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Democracy 250 As MLA for Halifax Clayton Park, it was a pleasure for me to recognize the outstanding community members who were chosen as recipients of the Democracy 250 Medals. The Democracy 250 initiative was established to recognize Nova Scotia's pioneering role in shaping democracy in Canada. Each MLA was asked to honour 16 constituents with Democracy 250 medallions. In Clayton Park, I wanted to recognize people who are going above and beyond to build our community, develop citizenship and enhance our lives. With the help of a great committee I looked for people who reflected the great community spirit we have in Clayton Park and the multicultural character which we are so proud of. The recipients exemplify what it means to be an active citizen. They make Clayton Park a wonderful place to live and bring up a family. Each of these individuals show us every day that we all have special gifts that we can share with others through our work and volunteer activities. It was my privilege to honour such a deserving group of people.
Cynthia Davies Cynthia Kennedy Davies loves to play the piano! Recognized as one of Nova Scotia’s most versatile accompanists, Cynthia has been involved in many aspects of music since her stage début at age four. Cynthia has performed and recorded as pianist and vocalist with CBC Radio and Television, the Charlottetown Festival and Symphony Nova Scotia and has worked with many of Canada’s finest choral conductors. Cynthia graduated from Acadia University in 1977, and has been a much loved and adored music education specialist and accompanist with the Halifax Regional School Board. Cynthia is currently the music teacher at Ecole Rockingham School where her concerts are a force to be reckoned with. Cynthia currently accompanies the Halifax Camerata Singers, First Baptist Girls’ Choir of Truro, the Halifax Elementary Girls’ Honour Choir and is the rehearsal accompanist for the Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus. Cynthia lives in her native Halifax with her husband, Bruce.
Lara Debruyn Lara graduated from Dalhousie University in 1991 and went to work in business for 8 years before starting her family. Lara lives in Halifax with her husband Darryn, and two sons Ethan (9) and Owen (8) who are her constant source of inspiration. In 2005, Lara DeBruyn Photography was created. Lara went from photographing neighborhood children to even bigger endeavors including commercial work and magazine print. She has a diploma in portrait photography from the New York Institute of Photography and is currently completing the Commercial Photography Diploma program at Nova Scotia Community College. Lara was chosen to represent NSCC internationally in May, 2008. She put her photography skills to test working on a wheelchair skills training documentary in Bosnia & Herzegovina. It is here where Lara discovered her love of documentary work. Lara is a supporter of many local sports and charities through her contribution of gift certificates to various auctions. As an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and hockey mom, Lara volunteers with hockey tournaments and helps out in any way she can. In another aspect of her work, Lara is a volunteer photographer with the IWK’s pediatric palliative care unit. Her strength, compassion, and love of family, makes her an ideal candidate for helping others. Lara will answer a call from the IWK and change her plans to make sure she is there for the families who need her. She photographs children and families at their hardest emotional times, hoping to give them visual memories to last a lifetime.
Phyllis Herman Phyllis Herman loves to laugh and make others laugh with her. She’s not much of a singer, but will sing away anyway. She loves to tell a story. So, what’s a senior to do with so much energy and happiness – organize a coffee/tea morning for the seniors at Rockingham United Church. That was 16 years ago. Having no directions as to what this Seniors group would be like, Phyllis began gathering members in the community from any congregation and the "Friendly Social" was started. It’s light, it’s funny, and there is laughter. There is music. The social group has formed a band called The "John B" band and their mornings are filled with fun. From time to time guest speakers are invited to share their information on various health issue and nutrition. During the year, the pot luck luncheons are very well attended - up to 90 people attending. Those who can bring a food item to share and there is always plenty. There is no charge for the socials and anyone can attend. The group has entertained at other churches and local nursing homes having lots of fun with the Irish and Newfoundland songs and even occasionally raising the roof with the singing of some good old gospel music. Phyllis Herman has created something that she can be proud of. She can gain tremendous pleasure watching seniors come with their wheelchairs, their walkers and canes and know that these mornings are important. They have volunteers who pick up the folks who need a drive and an elevator for access to the church hall. Phyllis has spoken out for seniors in nursing homes. She is a strong advocate for any senior. She was a caregiver to her husband Ken as Alzheimer’s disease took over her life, and then unselfishly shared her coping skills with others. Phyllis feels that seniors are the most neglected segment of our society and therefore she will do whatever she can to assist them anyway she can. She always has a smile on her face, and a heart full of laughter.

Paul Hornbuckle Soccer is Paul’s passion. Paul has coached in the Halifax-Metro area for 20 years. He is currently the Vice President of Technical and Competitions for Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club. In this volunteer role, Paul organizes soccer try-outs as well as oversees these try-outs, making sure that they run effectively and efficiently. Paul oversees the Technical Directors as well as the Technical and Mini Programme staff. Paul approaches and recruits people to coach for the club. Paul is also a member of the Executive Committee at Halifax Dunbrack Soccer Club. He likes to be involved with every aspect of the club. Paul’s main goal is to make sure that the children, as well as their parents, are happy and satisfied with what our club has to offer. Paul has been with Dunbrack for approximately 8 years, helping the club grow to be what it is today. When coaches and technical coaches are unable to be there for a session – Paul is quick to fill in. This way giving him a chance to see how all the teams are functioning as well as getting to know all the players and their parents. He makes himself available to meet with coaches and parents who have questions or concerns. He believer that no question or concern is too big or too small to be dealt with. Paul coaches two teams of his own which he thoroughly enjoys. He coached the Halifax West High School soccer team in 2004 and they went on to win the high school provincials! Currently, Paul coaches the Clayton Park Junior High school team. Paul works as a flooring estimator at Floors Plus thoroughly enjoying a company who are very flexible with his volunteer work. Paul is from Wales. Paul is married 20 years and together they have three children Sean (19), David (15) and Sophie (12).

Jeff Keeler On a local level, Boston Pizza supports Kid Sport NS and DND Family Days. Growing up with a dad in the military, Jeff finds the group near and dear to his heart. On both a local and National level Boston Pizza supports the Heart and Stroke Association with the sales of their heart shaped pizza’s on Valentines Day. Boston Pizza are supporters of local minor sport through direct sponsorship of teams. They promote a program titled “Fair Play” at the minor hockey level with their “player of the game” cards and donated team pizza parties for those players/teams who demonstrate fair play qualities. Boston Pizza helps teams and other groups fundraise via charity auctions and rebate programs. Jeff is a native Haligonian graduate of the old St. Pat’s, and Saint Mary’s Bcomm and a CA designation. Jeff was formerly CFO with Boston Pizza International in Vancouver but returned home to his roots as a franchisee (Bayers Lake) for the last 8 years. Currently, Jeff and his partners have eight locations across Atlantic Canada. Jeff and his wife Donna have lived in Clayton Park for the past five years. They have two children, Brendan 9 and Mackenzie 7 who both attend Park West School and are actively involved in various minor sports including hockey, soccer and baseball. Jeff continues his love and passion of baseball as the well known “phenomenal” coach of his son’s team and he also sits on the board of Chebucto Minor Baseball.

Alessandro LoPresti Alessandro is recognized as a “bright and shining star” by the staff and students at Park West School. Alessandro is a grade nine student who is being commended for his outstanding volunteerism and school spirit. Alessandro can often be found at the school late in the evening helping out with various school events. Alessandro enjoys helping the teachers at the school and he often mentions that he would like to volunteer in the future with city events as well. Most of his volunteerism has been with the school and he has also volunteered with the CIBC Run for the Cure for the past 3 years. Some of the events that Alessandro has participated in include the Leadership Committee, Environment Corp., Peer Mediator, Tech crew for Holiday concerts, plays and various assemblies, Dance Committee, Puzzle Piece Committee, Spring Fair, Movie Night Events, Assistant Stage Manager (2008 play), Stage manager (upcoming 2009 play) as well as helping various teachers and administrative staff with website, attendance and traveling registry.

Meg McCallum Member of the Ecole Rockingham School PSA 1997-2008 playing a leadership role in numerous fundraising activities, including chairing the Spring Fair Committee and leading fundraising efforts for the Grounds Improvement Project which resulted in the construction of a playing field, an outdoor amphitheatre and the installation of new playground equipment. Member of the founding Board of the Brigadoon Children's Camp Society (2002-2004). Brigadoon goal's is to create a world class year-round residential camping facility, in Nova Scotia, for children and youth living with a chronic illness. Member of the Halifax Trojans Aquatic Club Board of Directors (2006-present) and serves as Editor of the Halifax Trojans Aquatic Club Newsletter. Meg is also a Level 2 Swim Canada Official and volunteers as an official at swim meets throughout the year. Besides swimming, Meg also volunteers in various capacities to support their three children's numerous sports activities. As Director of Programs and District Services, Canadian Cancer Society-Nova Scotia Division (2001-present). Meg is responsible for cancer prevention programs, services to support people living with cancer and advocacy efforts to enhance cancer control. Over the past few years their team has achieved considerable success in lobbying the provincial government to enact tobacco control legislation such as the smoke free places act, banning tobacco point of sale displays and eliminating smoking in vehicles carrying children. They have also achieved success in enhancing government financial support programs, such as the BTO program and the Family Pharmacare program which has reduced the economic burden associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Wendy & Bob McDonald Bob and Wendy McDonald are being honoured together tonight. They have been singled out for their contribution to our natural environment. They are quite literally trail blazers! For the past 35-years they have lived and raised their sons in Mainland North – Throughout that time they have been active in many ways. Bob worked at Mount Saint Vincent University for 30 years - teaching chemistry while being active with the Environmental Club and Science Society. As a nature lover, he became involved with the Halifax Field Naturalists and is a past president. He is still very much involved and lead a Bird Society field trip just last weekend. Wendy honed her volunteer skills with the Junior League and is a former charter member and Chair of the NS Nutrition Council but she has really made her mark in our community with trails. In 2001 Wendy volunteered to sit on the first committee to look at a new recreation centre to replace Northcliffe. It didn’t take long before a survey of needs said we need ‘trails and walking routes’ and Wendy recognized a new way to contribute. She and Bob found a few like-minded individuals and formed the Halifax North West Trails Association in 2003. HRM tasked the group to look at trails from the Rotary to Hammonds Plains Road – a tall order! The Trails group has been involved with many community issues– They are now familiar faces at HRM planning meetings/hearings for new sub-divisions or rezonings and at other HRM meetings that impact the area. They have learned to map trails and monitor the environment and have helped write interpretation brochures and trail panels. They have learned to lobby government and hone their advocacy skills and the results are clear in the improved trail and signage around Belchers marsh! In their trails work, they discovered the Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes area which HRM kept as a potential regional park. Bob and Wendy worked with Diana and Chris Miller, among others, in an awareness campaign through leading hikes, more meetings, letter writing campaigns and making certain that some key decision makers saw this natural gem for themselves. HRM did declare the area as a Regional Park, and any day now, BMBCL, the urban wilderness area will be declared an official Wilderness Area by the Department of the Environment. Bob and Wendy are a great team – working together to see that our existing trails are improved and new ones are opened. They keep an eye on development issues to make sure there are trails and connecting paths – they understand the meaning of WALKABILITY.

George Mermigas George was born in Greece and moved to PEI in 1973 and immediately began working at Betty Brite Dry Cleaners. George has a passion for soccer and has both played and coached soccer for many years in Charlottetown where he learned to speak English. George moved to Halifax in 1984 and continued to work in the drycleaning industry and by the time he had established a family, George was the owner of Same Day Dry Cleaners. George is married to Debbie and they have two sons Nick and Dimitri. George started coaching his sons in soccer. Over the years he has coached the youths from Dunbrack, Halifax City Wanderers, Celtic & Halifax County Soccer Clubs, Parkwest School (Jr.High Level Soccer) and Halifax West High School Boys B Team. George has also coached the Senior Men's level of soccer. He never played hockey but he is an avid fan of the Boston Bruins. George has as much passion for his business as soccer. Over the years, he participated in Coats for Kids, Dress for Success, has contributed towards fundraisers, and was guest speaker in Nov. ‘08 for the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association. George is a hard working individual, loves his family and work and always enjoys meeting new people. He is very happy to be a resident of Clayton Park. George is always willing to help out in any way he can.

Narine Mosesova Narine is the Resettlement Assistant Program Worker with the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) providing consistent and effective assistance to government assisted refugees in the first two weeks of their arrival to Halifax As well, the RAP worker works to establish a good relation with community businesses such as – property managers, banks and furniture stores. Narine has a Master Degree in Family Ethics and Psychology from the Professional Development Institute in the USSR as well as a Master Degree of Chemist and Pedagogue of Chemistry from Azerbaijan State University, Baku, USSR. Narine has been a Resettlement Assistant Program worker with MISA for 8 years. Going above and beyond what is expected as a RAP worker. In one case, Narine worked tirelessly with the people displaced by the fire in the Dawn Street apartments. The past year was an exciting and challenging time for RAP. RAP successfully received and assisted 182 new government assisted refugees who arrived in Halifax in 2008

Carmen Radulescu Carmen is employed by the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth specifically in Immigrant Services as a School Settlement Worker. Currently Carmen is on-site at Halifax West High School. Carmen helps immigrant students integrate into the Canadian school system. Carmen is instrumental in helping them cope with the stress of settling into a new community. She provides such services as one on one academic support, information and orientation to the school and community, referrals to different agencies and solution-focused counselling to name a few. Carmen leads a Multicultural Club to raise awareness about different cultures and cultural celebrations our students observe and also to organize an annual Fair. The Multicultural Fair is a huge and important event for our community as it brings together Canadian and immigrant students through participating in the planning and performing in front of their parents and peers. The purpose of this Fair is to show that learning from each other is the key to a peaceful community. Carmen’s job is to enhance the understanding of multiculturalism, support the school administration and teachers in their efforts to make the school more inclusive and sensitive to the needs of newcomers, help students to feel proud of their culture and heritage which helps their settlement process as a whole. Carmen volunteers with the disabled community, she was a volunteer board member and Vice President of the Community Justice Society, she ran with a group of YMCA Colleagues in the Bluenose relay to raise money for the Strong Kids Campaign and she participates in the school’s Head for a Cure Event – even going so far as shaving her hair at school to help raise money for cancer. Carmen is another individual who goes above and beyond. She mentors students, feels true compassion for their needs and will do anything to assist in their futures.

Maneesha Rajora Maneesha has done much community work and volunteerism in the last number of years. While attending Halifax West, Maneesha was a member of the student government and Minister of the Community Involvement Committee. This committee organized events and lead volunteers to raise funds for various local causes such as the Children’s Wish Foundation and Camp Goodtime as well as liaising with local nursing homes and raising funds for students in need. Again, at Halifax West, Maneesha was the Logistics Officer of the Outdoors West team organizing and leading outdoor expeditions such as skiing, hiking and canoeing excursions in addition to indoor events, including rock climbing, coordinating first aid, wilderness camping and orienteering training sessions with the Halifax Search and Rescue team and initiating fundraising campaigns to support the team. As well Maneesha was a volunteer and executive member with the Multicultural Committee. Maneesha is currently a student at Dalhousie University where she continues her volunteerism and community support. As a Recreational therapist with the QE II Health Sciences Centre, Maneesha interacts with transitional care patients on a 1:1 basis and in group activities to improve their personal skills and emotional/mental states to further their recovery. As a member of the Dalhousie International Students Association, Maneesha helps to coordinate multicultural events, including International Night, socials and information booths to raise cultural awareness across campus. Through this, Maneesha is helping international students in their transition to Canada by creating events targeted specifically to introducing them to Canadian culture. Maneesha is a volunteer with STAND, an advocacy group which is trying to bring light to the genocide occurring in Darfur in an effort to put a stop to it. She helps to organize awareness campaigns and events. Maneesha is also a member of the Indo-Canadian Association of Nova Scotia, helping with Indian cultural festivals and functions throughout the year and creating and leading a youth-led cultural committee to encourage youth to be involved in the community. Maneesha has danced for as long as she can remember and loves sharing this activity with others. She performs Indian style dancing and also choreographs and teaches younger children this form of dance. Maneesha also volunteers with the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia, and enjoys peer tutoring.

Sandra Starratt Sandra Starratt is one of those phenomenal teachers, teaching for 25 years. While Sandra is much loved in the classroom, it is her work with over 400 students outside the classroom setting that makes her such a unique individual. Sandra is the mentor for the Student Council at Halifax West High School. The student council has 12 committees, each working diligently in fundraising and projects, community and school spirit. Sandra meets with one committee, each lunch hour, every day of the school year. Her own marking and preparation takes place in the evenings and on the weekends. With Sandra’s mentoring, the students at Halifax West and the various committees have seen great successes as follows. The World Involvement Committee works very closely with the Nova Scotia Gambia Association and has built two shelters for women working in the rice fields as well as funded a bee industry for a village along with other projects. They help fund a theatre troupe that travels educating youth about AIDS and malaria. World Involvement has sent backpacks of school supplies to Sierra Leone and has responded to many world disasters by educating the school population while raising money. The Community Involvement Committee works closely with the community in the Halifax area. They hold a Wake-a-thon to raise money for the Children's Wish Foundation and Sandra is filled with pride as she sees the how the students feel when they help a child in need. This group also sent money to Camp Goodtime for youth who suffer from cancer and every year at Xmas and in June, this committee supports needy families. The Volunteerism Committee is the biggest committee. Students volunteer their time with Run for the Cure, gift wrapping for the IWK Children's Hospital and Sunday suppers for the homeless at St. Andrews Church. The biggest event of the year at the West is the annual Head for a Cure, created by two students 6 years ago who wanted to raise money for cancer. Students and staff will come forward during a morning class to a packed gymnasium to shave their heads or cut their hair for cancer. In April of 2008, they raised $12,000 for this cause. The Environment Committee educates the school population on becoming more green, they do recycling throughout the school, they clean the school ground and nearby neighbourhood, plant flowers and more. The Food Bank Committee holds food drives – this year giving Feed Nova Scotia a truckload of food and $1200 in gift certificates to Sobeys. There are many other committees as well, that focus on community building, leadership and school spirit. Sandra Starratt is a busy woman. Putting students needs and their growth at the top of her priority list. She is married to Scott and together they have three children Alison (22), Alexa (20) and Thomas (13)

Andrew Stickings Andrew Stickings grew up in the Clayton Park area and has taught in the area for 15 years. Andrew is married to Alison (a librarian) and they have two children – Ainslie (3 yrs) and Oliver (2). Teaching ran in Andrews family. His Dad was the principal of Queen Elizabeth High and his brother Tim is also a teacher. Andrew has taught with compassion and creativity. He motivates his students through various teaching strategies and approaches – his most popular and rewarding to date being through the use of file making and the production of high quality movies. The parents of the students he teaches have nothing but high praise for his style for encouraging, motivating and molding these young lives. With his guidance and encouragement, his students have created various films on history and the environment – and have even gone so far as to win awards for their work. Andrew loves to travel and learns as much as he can about various places and people, happily sharing his love with his students. Andrew toured the Battlefields of France with a group of teachers in 2007 and enjoyed sharing that experience with his students. He has been both a hockey and soccer coach through the years and he still plays hockey with the same group of Clayton Park/Fairview friends every Saturday morning at 6:00 am.

Paul Tingley Paul was born in Halifax and raised in Clayton Park. In 1994, after a ski accident, Paul started competitive sailboat racing. In 2005, Paul started training single handed out of the Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. In China 2008, Paul won the Gold Medal – the first gold medal for sailing in Canada's history. Paul is helping to run a learn to sail program for disabled persons in Nova Scotia called Sail Able. Paul Tingley is an athlete. He is an exceptional man that Canada, Nova Scotia, Halifax and Clayton Park should be very proud of. He delivers his message to young people by traveling to various schools in the province and is an inspiration to the youth of Nova Scotia.

Len Whiffen Len is a native of Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1940, at the age of 17 he changed his birth certificate so he could join the Royal Navy. A retired railway engineer, Len is now part of the Memory Project. The Memory Project visits over 175,000 students every year so that veterans can tell stories and share their experiences during wartime. Len is a gentleman to the highest degree He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather Len enjoys playing the organ and is an avid card player Len is often found puttering around in his garden growing the most beautiful roses in all of Clayton Park