Vol. 101, Issue 1 · Archived issue
July 2026 newsletter
The first paper of the new Lions year — a new meeting place, the installation banquet, and the July programs.
Editor: Diane Renyhart · Programs courtesy of Lion Richard
President’s message
Renee E. Thompson
2026–2027 President, Ocala Lions Club
Dear Club Members and Friends,
As we step into a brand-new Lions year, it is my privilege to welcome each of you to this exciting chapter in our club’s history. Whether you are a long-time Lion or a newer member, your presence and dedication make our club stronger and more vibrant.
This year holds special significance as we celebrate 100 years of service as the Ocala Lions Club in the Marion County community. One hundred years of service, friendship, and impact in our community is an incredible milestone. From our earliest days to today, generations of Ocala Lions have lived by the motto “We Serve,” and that legacy continues with each and every one of us.
There is no better way to honor our 100-year legacy than by continuing to serve with compassion, energy, and purpose. Together, we will build on the outstanding foundation laid by the past 100 presidents and their members, and we will create new memories and new successes that future Lions will celebrate in the coming century.
This year we will be holding our meetings at a new location, The Alcove, so please plan to join us for lunch at our new location on 17th Street, near Laurel Run. Meetings will start at noon. We plan to use our third Thursdays for a shorter business-only meeting, followed by our monthly board meeting right after.
Thank you for your continued dedication and Lion spirit. I look forward to seeing all the great things we will accomplish together this year!
In Service,
Renee E. Thompson
KidSight
It was a busy year for the Ocala Lions Club KidSight program, organized by Lion Kristi Hannen with scheduling help from Peter Palermo and deliveries by Tricia and Jim Evans. The club purchased two new Plusoptix cameras. Seventeen screening volunteers gave their time. The program ran from September through May, 34 schools participated, 842 children were screened, and there were 96 referrals.
Membership
Emily Leithauser has been encouraging recruitment of new members. She coordinates the greeter’s table and sends thank-you notes to guest speakers, including a copy of the club’s 100-year history. She notes that there are materials to hand out to friends, relatives, and neighbors, and that it helps to ask people you do business with and people who might enjoy the activities. Contact Emily to join the membership committee.
New member induction
The first induction of the new program year is at the July 16th meeting. PDG Jerry Skufe will induct Dani Fee, sponsored by Diane Renyhart. Dani is the Food 4 Kids manager at Interfaith Emergency Services and assists the club with donations on the first Friday of the month. The program serves over 1,500 children with backpacks filled with enough food for six weekend meals.
Golf tournament
The Jerry Cullison Memorial Golf Tournament is Saturday, December 5th, again at Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club. It is the largest fundraiser of the year. Sponsorships are $250, $500, or $1,000. Garry Adel is the chair and has forms at meetings. Money raised supports the scholarships, Silent Santa, KidSight, and nine organizations that specialize in vision and hearing.
Installation of officers
The club held its 101st installation of officers and awards banquet on June 18th at the Empath Health / Hospice of Marion County Elliott Center. Lions Bob Cubbage at the baby grand piano and singer Bill Thomas provided the entertainment. The dinner was catered by La Casella Catering.
Outgoing President Barry Fies presided. Lions Susan Oliva and Helen Anderson from the Ocala 200 Lions Club swore in the new officers. Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards went to Lions Tricia Evans and Diane Renyhart. Lions of the Year Awards went to Lions Garry Adel and Jerry Skufe for their service during the 100th-year celebration.
Meetings move to The Alcove beginning Thursday, July 2nd, every Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. at 2210 17th Street near Laurel Run. For membership, contact Lion Emily Leithauser at 352-817-2765.
Third Thursday
Third Thursday charitable donations began in October 2020 at the suggestion of Tricia Evans. The program has helped the poor and needy of Marion County at least 60 times. Lion Marilyn Hinds now leads it. In the past year the club contributed to Brother’s Keeper twice, SoZo’s Kids, College Park families at Thanksgiving, Silent Santa, The Arc, Wear Gloves, the Marion County Animal Shelter and Humane Society, and a baby shower for the Alpha Center.
Marilyn Hinds and Joe Sowa are planning a teddy bear collection for the Kimberly Center for abused and neglected children, in memory of Marilyn’s late husband Tom.
Pre-owned glasses
Lion Lou Barnes reported glasses collected in Ocala: 8,338 pairs and 3,365 cases, with 1,700 donated in Ocala. International donations, including glasses from Ocala and other Lions clubs: Guatemala 4,000, Uganda 2,200, Peru 7,900, Nigeria 200, and Cuba 2,500.
White Cane Day
The next White Cane Day is Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Publix on Park View Road off Maricamp. Volunteers may see John or Diane Renyhart. The money raised goes to vision and hearing charities.
In memory of Russell E. Baillie
Russell Baillie, a lifetime member and past president, has passed. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the David Baillie Scholarship Fund, established in memory of his father, who also served as president. The fund supports students pursuing degrees in agriculture and is awarded each year at the Southeastern Youth Fair.
Club life in this issue
June meeting 
Our newest member: Cubby 
Diane and John delivering donations for Food 4 Kids 
2026 Melvin Jones Fellow: Diane Renyhart 
2026 Melvin Jones Fellow: Tricia Evans