Bulletin - November 2023
In this edition, we're excited to share stories that capture the essence of our vibrant community. From the lively 11th Annual Harvest Hootenanny at Common Roots Urban Farm to a sweet collaboration between J.D. Shore Rum and Stone Hearth Bakery, there's something for everyone. Discover the latest strides in youth apprenticeships with the EDGE Online team and the expansion of EDGE Halifax with a new three-year agreement. Plus, meet the fresh faces joining the Options Team and bid farewell to a valued member. Join us as we celebrate, connect, and build together. Enjoy the read!
11th Annual Hootenanny at Common Roots Urban Farm
The farm's 11th annual Harvest Hootenanny was a smashing success and a true celebration of our diverse community. The farm extends its heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic newcomer program participants who contributed to making the event a special success. The community shared a delicious feast and enjoyed lively activities like pickling vegetables from the farm, pressing fresh apple cider, planting garlic, listening to live local music and smashing pumpkins for next year's compost. Special appreciation goes to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, Stone Hearth Bakery’s catering team, and everyone involved in making this Hootenanny a memorable experience. Until next year!
J.D. Shore Rum x Stone Hearth Bakery
If you're familiar with the maritime-made J.D. Shore Rum, you may also recognize its creator, Halifax Distilling Co. What you might not know is that Stone Hearth Bakery has partnered with Halifax Distilling Co. to create their famous rum cake recipe, infused with J.D. Shore Rum.
Excited to try this collaboration? If you find yourself in Downtown Halifax from Wednesdays through Sundays starting December 6 until December 17, make sure to visit J.D. Shore’s market stand at the Evergreen Festival! Discover and savor these delectable Stone Hearth-made, J.D. Shore Rum cakes at the festival. Learn more at Discover Halifax Evergreen Festival.
EDGE Online Skilled Trades Apprenticeships
The EDGE Online team recently had a productive meeting with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to 'earn while you learn,' with unique financial incentives from the government to encourage participation in the skilled trades. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency outlined various pathways to apprenticeship, including direct entry, community college programs, and pre-employment programs in certain trades. We're thrilled to announce that a youth from EDGE Online will start an apprenticeship in construction in February. Congratulations!
If you are interested in the skilled trades offered through the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, here’s their list!
EDGE Halifax’s New 3-Year Agreement
EDGE Halifax is the in-person youth employability program, funded through Nova Scotia’s Department of Community Services (DCS). MetroWorks and DCS have signed a new three year agreement to update the program offerings. The new agreement includes funding for a new, dedicated office and workshop space, plus a dedicated Intake Facilitator.
To learn more about EDGE, you can visit their webpage here.
Options Team Update
The Options Team has undergone some changes! They recently welcomed two new Career Practitioners and Facilitators, Bonnie Hill and Tineke Weld. Welcome to the team! Additionally, the Options program bids a fond farewell to Sharon Williams, a dedicated Career Practitioner with 20 years of service. Sharon has played a crucial role in helping hundreds of participants find employment over the years, and we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
