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Eastern Gate Village is more than just a place for seniors to live out their golden years while someone else takes care of cutting the lawn and shovelling the snow. Eastern Gate is a real community where everyone watches out for each other, and every- thing from pot-luck dinners to pancake break- fasts and hymn singing, wood carving and card games bring the residents together. That is' why Eastern Gate was awarded the Neighbourhood of Character by the Charac- ter Community Foundation of York Region last week at ceremonies in Richmond Hill. The Character Awards, now in their third year, celebrate success and recognize and organizations in York Region that demon- strate positive character attributes in their home, school, work and community. “No one has any desire to move. We're here to the very end," said Eastern Gate resident Sarah Hoover. Ms Hoover nominated Eastern Gate Vil- lage. “When I looked at all of the attributes (I said to myself), you know what, Eastern Gate has just about all of these attributes in this community,” she said, noting the community demonstrates character in action through responsibility, initia- tive, respect, perseverance, inclusiveness, com- passion and fairness. ’ SENIORS HELP EACH OTHER These attributes are evident in everyone’s willingness to help fellow residents in need of a ride into town, dropping off a hot meal, as well as through the organization of monthly dinners and activities or by coming together to work in the gardens as part of the horticultural commitâ€" tee. According to Ms Hoover’s nomination form: “Eastern Gate community residents reflect hon- esty and integrity. The community centre is open for all residents for their use and enioyment Eastern Gate community wins regional award BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg.com Harry Baber serves pancakes at the Eastern Gate Village Community Centre last Saturday. The active seniors development in east- end Stoufl'ville was named York Region’s neighbouhood of character for 2009 at ceremonies last week in Richmond Hill. anytime during the day or evening. These traits are also evident in how the supplies in the kitchen. washrooms and common areas are used. Nothing ever goes missing. People clean up after themselves and leave the areas neat and tidy.” The inclusiveness and respect for each other, were just two reasons Bob Garbutt and his wife moved to Eastern Gate 18 months ago from Scarborough. “There are lots of things you can join.” Mr Garbutt, who is also the chairpelson of the residents council, said. “Practically everything is done by residents here” Eastern Gate residents also do a lot outside of their own village, including fundraisine and in events for heart and stroke, cancer and the Terry Fox Foundation. “We aren’t so self-centred that it’s just us; we do look to the outside,” Ms Hoover Eastem Gate Village started in 1996 with a vision to create a quality community for seniors. The village has 118 units Units are sold under a right to occupy agreement which “does not convey ownerâ€" ship but entitles the occupants to live in their own home at a low monthly charge”. Units are currently for sale for $310.00 and $315,000. “The goal is to enable residents to live OPENED IN 1996 STAFF PHOTO/STEVE SOMEWILLE in their own homes for as long as possible," according to the village's website. Eastern Gate Village is located between theTenth Line andYork Durham Road south of Main Sneet in east-end Stoufiville. For more information, go to eastemgat- evrllagecom Other Whitchurch-Stouffville Charac- ter Award nominees this year were: Care and Share in the category of Change our World, Francis Kelly - citizen of character - adult. Iim Thomas - citizen of character - adult. Stoufl'ville District Secondary School â€" School of Character - York Region District School Board, Sharon Gusz - educator of character, and Sleepy Hollow - Neighbourâ€" hood of Character. Whitchurch-Stouffville depâ€" uty fire chief Rob McKenzie gets help delivering food to drivers at the drive-through of the Stouffville McDon- ald’s during McHappy Day Wednesday. Helping are staffers Alisha Waites, Pra- sath Kanagarajah, Sandra Canton and Eleanor Davis. Funds raised go to children’s charities, including Markham Stouflville Hospital. Other guest servers included Toronâ€" to Maple Leafs assistant coach Keith Acton and Sunâ€"Tribune editor )im Mason. STAFF PHOTO/SJOERD WITTEVEEN THAT’S FRIES, NOT FIRES