Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Culture

Hillary House Getting Musical, Young & Beautiful Auroran Talent – Matina Z

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 18:12:54 +0000

Hillary House, the national historic site is getting musical. If you think the music is gone for the summer, there is little more coming to the Hillary House. Oops summer is gone, I almost forgot. Last few days we have been experiencing a beautiful weather all around, summer like weather.

Matina Z, Celebrate Aurora, Performing at the Town Park back in July.

Music at the Manor, sunny, fun event in town with live music. Yes more live music with Thursday Night Jam and a local rocker Matina Z this Saturday, September 28, 2013. And if you are a curious person Hillary House is a definitely good site to explore and learn more about local history while music plays.

I briefly met Matina Z at the celebrate Aurora event back in July. Amazed with her performance and stamina I didn’t take my photo shoot for granted. If you up to for some good live music, Matina Z is a must see performance, she is young and beautiful and a local Aurora rocker.

Someone asked me once where do I find all these bands to photograph. Well it all started with Music in the Park back in June this year and since then I didn’t stop listen to the music. Invitations were flowing in constantly. What I really meant I didn’t stop the camera trigger. There is always first time and that was my first to get to know more about music in the York Region and meet lot of wonderful people.

It really been fun and exciting summer for me and for sure for Aurora. I got to know so many people, learn more about bands/musicians that for me did not exist, and I am definitely looking forward to the next summer. Perhaps you will be looking forward as well.

Musician Performing At Hillary House

Aurora Street Festival, All The People I Don’t Know & Know

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:02:02 +0000

I bet I captured almost all the people at the Aurora Chamber Street Festival walking along the Yonge Street last Sunday June 2nd, 2013. If you would like to find yourself on my photos then you can check out my Facebook album ‘Aurora Chamber Street Festival, June 2, 2013‘ – oh and good luck.

For the small town, town like Aurora, we really do have a great community here. I would never thought that I will be able to walk the longest, busy street festival and met so many people I know, and I like it because I have then more stories to tell.

Unfortunately, some people still think that I am from SNAP. What do you think? Perhaps it is time to get my own tag saying – NOT MEDIA or JUST A BLOGGER.

Michelle, Autism Support Services

When I arrived I thought no problem I only need few pictures and I will be out at no time. How wrong was I? Believe or not, three hours later I was finally back at my car.

The first person I spotted was Michelle who is offering Autism Support Services at her booth. I met Michelle last summer during play days at Chris Watt’s house, and if I recall I did meet her once at the Aurora Public Library. Small world, or just small Aurora.

Watson’s Family Karate, Mike and Joan Watson, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

I arrived a bit earlier for Arron Morris’, The Manatee Band performance. So I stopped by Watson’s Family Karate booth to photograph interesting karate demonstrations. I used to do kickboxing at Watson’s when I was much younger, but I slowed down now and Tai Chi is just all I need. I didn’t get a chance to say hello since I had to run back to the Newmarket Jazz+ Festival booth.

Charlotte Watts, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

As I was walking back I spotted Chris Watts with his two girls. It was fun chatting with Chris once again while Charlotte was enjoying her ice-cream.

Johnmark, Cracklin’ Kettle Corn, Aurora Chambers Street Festival

Eventually I got to the end of the street festival that physically ended at the Wellington Street. And who do I see there in the corner? The Cracklin’ Kettle Corn booth. These guys sell the best cracklin’ popcorn at the Aurora Farmers Market every Saturday. Here meet Johnmark if you haven’t yet.

Batman, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Never know may be that was the real Batman. At least he looked like he was. Since I stopped twice by the Batman’s booth (can’t remember who he was representing) I can assume that I know him. He kept posing and I kept taking pictures, probably thought I was from SNAP.

Alexandra Riccio, AHS Community Development Assistant & Matthew

It is always good to see Alex from the Aurora Historical Society. She is my source to all the good happenings at the Hillary House. Also I got to meet her brother Matthew. Not to mention I run into Catherine Richards and Suzanne Reiner in the busy festival crowds.

A Couple, Aurora Chamber Street Festival.

I don’t know who these two are on this picture (above), but I liked the outcome.

Matt Maddocks, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Once I made a turn at the Wellington Street I was more or less heading home. On the way back I met my good friend Matt Maddocks. We chatted for a bit and decided to finish up our conversation some other time.

David Heard, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

I didn’t even get chance to stop by David Heard’s booth, but he always seems to spot my camera’s and wave at them, or me.

Frank Klees, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Couldn’t miss this. I have decided to snap few pictures of Frank Klees as I was passing by, MPP for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora. Next thing I am being directed by one of the guys from Frank’s booth what pictures to take. Again, I was mistaken to be from media, but he didn’t really care when I told him I fly solo. I also got picture with Frank Klees (the longest photo taking ever). Got to know him finally. We talked about me and then I really headed home.

This is not all the people I have met on that day. There were many more. Most of you are reading this blog so you know who you are.

When I finally arrived at my car I got a surprise email from Gina, Tristan’s mom. Tristan and my son Matthew are both in the same school and same class (JK). We sometimes see each other at the school in the morning dropping off our children or picking them up.

She wrote me: ‘It’s so funny, I have been reading your blog since I moved to Aurora (a year and a half ago). I found it when I was first trying to learn what the town had to offer. Your site is fantastic by the way. What’s funny, is I only just realized that its you that writes the blog. I didn’t make the connection before for some reason, but I just recently recognized you from the photo on the blog.‘

… and that email made my day!

Melinda’s Room, I’ve Always Considered Myself A Lucky Person

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:02:50 +0000

I was thinking about Dierdre and she was also thinking about me. She tried to get hold of me and invite me to the Melinda’s Room opening reception evening on May 2nd, 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre. At the same time I was planning as well to visit Melinda’s Room exhibition that evening, but a bit later.

I also wanted to see Dierdre as I have not seen her since last fall. After all, it was a pleasure to meet smiling Dierdre and David again.

Melinda’s Room, Images & Words, Aurora Cultural Centre

Dierdre Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

The exhibition was assembled to celebrate Melinda’s life who lost her battle to extreme Bi-polar disorder. Dierdre and David Tomlinson’s showcased Melinda’s intriguing artwork and writings. I was privileged to receive from Dierdre her speech notes quoting this:

“Her subjects were often the disadvantaged, the bullied, poor or handicapped; bag ladies and strippers. Eccentric paintings, framed by several tiny written lines of text, cast a compassionate eye on people trapped in unenviable lives. She knew that well – for almost all her adult life she displayed dignity and courage in an incremental battle with extreme Bi-polar Disorder.“

Dierdre Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

It was such a beautiful and peaceful evening, an evening of closure, and I got an opportunity to observe almost all through my lens. Amazing level of engagement from visitors looking at Melinda’s artwork and reading Melinda’s writings that were posted on the walls and also assembled into binders.

David Tomlinson, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

In the early days when I was just getting to know Dierdre she always told me stories. She also told me a bit about Melinda. More so she sent me home with material to read. She never explicitly told me about her daughter then, but she did give me pages of words that told stories about Melinda’s life.

“I’ve Always Considered Myself A Lucky Person“, these were the words written to Dierdre by Melinda, and she always will be lucky to have such inspiring parents.

Melinda’s Room, Images & Words, Aurora Cultural Centre

Melinda’s Room exhibition is open to public at the Aurora Cultural Centre until mid June and I encourage you to visit if you can.

Michelle, Melinda’s Room, Aurora Cultural Centre

Sunday February 3rd, 2013 Aurora Turned 150 Years Old, Mayor’s Levee

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:15:22 +0000

On Sunday the February 3rd, 2013 Town of Aurora officially turned 150 years old. Official celebrations started at two o’clock in the afternoon at the Town Park where Aurora families were invited to the Mayor’s Sesquicentennial Levee.

Bandshall, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

I was there from the beginning. Initially I wasn’t going to stay to the end mainly because it was cold, but I did, all the way to the closing ceremony. More people arrived as well and trust me by the time you will see my last set of published photos in the future posts, you will see how cold everyone was.

Well the 150 year birthdays do not come around very often so I don’t regret staying to the end.

Wagon Rides, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Wagon Rides (Chris is that you?), Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

It was cold, but it was warm by the bonfire. Some chose to warm up in other ways – skating, tug-of-war and if the kids allowed you the broomball game was another option. Hot chocolate and cup cakes were served. Did not try the wagon ride but it looked like a warm idea too.

And if you were part of the organizing Sesquicentennial blue hats committee you be warm too – the running they had to do to keep all in order.

Warming up by Bonfire, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

We can probably blame the cold weather and the Superbowl for the low turnout. However, despite the low turnout families came with children to celebrate and they did have fun. I was pleased with lot of Aurora 150 flag entries.

Children imagination and creativity always puts smile on my face.

Tim Jones, Past Mayor of Aurora, MC for Mayor’s Levee, Town Park

On the side note, about the flag raising. I think deep down we were glad that there was no wind that day, and it never came when the flag was raised. However, the wind came eventually to show off the colorful flag by Victoria – I wonder if anyone noticed.

Local dignitaries, faith groups, some current Aurora Members of Council came, and few past members of council attended as well.

Cllr John Abel (left), Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Tim Jones, Past Mayor of Aurora, Town Park, Town of Aurora

As always I took lot of pictures. I just don’t like missing an opportunity that only comes every 150 years. […] with a sudden few encouragements from the blue hats members I decided to stick around and continue with the photo shoot.

I am telling you I got lot of pictures and I have decided to publish many just not in one post. I will ‘theme‘ them up and hopefully more people will be aware of the next celebration in May. Unfortunately, I will not be there.

Happy Mayor Dawe with Cllr Paul Pirri (left) and Cllr Michael Thompson (right)

So what happened on Sunday. I arrived around two o’clock. Got my camera out, got recognized by Cllr Abel, and was introduced to Terry Sherin, President Aurora Optimist Club. Many years ago, Terry Sherin used to send us his real state newsletters. We even met in person and talked on the phone, but he will not remember that.

Today was also the day I finally met Cllr Michael Thompson and Mayor Dawe. Met up with Matt and Deb, Chris and Kelley and their little girls. I must say that this celebration definitely had a small community feeling.

Too bad that the rest of the Aurora Members of Council didn’t make it. I missed Cllr Buck, hope she is doing fine. This years flu season wasn’t pleasant to many of us.

Michael Thompson (left), Matt Maddocks, and a Friend on the right.

And here is Bob McRoberts. If you didn’t hear yet, McRoberts recently published a book – Postcards of Olde Aurora. As the title states, a collection of old Aurora postcards.

Bob McRoberts, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Thanks to Ron, I have wonderful collection of Aurora books.

Ron Wallace, Past Councillor and Founder of The Auroran, Town of Aurora Local Newspaper

David Heard knows what to do when I take a photo him. We all must accept changes at some point and I am actually slowly accepting that knowing more people there will be more posed photos, unless I really hide.

David Heard, A Step In Time – Historical Walking Tours of Aurora

We all know who David Falconer is – but he is always taking pictures so it is hard to get him posing.

David Falconer, The Auroran Photographer

There was a lot of hard working volunteers on site, but I was glad to see that they as well enjoyed themselves.

Volunteer, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Oh and here is Cllr Paul Pirri with Cllr John Abel.

Brr, it was cold. Town Park, Town of Aurora

The former Wells Street Public School was open for viewing and looks like Mayor Dawe, Cllr Abel and Cllr Pirri got the opportunity to sneak in.

Former Wells Street Public School, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc, Town of Aurora

And lastly Happy 150th Birthday Town of Aurora!

The Birthday Cake, Mayor’s Levee, Town Park, Town of Aurora

This is my first introductory post to the a very beginning of my four hour journey on February the 3rd, 2013. If you didn’t get on my photo in here, chances are you made on my later photos. More coming soon.

G. W. Williams Secondary School Senior Art Show, Fearless Expressions

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 02:00:52 +0000

‘Not all who wander are lost‘. I wasn’t lost that day, but I was wandering.

It was announced at the SOYRA reception last Saturday that students from G. W. Williams Secondary School have their own gallery showcase on the second floor at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I visited that room last year, and I wasn’t going to miss it this year. One small room full of art created by G. W. Williams Secondary School students.

It was like walking into painters studio where the art is created, and not the gallery. Youth is fearless I must say. The room was artistic chaos, and not in the bad way, just full of fearless great expressions. Few caught my eye, and few got on my camera.

Lori Birkbeck, G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre

G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre

Mario Wang, G. W. Williams S.S. Senior Art Gallery, Aurora Cultural Centre

Society of York Region Artists Showcase 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre, A Teaser

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:08:50 +0000

After being grounded for a month I arranged with my family to disappear for couple of hours to see the SOYRA Showcase on January 21st, 2013 at the Aurora Cultural Centre. I never been a very big fan of galleries, but I changed. I actually enjoy being there, but with my Canon camera friend on my side.

Yes, this is a teaser post, because there is lot more I have to show. Plus it will be in color. I always try, but the harder I try I am having technical difficulties ‘squeezing’ all the images into one post. I like to group them by theme or mood. So today my first theme is black and white and people photography.