Havre Lions Celebrate Brandy Kurtz
On Jan. 16, between basketball games, the Havre Lions Club honored Brandy Kurtz with the distinguished Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, one of the highest forms of recognition within Lions Clubs International.
Named after Lions Club founder Melvin Jones, the award recognizes individuals who exemplify the organization’s motto, “We Serve,” through outstanding commitment to their communities. Kurtz was selected for her lifelong dedication to serving Havre and the surrounding area.
An active member of the Elks and a strong supporter of veterans, Kurtz is known for her involvement at the local, state, and national levels. She has also contributed her time and energy to numerous community efforts, including support for MSU-Northern and its students, as well as volunteering during Bear Paw events and the Montana State Fair.
By Lion Peggy TobinSeeley Lake Lions-Fund Raising for Scholarships
Polaris Raffle
Recently we were blessed with a donation of a Polaris General with a snowplow by one of our newest members Lion Michael Williams. Our goal was to raise at least $8-10,000, however, we exceeded that and brought in a whopping $15,000! It was a great effort by many in the club to sell tickets and through the generosity of residents of Seeley Lake and nearby towns we were able to pull off this miracle. On top of that we had a local resident be the lucky winner!
These scholarships, which we give out on an annual basis, will go to help high school students here with academic, merit and performance based. Last year and this year we also gave out trade scholarships which is equally important for those students are not going to college but need assistance in a trade. Helping with this cause was our local Leos club. Out of 98 students at the school 24 are Leos and they contributed $500 in sales and learned the responsibility of getting this done on time and accurately. We budget for these each year but with the addition of this money, it will help students for years to come as we can add to the amount we decide to hand out. A huge congratulations goes to Lion Rich Westin for being the driving force behind ticket sales.
True Lionism in Action!
Winterfest 2026
For the past few years, we in Seeley Lake are trying to find new fund raisers. We have done a couple of shows with either live talent or lip synching. We call this Winterfest and the theme was Showtime! Put together by Lion Ginger Williams with support from countless other members, we were able to gather 15 different acts for the January 24th performance.
Lion President Michael Feretich was the MC and kept the show moving with inspiration and humor. Lion Cory Thompson donated all of our refreshments while countless others donated items for our silent auction. All totaled with admission, refreshments, the silent auction and the raffle of the Polaris General we were able to bring in almost $20,000!
It was outstanding that we had so much help from our small town. Lots of old faces plus many new ones enjoyed an evening of music and entertainment we don’t normally see.
LCI Considering International Dues Increase for 2028-2032
Lions Clubs International has proposed a future adjustment to international dues that will be considered by voting delegates at the 2026 International Convention in Hong Kong. Because dues discussions often raise understandable questions, this post is intended to clearly explain what is being proposed, when it would take effect, and how it does and does not affect District 37.
What is being proposed
The International Board of Directors has approved a proposal to gradually increase international dues by a total of $10 over five years, beginning in 2028.
If approved by convention delegates, the adjustment would follow this schedule:
July 1, 2028: +$2
July 1, 2029: +$2
July 1, 2030: +$2
July 1, 2031: +$2
July 1, 2032: +$2
That equals $2 per year, or $1 per semiannual billing period, over five years.
Why Lions Clubs International is proposing this change
Like most global organizations, Lions Clubs International has experienced sustained cost increases due to inflation, rising technology expenses, and the cost of maintaining worldwide member support.
Before proposing a dues adjustment, Lions Clubs International reports that it:
Reduced operating budgets
Renegotiated vendor contracts
Cut or consolidated programs after ROI review
Adjusted staffing levels
Improved efficiency through automation
The proposed increase is intended to maintain current service levels and infrastructure rather than expand programs.
How Lions international dues compare to other service organizations
Even with the proposed adjustment fully implemented in 2032, Lions international dues would remain comparatively low:
Rotary International: approximately $107 per year
Kiwanis International: approximately $107 per year
Lions Clubs International: $50 currently, rising gradually to $60 by 2032
Lions international dues include insurance coverage and a subscription to LION Magazine, which some peer organizations bill separately.
What international dues are used for
International dues support the global operations of Lions Clubs International, including:
Club and member support services
Training and leadership development
International conventions and events
Technology platforms and digital tools
Global marketing and public relations
Translation and language services
Legal support and liability insurance
International dues do not fund LCIF grants or programs, which are supported entirely by donations.
What this means for District 37
This is the most important clarification:
District 37 dues are not changing as a result of this proposal.
District dues are set independently through the District budget process and are governed by District 37 policy and cabinet approval. The proposed international adjustment does not automatically increase district or club dues.
What this may mean for individual clubs
If the international dues adjustment is approved in 2026, club boards will need to decide whether and how to absorb the increase.
Clubs generally have three options:
Absorb the increase within existing club budgets
Adjust member dues to offset the increase
Use a combination of budgeting and dues adjustment
For context, the impact is modest:
$2 per member per year
$1 per semiannual billing period
That scale is intentionally small and gradual to allow clubs time to plan.
Who makes the final decision
The proposal has been approved by the International Board of Directors but has not yet been adopted.
The final decision will be made by official voting delegates at the 2026 Lions Clubs International Convention. If approved, the first increase would take effect July 1, 2028.
As always, District leadership will continue to share accurate information as it becomes available so clubs can plan responsibly and without surprises.
If your club has questions about budgeting, dues structure, or planning for potential future changes, reach out through your Zone Chair or District Cabinet.
By Lion Steve Dogiakos
February 2026 Newsletter
We are continuing to evolve the format of the newsletter notification emails. The publication of the newsletter is at the beginning of the month, but articles are posted all during the month. A second email notification mid-way through the month will be sent if there are additional posts to share.
You can reply to this email to give us feedback on the new format. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!
From the Desk of Governor Corinna – February 2026
“Leading with Heart: Service, Empowerment, and Community”
February is a month where compassion takes center stage. As Lions, we continue to lead with heart—empowering others, uplifting communities, and embracing new opportunities to grow. With the year well underway, now is the time to deepen our impact through meaningful service, strong partnerships, and inclusive leadership.
This month, let’s channel our energy into impactful Service Activities and align our goals with Lions International’s global themes as well as the needs of your community. Whether you’re organizing a local food drive, vision screening, or planning a Service Carnival, your work changes lives. Remember to plan for the third and final Lions International Week of Service on April 18-26 with focus on the environment. More information can be found at https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/member-resource-center/service/global-causes-initiatives/weeks-of-service
Leadership in Action
- February is also a time to mentor and empower new leaders. Consider:
- Recommending Lions for leadership training
- Supporting potential Leo Advisors and Leos
- Promoting establishing New Lions Clubs or Lions Club Branches where you see a need
- Leadership doesn’t begin with a title. It begins with a willingness to serve.
Save the Date: March 8, 2026
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Lions around the world are invited to participate in She Leads – A Global Lions Symposium. This virtual event will bring together Lions, Leos, allies, and change‑makers to empower women in service, share leadership strategies, and strengthen global inclusion and collaboration within our organization.
The symposium will begin at 7:00 AM Montana Time and is open to all members worldwide. Registration details and access information can be found through the Montana Lions District 37 website at https://www.montanalions.org/2026/01/27/she-leads-global-lions-symposium-march-8-2026/. Personally, I will be having a watch party with many of my Lady Lion Friends. Please join us either in person or virtually.
Save the Date: District 37 Convention
Be sure to register for the upcoming District 37 Convention, to be held in beautiful Columbia Falls on April 17-18. This is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Learn what your neighboring Lions Clubs are doing
- Get updates on Lions International initiatives
- Attend the popular “Speed Learning” session, which will be back this year
Check it out and register at:
https://www.montanalions.org/events/2026-district-37-convention/
We Want to Feature You
Send photos, stories, and success highlights to be included in the next newsletter. Let’s celebrate our District’s incredible Lions. Post any stories by clicking on https://www.montanalions.org/submit-club-news/ or tag us on social media using #MontanaLionsDistrict37 or simply #MontanaLions and always include #WeServe. You are also welcome to email your story and photos to [email protected].
Together, We Serve
Here’s to the second half of the Lionistic year focusing on bold action, big hearts, and lasting change.
With gratitude and excitement,
District Governor Corinna
Montana Lions District 37
By DG Corinna Christensen
LCI President’s Message-February 2026
President’s MessageLead to Serve, Serve To Leadwith International President A.P. Singh |
Dear Lion,
As a Lion, you are a leader in your community. Your belief in service and your desire to make a difference — both at home and around the world — are what inspired you to become a Lion.
Every project you begin and every role you take on is an act of leadership that strengthens our entire association. And every person you invite helps us reach our MISSION 1.5 goals and do even more good for the people who need us.
At this midpoint of the Lion year, now is the perfect time to reflect on how you can continue to be a force for positive action in your club and beyond. Show those around you what it means to succeed — and what it means to be a Lion.
Together in service,
A.P. Singh
International President
Global Leadership Team – PDG Mike Collins-February 2026
Montana Lions Leadership News
February 2026
“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”
Dear Montana Lions,
District 37 will be offering Club Officer training via the Zoom meeting platform in February of 2026. The training will consist of 4 separate webinars. This training is highly recommended for all club officers.
Session 1: Monday, Feb 2nd – 7:00pm – All Club Officers – 1.5 Hours. Trainer – PDG Mike Collins.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GOTUl-mQSc6kvq4mTCCDkw
- Lions history
- Describe the Lions Club International Structure
- Describe standard club leadership structure.
- Identify the duties and responsibilities of each club officer.
- Standard Club Constitution and Bylaws
- Meaningful Projects
- Be familiar with the LIONS PORTAL and the Lions Learning Center
Session 2: Tuesday, Feb 3rd – 7:00pm – Club President –1.5 Hours. Trainer – PDG Mike Tobin.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gExTx2arSBS_vjHtU9EyVg
- President Responsibilities
- Leadership
- Where to find Resources
- Things to do and not to do
- How to enjoy your year
Session 3: Wednesday, Feb 4th – 7:00pm – Club Secretaries – 2 Hours. Trainer – Lion Peggy Tobin.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5NKvQEFpRpqW0qKHl-2NyA
- Secretary Responsibilities
- Secretary functions before, during, after meetings
- Membership & Officer reporting – Hands-On training for Lions Portal
- Activity Reporting – Hands-On for Lions Portal
Session 4: Thursday, Feb 5th – 7:00pm – Club Treasurers – 1.5 Hours – Trainer – PDG Mike Collins.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rt-BMbPCQYWOXLnXN1wxzQ
- Treasurer Responsibilities
- Club Accounts & Budgets
- Member Dues
- Payments
- Financial Policies
- Financial Records
These sessions will be live on-line zoom interactive training sessions. This does require online access from a computer or tablet with speakers. You can participate without a microphone but would be limited to typing any questions. These webinars will be recorded and made available for people who are unable to attend.
In service and leadership,
PDG Mike Collins
Global Leadership Team Coordinator – Montana
By Global Leadership Team
Global Membership Team Report – February 2026
Global and Montana Membership – February, 2026
We Are A Community
Mostly, Montana Lions clubs live within their own world. However, we are joined together in International Lions District 37. We have a chance to meet other lion members at our district convention each year.
I ask the question ”Is this enough?” What can be gained by getting together more often? Lion clubs have a basic structure and motto “We Serve”, and another “Where there’s a need there’s a lion”.
As I have visited clubs I noticed the similarities and differences. My next question is “can we help each other be all we want to be?” By visiting other clubs, you might be introduced to great ideas from recruiting new members, service ideas, resources and more. You might be able to receive guidance on issues your club is dealing with. Will you visit a neighboring club?
Another way to interact is to invite a neighboring club to share a function, NOT A MEETING. A pot luck or a program of Lions endorsed projects or information from a knowledgeable person or persons about an issue that is related to our mottos or another issue in your community.
“Together we will overcome” has become a catch phrase that has been used in recent times when communities have been impacted by an adverse event. This is a way to connect a wide cross section of the community toward solving the situation they find themselves in and moving forward together. “Stronger Together!”
Why do we wait for trouble and not start before disaster has occurred or is knocking at our door? This must be our humanity some would say. Why wait, when sharing and asking for help could prevent a troublesome journey? Too many questions you might say. My response would be to overcome your embarrassment of nonaction and ask for help.
I challenge every Lion member and club to participate in getting to know one another so we can overcome whatever we want to achieve as a person and as a club. A relationship first makes asking easier and with better results. Let us commit to getting to know one another, member or club, to make each of our clubs and our district the best we can be.
I look forward to members and clubs reporting how getting together has made you and your Club stronger and more successful in whatever you and your clubs pursue.
GMT Lion Richard Gessling
By Global Membership Team
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison – February 2026
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin
Clubs of District 37, have you had a chance to look at your community and see what it’s needs are? One of our Clubs did. Fairfield did and they found that they needed help with their food bank to improve their ability to help feed the needy in their area. Not having the finances to do what was needed, the Club applied for a Hunger grant through LCIF to help achieve their financial goals.
I am proud to let everyone know that Fairfield’s grant was approved for $77,614.00! What could your club do for your community with that amount of money?? All you need to do is LOOK and APPLY.
There are so many different areas that you can apply for a grant. If you need more information, contact your LCIF Chairperson. We can come and visit with your club and maybe start that process. LCIF wants to HELP and so do Mike Tobin and Lary Garrison, your District 37 Chairpersons.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
PDG Lary Garrison , 703 Conway St., Billings, MT 59105, 406-855-6997, [email protected]
By LCIF Coordinators
Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – February 2026
Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Statistics
Please find below the statistics from January 1, 2026 to January 26, 2026
- Applications Received: 2
- Assistance Provided: 0
- Total Cost of Assistance Provided: $0.00
- Applications Received From: Belt & Polson
Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Fellowships
Foundation Fellowship: Foundation Fellowships can now be purchased by individuals. Foundation Fellowships are used to recognize outstanding Lions and other deserving individuals. The Board of Trustees of the Foundation endorses this Fellowship. The Fellowship award includes a lapel pin and a mounted certificate and may only be bestowed by a Lions Club on an individual or group of individuals with a donation of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.
PID Fellowship: The PID Dave Hajny, PID Tom Lehman, PID Gary Tschache and PID Ben Apeland Fellowships are now available. The fellowships recognize the contributions to Lionism made by PID’s Dave, Tom, Gary and Ben. The new fellowships are a great way to provide recognition for a deserving Lion. Fellowships can be purchased for five hundred dollars ($500) to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.
Life Membership: A Life Membership to the Foundation, which includes a lapel pin and pocket card can be bestowed by an individual, group of individuals, Lions Club or can be purchased by an individual with a donation of one hundred dollars ($100) to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.
Memorial or Honorarium: Remember a loved one or honor that special person by donating to the Foundation. What better way to remember or honor someone than having your donation live in perpetuity? Your Memorial or Honorarium donation is never spent; only the interest earned on these assets will be used to further the purpose of the Foundation.
*Club Contribution – CHANGE as of January 1, 2025*
For over eight years, the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation has not made any changes to the club contribution towards applications. However, due to the increase in the cost of hearing aids and other services over that time, the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation voted at the January board meeting to increase all club contributions towards applications from $200.00 or 10% of the total cost, whichever is greater to $300.00 or 10% of the total cost, whichever is greater.
Thank you for your continued support of the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.
By Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
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