A half-century ago, Dave O’Brien was volunteering with a committee studying the possibility of bringing cable TV to the then-town of Methuen, when he received an invitation.
(Former Marsh and Oakland Avenue schools principal) “Mel Farris said, ‘If anyone’s interested in joining the Lions, let me know.’
“So he brought me in,” O’Brien chuckled. “You don’t think about how long you might be involved, but (the Methuen Lions Club) has always been something I’ve enjoyed. Time just goes by!”
Oct. 6 marks 50 years of service by O’Brien – to the community and beyond – via the nonprofit. To celebrate this incredible milestone, the Lions are hosting a dueling pianos fund-raiser (see box) that’s open to the public.
Lions Clubs International (LCI) strives to be the global leader in community and humanitarian service. Currently, there are Lions Clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas, and total worldwide membership exceeds 1.4 million members. LCI chartered the Methuen Lions Club on Oct. 23, 1953, and it has been in existence since that date. The Methuen club is one of 40 in District 33N which comprises the northeast corner of Massachusetts.
Through the years, O’Brien has worn many hats within the Lions. He’s currently secretary and treasurer of the Methuen Lions Club and the district co-chairman of LCI Foundation, the club’s international charity. He’s past president of the Methuen Lions Club, past district governor for the Northeastern Massachusetts and past chairperson of the Massachusetts Lions Council of Governors.
What’s kept him involved all these years?
“A desire to help local communities with quality-of-life issues and a willingness to sacrifice some personal time to help others,” he says.
Through the years, his favorite projects include helping to install a scoreboard at the Methuen High baseball field on Ranger Road in the 1980s; working on the Lions Youth Speech Contest both in Methuen and throughout Massachusetts; assisting Nevins Library with setup for book sales; organizing vision screenings for schoolchildren and collecting used eyeglasses (there’s a donation box at Nevins Library) which are distributed throughout the world. O’Brien is a founding member of the MA Lions District EyeMobile which is a mobile eye-screening vehicle and a member of the District 33N Visual Aids Foundation, which provides vision-enhancement equipment to visually impaired individuals throughout northeastern Massachusetts.
This Tenney High School Class of 1964 graduate simply enjoys pitching in and lending a hand.
“In the 50 years that have elapsed, I have had many wonderful experiences and met many nice people,” O’Brien shared. “I have helped clubs throughout the state, but particularly within our district, District 33N. I have thoroughly enjoyed my years with Lions Clubs and hope others will join with us to continue our community services.”
To get involved with Lions Clubs in Methuen or any other community, e-mail MethuenMALionsClub@yahoo.com. The Methuen club meets monthly Sunday mornings at Al’s Family Diner on Merrimack Street.
