Faribault Lions Honor Lion Richie

The Faribault Lions Club had a picnic at Roberds Lake Resort this evening where a distinguished service award was given to Dr. Michael Richie of the Richie Eye Clinic.

The Ophthalmologist said he has always enjoyed being a member of the organization since he joined when he first moved to Faribault over 30 years ago.

Debra Wasserman, longtime Lions Club leader did the honors of announcing the award saying the Faribault Lions have had a good relationship with local eye care professionals since the club started in 1921.

"One of the things the Minnesota Lions did to continue a relationship was to establish a MD5M Lions KidSight Foundation.  This foundation brings Lions all over Minnesota to screen the vision of pre-schoolers and school age children."

"This is done with a special camera.  We've done it at pre-schools, at Peace School, we've done it at the Rice County Fair and the Pet Parade.  The idea of screening vision is to look for the beginnings of issues where children may need to be seen by a opthalmologist."

Wasserman said an award was established called the MD5M Lions KidSight Foundation Sight Saver Award. she acknowledged, " Lion Dr. Mike has been our go to guy for glasses, eye exams, I could really practically guess everyone in this room has been in Lion Dr. Mike's chair or flat on his operating table over the years. "

"On behalf of the Faribault Lions Club Lion Dr. Mike we would like to present you with the MD5M Lions Kids Sight Saver Award."

Dr. Richie received a pin from Shermayne Cross, local chapter member and a Second Vice District Governor for the Minnesota Lions Club.

Lion Dr. Mike told those gathered, "It's really been an honor.  I've been a Lion since I moved to town 33 years ago.  I will admit I'm not the best at coming to meetings.  Partly because meetings are held that conflict with work schedules and it's just been difficult."

"I was sort of hoping to slide quietly into retirement but you guys are making it very difficult.  Thank you very much for this, it's greatly appreciated.  You know we are always on hand, the clinic will continue to see anybody and everybody, especially people who come through referrals from those pre-school screenings.  That is crucial to making sure that we catch treatable eye conditions early and often.  Thanks for the volunteering you all do in that regard.  It is much appreciated."

Dr. Richie told me he has had no problem not going to work every day.  He was passionate for his work and thoroughly enjoyed it but realized it was time to pass the practice on to a younger generation.

Also recognized at the Lions Picnic were new Board of Directors members for the Faribault Lions Club Chapter including President Randy Twiehoff who urged every member to get one person to join the organization in the next year.