbies. I have recently graduated from Halifax West High School, class of 2010, and will be attending Dalhousie for Nursing in the fall. While in high school, I was an active member of Student Government and volunteered with various events as well as organized my own events which got the school and community actively involved. I was nominated and awarded a Haliward in 2010. The experience was amazing because not only did it make me realize what I had done had made a difference, but also that it did not go unnoticed by the community. The feeling that was behind being nominated for such a prestigious award was incredible. Being on the board this year for Haliwards is an honour and I look forward to giving back to my community.

Hi, my name is Angela Espejo, and I am a new nursing graduate of the University of Alberta. I grew up in Fort McMurray, AB, and currently work for Capital Health Halifax in acute care Psychiatric-Mental Health. At twenty-three years, I convocated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and decided to move to a new region of Canada to kick off my healthcare career! I moved to nurse in Halifax largely because my employer offers a transition program for new nurses; indeed, I’ve always found Atlantic Canada intriguing, and this area in particular. Now I’m here to discover Halifax firsthand! What better way to make Halifax home than to volunteer with an organization that is committed to the community, and gives citizens the opportunity to say thank you?! I believe that embracing and participating in the community truly enriches the lived experience of its members, and when I heard about the Haliwards, I just knew I had to get involved.  I love to shop local, cook for friends, practice yoga, and sing. I feel so blessed to join a community that celebrates its members. As such, I’d like to extend a thank you for the warm welcome to Halifax, and an invitation for you to give back by recognizing those who make a difference in your community.

Hello everyone, I’m Megan Thain. I was born and raised here in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and have lived here for all 19 years of my life. I am currently enrolled in the Tourism Management program at the Nova Scotia Community College and I will be going into my second year of the program this upcoming fall. I am currently working two jobs. I work at the Empire Theatres in Dartmouth Crossing and have been working there since the building opening in June 2007! I am also currently working at the Delta Barrington Hotel in the House Keeping Dept. I have to do this job for my co op which is part of my course requirement for school but I am enjoying it. I really enjoy just being around people; It doesn’t take much to make me have fun. I’m often the type of person that people come to with their problems because people put a lot of trust in me and know that I’m always here to listen. Part of the reason I was interested in volunteering for the Haliwards project was because I’m one of those people that is always doing whatever I can to help out, and putting others before myself and I know how good it feels to have your hard work recognized and I want the people of Halifax to know that they are making a difference and that we all really appreciate their efforts.

• • My name is Heather Shay and I am currently attending NSCC(Nova Scotia Community College) taking Tourism and Hospitality Management. This course has opened up many opportunities; one of them being the Haliwards. Haliwards recongizes the people that make a difference in their communities. Haliwards acknowledges everyday people that dedicate time and effort to making their community a better place. It also provides everyone a chance to say thank you. I volunteered last year not knowing what I was getting my self into! Alex and his team were steadily working to make Haliwards a reality. Fourtunely,I was able to be a part of the ceremony presenting 2 awards. I am excited to be on the board this year continuing to give thanks to everyone who deserves it.

    My name is Jess Wishart. I was born in Halifax, and despite having done a fair bit of travelling, somehow I always end up coming back. It must be something about the atmosphere and the people, that indefinable appeal that makes this city and the people that live here so unique. I became involved with Haliwards as it seemed to me like a fantastic way to start characterizing that something special, starting with appreciating Haligonians for all the great things they do for others in work and play. I graduated from the University of King’s College and I currently work for the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health as the Youth Engagement Coordinator. I can’t wait to start reading your nominations and learning more about all of the people that help make this city great!

  Hi, my name is Cassy Ellis-Browne, and I live here in Halifax. I was born in England, and moved here when I was six to be closer to our family here in Canada. I am a Tourism Management student at NSCC, my main focus being Food & Beverage. I heard about the Haliwards when an instructor of mine sent out an email asking for volunteers to help with Haliwards. I was really intrigued by the project and really wanted to be involved. I met up with Alex a few days later. It started out that I would just be helping with the planning, but I ended up presenting awards at the ceremony! It was really nervewracking, but seeing all the people accepting their awards and hearing all of the amazing things these people in our own community had done really inspired me. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had here in Halifax and I am glad to have met all the people working on this project. I believe the awards are so unique because as you may have heard “they have no boundaries”. It really is just for the people and it’s my honour to be a part of it.

Hello all! My name is Katie Radchuck and I was born and raised in Halifax. I traveled alot during my highschool years at the Halifax Grammar School since I was playing for the Junior Canadian National Soccer team. I moved to the USA to go to university at the University of Connecticut where I continued to play soccer as well as get my science degree in Physioneurobiology. I loved my time there but was excited to come back to Halifax where I have my family and many lifelong friends. I currently work as a mental health researcher for the SunLife Financial mental health team for the IWK. I also spend alot of my spare time volunteering for organizations and events I feel worthwhile to our community and the people who are a part of it. I was happy to be included as a track and field coach for the Special Olympics as well as spend my time as a committee member for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation helping create events to spread awareness and raise money. I am a proud Canadian and a very proud Haligonian. This is a phenomenal city to live in and I love the idea of the Haliwards as a way to celebrate anyone or anything! : ) in our community that make this such a wonderful place. Take a few seconds and recognize the people that have made a difference to you!