As many of you will recall on February 9th we announced that Heather Shay, Chair of the 2011 Advisory Board would be hosting the ceremony in my absence. My absence was due to a large workload on a UK project and several other personal factors. Today I’d like to make an update to that statement.

Can you see where this is going?

The Haliwards has great significance to me as I have said a million times before. It’s a project that has grown very quickly in size that it blows many of my previous award projects out the window. The Haliwards is reaching a critical stage and as we finish up our 2011 project we begin to look towards the Haliwards in 2012 or as it’s internally know ‘Haliwards 2.0”. I believe the Haliwards are too important to miss and that is why only a matter of minutes ago I landed at HIA with every intention on co-hosting the 2011 awards.

Award recipients along with our partners and sponsors having been telling me what a shame it is that I was unable to attend the ceremony and their kind words have twisted my arm to be here. It’s no secret that in fact I have had my ticket booked for several months but it was something I did as a backup plan on the off chance I decided to go. This would have marked the first project I had directed and not attended.

I’m not exactly sure how long I’m going to be in the city but I’ll likely be here for the next few weeks while we make the final preparations for the ceremony. If you have the need to contact me please email me. My Canadian contact number is not in service (No UltraSn0w, no unlock). As you can imagine I have a very hectic schedule but I’ll do my best to accommodate everyone.

Anyway, I’ll keep this short. It’s nice to be back!

2010 was a unique year for me and one I won’t forget easily. It marks the year of the first Haliwards ceremony. While it wasn’t glitzy and expensive, it was fresh and exciting. I must have done something right because 2010 is also the year I was honoured by the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia for my work on the project. Fair enough, it’s not exactly a knighthood, but its step in the right direction, right?

While I have fond memories of 2010 it’s hard not to allow the bad memories to overcast the good. It was a year of great personal difficulty for me and I for one was very glad to hear Big Ben bring in 2011. At the very least I can take away some very valuable life lessons from last year.

This post is not to dwell on what was but what will be. 2011 marks the 2nd annual Haliwards ceremony. When I left Canada at the beginning of August I was concerned that my forever hanging plans to move back to the UK would affect the project. Luckily enough, and I use the word lucky lightly, I found myself in Canada until the end of November and was able to get some hard work done to secure the projects future. While we have said goodbye to some board members we have held on to some great ones and I’m happy that I’ll be welcoming some new faces to the team in the next few weeks.

2011 will be the year that the Haliwards takes a turn into the mainstream market. The project has been a resounding success. With us only a matter of days away from announcing our award winners I can safely say that once again HRM has provided nominations of impeccable calibre. The Haliwards is here to stay and I intend to really push the boat out this year and set us up for a long and prosperous future. It remains to be seen if I’ll be at the ceremony but either way it will be a night to remember.

Several people have asked me over the festive season what my long-term plans are for the East Coast and to be quite honest I’m not entirely sure. I have a great fondness for Nova Scotia so I guess I’m not going to rule it out just yet. I have some unfinished business to attend too.

2011 may also mark the year of my first book and likely my last. I’m hoping to publish a personal journal later this year which recreates the most memorable and almost unbearable scenario of my life. I’m expecting my proof copy to arrive in the next few weeks from the publishers and then I’ll probably take a few months to make it worthy of a read. I don’t expect to sell many copies; I don’t even care if anyone even reads it because it’s a personal triumph whatever the outcome.  120hrs hours of writing well spent in my opinion.

I have no current plans to revive the Pride of Central Somerset. I take great comfort in the fact that the Central Somerset Gazette put their heads together to change the word pride to people and ran with it. I’m quite flattered actually. Who knows? Never say never.

What I do know is I have never been so determined to prove to myself and to a select few that this is just the beginning —So raise your glass to 2011, to what I believe will me more memorable than ever.

♫ Alex was listening to Terra Nova – iLiKETRAiNS

Canada has been a big part of my life for the past three years and it’s with great sadness that I share the news today, that I’m flying back to live in the UK. When I moved to Halifax last Summer, Canada became my home. I spent most of my first year in Musquodoboit Harbour and as you locals know, it’s a little rural. I have met some wonderful people here and many of them I am proud to say are my friends. I hope the Atlantic won’t put you off keeping in touch.

Obviously this wasn’t planned. These things happen. Making the decision to go back to the UK is the hardest decision I have ever made. I have made arrangements to safeguard the work I have done here. As many of you know on July 1st the Haliwards 2011 launched and I will be managing the project from overseas. I have made sure that the fine individuals who were appointed on to the advisory board have sufficient training to continue inland tasks.

The past 3 years that I have spent on and off in Canada has been amazing. It’s certainly had its ups and downs but I leave with fond memories of this hockey lovin’ country. I’ve met some amazing people here while working on many events across HRM. Some of those highlights for me would be the Tall Ships, Blue Nose Marathon and of course the Haliwards.

While we are talking about the Haliwards I just want to say a few things in regards to how important this project is to me. The Haliwards is my first international production. There were times when I didn’t think that project would make it, but it did and it came out shining! I really want to express my thanks to everyone who was involved with the inaugural year. It was one hell of a roller-coaster. I have met the most incredible people while working on this project. I have learnt a lot from the inaugural year and I will be taking home that experience to put it towards my future UK productions.

I want to say thank you to all my blog readers. I receive more hits from Canada now than I do from the UK. That will surely change soon but thank you for taking interest in my work! Thanks to all the individuals and groups who allowed me to feature their work on my blog too. I also want to say thanks to the local folk on Twitter. I know sounds a little random but when I first came here I was a newbie. I knew nothing about HRM. Well you educated me well!

So what now? Well, first things first. I’ll be heading to the airport next week for a flight to Heathrow. Then I’ll be heading to Somerset in the south west on England to spend some quality time with my family. I have so much catching up to do.

You have all provided me with years of stories to share for a lifetime. I may have not mastered the Canadian accent but I’ll be sure to continue to use choice Canadian phrases for the foreseeable future!

I hope many of you will stay in touch. Thanks to the genius of technology I’ll always be a key stroke away. I welcome you to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook and Skype.

—Anyway. Without a doubt I’ll be back sometime in the near future for Haliwards related work.

Thank you and best wishes for the future.

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!

So today Apple released their latest creation, the iPhone 4. We all knew it was coming thanks to Gizmodo and there arguably illegal activities —and let’s face it, It’s pretty much what we wanted! It certainly is in my eyes. I must admit that I was getting a little worried to begin with when they started focusing on 3 new apps and one of them was Farmville, but thank god I wasn’t alone in thinking that it was a total pile of crap.

Anyway, back to the phone. Let’s start with the screen. I’m excited by this “Retina display”. Without holding one in my hand it’s hard to imagine how good it’s going to be but I’m just assuming because its Apple it will be of epic proportions. In layman’s terms the resolution is four times what the 3GS can produce.

We now have a front facing camera! Well that’s awesome. Though the back side camera is a little disappointing. I’m pleased to see that we now have a flash and special technology to improve low lighting but I still feel 5MP is really low. I think 8 should have been the number. Video wise, I love the thought that an iPhone can capture HD video. That is really something. I also like the look of iMovie even if it is a bit basic.

For the foreseeable future video calling “FaceTime” is only going to be available over WiFi and that is a real kick in the teeth. I can imagine a lot of people will jailbreak to use it over 3G. What do you think? I probably would.

The only reason I’m a little unhappy right now is because Canada is not on the list for the first countries getting the device. So I can only hope that it will hit the stores here in July. According to Rogers blog, thats is the case.

Design wise, I love it. I think it’s refreshing but not too far away from the design that we already love. Are you sensing an overall mood here? Yeah, I really like it!

One thing that really annoyed me today is the Apple haters saying that there’s nothing “brand new” in this device. I mean seriously?! They stick a coloured ribbon on an android phone and you all drool!

Anyway, nothing more needs to be said. I’ll be playing with the GM of iOS 4 as soon as its hits the Dev Center so check out my OS 4 post for screenshots etc. you may also wish to look at a collection of snaps from people at todays WDCC.

Metro Centre - Alex Maine and Connie Grant. Photo by Tara MacPhee

This post would have arrived a little earlier, but like everyone who has worked on the Blue Nose Marathon the past few days have been “recovery time”. On Monday my voice was gone and I spent most of it dozing in and out of consciousness. It makes me wonder how the people who ran the marathon felt like on Monday. Oh well.. I’m fighting fit again now!

The title of this post really does reflect my overall thoughts on the weekend. There really were no major issues, everything seemed smooth. Obviously there is room for improvement and thanks to Facebook and Twitter we have had some great feedback.

We were even lucky enough to get some wonderful weather. Most runners I spoke to said that they found the conditions just right. It was beautiful day with barely a cloud in the sky but there was that all important breeze. Without it,  it would have been too hot for many.

The actual running is just one aspect of the Blue Nose weekend. My weekend started off at the Expo in the WTCC. This year it was much more organized and there were things that would interest you whether you were a runner or not. I remember walking round last year’s expo which was very tedious, so it was great to see such life coming from the expo.

Nearly every person who left the expo on Saturday left with a blue nose as the exchange students who were volunteering obviously didn’t pickup that the paint was just for the kids but it didn’t really matter it was actually quite amusing! On the evening of Saturday I coordinated Pasta Village and I can safely say that the food was good. After sitting and watching people eat for two hours you didn’t have to ask me twice to go eat.

I took the opportunity to grab my florescent safety jacket and headed out on to the course to see the Nova Scotia Doctors Youth Run.  Here are a few clips from the youth run start and finish line. Listen for the kid about a minute into the first video screaming at the Smart Bread Mascot. It was hard not to laugh.

You may also wish to watch these videos: Youth Run Winners, Youth Run Finish Line & the Post Race Party.

Sunday brought us the adult runs (that doesn’t sound right) but sadly I was busy coordinating the awards in the metro centre so I never got to see them start. Tara took 1000+ images at the weekend and I am sure they will be up on her site soon.

Once people started to cross the finish line we were waiting to make sure the winners got their Nova Scotian Crystal trophies and that was a manic few hours! Then I shot back home to shower and change to come back to coordinate the party. It was one heavy weekend!

—Talking of heavy weekends, you should check out this guy who spent 12 hours on the treadmill outside the expo on Saturday and then ran the full marathon on Sunday. Wow! Here is the video of the last 60 seconds of the 12 hours treadmill run. http://tweetreel.com/?b1c3r

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved, especially to this year’s Special Events committee and to all my awesome volunteers. I met some amazing people this weekend and I hope that our paths will cross again! Until next year…

I know that Tara will most likely get around to uploading some of her photos in the next few days but I just wanted to share a few of them with you. These haven’t been polished yet but I still think they are awesome!

Before you start.. you may want to read my post-ceremony note.

Today was not an average Friday. It was a day that I will remember for a very long time. Some of you may have heard that we had some extra funds to play with due to the success of the ceremony. The original plan was to put it back in the pot and it would end up getting put towards the Pride of Central Somerset when it shows its face again hopefully later this year —but no. I decided against it.

Early this week I was speaking with Alanna Langille one of our award winners on Messenger. She told me that they had given their award to the school to keep and display in the awards cabinet, but naturally they were all a little disappointed. So I made a special order. We altered our award design and produced 4 smaller versions of this years “Haliward”. We like to call these our “Miniwards”.

These students really are quite incredible. I have had the pleasure of getting to know them over the past few months and it really was wonderful to be able to present them with individual accolades. You should definitely check out these students when our award video of them goes up early next week!

Now that I had presented them with awards we requested that the original Halifax West High School award was presented to the students of the school. Once you include Sandra’s award in all of this it brings it to a total of 6 awards to the school which beats the current record set by Crispin School of Street, Somerset with 3. So it was celebrations all round.

This really does mean the project is now over for this year. We will continue to work on the photographs and video clips over the next week weeks but all the hard work is now done and we turn our attention to the future of the Haliwards here in Halifax with the launch of our 2011 project this winter!