Recently, two members of our Bernier Carr Family were recognized for their selfless contributions to others in two very different ways. We believe that their stories are noteworthy enough to share with you.

In 2011, the Lehman family of Croghan, New York learned that their 14 year old son Ethan was experiencing end stage kidney failure. Ethan was immediately placed on dialysis and the search began for an acceptable kidney donor. Ethan’s parents, Mickey and Jan, were both ruled out as potential donors so Ethan’s older brother Zach stepped in and volunteered. Zach was found to be an acceptable match. Last May, Zach and Ethan had successful surgeries in Boston. Today Ethan is experiencing the life of an active 16 year old and older brother Zach is teaching physical education and coaching at Beaver River Central School District. During his college years, Zach participated in Bernier Carr & Associate’s Summer Intern Program. Zach was recently presented with the Youth Good Samaritan Award by the American Red Cross at their Hero’s breakfast in Watertown for his amazing contribution to his brother. "I don’t feel like I’m a hero. I did what any good brother would do. I would do it again in a heartbeat." said Zach when interviewed for the award. Mickey Lehman, the boy’s father, is a Principal and Executive Vice President at Bernier Carr & Associates.

The Greater Watertown – North Country Chamber of Commerce has selected a business leader in the community to receive the Arnold I. Shapiro Award annually since 1952. The award is given to those that demonstrate outstanding citizenship, achievement, leadership, dedication and motivation and for contributing to civic and social welfare activities. Bernier Carr’s Chief Executive Officer, Bernie Brown was honored as the 2012 award recipient at a ceremony held recently. Bernie, his wife Bev, and sons Jacob and Thomas have been members of the Watertown community since 1984 when Bernie began his career with the firm. Dan Villa, the 2008 recipient of the award stated "Probably one of the most important attributes of good citizenship that Bernie emulates is to lead by example; there are so many things he has done, anonymously and without fanfare, to make our community a better place. Good citizenship is part of his character and who he is as a man, they are inextricable". Rande Richardson who received the award in 2002 offered, "He always strives to be on the cutting edge of effecting the region for the better, both professionally and personally…I have witnessed several incidences of Bernie’s wiliness to extend a helping hand to an individual or organization in need. This type of humble leadership is all too rare, but, inspirational nonetheless."

"The mark of an immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause while the mark of the mature man is he wants to live humbly for one"      ~Wilhelm Stekel