To recognize and show gratitude toward heroes in communities across the country, Harman and Woodpellets.com (of the Lignetics Group) teamed up to supply a Harman Hero recipient with a Harman Accentra52i-TC pellet insert, one ton of Cleanfire Superior heating pellets and one ton of animal bedding. This year’s Harman Hero recipient was social worker and therapist Rachel Novak of Hanson, Massachusetts.

The pellet insert was installed at the Novak home by The Chimney Chaps who donated their time and expertise to professionally install the insert. The pellets were delivered by WoodPellets.com and all of the venting was donated by Duravent. The Novak family, who lives on a small farm aptly named Second Chance Farm, will use the new insert as their primary source of heat. The one ton of heating pellets will last at least two months taking them through the coldest month, and the bedding for their four horses will last 6-10 weeks.

The Harman Hero Giveaway honors those who have served the front lines of our country and communities: military, first responders, police, fire, healthcare, and school workers. For the past three years, Harman and Lignetics have partnered together to award a pellet stove and one ton of heating pellets to a deserving person nominated by a fellow community member.

“At Harman, we have always been anchored to the steadfast pride of our American Heroes and we want to pay tribute to those who sacrifice for the betterment of others.” said Karen Smeltz of Harman. Additionally, Lignetics donated one ton of animal bedding to this year’s winner for their horses. “Nothing gives us greater pleasure than being able to help this deserving family on multiple levels,” says Jonah Levine, Director of Heating for Lignetics Group. “With her can-do attitude, hard work, compassion and dedication to her family and community, Rachel is a wonderful example of the type of human we all aspire to be.”

Rachel, nominated by her husband, is a mother of two and a social worker working with teens. “She meets with these kids seven days a week and is always there to answer calls when they need her,” her husband, Nathaniel, stated in his nomination letter. “We also have our own two teens. Our daughter is very ill and sees around 12 specialists at Children’s Hospital Boston. She receives infusions every three weeks to stay alive. My wife manages her care and takes her to every appointment.”

“I am speechless when it comes to finding the right words to say thank you to the entire Harman and Lignetics families and, trust me, that is not easy as I am a therapist and talk for a living.” says Rachel Novak. While selecting a winner from many deserving nominations is difficult, Rachel stood out for her dedication to the youth in her community. “Her unwavering commitment to each teen is second to none. Even during the stove install, she received hundreds of texts from teens on her day off,” continues Smeltz.

The Harman Hero giveaway was first held in 2014. Each year, it receives countless honorable nominations. “We were flooded with amazing stories of heroes all over the country, of wonderful people making the world a better place with their kindness and hard work. From the bottom of our hearts at Harman, we thank all those who serve our country and communities.”