Mid-month Newsletter

Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter

Winnett Lions News

Winnett Lions helped with the purchase of USA 250 banners that were placed above our Main Street hanging baskets. In addition to our annual highway cleanup, we are set up for our annual side by side fundraiser. We are still giving out memorial donations and doing ‘care baskets’ for our community folks in distress. Our Cancer Walk was a big success with the sale of 149 luminaries. Our proceeds totaled $3,900 that will be donated to Lewistown’s Cancer Center. Our two new members increased our membership to 18!

Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter, Newsletters

Club Treasurers: File Your IRS 990-N e-Postcard

IRS 990 Annual Tax Filing Reminder

Please remember that all Lions clubs, districts and multiple districts 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 that this filing relates specifically to the 501(c)(4). If your Lions club, district or multiple-district has a foundation, which is a separate legal entity, the appropriate form will need to be filed as well.

Please review the Annual Tax Filing information below. Thank you!

Annual Tax Filing Information 

Please note that Lions Clubs International is not authorized to provide guidance regarding your filing. For specific questions, please contact a local tax professional or the IRS.

Kindest regards,  Legal Division, Lions Clubs International

Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter, Newsletters

Seeley Lake Lions Fall News

Fall Highway Cleanup

Twice a year in the fall and the spring, the Seeley Lake Lions gather for our annual highway cleanup in an effort to keep our community beautiful. On September 27, 2026 our own Lion Rachel Feigley along with her husband Lion Pete coordinated the gathering, reflective vests, grabbers and garbage bags to hand out to everyone. 

In all we had 17 Lions come out to scour the highway and cover a 2-mile stretch. While it may not sound like much, over a dozen bags of trash was collected!  And the Leos did their part by getting permission for their own mile stretch of highway led by Leos advisor Bridget Laird and her band of eight Leos.

It’s very exciting to see the kids get involved with their town. Afterwards pizza was had by all for a job well done. Even our own District Governor Jon Kimble as well as our first Vice District Governor Gary Lewis were on hand to clean it up.

True Lionism by all!

Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter

Helena Lions September News

Helena Lions Welcome Helena’s New Mayor

Helena Lions 1st Vice President Art Rinaman and President Gene Hill present the Honorable Emily Dean, Mayor of Montana’s Capital City, as Speaker of the Day on September 8, 2026.

Helena Lions Visit Gold Rush Lions

Helena Lions, Art Rinaman, Gene Hill, Jack Berry, Byron Beley, and Stuart Beagles visited the Gold Rush Lions Club September 10, 2026. 

Lion President Gene Hill presented Lion President Cory Sena of the Gold Rush Club a check for $2,500 for the Gold Rush’s service and assistance with the Lewis and Clark Last Chance Stampede Rodeo and Fair.

District News, Mid-month Newsletter

Two Lights Montana Series – Lexington

April 19, 1775 — the Shot Heard ’Round the World

On April 19, 1775, the Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and changed the course of history. What had been a growing political conflict between Great Britain and its American colonies became open armed resistance. The fighting that day did not just launch a war. It marked the moment when Americans took a decisive stand for self-government and liberty.

In the months leading up to the battle, tensions had been rising across Massachusetts. The British government had imposed tighter control over the colonies, while colonial resistance continued to grow. British troops were sent from Boston to seize colonial military supplies stored in Concord and to disrupt the patriot movement. But the colonists were prepared. Riders, including Paul Revere and others, spread the alarm that British regulars were on the move.

At Lexington, a small group of militia faced the advancing British troops on the town green in the early morning hours. No one knows with certainty who fired the first shot, but within moments, the confrontation turned deadly. The British pushed on to Concord, where colonial militia regrouped and resisted at the North Bridge. As the British began their return to Boston, they faced relentless attacks from colonial forces firing from behind walls, trees, and buildings along the road.

By the end of the day, what began as a mission to assert British authority had become a costly retreat. More importantly, the events at Lexington and Concord proved that the colonies were willing to fight. The battles became a defining symbol of resolve, courage, and the belief that freedom was worth defending.

The phrase “the shot heard round the world” is often tied to Lexington and Concord because the significance of that day reached far beyond Massachusetts. The struggle that began there would lead to the birth of a new nation and inspire future movements for liberty around the world.

Remembering Lexington and Concord is not just about looking back at the first battles of the Revolution. It is about remembering the Americans who stood their ground at a moment of uncertainty and risk. Their actions helped begin the long and difficult fight that ultimately secured independence and shaped the United States.

Join Lions across Montana in celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary through learning, civic participation, and community service. Plan or participate in a service project on October 24—Montana Makes a Difference Day—and share your efforts using #TwoLightsMT and #D37Lions.
Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter

Seeley Lake Lions News

WHERE THERE IS A NEED – THERE IS A LION!

In August of 2026 there was a need at the Seeley Lake Senior Center for more storage.  Residents who no longer need their medical equipment can donate it to the center in hopes that someone who does need it, if only for temporary usage, will be able to obtain it and use it for as long as is needed.  All of this equipment was being stored in the basement of the center and, not only was that space running out of room, it was difficult to continue going up and down the stairs.

It was decided that a shed would be erected next to the center for easy drop off and access to the equipment. There was only one problem. How do they get this put together?  As always, where there is a need there is a Lion!  A group of five including three Lions spent a few days in the hot sun toiling away until the new shed was finished and it was VERY appreciated!  Many thanks go to District Governor Jon Kimble, Lions Ray Stoetzel and Lynn Utterback for all their help in accomplishing this task.

Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter, Newsletters

Treasurers: LCI Invoices Exist Only in MyLCI, and Suspension Now Comes at 90 Days

Heads up Club Treasurers (& Presidents)!
Starting the 2026-2027 Lion year
There is an amendment to the club suspension policy that is posted online, changing the 120-day suspension rule to 90 days. Automatic cancellation will be scheduled the second month following suspension.
 
So check the Portal for your Club’s dues statement and get it paid. You might also make a plan to check monthly for invoices from LCI so that nothing is missed. No one wants a club suspended for nonpayment.
 

From last month’s newsletter article –  Lions Clubs International issued semiannual dues invoices to every club on June 30, and they are payable now. If your club’s treasurer hasn’t logged into the MyLCI portal recently, this is the reminder to do it this week.  If your club’s treasurer has not created an account on the portal, that is the first step to completing this process.  The login is the email address that LCI has on file for each officer. If an email address has not been provided to your club secretary, you will NOT be able to create an account in the Lion Portal.

LCI no longer mails paper invoices. Your invoice exists only in the MyLCI portal. If you’re waiting on something to arrive by mail, it isn’t coming, and the clock on payment is running whether or not anyone has looked.

What to do – Log into MyLCI using your credentials. Your login will be the email address that LCI has on file for you. (If you have changed your email address, let your club secretary know so that it can be updated in LCI.)

  1. Navigate to your club’s account and click on the “Statements” tab to see
  2. Submit payment through the portal, or route the invoice to whoever handles your club’s payments if that isn’t the treasurer directly.
  3. Unpaid dues can affect your club’s standing with LCI and create complications for member transactions, so don’t let this sit unchecked because no envelope showed up.
District News, Mid-month Newsletter, MTLS&H Foundation

2027 MLS&HF Raffle Tickets Have Been Mailed!

This year’s raffle tickets for the ATV were mailed out on Monday, August 24, 2026.  If you have NOT received your tickets in the mail, please contact Lion Monte Weisser via email at [email protected].  You don’t want to miss out on a chance to win!!   

Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter, Newsletters

To The Lions of Montana District 37 and Alberta MD-C

It is with heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of PDG Steve Hadnagy on August 1, 2026.  Lion Steve was a great Lion who was instrumental in shaping District 37 and Multiple District C into what we are today.  He was a true friend, a mentor, and a leader in our world of service.  Just knowing Lion Steve brings back memories of his personality and his dedication to the causes he believed in.

Lion Steve was a long time member of the Butte Mile High Club along with dedicated support of the Anaconda and Deer Lodge Clubs.  During the Lions year 2002-2003 Lion Steve served on the MD 37 Council of Governors representing District D along with Shirley Dillman from District A, Ken Pickett from District B, Gail Witherspoon from District C, Dennis Stevenson from District E, Allan Reed from District F and Betty Ann Robson from District G.  Now Lion Past International President Dr. Patti Hill served as Council Chair during the Lions year 2002-2003.

A memorial service is planned for Friday August 28th at the  Wayryen-Richards Funeral Home, 1800 Florence Ave. in Butte at 1 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lion Steve’s name may be made to the Lions Club in care of the Funeral Home.  Here is the link the funeral home and the official obituary.   

   https://www.wayrynen-richards.com/obituaries/steven-hadnagy/#!/Obituary

Respectfully submitted,

Lion Ben Apeland

 

A Special Memory from IPDG Corinna Christensen

Thank you for sharing this sad news and for honoring the remarkable service of PDG Steve Hadnagy.

I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet Lion Steve during a visit to the Butte Lions Club in May of 2025, when I was serving as First Vice District Governor. Although he had become less active in his later years, Steve made a special effort to attend that meeting. He came not only to visit with me, but also to be there for a very memorable occasion—the induction of an incredible six new Lions into the Butte Lions Club.

It was clear that evening how deeply Lion Steve cared about Lions and about seeing the organization continue to grow and serve. Watching a longtime Lion and Past District Governor be present to welcome six new members into our Lions family was especially meaningful. It was one of those evenings that reminded me of the legacy our longtime Lions leave behind and the responsibility we have to carry their dedication to service forward.

I only had the privilege of knowing Lion Steve for a short time, but that evening made a lasting impression on me. I feel truly blessed to have shared it with him.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Lion Steve’s family, his fellow Lions in Butte, Anaconda and Deer Lodge, and all of the Lions throughout Montana and Alberta whose lives were touched by his friendship, leadership and service.

Rest well, Lion Steve. Your legacy of service lives on.

In Lionism,  IPDG Corinna

Lion Steve was a Lion for the ages. Spoke his mind and listened. Rest in peace. 

PDG Richard Gessling

Club News, District News, Mid-month Newsletter

Heads Up Treasurers (and Presidents)

Starting the 2026-2027 Lion year, there is an amendment to the club suspension policy that is posted online, changing the 120-day suspension rule to 90 days. Automatic cancellation will be scheduled the second month following suspension.
So check the Portal for your Club’s dues statement and get it paid. You might also make a plan to check monthly for invoices from LCI so that nothing is missed. No one wants a club suspended for nonpayment.