Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » People

Aurora Memories and More, Another Aurora Book by Elizabeth Hearn Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 04:47:24 +0000

When this blog came to life few years ago I thought I can’t skip a history lesson about Aurora. Thus I spent some time in our Aurora Public Library digging for some books. Obviously the fatter the better and Milner’s first book was one that attracted me the most.

So I read Milner’s first book and eventually I acquired my own copy as well: Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change.

Aurora Memories and More by Elizabeth Hearn Milner

To make this long story short, I got my copy of the book from Ron Wallace and Ron connected me with Elizabeth and this is when I found out that she had second book on the go Aurora Memories and More, a continuation to her first book.

Since then I have been on Elizabeth’s case. Always asking when and when will she have the book ready. That persistent when got my name in the Acknowledgement section of the Aurora Memories and More book. In the Aurora Memories and More book Elizabeth writes her own memories when she was growing up in our town and also shares few stories from others.

It was a long journey for Elizabeth to have her book finally printed. The book is available at the Hillary House and also at the Caruso and Co, both places located on Yonge Street in Aurora.

I am not done reading yet. As of today I am halfway through the book. I think I enjoy even more reading this book since it is not so much of what happened when and where, but I am actually intrigued by small details Elizabeth writes about her own life in Aurora. She writes how small community we once were and how everyone knew each other. I am stunt by how much she is able to remember and to write about people in Aurora, the people she knew.

This is short and sweet introduction to the Milner’s book and you will be hearing more about the book and some of my own memories I have with Elizabeth.

“What a small pleasure it was to buy that candy at Mr. Lacey’s and oh what power came at recess when you pulled out that little bag with nine candies in it and, with grace and largess, you gave away five or even six to chosen friends keeping the chocolate for the walk home. Such delight for three or four pennies spent at Mr. Lacey’s shop.” ~ Mr. Lacey’s Shop: A Sweet Memory; Aurora Memories and More, pg 37, 2013.

Yonge & Wellington Night Riders And Night Talkers

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 03:57:48 +0000

Night life at the Yonge & Wellington intersection in Aurora seems different compared to daytime. In addition when compared to the mood and activity that is going on there definitely downtown Aurora is not like downtown Newmarket.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

I was at the intersection of Yonge and Wellington last night snapping pictures of zooming cars. I don’t usually venture for night photography alone but I did last night. Some drivers whistled at me, some slowed down and some just looked. A very normal behavior. Happens during the day as well.

I spotted few groups of teenagers or just individuals waiting at the bus station and taking public transit home or going who knows where. Some riding bikes at night going somewhere. Some were taking taxis – perhaps going home after work. I wasn’t there to observe the night life but I found quite intriguing so while I was snapping I observed.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

A spontaneous decision to be there was solely to take night shots of the zooming cars. I wasn’t there to talk and I didn’t expect to talk to anyone. Perhaps I was wrong. I ended up having short conversations with few. I am assuming that I was interesting person to them as it is kind of unusual or rare to see a photographer at night.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

A taxi driver pulls over.

“Are you professional photographer” – he asked.
“No this is just my hobby” – I replied.
“Do you put your pictures on the Internet” – he asked and blew big smoke cloud my way.
“Yes I do”- I replied.
“Did I park my car on your spot sir” – I asked.
“No no” – he replied.

While I was snapping he kept looking over my shoulder on the camera screen. I wanted to go home so I didn’t talk that much. He eventually went over his car to finish his cigarette.

Obviously he was waiting for a passenger. I lady crossed sidewalk in front of me and kept walking towards the taxi.

“Are you trying to take a picture of the moon” – she asked.
“No, just the zooming cars or passing traffic” – I replied.
“Go over there; there is a better view if you go behind the bank” – she said. Obviously she didn’t hear me.
“No I am fine here. I don’t have the right lens to take photo of the moon” – I replied.
“Go over there you will see that it is a better spot. I didn’t bring my camera, too heavy to carry” – she said.
“Oh okay” – I replied and I smiled at her.

She stepped into taxi and the night talking taxi driver and her drove away.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

Soon as I was back to snapping mode I heard a female voice behind me.

“Are you trying to take a picture of the mural. You have to get closer to the intersection so you don’t get the cars.” – she said.

I turned around and I saw young female taxi driver.

“No I already have many pictures of the mural with cars and no cars” – I said.
“I am trying to take photos of the traffic” – I added.
“Oh I thought you were taking photos of the mural, sorry” – she said.
“No problem” – I replied.

Eventually she finished her cigarette and drove away with a passenger.

Eventually I packed my camera and drove away too. Definitely few interesting encounters, great suggestions and few good pictures resulted from my outing.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

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.

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

Hillary House Full of Hidden Treasures, Be Curious It’s Fun

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:12:07 +0000

Hillary House is full of hidden treasures. I visited the house many times, of course with my photo gear, and I always find something interesting. Apparently, there were many hidden treasures hidden away and now are exhibited.

The Hillary House is now open for the season so definitely you can check it out for yourself and explore, be curious and have fun.