2019 H.A.Y.D.E.N. Award winners announced

The Hayden Chamber of Commerce recently honored several area citizens for their contributions to our community at its monthly networking breakfast. The annual H.A.Y.D.E.N. awards were presented for History, Arts, Youth, Distinguished Citizen, Education, and New Business.

This year’s recipient of the “H” for History Award was Dorothy Dahlgren of the Museum of North Idaho. Dahlgren was selected for this award for her work on assisting with helping to obtain historical photographs that were invaluable to the new guidebook to The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Dorothy was giving of her time and resources with exceptional knowledge, grace and service. She provided numerous historical photographs which several of them were used in this new guidebook.

Daniel Connelly of Lutheran Academy of the Master was selected for the “A” for Arts Award. Connelly’s work includes instructing youth in drama and choir, serving as a Mascot for Providence Health Services Injury Prevention Program and working with Laura Little Theatrical Productions and Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre.

This year’s recipient of the “Y” for Youth Award was Joseph Moran of Hayden. Moran made history by becoming the first speller to win the North Idaho regional spelling bee three years in a row and to attend the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., three years in a row. Moran also was the first North Idaho resident (and possibly the first Idaho resident) to advance to the finals at the national competition (one of 50 spellers of more than 560 spellers at the national level).

Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital, was named this year’s “D” for Distinguished Citizen. Rasmussen was selected for this award because of his heart for contributing to our community! A few of Rasmussen’s numerous contributions or volunteers activities are named here: brought a coordinated effort to develop and bring to fruition “A Playground for All” at Fernan Elementary in 2018; has been recognized by the Idaho State Board of Labor and the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a “Patriotic Employer”; volunteers his time with many organizations including Newby-Ginnings, Safe Passage, 4-H Event Fundraising; River City Leadership Academy (Post Falls Chamber of Commerce), CDA Leadership Academy (Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce), St. Vinny’s Support Event, Boys & Girls Club, Kootenai Humane Society, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Hayden Chamber of Commerce, Coeur d’Alene High School Viking Booster Club, Kootenai Girls Softball Association, North Idaho Thunder Girls Volleyball Club and CDA Junior Tackle Football.

This year’s recipient of the “E” for Education Award was Nick Madsen of the Community Library Network. Madsen was selected for this award for his contributions to the support of education in our area. Over the past nine years, Madsen has brought introductory, hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) activities to students from preschool through high school. These events have taken place both inside and outside of the library walls. Madsen is both a leader and director in the AWANA program since 2003; and serves as camp counselor and games director for Inland Northwest Camp and Candlelight Christian Fellowship AWANA camp each year.

The “N” for Noteworthy Business Award was presented to Dr. Kory Wilson of Avondale Dental Group. Wilson was selected for this award for his work in establishing the Northwest Dental Benefits. Northwest Dental Benefits, which was founded by Avondale Dental Group, recently became the first new Idaho Insurance company in more than 40 years. One of a kind, Northwest Dental Benefits is transforming the industry by providing direct care and seamless claim management. Unlike national competitors, this group is dedicated to preserving the business of independent dental care and providing highly personalized services delivered through a combined 100 years of shared experience and heritage. By forming a local insurance company, our dental providers are uniquely equipped to provide complete, simplified care with private practice service standards and industry leading benefits. This network also collaborates with employer groups and local medical providers to help patients manage overall health with reminders for routine screenings and continuing care. Northwest Dental Benefits has been fortunate to have partnered with some of Kootenai County’s largest and most trusted employers and look forward to continued growth and transforming the way dental care is delivered in North Idaho.