Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Children

Playground At The Copland Park, Age Has No Limits

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:38:03 +0000

Playground at the Copland Park probably has the highest slide, double turn, in the whole Aurora; unless someone will tell me there are others. Today we arrived just before noon. As we were coming down the hill towards the playground I noticed an older man sitting on the end of the slide. He just appeared.

Playground at the Copland Park

I turned to my husband and said, “I think this guy just went down the slide“. Before he could answer me one of his granddaughters asked the man probably in his late sixties the same thing “did you just went down the slide?“. We didn’t hear the answer but his second granddaughter asked “did you hurt your bum?“. Looks like he did go down the slide then.

Perhaps he was tempted to try this dare-devil slide and he didn’t hold back. When I was growing up these slides didn’t exist, just the straight down metal ones. May be when this man was growing up there were none.

Playground at the Copland Park

Most of our visits to the Copland Park are interesting one and this one was too. Matthew made friends with a little boy. They played very well together and when we asked Matthew that it was time to go home, the tree year old Mason said “you mom and you dad go home, Matthew will be playing with me“. But that didn’t sit well with Matthew. We allowed them to play for another 10 minutes. The two boys had a blast.

This is another super hero story. It is amazing how children engage to play so fast when they have somethings in common. Matthew brought his Man of Steel figurine and little Mason had Superman shirt on. Both of them played so well from the moment Matthew said to him “I love your Superman shirt“. They may not see each other again but they hugged like best friends.

Will You Remember Playing Broomball On February 3rd, 2013, The Mayor’s Levee At The Town Park

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:08:20 +0000

It was nice to see children attending the Mayor’s Levee on Sunday February 3rd, 2013 at the Town Park. It was cold, but not for them. We adults didn’t figure out yet that we are living in Canada and we can wear snowsuits or long-johns as well.

So my collection and journey does not ends here with this post yet. Couple more posts maybe. I know despite the cold weather my clicking finger was working perfectly.

In fifty years, that is 2063, the little people running and playing during this historic event will not be so little. They will be adults and due to their age may not even remember. They may not even live in the town anymore.

There were many activities for children to have fun, broom-ball, wagon rides, skating and tug of war. Many came to find out if they won the Aurora 150 flag design contest. The official Aurora 150 flag was unveiled later during the candle lighting ceremony. The Sesquicentennial Ad Hoc Committee chose Victoria Harris’ flag design.

It was temporarily displayed at the Town Park and it can be seen at the Town Hall for the rest of the year. Everything was happening so fast, ouch, I missed Victoria’s photo shoot. Well, many people had cameras including the photographers that worked for the Town took many pictures, I am sure they got that one.

You may ask, what is next? Well, ceremony and departure, and that will conclude what I wanted to share with you for this historic event.

Winter Is Finally Here In Aurora, Some Snow Probably To Melt Soon

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 22:35:35 +0000

We got lot of snow in the past 24 hours in Aurora. I have not left anywhere else so I cannot comment on other places. I checked weather forecast too and for the next week – looks like it is warming up. But today it was a beautiful sunny day to enjoy outside.

Going Down Hill, Hamilton Park, Town of Aurora

When we were outside I noticed that the snow exposed to the sun started to melt, but that was not enough sun to melt the almost one meter piles of snow in front of houses on our street. Lots of snow and lots of sun – two things good to have to play in the snow.

Matthew Making Snow Angels, Hamilton Park, Town of Aurora

We went tobogganing there was a lot of snow on the soccer field at the Hamilton Park, but it was manageable to walk across. Kids already were playing there, and probably there were more earlier as there were tracks left behind.

Going Down Hill, Hamilton Park, Town of Aurora

Something about the children and the snow. When Matthew came out the house, first thing he did was dived (real dive too) for the pile of snow, not even thinking of consequences. He got white snow all over his face, cleaned up and dived for another pile. Then he started to inspect bottom of the cars for icicles.

Hamilton Park, Children Playing in the Snow, Town of Aurora

On the field we had hard time to get him on the toboggan, every second we turned away from him – he was already rolling in the snow. We helped him to make a snow angel, and by looking at the print afterward, not sure what it was.

He saw four girls playing in the snow nearby and started to do the same – rolling more in the snow. Well, we did the same when we were growing up too. The beauty about the snow is that it does not get you dirty, just wet.

Children Playing in the Snow, Hamilton Park, Town of Aurora

Well not sure about other children, but when I picked up Matthew from school last Thursday, who knows what he was rolling in. There was mud on him everywhere, the hat, the jacket, the snow pants and the face.

You just got to love them for their free spirit, but I hope there will be little less of that free spirit next week when it will be ‘splashy’ and wet.

Morning Down Warming Up In The Sun, Hamilton Park Hydro Lines, Town of Aurora

What Is That On The Back Of The Town of Aurora Truck, No Not The Grinch?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:33:38 +0000

While writing his letter to Sanata, Matthew noticed a white truck outside our window. It was the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Town of Aurora truck. They were cleaning leaves from the blocked manhole covers.

I must admit that this year our street residents didn’t do a good cleaning tree leaves job. Well, these guys came in and did it for us. I wonder if they know something, that is, more snow coming. However, I do know that it will be warming up next week and weatherman is forecasting more rain.

Infrastructure & Environmental Services, Town of Aurora Truck

I explained to Matthew what the two Aurora man were doing. I looked closer and closer and I saw something green on the back. Glad I had my camera handy. Just before they left I was able to snap two photos so I can analyze later.

I still cannot figure out what it is. Some kind of mascot on the back of their truck. I thought it might have been the Grinch from the Christmas parade, but no nothing close. May be an octopus, a green lion, a frog – who knows. Oh well I thought that was interesting snap to share.

So I mentioned above Matthew writing a letter to Santa. Last year when Matthew was 3.5 years old we only managed to draw a picture of his gift in the letter to Santa. We never sent it. When I gave Matthew his gift (yes I dressed up as Santa), I ensured that I acknowledged that I received the letter.

Matthew’s Letter to Santa, North Pole, Aurora

This year when Matthew is 4.5 years old he is able to write one. I helped him with spelling and I tried to come up with something short and sweet. There was fuss, and ifs and buts but he was able to accomplish the mission. We addressed to Santa, North Pole; put a stamp and mailed it. Let see what will happen next.

We also decided to do something different with the Christmas tree. This year the theme is Lind chocolate Christmas tree. We bought a box of Lind chocolates on sale at Costco and I hanged them on the tree. This will be a good test to test Matthew’s patience and cravings. Matthew loves chocolate. At some point we had an internal joke that he was choco-holic, but then so is my husband.

The test is working so far. But I did find Matthew hanging around the tree, starring at the chocolates, and sometimes playing with them. The rule is that he has to finish his Advent Calendar first and after Christmas we will be able to eat the treats from the tree.

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.

Interesting Visit To The Aurora Public Library, Mario & Luigi Came Along

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:24:45 +0000

I thought I make this a bit up close and personal post, but then most of my posts usually are. Well three months passed and Matthew is still adjusting to school, his first year in Junior Kindergarten. We have good mornings and we have mornings that he will not want to go school.

But the teacher tells me that he has lots of fun in school, participates and eats well. He is starting to interact more socially. Its funny to hear him, ‘we boys played together today, and girls were not allowed in our area‘. Matthew always enjoyed interacting and conversing with other children and when he went to school I noticed he had a bit trouble finding a friend to play with. Last Tuesday he surprised me, ‘Mommy Andrei is my best friend again, we played restaurant together, and we had so so much fun.’ Perhaps that is what he needs.

Children use their imaginations and create their own play scenarios, and Matthew starting to do so. He recently became good friends with Mario and Luigi (Nintendo characters). He always was friends with Mario, but this is first time where he actually converses with both of them.

Inside the Aurora Public Library, Second Floor

Last Wednesday we visited the Aurora Public Library. Matthew did not resist because he wanted to show the library to his new friends. We were on the way out but in the last minute he had to go washroom. While waiting I overheard his conversation. Yes he brought them inside the washroom. ‘Oh Mario and Luigi I cannot pick you up yet, I have to wash my hands‘.

Matthew at the Aurora Public Library

While we were driving to the library he was showing Mario and Luigi all the things outside – trees, cars, Arboretum. We took Wellington Street and turned on Wells Street. While passing by the Town Park Matthew goes, ‘and here is Aurora Farmer’s Market, oh and it is closed now‘.

Then we got to the library. He was holding Mario and Luigi at the entrance and quietly said Hi on behalf of them to the librarian. I think he was a bit shy of his pretend toy friends.

So we went up stairs. Since the last episode of going unexpectedly to the library basement, Matthew enjoys now walking up and down the stairs. Sometimes we look down on the mechanical parts when the elevator is above us on the second floor.

That day most of his time Matthew spent playing children programs on the computer and he was holding Mario and Luigi in his hand as they were watching him playing.

Mario and Luigi Visiting Aurora Public Library

When children have imagination we just have to go with it. Sometimes I get so much resistance to go on the adventures in Aurora. JK is is big change for him and he often says ‘oh it is so nice to be home, can we stay home today?‘ or ‘I am so tired today‘. But that day was different, he had new friends coming with him.

Aurora Public Library, Second Floor Gallery

So what’s new at the Aurora Public Library. Well the gallery showcase on the second floor Tobermory Remembered: Landscape photography by Simeon Posen is new. More happy watching as APL recently changed its policy regarding DVD renewals. DVDs can now be renewed twice as long as they are not on hold. Something we always asked for.

May be just one more thing – important updates from the community FOCUS site. Our Aurora related content is slowly growing. The Town Politics and Lifestyle section is dominating, and we have few regular contributors Matt Maddocks, John Abel and Andrew Fogliato. Traffic is picking up and sometimes we get nice traffic spikes depending on the issues that come up in the town. We have few Aurora Directory submissions in the works.

We also have few focus page proposals in the works as well. We did in fact submitted proposal to the Sesquicentennial Ad Hoc Committee (SAC) to have a focus/landing page for the 150th Anniversary of Aurora for all the related content and events for absolutely free. Unfortunately our offer was declined because Town chooses potentially to pay $25,000 for the domain name, hosting and site design. The truth is even if the town designs their own site it does not have to cost that much.

Oh well so much for the community involvement, sounds like controlled one, but this will not stop us to continue with the anniversary focus page proposal. Stay tuned.

Haunted Forest & The Amazing Performances

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 01:30:18 +0000

The haunted forest at the Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area turned out to be successful. It was raining all day and just around the five o’clock it stopped. Just in time for the scary night in Aurora or Fright Night 2012.

15 Pumpkins, Fright Night 2012, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Some artistic displays of pumpkins all around – the above is my favorite one.

Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

This was our first time to attend the event and first time at the Sheppard’s Bush at night as well. We only did the little goblin trail. The trail was wet from all the rain but manageable. Not bad at all after all this rain.

Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

I was amazed by the some of the performances. My favorite one was the lady wizard in the booth. You could almost miss her because booth wasn’t lit up, just a bit inside. She sounded scary and mystical and amazing at the same time – so real like in the movie.

Other kids did as well great job acting and creating not so scary environment for smaller children or let say goblins.

Haunted Forest Performers, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

So Matthew was the Iron Man. I am surprised that there weren’t that many superheros around, but everyone knew the Iron Man.

At one point little Charlie from the movie ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory‘ called out to Matthew – ‘I heard that Iron Man likes chocolate‘. Matthew replied with the deep voice ‘yes‘ – and of course walked away trying to stay cool.

Iron Man in the Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Well not just the rain stopped but the sky partially cleared out to show the moon. It would have been nice night and moon showcase during the haunted forest if it was a clear night, but even that I think it was a cool and spooky shot at the same time.

Moon Above Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

The bonfire was fun to stand beside especially when it was a bit chilly especially because it was wet and wet and wet. A man came in stood in front of the fire a bit, then turn around and stood for a bit again. I think he was drying his bottoms. Next time I try that too.

So I took few photos of the fire. I think it formed a ghost in my picture. Can you see one? Look carefully, look for the eyes.

Bonfire at the Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

We almost cancelled our trip to the haunted forest because of the weather. But then why not it is only mud, and cannot be any worst than Matthew’s trip to the farm on the rainy day last Tuesday. Children had mud party. It is amazing to see that you show them a goat or a chicken to observe, no they will choose to jump in the mud.

Good Bye Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Well done. Our trip lasted only forty minutes and enough to get cold and head out home. On the side note, it was scary night at the Sheppard’s Bush not just for little goblins but I am sure for all the wildlife as well.

Haunted Forest, Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area

Trees Mural By All The Wells Street Children

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:46:38 +0000

Drawings, sketches, paintings, coloring-s – and they are all trees. The following captures are captures of the big giant tree assembly on the wall inside the former Wells Street Public School. I don’t have all the details but at some point children were asked to draw trees that were going to be displayed on the wall. Most likely they are trees from Aurora – or are they?

Not sure if the display is still in place or was removed. I fill you on more details soon as I find out. However, I would love to here more about this tree project if anyone cares to share more details from the past. Or even better – may be one day a blog passer will recognize something familiar.

I enjoy art. I am not stack on one style. I like many and there are some I am not fond of as a whole but elements of it. So one of my favorite art styles is children’s art. Its honest, innocent, intriguing, imaginative, and sometimes full of emotions.

If you like analysis then let me tell you what you will see below – trees with green leaves, yellow leaves, no leaves, evergreen trees, trees with fruit, trees with flowers, trees with a hole, coconut trees (nice imagination), trees with tire swings, trees with bird houses, trees with tree houses, blue trees, grey trees.

Then there are single trees, bunch of trees, and sometimes a forest. Trees surrounded by houses, playing children and flying birds. Trees at night and trees during the day, and trees during a summer, fall, winter or spring, and trees on the sunny day. Trees on the hills and trees with mountain on the back. Trees, beautiful trees, from around the world and not just Aurora – yes I found picture of a coconut tree.

Hayley S.,Stacey, Melissa Ellard, Janice S, Kyle McRoberts, Former Wells Street Public School

‘In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.‘ ~ A quote by Alice Walker.

Lisa Cross, Bryan Peckhover, John Davies, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Storms make trees take deeper roots.‘ ~ A quote by Dolly Parton.

Zachary Gore, Nikita Haxter, Lauron Cleverdon, Ryan Steele, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Trees will improve property values, take pollutants out of the air, help with water runoff.‘ ~ A quote by Michael Bloomberg.

Zachary Gore, Nikita Haxter, Lauron Cleverdon, Ryan Steele, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘I was in my yard and thought that the tree was a living being. We take trees for granted. We don’t believe they are as much alive as we are.‘ ~ A quote by Ziggy Marley.

John Gallagher, Paul K., Andrew Healy, Elyse Copland, Meredit, Quincy D., Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Just touching that old tree was truly moving to me because when you touch these trees, you have such a sense of the passage of time, of history. It’s like you’re touching the essence, the very substance of life.‘ ~ A quote by Kim Novak.

Davis McMaster, Erio R., Meredit, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Schoolchildren and older people like the idea of planting trees. For children, it’s interesting that an acorn will grow into an oak, and for older people it’s a legacy. And the act of planting a tree is not that difficult.‘ ~ A quote by Clive Anderson.

Michael Hamamy, Melissa Ellard, Ryan W., Robert Jackson, Michael Cowing, Nick, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘If you cut down a forest, it doesn’t matter how many sawmills you have if there are no more trees.‘ ~ A quote by Susan George.

Stephanie Gallagher, Kendra McDonald, Kevin Burns, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘A great thing about these trees is that they are excellent for cleaning, both groundwater, and of course, air.‘ ~ A quote by Mike Lowry.

Michael Cowing, Joey Maisonneuve, Emily Twiddy, Danielle Charron, Charlene Singleton, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.‘ ~ A quote by Saint Bernard.

Robyn, Colin Ogilvie, Morgan Peterson, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

Entertainer In The Park, What Makes Children Smile, The Magic Show

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:40:36 +0000

It was our plan to visit Aurora Public Library after playing at the Town Park playground. We forgot – no library on Monday mornings. Aurora Public Library opens later in the day on Mondays.

Town Park playground is always fun for Matthew. The summer days are much cooler now so playing in the splash pad at the park was not definitely our cup of juice but seeing magic show was something we didn’t expect.

We had to think about the plan B. Living in Aurora and coming up with plan B is a very easy task – another park or playground, or hiking, or shopping. No we didn’t go hiking, or shopping, but we did drive along Kennedy Road and found another playground we never visited before – William Kennedy Park. Matthew had a blast running, climbing, jumping, having snacks and playing with other children.

Matthew Watching Magic Show at the Hamilton Park, Aurora

So we thought the playground time was over as we started to drive home, but as I said sometimes unexpected things come along. Matthew insisted to park near the Hamilton Park and to see coach Steve.

And who is coach Steve. Well to start he is our neighbour. He entertains and interacts with all the kids in our neighbourhood and they all love him. He never fails to make bubbles or blow balloons around the kids.

Matthew Doing Magic

He was also Matthew’s playball coach. A sport summer program coordinated by the town of Aurora, which Matthew attended this summer.

This summer was the first time we put Matthew into group sport activity, and having Steve as a coach made a big difference and unforgettable fun time for Matthew and for us to watch him having fun while learning in the group environment.

Coach Steve, Magic Show in the Hamilton Park

Steve’s coaching style or entertaining methods are fun and more so educational helping kids to have fun and learn at the same time.

Coach Steve with Surprised Children, Magic Show at the Hamilton Park

Now that you know Steve coach, what happened next. Well it was the magic show at the park – the unexpected event I told you about before. Steve is a entertainer for the children’s birthday parties, and last week Steve did a magic show for children in the Hamilton park.

It was definitely nice conclusion to our trip around Aurora that day. Three playgrounds, and surprise at the last one.

Magic Coloring Book, Magic Show at the Hamilton Park

On the side note, a week passed and I still haven’t figure out how the magic coloring book works.

Northern Lights Public School, We Are Walking

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 03:40:28 +0000

We picked Northern Lights Public School – good school, close by and Matthew will only attend two days a week, and three days every other week in his first year junior kindergarten.

Few days ago I decided to walk with him to school. He didn’t resist but it wasn’t his best walking day so it was good to time the worst case scenario. It took us about twenty five minutes to slow walk. Hopefully by next week Thursday Matthew will focus on walking to school and my pockets will not be filled with stones, flowers and tree branches.