Giving Back to the Community

The Hayden Chamber of Commerce honored several area citizens and a nonprofit organization for their accomplishments and contributions to the community at its annual banquet April 18. The H.A.Y.D.E.N. awards were presented for human rights, arts and culture, youth, distinguished citizen, education and new nonprofit.

Human Rights Award: This year’s recipient of the Human Rights award was JoAnn Harvey, a longtime educator and human rights advocate. Harvey has served on numerous national, state and local boards and committees. Locally, she's on the board of directors for the Human Rights Institute and the Kootenai County Task Force for Human Relations.

Arts and Culture Award: Richard LeFrancis received the Arts and Culture Award for his many contributions to the Pappy Boyington Field Museum, located near the Coeur d'Alene Airport. LeFrancis manages the museum’s collection of displays and artifacts and was responsible for helping to secure the Pappy Boyington sculpture that serves as a historical marker at the entrance to the airport.

Youth Award: Judy Eichelberger received the Youth Award for her longtime work to present Hayden history to local students. Eichelberger has been a member of the Hayden Historical Preservation Commission for 11 years and has been the chairperson for six. The Commission is currently writing a history book about Hayden.

Distinguished Citizen Award: Mary Sibulsky received the Distinguished Citizen Award as the co-founder and board member of the International Eye Institute, a nonprofit organization formed in 2008. Sibulsky has participated in medical mission trips to Mexico and Central America since 2000. The medical teams perform eye surgeries and general eye care for 100 to 500 people per trip. Silbulsky helps to raise money for equipment and supplies and participates in three to four trips each year.

Education Award: Marilyn Griffitts, music educator at Hayden Meadows Elementary, received the Education Award. Griffitts has been the brainchild behind exciting music groups at her school including a Drum Corps, a marimba group, dance groups and special chorus. She has been a champion for taking her students into the community and bringing the community to her school.

Nonprofit Award: The Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation was formed by Liz Montgomery in 2012 and received the Nonprofit Award. After the loss of her son Mason to sudden infant death syndrome, Montgomery formed the foundation which is active at the local, state and, most recently, national level. The Foundation holds monthly classes to educate families, provides grief support and is visible in the community through outreach. Montgomery has formed a Safe Sleep Task Force at Kootenai Health and met with the 2015 Idaho Legislature to increase awareness and funding.

President’s Award: Nancy Lowery received the President’s Award for her many years of public service and for providing several years of leadership to the Hayden Chamber board. Lowery is active in the community and is a co-founder of the Hayden Lake Marathon and serves as president for the Steve Omni Foundation. Lowery is the Aquatic Manager at the Salvation Army Kroc Center and extremely active in the free 3rd Grade Swim Program.

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