Last year, I received the distinct privilege of being asked to permit a citizenship award to be established in my name. I appreciate that after 24 years on the Board of Selectmen and four years before that on the Board of Finance, some saw my service to the town as a good vehicle for the creation of a citizenship award.
The Lessler Citizenship Award fills a void in town by providing a mechanism to recognize the contributions that people offer to make Easton ever better. While individual organizations do this, it struck me that establishing a way to highlight the work of people who make contributions that are above and beyond the norm, that elevate and improve the whole town, should be celebrated by the whole town.
With this goal in mind, a committee comprised of John Cunningham, Wendy Bowditch, Maureen Williams and Jim Riling has worked with me to organize the solicitation, vetting, selection and presentation of a winner. Each of these outstanding people are themselves worthy recipients of this award given their many years of service to Easton. This year, we are joined by the 2024 winner, Adrienne Burke. Congratulations Adrienne and welcome to the committee.
Once a year, the award recognizes someone who demonstrates outstanding public service to Easton by virtue of the scope and depth of their service. Someone who displays a commitment to consensus through bipartisan or nonpartisan action. Someone who displays dedication to using some form of public service to improve the lives of the townspeople through exemplary deeds or service and respectful acts that enhance public welfare.
The award is given each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving at 2 p.m. in the Library Community Room to someone who meets the following criteria:
1) the individual is a key participant in an accomplishment of public benefit, 2) the benefit is of long duration, 3) the scope of the accomplishment impacts a wide swath of the community, 4) the accomplishment creates a sense of community, and 5) the individual need not be a town resident, nor an elected or appointed government official but must have substantial connections to Easton.
The winner will be recognized with a plaque describing the award and with their name added to a permanent plaque located in Town Hall. The winner will be invited to join the committee. The winner will be officially announced in late summer each year. Everyone is invited to attend the presentation ceremony.
Anyone may submit a nomination. Nominations for the award can be submitted to me at rlessler56@gmail.com or to any one of the committee members, or to the first selectman’s office beginning on May 1. Nominations will be closed on Sept. 1 each year. Nominations should include the name, address and contact information for the winner and the nominator and a short explanation of why the nominator believes their candidate deserves the award.
Please look for our announcement of the winner and award ceremony information later this year. If you would like to help, or if you have any questions, please contact me or any of the members of the committee.
Thank you.
