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a. @- lan Proudfoot \ his 60th birthday Most notably. Ian‘s currem commitmem to com- munity includes serving as chairperson of the. Picker- ing College board of directors. He has held volunteer leadcnhip positions with the United of Ymk Region. Newmarket Chamber of (lonunerce. Southlake Re- gional Health Centre capital campaign. Newmarke! Downtown Development Committee. Nemarkel Economic Development Advisory Committee and was I board member for Resurgence 1heatre. The lives of readers in more than 900,000 homes are touched every week by the stories in the more than 50 print and online products that carry the Metroland Central division banner undet Ian's leadership. husband, a father, a grandfather. a busi- ness leader, a mentor. a community advo- V cate, a humanitarian. a patron of ans " â€" a man who is all thésc things â€" is mad:- ing a milestone binhday. And we can't resist ceiebrating. As he enters the sixth decade of his life Oct. 6, tan Proudi'oot finds himself at the peak of both business and personal success. The venerated Metroland Media Group executive is viceâ€"president and regio'hal pubiisher of a territory that stretches from cottage country to the heart of the city, including North Bay, Muskoka. Parry Sound. Sim- coe County. York Region and Toronto. I The initials O.M.(I. that he is entitled to place after his name. as a recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. signin his longtime and sustained out- standing service to community. His abiding commitment to business success, equally paired with caring for community, continues to inspire the more than 800 employees who look up to him. The signature initiative of York Region Media Group's community partnerships remains Celebtation of the Arts, founded by Ian 13 years ago to provide York As a resident of East Gwillimbury. Ian has stayed close to his roots. raising his own family near his place of birth. He grew up on a firm in Sharon. where he par- darjafly loved riding horses. Today, he marks his env during low: of the land by punt-ring about his gardens and yards and riding the lawn tractor. Ian was a shon walk away from his elementary school, Sharon Public School, and later attended Newmarker High School. He graduated from Trent University, where he studied history and political Science. Region's brightest young artists not GM)! with a stage but financial support. More than $340,000 in bursarios to 237 individe and groups have been awarded by sponsors of the arts from across the region. He began his newspaper career 09 joining me Topic in 1974, followed by leadership roles in sales and dis- tribution at Metmland's Mississauga News. The Inde- pendent News and The Era‘Banner. He was appointed p‘ubnshe: of York Region Media Group 15 years ago. He and his wik, Kathy. a well-known local ma) es’ tat: agent and passionate mmmunity volunteer her- self. revel in their close-knit fan!in of adult children Stephanie. Elliott. Natalie. Laura and Neil and grand- children Ross. Maddaine and newiy arrived Kaili. To borrow from one of Ian's favourite songs. Nights in Wlu'te Satin: " While you are nowhere near the end. Ian. you are so much of just what you want to be. To our inspiration, our mentor. we give you our gratitude on the occasion of your 6001 birthday and wish you many. many happy lust what you Want to be You will be In the end