I am honored and humbled by being named 2009 Citizen of the Year and, to be honest, a little embarrassed. To be mentioned alongside Bob Clarke and Marcus Ford — who have served and protected the community environmentally for many years — and to be considered in the same sentence as my dear friend of late, Pam Rowell — someone who defined “public service” in Pembroke for me — is truly an honor.

Although I had forgotten a few of the things that were mentioned as my accomplishments for 2009, I haven’t forgotten all the people who work with me day in and day out. Starting with the members of the Recreation Commission: Maryann Flynn, Tom Finnegan, Linda Federico, Jim Forry, Matt Norton, Matt Neuman, Tom Drummond, Robert Colangeli, Robert Raleigh and our acting executive director Sue Roche, I am honored to facilitate the hard work that these individuals put forth to provide the best in recreational programming to Pembroke residents. Whether it’s building skate parks, playgrounds or ball fields, these professionals put in the time — with their own skill sets — to improve the quality of life that makes our community a great place to raise a family.

Moving on to the “behind the scenes” people of the Zoning Board of Appeals, the town should know of the contributions of our Zoning Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector George Verry and his team including Assistant Building Inspector Tony Marino and Assistant to the Building Inspector Tracy Grady, who work hard to enforce the town bylaws, therefore protecting the community standards set forth by its residents. Their due diligence and attention to detail preserve the integrity of the community.

Fellow ZBA members Bill Cullity, Sharon McNamara, John O’Connor, Tom Driscoll and Linda MacDonald all bring to the town a vast knowledge of real estate, appraising and construction and possess the relevant experience related to the interpretation of laws, statutes, rules, regulations and codes that protect the community against unwanted uses and variances. Without these individuals and without the indispensable, vigilant work and guidance of ZBA recording secretary Michele Dowling, the town would not have been successful in addressing such pressing issues as the placement of a tattoo parlor and telecommunication pole in a manner that was fair to the applicants as well as the citizens.

The next group of people that have to be acknowledged with this great honor that you have bestowed upon me would be the hardworking, honest people who just want to make Pembroke a bit better through their volunteer efforts and seek no recognition — those citizens that consistently “do the right thing.” People like Paul Mahoney, president of Pembroke Youth Baseball; Peter Plant, Bill MacNevin and Tom Drummond, the coaching staff of the Pembroke American Legion Baseball team; Pat Gibbons from the Alumni Café and the many business community sponsors; Mark Moneypenny and the many members of American Legion Post 143 that sponsor the baseball team; Marie Peeler and her team from the Bay Circuit Trail Alliance; and Steve Nagle, Rick Holbrook, Ken Horn, Jim Noone, Bob Watts, Bob Morrisette, Carol Allen and countless volunteers that are working hard to brighten up the sky over at the high school with a field lighting project — who are not elected by the public, appointed by elected officials or work for the town. They inspire me to do everything within my power to match the nobility of their causes.

And finally, to my family, my wife, Ann Marie, who continues to take it on the chin every time I go out and chase another cause that will make the childhood of our children worth repeating for their children and who, by the way, has talked herself right into a second honeymoon by her kind and generous words in the Express article that accompanied this award. My undying love for the sacrifices she has made when I haven’t been there to parent our children, John, Kerri-Ann, Erin and Margaret, all of whom are the primary reasons for everything I do.

For they, and all those who continue to serve in elected, appointed and employed fashion, you all deserve to be citizens of the year in Pembroke for what you do in service to one another. Thank you for this great compliment!

Greg Hanley
MacKenzie Orchard

Comments (2)

Pembroke Resident said:

	How nice of him to mention the group that unanimously voted to allow a tattoo shop in town. What an upstanding rich guy! No, all that "serve the people" (that is supposed to mean ALL of the people, not just 1 family) do not deserve the honor. Way to play it up for the big wigs though. Great job. Maybe this year you can do a whole lot more of nothing for anyone below upper class.
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 06, 2010
Votes: +0

monkey said:

	I hope Mr. Hanley is our next Selectman. We need more people like him! Thanks for all you contributions to community
	report abuse vote down vote up

February 04, 2010
Votes: +0

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