Vol. 101, Issue 3 · Archived issue
September 2026 newsletter
The September club paper, kept in full — the president’s letter, the articles, and the PDF.
Editor: Diane Renyhart · Programs courtesy of Lions Richard, Patti, and Diane
President’s message
Renee E. Thompson
2026–2027 President, Ocala Lions Club
Dear Club Members and Friends,
August was a busy and productive month for the Ocala Lions and I am so proud of the work of our members. Five of our members represented the club at the District Cabinet Meeting in Jacksonville, where we participated in the Parade of Checks and presented donations supporting important causes like Leader Dogs, Lions Saving Sight, the Florida Center for the Blind, and several others. It was wonderful to have such a great turnout at a district meeting. Closer to home, Lion Lou Barnes reported an outstanding August glasses collection of 784 pairs and 355 cases. It really is amazing to see these kinds of collection numbers, and it is a powerful reminder that every pair of glasses we collect helps someone see the world more clearly.
We also had the honor of supporting two Eagle Scout Courts of Honor. Lions John and Diane Renyhart presented awards to Joseph Bova, and Lion Alan May and Connie May presented awards to Donovan McNeish. All of these accomplishments make us Lions proud. It is also moments like these that remind us that service is not only about what we give, but about the example we set for the next generation.
Looking ahead, KidSight is gaining strong momentum. Lion Dani Fee has already contacted nine local preschools to schedule vision screenings, and we are looking for additional screeners. Please let Lion Kristi Hannen, who has now joined our board, know if you can help. Finally, our annual golf tournament is approximately 100 days away on December 5th at Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club, and we need sponsors.
Service is the heart of what we do as Lions. When we show up for one another and for our community, we strengthen both.
Thank you for your dedication and Lion spirit. It is a privilege to serve with you.
In Service,
Renee E. Thompson
KidSight
Lion Kristi Hannen announced that Lion Dani Fee will be making the phone calls to schedule screening appointments at local preschools. She has contacted nine schools so far. Please contact Lion Kristi Hannen if you would like to help out as a screener.
Membership
Lion Emily Leithauser encourages new members to become involved in our club’s projects. If you chair a committee, ask the member if they would like to help. If you see our guest speakers sitting by themselves, please join them. It will give you the opportunity to learn more about their work and needs. You can also share the work that our club is involved in.
Lion Emily sends out thank-you letters to all of our guest speakers. She includes the page from our 100th Anniversary Program that shows all that the Ocala Lions Club does for our community, and she invites the speakers to join us.
District Governor George Niles also announced club membership goals: increase club growth by 5 members by June 30; sponsor a club branch by September 30; or sponsor a new club by December 30.
Golf tournament
As we start September there are approximately 100 days until the 33rd Annual Jerry Cullison Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The tournament will take place at Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club, 5000 US Highway 27, Ocala, FL. The presenting sponsor is Cullison-Wright Construction, and we appreciate their continued support.
Eagle Scout courts of honor
Two Eagle Scout Courts of Honor were held in July and August. The first recipient was Eagle Scout Joseph Bova from Troop 574 on July 25, 2026, at 1st United Methodist Church in Dunnellon. Lions John and Diane Renyhart presented Joseph with the Eagle Scout neckerchief, certificates and letters from the Ocala Lions Club, Lions International, and the Elks Lodge, and a small American flag — especially meaningful in our country’s 250th anniversary year.
The second recipient was Eagle Scout Donovan McNeish on August 8, 2026, at Knights of Columbus Christopher Hall. Lion Alan May and his wife Connie, leaders in the Boy Scouts program, presented the same honors. Joseph created a butterfly garden; Donovan converted a pavilion into a storage building for the Arnette House.
Cubby and Cubby Jr.’s travels
Cubby headed to Maine this past month with Lions Barry and LeeAnn, and our new member, Cubby Jr., flew to Europe, touring Spain and France with Lions Marilyn and Patti. What an adventure!
District 35-L cabinet meeting
Five members attended the August 12 cabinet meeting hosted by the Jacksonville Arlington Lions Club: Sharron Albert, Lou Barnes, Levar Bruce, Diane Renyhart, and PDG Jerry Skufe. New district officers were introduced — District Governor George Niles, 1st Vice District Governor Susan Oliva, and 2nd Vice District Governor John Hopkins. The club presented checks to PDG Tony Stefanowicz, with thanks to Treasurer Craig Silverman and Secretary Tricia Evans. Those who toured the Jacksonville Eye & Hearing Clinic were very impressed with the facility and the Lions who volunteer there.
- Leader Dogs for the Blind — $250
- Lions Saving Sight — $500
- Dogs, Inc. — $250
- The Beauty of Sight Foundation — $500
- Lions Diabetes Awareness — $250
- Florida Lions Diabetic Retinopathy Foundation — $250
- Conklin Davis Center — $250
- Lions Quest — $500
- Florida Center for the Blind — $500
News from Lions International
The Summer 2026 issue of LION magazine featured International President Mark Lyon. His charge: with every act of service, we grow stronger, reach farther, and help our communities thrive. Every time we serve, our roots grow stronger and deeper.
Club life in this issue
August program: Saving Mercy 
Sheriff Billy Woods 
Meet Cubby Jr. 
Cubby in Maine 
Cubby at Bar Harbor Inn 
Cubby Jr. in Barcelona