Volunteer 'very integral' to Stewiacke's creative arts scene

STEWIACKE – Bill Hellewell loves Stewiacke.

He moved to the town in 2009 and has lived there since.

“I was always a big believer in supporting community, but my problem was I worked full-time, plus I was in a band full-time, and I had a recording studio,” said Hellewell. “I was real busy, so I couldn’t really spare the time.”

He started volunteering when he retired in 2019.

“That’s when I really sort of decided that, well, now is the time. I’ve got to, you know, try and volunteer with the town with the skill sets that I have to make it more of a town like I’d like.”

Hellewell, 65, was selected as this year’s volunteer for the Town of Stewiacke. Each year, municipalities and Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia select a resident to receive a volunteer award from the province.

Hellewell is being recognized for his work with the town’s recreation department.

“Since I’ve been in this role for almost four years,” said Ben Grosvenor, recreation programmer for the town, “I think he’s been very integral to, I would say, the creative arts scene in this town, specifically in music and musical theatre.”

Hellewell helps lead monthly senior socials at Lifepoint Church, which includes live music and refreshments. He books the musicians, oversees the audio engineering of each event, and promotes them within the community.

The socials draw roughly 40 to 50 people, said Grosvenor. They have become a community staple over the past three years.

Hellewell has also contributed to Stewiacke’s growing theatre scene. He has donated his audio engineering equipment and expertise to eight theatre productions.

“Anybody with any familiarity with just sound would recognize that that’s a big donation,” said Grosvenor.

“I don’t know what the cost would be if we had to rent or hire somebody to do that, but chances are we would not be able to afford to pull those off, and I think the adult theatre would say the same.”

Hellewell, alongside local playwright Barb Moxsom, also wrote and composed all the songs for this year’s adult theatre production. He also recorded the entire score.

“That’s a big, big, big undertaking,” said Grosvenor. “He did that because he loves the town, and … I think he really loves the music and the creative arts element.”

Grosvenor said the recreation department is grateful for everything that Hellewell has done.

Hellewell said he was quite surprised to receive the recognition.

“I guess my first reaction was like, yeah, but I can think of another half dozen people that deserve this as much as I do.”

Hellewell said he has come to know many more people in his community since he began volunteering.

He is impressed with the quality of people in the town who give their time for no reward other than the benefit of others.

Having just returned from a vacation, he wasn’t able to attend the award ceremony but looks forward to reading more about the fellow recipients.

“It’s proof that there are people that … make these huge impacts,” said Hellewell.

“They’re kind of unsung heroes, maybe, but that’s not why they do it,” he said. “They do it because they love their community.”

Two other residents in Colchester County were recognized at the 2026 Provincial Volunteer Awards.

Dwayne Vidito, a volunteer at the Colchester Food Network since 2004, was nominated by the Town of Truro.

“When it comes to dedication, heart and community spirit, Dwayne is truly one of a kind,” says a bio printed in the provincial awards ceremony’s program.

“From the organization’s early days, Dwayne has been a constant and valued presence, growing alongside the network and supporting its mission every step of the way. What makes Dwayne especially remarkable is not only the time and energy he gives, but the joy and positivity he brings wherever he goes.”
Nancy Crosby, a volunteer for nearly 30 years with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colchester East Hants, was nominated by the Municipality of Colchester.

“As a Big Sister mentor to two littles, who are now 37 and 26, she has brought warmth, consistency and joy into their lives, creating connections that truly matter,” her bio said.

“Over the years, Nancy has generously shared her time and heart in countless ways, including serving in every role on the board of directors. Today, she leads the fundraising committee with creativity, and enthusiasm, bringing people together through meaningful events.”

The Village of Bible Hill and Millbrook First Nation did not nominate representatives this year.