District News

District News, Newsletters

Global Service Team Report – PDG Dennis Kopitzke – June 2025

Global Service Team

Global and Montana Service – June, 2025

All Lions, but especially those interested in global service (GST), should take time to review the information on the newly revised LCI website.  The site provides information in the Member Resource Center associated with our global causes:  childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, humanitarian projects, hunger, vision and youth.

To access GST information on the Lions Clubs website:  www.lionsclubs.org; go to member “Log In”.  Once logged in, you will have access to the Member Resource Center. Go to the “Service” link where you will find our Global Causes, Programs and Resources.

Emphasis is placed on a variety of programs such as:  advocacy for causes, diabetes camps, diabetes support groups, Strides for Diabetes, Type 2 diabetes screening, Lions Eye Banks, recycling glasses, eyeglass recycling centers, Sight First, Lions Quest, and youth camps and exchanges.

Resources are also provided in the Service Journey section:  the service launch pad includes ready to go planning resources that help you serve the causes your club cares about.  The resources can be used to help create, support and promote virtually any Lions service project.

Once clubs have chosen a service project and work has been done, then the results of the club’s efforts should be reported to LCI.  Reporting is easily done via the Lion Portal.  The club president, secretary, club service chair or club administrator can establish an account and report club service activities.  Go to the: www.montanalions.org; click on “links”, select Lion Portal.  If you haven’t yet created a login, click on “Don’t have an account?”.  Otherwise, log into your account.  To report the service activity, click on “Service”.  Then click on the blue box that says “Create Service Activity”.  Follow the prompts to complete the report.

Service Tool Kit:  The tool kit provides:  quick start ideas, Club Quality Initiative instructions; club and community needs assessment, development of local partnerships, fundraising guide, why service reporting matters.

For more information contact PDG Dennis Kopitzke, GST leader; Box 1266, Forsyth, MT  59327; 406-853-8695; [email protected]

District News, Newsletters

Budgeting for a Successful Lions Year

As we approach the end of the current Lionistic year, it’s time for every club in District 37 to take a thoughtful look at the year ahead – and that starts with your budget.

Whether your club holds a major fundraiser, operates a community pool, or simply focuses on service and fellowship, having a clear financial plan ensures you can meet your goals, support your projects, and remain in good standing with both Lions Clubs International and the District.

District News, Newsletters

District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Lary Garrison & PDG Mike Tobin-June 2025

District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – June 2025

WOW, if you didn’t attend the District 37 convention you missed a great one. Thank you Helena Lions Clubs. I want to thank all that attended and helped this District attain and exceed it’s Monetary LCIF Goal ($47,000) for the first time since we became a single District. Thank you all so much.

Lions Are There When Disaster Strikes

Natural Disasters can strike anywhere at anytime. Communities throughout our District rely on Lions to assist in recovery efforts. Lions provide FOOD, SHELTER and HOPE. We have a tremendous capacity to serve, whether that’s though direct service, training or funding through an LCIF Grant. Have a great summer.

Personal Notes:   Why does it seem the atmosphere is always cooler now?  Your LCIF Chairs put out a challenge at the 2025 Convention – and it was accepted.

Yours in Lionism,

PDG Mike Tobin, P.O. Box 408,  Sunburst, Mt. 59482
406-450-2780, [email protected]

PDG Lary Garrison,  703 Conway St., Billings, Mt. 59105
406-855-6997 [email protected]

District News, Newsletters

Plusoptix – Lion David Falcon – June 2025

District 37 PlusOptix Update

PlusOptix screening totals for school year September 2024 to June 2025:

37,299 screened with 4,522 refers.

Great job all!  Have a super summer.

Thank you,

Lion David Falcon, District 37 PlusOptix Chair

314 9th St. W., Kalispell, MT 59901; C. 406-253-1726: [email protected]

District News, Newsletters

Did You Know? Lions Trivia

JUNE TRIVIA FOR TAIL TWISTERS

For all you Tail Twisters in District 37, Lions Club International trivia can focus on the organization’s history, structure, service programs, and key individuals. A Tail Twister’s goal is to promote harmony, good fellowship and enthusiasm at club meetings.

Darcie Jo Jurenka with the Helena Gold Rush Lions was the Tail Twister at the 2025 District 37 Convention.  She exceeded the Tail Twister goals –  so much so that she received the Tigger Award from ID “Ski”.

Here’s a sample of some trivia questions that can be fun and at the same time provide great information for the new members:

History and Structure:

  1. Q:In what year was Lions Clubs International founded? A: 1917.
  2. Q:Who founded Lions Clubs International? A: Melvin Jones.
  3. Q:Where was the first Lions Club International Convention held? A: Chicago, Illinois.
  4. Q:What is the motto of Lions Clubs International? A: “We Serve”.
  5. Q:What is the name of the charitable foundation of Lions Clubs International? A: Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
District News, Newsletters

Special Notices – June 2025

For Club Secretaries

ALL LIONS CLUBS OFFICERS FOR THE 2025-26 YEAR MUST BE REPORTED TO LCI NO LATER THAN JUNE 30TH! THERE ARE TWO METHODS AVAILABLE FOR COMPLETING THIS TASK.

  1. Log into the Lion Portal and complete the process online (see video on montanalions.org – link is highlighted below under training videos).
  2. Complete a paper PU101 document and send it via email or regular mail to the district secretary, Peggy Tobin, at [email protected] or PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS PROCESS, PLEASE CALL PEGGY TOBIN AT 406-461-4206!!

For Club Treasurers

PLEASE NOTE THAT LCI DUES WILL BE INCREASING JULY 1, 2025. THE INCREASE WILL BE $2/YEAR ($1/6-MONTH BILLING CYCLE) FOR FULL MEMBERSHIPS. NOTE: New members are charged at a prorated amount depending on date joined.

District 37 Club Officer Training Videos

These videos are all accessible via the district website, www.montanalions.org under “Training/Resources”.

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

The new “Tri-Fold Generator” is now available for clubs to create their own club brochures using a tri-fold format that your club can use to share your information to prospective new members. You will find it under Training/Resources on the website.

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.

District News, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Newsletters

Dates to Remember – June 2025

JUNE CLUB ANNIVERSARIES

  128 years of combined service!

  Whitefish                             06/01/2009

  Winnett                                06/05/1991

  White Sulphur Springs      06/17/1985

  Turner Hogeland                06/30/1985

District C2 LCIF Gala – Lethbridge West Lions

June 18, 2025 – Ticket’s can be purchased at montanalions.org/events/district-c2-lcif-gala-lethbridge-west-lions/?

UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETING DATES

MT Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation     August 2, 2025 @ 8:00am MT School for the Deaf and the Blind, Great Falls, MT

District Cabinet Meeting                             August 2 2025 @ 10:00am MT School for the Deaf and the Blind, Great Falls, MT

LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SCHEDULE

2025 Orlando, FL – July 13-17 (Updated)

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

2025  Atlantic City, NJ – September 18-20

Registration is open online at

https://members.lionsforum.org/event-5804241/Registration

2026  Memphis TN – September 3 – 5

2027  Huntsville, AB – September 16-18

 

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