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!

Beyond And Under, Still No Grocery Store For Seniors, St. Andrew’s Plaza

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:07:07 +0000

When I was checking out library books I noticed framed article right at the exit, just beside the security gates. I packed my books and went to check it out. The article was titled ‘Aurora Public Library‘ and was written by Stephen Somerville who writes for The Auroran in his Front Porch Perspective column.

If I were to read this article I would probably had to take the frame down and head out for the treat. When Matthew sees treat he has more than ants in his pants. It was easier for me to make the note when the article was published – on January 27th, 2009 in The Auroran, and read it later.

Library Books, Curious George

I reached for the brochure and the pencil and wrote it down. Today I finally I read it and this is the most inspirational letter I ever read. Kudos to Stephen Somerville for sharing and Reccia Mandelcorn for writing it.

‘Libraries are about families, about generations and shared histories, about experiences, about imagination, about the world and about appreciating other cultures. Libraries are the equalizers of the economic and digital divides, between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”‘, THE AURORAN, Week of January 27, 2009 – pg 5.

What I also read was the brochure I made my notes in. The brochure was about VISITING LIBRARY SERVICE – your library ~ serving your community. I was very happy to know that we have such a wonderful service for those who are not able to visit the library, so library will visit them.

‘A Visiting Library Service volunteer will bring library materials to members who cannot visit the Library due to disability, illness or frailty and have no alternative means of obtaining library materials.‘

Some things are just beyond what I have expected to see in our town. But, there are always buts.

So what’s under?

Orchard Heights Place, Aurora

This brochure made me remember to check out the St. Andrew’s Plaza. There used to be Foodland store which was closed back in October last year leaving local residents, especially seniors right across the street, with no other grocery store close by.

As of last couple of weeks I have not seen any ‘store’ activity when I dropped by to snap some pictures. I am sure if there was a new grocery store coming, we will be hearing it everywhere. But because it is not I doubt that anyone wants to talk about it. Seems like a big secret for now.

Once Foodland!

When the store was closing we know that Frank Klees was able to arrange free transportation for the seniors from the Orchard Heights Place to the nearest grocery store. The arrangements were made for the seniors to be dropped off at the Sobeys due to association to Foodland. Did you know that it is the school bus that picks and drops seniors off? Not the best ride I say.

Nice temporary fix it is. How long will it last, no body knows? I am sure the YRT strike for few months didn’t serve well either.

YRT Bus Stop, Orchard Heights, Aurora

In the long term this isn’t a true solution.

Pedestrian Crossing, Orchard Heights, Aurora

Somethings here are in Aurora are under and not being able to bring grocery store back in place of Foodland is that something and yes that crossing sign on Orchard Heights Boulevard once had a purpose too.

Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Frank Klees

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

Beyond And Under, Still No Grocery Store For Seniors, St. Andrew’s Plaza