2025 District 37 Post Convention Report – Saturday Morning Speakers
We are continuing our series of the 2025 District 37 convention reports, sharing the experiences of many Lions who attended the 2025 District 37 Convention held May 2nd and 3rd in Helena MT.
Saturday morning began with the flag presentations, singing of the national anthems for Canada and the United States and a warm welcome from Helena’s mayor, Wilmot Collins.
Special Speakers included International Director Gary Rodifer; Vice Council Chair Christine Lank who provided a very entertaining history of women in Lions; Faith Johnson, former Miss Montana and MSU graduate who inspired everyone with her Helena Keller Presentation and Chantel Schieffer, founder of True North Leadership whose message focused on how to be better leaders.
By Lion Peggy Tobin2025 District 37 Post Convention Report – Convention Election
We are continuing our series of the 2025 District 37 convention reports, sharing the experiences of many Lions who attended the 2025 District 37 Convention held May 2nd and 3rd in Helena.
The Election of District officers for the 2025-2026 lionistic year were held Saturday morning. Each candidate had a representative who provided a nomination prior to the ballot election. The election process also included a presentation by the Columbia Falls Lions for their bid for the 2026 District 37 Convention.
We hope to see you all in Columbia Falls April 17-18, 2026!!
2025 District 37 Post Convention Report – Hall of Fame
We are continuing our series of the 2025 District 37 convention reports, sharing the experiences of many Lions who attended the 2025 District 37 Convention held May 2nd and 3rd in Helena MT.
Induction into District 37’s Hall of Fame signifies a Lion’s noteworthy contributions to the ideals of Lionism through the Lions Club, District and community. This is not a longevity award. The 2025 Convention celebrated the induction of two such lions – PDG Richard Gessling and Lion David L. Falcon.
Past District Governor Richard Gessling was the first DG for Single District 37 from 2015 to 2016. He then served as a region chairperson and GMT Chairperson. Richard joined the Red Lodge Lions club in 1990 and served there until 2024 when he transferred to the Billings Lions club.
Lion David Falcon joined the Kalispell Sunrisers in 1989 and is currently serving as their club president, a position he has held multiple times as well as club First Vice President. He has served the district as a zone chair and also the Vision Chairperson. He is the go-to person for the Plus Optix program for the State of Montana.
2025 District 37 Post Convention Report – Parade of Green
We are continuing our series of the 2025 District 37 convention reports, sharing the experiences of many Lions who attended the 2025 District 37 Convention held May 2nd and 3rd in Helena MT. If you have stories or photos to share, please send them via the “Submit Club News” option on the website.
The Parade of Green allows all of the clubs to present their donations to the various endorsed projects supported by District 37.
From the Desk of Governor Corinna – October 2025
District 37 Lions — Mental Health & Well-Being Week of Service, October 4–12, 2025
Dear Lions of District 37,
Mark your calendars! From October 4–12, 2025, Lions around the world will unite for our Week of Service focused on Mental Health & Well-Being. Here in Montana, I invite every club — and even individual Lions — to join in making this week fun, uplifting, and impactful.
Mental health touches every family and community. Through small acts of kindness, awareness, and service, we can show that Lions care and that no one has to struggle alone. Service Project Ideas for Clubs:
- Host a Community Wellness Fair
Invite local professionals (counselors, fitness coaches, nutritionists, yoga instructors) to share tips and resources. - “Walk & Talk” Events
Organize a group walk in your community park where people can connect and reduce stress through conversation and movement. - School Connections
Partner with local schools to host a “Kindness Wall” where students can post positive messages. - Senior Outreach
Arrange visits to nursing homes or assisted living centers to brighten residents’ days with conversation, games, or music. - Mental Health Awareness Night
Invite a guest speaker to a Lions meeting or host a public event to reduce stigma and provide helpful information.
By DG Corinna Christensen
From the Immediate Past District Governor – October 2025
From the Immediate Past District Governor’s Desk
IPDG Raleigh G. Peck–October 2025
Thanks for reading this edition of the newsletter. The first quarter of this year is already gone and now it’s hunting season — time to hunt for new Lions.
I am motivated since we just returned from the USA/Canada Lions Forum in Atlantic City, and I must say, the committee outdid themselves again. There were about 100 different one-hour informational sessions to attend, plus the ever-popular Speed Learning.
Some of the sessions I made it to were on Leos and building new Leo Clubs, using AI to market our clubs, LCIF’s global impacts, creating great events, recruiting younger Lions, injecting fun into meetings, and marketing strategies for clubs. Having never been to Atlantic City before, it was awesome to explore the Boardwalk and even leave a couple of dollars at the casinos.
This was only my 3rd time attending, and I cannot count how many people I reconnected with. Don’t be nervous about attending the forum — EVERYONE there is a Lion just like you, all there for the same reason: to be a better person and make our communities a better place to live.
By IPDG Raleigh Peck
Reflections from USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum
Zone Chair Margaret Baylinson
REFLECTIONS FROM USA/CANADA LIONS LEADERSHIP FORUM – ATLANTIC CITY 2025
Dear Fellow Lions,
Another USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum is behind us—and what a powerful experience it was. For a few days, it felt like we had all escaped from the hustle of everyday life and stepped into a space filled with purpose, passion, and positivity.
There’s something truly uplifting about being surrounded by so many like-minded people. The beauty of the forum lies not only in its programming but in the energy it brings. It arms you with new ideas, reshapes your mindset, and inspires a renewed commitment to service. Admittedly, absorbing all the information at once can be a bit overwhelming—but it’s the best kind of overload.
By Margaret Baylinsen
Global Membership Team Report – Clubs Helping Clubs-October 2025
Global and Montana Membership – October, 2025
Clubs Helping Clubs!!
On September 28th, the East Missoula Lions Club hosted a community BBQ to share with their neighbors who Lions are and what we do.
They were joined by several Lions from the Seeley Lake Lions Club, and together they created a very successful day with over 30 community members in attendance.
Results:
- At least 10 new member applications were turned in, with hopes that these individuals will inspire even more friends and family to join.
- President Jack Ballas of East Missoula led the effort, supported by an enthusiastic crew.
- Zone Chair Rob Shaffer and Lion Clay Creek worked the grills, while Lions Jayne Lux and Mike Feretich (Seeley Lake Club President) welcomed guests and answered questions to spark interest in Lionism.
A big thank you to everyone who made this day such a success!
If your club would like to host a similar event to boost membership and visibility, please reach out to your Zone Chair for guidance.
Not sure who your Zone Chair is? Check the listing here: District 37 Zone Directory
Some zones are currently without a Zone Chair—if that is the case for your club, please contact DG Corinna Christensen for support.
Together we can keep growing the strength of Lions across Montana.
By Global Membership Team
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Mike Tobin & PDG Lary Garrison -October 2025
District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – October 2025
As humanitarians, we respond whenever and wherever the need arises. Grants from our global foundation enhance our service. I am proud to report that District 37 has one grant application in progress and another in the works. Both are matching grants to help their local food banks. Currently the LCIF Board of Trustees have approved 114 grants, totaling more than US$9.3 Million in this Lionistic year. What could you do for your community with that kind of money? All you have to do is find the need and apply.
This month we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the way Lions, Leos and others, empowered by LCIF funding, raise awareness, promote early detection and support care. What do you think your community needs are towards this awareness? Just look – you might be surprised what you find. Then when you find the need, apply for the grant. The District can have up to seven grants at the same time.
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
Plusoptix – Lion David Falcon – October 2025
District 37 PlusOptix Update
PlusOptix screening totals for school year September 2025 to June 2026:
3,963 screened with 541 refers.
Have a GREAT School Year!
Lion David Falcon, District 37 PlusOptix Chair
314 9th St. W., Kalispell, MT 59901; C. 406-253-1726: [email protected]
By PlustOptix Coordinator
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