Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Town Hall https://livinginaurora.ca Living In Aurora Ontario Canada Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:51:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 Aurora Art Show 2013 at the Town Hall, A Lovely Evening Expressed https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/aurora-art-show-2013-at-the-town-hall-a-lovely-evening-expressed/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/aurora-art-show-2013-at-the-town-hall-a-lovely-evening-expressed/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 01:39:48 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10450 of unique and intriguing art on display that filled all three floors of our Town Hall.

Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Great snack food & drinks and great choice of live music performed by Andy De Campos. Most of all great people who made this lovely event alive that evening.

The more I attended such events, more and more I feel like I am now connected with people in our community. I met and keep meeting many great people along my photographic blogging journey. I also owe big time our Aurora community for allowing me to explore and teach me how to appreciate how important is to be part of the community.

Nancy Newman, Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Mayor of Aurora, Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


I am learning. An art is a form of expression, and not just a painting or a photograph. An expression of feelings, moods and moments. We all express ourselves in a different, unique and original way and that evening was filled with all that.

I will repeat, we all express our selves in different way. Some through words and some through painting or playing a guitar or singing.

Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


I now recall how Matthew felt going to JK. He was so happy to go to school but once he realized that I will not be with him in school his mood changed. He used to bring his artwork home and all it was a big black blob.

When he painted at home – there were rainbows, birthday cakes, people, carrots and many other colorful objects. He still misses me and asks for home school but he matured a lot since the first day of school. I see much more color in his school work, more rainbow colors.

Every art created has meaning, some express symbolically via abstract and some tell us directly that today is a beautiful day with a blue sky on the horizon.

I posted more photos on Facebook – Aurora Art Show in Black & White and Aurora Art Show 2013 in Color.

Feel free to follow or to be my friend on Facebook and thank you to Nancy Newman for a special invitation.

Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Aurora Art Show, Town Hall


Andy De Campos, Aurora Art Show, Town Hall

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/aurora-art-show-2013-at-the-town-hall-a-lovely-evening-expressed/feed/ 2 Winter-y Evening Drive Near John West Way, Construction Site & Year 2012 In Review https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/winter-y-evening-drive-near-john-west-way-construction-site-year-2012-in-review/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/winter-y-evening-drive-near-john-west-way-construction-site-year-2012-in-review/#comments Sat, 29 Dec 2012 03:47:01 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9663 Note, I am still practicing. No tripod just using very high ISO.

The Ridgewood, John West Way, Town of Aurora


Few years ago I was following a fellow photographer from US and he took these amazing photos of the construction sites. I was hoping one day that I will have an opportunity to do so.

Well I have two here in the Town of Aurora and one of them is the condominium construction site (The Ridgewood) on the John West Way right across the Hollandview Trail Retirement Community.

The Ridgewood, John West Way, Town of Aurora


I went for a drive today and my first stop was behind the movie theater Cineplex. At this moment it is probably the biggest construction site in the Town of Aurora. I have been following progress mostly during the summer, and now from this view point you can hardly see the Hollandview Trail place.

It felt like it was moving slow at first, but once they started to stack up the floors and walls I was able to see changes at the construction site at much faster rate.

The Ridgewood, John West Way, Town of Aurora


The Ridgewood, John West Way, Town of Aurora


This area on the John West Way, near the Aurora Town Hall, is definitely a high density area. I wonder how the traffic is going to be. It wasn’t so bad when I drove by around six o’clock. I actually was surprised to see two buses in the span of five minutes.

Hollandview Retirement Community, John West Way, Town of Aurora


Other High Density Buildings on John West Way, Town of Aurora


On the end of my journey tonight I dropped by the Town Hall and snap some pictures of the Christmas tree. I may be wrong but the tree seems much bigger this year, and it seems dressed more with lights. Well when I get some time I will check if I got some older photos to compare.

This brings interesting point, the landscapes don’t just change because buildings rise or fall, but in addition because trees grow and tress fall down and sometimes not by themselves.

Christmas Tree 2013, Town Hall, Town of Aurora, Ontario


Well this may be my last post for the year 2012, so let me summarize few things. I just checked statistics for this site and this site had about 17,300 visits and 35,800 page views in the year 2012. I think that this is not that bad for a local blog. About eighty percent of my visits are from Aurora and surroundings (York Region).

I published 110 posts, slightly less than last year, but this was because I launched community FOCUS (LivingInAurora.COM) site and spent some time writing some content there. I don’t know how many images were published on this blog in 2012 but all I can tell you that this blog has a library of over 1,400 images of the Town of Aurora or photos that were taken on the grounds of Aurora.

My list of subscribers is constantly growing and if they don’t subscribe to my mailing list I know I am being followed using RSS feeds. I do have a twitter account and interesting spread of followers. My site is mainly found via search engines because someone is looking for something specific. It is nice that some actually drop me emails and write me interesting things they know about Aurora.

This year I have engaged more in photographing changes happening in Aurora, and I will do that more in the following year. I have extensive library of photos of the former Wells Street Public School and there will be more as the main construction didn’t start yet. I also have extensive library of photos of the Petch Log House reconstruction which I have been photo shooting since October 2012.

To conclude this post, let me list few of many interesting keywords through which people found this photo journal blog: trees that cry, who lives on my road, aurora issues, environmental issues in aurora, is there water good for drinking in aurora ontario, aurora mystery solved, aurora ontario horror and brave naked. However, the most used keyword and variations were for wells street public school.

“Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities.” a quote by Michael Josephson.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013.

GO Station, Wellington Street, Town of Aurora



]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/winter-y-evening-drive-near-john-west-way-construction-site-year-2012-in-review/feed/ 2 Changing Aurora, New Grounds For Petch House, Near Aurora Senior Centre https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/changing-aurora-new-grounds-for-petch-house-near-aurora-senior-centre/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/changing-aurora-new-grounds-for-petch-house-near-aurora-senior-centre/#comments Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:02:17 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8485 in the winter time.

To add to my changing Aurora series, it will be interesting area to visit having Petch House, Aurora Senior Centre and Town Hall – all seconds or minutes away from each other. Not to mention Skylight gallery at the Town Hall and entrance to the Community Arboretum.

Future Location of the Petch Log House, Community Arboretum


The Petch log house definitely will stand out, especially being the only log house around all brick buildings. Looks like the area for the log house is now ready and fenced. All we need is the Petch log house. Let us then wait.

Outside Log Structure Of The Petch House


Couple of weeks ago when we were walking at the Community Arboretum we dropped by the future location of the Petch log house.

Well how much can you write about the fenced empty area, however, when I got home there was a comment written by Mike McCartney, and since the post he commented on Petch House, It Was A Lifetime Opportunity, was from last year, I thought it will be nice to re-quote his comment here in the post.

“Hi I have enjoyed reading your postings and pictures of the Petch House. I’ve tried searching the web for more history on this house but have had no luck.

A little bit of what I do know I learned from my family. The Mills family bought the property in the early 70′s, when it stood on Leslie Street, and started what turned out to be a very large Thouroubred horse breeding operation called Aurora Meadows. My uncle Alfred Mills who lived in it for many years told us that the original log cabin was apparently the scene of the last Indian/Settler skirmish in the area and was actually able to show us an arrowhead that was imbedded in one of the logs.

Not sure how historically accurate this is but thought you might find it interesting.“

A bit of interesting information – an arrowhead embedded in one of the logs? May be I should revisit my pictures and look for it.

Office/Retail Building, Nino D’aversa Bakery, Aurora


I often visit Town Hall to see the Skylight gallery, but I do also take photos from the windows on the third floor or from the parking lot. Looking North West there is a new building in town as well, office/retail space building – on the same plaza as Nino D’aversa Bakery.

Commemorative Trees in the Community Arboretum, Aurora


I hope that I am not the only one, but I really enjoy reading plaques, and when comes to the Community Arboretum if I had hours to spare I could spend those hours walking and looking at the plaques of the commemorative trees, and they don’t have to be just memorials to loved ones we have lost.

“They enable individuals, or groups, or organizations, to commemorate something that is important to them. The trees may be used as memorials to loved ones we have lost, or they may be gifts of love for husbands, wives, parents who are still living. They may commemorate special events in our lives, the birth of children, special birthdays, marriage. They may recognize achievement by individuals or groups, or by an organization to recognize the accomplishment of individuals. The opportunities are endless.” Source: Community Arboretum, Aurora.

Aurora has been changing for almost 150 years, but definitely much faster in the recent years.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/changing-aurora-new-grounds-for-petch-house-near-aurora-senior-centre/feed/ 0 Painted & Photographed World At The 50th Annual Juried Art Show, Photographed https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 04:57:03 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=6852 architecture, technology, characters and abstract captured by many talented artists.

Nancy Newman, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Three floors of art during the 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale hosted by the Town of Aurora in association with the Society of York Region Artists. I arrived before noon on Saturday and already 16 art pieces were sold.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


At the entrance I was welcomed by Nancy Newman and given a permission to photograph the show. I told her that last time few people thought I was the SNAP lady, but she said that I can be the BLOG lady this time and I like it.

It it nice to go places where you don’t feel alone. Knowing few artists and as well being surrounded by art of artists I know, now gives me a welcome feeling. I recognized Christine Valentini name on the Browning House and I spotted few paintings by Shawna Patenaude. I got to chat with Nancy a bit and then with Zorica Miric and her husband Nenad, both artists.

Artists, Zorica and Nenad Volunteering, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


When I saw bird photos on display it made me think about all the bird photos I have. I have been asked many times to display my photography. I don’t know yet, I am not sure, I cannot perform under pressure – so for now I will just report on art and everything else in Aurora. I actually prefer journalistic photography or photography for the purpose of preserving and documenting.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Now back to the show and the art. Yes, it was three floors of art. When I arrived, starting with third floor, I noticed the youth category for youth 17 and under.

Youth Category, 50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


The Optimist Club of Aurora has contributed to make the youth category 17 and under possible – third year marked.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


From display to another display, click, click, click and click, following people (no no, not stalking). ‘Oh this is my favorite‘ – he said. I trailed behind and I saw his pick, a nest full of blue eggs with a blue feather on the side. I wonder who created this surreal painting?

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


Skylight Gallery, aha, new display panels. I hope they are new and not just for the show, but let us not forget that the art does the magic.

50th Annual Juried Art Show and Sale


I was a bit in the rush that day so I did not get artist names of the art I took close up photos. So if you see your painting or art here let me know your name and I will gladly add your name under my reporting on art photo but your art work.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/painted-photographed-world-at-the-50th-annual-juried-art-show-photographed/feed/ 4 Beehives, You Will Not Find Them ON Town Facilities https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/beehives-you-will-not-find-them-on-town-facilities/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/beehives-you-will-not-find-them-on-town-facilities/#comments Sun, 04 Mar 2012 05:12:09 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5690

Well, there is a reason for everything and there must have been one for David Tomlinson’s motion to place beehives on top of the town building.

I had to find reason for that motion, so I started to search. I searched, and searched and still am searching. The Auroran reported as well that there wasn’t a good reason for that. But we do know that honey bee population is declining, thus maybe David’s motion. I must agree that there are risks placing them on top of the building, not just the town building but any building in Aurora.

Beehives on Bayview Street, Aurora


On the other hand, I once read news released by the Toronto star about honey bee queens being blocked at the border. It was interesting to know that honey bees (queens) are being imported in Canada, especially in Alberta.

‘Alberta imports about 60,000 queens a year, at about $20 to $23 each. Queens lay between 1,500 to 2,000 eggs a day, so any delays have a “huge domino effect” … Source: Toronto Star Article

And it was interesting to know that the queens are imported to pollinate hybrid canola plant. Oh that is just slavery, especially knowing that canola oil is not good for anyone.

‘Of the 240,000 colonies in Alberta, about 60,000 are contracted out for hybrid canola seed production, he said. Renting a colony costs between $120 to $150 for a summer, he said. Once the seed is planted the wind takes care of pollination.‘ Source: Toronto Star Article

Want to know if we have beehives in Aurora? Just drive South on Bayview Street pass Wellington, on the East side. I always saw in my peripheral vision these white boxes when driving by until one day I stopped and realized they were beehives. Sooner or later I will find out more.

Community Fisheries, Just A Sign Beside The Beehives

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/beehives-you-will-not-find-them-on-town-facilities/feed/ 4 Town Hall is Aurora’s Gallery, A Dramatic Skylight Gallery https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/town-hall-is-auroras-gallery-a-dramatic-skylight-gallery/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/town-hall-is-auroras-gallery-a-dramatic-skylight-gallery/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:38:10 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=3676

I must say that our Town Hall is one amazing gallery. Everywhere I looked, outside the building, inside the building – there was always something to observe. I only been in the hall ‘fingers on my hand‘ times, but every time I am there I always stopped to look at the art.

Aurora Town Hall


Aurora Town Hall


When first time I visited Town Hall few years ago, the quilt hanging on the wall between first and second floor was something I always admired. To make a quilt like this one takes a lot of energy, attention to detail and patience.

If I am not mistaken, the quilt represents Aurora heritage places or Aurora historic places of interest.

Aurora Quilt


Now this is where I was wrong. I never made to the third floor before, so I always thought that second floor was the Skylight gallery.

That day, while admiring all the artwork on the walls, a receptionist lady informed us about the Skylight gallery on the third floor. ‘Nice, more to discover‘ – I thought to myself.

Aurora Town Hall, Second Floor


Walking up to the third floor to the Skylight gallery we found this intriguing collage on the wall.

Art, Third Floor Near by Skylight Gallery


Finally we made all the way up via stairs. Matthew really wanted to get the elevator ride, so I told him we will do that from the third floor.

When we got there the gallery did not see as dramatic as described on town’s website.

‘In Aurora, nurturing a high quality of life for residents includes fostering a love of the arts. Right in the Town Hall on the third floor, the Skylight Gallery is a fabulous open space topped by a dramatic skylight – an area devoted to exhibitions of work by local and area painters and sculptors. Backboards and track lighting are set up to display artwork in a striking setting, and admission to this ever-changing art show is free.‘ Source: Town of Aurora.

For the month of September a captivating art of Bud Switzer and Mariann O’Neill was featured.

So what is the fuss about the Skylight gallery. Well that day it was too much sunlight shining at the gallery. Light creates shadows, so the poked holes on the black boards were drawing me away from the art. You can see more imperfections in intense sunlight. Never mind the sun’s UV light can be damaging to the artwork, initiating the fading process. To me art gallery should always have subdued light.

Having said that, I still think that it is nice thing for the town to offer all that free space to showcase the local artists. Ouch, only painters and sculptors are allowed. May be one day they will add local photographers. Just something to think about.

Skylight Gallery


And that was it. We found our way to the elevator on the third floor and out we go. But just before we entered the elevator, I found this sketch collage on the wall. I had to be pulled away because someone was ready for the elevator ride. Technology helps in this matter – I took a snapshot to enjoy it later.

Art, Hall Way


So next time, if you never been to the Skylight gallery before, remember it is on the third floor.

Heads up. I visited Skylight gallery today and I must say – that was one dramatic and captivating showcase for the month of October. More in the next post.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/town-hall-is-auroras-gallery-a-dramatic-skylight-gallery/feed/ 0 The Petch House, A New Journey https://livinginaurora.ca/parks/the-petch-house-a-new-journey/ https://livinginaurora.ca/parks/the-petch-house-a-new-journey/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:19:38 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=2208

Fenced Petch House


The chain link fence now surrounds the house. Little by little, patched up areas are being cleaned off the outside walls or surface of the logs – evidence of contrast between faded and darker wetter surface areas. The corners are now strapped and supported, especially the one which were slowly sliding out and deteriorating. Not sure, but the inside is probably being cleaned out as well.

Petch House, Strapping


After sitting on the lot on Leslie Street, just south of Wellington Street East for many years now, the Petch house starts a new journey. Its destiny for a while was in a jeopardy. There is a hope, but what’s next? A battle to determine if the house should really be placed in the Community Arboretum beside the Aurora Town Hall.

Petch House, Back


Aha, the plan and the location requested by the Friends of Petch house was clear – in Petchville near the Stronach Recreation Complex and the Urban Wildlife Park to be authentic as possible. Now we are in the pulling-a-rope-mode again. Why can’t we just help the Friends of the Petch house to follow their plan and vision, instead of altering. I see costly battle in the horizon.

Petch House, Facing Sun


I personally met Ms. Katherine Belrose who is the driving force behind saving the log house. Because of her motivation, courage and personal investment both time and monetary, the town should grant her full control to lead the project. Her vision and path is clear. Her interest is pure. She is the person to trust right now.

Petch House


This is something to think about. The Petch house is a relic of our town and it should be preserved. The proper location for the house to grow its new roots is also an important factor in its new journey.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/parks/the-petch-house-a-new-journey/feed/ 0 Town of Aurora Museum Future Locations Proposed https://livinginaurora.ca/museum/town-of-aurora-museum-future-locations-proposed/ https://livinginaurora.ca/museum/town-of-aurora-museum-future-locations-proposed/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:21:43 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=899

Since museum is a recent buzz word in the town news, and no body really talks about where and what. I have decided to throw some ideas on the table here.

First collecting some information.
  • ‘For Councillor Evelyn Buck, one of her commitments is bring a museum back to Aurora. Noting that the Aurora Historical Society has asked for additional funds for a curator, she said that she was intent on that being met.‘ – a quote from the newspaper article ‘Budget drops again’, THE AURORAN, Week of March 29, 2011, Vol. 11 No. 22, pg 1, 12.
  • ‘The York Region District School Board is going ahead with plans to put the Wells Street School site in downtown Aurora up for sale, while extending the Town’s deadline to make an offer of “fair market value” until June as requested.‘ – a quote from the newspaper article ‘Want to buy a school?, THE AURORAN, Week of March 29, 2011, Vol. 11 No. 22, pg 1, 12.
  • ‘The Aurora Historical Society was founded in 1963 and is run by a dedicated number of volunteers. The society has worked tirelessly for the last 47 years to support and preserve the history of Aurora through its operation of Hillary House National Historic Site, the Koffler Museum of Medicine, and the Aurora Collection. The AHS played a major role in restoring the Church Street School (Aurora Cultural Centre) which is now where the Aurora Collection is stored. The vast artifact and archival collection includes over 8,000 items as well as a rare book and reference library.‘ – a long quote from the newsletter ‘The Aurora Historical Society – Profile’, Aurora Cultural Centre Highlights, Winter 2011, pg 6.

Aurora Cultural Centre


The above items give me a good start here. I don’t know how did the Museum change hands with the Aurora’s Cultural Centre (better explained by Evelyn Buck here); however, as Evelyn Buck is determined to find a new home for the Aurora Museum, I thought that I will be determined here to throw some ideas on the table. Excuse me if they are repeats, because I am sure that lot of ideas were probably already thrown around the table somewhere.

As my thinking process goes, here are some keywords or buzz words in the recent news – Wells Street School for sale, Petch House – don’t know what to do house, Aurora Library needs funding, future Town of Aurora hall renovations, Aurora Cultural Centre – blooming.

Now that I brained-stormed, here are my suggestions for the new Aurora Museum location(s):
  • Aha, Wells Street School for sale. 8,000 artifacts seems a lot plus rare book and reference library. Why not buy this place, and set up museum in the Wells Street School. It is already historic site.
  • Aha number two – we don’t know what to do with Petch house? Well why not make this a new place for Aurora’s Museum, it is after all a historic place.
  • Personally this one is my favorite. Why not set up exhibits around the Aurora. That is, if Town of Aurora hall is going to be renovated (supposedly), why not make a provision for display cases for some of the 8,000 artifacts. Add some display cases in the Cultural Centre. The rare book and reference library move to Aurora Library and have some artifacts placed there too. This option gives greatest visibility and access to the archives for those interested, and for those who are not but will be when visiting town hall or library.

Aurora Cultural Centre


Everything cost money. I don’t think that finding a place is only Councillors job. The Historical Society should layout some proposals. All you have to do is pick a place, do cost analysis, that is cost of proposed property, cost of move, cost of materials, cost of restoration, cost of future maintenance, etc.

I think this should be easy project to do. Give few alternatives, I am sure quotes are free from those who want the job. After all, I don’t think I should be the one here telling everyone what to do. The bottom line is that we need the Aurora Museum back so I can finally complete my planned trip.

So here is my take on the next location for the Museum, and what is yours?
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