Bulletin - October 2024

Bulletin
Written By Bethanee Diamond

Welcome to our October MetroWorks Bulletin, where we’re spotlighting a wide range of heartwarming stories from our community. This month, we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Common Roots Woodside, a thriving urban farm that brings people together through gardening, workshops, and events. From baking achievements at Stone Hearth Bakery to EDGE participants’ cooking projects, newcomer women preparing treats, and free barber services, we’re thrilled to share these stories that show the transformative power of community support, connections, hands-on learning, and skill-building.

 

10 Years of Growing Community at Common Roots Woodside!

This October, Common Roots Woodside marked a decade of growth, community, and connection! Over 100 friends, families, and farm supporters gathered under sunny skies for the 10th Anniversary celebration and end-of-season event. With live music, workshops, cider pressing, face painting, and a BBQ, it was a day to remember.

Thank you to the incredible organizations, funders, volunteers, and community members who have helped Woodside grow over the past ten years. Together, we’re planting seeds for a brighter, greener future! Here’s to many more years of nurturing and flourishing at Common Roots!

A yellow, orange and white decorated cake featuring the inscription "10 years of growing" as a tribute to a decade of progress.
A group gathered around a table filled with plants and papers at an Urban Farm Event.
A light skinned man and woman embrace two dogs at an Urban Farm Event, reflecting a vibrant community atmosphere.
At an Urban Farm Event, two people hold the handle of an old-fashioned produce press.
 

Stone Hearth Bakery Participant Spotlight: Roman

At Stone Hearth, we’re known for more than our breads — we have a bustling sweets kitchen, too! This month, our sweets kitchen baker wanted to shine a light on Roman, one of our dedicated participants who has quickly become an essential part of the team.

“I met Roman about 6 weeks ago when he showed interest in learning what goes on in the sweet bakery. He would drop in a couple of times a week to see if there was anything he could help with. I began teaching him to make cookies and I soon realized that his open approach to learning new things (as well as his aptitude for mathematics) made him an ideal student for baking. We've moved on to specialties involving puff pastries, cakes, icings, and glazes. He also brings new ideas and is genuinely enthusiastic about his work with me. Roman’s patience and conscientious nature also make him a wonderful mentor to other participants and he has begun to tutor other participants in the tasks he has quickly and confidently mastered. Roman has become such a valuable member of our team and I know he will be difficult to replace when his time here comes to an end.”

Person wrapping a large cookie in plastic wrap over a baking tray in a kitchen.
 

Stone Hearth Bakery: A Warm Send-Off at Hope Blooms Market

Stone Hearth Bakery wrapped up the season with a strong finish at the last Hope Blooms market of the season, selling out of our fresh bread within just two hours! The community's enthusiasm was palpable, with many customers sharing how much they love our baked goods and expressing appreciation for the work behind each loaf. Hearing that the bread was crafted by our participants and staff made it even more meaningful for them.

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to connect with our community and share the story of Stone Hearth's mission. It’s moments like these that highlight the impact of our work and the incredible support from our neighbors!

At a farmers market, a woman with a canvas bag inspects an assortment of artisanal bread.
 

Stone Hearth Catering Spotlight

Our catering division at Stone Hearth Bakery brings gourmet flair to every occasion! From weddings and corporate parties to private gatherings and holiday celebrations, Stone Hearth serves up memorable dishes that make any event extra special. Take a look at some of these gorgeous plates from a recent private event! Ready to make your next gathering unforgettable? Reach out to us at catering@stonehearth.ca.

An exquisite table display with a gourmet salad topped with an orange edible flower.
Plates featuring a delicious combination of meat and shrimp, surrounded by an assembly line of other finished dishes just like it.
A decadent chocolate cake placed on a black plate, complemented by vibrant berries, creating an appealing dessert display.
 

Newcomers make Treats for the Hootenanny

Our Newcomer Women participants brought a special touch to the Hootenanny & Pumpkin Smash at Common Roots BiHi! Four talented participants have been hard at work in the kitchen, preparing a variety of delicious dishes for the big day. This cooking and baking project offers hands-on experience, building both culinary skills and confidence in a supportive environment, and a community connection to their new home.

People congregate around a table brimming with food, partaking in a social gathering.
A community meal is served as a group of people wait in line at this autumn urban farm event.
A lively urban farm event in a park, featuring people dining around tables and hay bales, enjoying the community atmosphere.
A heartfelt hug between two people takes place on the grass at an outdoor gathering, capturing a moment of connection.
 

Monthly Barber Services at MetroWorks

Every month, we’re proud to welcome Bel the Barber to MetroWorks, offering free haircuts to participants who may not have regular access to this essential service. A fresh cut can mean so much — it boosts confidence, lifts spirits, and can help participants feel job-ready. Bel’s monthly visits have been met with sincere gratitude, with many participants expressing how much this small act of care means to them. A huge thank you to Bel for helping us support our community, one haircut at a time!

A barber with tattooed arms cuts a client's dark brown hair.
 

EDGE Program: Cooking Up Skills & Independence with Pizza

This month EDGE participants got hands-on in the kitchen, taking on a tasty challenge designed to build real-life skills: cooking! Given a $40 budget, the group headed to the store to pick out their ingredients before returning to make their own pizzas from scratch. This task, filled with decision-making and creativity, helped participants practice budgeting, planning, and cooking — key skills for both work and life.

Two people in a kitchen with pizzas on a counter. One is smiling and the other is giving a thumbs-up. Pots and pans hang above them.
A light skinned young woman and a medium skinned young man stand in a kitchen, preparing food with various utensils and ingredients on the counter.
Two pizzas topped with cheese and vegetables placed on a metal table, showcasing a delicious meal ready to be enjoyed.
 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Unlocking Potential

Earlier this month, members of our OPTIONS and EDGE teams — Kimberly, Barb, Arshdeep, and Roberta — attended the RPL Conference to dive into the world of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This powerful process focuses on identifying, documenting, and validating the skills and knowledge individuals have gained through life, work, and education, regardless of how or where they were learned. At its core, RPL ensures that learning, not just experience, is recognized. As we continue supporting participants on their journeys, the principles of RPL remind us of the value of every learning experience — formal or informal.

A group of four people standing together at a conference table, indicating a professional and educational meeting.
A powerpoint presentation screen displaying an graphic illustration of a tree with text reading “RPL in Nova Scotia: Here to Stay.”
 

As we wrap up October’s highlights, we’re reminded of the incredible impact that dedicated participants, mentors, and community partners bring to MetroWorks. Whether it’s Stone Hearth’s baked goods, the shared joy at Common Roots’ milestone, newcomers baking for community events, or the confidence boosted by a fresh haircut, these stories speak to the positive change that each small act creates. Thank you for being part of our journey — we’re excited to continue building a brighter, more connected community together!

Bethanee Diamond
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Bulletin - September 2024