Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Matt Maddocks

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!

The Tug of War, The Team Work & The Spirit of Aurora Celebrating 150th Birthday, Mayor’s Levee

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:21:00 +0000

No I didn’t forget. I have lot more to showcase, that is more pictures of the Mayor’s Levee from February 3rd, 2013 at the Town Park. Again, I probably took too many pictures, but how can I not. Everyone had great time children and adults, and volunteers.

I didn’t realize until after I processed these photos and how much these pictures show our community spirit, team work and fun. No doubt the attendance was low that day, but that does not mean much, as long those who organized and attended felt good about it. We were frozen to the bones when leaving, but before that everyone had fun.

So the gallery of photos showcases Tug of War that was set up for children. At some point adults took over.

You may ask who won on the end – they all were winners.

On the side note, there is lot of activity going on in our community now. I think year 2013 is not just Sesquicentennial year, but year of change and it will be all about the people in our community and how we will shape our community moving forward. Many may not like it, but accepting change is way to go.

Today, coincidentally, I came across Bill Hogg’s blog post about ‘Essential Elements When Framing Organizational Change‘. It is a post worth reading. Nothing really is new to me as I worked for corporate world before where changes happened all the time, and if you didn’t accept you didn’t fit. Resisting change is not very healthy, that much I can tell you

Well this concept does not apply just for organization – it applies for communities as well. Bringing more innovative ideas to the table is the key. Community involvement is another. The barriers must go down, otherwise, new ideas will flourish and those who resist change will not survive.

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

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

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

Bandshall, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

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

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

Wagon Rides, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

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

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

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

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

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

Children imagination and creativity always puts smile on my face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bob McRoberts, Town Park, Town of Aurora, Ontario

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

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

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

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

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

David Falconer, The Auroran Photographer

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

Volunteer, Town Park, Town of Aurora

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

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

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

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

And lastly Happy 150th Birthday Town of Aurora!

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

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

Interesting Visit To The Aurora Public Library, Mario & Luigi Came Along

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:24:45 +0000

I thought I make this a bit up close and personal post, but then most of my posts usually are. Well three months passed and Matthew is still adjusting to school, his first year in Junior Kindergarten. We have good mornings and we have mornings that he will not want to go school.

But the teacher tells me that he has lots of fun in school, participates and eats well. He is starting to interact more socially. Its funny to hear him, ‘we boys played together today, and girls were not allowed in our area‘. Matthew always enjoyed interacting and conversing with other children and when he went to school I noticed he had a bit trouble finding a friend to play with. Last Tuesday he surprised me, ‘Mommy Andrei is my best friend again, we played restaurant together, and we had so so much fun.’ Perhaps that is what he needs.

Children use their imaginations and create their own play scenarios, and Matthew starting to do so. He recently became good friends with Mario and Luigi (Nintendo characters). He always was friends with Mario, but this is first time where he actually converses with both of them.

Inside the Aurora Public Library, Second Floor

Last Wednesday we visited the Aurora Public Library. Matthew did not resist because he wanted to show the library to his new friends. We were on the way out but in the last minute he had to go washroom. While waiting I overheard his conversation. Yes he brought them inside the washroom. ‘Oh Mario and Luigi I cannot pick you up yet, I have to wash my hands‘.

Matthew at the Aurora Public Library

While we were driving to the library he was showing Mario and Luigi all the things outside – trees, cars, Arboretum. We took Wellington Street and turned on Wells Street. While passing by the Town Park Matthew goes, ‘and here is Aurora Farmer’s Market, oh and it is closed now‘.

Then we got to the library. He was holding Mario and Luigi at the entrance and quietly said Hi on behalf of them to the librarian. I think he was a bit shy of his pretend toy friends.

So we went up stairs. Since the last episode of going unexpectedly to the library basement, Matthew enjoys now walking up and down the stairs. Sometimes we look down on the mechanical parts when the elevator is above us on the second floor.

That day most of his time Matthew spent playing children programs on the computer and he was holding Mario and Luigi in his hand as they were watching him playing.

Mario and Luigi Visiting Aurora Public Library

When children have imagination we just have to go with it. Sometimes I get so much resistance to go on the adventures in Aurora. JK is is big change for him and he often says ‘oh it is so nice to be home, can we stay home today?‘ or ‘I am so tired today‘. But that day was different, he had new friends coming with him.

Aurora Public Library, Second Floor Gallery

So what’s new at the Aurora Public Library. Well the gallery showcase on the second floor Tobermory Remembered: Landscape photography by Simeon Posen is new. More happy watching as APL recently changed its policy regarding DVD renewals. DVDs can now be renewed twice as long as they are not on hold. Something we always asked for.

May be just one more thing – important updates from the community FOCUS site. Our Aurora related content is slowly growing. The Town Politics and Lifestyle section is dominating, and we have few regular contributors Matt Maddocks, John Abel and Andrew Fogliato. Traffic is picking up and sometimes we get nice traffic spikes depending on the issues that come up in the town. We have few Aurora Directory submissions in the works.

We also have few focus page proposals in the works as well. We did in fact submitted proposal to the Sesquicentennial Ad Hoc Committee (SAC) to have a focus/landing page for the 150th Anniversary of Aurora for all the related content and events for absolutely free. Unfortunately our offer was declined because Town chooses potentially to pay $25,000 for the domain name, hosting and site design. The truth is even if the town designs their own site it does not have to cost that much.

Oh well so much for the community involvement, sounds like controlled one, but this will not stop us to continue with the anniversary focus page proposal. Stay tuned.

Colorful Aurora Farmers Market, When The Music Plays

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:55:11 +0000

The Taoist Tai Chi presentation in the park on Saturday at the Aurora Farmers Market was another hint that I should be going back soon to my Tai-Chi classes. I guess I got intercepted by flow of the positive energy thus got motivated – and I will be calling my teacher sometimes this week.

The weatherman called for thirty percent chance of rain that day – but not for that morning.

Taoist Tai Chi Lady

The market is a truly almost prefect place to visit. All we need a homemade lolly-pop stand and then it will be prefect. Kidding aside, we have great community here in Aurora and our weekly market caters everything (lolly pop or no lolly pop), even if it is just meeting your friends.

Just a year ago, I can tell you that we came to the market and spent an average 15-20 minutes – playing with Matthew at the playground and then heading for the popcorn. Because of this blog I met lot of people here in Aurora, just the same way we met lot of neighbours in the past four years on our street because of Matthew.

Matt Maddocks chatting with Diane Buchanan

It was a good day on the farmers market. Chatted a bit with Chris Watts who writes Temporary Sanity blog, then met with Matt and Deb. Briefly was introduced to Diane Buchanan from the Auroran, and on the way home I got to meet John Abel. I recognized few faces in the crowd as well – Councillor John Gallo and Councillor Michael Thompson.

Some of you already know about my little community blog project I started few months ago – the community FOCUS livinginaurora.com. Well so far so good and as anticipated. The content is growing, traffic is picking up and this is because of a few good contributors who regularly write about Aurora, and there will be more.

Note, everyone is welcome to write, anything Aurora related or if you Auroran you can write about Aurora and everything else. This site is great opportunity to be heard in the community.

If you have not met Matt Maddocks on the Aurora Farmers Market at the Town Park, you can meet him at the community FOCUS site. Matt writes regular column Point of Privilege on our community site where he touches on town’s political issues. He has also great appreciation for town’s culture and history.

Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Music in the park is a must. In my previous post I already wrote how hard it is to leave Aurora Farmers Market when the music plays. And speaking of music Councillor John Abel who also regularly writes can tell you all about amazing talent we have here in Aurora. You can read all about it in his latest post Music Scene in Aurora – Local Talent Showcase.

Town Park Musician

I never fail to take photos of the front door of the former Wells Street Public School even if it is blocked by the Aurora Farmers Market crowds. The school is going to be converted to lofts, one of a kind lofts here in Aurora. In the past I have written few posts about the school as I was allowed to go inside and photograph the building before conversion. I have one more post on the go this month to show you children’s art from the Wells Street school.

However, I am not the only one writing about the new lofts in town. On our community FOCUS blog site, Andrew Fogliato writes regularly on our Lifestyle focus page about real state market in the Town of Aurora. Andrew knows Aurora very well because he grew up here.

I know that some of my readers are not Aurorans, so if you are looking for an exciting place to live, a place like Aurora, Andrew will be the right person to meet and discuss your real state needs.

Former Wells Street Public School

What can I say. It was a very eventful day on Saturday.

A Young Bystander

Leaving Aurora Farmer’s Market

Click on the first image to view complete gallery of the photos shown below – vegetable accents, creative treats, millions of soaps, tasty popcorn-s, run away popcorn boy and more. Few more weeks and Aurora Farmers Market will be closing for the season. Enjoy.

Suddenly Awaken To Retire Sunday Break, Coraline Sighed, The Book By Neil Gaiman

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:46:07 +0000

Time to retire my cheesy Sunday Break posts. It was okay, a photo with the accompanied quote. It was kind of ironic post. It supposed to be a break but I found myself looking for the right photo and then spent good chunk of time searching for a quote to relate. Result – missed Sunday posts.

Nokiidaa Trail Link of St. John’s Sideroad, Boardwalk

Well, enough of that. I am going to start something new and more meaningful to the society – SUDDENLY AWAKEN series. You know, stuff like being in the moment or getting inspired. I don’t know if I have reached some kind of level to inspire other people, but I do get inspired every day, by my family, by connecting with people, reading books, taking photos, watching videos and even just being out there somewhere.

The other day I picked up another batch of books to read at the Aurora Public Library. My card was expiring. A year passed by since I got my library card. Oh I needed badly to give myself pat on my back for the accomplishment, that is for a full year of regular visits to the library, but then I could only reach my shoulder.

Looking out the window in the passenger seat, today I was suddenly awaken by the idea of posting something meaningful, that is I want to remember all the books I read this past year and many more years to come. I want to remember my conversations with others. I want to remember Matthew’s great ideas.

Last month randomly I picked up a book at the library, Coraline by Neil Gaiman. For sure a fantasy. Not sure if I liked it at first and not sure if I enjoyed the dark mood of this book, but I was drawn. I kept reading and reading probably because I was curious what will happen next. On the end it didn’t matter, what mattered was this passage in the book.

Coraline sighed. “You really don’t understand, do you? she said. “I don’t want whatever I want. No body does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted? Just like that, and it didn’t mean anything. What then?”, Neil Gaiman, Coraline, page 120.

Yes, what then? Something to think about.

The beauty of today’s world is that the world wide web gave us excellent opportunities to share our thoughts. The digital photography gave us hands on opportunity to capture the moment. And the new kid on the block, LivingInAurora.COM community FOCUS is giving everyone great opportunity to share everything about Aurora.

I suggest to read Matt Maddocks’ (Point of Privilege Column, community FOCUS) latest published post and his intriguing thoughts on the politics of culture, The Politics of Culture, Two Weeks on Two Wheels. He will be driving outside the Town of Aurora zone in search for answers and I am sure he will have lot of interesting insights to share once he is back.

Doors Open Aurora 2012, Lumsden’s Trumpeter Swan Gardens & The Giant Thistle

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 03:53:39 +0000

That was my last one, favorite one and the most entertaining one visit to the Doors Open Aurora. Despite the heat I was glad to visit the Trumpeter Swan Gardens created by Harry Lumsden. This was my second visit.

I called up Mr. Lumsden back in May and was allowed to photograph the swans – Trumpeter Swans in Aurora, Visit To Harry Lumsden’s Pond.

This visit was different. The gardens were open to public so I knew that my pictures will be a lot more interesting and not just swans.

When I arrived I was greeted by volunteers. I was directed to go behind the house first and then if I am not mistaken to walk to the North side of the property. While walking I passed by couple of ladies with a child in the stroller. One of them briefly looked at me and then said to the other one ‘You better get your camera out may be we will see some birds‘. I smiled and I had to say something ‘Well you are definitely going to see swans‘. They nodded and we all laughed.

Trumpeter Swan, Harry Lumsden’s Gardens, Aurora

Since my last visit, this time gardens were a lot more green and beautifully over grown. First thing I noticed was this giant Scottish Thistle, probably close to two meters tall. Normally we would call thistle a weed, but in Mr. Lumsden’s garden obviously it is not.

Scottish Thistle, Harry Lumsden’s Gardens, Aurora

So things got much better after seeing the giant thistle. I took few nice pictures of the crowd with Mr. Lumsden. Not until later I noticed that I took pictures of someone I know.

Trumpeter Swan, Harry Lumsden’s Gardens, Aurora

Then I spotted someone in my peripheral vision either taking pictures of the thistle or the group of people with Mr. Lumsden. He looked familiar so I sneaked and took photo of him for further analysis later that day.

If turned out that was Matt Maddocks with his new toy. Matt and Deb were also visiting Trumpeter Swan gardens that day. I tell you it is always nice to be in the larger group. Conversation with Mr. Lumsden turned out far more interesting and entertaining, and all thanks to Deb.

Matt Maddocks Taking Pictures

I remember the days when I didn’t know Matt and how I used to read his intriguing Letters to the Editor in the Auroran. As of this year Matt took extra step and has now a regular column Point of Privilege on the community FOCUS site for the Town of Aurora.

Matt gathered lot of interesting information during his Doors Open Aurora experience and wrote a very intriguing and profound essay. If you curious you can read it for yourself, Doors Open Aurora – Of Swans and Freedom Fighters. Mr. Lumsden 6 acre property can be very adventurous. Before I met up with Matt and Deb again I walked alone around the pond in the shade of trees. I kept seeing visitors pouring in. Even thought it was getting close to four o’clock they just kept arriving.

Another incident. About four or five visitors arrived together, adults and youth. I overheard that one of the girls was scared of the birds and kept complaining about it. How can you be scared of the birds, I just don’t understand. But hey we all are scared of something.

At some point one of the ladies turned around and said to the girl ‘No worries dear, you will not find any birds here‘. Well, I just had to say something again, ‘but you will find swans just over there‘. She and the others looked in the direction of swans, and everyone laughed.

I guess since we don’t see swans flying on regular basis just like other small birds, many consider them something else. But what is that something else? Who knows.

Harry Lumsden Himself

Then later a small disappointment. During my first visit Harry Lumsden told me that there were six swan eggs in the nest. I came to the pond in mind that I will see all six of them.

I asked how come there was only one cygnet. He corrected me and said that there were actually seven eggs and explained that they didn’t hatch properly because disturbed female seeing disturbed male kept coming off the nest. Out of seven only two survived, but then turtle ate one of them.

That makes you think that their extinction wasn’t just our contribution.

Trumpeter Swans with Cygnet, Harry Lumsden’s Gardens, Aurora

If it wasn’t for Deb we would never know why this Trumpeter Swan has red feet (photo below). Harry Lumsden gave us this complex explanation, but all you need to know – recessive gene, or not very popular one. Apparently, there are three swans (not sure if in a whole Ontario or Canada) reported to have red feet and one of them is here in Aurora, Ontario at the Mr. Lumsden’s Swan Garden.

So this bring me to the end of my adventures during Doors Open Aurora. I am hoping again that for next year there will be no birthday parties or wedding parties scheduled for that day. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Red Feet Trumpeter Swan, Harry Lumsden’s Gardens, Aurora

community FOCUS Website For Town of Aurora, A Different Kind Of Walk Today

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 04:05:00 +0000

Today let me take you for a walk. Not outside and not inside, but the virtual kind of walk. A walk through just published site for the Town of Aurora community, the community FOCUS virtual site LivingInAurora.COM. It took a long time to assemble this site and we are very pleased and happy to have it up and running.

Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

Let me tell you more about it then.

The name says it all. The community FOCUS site is for you. The site is for you to write about anything and very focused on Aurora. You can express your views, opinions, issues, start discussions or even share the news. You can write essays and you can write stories.

The site is organized based on areas of specific interests and as the content will grow you will see more categories introduced. You can even suggest a topic.

Go Station Parking in Aurora

In addition it will be a resource site to everything in Aurora from outdoors recreations to indoor shopping, entertainment and events. We are inviting everyone from Aurora Ontario to submit a profile to our AURORA Directory – people, bloggers, small business owners and big business owners – all of you can participate and it is absolutely FREE.

We have certain guidelines but not to worry, they are designed to work for you, to give you better ranking and better exposure in the virtual world, a world we are heading towards to.

There are always beginnings. With town politics always on the spotlight we teamed up with Matt Maddocks who will have a regular column with us – Point of Privilege on our Town Politics focus page. Matt have been writing letters to editor in our local newspaper The Auroran or commenting on few Aurora blogs regularly. We are very pleased to have someone like Matt on board, but wait Matt will tell you more in his first introductory post on the community FOCUS site.

There is always lots to talk about when comes to politics – so don’t be shy you can write as well.

Having said that – focus pages, example being Town Politics, will be added regularly as we get public interest in writing their opinions/views, reviews or stories. We have in mind History/Heritage, Arts & Culture or Sports to start. Columns are available. Cartoonists are welcome.

Note that commercial writing to promote your Aurora, Ontario business for consumers is also welcome. Read our Message Board for more information.

Now, we have also introduced Aurora-Youth-Writes project.

Yes we want Aurora youth to participate as well.

We want to give Aurora youth writing opportunities as well. A column will be great opportunity to create a writing portfolio for those who want to enter writing field, especially journalism. You can read more about this here: Aurora-Youth-Writes Project Initiative – Writing Opportunities for Town of Aurora Youth. Talk to your children.

Town Hall, Town of Aurora

Not to overwhelm you I will conclude my virtual walk for today and let you tour the site for yourself – community FOCUS LivingInAurora.COM. Lots of great writing opportunities for everyone.

Just so you know, my role on the community FOCUS site will be to moderate the site, organize received content, manage site updates, write newsletters, write about updates and write resource content. Feel free to write me if you have any questions or even concerns.

No worries I will continue to write on this blog and to confuse you more, this photo journal blog is LivingInAurora.CA and the community FOCUS site is LivingInAurora.COM. Don’t ask why?

Something Is Missing In The Aurora Cultural Centre

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:32:32 +0000

Once I looked at the walls of the Aurora Cultural Centre and thought – what were these diagonal scratch marks on the wall? As a matter of fact on the both sides.

It never occurred to me that they were the missing fire exit stairs. I guess with all the renovations and safety route implementation in the building there is no further need for such stairs. So that’s missing, but there is more …

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

I don’t know if it just me but The Auroran our local newspaper did not have anything interesting written up in the past weeks. Not that it is the newspaper’s fault, just nothing that really interested me. I am glad that Bonnie Tiffin was back once with her Letter to the Editor some issues back.

Perhaps the next issue will have something interesting written up (I thought) and it did.

I was intrigued by two Letters to the Editors, ‘Cultural Centre should stand on its own two feet: reader‘ by Matt Maddocks and ‘Aurora High teacher has made good use of Cultural Centre‘ by Richard Markie, Head of Drama, Aurora High School.

Two very valid letters, Matt’s letter is eye opener for tax payers and Richard’s, oh I really don’t know what to call it, but it is encouraging to know that the centre is beneficial to many of us. No doubt, I have seen for myself that our Cultural Centre is being utilized effectively.

Well, between those letters there is something missing, perhaps some Aurora Cultural Centre’s financial transparency.

Matt wrote ‘In my experience, I’ve learned that when a business starts spending significant marketing dollars, it usually means profits are up. It can also mean the business anticipates growth‘.

I would like to add ‘may be they just got a good chunk of taxpayer dollar and they needed to justify the spending; and a full-page thank you was a bad move as it angered many of us‘. But then one can only assume such thought of mine. By the way, the Letter to Editor costs nothing and some write them to thank others – a hint here.

Well the list does not end here. In the beginning of the February I was invited to photograph the SOYRA show and sale event. It turned out to be a very successful show.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

During the same event, upstairs in one of the rooms it was last day art show for the Luisa Capelet’s Grade 12 Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School. The art work for that show was inspired by Canadian Abstract Expressionist Cesan D’Ornellas Levine. There were paintings but there was also other art objects on the display.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

The same could be done for the Aurora history and museum artifacts. Library is already doing it and there is no one reason why Aurora Cultural Centre can do the same, but on the permanent basis. Yes, if there is no place for the museum at least we can share spaces.

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