Whitchurch-Stouffville has long been known for its volunteerism and residents have contributed countless hours to make a difference at home and overseas.

We lost a great humanitarian when Peter Neufeld’s courageous battle with cancer ended on Jan. 5 at his Ballantrae home. Peter had not lived in the community for very long, but he used every minute of the time he was given to improve the lives of others, both through his tireless work on behalf of the Stouffville Igoma Partnership and through the gentleness and humour which endeared him to those of us who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was a truly good and humble man, who loved his family deeply and whose faith and zest for life never flagged. He had an amazing gift for getting others to share his vision and lend a hand to his beloved cause. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We shall not see his like again.

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Stouffville has often been proudly referred to as a hockey town, an apt description enhanced by local alumni Keith Acton, now assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Brad May, who was recently acquired by the Leafs from the Anaheim Ducks. And despite a lack of performance venues, the community has produced some fine artists, singers, musicians and dancers. In January, Canadian conductor Nathan Brock, who grew up in Stouffville, was named chief assistant conductor with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, an amazing achievement for this immensely talented young musician.  

With the opening of Nineteen on the Park this spring, the community will have greater access to plays, movies, concerts and other arts events. It’s been a long time coming, but we can now celebrate our cultural heritage in a building dedicated to the arts. Let’s make the most of it.

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For those nostalgic for the fabled, rigorous winters of old, this year must be proving a singular delight. Frigid temperatures and lots of white stuff have turned hills into toboggan runs and allowed skaters to create backyard rinks. Even if you prefer the great indoors, an afternoon at the annual Winter Carnival at Musselman’s Lake on Feb. 14 is worth the effort of donning the winter armour and heading out for some family fun. Activities include pony rides, skating, face painting and live entertainment.

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