Lions Commemorate Lives Of Former Lions By Buying Town Hall Seats

The Lions Club has recently honored two of its deceased members by buying seats in the Edmond Town Hall Theatre. Club members, recalling with friendship and affection, the work and lives of Richard McLachlan and Albin Mickewich have dedicated two Edmond Town Hall seats to them.

Richard McLachlan was a longtime Lions member, active on many committees but especially the car raffle committee. He was also involved in the activities of St Rose Church. Mr McLachlan spent more than 30 years working as an accountant with O’Conner, Davis, Munns and Dobbins. Known for his cheerful demeanor and gentlemanly ways, Dick McLachlan was always ready to help out. An avid golfer, antique collector, and model railroad collector, he had lived in Newtown since the early 1940s.

Maureen McLachlan recalls her husband as “a great father, wonderful husband, and granddad.”

Albin Mickewich was also a longtime member but originally joined the organization in River Vale, N.J. In that chapter he was elected to many offices including the presidency. Although he had a degree in pharmacy from Purdue, and a teaching degree from Columbia, more than 35 years of Mr Mickewich working life was spent in the post office in New Jersey. When he moved to Newtown he transferred his membership to the Newtown Lions.

Albin Mickewich was noted for his good sense of humor; his interest in golfing and playing cards at the Newtown Country Club, and for his contribution to many Lions activities.

Charlie Godfrey captures this involvement by commenting, “While most Lions who volunteer at a blood drive do so for an hour or two, Albin would come and spend the day.” That was the way he was, always eager to help. For his outstanding contributions, Mr Mickewich was given the Lion of the Year award several years ago.

The Newtown Lions are happy to honor two such outstanding men. Honoring them also helps further the Lions’ tercentennial project of replacing all the lower level town hall seats and refurbishing those in the balcony. It is felt that this is an excellent way to honor loved ones and it is hoped that many other people will do the same thing.

The Lions’ primary way of raising money is by selling town hall seats. The cost is $300 and a plaque will be placed on the back of the seat honoring or naming whomever the donor wishes. Anyone who might be interested in buying a seat should call Gordon Williams at 426-6443 for further information.

However, all donations, large or small, are very much appreciated and should be sent to Newtown Lions, attention Gordon Williams, PO Box 218, Newtown, CT 06470. To make this contribution tax deductible, the check should be made out to Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers and the notation should read “for town hall seats.”