This year’s White Mountains Treasure Awards go to Rick Wilcox and Dr. Dave “Doc” Walker. For 28 years, Wilcox. owner of International Mountain Equipment, served as the president of the Mountain Rescue Service. This organization has saved countless lives on the Northeast’s most dangerous peaks.
Walker’s involvement in youth baseball leagues, along with the Kennett High School baseball team, has helped provide a supportive environment for young athletes. His colleague, Dr. Kate Battenfelder, and the team at True North Veterinary Clinic have honored his legacy with the creation of The David “Doc” Walker Scholarship, which will be awarded annually starting this coming spring to a Kennett High School graduate pursuing a career in medicine.
This year’s Employer of the Year is Tuckerman Brewing Co. Founded in 1998 by Kirsten Neves and Nik Stanciu, Tuckerman now produces over 8,000 barrels of beer annually. Beyond producing quality beer, Tuckerman is a hub for community connection and supports organizations like the Mount Washington Avalanche Center and the Mount Washington Weather Observatory.
This year’s Entrepreneur of the Year is Corey Fitzgerald, owner of Northeast Mountaineering. In 15 years, Fitzgerald’s vision for Northeast Mountaineering aligns with its mission to create unforgettable outdoor experiences while prioritizing safety, education, and environmental stewardship. As a leader in the outdoor community, Fitzgerald has inspired countless individuals to explore the mountains while supporting the local economy.
This year’s Steve Eastman Community Service Award is presented to all the volunteers, past and present, who over the past 50 years have helped to make the Mud Bowl a fun and entertaining event, carrying on the event that Eastman ( 1949- 2008) co-founded with former Alpine co-owner Richard DeAngelis when they formed the MWV Hogs mud football team.
Over the years, the event has raised more than $1 million for local nonprofits. The event exemplifies Eastman’s mantra of “Love everyone. Hold no grudges. Do good deeds,” the words of which are sculpted into the boulder of Steve Eastman Memorial Field at Hog Coliseum, where the games are played the three-day weekend after Labor Day every year.
Event sponsors: Premier Sponsor, Chalmers Insurance Group; White Mountain Treasure Award, Maine-Health; Reception Sponsors: Northway Bank, Northeast Delta Dental and N.H. Insurance Department. Additional sponsors include Designed Gardens Flower Studio, Eastern Propane and Oil, and WellSense Health Plan
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