Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Elizabeth Hearn Milner

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.

Christmas 2012, A Poem by Elizabeth Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 01:18:41 +0000

Every year since the time I met Elizabeth Milner via email and then personally at the Hillary House, she sends me her Christmas poem which once again I would like to share with you. She writes her Christmas poem every year – a very nice tradition of hers.

I never used to be a big fan of poems, however, I have a feeling she got me hooked. All I can say to this poem is ‘exactly’. This is how I have been feeling for many many years and I am glad to know that I am not the only one.

Poinsettia, Tim Hortons

Christmas 2012

Christmas came upon me so I made this appeal.
I had to let dear Santa know how I’ve come to feel.

Dear Santa:

Please don’t send me anything this Christmas.
I’ve got a pile of stuff that I don’t need.
Put me on your 25th ride, “To Miss List.”
I’ve even got enough books I can read.

It isn’t that I’ve lost the Christmas spirit,
I do agree with family, friends and joy,
But now when Christmas comes again I fear it.
I’ll never use more gloves, and big kid toys.

So send me some good wishes in my stocking
And add a piece of something sweet to eat,
Some lovely music played and good times talking
Plus a kiss and hug will be my cherished treat.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Milner is the author of the Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, a book I use a lot as a reference especially when I go on my photo adventures around the town.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

Meeting Seniors At The Hollandview Trail Retirement Community, Good Neighbour

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:49:48 +0000

Gateway Drive is a street on the other side of the St. John’s sideroad, opposite to the Pinnacle Trail. The street shown on the photo below, the housing and far back on the horizon, the Hollandview Retirement Community.

All that did not exist in 1997 when we first moved to Aurora.

Gateway Drive, Aurora

We moved into our new home on Halloween. We juggled the two together – trick or treat visitors and moving stuff into the house. And since then we saw neighbours going and coming. I even wrote a short story on the community FOCUS about our early beginnings in Aurora – ‘Living in Aurora – Trick or Treat? Yes, We Moved Here on Halloween Night‘.

Hollandview Trail Retirement Community, Aurora

Speaking about the Hollandview Trail Retirement Community; on September 12th, 2012 I did presentation for the seniors. Who would ever thought that my blog will get me on the road – something I never anticipated. I was nervous. I was very nervous. But my audience turned out to be such a nice joyous bunch.

When I came they really made me feel at ease. Started talking to me, asking me questions and waving and smiling at me whenever I looked. They even said – ‘First time doing this?‘. I guess they could tell.

The script I wrote for the presentation I forgot at home. My presentation titled ‘Good Neighbour‘ and I cannot tell you what was my presentation all about because in the near future I am heading to the Aurora Senior Centre.

Joan Devins, Hollandview Retirement Centre, Aurora

With me to the presentation I brought some visual aids – two books Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change and Aurora A History in Pictures. Books I use for reference when I go for walks around the town – it helps me to connect.

To my surprise in the audience I had a lady very much participating in my story telling about how I met Elizabeth Milner. Well, this lady happened to be Joan Devins who knew very well Milner’s sister and she is also on the picture on the cover of the book in front of Wells Street Public School. It is so interesting how things are connected in our town and it is so easy to intercept those connections and learn more.

But wait there is more. I did notice one lady on the back sitting by herself. I didn’t really pay attention until she came forward and offered if I ever need any information about the town she is the one. And the one was Jean Baker-Pearce. I think I may take on her offer.

But wait a bit more information here. As we were walking out Jean turned around and asked if I happened to know anyone who has the Aurora Its Early Beginnings, a book by James Johnston. I got so excited because I happened to have one – the yellow version from 1963 and in a very good condition. Ron Wallace really knows how to take care of valuable books. ‘Darn‘, said Jean once she found out I had a copy from Ron.

So what is so special about the book. There are early beginnings for everything, and this book is all about early beginnings of Aurora. Jean did help to write the book. The book was written in one week because it was realized that for the 100th Anniversary of Aurora celebrations there was no Aurora book written.

It was a very special evening and I really enjoyed meeting all the nice ladies in the audience. Yes they were almost all ladies. I think I had one gentleman on the back who came.

I don’t know their names but I recall small conversations before and after – the lady who sat in the very front and gently asked if I done this before. Then there was another lady who asked many questions about my profession – and she happened to have granddaughter in engineering as well. There was a lady who came up and share story about the red cardinal. And a lady who ask for the directions to the Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk and lastly two ladies against the wall who smiled and waved at me.

Living In Aurora, Elevator Snapshot

That night I felt like a celebrity. I know – it is just a living in Aurora blog, but for me small things matter. At my arrival, every turn I made I saw notices about my presentation – on the information flat screen at the entrance and then notice in the elevator. When I saw that one notice in the elevator, I think I beat the record getting my camera out the bag, turning on, taking cap off and snapping photo of the notice on the way down – just one floor down.

I tell you there are lot of hidden treasures in the town and it isn’t that hard to find them as well.

What To Do On Hot HOT Summer Days, My Choice Hangout At The Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 03:30:05 +0000

All week heat wave. Today morning rain and then hot again. Hopefully cooler again. One may ask what to do on hot summer days like that in Aurora. Many choices. You can go to the splash pad at the Town Park or Ida Johnson Park, or you can hang out in cool and dry place like a library.

Matthew, Splash Pad at the Town Park

Last Thursday it was so hot and also boring to stay home, second day in the row – so we headed for the Aurora Public Library.

Just a regular stuff at the Aurora Public Library, like books, books and more books. Couple nice displays which I always like to examine – Bicentennial Celebration of the War of 1812 and Doors Open 2012.

I also found out that Aurora Public Library is now selling Elizabeth H. Milner’s book, Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, in addition book is also available at the Abebooks.com, Jonathan’s Restaurant and through Aurora Historical Society in Aurora.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

Speaking of Elizabeth Milner and the heat. I guess I am not the only one bothered by the hot humid days. Not that Elizabeth is complaining like me but she is definitely thinking about cooler days. Elizabeth emailed me and shared couple things with me – a poem The Ice Man – 1947 and her memories of Mr. Bill Case, Aurora’s ice man.

Aha, and who was Mr. Case?

Mr. Case was in the ice business in late forties and early fifties. Children in the town would watch for Mr. Case to come along with his horse and wagon in order to get a chip of his cool ice, and here you can find out more from Elizabeth Milner what children did with the ice. I published the poem and Milner’s memories of the ice man on the History page, community FOCUS site.

Oh wishful thinking to get that kind of service again.

Paws 4 Stories Program, Aurora Public Library

Now going back to our library visit on Thursday. On the second floor we noticed paws cut outs on the floor leading to a real dog. I had to ask. Interesting concept and program – Paws 4 Stories.

‘Paws 4 Stories is a literacy program for beginning and struggling readers who have a unique opportunity to read to a dog and make a friend! Dogs and their owners are trained and generously provided by St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. […]‘ Source: Aurora Public Library

Here is nice write up on ‘Why Dogs Are Better than Adults at Helping Kids Read‘. By accident I found an article that dogs also benefit when read to, but not a topic for today.

Stay cool!

Meeting Elizabeth Milner, 150th Anniversary Of The Hillary House

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:14:47 +0000

I did not have the name and I did not have the close up picture. I had a story and I knew that someone will put it all together. Family, friends and neighbors commented on the last post identifying the barn guide as the young remarkable 13 year boy, Geoffrey Sharp.

I just want to acknowledge his efforts again and how wonderful it was to see all the support and encouragement he received from his family and friends.

Hillary House

The visit to the Hillary house wasn’t just seeing the Hillary House after all. By the end of the day I looked back – it was all about the people and the Hillary House made it happen – interesting phenomena that worked.

Elizabeth Milner Signing My Book

That day I came to the Hillary House to meet Elizabeth Milner for the first time. She didn’t know I was coming and I didn’t know if I will be there. When I finally arrived, I brought my own copy of Elizabeth’s book Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change to be signed. After all it was through her book we connected and have been corresponding since last year September.

What can I tell you about her? We all know that Elizabeth is a historian, teacher and writer but do we know that she is also a very friendly, funny, charming and charismatic lady. Yes I do know now and I am telling you that she is.

I wish that all my past history teachers were like that as I wouldn’t have any difficulty with all the dates, events and leaders memorization. There is a lot to learn when comes to European history so may be that is why the European system had us to learn history right from grade four in elementary school.

Elizabeth Milner with David Heard

As you can see I wasn’t the only one meeting Elizabeth for the first time. David Heard met Elizabeth for the first time that day and I over heard that he read her book ONLY four times.

Musician Performing At Hillary House

Looking at the picture of the musician performing that day at the Hillary House it only make sense to share with you an important musical history event Elizabeth shared with me via email.

She wrote: ‘The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Louise McDowell, actually Sara Louise McDowell, who lived in Aurora at various times, and was related distantly to the Willis family, was taught piano by Edward Fisher the founder of the Conservatory. She was one of the first students at the Conservatory which opened in Septenber of 1887.

In her last years she lived on Reuben Street on the north east corner of Temperance Street. I wrote about her in Aurora 1945-1965 on pages 31 to 34. I called her Aunt Louie, but she wasn’t actually my aunt. She died at 93 in 1965 and is buried in Aurora Cemetery.‘

This is only an excerpt from Elizabeth’s book about Louise McDowell, who was a musician, teacher and writer as well. Yes Louise McDowell also wrote a book, Past and Present: A Canadian Musician’s Reminiscences, potentially the next book on my list to read.

Hillary House

Speaking of writing books, Elizabeth Milner is working on the second book consisting of stories about Aurora during the same period 1945-1965, and in the near future it will be great addition to my Aurora books collection. A collection of two books only – second being AURORA A History in Pictures by W. John McIntyre.

John McIntyre Talking To Elizabeth Milner

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:18:22 +0000

Aurora continues to change day by day. Continues to grow. We will never be a small town on the map and we will never be a population of four thousand of people.

Going about twelve months back, it all began with saving the Petch Log house. On my part that was great experience to explore the deteriorating log house before the restoration and to document my thoughts here.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

Then search for more information about the town led me to Elizabeth Milner’s book, Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change. Being on the photo journey through the town in the past couple of years, the book is a jewel in my pocket.

So what that you were not born between those years. How can you relate? Of course you can relate. Milner’s detailed assembly of 20 years of town’s records will lead you to years before 1945 and beyond 1965. Her compelling book is actually very relative to the past and the future of the Aurora. On the end it is a book about the people of Aurora who made a difference.

Petch Log House

Last year about this time difference was made, Katherine Belrose came forward and Petch log house was saved, probably restored by now, yet future location unknown.

Nokiidaa Trail Link, St. John's sideroad, Aurora

‘The Anglican Sisters of St. John gave St. John’s Sideroad its name when their convent was built in 1931. In 1940s and early 1950s, the Convent was a busy place. The Sisters cared for girls with special needs such as: Downs Syndrome, autism and other problems. …

They came each Sunday to morning service at Trinity Anglican Church, bringing the young girls for whom they cared. They sat at the front, on the north side of the church, under the pulpit. The sisters sat erect, silent and still in their penguin outfits. Usually their wards were silent and still too, but occasionally there was a strange noise wiggle, or turning head that was quickly corrected.‘, 1958, Milner, page 94.

Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk of St. John’s sideroad is now established and well visited trail.

Wells Street Public School Sold

Wells Street Public School got sold last year. Must mention that Elizabeth Milner was a grade nine student at this school for one year from September 1951 to April 1952.

Yonge Street, What Changed Here?

Next time you pass by Yonge Street and Tyler Street intersection you will notice change, the new commercial and residential complex. On the other hand one might say – the downtown traffic increased.

The Auroran, Sold

‘James Murray cut a ribbon at the old Post Office on Yonge Street in September of 1960 to mark the beginning of door-to-door mail delivery in Aurora.‘, 1960, Milner, page 167.

The old Post Office on Yonge Street is also home of our local newspaper The Auroran that was started by Ron Wallace and recently sold.

Once IGA Store, Now Nothing Yet

‘In 1961, the town’s IGA offered steak at seventy-nine cents a pound and prime rib roasts at sixty-five cents a pound. Oranges were fifty-nine cents a dozen and a cauliflower sold for twenty-nine cents.

Usually cakes were made from scratch, but if the housewife wanted to cheat with a newfangled cake mix, they were selling at two for thirty-three cents. That’s how it was in 1961 at the IGA Foodliner.‘, 1961, Milner, page 175.

Recent closing of the Foodland grocery store was total surprise and shock to the seniors living close by. It is very much unknown who will move in, but last week I read Banner and it was noted that the building was on the list for Youth centre. It may not happen, there were other competing locations.

George T. Browning House, Demolished

The proposed conversion of the Browning house to Montessori school didn’t go to well and it was decided to demolish the house. The Browning house was demolished couple of days before Easter.

Tree Trimming, Yonge Street from the Aurora Public Library

‘In the December third Banner, letters to the editor showed that Aurora people were upset about changes in Aurora. One citizen complained about the trees coming down and the land being stripped down to bare clay near one of the best streams in town.‘, 1959, Milner, page 152.

We continue to cut the trees. Some needs to be cut or trimmed, but some were not given any mercy.

Isaac Petch Farm House, Wellington Street, To Be Demolished

‘Highway 404, the Don Mills Parkway extension, was proceeding north and would pass three miles east of Aurora. John B. Wilkes, an engineer from the Department of Highways, spoke to the Board of Trade and assured them that Highway 404 would reduce traffic through the town by one third to one half. The first section of Highway 404 opened early in July.‘, 1961, Milner, page 170.

Highway 404 most likely will not change, but there is no future for the old and lonely Isaac Petch Farm house on Wellington Street – it will be demolished.

Aurora 1945-1965 An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change, Milner

Elizabeth Milner in the book’s Afterward wrote: ‘I did not want to write a book about a “wonderful Aurora” of the past. This is often the kind of local history that results from reminiscences. The town was a good place to grow up. The people were good people. They helped one another, supported churches and social institutions as well as the needy in other provinces and countries; but everything was not perfect.

Disputes about having a liquor store in town, the use of open land, the building of a shopping centre, Town Council decisions and other incidences might seem trivial to the reader, but they were heated issues at the time.‘

Perhaps somethings just don’t change in our town – we continue with heated issues to make the difference.

Christmas 2011, A Poem By Elizabeth Milner

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:12:46 +0000

The real Christmas is over, but the holiday spirit remains. I have been in touch with Elizabeth Milner and she shared with me a very lovely Christmas poem she wrote this year. She writes one or two every Christmas. Perhaps it came a bit late to my email-box, but I think it is never too late to share it with you.

Blue Spruce, Not So Winter-y

Elizabeth is a historian, lecturer and writer and she is author of the book Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change. Elizabeth grew up in Aurora during the period (1945-1965) covered in the book. How I met Elizabeth may be a very short story, but it all started with our visit to the Aurora Public Library (Aurora Library Visit, A Library Card & Introduction) and finding Elizabeth’s book, and later having my own copy.

Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change by Elizabeth Milner

Christmas
~ Elizabeth Hearn Milner

Down the sweeping stretch of time it comes
through eons of water, ice and fire.
Scraped earth is sifted, covered with rubble and swamp,
then prairie grasses, bold flowers and towering trees
that stand as majestic and mighty as gods.
Tiny creatures, that crawl in the coming fecund earth,
are replaced by mastodons and other mighty beasts.
All live, die, change and tumble down to MAN.

He is vulnerable and question filled:
lost in a forbidden place of cruel beauty
not knowing why, or when, or where.
The wary and wily ones survive the deadly maze
and survey the mystery of distant night skies.
They watch and record the changes of the moon
and understand the power of the warming sun
that brings light and rebirth to the dormant land.
Stories of creation come to minds and lips
attempt to end the searching of the curious.
A returning sun turns from sun to Son of God
and ideas stream down to us who still search.

And so we have this glorious night
to consider and ponder sun and Son.
The story of a special child with a message
given just as the sun returns.
A story of warmth, light, birth, goodness and love
and the generous heart that gives.
This is our Christmas.

Aurora's Borealis, Town Park, Aurora

Ron Wallace Retired, May Be From The Auroran Only, Or Not

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:43:51 +0000

I am not sure who retired first, Bonnie Tiffin from Oak Ridges or Ron Wallace? We all know who Ron Wallace is and those who read The Auroran definitely will know Bonnie Tiffin. Bonnie Tiffin on regular basis submits Letter to the Editor in The Auroran.

Well looks like Poor Ronnie still has his column. But Bonnie has not been around since her last letter ‘What will Wallace do next, she wonders‘ from the week of November 29, 2011. I hope Bonnie will be back soon, may be she is just taking some time off for holidays.

Yes, what will Wallace do next? I wondered too. But looks like he is already keeping himself busy. His column is still featured in The Auroran, just got pushed further and deeper into the newspaper by Brock’s Banter. However, I am sure that Ron can be easily found on any page of the Auroran.

Aurora Cultural Centre, Town of Aurora

Then when I was looking through the Winter Programs at the Aurora Cultural Centre I spotted Ron again. Under the Heritage Lecture Series there is Ron Wallace to present a lecture on ‘How the Word Got Around: An Historical Look at Local Newspapers‘. The event will be on May 16th, 2011, and only six months away.

I may attend the seminar myself and I may be even get to meet the Mr. Aurora for the second time.

Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change

I (and of course Matthew) got to meet Ron for few minutes. Back in August, myself and Matthew dropped by The Auroran place located at the Old Post Office building to pick up the Aurora 1945-1965 book by Elizabeth Milner. In the email I was clearly instructed to find the office on the second floor at the rear. On the side note, it is worth getting Milner’s book if you like local history.

The Old Post Office, 1915, Town of Aurora

I didn’t listened. Do I ever? Well I got lost on the first round. I went to the second floor from the front of the Old Post Office (Yonge Street). So for about 10 minutes we were wondering around. I was looking for any body, even a mouse to ask for the direction and Matthew was having fun peeking through the mail box slots on the doors.

As we were coming down I snapped pictures of this beautiful wooden staircase. As we were coming down the driving school instructor in one of the rooms joked and told me to slide down the railing. Yeah, like I was ready for a stunt in my 40s, and I just hope he wasn’t teaching anything crazy in his driving classes.

The Old Post Office, 1915, The Wooden Railing

So go figure, the second floor from the front does not connect to the second floor at the rear.

After all we had fun exploring the old post office building, and eventually we located The Auroran and met Ron Wallace – for only few minutes.

Empire State Building Tombstone In The Aurora Cemetery, John W. Bowser

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:13:45 +0000

For the first fourteen years of my life I used to live in Europe in a small town, with population of three thousand people and with some an amazing historical background dated back to 14th century. Now for the last fourteen years I have been living in the Town of Aurora, a place where discoveries do not end.

Miniature Empire State Building, Aurora Cemetery

One of my blog readers Patrick Francone and former Aurora resident intrigued me to write about John W. Bowser and I am glad that he did. Another great thing to know about Aurora.

However, before we go on here is a small bio about Patrick.

Patrick has lived in Aurora for most of his life. He grew up on a small crescent near the water tower north of Wellington West and later when he was in high school he moved near Highland Golf Course. He attended Our Lady of Grace Elementary School, and Cardinal Carter High School where he graduated in 2006. He is currently living up north in Sudbury where he works in marketing for mysendoff.com. At nights he is a student at Laurentian University. He has many fond memories of growing up in Aurora and hopes to return one day.

Bowser, Grave Stone, Aurora Cemetery

So first thing first, I needed some pictures that related to Bowser. As per Patrick’s directions we were able to find Bowser’s grave at the cemetery here in Aurora.

It was that one overcast afternoon we drove by the Aurora Cemetery and have located John W. Bowser’s tombstone that is marked by a ten-foot high granite miniature Empire State Building. Time was of the essence especially for me, as for those who rest in peace I like them to do just that.

Bowser, Empire State Building Tombstone

Yes, John W. Bowser (1892-1956) born in Aurora (Whitchurch Township, Ontario, Canada in 1892) was the project construction superintendent for the Empire State Building in New York City. This was the world’s tallest building for 40 years until the World Trade Center’s North Tower was completed in 1972.

Following the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001, the Empire State Building once again is the tallest building in New York. Unfortunately, no plaque or place commemorates Bowser’s name in the New York City.

However, he is honored on a hill in the Aurora Cemetery where he was buried in 1956 with his grave marked by the Empire State Building tombstone and he also has a street named after him John Bowser Crescent in Newmarket, Ontario.

Bowser, Empire State Building Tombstone

Few sources indicated that the $42 million Empire State Building in New York was completed in 27 months from its concept to the final standing structure. The actual time to construct the building was a little over 400 days (15 months).

Bowser, Empire State Building Tombstone Base

John W. Bowser was born on Wellington Street East on a small farm with one cow. When he was eleven years old he left Aurora, then came back, and then left again and found a job in Winnipeg. He eventually entered the construction business in which he was very successful and managing construction of the Empire State Building in New York was one of his great works. Source: Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change by Elizabeth H. Milner, pg 112.

Bowser, Marking Stone, Aurora Cemetery

The story about John W. Bowser does not end here and I will continue my photographic journey to find out more. Many of landmarks constructed by Mr. Bowser are still standing, therefore his story shall continue in the future.

John Bowser Crescent, Newmarket, Ontario

But just one more thought …

When Patrick emailed me and inspired me to write about John W. Bowser, I was curious (as always) and I looked up his email domain name mysendoff.com. I must say that there a lot of creative people out there starting interesting online ventures.

So I started my curious adventure with the About of the Mysendoff.com page: ‘We are an innovative social media site that will help you create and document your own final wishes for your own personal funeral sendoff, and it won’t cost you anything except for a few minutes of your time. Since nobody is going to get out of this life alive, anyone and everyone can use mysendoff.com’.

Like it happened with YouTube, it happened again – I was deeply immersed in reading pages, blog posts and looking up photos for hours. The site has very interesting stuff not just about celebration of life, funerals, planning for funerals but about the … or may be you just peek for yourself.

Okay, things like that …

‘Thomas Edison died at 9 p.m. on Oct. 18th, 1931 in New Jersey. Shortly before passing away, he awoke from a coma and quietly whispered to his wife Mina, who had been keeping a vigil at his bedside: ”It is very beautiful over there.” As he exhaled for the final time, his son Cecil captured that breath in a test tube and stoppered it at the request of Henry Ford who had been friends with Edison. Ford never gave any reason for this request although some say he believed that that a person’s soul escaped with the last breath. That breath is still on display at the Henry Ford Museum.‘ Read More …

See I told you I was hooked.

Aurora Library Visit, A Library Card & Introduction

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:30:41 +0000

I made plans to visit the Aurora Public Library, and we did on Tuesday, day after the long weekend (Civic Holiday). Honestly, I was surprised how busy it was. Parents with children, teenagers, adults, and seniors were everywhere we turned.

Our library has everything, including state of the art equipment to do research. The librarians were very attentive. I came mainly because my library card was expired, and I also needed access to the e-book downloads. We still don’t have a second car so the virtual library access is well suited for my needs.

I think for a small town we are very fortunate to have this great resource available here in Aurora.

Aurora Public Library Books

Secondly, I also wanted to introduce my 3 year old son to the concept of library. We brought him few times to the Chapters in Newmarket, but that is not the same. He already has a collection of over 200 children’s book and the library is the next step for him and for us to step away from buying more books.

I don’t know if we did well on the first visit. When I came home all I wanted to do is to rest and laugh. I shall share my laughs with you here today.

Aurora Public Library

His eyes went big at the entrance. He saw children, and I know what he was thinking then, a playground and more children.

First, Matthew noticed a little girl holding a very popular children’s book Chicka Chicka Bum Bum, a Spanish version of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, book by Bill Martin Jr. He came up to her and asked ‘What are you reading girl?‘. She said ‘funny book‘ and shared with him for few seconds. She took the book back and left.

For the next hour in the library his goal was to find this book again, and I think mainly because he has one at home and this one also said ‘bum bum‘. While getting the library card I kept telling Matthew to whisper, as he kept being exciting about things around and pointing and telling me all about it out loud. I sounded like a broken record, Matthew that, this, and that, shhhhhhhh, whisper please. Soon as we got the card he was on the mission – elevator first, which sometimes he forgets and calls it an ‘alligator‘.

In the last minute we sneaked into the elevator. Inside there was a father with little girl, probably Matthew’s age, 3. Again, Matthew tries to make friends. ‘Hi, hi‘ – he kept greeting them. Then he followed them to the children’s section. This is were he again started to coming up to every child in the room and asking questions and talking. ‘Matthew we whisper here, please keep your voice down‘ – I kept repeating.

Now Matthew spotted a girl with another book he knows, The Little Engine That Could. She had a nice pile of books on the shelf ready to take out along with the Engine book. So my dear Matthew comes up to her and takes the pile of books away and starts to walk away. ‘Matthew put that down, these are not yours‘ – I had to explain.

The father with girl left the room. Matthew spotted them outside the door, ran away and started to follow them to the elevator. I was able to convince him to stay on this floor by showing him different Dr. Seuss books, the one he does not have yet. We were able to sit for a bit and enjoy a busy traffic on the Yonge Street from library window. But not for long. He remembered that he needed to find the Chicka Chicka Bum Bum book.

View of Yonge Street from the Aurora Public Library Window

I told him to ask for it at the information desk, and he did. Unfortunately all the books were checked out. At this point I was exhausted and had to bribe him that he can get a treat outside the library. I gave him Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change book by Elizabeth Hearn Milner to carry. He carried to the check out. Same lady that signed me up with the library card checked the book out for us.

So not only he checked every corner of the library, got a ride in the elevator, greeted and talked to almost every child that passed by him, made some noises and was loud, asked questions; he also made himself popular as the lady at the checkout said ‘Bye Bye Matthew’. He waved back, smiled at her, and charged outside the door for the treat.

At home we repeated all he did in the library, and I ensured that next time when he goes to the library he will be walking slowly, he will be whispering and he will not take books away from other children. He can have different books, take them out, read them and must always bring them back.

‘I understand’ – was his reply.

We shall see next time.

Aurora Public Library Books

On the side note, the Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change book by Elizabeth Hearn Milner published not very long time ago (2007) turned out to be interesting book. I will talk about it another time.