Three Ageless Dreamer Members Honored With Top Awards By Dover Chamber of Commerce

Copyright permission by: Foster's Daily Democrat

Article Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Whenever there's something big going on in Dover, it's a pretty safe bet that Jack Buckley is involved in some facet. Even he admits that sometimes his plate can be a little full. "I get confused a lot," he joked. "Sometimes I forget what meeting I'm going to." On Friday night, Buckley traded in confusion for shock when the Dover Chamber of Commerce named him the 2009 Citizen of the Year at its annual awards dinner at the Red Barn at the Links at Outlook. "I'm stunned," Buckley said. "I love Dover, I raised my family here and I'm proud to be a part of this community." Buckley's list of accomplishments is both long and wide-ranging. He has served as a city councilor and would later become the city's youngest mayor. He is also well known in the community for his work as executive director of the Dover Housing Authority and establishing the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Care Van, which gave Housing Authority residents transportation to medical care facilities.


John Huff/Staff photographer The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce surprises Jack Buckley with the 2009 Citizen of the Year award during its annual Awards Dinner at the Red Barn at The Links at Outlook in South Berwick, Maine, Friday.

"To Jack Buckley, every resident adds to the fabric of the community, 'rich, poor or in-between,' " said Buckley's good friend Don Briand, who presented him with the award. Recently, Buckley has been instrumental in the plans for the redevelopment of the waterfront district and brought forward the idea of bringing the Children's Museum of New Hampshire to Dover. Buckley said that when he was growing up in Dover people use to say the city didn't have an identity, so he has always strived to help the city achieve that identity. "Dover's identity is that it's a great place to live and work," he said. "If I did anything to make this community better then I'm proud of that." Making Buckley's night even more special was the fact his pal Briand was named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year. Briand is the longtime news director at WOKQ and was applauded for his steadfast support of the Chamber and his involvement in the community.


Chamber of Commerce Director Kirk Schuman said Briand is the very definition of a volunteer. "Within hours of me accepting the role as director of the Chamber, this individual offered their support and asked how they could do more," Schuman said. "The phrase 'whatever you need' is more than just lip-service; we know this guy will always follow through on his commitments." Briand said he was shocked to win the award but even more shocked that his daughter Elizabeth came down from Albany, N.Y., to present him with it. "I thought I was here to present Jack with his award," Briand said. "I didn't see this coming at all, especially my daughter being here from New York." Briand said volunteering has always been apart of his nature and he has fun with it. "I love the city of Dover and I love what I do and I'll keep on doing it," he said.


John Huff/Staff photographer Elizabeth Briand surprises her father, Don Briand, with the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce 2009 Volunteer of the Year award Friday night in South Berwick, Maine.

The other big winner on Friday night was DF Richard Energy, the 2009 Business of the Year recipient. The business, founded in 1932, was credited for it sponsorships of the city's major events, including the Cochecho Arts Festival and Apple Harvest Day and its support of the city's many institutions. Owner Robert Richard accepted the award with tears in his eyes. "I'm humbled and proud," he said. Richard thanked his many employees and the community.

 
John Huff/Staff photographer Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kirt Schuman presents Robert Richard of D.F. Richard Energy the 2009 Business of the Year award at their annual Awards Dinner at the Red Barn at The Links at Outlook in South Berwick, Maine on Friday.

John Huff/Staff photographer The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce honors this year's award recipients at its annual Awards Dinner at the Red Barn at The Links at Outlook in South Berwick Friday. From left, are awards sponsor Dave Bickford of Public Service of New Hampshire, Volunteer of the Year Don Briand, Citizen of the Year Jack Buckley, Business of the Year Robert Richard of D.F. Richard Energy, and Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman.