Submitted by Larry Clarino
On behalf of Westfield Lions Club
The Westfield Lions Club celebrated 91 years of service to the Westfield community with the club’s annual Awards Night on Thursday. The guest speaker was Indiana’s own First Lady, Janet Holcomb, wife of Governor Eric Holcomb.
In a chat format, Lions Secretary Anna Skinner interviewed Holcomb on life as the state’s First Lady, her love of animals, and personal goals and ambitions. The group found she is a true down-to-earth Hoosier in every way. She talked about her love of the outdoors, as well the recent addition to the Meriden Street Governor’s mansion of a chicken coop, designed and built by the first family.
Local Club President Brian Abraham presented a Melvin Jones Fellowship award to Mrs. Holcomb for her humanitarian services to the people of Indiana. This award is the backbone of the Lions Club International Foundation’s mission.
Lion Ted Engelbrecht presented another Melvin Jones Fellowship to Anna Skinner for her ongoing dedication to the activities of the club. Skinner was first involved with the Lions as a Westfield High School student with the Leo Club prior to joining the Lions. She served as the Westfield Lions Club’s first woman president in 2020 and now serves in the vital role of club secretary.
Lion Mike Birk was presented with the Richard T. Miyamoto Fellowship for his work with the club’s fundraising Poker for Sight Tournaments and his ongoing work with the new clubhouse acquisition committee. The award is named in honor of Dr. Richard T. Miyamoto, Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Indiana University School of Medicine.