Luna Pier picks Citizen of the Year

7/19/2006

LUNA CITY - Mary Liechty never really thought of herself as "Citizen of the Year" material.

"You do things over the years, and you don't really think about it," said Mrs. Liechty, 69. "You move onto something else. But when somebody puts it down on a piece of paper, it's astonishing what you've done in your life."

Upon seeing Mrs. Liechty's resume, Luna Pier officials agreed, choosing her as this year's Citizen of the Year. She is the sixth person, and the first woman, to receive the award.

"I was totally surprised," she said of the ceremony at the town's Independence Day celebration. "It was the only time in my life I was ever speechless."

Mrs. Liechty moved to Luna Pier in 1955 from Lancaster, Pa., after she married her husband, Roger Liechty.

They reared a son, Richard, who still lives in town, and became involved in the community.

She helped plan the city's incorporation in 1963, and even designed its flag, however accidentally.

As she tells the story, her husband and she were going to a VFW event out of town, and had to bring a city flag.

"We said, 'We don't have one,' " she recalled. "I ended up going out and getting a flag designed. I went to Point Place with a T-shirt with the Luna Pier logo on it, and they made it into a flag. I have one I fly over my yard every day. It's white, with a red circle, and a blue center. So it has red, white, and blue."

Although Luna Pier is known for its beach and boating, Mrs. Liechty does not partake of those activities.

"A lot of people go out on the lake, but I don't care for the water," she said.

Among her other titles and accomplishments are: president of the housing commission, election worker, chairman of the Luna Pier Tax Appeal Board, foster parent, Bluebird troop leader, member of the Monroe County Senior Volunteers, missions chairman for the Erie United Methodist Church, and "I do a lot of baby-sitting."

She makes sure to include fun in her life, too.

"I like to travel, and I like to shop, and I like the casino," she said.

The latest honor delighted her. "I just love the community,' she said. "I was thrilled."

Contact Vanessa Winans at:

vwinans@theblade.com

or 419-724-6168.