By Richard MartinsThe Black Creek Community Farm opened its gates to the community for a fun filled day for the whole family.The purpose of the family farm day, held May 24 was to educate the community on the value of growing healthy, sustainable food.Lead by Everdale a farm-based charity, the farm was open to all local Jane-Finch residents to learn about the farm.“The farm is here to offer organic produce as a healthier alternative to fast foods, and to educate locals on the farming process,” said Leticia Boahen, the farm's community coordinator.Education was an important theme as enthusiastic staff members Aabir Doy and Alex Redfield helped participants to interact with the land responsibly by tending to the crops.Children and adults were encouraged to plant seeds, plough the soil and to ask any questions they may have had about the gardening process.Teaching residents gardening skills was an important task to fulfil by staff, a mission which Sheri Alcordo, a teacher Driftwood public school said she agreed with.“The farm imparts children with knowledge on health, stewardship skills, forming relationships and being inclusive," Alcordo said.Afterwards, local participants were provided with a tour of the farm.The farm's mission is to grow healthy, affordable produce right in the neighbourhood. The Black Creek Community Farm grows everything from tomatoes, long beans, chick peas and lentils, to South Asian and Caribbean crops like okra, callaloo and bok choy. Local residents will also get a 30 per cent discount on all vegetables grown at the farm.Locals who visited the farm were exuberant to participate in the gardening process and found the farm to be a positive experience. Sharon Braganza, a local participant, found the farm to be a joyous event.She said, “Black Creek Farm will benefit the children primarily, due to education on eating healthy, teaching kids there is more than technology and how to be hands on with nature,” said Sharon Braganza, a Jane-Finch resident.Anan Lololi the executive director of Afri-Can FoodBasket, one of the events' sponsors said the Black Creek Community Farm provides a great service to the community.“Urban farms are a benefit to the community as a large quantity of produce are available in their local area, which the whole city can be proud of," Lololi said.Staff of the farm, located at 4929 Jane St., encourage community members to visit from Monday to Saturday and to attend the Harvest Festival on June 26.For more information visit the farm's website at www.everdale.org/blackcreek, or call 416-393-6381.

In 2013, journalists told us a lot of uncomfortable stories about the mayor of our city.The media faced criticism for reporting on a video that couldn’t be found, and for making allegations which had not yet been proven in court. And yet, without the pressure from reporters, police might never have released the evidence that prompted city council to withdraw most of the mayor’s power.Sometimes, reflecting and shaping reality are one and the same.As we launch this first edition of the Downsview Advocate, we seek to reflect and shape the life of our community. How many of us voted for Ford? How many of us will vote for him again? How many of us knew the TDSB tried to sell off the soccer field at Elia Middle School? How many of us signed the petition to save it?Reality is always multi-faceted. For some, Downsview is a place with a reputation for violent crime and low voter turnout. For others, it represents a pioneering community of longstanding immigration, hard won successes, and vibrant development. What is it for you? A place you live because you can’t afford prices elsewhere or because you’re proud to look down on the city from its highest point?Downsview got its name from its height, and its unique perspective on the cityscape. The Downsview Advocate seeks to offer readers a unique perspective on the life of their community, and to become a catalyst for social change and forward movement. We hope you’ll enjoy this first edition, and we hope you’ll become a part of reflecting and shaping Downsview.The Downsview Advocate is your newspaper. Please write to us at: info@downsviewadvocate.caSend us your letter to the editor, promote your community event, publicize your business. Together, let’s help make Downsview a place we all can be proud of.By Tanya Chute Molina