District News

Montana Lions District 37     

Invitation to Service: May 2026

Our Montana Lions are great assets to their communities!  Our kindness and caring really add to the fabric of our lives.  Our Single-District 37 is organized to broaden service and fellowship by dividing the large District into four regions.  Those four regions are further divided into 14 Zones.  A member from each Zone volunteers to be a liaison between the District Cabinet and the Clubs.  For the coming Lion year, 2026-2027, we have several volunteers who have accepted the position.  We still need a few more…

If you wish to help support our District operations, please consider serving at this level.  It will be a great opportunity to connect with other Lions Clubs, and it can be rewarding and fun!

I extend a “Welcome Back!” to our returning Zone Chairs and a hearty “Welcome!” to the new volunteers who have agreed to help:  They are:

Zone        Lion                                       Clubs Served

Zone 1  Rob Shaffer           Hamilton, Missoula, East Missoula, Seeley Lake

Zone 2  Nick Ostle              Superior, Plains, Hot Springs

Zone 3  Naomi Valentine – Kalispell, Kalispell Sunrisers, Eureka, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, ColFalls Mountain Branch, Kalispell Rising Lions Branch

Zone 4                                Butte – Mile Hi, Deer Lodge

Zone 5  Tom Naegle           Helena, Helena Gold Rush, Townsend (Broadwater), White Sulphur Springs

Zone 6  Neil Swift               Cascade, Great Falls, Great Falls Sunrise

Zone 7  Jerry Kuhn             Chinook, Havre, Turner/Hogeland, Fort Benton

Zone 8  Jack Preston          Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Fairfield, Sunburst,  Sun River Valley

Zone 9  Rosemary Weber   Baker, Glendive, Sidney

Zone 10                               Scobey, Wolf Point, Culbertson, Nashua, Plentywood

Zone 11  Mark Manning       Billings, Billings Hts, Forsyth, Huntley Project, Hysham, Shepherd

Zone 12                                Big Timber, Joliet, Laurel, Red Lodge

Zone 13  Julie Bartos           Bozeman, Bozeman Gallatin Empire, Bozeman Sweet Pea, Dillon, Ennis

Zone 14                                Denton, Roundup, Winnett

As you can see, we still need support for Zones 4, 10, 12 and 14. If you are a member of those Clubs served, and want to contribute to our District Governance, please contact us.  We have several goals for the year for the improvement of service across the State, so you will be a welcome member of the District Team.

GO LIONS!! 

DGE Jon Kimble 

Montana Lions District 37     

“Celebrating Service: Honoring the Heart of Montana Lionism”

The Montana Lions District 37 Convention celebrated outstanding service and leadership across the state, recognizing a remarkable group of Lions whose contributions continue to strengthen our mission of “We Serve.”

Presidential Certificates were awarded to Lion Jerry Kuhn, Lion Tom Naegele, Lion Cory Sena, IPDG Raleigh Peck, and Lion Julie Bartos. Each honoree exemplifies dedication in unique ways, from exceptional leadership and mentorship to hands-on service and unwavering support of district initiatives. Their collective impact reflects the very best of Lionism across Montana.

The Presidential Leadership Award was presented to Lion Jessica Fausey, recognizing her exceptional administrative leadership, long-standing commitment to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, and her outstanding work as 2026 District Convention Chair. Her attention to detail, positive spirit, and lifelong dedication to service make her a cornerstone of our district.

The Presidential Award was awarded to Lion Cheryl Lewis for her visionary leadership and extraordinary commitment to service and membership growth. Her efforts in promoting service reporting as the Global Service Team Chair and her decades of leadership have left a lasting mark on District 37.

A special highlight of the convention was the induction of Christine Lank, Council Chair, into the Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes her distinguished leadership and enduring contributions to Lionism, celebrating a legacy of service that continues to inspire Lions across Montana and beyond.

MESSAGE TO OUR LEO CLUBS

As we approach the close of another school year, it is an exciting and important time for our Leo Clubs. This season is more than just wrapping up meetings and projects before the school year ends—it is a critical opportunity to build continuity, celebrate achievements, and prepare the next generation of leaders for success.

First and foremost, every Leo Club should be conducting elections for next year’s officers.  Leadership transition is not just a formality—it is a cornerstone of a strong and sustainable club. By empowering Leos to step into leadership roles, we are actively developing the future of Lionism and our communities. Maybe include them in your Lions Club New Officer Inductions.

Equally important is ensuring that newly elected Leo leaders are properly entered into the Lions portal as incoming officers. This step helps maintain accurate records, supports communication, and ensures these young leaders are recognized and connected within the broader Lions network.

At the same time, current Leo leaders should make sure all service projects and fundraising activities are entered into the portal. This is a vital step in telling the Leo story—allowing others around the world to see the incredible impact these young leaders are making and how they are helping build stronger, healthier communities.

One of the most meaningful ways to honor your Leos is to invite both current and incoming officers to attend your next Lions Club meeting, especially before graduation. This creates a powerful platform for them to share their successes from the past year and present their vision and plans for the year ahead. It also strengthens the bond between Lions and Leos, reinforcing mentorship and collaboration.

Take time to celebrate what these young leaders have accomplished. Their service, creativity, and passion are making a real difference in their communities. More importantly, their ideas and energy are shaping the future of our organization. When we invest in Leos, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Lions community for years to come.

The future is bright—and it is in very capable hands. Let’s continue to encourage, support, and celebrate our Leos as they step forward to lead.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for supporting the Leos of SD37, please reach out—I am always happy to connect and visit with all of you.

Thanks for all you do!

IPDG Raleigh G. Peck