Easton Community Honors One of Its Own
The inaugural Robert Lessler Citizenship Award was presented to Easton resident Adrienne Burke, founder of Greiser’s Coffee & Market at 299 Center Road in Easton. An enthusiastic crowd of 80 townspeople gathered on Nov. 23 in the Easton Public Library community room to watch Burke accept the award.
Established to be given annually, the Lessler Award acknowledges an individual for outstanding service in improving residents’ lives through exemplary acts that foster the common good. It recognizes an accomplishment of public benefit that is extensive in time and reach.
A committee comprised of Lessler, John Cunningham, Jim Riling, Maureen Williams and Wendy Bowditch developed the selection criteria and organized the award’s implementation.
Burke leased the original Greiser’s Market in 2018 and revitalized the business to create a community gathering place as well as a destination for people outside of Easton. The store offers daily breakfast and lunch service, specialty groceries, upscale and locally produced merchandise, and after-hours events highlighting local artistic talent.
During the Covid pandemic, Burke kept Greiser’s open to provide necessary groceries and supplies to local residents. Greiser’s currently maintains a payroll of 15 employees.
“To visit this gem of a café, is to have a window into the soul of the town of Easton,” Lessler said. “Grieser’s has always been a destination for some, but thanks to Adrienne’s leadership, determination and vision, it is now a center for social connection for every constituency.”
Burke is also a member of the town’s Library Board of Trustees. Prior to taking over Greiser’s, she served as a writer, editor and publisher of a variety of business and scientific publications for 25 years.
“This award is really a great honor,” Burke said. “The business has certainly changed my life.” Her parents traveled from out-of-state so they could attend the ceremony, she said.
State Senator Tony Hwang presented Burke with a proclamation from the state of Connecticut, and First Selectman Dave Bindelglass presented her with a proclamation from the town of Easton. The proclamations were followed by remarks from each of Easton’s selectmen.
“It was great to see this award given in Bob Lessler’s name,” Bindelglass said. “Bob has done so much in his many years of service. Adrienne Burke has done more than anyone I know to help establish a sense of community in Easton. Grieser’s events have quickly become an essential part of the fabric of Easton or just a place to grab a cup of coffee and see friends. She is a wonderful first recipient of what will hopefully begin a great tradition.”
“Congratulations and thank you, Adrienne,” Lessler said, to conclude the ceremony. “You are invited to enjoy the refreshments which have been graciously provided by Wendy Bowditch.”
Lessler thanked all of the committee members for their efforts in advancing the project. “Each one of them is a long serving, dedicated and accomplished citizen of Easton,” he said.
In addition to honoring a person who has contributed to the good of the town at the award ceremony, a permanent plaque with the names of each year’s winner will be installed at Town Hall. There will also be a collection of books reflecting Easton history, politics and the ideals of good citizenship in a bookcase at Town Hall.
Lessler said that the presentation of the award on the weekend preceding Thanksgiving was intentional, with a nod to giving thanks for the community that the award recipient helps to foster.
