Civic Holiday Schedule - Programs & Activities

Have fun over the holidays! We have programs and activities for everyone to enjoy. Visit our Holiday Schedules webpage for full details at aurora.ca/holidayschedules

The Town of Aurora has many fun and exciting special events happening this summer. Including Cycle Aurora, Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Aurora’s Ribfest and more. Check out a list of upcoming special events at aurora.ca/specialevents

Letter

From

MAYOR MRAKAS

Summer- the Aurora way!

Nothing says summer in Aurora like our outdoor events. Music, movies, neighbourhood barbecues, great food and good times –what else do we need?

Throughout August, the fun continues with so many great events that will surely add to your summer memories!

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Since Mayor Mrakas wasn’t able to join us for our 1 Year Anniversary celebration back in April, he invited us to stop by his o ce so that he could present us with a congratulatory certificate to mark the milestone! Thank you to the Town of Aurora for all of your support.

Concerts in the Park are in full swing. If you’ve never been before, now is the time! All you’ll need is your lawn chair and your dancing shoes! Food is available on site and the entertainment lineup will not disappoint! For more information, please visit aurora.ca/summerconcerts.

Movies in the Park is also back! Join us throughout August at Town Park with your blankets and lounge chairs for a movie under the stars with the family. Summer memories are made through this great cinematic experience of watching a movie on a giant inflatable screen. For more information on upcoming movies, visit aurora.ca/moviesinthepark.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be summer without our annual Ribfest taking place August 25 to 27 –fall off the bone ribs, live music all weekend long and the promise of a good time! This is the perfect way to close out your summer. All the details are available at aurora.ca/ribfest.

See you around Town!

Mayor Tom Mrakas

Unite for Mental Health - Join the NewRoads LakeRide 2023 and Make a Difference

On September 10th, 2023, cycling enthusiasts will gather at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre in Newmarket to embark on an exhilarating journey called the NewRoads LakeRide. This much-anticipated event offers riders the opportunity to explore their community while supporting a noble cause—the mental health program at Southlake Regional Health Centre. This year, the NewRoads LakeRide is hoping to raise $250,000 & make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

The NewRoads LakeRide features an array of routes catering to riders of all levels and abilities. Whether you're an experienced cyclist seeking a challenging adventure or a family looking to enjoy a leisurely ride together, there is a route for everyone. Participants can choose from five different routes: the 125km, 80km, 45km, 20km, or 10km, each offering unique experiences along the way.

The NewRoads LakeRide recognizes the importance of unity and camaraderie in achieving both personal and collective goals. Whether you form a team with your friends, co-workers, or loved ones, ride together and create memorable moments on September 10th!

Fundraising plays a vital role in achieving the NewRoads LakeRide goal. Every dollar raised directly supports the mental health program at Southlake, enabling them to provide essential resources, and support services, to those in need. By participating in the NewRoads LakeRide, riders not only engage in a thrilling cycling experience but also become agents of change, actively making a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Mark your calendars for September 10th, 2023, and join the NewRoads LakeRide!

Let’s ride as a team, and pedal towards our shared goal of reaching $250,000 for the mental health program at Southlake. Together, we can make a real and meaningful difference, one pedal stroke at a time.

Register or donate at www.newroadslakeride.ca

YORK ACADEMY - HIGH SCHOOL

In collaboration with the York Catholic District School Board, Rose of Sharon supports individuals who are prenatal and parenting in the completion of credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD/OSSC). The program is o ered at our Newmarket building, but is available to individuals across York Region.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM, YOU MUST BE: under 21 years prenatal or parenting a child who is under 4 years able to attend program with your child and living within York Region

Individuals in the program have access to online and onsite education resources and support from a qualified teacher as well as group parenting and personal development programs. Individuals will also have access to a counsellor who will o er one-on-one supportive counselling, information and referrals, and practical supports.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Transportation to and from school

• Childcare provided by qualified sta on-site in our Child Development Centre (CDC)

• Breakfast and/or lunch parentsconnect.ca/services/highschool/

Call our main o ce at 905-853-5514 or 1-877-516-3715 for more information on how to register for the High School Program. A copy of your transcript and credit counselling summary from your previous school will be required to complete registration.

The Rose of Sharon - York Academy graduates had a wonderful send off at their Celebration Night, thanks to their amazing teacher, Melissa Froio and the dedicated RoS staff, who always love to plan a party! Melissa and the Academy’s YCDSB principal, Danny DiLallo, congratulated the graduates and celebrated this milestone with them on June 21st.

During my time at Rose of Sharon, I have grown more than I ever thought I could. I came here feeling so alone and confused. As a young mom, there’s so much to learn and I had no idea where to start. Rose of Sharon helped not only with my education, but also with emotional and practical supports. They made me feel so welcomed from the very first day. My education was my number one priority: I wanted to graduate so I could apply to college and get back on track. When I first started at York Academy, I was struggling mentally, I didn’t know who I was anymore. But throughout my time here I realized my own self worth, and how much more I could accomplish with that focus. Support is not something I was lacking in my life, but everyone here supported me in ways I didn't even know I needed. The support I received was more than I could have ever expected. I was shocked to find out that they offer practical supports like groceries, toiletries, and anything I could ever need for Lucas. There are also counselors to talk to. They genuinely listen, making me feel heard. Everyone here makes you feel validated about your issues no matter how big or small they are.

The Child Development Centre was a huge part of my success here at Rose of Sharon. Once Lucas was old enough to go to the CDC, I was able to really get some school work done. Not only that, having time to myself during the day was extremely helpful. I loved having the opportunity to focus solely on my learning goals during the day, so when I got home, I was excited to spend time with my baby and wasn’t overstimulated or frustrated from trying to juggle both. Without the CDC, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did in the time span I did it in.

My experience at Rose of Sharon was so much more than I thought it would be. I am so glad and thankful I decided to come here to finish high school and finally get my diploma. I cannot easily put into words how thankful I am and will always be grateful for everything they have done and continue to do for me.

Carlye’s Story Partner

On July 15th, Ren's Pets in Newmarket partnered with Jack Astor's to host a Paw-tio Party in support of the OSPCA. There was food and beverage sampling provided by Jack Astor's, giveaways from Ren's Pets and Dogtopia, and a fun gathering of pups and their parents!