Somers Couple Receives Community Service Award

Recently, Michael and Kathleen Freedman were awarded the 2015 Robert B. Percoski Community Service Award.

The Somers Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to present the couple with the award in recognition of all they do for so many in the community by hosting chili cookoffs.

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In part, the letter announcing the award read, “Through your volunteer efforts, thousands and thousands of dollars have been raised to support the Somers Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Association, the Patriot Guard, our cherished veterans, and individuals facing medical hardships.

We cannot begin to express to you our appreciation of the work and effort that such feats require and for what it means to so many in our community. For while the fundraising benefits such organizations and individuals in a much needed financial way, words can never express the fellowship, camaraderie, and spirit of community that you instill in each person that attends your events. I cannot tell you how many times I have personally witnessed people thank you and the response is to always pass the credit onto everyone else involved. Your actions display true leadership and compassion for your fellow man.”

Selectman Kathleen Devlin, who nominated the Freedmans for the award, noted how much the couple cares about their town - and the greater community.

“It’s time that we appreciated what they do for our town, our community, and people in general,” she said. “You’re a great couple and thank you for all you’ve done for us.”

The Freedmans never want any recognition for their work and when asked, Kathleen replies, “We just drive the bus and everybody jumps in.”

Michael added, “I don’t want any recognition. I really want it for our nonprofits, for the people we help, for our sponsors, and for our cooks. That’s what’s important - not what we do. They do all the really hard work.”

The Freedmans, who have lived in Somers for seven years, host an annual chili cookoff in town, and have also held cook offs for groups and individuals in need, including an Ellington Marine who was injured in combat, and the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Department after the tragic school shooting.