Henryetta Lions Club hosted a special gathering on May 29 at The Shack 2.0, highlighted by a visit from 2025-26 District Governor Elect Nancy Wood and Past Council Chair (PCC) Neal Wood.

District Governor Elect Nancy Wood expressed her excitement about her upcoming term and encouraged all members to attend two upcoming Lions Cabinet Meetings for District MD3-E:

• July 21 - Cabinet Meeting in Okmulgee

• Aug. 16 - Cabinet Meeting in Henryetta The following members and guests were present:

• Lou Ann Smith

• Donnie Smith

• Kimberly Stoy

• Mylena Poulton

• Amber Mordecai - Club President

• John Tedlock

• Shirley McCowan Bussey

• Alicia Dudley - Current Melvin Jones Fellow

• Erick Randleman

• District Governor Elect Nancy Wood (Guest)

• PCC Neal Wood (Guest) During the meeting, the Lions voted unanimously to support an upcoming Lions vs. Rotary Food Drive, benefiting local food banks and animal shelters. The motion, introduced by Lion Mylena and seconded by Lion Alicia, was met with enthusiastic support. Lion Erick Randleman will lead the planning for the Weigh-In event on July 12 at Nichols Park, which will also coincide with a community fireworks celebration.

Additional announcements included the purchase of new name badges for Lions Staci Been, Shirley McCowan Bussey and Jessica Bear.

The Tail Twister segment featured a fun round of Oklahoma trivia with prizes for the winners, and members were reminded to purchase $1 tickets for prize drawings during the June 5 Officer Installation luncheon at The Shack. --- Spotlight on LCIF: Local Impact with Global Reach

Lion TJ Mordecai introduced guest speaker PCC Marshall Brents, LCIF Coordinator, who gave a compelling presentation about the mission and achievements of Lions Clubs International Foundation.

“LCIF is how we deliver help where it’s needed most,” Brents explained. “From global vision and hunger programs to disaster relief right here in Oklahoma, 100% of your donations go directly to programs.”

He noted that Oklahoma has received $2.6 million in LCIF grants, with $500,000 granted to District MD3-E alone. He shared stories of how LCIF recently provided emergency aid to Stillwater and Mustang following severe weather events, with grants supporting mobile emergency service trucks and recovery efforts.

Brents also highlighted the Melvin Jones Fellowship, awarded to those who donate $1,000 or more to LCIF. Lion Alicia Dudley remains the Henryetta club’s only current fellow. Lions Donnie and Louanne Smith contributed to the cause during the meeting, and members were encouraged to donate any amount monthly toward achieving fellowship status. President Amber Mordecai was named the club’s next LCIF Chair for 2025-26.

--- Upcoming Events & Important Dates

The Henryetta Lions are heading into a packed summer schedule, filled with opportunities for service and fellowship:

• June 5 - Officer Installation Luncheon at The Shack 2.0 (12 p.m.)

• June 7 - Bingo for Sight Fundraiser at The Briefcase (3 p.m.)

• June 12 - Guest Speaker Tricia Bear joins club meeting

• June 19 - No meeting (in observance of Juneteenth) • June 26 - Louie Williams of Henryetta Tennis shares team updates

• July 12 - Food Drive Weigh-In and Fireworks at Nichols Park

• July 21 - Lions Cabinet Meeting in Okmulgee

• Aug. 16 - Lions Cabinet Meeting in Henryetta

• Aug. 30-31 - Cornhole Tournament (Saturday & Sunday) For those interested in supporting LCIF or beginning the journey toward a Melvin Jones Fellowship, donations can be made at www.lionsclubs.org/en/ donate.