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Photo: Black Creek Community Farm (blackcreekfarm.ca)
The fight against hunger is a global effort that requires the participation of all individuals, communities, and governments around the world.
The fight against hunger is a global effort that requires the participation of all individuals, communities, and governments around the world.
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Photo by Rajiv Perera on Unsplash
Despite its challenge, technology has the potential to bring families together
Despite its challenge, technology has the potential to bring families together
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Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by spending some quality time with the most important woman in your life? Yorkgate Mall has just the event for you!
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Image credit: FreePik
Mother's Day is celebrated this year on Sunday May 14, 2023
This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 14th, 2023, and it's the perfect opportunity to appreciate and honor the hard work and dedication of mothers everywhere.
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Image credit: FreePik
During Mental Health Awareness month, we focalize on the importance of mental health and personal well-being. These past few years more than ever, it is vital that special care is paid to ourselves and our needs.
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Image credit: FreePik
This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 14th, 2023, and it's the perfect opportunity to appreciate and honor the hard work and dedication of mothers everywhere. Motherhood is both an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience for women. It involves creating a loving and nurturing environment for their children while also managing their careers and personal lives.
Mothers demonstrate understanding, compassion, patience, and selflessness in everything they do for their families. They cook, clean, help with homework, run errands, and still find time to spend with their children. Even though they may face criticism or feel like they are not doing things the "right" way, what matters most is that they love their children unconditionally and provide them with the support they need.
Despite the challenges, motherhood is also a source of pride and joy. Watching their children grow and develop into their own unique individuals is a reward like no other. Mothers get to see the world through their children's eyes and share in their successes and triumphs.
It's important to show appreciation and gratitude towards your mom all year round, not just on Mother's Day. A simple act of kindness, like helping around the house or running errands, can make a big difference and show your appreciation.
In the community, Jane Finch Mall is hosting a "Mom" celebration on May 13th, from 12-3 PM, to honor mothers everywhere. Additionally, Jane Finch Tennis is hosting a "Mommy and Me" tennis event on the same day, from 3:30-5:30 PM at the San Romano Way Tennis Courts. These events are a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your mom and show her just how much she means to you.
In conclusion, Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate all the hard work and dedication that mothers put in every day. It's a chance to recognize their selflessness and unwavering love for their families. Remember to show your appreciation and gratitude not just on Mother's Day, but every day of the year.
Image credit: Downsview Park (downsviewpark.ca)
Downsview Park's Playzone is set to host an exciting event on April 23rd from 11 AM - 4 PM to celebrate Earth Day and promote environmental awareness. The public is invited to attend this free event, where they can enjoy hands-on activities, interact with educational staff and vendors, and participate in other engaging activities. This event is perfect for families and friends who want to join forces and learn more about protecting our planet. So mark your calendars and get ready to have fun while celebrating Earth Day at Downsview Park's Playzone.
Downsview Park encourages you to sign up on Eventbrite to let them know you’re coming! Registration will be required to attend certain activities: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/earth-day-jour-de-la-terre-tickets-568679384347
Some activities include:
Tree Planting:
There will be two sessions:
Session 1: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 2: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
*Registration will be required to attend. You only need 1 ticket per family. Please arrive 10 minutes before the session. Information about planting locations will be provided closer to the day. All equipment will be provided. No experience necessary. Please double-check what time you have signed up for.
Trishaw rides offered by Cycling Without Age:
Go on a trishaw ride around the Circuit Path! Our Greenway Conservancy is back with its program “Cycling Without Age.” The objective of the program is to provide seniors and less able-bodied people with free rides on a specialized bike called a trishaw. Experience it yourself on Earth Day 2023!
*Registration will be required to attend. Only 18 sessions are available. You only need 1 ticket per couple.
Guided Nature Walks by Toronto Field Naturalists
Toronto Field Naturalists will be guiding two nature walk sessions to talk about invasive species, ethical birding and more.
Toronto Field Naturalists is a volunteer-run non-profit and a member of the province-wide Ontario Nature Network of naturalist organizations. They connect people with nature in the Toronto area. To help people understand, enjoy, and protect Toronto’s green spaces and the species that inhabit them.
*Registration will be required to attend. Two sessions are available.
As we continue to face the pressing issue of climate change, it's important to take action and reduce our environmental footprint. Fortunately, an opportunity is available for those who share the same love for the earth. Celebrating Earth Day at Downsview Park is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals, improve the environment, and honor our planet for all that it has done for us.
Earth Day has been observed for over fifty years and originated in 1969 when US Senator Gaylord Nelson witnessed the devastating effects of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. He called for action in 1970, and thousands of colleges and universities across the United States set up protests to promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and protection of the planet. These rallies led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the establishment of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts into law.
However, despite the progress made since then, we still face environmental concerns. The way our planet has been treated is worse than it was in 1969, but thanks to the upcoming Earth Day event at Downsview Park, individuals can become more educated on how to take care of the Earth and ensure its preservation for future generations. It's important to remember that even small actions can make a difference in preserving our planet, and this event is an excellent opportunity to take the first step in making a positive impact.
Jane Finch Tennis is about more than tennis. This local organization aims to build communities and support at-risk youth through academic and recreational programming, education, mentorship, personal and professional development, and employment opportunities. Their core values of community, inclusion, health, wellness, education, and employment are maintained in their initiatives.
Jane Finch Tennis offers youth tennis programming for various age groups, march break camps, after-school programs, instructor certification programs, and girls’ tennis and leadership programs. Children begin their involvement with the program through tennis programming, followed by volunteerism to foster community engagement. Employment opportunities within the organization are the final step. This three-step model fosters youth development.
Jane Finch Tennis is supported by various community partners including Tennis Canada, Jumpstart, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and MLSE. This past September, Jane Finch Tennis received a $68,400 grant and $47,600 fund from the Ontario Trillium Fund for a youth pilot project and the organization’s operational costs.
Jane Finch Tennis plays a fundamental role in our community. Their 2019 Annual Report reported more than 600 hours of tennis programming and 192 hours of academic support utilized by 337 participants with the help and availability of 44 employment opportunities and 55 volunteers.
There are several methods to support Jane Finch Tennis. Non-profit organizations appreciate donations to support their operations. Community members can host fundraisers to raise funds through events such as socials and tennis tournaments. Volunteers play a key role in their organization and are encouraged to participate.
For more information, visit janefinchtennis.ca.
Scan this code to complete The Jeremiah Project Survey
The Keele/Finch gateway into DUKE Heights Business Improvement Area (BIA) will feature a new grand art sculpture known as “The Heights”, designed and installed by Artist Brandon Vickerd. This public artwork was initiated and partially funded by the BIA in cooperation with the City of Toronto, which is inheriting the art piece. Special acknowledgment to Toronto City Councillors James Pasternak, Ward 6 – York Centre, and Anthony Perruzza, Ward 7 – Humber River - Black Creek, for their extraordinary efforts and support of the project. Moreover, the cooperation and assistance of Metrolinx and Mosaic Transit Group have been remarkable.
Date of Installation: Starting Monday, April 17 with completion on Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Location: On the centre median located on Finch Avenue West just east of Keele Street (Note - due to the ongoing LRT construction there will be no public access to the installation site)
“The Heights” will stand approximately 41 feet high. With its multi-faceted open design and architectural abstractions, “The Heights”, fabricated in Corten steel, portrays a partial representation of the Elia Public School, which once stood on the northeast corner of Keele Street and Finch Avenue West (from 1873 to 1956) and was later demolished to make way for future development. Representing the journey, a transition through time, and drawing its inspiration from the history of the one-room schoolhouse, the innovative architectural design tells the story of the transformation of the Keele and Finch neighbourhood - from its semi-rural past to an industrial hub and future expanding urban centre. The dynamics of the design are intended to derive a variety of aesthetic expressions and provoke the thoughts and imaginations of the viewers about connecting people, their sense of place, and their adaptability to change.
“This sculpture is about the relationship between time and memory. It reflects on the role of history in providing a guiding light that illuminates a path forward into the uncertain future”- Brandon Vickerd, the Artist.
Dr. Lew Pliamm, Chair of the DUKE Heights BIA is proud of this contribution to Toronto’s art environment. “We have created a visually compelling landmark with a strong vertical presence that complements the dynamic intersection at Keele St. and Finch Ave W. The Heights will become a symbolic icon and gateway into our BIA.”
Those travelling through this intersection will see the artwork being installed but please drive (or walk by) with safety in mind.
For All Media/ Public Inquiries:
• Lew Pliamm, Chair, DUKE Heights BIA
Phone: 416-904-8717; Email: lew@dukeheights.ca
• Brandon Vickerd
Email: bvickerd@hotmail.com; Website: brandonvickerd.com
The DUKE Heights BIA, created in 2014, is one of the 85 BIAs in the City of Toronto, the second largest BIA in the GTA as surface area, representing 2,500 businesses that employ over 32,000 employees. The DUKE Heights BIA represents the geographical area between Keele Street to Dufferin Street, and Sheppard Avenue to Steeles Avenue. The DUKE Heights BIA mandate is to improve the area through beautification, capital improvements, branding, and streetscape development; provide support, and security, advocate on behalf of the interests of the BIA business community and promote the area as a business, employment, tourist, and shopping area. For more information about DUKE Heights BIA, please visit dukeheights.ca.
Brandon Vickers is an award-winning sculptor with extensive experience working on complex, interdisciplinary public art projects. His practice is invested in creating works of public art that generate a sense of wonder and awe in audiences. Also, a Professor of Visual Arts at York University, who works with notions of History and Community, he is captivated by the complex relationships humans have with their environment. Through “The Heights”, he explores this dichotomy by creating a “constructed history” where the audience can reflect on the physical, social, and economic changes in one of Toronto's most rapidly evolving areas.
Scan this code to complete The Jeremiah Project Survey
In Maya Angelou’s famous poem, “Human Family,” she talks about the diverse world we live in. It is an inspiring work that ends with these words:
I note the obvious differences
between each sort and type,
but we are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
We are more alike, my friends,
than we are unalike.
The Jeremiah Project is an anonymous survey based initiative that seeks to identify some of these ways we are more alike than unalike. Instead of spotlighting the things that divide us (race, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, religious orientation), The Jeremiah Project puts the spotlight on the things that unite us (from major things like hopes and dreams or family to minor things like what keeps us awake at night, how we process important conversations, like our favourite ice cream).
You can help. You can join this important new conversation. You are invited to scan this QR code and take 20 minutes to fill out The Jeremiah Project Survey. Your voice is important. Your input is valuable. Your voice will make a difference.
We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike
Let’s find out how.