ARCOLA - Recently, long-time resident Glen Lawson was recognized by the Optimist Club of Arcola for nearly 30 years of exemplary service to the club.
Together with his wife Peggy, and daughters Amy and Karen, Lawson moved to Arcola in 1995 as the principal of the Arcola School. He retired from teaching in 2008 and started doing oilfield work as a hotshot driver and then office work for several small oilfield companies.
Lawson joined the Optimist Club of Arcola in 1996. His first experiences with the club were working the MacMurray Theatre concession with Murray McMillan, Gordie Chandler and projectionist Doug Brownridge. Brownridge trained him on the projectors and he took over the job.
Lawson’s involvement with the club gradually increased as he took on several leadership roles. Except for a handful of years, he has been either president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer from 1998 to 2022. He has also been the Optimist Foundation representative for several years and at one time was a district lieutenant governor.
In January 2023, the Arcola Optimists will be holding their 30th annual snowmobile rally and lottery. Lawson has been a large part of that committee for over 20 years. This project has evolved into a major community fundraiser and the net proceeds have contributed to many of the sports and cultural facilities in Arcola and surrounding area.
The Arcola Optimists have made contributions to the swimming pools in Carlyle and Lampman. They have donated to many of the facilities in Arcola including the Ed Hanna Play Park, the ball diamonds, the RV Park, and Prairie Place, both the hall and the rinks. And, of course, the rally has allowed the club to renovate and rejuvenate the MacMurray Theatre.
Lawson’s early involvement with the theatre was the concession and then the projection booth. A few years ago, he came up with the idea that they could upgrade to digital projection and did so a couple of years later, as they either had to upgrade or close. For the past eight years, Lawson has played a major role in upgrading the projector and sound to digital. He has also helped with major renovations including a metal roof, new seating, renovating the lobby and upgrading the facade.
The next improvements planned include stage lighting and new curtains.
Excluding the two pandemic years, the Optimists have held at least one live concert every year for the past decade and three concerts are planned for the fall of 2022. The theatre holds a special place in Lawson’s heart and he has been an important part of its success.
Blake Brownridge is the president of the Arcola Optimist Club.
“Glen has been much more than a volunteer in our club, For the past few years, Glen’s dedication has been to many projects in our community but the one that he has really enjoyed is the theatre in town. His vision and countless hours of time learning how the systems worked has helped the club move the theatre into the next chapter of digital projection concerts and overall preservation for many generations to come.
“Everyone at the Optimist Club wishes Glen nothing but the best on his new adventures and says thanks for all your help.”
Recently, a special celebration was held honouring Lawson for his dedication and long-time loyalty to the club. Sarah Anderson, owner of Sarah Anderson Photography, complied a collage of beautiful prints and pictures that were proudly presented to Lawson last month.
In addition to belonging to the Optimists, Lawson has been on the executive of the Arcola Curling Club and has also been on the Prairie Place Complex Board. He and his family now reside at Regina Beach, where he enjoys golfing, hiking and yard work. He is still employed part-time as a bookkeeper for a couple of small businesses.
Lawson and Peggy have two grandchildren, one boy and one girl.
He has fond memories about residing in Arcola.
“Twenty-seven years doesn’t sound like a long time if you say it quickly. In reality, 27 years is the longest I have lived anywhere in my whole life. Our daughters grew up here. And I finished my teaching career in Arcola,” said Lawson.
“Membership in the Optimist Club of Arcola was both an honour and privilege. I gave the club many hours over the years and played a part in many projects, but I gained that back and much more in friendship, camaraderie, and a sense of accomplishment in the projects we undertook.
“As a group, the Optimist Club worked to make a great community better for all and I was proud to be part of it. My family and I thank the community of Arcola and the Optimist Club for these great years.”
