UNITED WAY TABS DAHLEN 2003 TOP CITIZEN
By Jeff Meyers,
Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH – Most people in the area know Dr. Kjell Dahlen for the work he has done in the field of eye care. Many might also know him for his love of sailing. but there is another side to Dahlen that is just as significant as his profession or pastimes. Despite a sometimes hectic schedule, he always seems to take the time to help others in need, whether it be through volunteer work or serving on the United Way of Clinton County Board of Directors.

“I feel that I have received a lot from this community and am blessed in very many ways,” Dahlen said from his office at Eye Care for the Adirondacks. “I feel it’s my responsibility to give some of that back to the community to show my appreciation.”

CITIZEN OF YEAR
Dahlen’s hard work and dedication which has helped him develop one of the most successful health care services in the region, just earned him the Dorothy and Allan Booth Citizen of the Year Award, which is given annually by the United Way to a prominent humanitarian in the community. “Actually, I was very surprised,” Dahlen said. “I really think that there are a lot of people who deserve it more, but I do feel honored, particularly considering some of the previous recipients.”

The Citizen of the Year Award was named after the Booths in honor of their efforts in the 1940’s to create the Community Chest, the forerunner of the United Way. “The award is given to someone who has exhibited a strong sense of community service,” said Michael Mannix, Executive Director for the United Way of Clinton County. “Kjell has always supported the United Way and has done many things in his life to improve the quality of life for people in the area.”

MORE TIME TO HELP
Dahlen, who moved to the area in the late 1970’s to start an eye care business, first joined the United Way’s board in 1991. After a one-year term, he stepped down because of the demands on his growing business, but in 1994, after an associate had joined the business, he found a little extra time and decided to come back on board. He is still a board member and served as president in 1997-1998. “I believe one of the strong points (of United Way) is that it gives people an opportunity to give at one point, rather than to multiple organizations,” Dahlen said. “It’s one umbrella organization that looks at the needs of the community and helps to distribute your donations.”

UNANIMOUS CHOICE
The United Way Executive Committee accepts nominations for the Booth Award and then reviews the nominations before coming up with the annual recipient. Dahlen’s choice was unanimous. “He’s been involved in a number of reorganization committees for us, as well as the Strategic Planning and Allocations Committees,” Mannix said. “He’s also extremely involved in the morning Rotary group and is very much responsible for the success of the (Plattsburgh) Mayor's Cup.” “His charitable nature is far-reaching,” Mannix added. “Each year, on his own, Dahlen goes to India to attend to the eye care needs of the people there.” “He is an extremely benevolent person.”

LOVES AREA
Dahlen grew up in Norway and was first attracted to the North Country because of its beauty and charm. During the summer, he spends much of his free time sailing on Lake Champlain; in the winter, his leisure turns to the slopes and cross-country trails of the region. It’s a fondness for the region and the community, that has led Dahlen to make Plattsburgh his home and to share with his neighbors in any way he can.