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8 Stouwzle Sumrribune I Friday, Dec. 26, 2008 It may seem cold enough outside to freeze the lakes and streams, bUt it is not. The York Regional Police Marine Unit is reminding everyone of the importance of staying safe this win- ter in any outdoor activity you par- ticipate in, which means staying off all open bodies of water until they are completely frozen over. People who snowmobile and ice fish are reminded conditions are still too dangerous to be out on the ice and you are risking your life by even walking on newly-formed portions of ice. York Regional Police remind the public snowmobiling and ice-fishing are inherently risky activities occur- ring in an uncontrolled and unpre- dictable natural setting. If you make smart, educated choices on safety, accidents can be prevented. For more information and safety tips, contact Sgt. lefl” Broughton or any member of the York Regional Police Marine Unit at 1-866â€"876- 5423, ext 7321. The Stouffville Sun-Tribune would like to partner with you and help you get the word out about your event. This is a free service that the Stouffville Sun-Tribune is offering to it’ 3 readers. Ice‘ still too thin, marine unit warns Email event details or photos with complete information to Pam Burgess Special Events Manager at pburgess@yrmg.com Your Community Newspaper 'Si'iwfii'li'ibune â€"â€" Sandra Bolan BY SANDRA BOLAN Staff Writer Family-friendly celebrations, complete with a bonfire, hotdogs, hot chocolate, ice skating and sleigh rides, will once again kick off this year’s New Year’s Eve celebraâ€" tions in Stouffville. For the past 15 years, Whitchurch-Stouffville’s mayor has been hosting the alcoholâ€"free event in Memorial Park. “I wanted to keep the families together and provide some enter- From left, Paul Houston, Cliff Dunkfeld and Russ Holden of the Stouffville Lions Club along with Bob the Belgian at Lionel’s Pony Farm, get set for the 14th annual'Mayor’s New Year Celebration at Memorial Park Dec 31, where horse-drawn wagon rides will be available weather permitting. The Lions Club and volunteer firefighters have played key roles in the event over the years. New Year’s party free family fun CMING A look ahead in WhitchurChâ€"Stouffville tainment for the kids before mid- night,” Mr. Emmerson said, noting the event finishes up early enough that the adults can still hit local private parties without missing anything. Since the event’s inception. everything, including the hotâ€" dogs and hot chocolate, has been free, thanks to the Lions Club of Stouffville and the Whitchurchv Stouffville volunteer firefighters, along with the many other local businesses who Mr. Emmerson "We extend our sincerest gratitude to all our customers For their loyalty and patronage throughout the year. We wish you all health and happiness in the New Year. EDI TOR 'S PICK Markham Rd 1Mmmm MSW“ hits up for an annual $250 con- tribution. The cost of the evening is about $8,000 to $10,000, all of which is covered by the business donations. The event also hasn’t changed much over the years. “I asked for suggestions last year, but nothing came forward, so we just contin- ued forward,” he said. The New Year's Eve celebration takes place at Memorial Park and gets under way at 6:30 pm. Fire- works start at about 8:45 pm FOR SPECTACULAR SAVINGS Check out our 2-page advertisement on Thursday, January ‘I, 2009. )rnet ’Q«Wy El Foam; Show 7?2’I." 16m Avenue) Continuing with the family- friendly New Year’s celebrations. the mayor will once again host a levy at the Stoufl’ville arena on Jan. 1, with a free skate and hot choco- late. The event takes place from 1 to 3 pm. “I always thought the family was important to the community and I’d like to provide outings for them at no cost," Mr. Emmerson said. “We got a really good turn- out last year and hopefully it will grow. www. thegardenbasket STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT