BURKE AREA NEWS
What's Going On In the Burke Area
Joe Allard Named 2025 Burke Citizen of the Year
announced September 29, 2025
East Burke Village was hopping on Saturday, September 27th. Locals and visitors gathered to celebrate the 36th Annual Burke Fall Festival and enjoy a full day of activities including a parade, craft fair, barbeque, music, pony rides and more. The festival is hosted and organized by the Burke Area Chamber of Commerce.
One of the highlights of the event each year is the presentation of the Burke Citizen of the Year award. The Burke Chamber presents this award to a community member who flies under the radar while quietly giving back to the community through volunteerism and other efforts that benefit local residents. It’s always a surprise for the winner.
This year, Burke Chamber President, John Kascenska surprised Joe Allard of West Burke with the 2025 Burke Citizen of the Year award. Allard was recognized for his many efforts within and beyond the Burke community including serving as a selectboard member for the Town of Burke, volunteering with the West Burke Methodist Church, Burke Senior Meal Site, Meals on Wheels and, in past years, coaching several area baseball teams as well as serving on the Board of Directors for Lyndon Baseball/Softball. Allard has also volunteered with Valley Vista in Bradford and served on the Diversion Board. Allard’s volunteer efforts even took him to Guatemala on a church mission to help build infrastructure for children in need. Allard also proudly served with the Coast Guard for 30 years.
Allard also owns Main Street Gym, a Rock Steady Boxing affiliate, in Lyndonville where he coaches kids and adults. At the gym, Allard runs a program to help people affected by Parkinson’s disease. The program has been proven to slow and even improve the effects of the disease.
Upon presenting the award to Allard, Kascenska noted that he was nominated by two community members who had the following to say about Allard:
“Joe's roots go deep in the town of Burke, where he was raised and learned the importance of participation and service to his community. He has consistently stepped up to support the town through years as a Selectman, business owner, church member, health officer, instructor, coach, Parkinson's Disease advocate, Meal Site board member, willing volunteer, and helpful friend.”
“He is a careful and responsible town leader, who keeps the best interest of the citizens foremost in his decision making. I admire his willingness to take an unpopular stance on an issue if he feels strongly about it. He is a man of conviction who has repeatedly stood for election and served well as a leader for Burke. In summary, Joe Allard is a longtime model of solid citizenship, community participation, and care for the town of Burke and its people.”
Kascenska thanked Allard for his service to our country and continued, “thank you for your amazing and highly appreciated service to the Burke Community and places beyond. Congratulations!”
In response to receiving the award, Allard noted his surprise and said, “I was very shocked and honored to be chosen. This wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of both family and friends.
I was born and raised in Burke, and will always be a strong advocate in helping the town retain the values and ethics that were brought here in the 1700’s. Small towns are the backbone of our country and volunteers have a large role in enabling small towns to host large family events such as the Burke Fall Festival and creating towns that families want to live in. I want to thank the Chamber for all they do and honoring me with this year’s award.”
