FAIRFIELD – Dr. Robert and Anne Warren, and Mark and Susan Freed, all of Fairfield, will be honored by Congregation Beth El as 2011 Couples of the Year at a gala dinner on May 21 at the Fairfield synagogue.
“Each year, Beth El identifies leading congregants who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding service to our synagogue and to the community at large,” says Rabbi Dan Satlow, the congregation’s spiritual leader.  “Choosing the Warrens and Freeds this year was a no-brainer.”

Rob and Anne Warren

Rob Warren, a dentist, and Anne Warren, an actuary, moved to Connecticut in the early 1990s, when Rob joined the Bridgeport-based practice, Brooklawn Dental Associates.   A die-hard baseball fan, Rob has been a devoted Little League and youth baseball coach for 12 years.  He played in the JCC softball league and, as he puts it, “was later traded to Beth El during its softball heyday.”  Off the field, Rob organized annual family weekends in the Catskills, served as Beth El’s treasurer, and is currently VP Finance, a position he has held since 2005.
An accomplished storyteller, Anne is a founding member of the Jennings Elementary School storytelling troupe and, for more than a decade, has also spun her yarns for Beth El’s children during High Holidays and festivals.  For the last 12 years, she has been coordinator of meals for Operation Hope, a food pantry and shelter in downtown Fairfield.
The Warrens are the parents of four children: Rachel, Daniel, Joseph, and Deborah.

Mark and Susan Freed

A graduate of SUNY Buffalo’s School of Management, Mark Freed produces national trade shows at the Trumbull-based firm, JD Events.  He is creator of Beth El’s highly-acclaimed comedy nights; and has served on the shul’s board of directors and as president of the shul’s Men’s Club.  He is also a past member of the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Home for the Elderly.
An award-winning artist, Susan Freed is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver and is owner/operator of Blue Nine Design, a design and decoration business.  Susan has sat on a slew of Beth El committees and has been co-chair of the Membership Committee for three years.  She is also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Jewish Home for the Elderly.  In addition, Susan serves on the Communications Committee of the Thriving Jewish Community.  The Freeds have three children: son Noah; daughters Hannah and Tillie.
For more information call (203) 374-5544.  Congregation Beth El is located at 1200 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield, CT., 06825.