Award recipient Mary Dehning (center) with left to right: Benefits Analyst Jess Spicer, Chief Human Resource Officer Kim Blank, Chief Executive Officer Amy Hart, Senior Services Administrator Daren Rife, Care Center Nursing Director Sheila Miller, Chief Finance Officer Katie Berg, and Food Service Director Jackie Godfrey.

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Care Center Activities Director Mary Dehning of Aitkin on May 2 received the organization’s Catch of the Year Award for going above and beyond by creating a County Fair this past summer when residents could not attend the event because of COVID.  Each month, CRMC honors an employee with its Trophy Fish Award and once a year one staff member is highlighted for the Catch of the Year Award.

When the residents’ annual trip to the Crow Wing County fair was cancelled at the last minute, Dehning quickly went to work and coordinated a Care Center Fair complete with animals, games, and food. She was joined by other staff and volunteers who provided 4H fun by bringing in a variety of beautifully groomed, well-behaved pets and animals for the residents to enjoy. They also set up and managed carnival games and a John Deere tractor display and prepared special fair foods. The residents were tremendously grateful for their kindness and dedication.

A member of CRMC’s staff since 2009, Dehning was promoted to Activities Director in March 2021. She previously served as Activities Coordinator and worked as a Dietary Aide. She holds an Associate of Applied Science Activities Director degree, is Activity Director Certified through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, holds an Associate of Arts degree from Central Lakes College in Brainerd, and is a graduate of Crosby-Ironton High School.

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