Medford Chamber Of Commerce Presents Citizen Of The Year Awards

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford Chamber of Commerce presented Citizen of the Year (COTY) awards at their annual banquet last month, making up for missing recognitions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former COTY winners meet in March and review the submissions to determine who has provided outstanding service to the Medford community. This year, the COTY alumni had the task of reviewing applications from the prior year as well as new submissions.

Fittingly, they selected all Covid-19 First Responders as the 2020 recipient of the award. Everyone in attendance recognized the incredible work and sacrifice performed by the many Medford residents who were on the front line during the pandemic and every day.

The 2021 COTY award winner was Sam Tarabelsi, Director of Infrastructure and Provider Relations at Hallmark Health Medical Associates/Tufts Medicine.

"It all started with his walk up the hill to work at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and he will soon
be celebrating his 50th year work anniversary,” said the Medford Chamber of Commerce in a news release. "Sam exemplifies all that this prestigious award stands for as he lends his talent and time to a variety of charitable causes and community organizations.

"He continues to work tirelessly for both Kiwanis and the Medford Chamber of Commerce and is a Past President of both organizations,” the chamber continued. "Sam’s also been involved with leading multiple health fairs at the Senior Center and West Medford Community Center. Some of his other contributions include being an advisor with the Circle K club at Northeastern University, managing a coat drive and a “Back to School Drive” for Medford Schools."

The 2022 COTY award winner was Vincent Frattura, founder and owner of Hoff’s Bakery. A former President and active member of the Medford Rotary Club, Frattura was honored by Rotary Club International with the Paul Harris Fellow award.

"For over 20 years, he has been a consistent and generous supporter and leader of numerous school, PTO, and scouting fundraisers,” said the chamber. "He has also been a longstanding contributor to the Medford Holiday food basket program and other community events."

Frattura was also given a certificate of recognition from the Bread of Life for his contributions.