Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Yonge Street 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 Christmas Eve Almost Frozen Night Rider Around Town of Aurora https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/christmas-eve-almost-frozen-night-rider-around-town-of-aurora/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/christmas-eve-almost-frozen-night-rider-around-town-of-aurora/#comments Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:32:07 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=11332 It was a beautiful cold night. I didn’t realize this until later.

Iced Trees, Superstore Parking Lot, Aurora

Iced Trees, Superstore Parking Lot, Aurora


Frozen Bushes, Superstore, 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

Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora


Frozen Bushes, Superstore, Aurora

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

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

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

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

Aurora Borealis, Town Park, Aurora


Aurora Borealis, Town Park, Aurora

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.

Victoria Hall, Aurora

Victorian Hall, Aurora


Yonge Street, 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

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

Christmas Tree, St. John’s sideroad, Aurora

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/christmas-eve-almost-frozen-night-rider-around-town-of-aurora/feed/ 6 Yonge & Wellington Night Riders And Night Talkers https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/yonge-wellington-night-riders-and-night-talkers/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/yonge-wellington-night-riders-and-night-talkers/#comments Tue, 23 Jul 2013 03:57:48 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10942 activity that is going on there definitely downtown Aurora is not like downtown Newmarket.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


I was at the intersection of Yonge and Wellington last night snapping pictures of zooming cars. I don’t usually venture for night photography alone but I did last night. Some drivers whistled at me, some slowed down and some just looked. A very normal behavior. Happens during the day as well.

I spotted few groups of teenagers or just individuals waiting at the bus station and taking public transit home or going who knows where. Some riding bikes at night going somewhere. Some were taking taxis – perhaps going home after work. I wasn’t there to observe the night life but I found quite intriguing so while I was snapping I observed.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


A spontaneous decision to be there was solely to take night shots of the zooming cars. I wasn’t there to talk and I didn’t expect to talk to anyone. Perhaps I was wrong. I ended up having short conversations with few. I am assuming that I was interesting person to them as it is kind of unusual or rare to see a photographer at night.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


A taxi driver pulls over.

“Are you professional photographer” – he asked.
“No this is just my hobby” – I replied.
“Do you put your pictures on the Internet” – he asked and blew big smoke cloud my way.
“Yes I do”- I replied.
“Did I park my car on your spot sir” – I asked.
“No no” – he replied.

While I was snapping he kept looking over my shoulder on the camera screen. I wanted to go home so I didn’t talk that much. He eventually went over his car to finish his cigarette.

Obviously he was waiting for a passenger. I lady crossed sidewalk in front of me and kept walking towards the taxi.

“Are you trying to take a picture of the moon” – she asked.
“No, just the zooming cars or passing traffic” – I replied.
“Go over there; there is a better view if you go behind the bank” – she said. Obviously she didn’t hear me.
“No I am fine here. I don’t have the right lens to take photo of the moon” – I replied.
“Go over there you will see that it is a better spot. I didn’t bring my camera, too heavy to carry” – she said.
“Oh okay” – I replied and I smiled at her.

She stepped into taxi and the night talking taxi driver and her drove away.

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


Soon as I was back to snapping mode I heard a female voice behind me.

“Are you trying to take a picture of the mural. You have to get closer to the intersection so you don’t get the cars.” – she said.

I turned around and I saw young female taxi driver.

“No I already have many pictures of the mural with cars and no cars” – I said.
“I am trying to take photos of the traffic” – I added.
“Oh I thought you were taking photos of the mural, sorry” – she said.
“No problem” – I replied.

Eventually she finished her cigarette and drove away with a passenger.

Eventually I packed my camera and drove away too. Definitely few interesting encounters, great suggestions and few good pictures resulted from my outing.
At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora

At Night, Yonge Street & Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/yonge-wellington-night-riders-and-night-talkers/feed/ 2 Aurora Street Festival, All The People I Don’t Know & Know https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-street-festival-all-the-people-i-dont-know-know/ https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-street-festival-all-the-people-i-dont-know-know/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:02:02 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10696 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!]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-street-festival-all-the-people-i-dont-know-know/feed/ 1 Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life in Aurora Public Library, Stepping Outside The Box https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/taiwan-the-jubilee-of-life-in-aurora-public-library-stepping-outside-the-box/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/taiwan-the-jubilee-of-life-in-aurora-public-library-stepping-outside-the-box/#comments Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:14:13 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=10344 Aurora Public Library I still wasn’t able to convince Matthew to go on the elevator. Last time we took an elevator, Matthew’s first impression going down to the basement by accident wasn’t what he expected.

As usual we did our regular routine – played I Spy games on the computer, visited children’s reading area and borrowed one DVD. But first we took some pictures of the unique Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life picturesque exhibit at the Colleen Abbott Gallery. The display was vibrant, vivid and rich in Taiwanese culture.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library


In the last couple of months I have been experimenting a lot with black and white photography so I turned this Taiwan photo showcase into millions shades of gray.

However, that does not changes the impression one can experience from the images regardless of color. The natural wonders and cultural expression in the form of art, the history, the festivals shows how rich the Taiwanese culture and heritage is.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library


However, I must say that it was very intriguing to see Aurora Public Library to step outside the box and showcase something different and unique – to spread the awareness about the Taiwanese culture to further promote Taiwanese tourism for Canadians.

So you know the Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life will be on exhibit in the Colleen Abbott Gallery (from March 25th) until June 1st, 2013. This reminded me also the first time I came to the Aurora Public Library and I looked for the Colleen Abbott Gallery. I didn’t realize then that it was just a wall on the second floor. I was looking for the room.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library


As always, I enjoyed looking out the window from the second floor towards the Yonge Street and snapping photos. I always tend to find something different. Last drastic change was demolition of the George Browning house.

This time I found this, just looking from this angle I cannot figure out who is moving, the spa salon or prefect spaces.

Looking Out the Windows, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora


I almost forgot, I also spotted this book on the shelf in the youth section when passing by – The Kissing Diary, a novel by Judith Caseley. Well, how little I knew about kissing when I was a youth myself so let see what the book will tell me how it was like. Yes I borrowed it as well and I am going to read it.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/taiwan-the-jubilee-of-life-in-aurora-public-library-stepping-outside-the-box/feed/ 0 Drive Through Town of Aurora Streets, In Black & White For Change https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/drive-through-town-of-aurora-streets-in-black-white-for-change/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/drive-through-town-of-aurora-streets-in-black-white-for-change/#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2013 21:11:02 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=9793 Doctor’s visits and x-ray appointments were only things we went out for.

Gabriel’s Cafe, Yonge Street, Aurora Downtown


Aurora United Church, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora, Ontario


We are all good now. Matthew is finishing up his second round of antibiotic. Of all of us he got hit the most that resulted in pneumonia. Last Monday I rushed him to the doctors office as he developed chicken pox like rush. Doctor didn’t agree that it was chicken pox, but he didn’t ruled out.

Apparently, something I didn’t know, but children not supposed to get chicken pox now days because they are vaccinated. But they still do, I have seen it.

Poplar Villa, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora


Sunrise Senior Living, Town of Aurora, Ontario


Today I asked for a drive around Aurora. I needed fresh air and so the rest of us, but we couldn’t keep Matthew in the cold air too much so walk was out of question. Our path was improvised, we didn’t anticipated, just making unexpected turns starting with Yonge Street and heading South.

We took unexpected turn on Brookland Avenue, somehow merged onto Fairway Drive, then to Murray Drive and ended up on Kennedy Street.

Kennedy Street is a interesting street, mixed with old and new houses, and some empty lots.

Well, I already been driving on Kennedy Street few times last summer, but never made a turn on Temperance Street. We did today.

When I met with seniors at the Hollandview Trail Retirement Community I found out that Jean Baker-Pearce once used to live there, and apparently there is a log house hidden inside one of the houses. There is lot of history on this street of which I am not aware of.

Temperance Street, Town of Aurora, Ontario


Temperance Street runs parallel to the Yonge Street that means you get to see the back of all the buildings that face Yonge Street. Interesting views and they do remind me downtown like Toronto.

Temperance Street, Town of Aurora, Ontario


We decided to end our trip when we headed towards Wellington Street. I have seen it before, but never paid attention – the barn. I must return and find out more, or may be someone can share a story.

The Barn, Wellington Street, Town of Aurora


And when I snapped my last picture of the barn someone was really anxious to get home, so we did. Turned North on Yonge Street and headed home, just like the biker.

The Biker, Bossa Nova, Yonge Street, Downtown Aurora


Hope you enjoyed my black and white photography. The day was kind of dark and moody so color photography just didn’t go this time. All these are shots from the car behind the window, so if you see any reflection there and there, no worry no ghost was following us.]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/drive-through-town-of-aurora-streets-in-black-white-for-change/feed/ 0 Hillary House Architectural & Fundraising Victorian Style Ball Details https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/hillary-house-architectural-fundraising-victorian-style-ball-details/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/hillary-house-architectural-fundraising-victorian-style-ball-details/#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:51:17 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8770

I have also created an event website for the Hillary House fundraising ball. Hillary House Ball is a Victorian style evening dinner dance event. Tickets are still on sale and the funds raised will go towards all the needs and necessities at the Hillary House – mainly restoration. The Hillary House Ball will be in honour of 150th Anniversary. Yes just 150 years ago in 1862 Hillary House was constructed. The ball is scheduled for Friday, the October 19th, 2012.

Hillary House was a treat to photograph. Architectural details everywhere. I used my macro lens to photograph and capture some of the smallest details. I was especially intrigued by the door. Door is a door – used everyday. Soon as I put my eye against the viewfinder I was amazed with the colors, textures and details – and I found the prefect keyhole.

Hillary House, A Door Keyhole


I also noticed all this writing all around the door on the brick. I was told that the names written were actually related to Hillary family. Some of the dates on the signatures were pretty old.

No doubt you can see lot of deterioration on the Hillary House. But let’s face it my house is deteriorating too, especially the side facing direct sun. Direct ultraviolet sun can cause lot of damage, especially to the houses old like Hillary House which is not made of anything close to engineering materials that can withstand harsh weather, just made of plain wood.

And there is the barn. So I had the windows surrounded with wine red planks in mind for sure, but the slider mechanism at the big sliding barn door caught my eye. What an interesting feature. The rust and the little bit of sun shining through the tree tops let me snap this mechanical part and enhance it beauty.

If you ever at the grounds, the front face of the barn is not everything. There are some interesting window frames on the back to look or photograph.

So this is all for the outside adventure. To get more out of your trip to the Hillary House you must visit inside – totally different world. If you like to look at the old artifacts the house is full of that – from medical instruments to personal items of Hillary family.

Personally I start noticing Hillary House in 2008, but I have been there in the early 2000 when my brother-in-law got married and the wedding photo shoot was outside and on the veranda of the Hillary House. I was in the bridal party. Funny how things go, first picture with Hillary House and now taking pictures of.

IMG_7848_HillaryHouse Hillary House, A Keyhole IMG_7893_HillaryHouse IMG_2423_bHillaryHouse IMG_2420_HillaryHouse IMG_7519_HillaryHouse IMG_7634_HillaryHouse IMG_7697_HillaryHouse IMG_7703_HillaryHouse IMG_7773_HillaryHouse IMG_7807_HillaryHouse IMG_7876_HillaryHouse ]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/hillary-house-architectural-fundraising-victorian-style-ball-details/feed/ 0 Step Into The Booth, Step In Time, Have You Heard About The Latest Chills https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/step-into-the-booth-step-in-time-have-you-heard-about-the-latest-chills/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/step-into-the-booth-step-in-time-have-you-heard-about-the-latest-chills/#comments Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:07:22 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=8728 on North East corner of the Wellington and Yonge Street was demolished.

Former Zellers store’s facade came down as well sometime last week. Soon there will be fence banners saying ‘Target Loves Canada’, same as we have seen today at the Upper Canada Mall where Zellers used to be.

Perhaps fast changes like that make us more appreciate history of Aurora. I know I don’t buy anything from David Heard’s booth at the Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park, but I really enjoy visiting his booth for sake of stepping back in time.

Sport Memorabilia, David Heard's Booth

Sports Memorabilia, David Heard’s Booth


Beside the sawing machine and other small artifacts, David has also display of sports memorabilia such photos of athletes and that one hockey stick which for love of me I cannot remember to whom it used to belong. But you can find out for yourself when you pay David a visit. We still have about a month of Aurora Farmers Market for this season.

Historic Aurora, David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


The other day when I went to photograph the demolishing of the mentioned above sales centre I had a nice walk downtown Aurora along Yonge Street. I have been historic downtown few times and I always never fail to find something old but new to me. There is so much of character in some of the old buildings and each having a string of different architectural elements interestingly enough all of the buildings do belong together and beautifully landscape Aurora’s historic downtown.

With the new condominium to be standing in the near future the North view will definitely change and will probably last another 200 or more years.

Historic Aurora, David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Historic Aurora, David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard's Booth

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Cows in Aurora, Photos at David Heard's Booth

Cows in Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth


Look look look – cows on the picture. This is something we will never see here in Aurora. We can still see horses, but definitely not cows. Today I was actually surprised to see two horses on the North West corner of Yonge Street and St. John’s sideroad. It was just a block away from the entrance to the St. Andrew’s College.

I was on my way to the gas station and when I was filling up the gas I remembered the good old days when the gas was forty five cents per liter. Wishful thinking but we will never see price like that again. However, we may not be far from having our own car plug in the garage to recharge the car as oppose to refuel.

So in the meantime I refueled the car. It was interesting to see that on Sunday morning all the cars at that Petro-Canada gas station were refueled by ladies. It is interesting to note that on Sunday mornings you have a better chance to spot fathers with children at the Aurora playgrounds.

Scary Guy, David Heard's Booth

A Scary Guy, David Heard’s Booth


Well scary stuff is happening in Aurora all around us, and if you really want to see scary, spooky, chills on your back, ghost hanging over your shoulder, spirit walking beside you stuff – get your spirit walk tickets for the Spirit Walk Aurora, only two more walks are left.

Annie's Legacy

Annie’s Legacy

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/step-into-the-booth-step-in-time-have-you-heard-about-the-latest-chills/feed/ 0 Aurora Celebrates Canada Day, Yonge Street Parade Snapshots, Part II https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-celebrates-canada-day-yonge-street-parade-snapshots-part-ii/ https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-celebrates-canada-day-yonge-street-parade-snapshots-part-ii/#comments Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:37:36 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=7876 , near Aurora Public Library. The view was spectacular especially having downtown Aurora as a background.

July 1st, 2012 Canada Parade, Town of Aurora


I don’t know what we will do for the next years parade, especially because it will be 150 years of our town. Look at the decor and spirit it is already to the maximum. Our town always strive to be the best and I am sure we will do the same next year as well.

IMG_9234_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9264_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9300_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9316_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9344_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9398_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9420_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9473_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9490_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9542_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9558_CanadaDayPrd2 IMG_9567_CanadaDayPrd2 For those who do not follow the history here is small trivia question for you – next year it will be 150 years of Aurora but only 146 years of Canada. How is that possible?

July 1st, 2012 Canada Parade, Town of Aurora


“Whether we live together in confidence and cohesion; with more faith and pride in ourselves and less self-doubt and hesitation; strong in the conviction that the destiny of Canada is to unite, not divide; sharing in cooperation, not in separation or in conflict; respecting our past and welcoming our future.” ~ Lester B. Pearson

Let say I am not done yet. I have captured some nice parade moments and I will be sharing more in the next post. Happy Canada Day!]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/aurora-celebrates-canada-day-yonge-street-parade-snapshots-part-ii/feed/ 0 Canada Day July 1st, 2012 Town of Aurora Celebration, Aurora’s Young Canadians https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/canada-day-july-1st-2012-town-of-aurora-celebration-auroras-young-canadians/ https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/canada-day-july-1st-2012-town-of-aurora-celebration-auroras-young-canadians/#comments Sun, 01 Jul 2012 04:00:03 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=7710 and getting there on time to see the beginning of the red-white, truly Canadian decorated parade.

Beautifully decorated moving displays. Happy Canada shouts and waves to the crowd. But that was not it, it was the spirit of the people celebrating the Canada Day in Aurora.

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012


I took zillion of pictures. It will be impossible for me to include them in one post here, therefore this week I will have the Canada Day special – series of various topic posts and of course celebration images to share.

Note, if you see a photo of someone you know or of yourself, by all means you can have 4×6/5×7 digital copy for personal use and if used on other website name credit is appreciated. Just drop me a comment or see contact page for my email address.

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012


It was amazing to see children and youth be involved in the parade. It was amazing to see lot of families with children attending and celebrating. Therefore, this post is dedicated to the Aurora’s young Canadians.

IMG_9306_YoungCanadians IMG_9308_YoungCanadians IMG_9313_YoungCanadians IMG_9322_YoungCanadians IMG_9324_YoungCanadians IMG_9339_YoungCanadians IMG_9340_YoungCanadians IMG_9364_YoungCanadians IMG_9378_YoungCanadians IMG_9381_YoungCanadians IMG_9385_YoungCanadians IMG_9440_YoungCanadians IMG_9449_YoungCanadians IMG_9458_YoungCanadians IMG_9495_YoungCanadians
Look at those picture. Not hard to notice how greatly young Auroran’s engaged in this year’s celebration. The faces on the photos show it all – smiles, discipline, motivation, dedication, respect.

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012


Well this give me an opportunity to talk about youth’s engagement in Canadian history, politics and environment. I came across few articles and websites on the internet worth reviewing. I wasn’t even aware of so many things that are available for young Canadians.

Let start with Forum for young Canadians: ‘Forum for Young Canadians, now in its 37th year, is an annual series of one-week sessions held in the fall and spring. Each year, a total of 315 young Canadians aged 15 to 19 come to Parliament Hill to experience first-hand how the Government of Canada works. Canadian Heritage is investing more than $80 million each year in youth programming to allow more than 100,000 youth across Canada to learn about their country.‘
Source: Harper Government Invests in Canada’s Youth: Forum for Young Canadians.

Then there is the initiative connecting Young Canadians to nature and history. Nature Canada and the Historica-Dominion Institute, Parks Canada initiative of the My Parks Pass which grants Grade 8 / Secondary 2 Canadian students free access for one full year to any of Parks Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

“The My Parks Pass program has reached over 400,000 young Canadians each year and I have had the chance to personally see the sparkle in their eyes as they get, in many cases, a first glimpse of Canada’s most treasured natural and historic places,” said the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “Canada’s future lies in the hands of its young people, and I’m proud to be giving them an opportunity to experience and develop a meaningful connection to the very essence of Canada.“
Source: Government of Canada Connecting Young Canadians to Nature and History.

Government Canada also has a very resourceful site for Youth Canada – jobs, careers, education, money, health and more. And of course there is a blog and Derek is the author.


Great opportunities for young Canadians everywhere and I would like to introduce one more initiative I am starting, Aurora-Youth-Writes. The community FOCUS (livinginaurora.COM) platform is for everyone; however, we would like to invite the Aurora youth to participate as well.

Topics are endless – politics, history, art, music, sports or environment. You can write opinions or views, stories, or publish poems, and may be initiate discussions. Excellent opportunity to create live writing portfolio. Excellent opportunity for us adults to hear young Auroran’s voice.

Summer vacations are now in effect but I will be approaching schools and organizations to promote Aurora youth to write. Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining this initiative please write me. Note that all the posts and comments on the community FOCUS site are moderated

Happy Canada Day!

Town of Aurora Celebrates, Happy Canada Day 2012

]]> https://livinginaurora.ca/entertainment/canada-day-july-1st-2012-town-of-aurora-celebration-auroras-young-canadians/feed/ 2 Sunday Break, Unfortunate Endings And The New Beginnings https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/sunday-break-unfortunate-endings-and-the-new-beginnings/ https://livinginaurora.ca/aurora/sunday-break-unfortunate-endings-and-the-new-beginnings/#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2012 05:05:55 +0000 http://livinginaurora.ca/?p=5863

George T. Browning House, Yonge Street, Aurora


New Apartments, Yonge & Tyler Street, Aurora

‘I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end.’ ~ Gilda Radner
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