Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Town Park

Christmas Eve Almost Frozen Night Rider Around Town of Aurora

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:32:07 +0000

I couldn’t resists. What else can I do late at night when children are asleep. I took my cameras and went for a drive around Aurora around ten o’clock. It was a beautiful cold night. I didn’t realize this until later.

Iced Trees, Superstore Parking Lot, Aurora

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

The images you are seeing here were taken in Aurora ON on Christmas Eve night on December 24th, 2013. I drove to the nearby Superstore on St. John’s sideroad. The parking lot was empty and beautifully illuminated – for nothing. The iced trees dispersed light even more.

I pull over and took some surreal images of the iced trees and bushes. I couldn’t believe how beautiful these bushes looked just with a naked eye. On the other hand they kind of looked painful as well – frozen.

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

On the side note getting out that late I had to pay small prize – I was freezing myself. My fingers especially where there is not much of human mass and the metal lenses and metal case on one of my cameras didn’t do much justice. Not to mention my nose was kind of turning into – no mystery – a frozen nose. But that wasn’t the it.

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

I knew the ice will eventually go away. Last couple of days we have been experiencing meltdown – thus my urge to go out and take night photos that day. My backyard tree survived. Word of advice – plant flexible trees. The more flexible you are the better chance of survival you have – a life note here, as taken from the tree.

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

I had a choice to turn around and go home. No I needed more. I drove on the Earl Stewart Drive along the newly installed sidewalk for which I asked and finally after 2 years the sidewalk is here. Then it hit me – oh no, I missed most of the Rebook warehouse demolition. All ruins now.

Wellington Street, Near GO Station

Yes I wanted to see the Aurora Borealis at the Town Park. When I arrived the place was beautiful and scary at the same time. All the iced trees were squeaking like they were about to fall down. But the sound was not the same compared to the creepy noises coming from the roof tops – ice expansion.

Aurora Borealis, Town Park, Aurora

I kind of dragged myself to the middle of the ice ring and I tell you that was – it. I started to freeze. I literally was there for a minute or two and my fingers were about to turn into icicles and not to mention the nose. I went back to the car for de-frost. Drove a bit along deserted Yonge Street and headed home.

Victorian Hall, Aurora

Yonge Street, Aurora

And this is how I will remember the 2013 ice storm in Aurora – beautiful, cold and painful. But it wasn’t that painful for me as it was especially for those who lost their power for many days. There are still some unfortunate families that just getting their power back on today.

Caruso and Company, Yonge Street, Aurora

Wishing you awesome year 2014. Stay warm another cold front is coming our way.

Christmas Tree, St. John’s sideroad, Aurora

Last Day at the Aurora Farmers Market, Somethings Depend on Good Weather

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:29:14 +0000

Last Saturday was last day of the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair at the Town Park and it was one rainy and cold day. As the title states weather plays a big factor when comes to the attendance at the community organized events and performances.

Can’t complain too much, up to now we have been actually blessed with warm October days.

Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

So last Saturday afternoon I came and had some cold fun with Aaron Morris and Paul Mason on stage and I got a cookie treat as well. Another great year at the farmers market, looking forward to next year.

Aaron Morris, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Paul Mason, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Hillary House Getting Musical, Young & Beautiful Auroran Talent – Matina Z

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 18:12:54 +0000

Hillary House, the national historic site is getting musical. If you think the music is gone for the summer, there is little more coming to the Hillary House. Oops summer is gone, I almost forgot. Last few days we have been experiencing a beautiful weather all around, summer like weather.

Matina Z, Celebrate Aurora, Performing at the Town Park back in July.

Music at the Manor, sunny, fun event in town with live music. Yes more live music with Thursday Night Jam and a local rocker Matina Z this Saturday, September 28, 2013. And if you are a curious person Hillary House is a definitely good site to explore and learn more about local history while music plays.

I briefly met Matina Z at the celebrate Aurora event back in July. Amazed with her performance and stamina I didn’t take my photo shoot for granted. If you up to for some good live music, Matina Z is a must see performance, she is young and beautiful and a local Aurora rocker.

Someone asked me once where do I find all these bands to photograph. Well it all started with Music in the Park back in June this year and since then I didn’t stop listen to the music. Invitations were flowing in constantly. What I really meant I didn’t stop the camera trigger. There is always first time and that was my first to get to know more about music in the York Region and meet lot of wonderful people.

It really been fun and exciting summer for me and for sure for Aurora. I got to know so many people, learn more about bands/musicians that for me did not exist, and I am definitely looking forward to the next summer. Perhaps you will be looking forward as well.

Musician Performing At Hillary House

Chilling At The Aurora Farmers Market To No Music

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 06:05:11 +0000

Today is another day at the Aurora Farmers Market. However, let me go back to the last weekend’s event. I found this chilling man on the ground. Chilling in the shade on the grass. How interesting, just like that – chilling in the shade.

Chilling, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Recently I slowed down going to farmers market. I overloaded my system with recent music festivals and events. But I would love to hear more music at the market. Apparently someone is performing today, but this is because Doors Open will be happening.

Few weeks ago I visited St. Jacob’s Farmers Market. I will not compare because that farmers market is massive. But I will tell you that they have young musicians as young as ten year old boys or girls who play in different parts of the market. Yes different parts, because market is big. Sometimes I drop by Newmarket Fairy Lake events and on each event there is always someone playing music. Will this happen in Aurora Farmers Market anytime soon? Who knows?

A bit of music is healthy for the chilling, shopping and hovering people.

As I was passing by vendors and taking candid pictures I was stopped by the owner of the bakery booth. Interesting enough I don’t wear any badge but everyone assumes automatically I am from media. Am I? I think I am more medium. I am in between. I am more with the people. This is not business site. Just a site where I write about Aurora for the people from Aurora and outside.

Tuscan Bread, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

The man who stopped me, Joe was his name and he owns the Toscana Bakery & Cafe bakery in Aurora. I saw the Toscana booth many times but this time I got to meet and to know more about Joe. We had interesting conversation.

Not going into details of our conversation what I liked about Joe was that he put his employees first. He wasn’t interested taking picture of himself but more of his employees. Not even his baked goods.

We all know that when there are no people to make bread, there is no bread. That is why it is absolutely necessary to treat employees well and Joe does great and genuine job. I must say very intriguing encounter that was.

Lighthouse Band Performance at the Aurora Town Park, To Young to Know

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 03:50:36 +0000

Lighthouse band rocked grounds of the Town Park on Sunday June 30th, 2013. It was the last band to play at the Music/Dance in the Park event in commemoration of the Town of Aurora’s 150th Birthday.

I was there in the front line. Not that I sneaked to be in front line because I had the photo gear; I arrived early to get the spot.

Lighthouse Band, Dan Clancy & Don Paulton, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Lighthouse Band, Ralph Cole, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

The show was spectacular. Prior the show I asked few I met – do you know Lighthouse? The common reply was ‘you are too young to know them‘. Perhaps I am too young to know them but I do know few of their songs. The Sunny Days and Pretty Lady are and still are my favorite ones. And now my dots are connected.

I am glad that I did make the time to attend.

Lighthouse Band, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Lighthouse Band, Don Paulton, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

I have seen small live performances there and there, so the last Sunday was a real treat for me. First beautiful sunny hot weather to photograph The Bloody Five, littleSUNDAY and Blackdog Ballroom. Then later in the day with good evening light I photographed Glenn Marais, and The Domino Showband with our Aurora own Brian Larter.

Oops I just remembered something about live performances, if that counts of course, I did see Phantom of the Opera about 18 years ago.

Lighthouse Band, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

The Music in the Park was concluded with great performance by the Lighthouse band. Loved the solo instrumental performances.

Lighthouse Band, Paul Hoffert, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Lighthouse Band, Steve Kennedy, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

I am always intrigued by new things I experience. Not that I do not know music, of course I know music. Perhaps watching bands performing live that day gave me totally a new perspective how I will look at the music from now on.

I was intrigued by the originality of each playing band that day. I think I just found new venues in my photographic journey, and it is always more fun photographing when the music plays.

Lighthouse Band, Skip Prokop, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

I like all kinds of music. I grew up with 80s music when I was a teenager. I was listening lot of music then. Now days it is hard to keep up, with all the songs being recorded. Seeing Lighthouse felt like going back in time.

Lighthouse Band, Town Park, Aurora 150 Celebrations

Yes I put my camera to real work that day and I was happy with the results. I did take lot of photos and discarded many. Once I shoot I don’t like stopping, as time progresses light changes, music changes, performance change – every moment is different and I don’t take those moments for granted. Digital photography was one of the best inventions.

Check out my Facebook wall for more photos from that day: Glenn Marais, The Domino Showband and of course Lighthouse band.

Music in the Town Park Aurora, Aurora 150th Birthday Celebrations

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 17:19:55 +0000

I must confess again this is my first ‘appearance’ at the Town Park for the Music in the Park, June 30, 2013. There is always time for the first, and that was my first. There is nothing better than celebrating Aurora’s 150th birthday or other special occasions with a music.

For myself fun listening and fun photographing, and yes writing afterwards.

Aurora 150 Organizing Committee, Cllr Michael Thompson, Music In The Park

The Aurora 150 committee looked great in their blue shirts and did great job organizing and taking care of this event. When we, that is my husband and Matthew, arrived at the site, if I am not mistaken we were greeted by almost everyone at the gate.

Matthew sometimes wonders how come everyone knows him. When he will be older and starts reading my blog and the Facebook wall he will definitely find out why.

People In The Park, Music In The Park

Youth, Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Unfortunately we arrived a bit late for the 150 guitars playing performance. But I didn’t miss the following. I ended up photographing most of the bands that day. Primarily the ones organized by Pat Mete from MusicLynk York Region – The Bloody Five, littleSUNDAY and Blackdog Ballroom.

I couldn’t miss that opportunity as the light was perfect for the photo shoot. I was in the practice mode as well as I only did very little photographing of that kind. Light is always a challenge, but I found another one – photographing drummers.

Pat Mete, MusicLynk York Region, Music In The Park, Town Park, Aurora

Finally I also got to meet Pat Mete from MusicLynx York Region on that day, in person this time. We connected via social media first and I did photograph him by accident at one of the Town of Aurora Council meetings.

The Bloody Five, Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

littleSunday, Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Blackdog Ballroom, Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Let’s talk about bands that played that day – The Bloody Five (perhaps five means something else and not number of band members), littleSUNDAY and Blackdog Ballroom. Spectacular performances. I am not fixated on the one particular music kind thus I really enjoyed their performances. Photo shooting to the music is always more fun.

If you click on the names you can view my galleries on my Facebook. Please connect if you want to see more.

Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

I found also amazing how animated these guys are. Thus another small challenge capturing each band in action. Intriguing, but true, fashion was another element I loved capturing. The verdict, I just might introduce musicians to my portfolio.

Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

The weather cooperated. It was hot on the sun, but breezy in the shade. Good crowd for the afternoon show, but I couldn’t believe how the park was filled for the evening shows. I noticed that bands also got lot of support from their family and friends, one way to attract people from out of town.

Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

And here Lighthouse band was getting ready for the nine o’clock show. Click here for more photos on Facebook – People in the Park; Music in the Park

Lighthouse Band, Music In The Park, Town Park, Town of Aurora

Lets Go To The Aurora Farmers Market, A Regular Event

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:14:05 +0000

If we can’t think of anything to do on the Saturday morning – simple, lets go to the Aurora Farmers Market. It is a regular event for us. We don’t shop we just go to indulge on popcorn, cookies and lollipops. Yes me first and now Matthew, we love lollipops. Never too old for a lollipop. Perhaps, one day we will stay for a lunch.

This gentleman is not hiding from me, just happened that he covered his face with his hand. But, I do like his shirt EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME.

EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME T-Shirt; Aurora Farmers Market

Once at the Aurora Farmers Market, I really don’t want to explore everything there, because I want to be back and every time I am back I want to find something new. Never mind I go there to socialize as well and sometimes to meet new people. Last Saturday I got to meet Megan who sells delicious baking products.

As always I cannot avoid David Heard. I am always curious what’s in his booth, but I also like to chat as he always fills me in with interesting facts about Aurora. David now sells Vinyl records and has some interesting Vinyl artwork you will definitely enjoy.

David Heard, LP Vinyl Record, Aurora Farmers Market

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts that day had open house, so I walked in. I have not been back since my last photo shoot of the inside the building, and that will be almost a year. The auditorium is renovated. What was intriguing – the large panels halfway through the hall way to create an illusion of the old hallway. Loved it.

Well Street School Lofts, Inside

And there is Arron Morris biking away. I met Arron this year at the Aurora Farmers Market and got a chance to see him in action playing with his The Manatee Band during Aurora Street Festival. If I am not mistaken next week there will be strawberry festival at the market and Arron with his band will be playing at the bandshell at the Town Park. And there is Megan on the background.

Aaron Morris Biking Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

It is good to see that people use other means of transportation to drop by and leave the Aurora Farmers Market – like this man rolling away on his roller blades.

Rolling Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Some enjoy sitting around. Unfortunately I didn’t escape candid shot this time. Oops he looked into my lens.

Sitting Around, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Have you ever stopped and read THE TOWN PARK sign. This time I did and photographed as well. Here is what the sign reads.

“THE TOWN PARK. Purchased from John Mosley in 1867, the Town Park has been a focus of community activity for many years. At the northeast corner is the drill shed built in 1874 for the 12th Battalion, York Rangers. That same year, the Hon. Edward Blake delivered his “Aurora Speech” there to launch the Canada First movement, an early example of Canadian nationalism. Facing the par on the west side is Wells Street School which was used as the Aurora High School from 1923 to 1952, replacing an earlier building on the site. The park itself has served as a parade ground and sports field as well as the location for important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show. Town of Aurora Heritage Commitee (LACAC) 1997.“

I wonder if the town will do anything special for the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Aurora – like planting a tree, or updating this sign, or a new plaque. We don’t have Wells Street School anymore.

Also I didn’t know that we used to have Victoria Day celebrations at the Town Park. Funny that this event was mentioned on the sign because every Victoria Day traffic on my blog doubles as people are searching for Victoria Day long weekend activities in the Town of Aurora.

The Town Park, Heritage

Lots more to do at the Town Park – eat breakfast and lunch, drink coffee, indulge on the treats, sit around, play in the open space. Playground is always filled with children running around or playing in the water. Yes splash pad is now open.

Kids Playing, Town Park

Or practice baseball like this young boy who was vividly practicing with is father.

Practicing Baseball, Town Park

Or you can have fun at the bandshell like we did. Just a quick update. For few weeks now Matthew was not well. He was diagnosed with HSP [Henoch–Schönlein purpura] which is inflammation of the blood vessels, a side effect after the upper respiratory tract infection. It all started with re-occuring stomach cramps, vomiting and not eating for almost 5 days. Interesting rash spread on his lower part of the body.

Last Saturday we thought that everything was going away, but now after the market we came home and Matthew’s knee joints started to swell. He lost mobility until Sunday. Then on Monday after an appointment with a pediatrician at the Southlake, Matthew’s ankle joints started to swell and he had terrible arthritic pain.

Matthew is now much better. Unfortunately, he is on anti-inflammatory medication. Slowly everything is resolving itself. The rush is still spread all over and may be staying for a while. I was so glad to see him running away from me when I had to administer the medication. He is my little Happy Camper and you can see more photos of him here.

Us at the Bandshell, Town Park

After we exhausted all the possibilities what to do at the Town Park we drove back home. Until next time …

Driving Home, Wellington Street & Industrial Parkway, Aurora Ontario

Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day, Successful Day, Cold Day, Not My Day

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 04 May 2013 03:47:07 +0000

I don’t want to remind you about the cold weather we had few weeks ago on April 20, 2013, during the Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day. That day I arrived at the Town Park after lunch and obviously I missed bunch of stuff.

I intended to stay little longer but nothing really was happening and the cold weather sent me home with the wind.

Water for Tomorrow

However, I don’t want to miss this post since I was very pleased with few changes especially the portable water supply tank as opposed to serving soda drinks or bottled water and creating more garbage. Here is what I wrote last year, Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day Event Great Event, Short On Innovation.

However, there is always room for improvement, something we don’t have control of, we needed warmer weather that day.

Eating Lunch, Town Park, Town Park

Playful Dog, Town Park, Aurora

Happy to be back and blogging. In the past few days I had an opportunity to finally get out and start photographing.

Spring flowers come out in the spring and so am I. However, I just don’t come out, I burst out.

Unfortunately, I will be missing the Military Tatoo Sesquicentennial event on Sunday May 5th. Instead, I will be celebrating Ukrainian Easter with my family.

Will You Remember Playing Broomball On February 3rd, 2013, The Mayor’s Levee At The Town Park

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:08:20 +0000

It was nice to see children attending the Mayor’s Levee on Sunday February 3rd, 2013 at the Town Park. It was cold, but not for them. We adults didn’t figure out yet that we are living in Canada and we can wear snowsuits or long-johns as well.

So my collection and journey does not ends here with this post yet. Couple more posts maybe. I know despite the cold weather my clicking finger was working perfectly.

In fifty years, that is 2063, the little people running and playing during this historic event will not be so little. They will be adults and due to their age may not even remember. They may not even live in the town anymore.

There were many activities for children to have fun, broom-ball, wagon rides, skating and tug of war. Many came to find out if they won the Aurora 150 flag design contest. The official Aurora 150 flag was unveiled later during the candle lighting ceremony. The Sesquicentennial Ad Hoc Committee chose Victoria Harris’ flag design.

It was temporarily displayed at the Town Park and it can be seen at the Town Hall for the rest of the year. Everything was happening so fast, ouch, I missed Victoria’s photo shoot. Well, many people had cameras including the photographers that worked for the Town took many pictures, I am sure they got that one.

You may ask, what is next? Well, ceremony and departure, and that will conclude what I wanted to share with you for this historic event.

Town of Aurora Official Town Crier, John Webster, Never Too Late To Learn

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:29:34 +0000

John Webster, Town of Aurora Town Crier and his wife Mary arrived for the Sesquicentennial Mayor’s Levee on February 3rd, 2013 at the Town Park.

I photographed them last year during July 1st, 2012 Canada Day parade – Aurora Celebrates Canada Day, Yonge Street Parade Snapshots, Part II. Then I missed them during Santa Clause parade, it was too dark; and here they are again.

John Webster, Town Crier, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Well, stupid question or not, I had to ask. Cllr John Abel filled me on the all the details. Looks like I asked the right person too because Cllr John Abel on February 14th, 2012 put a motion forward to nominate John Webster to be our official Town of Aurora Town Crier.

Town of Aurora Council approved and on February 28, 2012 Town of Aurora appointed John Webster to be the Official Town Crier of the Town of Aurora. His function is to make public announcements at official events, and we all know now how it is done.

Sometimes I wonder how little I know about this town. Blogging helps, participating helps and asking helps.

John Webster with His Wife Mary, Town Crier, Town of Aurora, Ontario

Why John Webster then? John Webster is professional Town Crier, not sure how current information on the net is, but he is also official Town Crier for the Town of Markham and of the Town of East Gwillimbury. Mary Webster is the Official Wife of the Town Crier, John Webster. If you want to learn more here is interesting reading for you to absorb – read more.

John Webster also has deep roots here in Aurora. John Webster’s Great Grandfather, John Webster (same name) was a ship’s carpenter in the Royal Navy and when he retired he received a gift in the form of land in the New World. That land was later called Aurora. His grandfather and his father grew up in Aurora.

John Webster, Sesquicentennial Mayor’s Levee, Town Park

We also have Webster Drive to honour the Webster Family.

I hope you enjoyed this short Sesquicentennial history lesson and for sure in the future you will be seeing more of John & Mary Webster on my photographs.

These are pictures I have taken during the Mayor’s Levee on February 3rd, 2013 and believe or not with their elaborate outfits, John and Mary brighten lot of my pictures.

Town Crier John Webster, Mayor Dawe, Tug-O-War Beginning

Town Crier John Webster, Tug-O-War Cry, Town Park

Town Crier John Webster, Tug-O-War, Almost Won