Educator | Communicator | Photographer

Tag: spring (Page 1 of 2)

#Sunnyside365 June 10, 2016

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“My dad’s grandparents came from Italy back in 1906 to Rochester, New York. In 1909, his great-grandmother made the trip from Italy at the age of 75. Can you imagine? Four months at sea at the age of 75. They worked their way across Canada working on the Railway and decided to stay in Calgary.

They opened up a corner store on the corner of 10a street and bought the little brick bungalow next door back in 1916 (but back then it was 11th street-they didn’t have the A streets at the time). Later on it became a shoe store, and Nancy Wilson had a dancing school there too. There was a little garden between the two buildings. Now it’s the starbucks and the Kensington Pub. I remember being in the K-Pub back when it was still a family house. I was three or four years old, but I still remember the basement.

My dad saw the film ‘Singing In The Rain’ when it first opened at the Plaza Theatre and told his parents that he wanted to be a dancer. The arts have always been in my family so they encouraged him on his dream. My dad is Allan Jerry Cozzubbo. He opened the Allan Cozzubbo Academy of Dance and ran it from 1967 to 1997. He helped choreograph the ’88 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies and had people like Sean Cheesman (he judged and worked on So You Think You Can Dance in the USA, Canada, and the UK – he’s from Calgary) come through his school. I work at the Jubilee for the International Association of Theatre and Stage Employees Local 212. I also DJ. It’s like the arts are in my genes.

My connection to this neighborhood goes back five generations. I lived here back in the 90’s, but I can’t afford to live down here any more. Still, I’ve been coming to the Roasterie since the late 80’s and even though I don’t live here anymore, I still work up at the Jubilee and I’m always at the Roasterie. This used to be a real gathering place for all the counter culture in the City. To grow up and learn from all the regulars here in Kensington – it’s really something. I grew up playing in the grass at Riley Park and now my kids are playing there.” –Jason Cozzubbo.

#Sunnyside365 June 6, 2016

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“I lived in this house right after I graduated from ACAD. I have no idea who painted the house… it was painted after left. I guess they kicked everyone out because the house was going to get knocked down, but that was years ago. I’m surprised that it’s still here and the art is still up.

I was in and out in less than a year. That was 2008. It feels so long ago, but also just like it was yesterday.

So much to say about the neighbourhood, where do I start….

I’m such an introvert but when I lived in this house I was such an extrovert. We were always in Riley Park, going to bars, seeing friends, getting together. I live in Sunalta now, but I love the art store here, the shops and going for tea.”

Chika Ando, ChikaAndoIllustration.com

#Sunnyside365 June 4, 2016

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“We were up in Fort Mac for a while, just out there in the trees. It was great. We decided to head down to Calgary and just sort of stuck around. There’s something about this city that just draws you in and keeps you here. Maybe it’s the people, but we’re having a good time. Yeah.

We’re heading to B.C. and had a ride all lined up, but it sort of fell through. We got some work here and made a couple of bucks. Now we’re just enjoying some sun and making some change for the trip. We’re supposed to have a ride on Monday to hit B.C., but if it falls through, we’ll probably hitch.

Yeah, head to B.C. and be around some nature. That’s the idea.”

#Sunnyside365 June 3, 2016

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“I’m a bike courier. I’ve been doing it for fifteen years, but it feels like twenty, haha. I come to Kensington to fuel myself with Roasterie Coffee. I actually live on the other side of the river, but I spend most of my time here. Yeah, I guess I live in Eau Claire.

What do I like about the neighbourhood… hmmm. Well, I like the giving nature of people here. Kensington is totally community minded. Also, it’s nice that I don’t have to hang out with my cats when I’m over here. Ha ha!” Markus.

#Sunnyside365 June 2, 2016

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“This little neighbourhood… It gets this reputation for being so eclectic and weird and neighbourly. Honestly though, it’s not some strange coincidence that the people here are so in-tune with the idea of community. Don’t forget that we’re practically downtown, sandwiched by a couple of really busy thoroughfares, and the property is really, really expensive. I think that in spite of that, the residents here all sort of give each other permission to be a bit of a weirdo. It’s what makes Sunnyside and Hillhurst so special.”

#Sunnyside365 June 1, 2016

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It’s hard not to fall in love with this city, even with it’s flaws.

As I turn the final corner into the closing month of #Sunnyside365 I’d like to thank everyone who has supported and participated in this project. You’ve all helped me to elevate my work. I’m not sure what else to say, I’m truly grateful.

A huge thanks to Devin Pickering for helping coordinate this incredible shot. For the full scale image, click the photo and it’ll take you to flickr.

#Sunnyside365 May 23, 2016

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“We want to grow old in this neighbourhood. We want to have our kids grow up and play street hockey, or trick-or-treat with other kids. We want them to walk to school, have birthday parties, and ride bikes. There’s nothing like the sound of kids playing–it gives such an energy. It’s the sound of life.”

#Sunnyside365 April 30, 2016

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It’s official! Spring is in full springiness, and I’ve got fifty days left to go on #Sunnyside365 (+1 if you count the leap year). I can’t say how wonderful of an experience it’s been, because words can’t describe the overwhelming feelings I have. Thanks to all the support from everyone who has been involved, liked, shared, commented. I’m truly, truly overwhelmed. Calgary really is the greatest city in the world.

#Sunnyside365 April 21, 2016

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“I’m a lighting designer at SMP Engineering. I’m working on the West Eau Claire Pathway, amongst other things. Our office is just above Peppino on Kensington Road.

I can’t believe how many corporate offices are in Kensington. It’s great working down here, knowing you’re not just a corporate drone walking in and amongst the office towers downtown. You can actually get to know your maintenance person in your building.

I like that Kensington is a community. Just this morning on the way to work I had a wonderful conversation with a lady walking her dog. I don’t know her name, but was a nice chat. You feel like you have a place in this community, no matter who you are–you’re not just here to do your job.” Ian, Lighting Designer, SMP Engineering.

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