Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Celebration

Perhaps Christmas Is About Something More, Perhaps Staying Warm

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 04:58:13 +0000

Perhaps Christmas is about something more, perhaps it is about staying warm. Never in my life I have seen such a destructive beauty. We have been covered with ice. Every tree in Aurora looks like a crystal tree. Millions of icicles hanging off the roofs. Fallen trees. This is all for the eyes, and for the ears the crackling noises when the wind blows.

Ice Storm 2013, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Since Saturday Aurora is covered in ice. Many had power outages and some still don’t have it restored. Perhaps Christmas this year is about something more. It is about staying warm.

We don’t realize how much we rely on the electricity, not until there is none.

Ice Storm 2013, Town of Aurora, Ontario

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” ~ Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Ice Storm 2013, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Today sun came out but because it was so cold even in the sun ice would not budge off the trees. Branches are covered at least with one centimeter of ice. With small wind and the weight of the ice the dry and brittle branches are at risk.

We have tree on the back that is still standing. But it did creep down about one foot down over night with the second rain. Luckily branches are more flexible and holding on strong. But there is something more, observe closely, ice in some instances is the one that is holding branches up.

Ice Storm 2013, Town of Aurora, Ontario

This years Christmas is definitely a memory keep sake. We all will remember the ice storm and those who lost power will remember even more.

Ice Storm 2013, Town of Aurora, Ontario

So what’s happening here on my blog except the wicked ice storm and iced Aurora. Not much still going strong but things are changing around me just like Aurora is. Buildings going down and buildings going up.

Ice Storm 2013, Town of Aurora, Ontario

This blog is my journey with Matthew and Matthew is not a baby or a toddler anymore. He is a boy who talks and thinks a lot.

This is one of our conversations just in time for the Boxing day.

While I was making breakfast this morning Matthew was studying 2013 calendar.
‘Hey Mom’ – Matthew came to the kitchen and got my attention.
‘Yes’ – I replied.
‘Did you know that we can box on December 26th’ – he stated and put his two fists up.

Have yourself a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy your time with family and friends because it’s precious. Perhaps Christmas is about something more.

Ice Storm 2013, Town of Aurora, Ontario

celebrate Aurora Music Festival 2013, On Stage Activity

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 04:23:08 +0000

I was out of town for the first part of the celebrate Aurora Music Festival and I am glad that I came back for the second half. I had great time photographing musicians during Dance in the Park event back in July; and no regret that I rushed home for the celebrate Aurora music festival. I was visiting St. Jacob’s and I will talk about St. Jacob’s community some other time.

Lots of good practice photographing musicians and I am still challenged by the low light environment and the performers movement.

celebrate Aurora Music Festival, Audience

I heard, from someone who heard, that Friday attendance was good and that the park was filled. Saturday and Sunday unfortunately rained. Not just rained but poured. When scheduling an event in the open the organizers cannot guarantee the weather – there is always hope that the day will be a sunny day; and it was definitely not a sunny day for that weekend.

I stayed home for the rain, and I got my equipment a bit wet in the rain few times during the performance.

celebrate Aurora Music Festival; Audience

However, I am amazed how much talent there is in the field of performing arts and how many great musicians are out there. I am so glad to expand now in this area. I have posted many celebrate Aurora Music Festival albums on my Facebook as it was easier to put them into galleries. Feel free to follow or be my friend if you wish to see them.

celebrate Aurora Music Festival; Dancers

Amazing talent in Aurora. Farley Flex did great entertaining the crowds who showed up to support artists. All young dancers had fun with Miles Faber who led the local dance competition. I was lucky to get his dance on the video as well. Yes video which I may showcase some other time once I set myself up for video editing.

Overall habachat Aurora did great job organizing the event in the short period of time. Unfortunately attendance was low but not bad for the first time. However, I rather see that the festival has slower growth and not a fast growth set for tilting or falling over. The biggest challenge is always how to attract the audience.

celebrate Aurora Music Festival; Opportunity Breakdown

And now about the performers. Every single one I photographed rocked the stage. Great established musicians, local bands and great local talent was showcased that weekend.

Matina Z; celebrate Aurora Music Festival

Bernadette Connors-Power; celebrate Aurora Music Festival

The last performance at the Town Park on Sunday was by the band called CRUSH: The Best of Bon Jovi Tribute Band. Like I said, I had lots of practice photographing musicians and still very much challenged by the low light environment and the performers movement but I was satisfied with overall outcome. Great weekend and hope to see the event back next year.

celebrate Aurora; CRUSH: The Best of Bon Jovi

Lighthouse Band Performance at the Aurora Town Park, To Young to Know

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 03:50:36 +0000

Lighthouse band rocked grounds of the Town Park on Sunday June 30th, 2013. It was the last band to play at the Music/Dance in the Park event in commemoration of the Town of Aurora’s 150th Birthday.

I was there in the front line. Not that I sneaked to be in front line because I had the photo gear; I arrived early to get the spot.

Lighthouse Band, Dan Clancy & Don Paulton, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Lighthouse Band, Ralph Cole, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

The show was spectacular. Prior the show I asked few I met – do you know Lighthouse? The common reply was ‘you are too young to know them‘. Perhaps I am too young to know them but I do know few of their songs. The Sunny Days and Pretty Lady are and still are my favorite ones. And now my dots are connected.

I am glad that I did make the time to attend.

Lighthouse Band, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Lighthouse Band, Don Paulton, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

I have seen small live performances there and there, so the last Sunday was a real treat for me. First beautiful sunny hot weather to photograph The Bloody Five, littleSUNDAY and Blackdog Ballroom. Then later in the day with good evening light I photographed Glenn Marais, and The Domino Showband with our Aurora own Brian Larter.

Oops I just remembered something about live performances, if that counts of course, I did see Phantom of the Opera about 18 years ago.

Lighthouse Band, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

The Music in the Park was concluded with great performance by the Lighthouse band. Loved the solo instrumental performances.

Lighthouse Band, Paul Hoffert, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Lighthouse Band, Steve Kennedy, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

I am always intrigued by new things I experience. Not that I do not know music, of course I know music. Perhaps watching bands performing live that day gave me totally a new perspective how I will look at the music from now on.

I was intrigued by the originality of each playing band that day. I think I just found new venues in my photographic journey, and it is always more fun photographing when the music plays.

Lighthouse Band, Skip Prokop, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

I like all kinds of music. I grew up with 80s music when I was a teenager. I was listening lot of music then. Now days it is hard to keep up, with all the songs being recorded. Seeing Lighthouse felt like going back in time.

Lighthouse Band, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Yes I put my camera to real work that day and I was happy with the results. I did take lot of photos and discarded many. Once I shoot I don’t like stopping, as time progresses light changes, music changes, performance change – every moment is different and I don’t take those moments for granted. Digital photography was one of the best inventions.

Check out my Facebook wall for more photos from that day: Glenn Marais, The Domino Showband and of course Lighthouse band.

The Tug of War, The Team Work & The Spirit of Aurora Celebrating 150th Birthday, Mayor’s Levee

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:21:00 +0000

No I didn’t forget. I have lot more to showcase, that is more pictures of the Mayor’s Levee from February 3rd, 2013 at the Town Park. Again, I probably took too many pictures, but how can I not. Everyone had great time children and adults, and volunteers.

I didn’t realize until after I processed these photos and how much these pictures show our community spirit, team work and fun. No doubt the attendance was low that day, but that does not mean much, as long those who organized and attended felt good about it. We were frozen to the bones when leaving, but before that everyone had fun.

So the gallery of photos showcases Tug of War that was set up for children. At some point adults took over.

You may ask who won on the end – they all were winners.

On the side note, there is lot of activity going on in our community now. I think year 2013 is not just Sesquicentennial year, but year of change and it will be all about the people in our community and how we will shape our community moving forward. Many may not like it, but accepting change is way to go.

Today, coincidentally, I came across Bill Hogg’s blog post about ‘Essential Elements When Framing Organizational Change‘. It is a post worth reading. Nothing really is new to me as I worked for corporate world before where changes happened all the time, and if you didn’t accept you didn’t fit. Resisting change is not very healthy, that much I can tell you

Well this concept does not apply just for organization – it applies for communities as well. Bringing more innovative ideas to the table is the key. Community involvement is another. The barriers must go down, otherwise, new ideas will flourish and those who resist change will not survive.

Town of Aurora Official Town Crier, John Webster, Never Too Late To Learn

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:29:34 +0000

John Webster, Town of Aurora Town Crier and his wife Mary arrived for the Sesquicentennial Mayor’s Levee on February 3rd, 2013 at the Town Park.

I photographed them last year during July 1st, 2012 Canada Day parade – Aurora Celebrates Canada Day, Yonge Street Parade Snapshots, Part II. Then I missed them during Santa Clause parade, it was too dark; and here they are again.

John Webster, Town Crier, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Well, stupid question or not, I had to ask. Cllr John Abel filled me on the all the details. Looks like I asked the right person too because Cllr John Abel on February 14th, 2012 put a motion forward to nominate John Webster to be our official Town of Aurora Town Crier.

Town of Aurora Council approved and on February 28, 2012 Town of Aurora appointed John Webster to be the Official Town Crier of the Town of Aurora. His function is to make public announcements at official events, and we all know now how it is done.

Sometimes I wonder how little I know about this town. Blogging helps, participating helps and asking helps.

John Webster with His Wife Mary, Town Crier, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Why John Webster then? John Webster is professional Town Crier, not sure how current information on the net is, but he is also official Town Crier for the Town of Markham and of the Town of East Gwillimbury. Mary Webster is the Official Wife of the Town Crier, John Webster. If you want to learn more here is interesting reading for you to absorb – read more.

John Webster also has deep roots here in Aurora. John Webster’s Great Grandfather, John Webster (same name) was a ship’s carpenter in the Royal Navy and when he retired he received a gift in the form of land in the New World. That land was later called Aurora. His grandfather and his father grew up in Aurora.

John Webster, Sesquicentennial Mayor’s Levee, Town Park

We also have Webster Drive to honour the Webster Family.

I hope you enjoyed this short Sesquicentennial history lesson and for sure in the future you will be seeing more of John & Mary Webster on my photographs.

These are pictures I have taken during the Mayor’s Levee on February 3rd, 2013 and believe or not with their elaborate outfits, John and Mary brighten lot of my pictures.

Town Crier John Webster, Mayor Dawe, Tug-O-War Beginning

Town Crier John Webster, Tug-O-War Cry, Town Park

Town Crier John Webster, Tug-O-War, Almost Won

Aurora ‘s Santa Under The Stars Parade And How The Grinch Stole The Christmas Parade

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 04:59:41 +0000

Looks like Santa arrived from the North Pole this morning and brought snow with him and some cold. And then Dr. Seuss’s Grinch stole the parade.

I think Grinch stole the parade this year …

I enjoyed last year parade, but this year I was able to capture exceptional moments. Despite the cold and windy, the parade was filled with Aurorans.

I am not sure if I am a big fan of the decorations presented during the parade, but I am big fan of the participants. The people’s faces and expressions who participated in the parade – were priceless.

Santa Under The Stars Parade, Aurora

Unless I missed some, I did see over four live Grinch appearances throughout the parade and few un-live – on pictures. No offence to Santa who didn’t age at all or look any different this year, definitely Grinch took over and was my favorite.

I was also surprised of all the different mascots out there today. Even Mr. Peanut showed up, but he was moving too much and gotten no pictures of him.

Unless I didn’t look down during the last year’s parade, many dogs participated in this year’s parade 2012. It was interesting to see many many dogs. They were nicely dressed up for the occasion and did very well.

Unless I missed something, we had beautiful horses pulling wagons. Every once in a while the horses were bowing which was neat thing to watch.

Santa Under Stars Parade, Salvation Army Singer

Unless I missed them zooming by me last year, we had many many dancers. I am still practicing, night or low light photography, but dancing activity in the low light is still hard for me to capture.

It is always nice to see children. They were everywhere – dancing, singing, performing gymnastics, held by parents. It was a site to see.

Santa Under Stars Parade, Aurora

It was so hard to reduce the amount of photos I wanted to display. This is probably the biggest gallery posted here yet. I really enjoyed photographing the Aurora’s Santa Under the Stars Parade, 2012.

I probably would have much bigger gallery but I was really cold and shaking in the low light didn’t help. I never knew that frost bite can hurt so much. I know it wasn’t that cold, but holding metal camera wasn’t helping. After all I am happy with the results.

Enjoy.

July 1st Canada Day Celebration In Aurora, Faces That Shaped This Year’s Parade

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 03:41:33 +0000

I think every face shaped Aurora’s Canada Day celebrations on July 1st, 2012, those in the parade and those in the audiance. If I could capture every face and every expression and the feeling of each person, I would – ‘the spirit, the patriotism and the smiles‘.

Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

The clear blue sky, perfect light and the beautiful downtown facade were only few elements letting me capture the moment. I think on that day I have captured the spirit of all proud Aurorans, and most of all proud Canadians.

Unfortunately this will be the last post of 2012 parade because I could go on and on. However I am looking forward for next year’s celebrations which will be even more special.

Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Perhaps one more thing. On June 12, 2012 during the council meeting Councillor Evelyn Buck gave intriguing speech reflecting on the success of the historical Canada Day Celebrations of 1963 (Aurora’s 100 year anniversary) and 1967 (Canada’s 100 year anniversary).

This speech was to encourage public participation, or more so people of Aurora to participate and to organize the next year’s (2013) party for 150 years of Aurora. We compiled Councillor Buck’s speech into a post which you can read on our community FOCUS site – Councillor Evelyn Buck Remembers Canada Day Celebrations in Aurora.

That and many other things gave me an idea to start people’s history page on the community FOCUS site. I think it will be nice to have something that is written by people of Aurora or former Auroran’s remembering our town.

Historian will give you facts and people will give you their experiences. These experiences will be gone if not recorded. I encourage you to participate and share your stories. A story is not a story if not shared and I bet many of us have them.

Evelyn Buck with her daughter Teresa, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Councillor Paul Pirri, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

2012 Aurora Citizen of the Year Brian North, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Jan Freedman Aurora Farmer’s Market, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Mountie, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Theater, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Shriner’s Float, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Aurora Celebrates Canada Day, Yonge Street Parade Snapshots, Part II

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:37:36 +0000

This is another set of photos from the Canada Day parade on July 1st, 2012. I was sitting right at the intersection of Yonge Street and Church Street, near Aurora Public Library. The view was spectacular especially having downtown Aurora as a background.

July 1st, 2012 Canada Parade, Town of Aurora

I don’t know what we will do for the next years parade, especially because it will be 150 years of our town. Look at the decor and spirit it is already to the maximum. Our town always strive to be the best and I am sure we will do the same next year as well.

For those who do not follow the history here is small trivia question for you – next year it will be 150 years of Aurora but only 146 years of Canada. How is that possible?

July 1st, 2012 Canada Parade, Town of Aurora

“Whether we live together in confidence and cohesion; with more faith and pride in ourselves and less self-doubt and hesitation; strong in the conviction that the destiny of Canada is to unite, not divide; sharing in cooperation, not in separation or in conflict; respecting our past and welcoming our future.” ~ Lester B. Pearson

Let say I am not done yet. I have captured some nice parade moments and I will be sharing more in the next post. Happy Canada Day!

Aurora Celebrates Canada Day, Yonge Street Parade Snapshots, Part I

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 04:35:40 +0000

For the parade we settled in front of the Aurora Public Library. We arrived after eleven o’clock just in time for the parade arrival at that point. It was our first time so we did not know what to expect. The parade exceeded our expectations and we will be definitely back next year.

July 1sth, 2012 Canada Day Parade, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora

‘Our participation in Celebrate Canada activities brings us together, strengthens our communities, and helps us understand the significance of the citizenship we all share.‘
Source: Canadian Heritage

‘This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017. As we move toward this important milestone, I invite all Canadians to make the most of this day by celebrating our identity, our values, and our history among family and friends. Let us be proud of all our achievements, which attest to our country’s glorious past and hold the promise of a bright future.‘
Source: Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of Canada Day

I heard train all day on July 1st and little did I know. As part of a weekend service pilot, GO Transit will be running six southbound trains to Union Station and six northbound trains each Saturday and Sunday (plus holidays) from June 23 to September 3 on its Barrie line.

Aha, that explains train whistle in the morning, train whistle in the afternoon and train whistle at night.

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Canada Day Parade July 1st, 2012

Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day July 1st, 2012 Town of Aurora Celebration, Aurora’s Young Canadians

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 04:00:03 +0000

There is first time for everything and this year was our first attending the July 1st Canada Day parade in Aurora. Everything worked out great – the parking, the spot, and getting there on time to see the beginning of the red-white, truly Canadian decorated parade.

Beautifully decorated moving displays. Happy Canada shouts and waves to the crowd. But that was not it, it was the spirit of the people celebrating the Canada Day in Aurora.

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012

I took zillion of pictures. It will be impossible for me to include them in one post here, therefore this week I will have the Canada Day special – series of various topic posts and of course celebration images to share.

Note, if you see a photo of someone you know or of yourself, by all means you can have 4×6/5×7 digital copy for personal use and if used on other website name credit is appreciated. Just drop me a comment or see contact page for my email address.

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012

It was amazing to see children and youth be involved in the parade. It was amazing to see lot of families with children attending and celebrating. Therefore, this post is dedicated to the Aurora’s young Canadians.

Look at those picture. Not hard to notice how greatly young Auroran’s engaged in this year’s celebration. The faces on the photos show it all – smiles, discipline, motivation, dedication, respect.

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012

Well this give me an opportunity to talk about youth’s engagement in Canadian history, politics and environment. I came across few articles and websites on the internet worth reviewing. I wasn’t even aware of so many things that are available for young Canadians.

Let start with Forum for young Canadians: ‘Forum for Young Canadians, now in its 37th year, is an annual series of one-week sessions held in the fall and spring. Each year, a total of 315 young Canadians aged 15 to 19 come to Parliament Hill to experience first-hand how the Government of Canada works. Canadian Heritage is investing more than $80 million each year in youth programming to allow more than 100,000 youth across Canada to learn about their country.‘
Source: Harper Government Invests in Canada’s Youth: Forum for Young Canadians.

Then there is the initiative connecting Young Canadians to nature and history. Nature Canada and the Historica-Dominion Institute, Parks Canada initiative of the My Parks Pass which grants Grade 8 / Secondary 2 Canadian students free access for one full year to any of Parks Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

“The My Parks Pass program has reached over 400,000 young Canadians each year and I have had the chance to personally see the sparkle in their eyes as they get, in many cases, a first glimpse of Canada’s most treasured natural and historic places,” said the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “Canada’s future lies in the hands of its young people, and I’m proud to be giving them an opportunity to experience and develop a meaningful connection to the very essence of Canada.“
Source: Government of Canada Connecting Young Canadians to Nature and History.

Government Canada also has a very resourceful site for Youth Canada – jobs, careers, education, money, health and more. And of course there is a blog and Derek is the author.

Great opportunities for young Canadians everywhere and I would like to introduce one more initiative I am starting, Aurora-Youth-Writes. The community FOCUS (livinginaurora.COM) platform is for everyone; however, we would like to invite the Aurora youth to participate as well.

Topics are endless – politics, history, art, music, sports or environment. You can write opinions or views, stories, or publish poems, and may be initiate discussions. Excellent opportunity to create live writing portfolio. Excellent opportunity for us adults to hear young Auroran’s voice.

Summer vacations are now in effect but I will be approaching schools and organizations to promote Aurora youth to write. Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining this initiative please write me. Note that all the posts and comments on the community FOCUS site are moderated

Happy Canada Day!

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012