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Tom Dunnington, Ageless Dreamer Board Member named Citizen of the YearPosted: June 6, 2007 Monday, June 4, 2007 Dover Citizen of the Year: Dunnington surprised at Chamber event Copywrite used with permission from Fosters Daily Democrat By MALLORY SCHAFER Democrat Staff Writer mschafer@fosters.com TOM DUNNINGTON is congratulated by his daughter-in-law, Kerry, after receiving the Citizen of the Year award at the Dover Chamber of Commerce annual dinner Saturday night. (Craig Osborne/Democrat photo) DOVER — The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce named former City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Dunnington as Dover's Citizen of the Year on Saturday night. The black-tie optional event was well attended by Dover business and community members. Music and dinner were provided for guests, along with a "Diamond in the Sky" raffle from Jewelry Creations, Inc. Dunnington, introduced by Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Stephen Viel, was unaware he was going to receive the award. "I think for the first time in my life, I'm almost speechless," Dunnington told the crowd. Dunnington can be seen every July 4 on the steps of Dover City Hall reading the Declaration of Independence. He is a local attorney and member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and has been a Rotarian since 1984. He also volunteers with the Boy Scouts, the Dover Children's Home, and the Cocheco Valley Humane Society. Tom Dunnington, right, was presented the Citizen of the Year award by chamber President Jack Story during the Dover Chamber of Commerce annual dinner at the New England Center in Durham on Saturday night. (Craig Osborne/ Democrat photo) * Order a print of this photo He is one of the founders of the Seacoast Ballet Company, where he has performed since 1985, and has been involved with the Garrison players since 1972. He is the chairman of the Garrison Players Building Committee, and was pivotal in the renovation of the Hiram R. Roberts Grange building on Route 4 in Rollinsford. It is now the Garrison Players Arts Center. "Our roots are really deep in this community," said Dunnington. He said when he was younger, his father told him that "this community has been really good to our family for many years," Dunnington said that philosophy guided him in his volunteer efforts. "It's our family makeup ... That's what you did," Dunnington said. "I love Dover, so it's a privilege to be a part of this city," he said. He said his sister is also an avid volunteer, and he hopes his children will also follow his example of service to the community. Outgoing Chairman of the Board Phil Rinaldi is presented with a gift by Chamber President Jack Story during the Dover Chamber of Commerce annual dinner at the New England Center in Durham on Saturday night. (Craig Osborne/ Democrat photo) * Order a print of this photo "I think it's wonderful and well deserved," said his wife, Barbara. She is active with the Garrison Players and the Dover Children's Home as well. Viel presented outgoing Chamber Board Chairman Phil Rinaldi with a gift to thank him for his service. Liberty Mutual underwrote the event, which was also sponsored by Laconia Savings Bank, Bill Dube Ford/Toyota/Scion, D.F. Richard Energy, Foster's Daily Democrat, McIntosh College, Jewelry Creations, Gowen & Wainwright Insurance Agency, UNICEL, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Public Service of New Hampshire. Sweet Meadows and Garrison Hill Florists provided floral decorations. Related Link:
Tom Dunnington, Dover, NH Citizen of the Year 2007 |
