AT HOME
At Home with
JIM PROUDFOOT & AMANDA HILL
BY JENNIFER HATT PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH, VISIONFIRE STUDIOS
A
manda Hill and Jim Proudfoot first met as teenagers, from separate towns and schools united in Kingston, Ontario to represent Nova Scotia at a national science fair. They connected easily, both enthusiastic and accomplished, passionate about theatre and community, grounded in their birthplace and predicting futures without borders. They loved their hometowns, but would they settle there as adults? Probably not. Fifteen years later, Amanda and Jim were again on a plane, this time bound for Edmonton to talk about Pulse Pictou County, a grassroots organization they formed (with third partner Stephanie Cooper) to connect youth and invite positivity in their home community. Years of young people leaving for work and local industries downsizing or closing had infused an air of gloom about the county. These were realities no one person could change, but what about perceptions? In less than three years, Pulse Pictou County has hosted many successful events and become a model for revitalizing communities by connecting their greatest assets: their citizens and their attitudes. What happened between Ontario and Edmonton was a lifetime of experiences, with twists and wrinkles taking each of them away from home and back again. They returned with the enthusiasm and accomplishment of their teens; what evolved was a focus of their energy. Where the world was once seen as ‘out there,’ they now dream of a Pictou County that honours its own limitless potential for sustaining careers, families and quality of life. Amanda’s journey began in the Shiretown, where amid studying, sports, and music lessons, she and her sister Melanie gained a deep sense of community from their parents, Murray and Cathy Hill. Amanda embraced numerous outlets for her talents and energy, maintaining a top average at Pictou Academy, competing in the New Glasgow Music Festival, and volunteering for various school and community events. Growing up near the Pictou Marina and on the family sailboat, she connected early with her passion
The North Shore
ah! Spring 2017 - 22
