Extra Mile Heroes
Extra Mile Heroes
Dale Fishback
Jackson, California
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Teresa Floyd
Jackson, California
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Police Chief Scott Biddle
Wilson, North Carolina
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Stephanie Dunn Ashley
Greenwich, Connecticut
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Sam Romeo
Greenwich, Connecticut
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Paul Cappiali
Greenwich, Connecticut
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Mayor Allan S. Litman
Mesquite, Nevada
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Deborah Benham
Mesquite, Nevada
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Lynda Orzen
Oregon City, Oregon
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Didi Dahlsrud
Oregon City, Oregon
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Jackie Hammond-Williams
Oregon City, Oregon
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Rosemarie VanPembroke
Garden City, Idaho
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Residents Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH)
Citrus Heights, California
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Rick Williams
Southfield, Michigan
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Ron Johnson
Southfield, Michigan
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Laurie Penn
Southfield, Michigan
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Darly VanHoey
Southfield, Michigan
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Volunteers In Police Service
Draper, Utah
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Jim Dunn
Waterbury, Connecticut
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Doreen Del Bianco
Waterbury, Connecticut
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Military Funeral With Honors Team, American Legion Post 23
Newport, Vermont
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Sarah Chadburn
Newport, Vermont
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Randy Hines
Fairmont, West Virginia
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Barbara Bennett
Hayden, Idaho
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Malea Sampsel
Hayden, Idaho
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Lisa Troxel
Hayden, Idaho
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Joshua Pongan and Brendan Spinelli
Sanford, Maine
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Mary Cobb
Sherwood, Arkansas
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Caroline McCook
Sherwood, Arkansas
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Jurel Guffey
Sherwood, Arkansas
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Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell
Sherwood, Arkansas
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Nancie Ames
Douglas, Arizona
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Dave Whittaker
Elkins, West Virginia
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Marshall Howser
Elkins, West Virginia
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Bill Pingley
Elkins, West Virginia
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Bill Westerlind
Westfield, Massachusetts
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Brian and Cheryl Richards
Westfield, Massachusetts
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Police Chief Scott Biddle
Wilson, North Carolina
Scott Biddle was a young police officer when he created a community baseball league and recruited fellow officers to help coach kids. This has grown over 30 years into Wilson Police Athletics/Activities League, which serves hundreds of kids and families every year, all at no cost to them. Chief Biddle has impacted our community in ways that went well beyond his work.
Didi Dahlsrud
Oregon City, Oregon
Didi Dahlsrud was one of the founding members of the Oregon City Parks Foundation and the Friends of the Buena Vista Club House. Among a list of other contributions, Didi has been a member of the Natural Resource Committee and helped rewrite the Heritage Tree Code. She has been instrumental in locating, measuring, and researching and designating Heritage trees in Oregon City and in 2021 was honored with a Statewide Heritage Tree Hero of the Year Award. Didi is always willing to put in the effort to support the community.
Dale Fishback
Jackson, California
For the past 30 years, Dale Fishback has been a volunteer firefighter for the City of Jackson and has served as the Volunteer Fire Chief for the past 20 years. He also regularly volunteers his time preparing meals for community events, runs the annual Santa Patrol and assists at Cemetery clean up events with his wife Laurie. The City of Jackson is grateful for all Dale and his entire family do for our community, and we are lucky to have him on our team.
Teresa Floyd
Jackson, California
Teresa Floyd has been instrumental in recruiting and organizing high school student youth groups, helping them obtain required community service hours needed to graduate. She teaches these students the value of giving back to their community through volunteering their time and efforts at Cemetery clean up events in the City of Jackson. The City of Jackson appreciates Teresa’s commitment to the maintenance of our Cemetery.
Stephanie Dunn Ashley
Greenwich, Connecticut
American Red Cross, Metro New York North Chapter CEO, Stephanie Dunn Ashley has been a volunteer and advancing service member of the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol and Greenwich Emergency Medical Service to maintain her status as a firefighter and EMT and is President of the Board of Directors of the CCFPP. Stephanie co-chairs the September 11th Remembrance Service at Cos Cob Park in Greenwich, is a member of the Town of Greenwich Alarm Appeals Board, and a member of the Greenwich Hibernian Society.
Paul Cappiali
Greenwich, Connecticut
Paul Cappiali is a governor-appointed volunteer Harbormaster and is celebrated for his exceptional service and dedication to maritime safety. He is also a prominent volunteer and fundraiser for the Roman Catholic Church, supporting its charitable initiatives with great enthusiasm. Paul has earned both a State of Connecticut and a Town of Greenwich certificate of recognition for his outstanding charitable work. Always the first to step up, he plays a crucial role in numerous community endeavors.
Sam Romeo
Greenwich, Connecticut
Sam Romeo is honored for his 45 years of service for the State of Connecticut and the Town of Greenwich including: 20 years Green, RTM-District Chairman, Land Use Chairman; 12 years Greenwich Communities -presently Chairman; 34 years GEMS (Greenwich Emergency Services) – presently Audit Chairman; former Executive V.P of the Green, Boy Scouts of America; past Resident Advocate- State of CT – Ombudsman; Co-founder of N. Mianus Safe Walking Route (complete sidewalk from N.Mianus school to Eastern Middle School); Chairman of E. Sector CAPP (Citizens and Police Partnership); Chairman of Arch Street and bridge redesign road project; implemented “lock-box” system for fire and police after Cos Cob School fire; appointed Selectman’s Sewer Task Force – negotiated sewers for Millbrook, N. Mianus, Cos Cob, and Hillcrest Park; Co-founder N. Mianus Child Care Center -1st in town; 15 years Host of the “Greenwich Matters” WGCH radio show; 34 years President /owner, packaging supply business; married 47 years (Mary), 5 children and 10 grandchildren.
Mayor Allan S. Litman
Mesquite, Nevada
“Going the extra mile means to me to do more than what’s expected without expecting something in return.”
Deborah Benham
Mesquite, Nevada
Deborah Benham is a citizen who cares about everyone – especially those in need.
Lynda Orzen
Oregon City, Oregon
Lynda Orzen is a 25+ year resident of Oregon City. She has taken on many community service roles from serving on the Oregon City Planning Commission, Charter Review Committee, the Citizen Involvement Committee, and Fill-A-Stocking Fill-A-Heart. Lynda is a founding member of the Three Rivers Art Guild and the Friends of the Oregon City Library. Her heart and dedication have helped create a successful Festival of the Arts, now in its 8th year. Lynda gets things done!
Jackie Hammond-Williams
Oregon City, Oregon
Jackie Hammond-Williams has blazed a trail of excellence in all that she has been involved in over the last 34 years. She is a founding member of Oregon City Farmers Market and the Executive Director of the market for 13 years. Jackie conceived of, designed, and implemented the children-focused Power of Produce (POP) program. The program, which has been implemented in markets in the US and Canada, helps children stay healthy and fed. Jackie’s also active in the Park Place Neighborhood Association is always ready to lend a hand to help make and keep Oregon City a great place to live.
Rosemarie VanPembroke
Garden City, Idaho
Rose VanPebroke started volunteering for the Friends of the Garden City Public Library in 2021. From day one Rose became an integral part of the Friends group. She immediately started volunteering to manage the workroom, pull donations upstairs, maintain lobby sales, and lead the charge on Spring and Fall book sales. Rose’s kind and approachable demeanor mixed with her competency and strong work ethic make her an easy choice for our Extra Mile Day volunteer hero. Each year the Friends of the Garden City Public Library raise over $22,000. These funds almost double the library’s collection development budget, bringing new books to the people of Garden City. Thanks to volunteers like Rose, our library boasts almost 200,000 check-outs each year.
Residents Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH)
Citrus Heights, California
Residents Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH) and the Neighborhood Areas have consistently gone above and beyond in their efforts to foster strong, vibrant neighborhoods through their tireless advocacy, community engagement, and leadership. Numerous non-profit organizations within Citrus Heights have dedicated themselves to supporting the community, providing invaluable services, resources, and programs that uplift individuals and families, and strengthen the bonds of our city. Volunteers of Citrus Heights, through their selfless dedication and countless hours of service, have significantly contributed to promoting community pride and connection, making Citrus Heights a more compassionate, caring, and united community.
Rick Williams
Southfield, Michigan
Rick Williams serves as the president of the Road Masters Corvette Club. Since 2020, the club, under his leadership, has supported any number of community events from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk, Magnolia/Roseland Woods 4th of July Parade, the Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival, the Walk to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence, and many other events.
Ron Johnson
Southfield, Michigan
Ron Johnson served until recently as the vice president of the Road Masters Corvette Club. Since 2020, the club under his leadership has supported any number of community events from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk, Magnolia/Roseland Woods 4th of July Parade, the Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival, the Walk to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence, and many other events.
Laurie Penn
Southfield, Michigan
Laurie Penn is a long time Southfield resident and a retired Southfield Public Library librarian. Ms. Penn volunteered over 200 hours of her time over the past year sorting through scores of boxes of records, documents, and mementos belonging to former Southfield Mayor Donald Fracassi. She assisted in preserving those documents of historical value to the city which have been turned over to the Southfield Public Library.
Darly VanHoey
Southfield, Michigan
Darla VanHoey is a long time Southfield resident and the President of the Southfield Historical Society. Mrs. VanHoey volunteered over 200 hours of her time over the past year sorting through scores of boxes of records, documents, and mementos belonging to former Southfield Mayor Donald Fracassi. She assisted in preserving those documents of historical value to the city which have been turned over to the Southfield Public Library.
Volunteers In Police Service
Dean Lowe, Lori Johnson, Da Yang, Gerel Altankhuyag and Jeri Rollins
Draper, Utah
I am nominating the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) team – Dean Lowe, Lori Johnson, Da Yang, Gerel Altankhuyag and Jeri Rollins – for selflessly volunteering an average of 120 hours each to the city per year. At a volunteer rate of $18.49 per hour, this team donates approximately $11,094.00 per year. Our volunteers serve our community by keeping many events organized and safe. In addition to events, they handle parking issues, found/lost children and the patrolling of our canyons to help preserve the watershed. The members of our Volunteers in Police Service provide citizen contact at trailheads, promoting the city and answering questions.
Jim Dunn
Waterbury, Connecticut
Jim Dunn has generously filled his time volunteering since his retirement from full-time work. Jim has been volunteering in the Brass City for many years. He began volunteering as a Choices Counselor at the Western CT Area Agency on Aging for three years. At the same time, he began volunteering for New Opportunities of Waterbury as a Money Manager, which he continues to do. Jim then began tutoring with Literacy Volunteers of Waterbury as a Basic Literacy volunteer and in their Citizenship test readiness program. He currently volunteers at Griffin Hospital in their Ambassador program. Jim is also currently volunteering at the Waterbury Senior Center. Jim is an integral part of the Farm Bag distribution, a monthly food distribution service for our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors. Jim always has a smile on his face, and our seniors look forward to seeing him. The Farm Bag could not run without Jim’s help. The city of Waterbury is very fortunate to have Jim as a volunteer.
Doreen Del Bianco
Waterbury, Connecticut
Doreen Del Bianco grew up in Waterbury and spent her career working with people with disabilities and substance abuse. When Doreen retired, she knew she wanted to give back to the community. Doreen began volunteering in Waterbury at the Hopeville Church food pantry, where she continues volunteering. Doreen volunteers not only at the church but also at the Waterbury Senior Center where she assists with the Farm Bag. The Farm Bag is a monthly food distribution of fresh farm items from Brass City Harvest. Doreen has been with the Waterbury Senior Center for a few years, and her help is invaluable. The seniors all know Doreen and look forward to seeing her smiling face.
Military Funeral With Honors Team, American Legion Post 23: Richard Blanchard, Roger Gagnon, Paul Boutin, Leon Jerwosky, Bill Smith, Glen Kippen, Jim Rowell, Barb Bell, Ed Craig
Newport, Vermont
The Military Funeral With Honors Team, American Legion Post 23 willingly give their volunteer time to honor our veterans. At time of submission, they have participated in 22 burials, and they work for all of Orleans County.
Citizens Promoting Community
Elkins, West Virginia
Citizens Promoting Community is a group of like-minded citizens whose goal is to create community. Throughout the summer, they held numerous events and raised around $3,000 for local non-profits. They have raised over $6,500.00 since starting last year. Their hard work and dedication help keep these organizations focused on their mission.
ASHLEY & JASON ALDRICH
Barre City, Vermont
Ashley and Jason have served our community through the Barre Youth Sports Association (BYSA) Football program, having dedicated countless hours to our youth. Both Ashley and Jason have served on the board in leadership positions, and Jason also connects with the children on the field as a head coach. The time and dedication they have put into this program is priceless to our next generation.
Brian and Cheryl Richards
Westfield, Massachusetts
Under the Leadership of Cheryl and Brian Richards, a self-titled group called the “Dinner Belles” have organized the preparation service of a four-course nutritious meal to the food insecure every third Thursday of the month for 25 years at our “Community Table” the Westfield Soup Kitchen. After years of donating food, time, energy and talent, including during the pandemic, they have retired from their role.
Bill Westerlind
Westfield, Massachusetts
Bill Westerlind is the founder and President of ArtWorks of Westfield, an organization that has grown over the last nine years to provide cultural experiences showcasing local artists, musicians, authors and artisans at several free to the public events annually.
Bill Pingley
Elkins, West Virginia
Bill Pingley (pictured on the left) is a chef for Lunch With Neighbors at the First United Methodist Church. During Forest Festival he spent 12 hours in the kitchen preparing food.
Marshall Howser
Elkins, West Virginia
Marshall Howser (pictured on the right) is a chef for Lunch With Neighbors at the First United Methodist Church. He prepares meals three days a week and works eight hours a day without pay.
Dave Whittaker
Elkins, West Virginia
Dave Whittaker is a warrior in the field. He has bought groceries for needy veterans at Christmas time, and has built access ramps, fencing, and other small construction projects for disabled veterans. Dave is always there as a friend and emotional support for veterans as well.
PA Philadelphia Extra Mile Heroes
Georgetown, Texas
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Nancie Ames
Douglas, Arizona
Nancie Ames, a Vincentian since 2010, has been the president of the Immaculate Conception/St. Luke Conference since 2020. She works collaboratively with other St. Vincent de Paul conferences in Southern Arizona as well as organizations within Douglas and the surrounding area to provide support to those in need. Nancie is grateful for the generosity of the members and benefactors of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul who make our mission possible and make it possible for the Society to go the Extra Mile in serving thousands in our communities. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been assisting our friends and neighbors in Douglas, Pirtleville and McNeal, Arizona since 1953. For over 70 years the members of St. Vincent have provided food, financial assistance in the areas of utilities, rental/mortgage assistance. They assist in paying medical and dental bills, providing transportation, and fuel for medical appointments and also assist by paying for birth certificates and government ID’s.
Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell
Sherwood, Arkansas
“What does it mean to go the ‘extra mile’? It means having a willingness to achieve more, not just for oneself but for the benefit of others. In a community, the extra mile can mean volunteering one’s time, offering expertise, or making personal sacrifices to improve the well-being of the entire community. It’s about making a difference, even in ways that may go unseen or unappreciated, because the chance to make a difference is fueled by those who are willing to go above and beyond.”
Jurel Guffey
Sherwood, Arkansas
Jurel Guffey was selected as an extra-mile change maker because he sacrificed countless hours of his personal time during the hot summer walking door-to-door to collect signatures for the Act4Sherwood ballot initiative for the northern part of Sherwood, AR. He worked hard alongside his fellow volunteers listed, also including others such as Tom Brooks, Monica Treat, and Tab Townsell. This dedicated volunteer group gained the necessary signatures to finally put a local issue on our ballot to give north Sherwood voters an opportunity to vote for economic change.
Caroline McCook
Sherwood, Arkansas
Caroline McCook was selected as an extra-mile change maker because she sacrificed countless hours of her personal time during the hot summer walking door-to-door to collect signatures for the Act4Sherwood ballot initiative for the northern part of Sherwood, AR. She worked hard alongside her fellow volunteers listed, also including others such as Tom Brooks, Monica Treat, and Tab Townsell. This dedicated volunteer group gained the necessary signatures to finally put a local issue on our ballot to give north Sherwood voters an opportunity to vote for economic change.
Mary Cobb
Sherwood, Arkansas
Mary Cobb was selected as an extra-mile change maker because she sacrificed countless hours of her personal time during the hot summer walking door-to-door to collect signatures for the Act4Sherwood ballot initiative for the northern part of Sherwood, AR. She worked hard alongside her fellow volunteers listed, also including others such as Tom Brooks, Monica Treat, and Tab Townsell. This dedicated volunteer group gained the necessary signatures to finally put a local issue on our ballot to give north Sherwood voters an opportunity to vote for economic change.
Joshua Pongan and Brendan Spinelli
Sanford, Maine
Joshua Pongan and Brendan Spinelli have both earned PhDs in Spanish linguistics from Temple University and use their language skills for the greater good as educators, in academia, and as volunteers such as with Doctors of the Americas, for whom they provide translation services in El Salvador annually. Joshua and Brendan genuinely care about others. When a large number of new Mainers first arrived in Sanford on May 5, 2023, an immediate challenge to City officials assisting the New Mainers was the ability to communicate. When the City reached out for translation assistance via phone, Joshua and Brendan readily responded and greatly assisted in successful communication with the New Mainers. Since that first call, they have repeatedly been of assistance to the Sanford Police Department and General Assistance office whenever asked. Joshua and Brendan’s willingness to selflessly share their knowledge and time to help make a difference in the lives of many is a perfect example of the ideal of “going the extra mile.”
Lisa Troxel, Vice-Chair, Hayden Parks, Recreation and Community Forestry Commission
Hayden, Idaho
Lisa Troxel has served on the Hayden Parks, Recreation and Community Forestry Commission since May 2012 and is currently the vice-chair, and before that, served on the Bike-Pedestrian Committee from March 2007 until it was folded into the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2012. During her service on the commission, she has assisted in creating, funding and implementing Pawfoot Dog Park (2017) and the Broadmoore Park Jr. Disc Golf course (2021). As well, Lisa consistently volunteers for City events including judging entries for the Hayden Kite Festival and Hayden’s two annual parades and was a creator for the Hayden Bike Rodeo. She has been involved with parks projects such as the Stoddard Park playground and ADA swing, the Stoddard Barn restoration project, the Hayden Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, Honeysuckle Beach improvements and is currently a member of the Hayden Canyon Park Steering Committee. She has generously served the Hayden citizens to create many recreational opportunities that may not otherwise exist.
Sarah Chadburn
Newport, Vermont
Sarah Chadburn has been the lynchpin in the revitalization of Newport Downtown Development. She has put in countless hours as President of the Board of Directors over the last two years and has presided over the development of a highly effective board that is bold in all the right moments, and cautious and thoughtful in equal measure.
Randy Hines
Fairmont, West Virginia
Mr. Randy Hines volunteers countless hours as the Windmill Park Coordinator. Mr. Hines has been active in the role for several years, and his hard work overseeing the park’s amenities — including softball fields, concession stands and basketball courts — has been highly regarded by city officials as well as the community. Mr. Hines gives nearly every free moment in his life to ensure Windmill Park is a place for children, young adults, and families to come together. He welcomes every person as if they are family, knowing most by name with genuine care and compassion. From the earliest days of spring to the hottest days of summer until snow falls on the playground and the fields, Randy is constant in his unfailing dedication to his community expressed throughout his care of Windmill Park. Not unlike most cities, the City of Fairmont has an unofficial name…The Friendly City. Randy Hines is the epitome of this and truly deserving of being recognized as an Extra Mile Hero.
Barbara Bennett
Hayden, Idaho
Barbara Bennett has contributed many years to the community of Hayden, and most notably in recent years to the preservation of the community’s history. She has spent years capturing autobiographies and biographies of those members of the greater Hayden Lake area who made this area what it is today. From a teamster and the City’s namesake Mathew Hayden, to the families who have been an economic force for the City: Richards – Atlas Tie & later Idaho Forest Industries, Tuckers – Tucker Box Factory, Whitesitt – Lake City Dairy (now known as Stoddard Park), McIntire – Super One Foods. She has also spent time with the folks who have landed here for many reasons and decided this was the place to raise their families: the Steele’s, House’s, Casey’s, Mile’s, Lacey’s, Clark’s, Gleason’s, King’s, Morris’, Worst’s and many, many more. Barbara has spent countless hours with these families and their families, bringing stories alive about their lives growing up in Hayden and around Hayden Lake.
Malea Sampsel
Hayden, Idaho
Malea Sampsel has served on the Hayden Parks, Recreation and Community Forestry Commission since March 2015 and is currently the chair. During her service on the commission, she has assisted in creating, funding and implementing the Pawfoot Dog Park (2017) and was the catalyst for the Broadmoore Park Jr. Disc Golf course project (2021). As well, Malea is always the first to volunteer for City events each year including the Hayden Bike Rodeo, running a center for Arbor Day and staging entries for the Hayden Lights and Hayden Days parades. She has been involved with parks projects such as the Stoddard Park playground and ADA swing, the Stoddard Barn restoration project, the Hayden Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan and Honeysuckle Beach improvements. She has served selflessly in the Hayden community to give thousands of citizens many opportunities for recreation that otherwise may not exist.
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