Bulletin - Summer 2024
This summer at Common Roots, both the Woodside and BiHi locations were buzzing with activity. From markets brimming with fresh, local produce to community events that brought neighbours together, these programs fostered connection and growth. In this post, we highlight the key moments that shaped a vibrant season, including exciting updates from Stone Hearth Bakery and the EDGE Program.
Common Roots Woodside
Summer Market Highlights
This summer at Common Roots Woodside, their market was bursting with fresh, local produce, including carrots over a foot long and beets that were perfectly plump! Throughout the season, they offered a vibrant array of crops, from cucumbers and summer squash to the first beans and tomatoes of the year. Whether it was spinach and beets (a perfect salad combo?) or the fully cured garlic ready for both planting and eating, they had something for everyone. The warm weather made it a perfect time to grab fresh ingredients, whether you were prepping for a family BBQ or looking for those mid-week meal essentials. The Woodside team loved seeing so many familiar faces week after week this summer, and are ready to continue welcoming you to their market stand at 296 Pleasant St from 2 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday into October!
Picnic Event
On August 22nd, Woodside hosted a community picnic, and it was an absolute hit! Attendees spread out blankets, relaxed at picnic tables, and enjoyed a stunning view, live music, and a variety of sweet treats and snacks. The garden provided the perfect setting for the community to come together, with plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy. For those looking to stock up on fresh produce, their lunchtime market was conveniently set up on-site, offering everything from veggies to herbs. It was the ideal summer afternoon — a time to connect, relax, and enjoy all that Woodside has to offer.
Iced Tea Social Event
The Iced Tea Social was a refreshing highlight of the summer! They served up iced tea and sandwiches made with garden-fresh ingredients, all to the sounds of a smooth jazz trio. Kids had their own Pollinator Picnic and enjoyed garden snacks, cookies, and games. The event was all about community, sunshine, and deliciously local bites. Whether you came for the drinks, the music, or the family fun, it was an afternoon to remember, and we can’t wait to do it all again in the future!
Common Roots BiHi
Summer Market Highlights
At Common Roots BiHi, the summer markets were filled with a vibrant selection of fresh produce. From staple greens like kale, chard, and salad mix to the newer arrivals of zucchinis, beans, and cucumbers, there was something for everyone. Alongside fresh veggies, BiHi also offered fragrant herbs, cut flower bouquets, and Stone Hearth bread. Highlights of the season included eggplants, beets, and carrots, which brought even more variety to the market stands. Rain or shine, the BiHi crew consistently delivered an impressive array of locally grown goods to their community. Catch the market located at the bottom of Bayers Rd across from the Bayers Road Centre, 7064 Bayers Rd #7088, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays into October.
Flax Harvest Event
In early August, BiHi Farm hosted its first-ever flax harvest, led by the Flaxmobile Project team. Community members gathered to learn the art of dew-retting, laying the flax stalks in the field to naturally break down. Attendees were encouraged to share ideas on how the flax could be used, sparking creative discussions around natural dyeing, weaving, and more. The event highlighted the farm’s commitment to sustainable practices and engaging the community in innovative, hands-on learning experiences.
Learning about Potatoes
BiHi Farm also delved into the fascinating world of potatoes this summer. Plotter Tess introduced the farm to potato berries, a rare sight that holds true potato seeds (TPS). These small berries contain around 300 seeds each and can produce unique potato plants, unlike traditional seed potatoes, which are clones. While not commonly seen, TPS offer disease resistance and can be stored for decades, though they are poisonous like most parts of the potato plant. The farm shared these fun facts with the community while gearing up for their own potato harvest, which promised to yield plenty of market-ready tubers.
New Rain Catcher
BiHi Farm took an eco-friendly step this season with the installation of a new rain barrel, set up to collect water from the Resource Hub roof. With water usage at an all-time high, the farm encouraged plotters to use the collected rainwater for their gardens before resorting to the hose. This addition emphasized BiHi's commitment to sustainable farming and resource conservation, offering an easy way for gardeners to reduce their environmental footprint.
Farewell Farm Friends
As the season drew to a close, BiHi Farm bid a fond farewell to two of their beloved seasonal staff members, Eloise and Janelle. Both brought a contagious energy and warmth to the farm, helping to create a joyful and productive atmosphere throughout the summer. Their hard work, laughter, and patience left a lasting impact, and they will be greatly missed by everyone at BiHi.
Stone Hearth at Summer Markets
This summer, Stone Hearth Bakery had a vibrant presence at the Hope Blooms Farmer’s Market, where participants took on new roles. They helped sell and promote Stone Hearth products and connected with the community every Thursday throughout July and August. The market atmosphere provided an invaluable experience, allowing participants to engage directly with customers, showcase their hard work, and gain confidence in their abilities. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with people expressing their appreciation for the quality and heart behind Stone Hearth’s products.
The impact of this experience extended far beyond the market stalls. In August, two participants secured jobs within the community, crediting the skills and confidence they developed through the bakery program for their success. One participant shared how the opportunity to learn and apply new skills made all the difference in their job search.
By September, another participant landed a fully funded contract for a seven-month position, a testament to their dedication and motivation. This individual expressed gratitude for the employability skills gained through the program, which played a critical role in their success.
Stone Hearth’s presence at the markets has proven to be more than just a business venture — it’s a stepping stone to meaningful, long-term employment for our participants. A heartfelt thank you to Hope Blooms for organizing the summer markets and welcoming us back again this year. Your efforts made a lasting impact on our program and participants alike!
EDGE Summit
The annual EDGE Summit brought together staff and participants from all EDGE sites across Nova Scotia for a memorable event aimed at connecting, celebrating achievements, and learning from each other. This year, the summit included a Participant Day at Halifax’s Lighthouse Theatre and a Staff Conference at Oak Island Resort, making it a perfect blend of fun and professional development.
Participant Summit
Participants from the in-person and online EDGE programs gathered to celebrate their achievements with an awards ceremony, recognizing each individual for their unique contributions and personalities. The day was packed with excitement, including games provided by Big Entertainment, inflatable activities, and treats like popcorn and cotton candy. The afternoon wrapped up with a catered Subway lunch, and door prizes.
J.R., an EDGE participant, shared:
“I had an amazing time. I hope that we can do something like that again in the future because I loved meeting you guys and some of the cohorts from my group alongside new people. I also managed to network a bit and scored a job interview for next week so it really was worth it. Thanks again for everything and for all the time teaching at EDGE you truly do an amazing job.”
M.M. added:
"I wanted to say thank you so much for your hard work at the summit. Me and my friend had a great time dancing and chatting! (Dresses and climbing would've been problematic haha!) We both really appreciated and loved our gift bags! They were super thoughtful and really appreciated.”
Staff Summit
The staff portion of the summit took place over two days at Oak Island Resort, blending social activities with professional growth. Staff members enjoyed a lovely boat tour, learning about the rich history of Oak Island, and participated in breakout sessions designed to help them connect with peers who share similar roles. The summit also featured insightful presentations on Compassion Fatigue and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, providing staff with valuable takeaways to bring back to their programs.
The annual EDGE Summit continues to be an incredible opportunity for staff and participants alike, fostering collaboration, learning, and connection across the province.
EDGE Summer Fun
This summer, the EDGE team dove into fun and growth with a series of outdoor adventures. Participants enjoyed swimming trips and learning to canoe introduced them to teamwork and coordination. Meanwhile, cooking together brought everyone closer, teaching them valuable life skills like meal planning, nutrition, and collaboration. These activities weren't just about fun; they helped EDGE participants gain practical abilities, develop teamwork, and build lasting friendships.
For many participants, these activities are about more than just fun—they’re a step toward building employability. Through the EDGE program, young adults aged 18-26, many of whom have faced obstacles for finding work, are gaining crucial life and job-readiness skills. With the peer-support element at the heart of the program, participants encourage and uplift one another, building a community where everyone plays a role in each other’s success. Through these summer experiences, they’re not only gaining new skills but also the self-assurance needed to move forward in their personal and professional journeys.
Money Path Atlantic Training
Money Path Atlantic is proud to have taken a key step toward integrating financial literacy across MetroWorks programs by hosting a two-day Financial Literacy Facilitator Training session on August 1st and 2nd. The goal? To equip staff with the knowledge and tools to engage in meaningful money conversations with participants both inside the classroom and in everyday interactions.
Staff from several MetroWorks programs, including EDGE, Stone Hearth Bakery, OPTIONS, Newcomer Women Program, and Money Path, came together for the workshop, fostering collaboration across departments. The training focused on building in-house capacity to help participants feel more confident in managing their finances.
Looking ahead, participants from the workshop will meet again in September to explore establishing a monthly Financial Literacy Roundtable. This initiative will allow staff to share ideas and plan events aimed at promoting financial empowerment for participants across all MetroWorks programs.
MetroWorks isn’t the only place integrating money education in their programs. Money Path Atlantic has over 40 other organizations across Nova Scotia in the Network of Financial Literacy Champions. To learn more about Money Path Atlantic, visit their website here.
Money Path Atlantic Conference
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Money Path Atlantic Conference this November! Taking place on Thursday, November 7th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Best Western Truro – Glengarry, the event will feature a packed agenda designed to top up your financial literacy skills in just one day.
This year’s theme, Mapping Financial Resilience, is geared towards community leaders and service providers who support individuals on their financial journeys. With expert speakers like Keynote Aseel El-Baba and organizations such as ABC Life Literacy Canada, CPA Canada, Credit Counselling Society, Prosper Canada, DUCA Labs and Nova Scotia Security Commissions, the conference will offer insights and tools to take back to your communities. Plus, attendees can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and take part in networking opportunities throughout the day.
Early Bird Coupon available until October 4, 2024: EARLYBIRD
Heads Up Trail Guides! Make sure you check your email for your special coupons!
To learn more about the agenda visit moneypath.ca/agenda-2024. Registration is on the home page. We hope to see you there!
As the summer wraps up, we reflect on the incredible moments shared at Common Roots Woodside and BiHi. From fresh markets and community picnics to educational events and employment success stories, these initiatives helped strengthen our community. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum as we move into the next season, always focused on cultivating connection, sustainability, and growth.
