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!!
By Lion Peggy Tobin
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
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 March of 2025 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
Plusoptix – Lion David Falcon – February 2026
District 37 PlusOptix Update
PlusOptix screening totals for school year September 2025 to June 2026:
24,331 students screened with 3,033 refers through January 2026.
NOTICE REGARDING S12 BATTERIES:
Some of our Plus Optix S12 users have had issues with batteries so I wanted to send a reminder to all:
The correct battery for the S12 is Eneloop, part number #BK-3MCDA8BA. They can be purchased on Amazon. Batteries should be changed out every two years and it is also important to NOT use old batteries with new batteries. Finally, NEVER use non-rechargeable alkaline or lithium batteries! I am always available if you have any questions.
Have a Happy New Year!
Lion David Falcon, District 37 PlusOptix Chair
314 9th St. W., Kalispell, MT 59901; C. 406-253-1726: [email protected]
By PlusOptix CoordinatorConvention & Special Notices – February 2026
OFFICIAL CALL FOR THE CONVENTION
The annual District Convention shall be held on April 17 and 18, 2026 in Columbia Falls, Montana. The convention starts as registration commences on Friday April 17, 2025 at 1:00pm.
CLUB DELEGATE FORMULA
Policy Manual, Article 8, Section B: Club Delegate Formula
Each chartered club in good standing in Lions Clubs International and this District shall be entitled in each annual convention of this District to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each (10) members, who have been enrolled for at least one year and a day in the club or major fraction thereof, of said club as shown by the records of the International office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held. (NOTE: for the 2026 convention, that date is March 1st.) The major fraction referred to in this section shall be five (5) or more members. Each certified delegate, present in person, shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote only on each question submitted to the respective convention. All eligible delegates must be members in good standing of a club in good standing within the District.
Montana District 37 grants full delegate status to each past district governor who is a member of a club in such district independent of the club delegate quotas.
NOTE: If your club has members who are together in a household, the number available to calculate delegates will be different than what is listed above, as it will be based on households.
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration for the 2026 District 37 Convention in Columbia Falls ends March 27, 2026. The cost will increase from $110 to $135 on March 28, 2026.
Go to www.montanalions.org to register online or download the registration form on pages 15 & 16 of the newsletter.
For Club Secretaries
If you make changes to your club officers, meeting locations and/or meeting dates & times in the Lion Portal, please send a note to Lion Peggy Tobin, District 37 Secretary at [email protected] or call/text 406-461-4206 so she can more efficiently update the District website. The club directory information on the website is used by the district governor’s team to plan visits, set up meetings, and provide updates. THANK YOU!
For Club Treasurers
Please remember that all Lions clubs with annual gross receipts less than US$50,000 that are not required to file Forms 990 or 990-EZ must file the e-Postcard (also known as the 990-N). Please be advised this filing relates specifically to the 501(c)(4). If your Lions club has a foundation, which is a separate legal entity, the appropriate form will need to be filed as well. If you are unfamiliar with this process, please see the short video noted below.
District 37 Club Officer Training Videos
These videos are all accessible via the district website, www.montanalions.org under “Training/Resources”:
- All Club officers: Trainer PDG Mike Collins
- Club President: Trainer PDG Mike Tobin
- Club Secretary: Trainer Lion Peggy Tobin
- Club Treasurer: Trainer PDG Mike Collins
Short videos about how to do specific secretary or treasurer tasks:
Filing your 990-N (e-Postcard) (9 minutes)
With the release of the new LionPortal, we have added links to some of the short videos provided by LCI:
Newsletter Information
Any Lions club member can submit information associated with any type of Lions project or general club information. You can submit Club News ANYTIME! You are also welcome to email your news (hopefully with photo) to: Lion Peggy Tobin at [email protected].
Website Updates
In Addition to the “Tri-Fold Generator” for clubs to create their own club brochures, additional documents have been added under including Leo Application forms!! If you have trouble finding a resource and it’s not currently available on the website, please contact Peggy Tobin at [email protected] or call 406-461-4206.
Free Club Websites!
The club-level website is still being offered by Montana District 37 at NO COST! If you don’t already have a domain name, Deanna can provide one for a cost of $20/year after the first year. If you are interested in getting a website for your club, please contact Peggy Tobin at [email protected] or call 406-461-4206.
Dates to Remember – February 2026
FEBRUARY CLUB ANNIVERSARIES
351 years of service!!!
Kalispell Sunrisers 2/03/1969
Nashua 2/12/1952
Plains 2/23/1944
Bozeman Gallatin Empire 2/24/1969
Fairfield 2/26/1940
UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETING DATES
District Cabinet Meeting – April 19, 2026 @ 9:00am following the Convention
MT Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – April 19, 2026 @ noon following the Convention
2026 MD C CONVENTION
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
APRIL 10-11, 2026
GRAND PRAIRIE, ALBERTA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – 1ST VP MARK S. LYON
2026 DISTRICT 37 CONVENTION
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
APRIL 17-18, 2026
COLUMBIA FALLS, MONTANA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – PID DEB WEAVERLING
LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SCHEDULE
2026 Hong Kong – Jul 3-7
2027 Washington DC – July 2-6
2028 Singapore -June 23-27
2029 Minneapolis, MN
2030 San Antonio TX
2031 – Helsinki Finland
UPCOMING USA/CANADA FORUMS
USA/CANADA LIONS LEADERSHIP FORUMS CAN BE RELATED TO ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE – NOT JUST LIONS
2026 Memphis TN – September 3 – 5
2027 Huntsville, AB – September 16-18
2028 Grand Rapids, MI – To be announced
2029 Shreveport, LA – To be announced
2026 District 37 Convention Registration is OPEN!
We’re thrilled to invite you to join Lions from across Montana for an unforgettable weekend of connection, inspiration, and fun in Columbia Falls on April 17–18, 2026!
How to Register:
• Register online at www.montanalions.org
• Or complete the attached PDF registration form and mail it with your check to Lion Jessica Fausey at the address listed on the form
This year’s convention will be packed with meaningful fellowship, engaging sessions, and plenty of Montana hospitality—all set against the stunning backdrop of Glacier country.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Columbia Falls and celebrate Lions service together as one. Mark your calendar and get registered today! 
Special Notice for Club Officers Unable to Register on the Lion Portal
ALL CLUB OFFICERS TRYING TO REGISTER ON THE LION PORTAL – Try Again!
We’ve had several club officers who are in the Lion Portal but cannot create a login. Please see the recent Facebook post below from the Lion Portal Forum (and if you use Facebook, this is a great source for seeing answers to common questions or to ask your own question).
If anyone has a Microsoft email account such as yahoo, outlook, msn, hotmail, etc., and were having trouble receiving Lion Portal emails such as verification codes or password resets, please try again. An issue was found with a vendor platform that we just resolved.
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