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Yvonne Kilfoil

Vice-Chair

Yvonne is a retired English teacher, having graduated from St. F. X. University, where she received her B.A. and  B.Ed. degrees. She has lived on the Eastern Shore since 1978 when she and her husband settled to raise their family. For fifteen years she taught English and Social Studies at the junior high level, and then English at the senior high level for ten years. In the latter position, she also was English Department Head for eight years. She was a co chair of the Accreditation Committee at ESDH for four years and worked with the school board's Planning For Improvement initiative for several years.

 

As well as being an active member of her church community, Yvonne has also volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation for twelve years, and the Canadian Diabetes Association for three. Following her retirement she volunteered at Oyster Pond Academy and at Twin Oaks Hospital for two years.
 

Having made the Eastern Shore her home, Yvonne sees her volunteer work as a board member at The Birches as an opportunity to continue to be involved in the life and future of her community.

Michael Brine

Director

Biography Coming Soon

Wayne Brown

Director

 

Originally from Saint John, New  Brunswick, Wayne went to Dalhousie Medical School and then moved to Musquodoboit Harbour to start his career in 1974. He has lived in Musquodoboit Harbour for the past 44 years.

 

Shortly after arriving in Musquodoboit Harbour he was involved in the building of the new Twin Oaks Hospital, where he was Chief of Staff for a number of years.

 

Wayne is involved in the Cancer Society, the Kidney Society, and many community groups.He has greatly enjoyed serving the community of Musquodoboit Harbour.

 

He is proud to have raised his family here, and pleased to be involved in the further evolution of The Birches.

Carole Jones

Director

Carole is a retired Registered Nurse with a nursing background in England, Ontario, and Manitoba, followed by 20 years in the administration of community based programs for seniors and those with chronic health challenges.
 

Since retirement, she has lived in West Jeddore. She has spent the past eleven years volunteering throughout the Eastern Shore, promoting health related activities within the non-profit sector -  including seven years with the Old School, six years with the Community Health Board, ten years with Emergency Response and eight years with the local Community Association.
 

For the past two years, she has worked as a Regional Co-ordinator, supporting agencies in the rural areas and within Halifax to promote and build the capacity of seniors to remain living independently.
 

Currently, she serves as a Board member with the Musquodoboit Harbour and Area Chamber of Commerce and Civic Affairs, the Harbour Lites Seniors Club, and continues as a volunteer with the Eastern Shore Emergency Response Team. 

John Verlinden

Director

Recently retired, John served as Corporate Director, Communications and Community Engagement for Northwood for 20 years. During that time, he saw many changes both in the approach to care for the elderly and in the evolving relationship with the Department of Health.

 

As head of Communications, he was in charge Northwood’s website, advertising strategy, all print media and media relations. As Corporate Director for Community Engagement, John nurtured relationships within the wider community and worked closely with the Northwood Foundation to raise funds and plan events.

 

He taught at Mount Saint Vincent University in the Public Relations program for seven years as a part time professor, helping students learn the art of writing for media.

 

He is active in his community, serving as President of the Musquodoboit Harbour Heritage Society and overseeing the operation and future development of the Railway Museum. He was a member of the Board for the Musquodoboit Harbour and Area Chamber of Commerce and Civic Affairs and is the current Chair of the Oyster Pond Academy’s School Advisory Council. He has worked with the Twin Oaks/The Birches Foundation to raise money for projects that benefit the community, and was an active member of the Musquodoboit Harbour Area Lions Club to help raise money for various causes that benefit the community. John was recognized for his work in the community with a Volunteer Appreciation Award from the province, the Community Spirit Award from the Chamber and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

 

John lives in Musquodoboit Harbour, is married with two daughters and two grandchildren.

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