Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Events

Somewhere In Time, Olexander Wlasenko Presents Images from the Past

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 19:14:06 +0000

The other day I visited Aurora Cultural Centre to see the Aurora Collects Exhibit and I came out with something else that blew me away. Artists always have a way to surprise me. Perhaps it is a time for me to retire looking at Rembrandt or Picasso and start looking what local artists can intrigue us with.

Somewhere in Time, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit

Every artist out there is unique – paints, sketches, draws what inspires him or her. Styles are differ. Some like abstract and some like to recreate reality.

I walked upstairs and these huge black and white charcoal sketches grabbed my attention immediately. It felt like I was part of the art. The full size images, people interacting, waiting in the waiting room, looking at me – unfortunately lot of sadness but that’s how it was. The sketch of crowd of people engaged me to the point I wanted to know what they were looking at.

Somewhere in Time, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit

Images from the past. The fact that I grew up studying World War I and World War II extensively in elementary school – in history, in literature and in art I was able to connect. Images of war – in the movies and in books. These images weren’t that pretty. Definitely the knowledge of the past connected me to Wlasenko’s Somewhere In Time intriguing exhibit.

O. Wilde, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit

Perhaps this can be a nice trip to visit Aurora Cultural Centre after the November 11th ceremony at the Cenotaph.

On the side note I will always miss precious days with Matthew. Especially when I would take him to places around Aurora and when enough was enough he would be pulling on my jacket – can we go now?. The beauty is he will have memories of Aurora. He will remember Aurora in his own way.

Somewhere in Time, Olexander Wlasenko at Aurora Cultural Centre Exhibit

It is hard to believe that Matthew is 5.5 years old, and this blog is 4.5 years old. The first year of its existence the blog was practically unknown and now …

Last Day at the Aurora Farmers Market, Somethings Depend on Good Weather

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:29:14 +0000

Last Saturday was last day of the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair at the Town Park and it was one rainy and cold day. As the title states weather plays a big factor when comes to the attendance at the community organized events and performances.

Can’t complain too much, up to now we have been actually blessed with warm October days.

Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

So last Saturday afternoon I came and had some cold fun with Aaron Morris and Paul Mason on stage and I got a cookie treat as well. Another great year at the farmers market, looking forward to next year.

Aaron Morris, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Paul Mason, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

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

Chilling At The Aurora Farmers Market To No Music

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 06:05:11 +0000

Today is another day at the Aurora Farmers Market. However, let me go back to the last weekend’s event. I found this chilling man on the ground. Chilling in the shade on the grass. How interesting, just like that – chilling in the shade.

Chilling, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Recently I slowed down going to farmers market. I overloaded my system with recent music festivals and events. But I would love to hear more music at the market. Apparently someone is performing today, but this is because Doors Open will be happening.

Few weeks ago I visited St. Jacob’s Farmers Market. I will not compare because that farmers market is massive. But I will tell you that they have young musicians as young as ten year old boys or girls who play in different parts of the market. Yes different parts, because market is big. Sometimes I drop by Newmarket Fairy Lake events and on each event there is always someone playing music. Will this happen in Aurora Farmers Market anytime soon? Who knows?

A bit of music is healthy for the chilling, shopping and hovering people.

As I was passing by vendors and taking candid pictures I was stopped by the owner of the bakery booth. Interesting enough I don’t wear any badge but everyone assumes automatically I am from media. Am I? I think I am more medium. I am in between. I am more with the people. This is not business site. Just a site where I write about Aurora for the people from Aurora and outside.

Tuscan Bread, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

The man who stopped me, Joe was his name and he owns the Toscana Bakery & Cafe bakery in Aurora. I saw the Toscana booth many times but this time I got to meet and to know more about Joe. We had interesting conversation.

Not going into details of our conversation what I liked about Joe was that he put his employees first. He wasn’t interested taking picture of himself but more of his employees. Not even his baked goods.

We all know that when there are no people to make bread, there is no bread. That is why it is absolutely necessary to treat employees well and Joe does great and genuine job. I must say very intriguing encounter that was.

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

Lets Go To The Aurora Farmers Market, A Regular Event

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:14:05 +0000

If we can’t think of anything to do on the Saturday morning – simple, lets go to the Aurora Farmers Market. It is a regular event for us. We don’t shop we just go to indulge on popcorn, cookies and lollipops. Yes me first and now Matthew, we love lollipops. Never too old for a lollipop. Perhaps, one day we will stay for a lunch.

This gentleman is not hiding from me, just happened that he covered his face with his hand. But, I do like his shirt EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME.

EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME T-Shirt; Aurora Farmers Market

Once at the Aurora Farmers Market, I really don’t want to explore everything there, because I want to be back and every time I am back I want to find something new. Never mind I go there to socialize as well and sometimes to meet new people. Last Saturday I got to meet Megan who sells delicious baking products.

As always I cannot avoid David Heard. I am always curious what’s in his booth, but I also like to chat as he always fills me in with interesting facts about Aurora. David now sells Vinyl records and has some interesting Vinyl artwork you will definitely enjoy.

David Heard, LP Vinyl Record, Aurora Farmers Market

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts that day had open house, so I walked in. I have not been back since my last photo shoot of the inside the building, and that will be almost a year. The auditorium is renovated. What was intriguing – the large panels halfway through the hall way to create an illusion of the old hallway. Loved it.

Well Street School Lofts, Inside

And there is Arron Morris biking away. I met Arron this year at the Aurora Farmers Market and got a chance to see him in action playing with his The Manatee Band during Aurora Street Festival. If I am not mistaken next week there will be strawberry festival at the market and Arron with his band will be playing at the bandshell at the Town Park. And there is Megan on the background.

Aaron Morris Biking Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

It is good to see that people use other means of transportation to drop by and leave the Aurora Farmers Market – like this man rolling away on his roller blades.

Rolling Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Some enjoy sitting around. Unfortunately I didn’t escape candid shot this time. Oops he looked into my lens.

Sitting Around, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Have you ever stopped and read THE TOWN PARK sign. This time I did and photographed as well. Here is what the sign reads.

“THE TOWN PARK. Purchased from John Mosley in 1867, the Town Park has been a focus of community activity for many years. At the northeast corner is the drill shed built in 1874 for the 12th Battalion, York Rangers. That same year, the Hon. Edward Blake delivered his “Aurora Speech” there to launch the Canada First movement, an early example of Canadian nationalism. Facing the par on the west side is Wells Street School which was used as the Aurora High School from 1923 to 1952, replacing an earlier building on the site. The park itself has served as a parade ground and sports field as well as the location for important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show. Town of Aurora Heritage Commitee (LACAC) 1997.“

I wonder if the town will do anything special for the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Aurora – like planting a tree, or updating this sign, or a new plaque. We don’t have Wells Street School anymore.

Also I didn’t know that we used to have Victoria Day celebrations at the Town Park. Funny that this event was mentioned on the sign because every Victoria Day traffic on my blog doubles as people are searching for Victoria Day long weekend activities in the Town of Aurora.

The Town Park, Heritage

Lots more to do at the Town Park – eat breakfast and lunch, drink coffee, indulge on the treats, sit around, play in the open space. Playground is always filled with children running around or playing in the water. Yes splash pad is now open.

Kids Playing, Town Park

Or practice baseball like this young boy who was vividly practicing with is father.

Practicing Baseball, Town Park

Or you can have fun at the bandshell like we did. Just a quick update. For few weeks now Matthew was not well. He was diagnosed with HSP [Henoch–Schönlein purpura] which is inflammation of the blood vessels, a side effect after the upper respiratory tract infection. It all started with re-occuring stomach cramps, vomiting and not eating for almost 5 days. Interesting rash spread on his lower part of the body.

Last Saturday we thought that everything was going away, but now after the market we came home and Matthew’s knee joints started to swell. He lost mobility until Sunday. Then on Monday after an appointment with a pediatrician at the Southlake, Matthew’s ankle joints started to swell and he had terrible arthritic pain.

Matthew is now much better. Unfortunately, he is on anti-inflammatory medication. Slowly everything is resolving itself. The rush is still spread all over and may be staying for a while. I was so glad to see him running away from me when I had to administer the medication. He is my little Happy Camper and you can see more photos of him here.

Us at the Bandshell, Town Park

After we exhausted all the possibilities what to do at the Town Park we drove back home. Until next time …

Driving Home, Wellington Street & Industrial Parkway, Aurora Ontario

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!

Aurora Chamber Street Festival, No Rain & Lots of Music

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 02:52:41 +0000

Today I felt pain in my feet going home after photographing the Aurora Chamber Street Festival. I walked many many miles, at least it felt like I did – from the beginning to the end, and then back; that is from Murray Drive / Edward Street all the way to Wellington Street, and then back.

According to Google maps I walked over 10 km.

Aurora Chamber Street Festival, Yonge Street, Aurora

This morning around six o’clock I woke up to the torrential rain over our house and most of you know I am living in Aurora. Oh no, rain in Aurora. I immediately thought of the Aurora Chamber Street Festival soaking in the rain, but then this rain was way too heavy.

Meaning if all were to fall down in the morning, there will be nothing left for later. Guess what, turned out to be a beautiful day for everyone at the Street Festival.

George St. Kitts, Aurora Chamber Street Festival, Yonge Street, Aurora

What can I show you first? I took so many photos that I have to group them into different subject and post them accordingly. Since at arrival I was greeted with the music – music it is then.

Aaron Morris, Aurora Chamber Street Festival, Yonge Street, Aurora

The Manatee Band, Aurora Chamber Street Festival, Yonge Street, Aurora

First I met Aaron Morris from The Manatee Band. I read his Facebook wall so it was easy to find him. I found Aaron at the Newmarket Jazz+ Festival booth. Aaron and I met at the beginning Aurora Farmers Market this season.

I learned from him that he once stumbled at this blog and landed at the post where I photographed all the dogs at the market. Excellent start to get to know each other and another story to tell.

I have small confession to make. I have been a bit disconnected from the community events, thus I learned on Friday that music festival is back in Aurora. I am constantly expanding my photography venues and will be following more music in our town and local talent.

Aurora Teen Idol, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

It is also more fun to photo shoot when the music plays. However, ask me what song were played during the photo shoot I will not remember. I found out today that I listened to the music but I tuned myself out and concentrated on capturing the moment, the moment when people sing.

Like Brian Melo said talking to one of the performers during the audition at the Celebrate Aurora Music Festival booth, ‘you have that it‘, same in photography I look for that ‘it‘.

Celebrate Aurora Music Festival, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

And that little 8 year old girl (below) was shy and cute. The crowd cooperated and gave her time to collect her self. She ended singing beautifully.

Celebrate Aurora Music Festival, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

This young gentleman (below) was helping his friend. He went on stage first. Funny, entertaining, didn’t know words but sang with emotion.

Celebrate Aurora Music Festival, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Where there is music there is art. Just beside the Newmarket Jazz+ Festival booth, Deborah Campo had her art booth, her all art was related to the music. This is first time I actually spoke with Deborah, or rather introduced myself. I had to finally apologize for stepping on her beautiful ballroom dress at the Hillary House Ball, another story to tell.

There will be more posts related to the Aurora Chamber Street Festival, however, before I finalize my photo platform for now my photo albums are added on the Facebook. Here is link to today’s street festival album, music related. While you are there, you can always be my friend so you can stay up to date on Aurora stuff plus. Enjoy.

Deborah Campo, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Merlin’s Hollow, My First May Visit, Art of Decay

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 26 May 2013 05:07:28 +0000

This is my third year visiting and photographing the Merlin’s Hollow English garden here in the Town of Aurora. In the past I have been starting my visits in June.

You can definitely find more flowers later in the summer, but late spring always has many beautiful surprises thus it was my attempt not to miss this year’s May visit.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

And I am glad that I didn’t miss the May visit as I was able to add more flowers to my Merlin’s Hollow flower collection. Despite the cold temperatures and rain, I was able to find new plant species never mind in three life stages – closed bulbs ready for blooming, full blooming flowers and decaying flowers.

As always I tend to photograph the perfect flowers; however, this time I found art in the decay – an abstract art.

Tulip, Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

Over the years when photographing flowers I choose to look at the beautiful blooming flowers, but I will not do that anymore, I am going to enjoy all stages of life of the plant species. They all deserve attention.

Yes, I find abstract in the decaying flowers. The perfect patterned architecture of the flowers does not exist anymore. As the decay progresses the inner beauty of the flower is revealed, the seeds form and the beauty is passed on. Okay, not always from seeds.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

So I am bragging about decaying flowers and almost none are here. However, I did post more Merlin’s Hollow photos on Facebook and you can find decaying one there hiding between other photos. I did expend my horizons and I have been more active on the social media.

I do showcase more photography of Aurora and beyond on Facebook, so you are more than welcome to be my friend, see badge on the sidebar.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

The visits to the Merlin’s Hollow aren’t just about the flowers. I always look forward to meet Dierdre. She is a story teller and I enjoy every chance I get to talk to her. As well I get little hints there and there from David what to look for.

David Tomlinson, Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

Visitors, Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

I came later in the afternoon and I was amazed how much I was able find to photograph even thought I have been in this garden many times. No moment or time or plant species are the same. I nearly spent there two hours and probably would more, but then family obligations – my gang was waiting for me at home.

Merlin’s Hollow, Aurora

Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day, Successful Day, Cold Day, Not My Day

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 04 May 2013 03:47:07 +0000

I don’t want to remind you about the cold weather we had few weeks ago on April 20, 2013, during the Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day. That day I arrived at the Town Park after lunch and obviously I missed bunch of stuff.

I intended to stay little longer but nothing really was happening and the cold weather sent me home with the wind.

Water for Tomorrow

However, I don’t want to miss this post since I was very pleased with few changes especially the portable water supply tank as opposed to serving soda drinks or bottled water and creating more garbage. Here is what I wrote last year, Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day Event Great Event, Short On Innovation.

However, there is always room for improvement, something we don’t have control of, we needed warmer weather that day.

Eating Lunch, Town Park, Town Park

Playful Dog, Town Park, Aurora

Happy to be back and blogging. In the past few days I had an opportunity to finally get out and start photographing.

Spring flowers come out in the spring and so am I. However, I just don’t come out, I burst out.

Unfortunately, I will be missing the Military Tatoo Sesquicentennial event on Sunday May 5th. Instead, I will be celebrating Ukrainian Easter with my family.