MLF: When did you start working with Maple Leaves Forever, and what is your role?

AH: I started working with MLF partway through 2019, helping out with administering the Thank You Rebate program. I work remotely out of Guelph.

MLF: Maple Leaves Forever has a team of part-time employees – most of us have other jobs. What other roles/jobs do you have and how do they relate to MLF?

AH: My role with MLF only requires a few hours per month so my primary job is Forests Ontario where I manage education programs, including the Ontario Envirothon which Maple Leaves Forever has been the lead sponsor of for over 4 years! Forests Ontario has a number of programs all of which aim to engage students in learning about the forests and the forest sector in Ontario and Canada. Through our programs, including Ontario Envirothon, Focus on Forests, Forestry Connects and Tree Bee, we teach youth about forest careers, environmental science and forest management.

MLF: Where is your favourite place to explore nature in Southern Ontario?

AH: I like spending time on the Niagara Escarpment for the views in particular. But if I had to pick a favourite place to explore nature I would go further north near Chapleau. I grew up going to a camp near the wildlife reserve and really love canoeing on the non-windy days.

MLF: What other hobbies and interests do you have?

AH: Jarring is an annual tradition we have in my house as I am addicted to tomatoes – we also starting doing pickled green beans, peaches in syrup and hot peppers this year. As well I am a passionate recreational level soccer player, was starting to pick up target archery before the pandemic and I do love to try baking new exciting recipes.  

MLF: When did you start working with Maple Leaves Forever (MLF), and what is your role?

MB: I have worked with MLF since January 2014, when I came on board to attend to the website and manage social media. It was pretty satisfying to come in and breathe some life into MLF’s online presence. In early 2020, our marketing lead Emad resigned, and my role expanded to that of Marketing Manager. I began designing print ads, postcards and brochures, as well as coordinating their printing, placement and budget. I really enjoy the wide range of tasks and the combination of teamwork and independence that I have working with Maple Leaves Forever. 

MLF: What has been the most interesting thing you’ve learned/done working with MLF?  

MLF: Maple Leaves Forever has a team of part-time employees – most of us have other jobs. What other roles/jobs do you have and how do they relate to MLF?

MB: I have operated my own web design business, Maestra Web Design, for the past 20+ years and designed nearly 200 websites. It’s contract work – flexible and variable – so my ongoing work with Maple Leaves Forever provides a bit of stability, and also a chance to hone other skills apart from web design. It’s also been great to work as part of a team, as my website work is typically independent and self-directed.

MLF: What is your favourite season? Why?

MB: I love Fall. After the heat of the Toronto summer, it feels so good to wear socks and sweaters and feel comfortable outside. The colours are gorgeous and the crispness in the air energizes me!

MLF: How has the pandemic affected your work and routine?

MB: To be honest – I work from my home office 99% of the time anyway, so the pandemic hasn’t really affected my office work much at all. Now that my clients are all familiar with ZOOM I actually see them more than I did before! Of course, I’ve had to upgrade our home internet plan to accommodate all the streaming with my teenaged boys and my husband being home all the time!

My “Other life”  is as a musician – I sing periodically with the Canadian Opera Company Chorus and conduct a women’s choir in my neighbourhood – and these activities have completely shut down. Likewise my husband Michael Colvin, who is a full-time opera singer, is currently on forced ‘COVID hiatus’. Our musical life, like the whole industry, is in suspended animation, and that has been really tough. Apart from watching lots of Netflix, I have cultivated a few new hobbies including watercolour painting and hand-lettering – very soothing and creative outlets during these long winter evenings.