From Immediate Past Council Chair, Multiple District C
From Immediate Past Council Chair, Multiple District C
Thank You for a Wonderful District Convention in Helena
Dear Editor,
Please extend sincere thanks to the Lions of Montana for their warm hospitality and outstanding efforts in hosting the District 37 Convention in Helena this past weekend.
From the moment of arrival, it was clear how much thought and dedication had gone into organizing the event. The fellowship, engaging sessions, and welcoming atmosphere all contributed to a memorable and meaningful experience. It was a pleasure to connect with fellow Lions, share ideas, and celebrate the service we are all so passionate about.
The Lions of Montana can be proud of the exceptional convention they delivered. Helena proved to be a wonderful host city, and the event was a true success.
Yours in service,
Lion Brent Johnson
Immediate Past Council Chair, Multiple District C.
By Lion Peggy TobinGlobal Membership Team Report – PDG Richard Gessling-June 2025
Global Membership Team
Global and Montana Membership – June, 2025
Growing Lion Leaders
This will be a continuing discussion from my speed learning presentation at the convention. By “Putting meat on the bones”. Our Montana Lions District is not growing the leaders we need to keep and improve our district. This is evident by not being able to fill our zone chairs positions, Club presidents that are presidents longer than one or two years, and members holding club officer positions for multiple years. To grow leaders, leaders need to allow for succession, replacing one’s self.
Let’s start with club service projects. A new lion needs to be immediately included in service, not by saying come and help but giving them a duty, or by a club member taking them on as an assistant. Club Members tend to have the same duties over multiple years. Incorporating the new member might mean be giving up your current duty, but hopefully you move on to another duty. Let’s face it, change is hard for humans. A chair of a service project should also change after a few years allowing another to grow their leadership skills. The replacement could be a vice chair for a year prior to moving up.
These small steps need to be continued to “GROW A LION LEADER”. I hope you catch my drift and keep moving from position to another and keep the flow moving. This will keep every member engaged and help recruit new members and keep the current members engaged. Doing this should keep your club strong and encourage club and personal growth. The International Lions state that we create leaders. Let’ make sure we do our part.
Lion Richard Gessling
406-425-3785
By Global Membership TeamGlobal 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]
By Global Service TeamBudgeting 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.
By Lion Steve Dogiakos
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]
By LCIF CoordinatorsMontana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – June 2025
Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Statistics
Please find below the statistics from January 1, 2025 through May 28, 2025
- Applications Received: 22
- Assistance Provided: 6
- Total Cost of Assistance Provided: $11,853.16
- Applications Received From: Billings, Bozeman, Columbia Falls, Coram, Corvallis, East Missoula, Great Falls, Hamilton, Havre, Helena, Hot Springs, Kalispell, Livingston, Missoula and Trego.
Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Fellowships
Foundation Fellowship: Foundation Fellowships can now be purchased by individuals. Foundation Fellowships are used to recognize outstanding Lions and other deserving individuals. The Board of Trustees of the Foundation endorses this Fellowship. The Fellowship award includes a lapel pin and a mounted certificate and may only be bestowed by a Lions Club on an individual or group of individuals with a donation of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.
PID Fellowship: The PID Dave Hajny, PID Tom Lehman, PID Gary Tschache and PID Ben Apeland Fellowships are now available. The fellowships recognize the contributions to Lionism made by PID’s Dave, Tom, Gary and Ben. The new fellowships are a great way to provide recognition for a deserving Lion. Fellowships can be purchased for five hundred dollars ($500) to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.
Life Membership: A Life Membership to the Foundation, which includes a lapel pin and pocket card can be bestowed by an individual, group of individuals, Lions Club or can be purchased by an individual with a donation of one hundred dollars ($100) to the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.
Memorial or Honorarium: Remember a loved one or honor that special person by donating to the Foundation. What better way to remember or honor someone than having your donation live in perpetuity? Your Memorial or Honorarium donation is never spent; only the interest earned on these assets will be used to further the purpose of the Foundation.
*Club Contribution – CHANGE as of January 1, 2025*
For over eight years, the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation has not made any changes to the club contribution towards applications. However, due to the increase in the cost of hearing aids and other services over that time, the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation voted at the January board meeting to increase all club contributions towards applications from $200.00 or 10% of the total cost, whichever is greater to $300.00 or 10% of the total cost, whichever is greater.
SPECIAL NOTICE:
The Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation is looking to purchase an enclosed trailer to use to haul the current ATV the Foundation is set to raffle off as our yearly fundraiser. Specs for the trailer: 14′ of 16′ (prefered) long x 7′ tall. If you have a trailer to sell or know of anyone looking to sell a trailer, please have them reach out to PDG Dan Sturdevant at 406.439.9297.
Thank you for your continued support of the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.
By Montana Lions Sight & Hearing FoundationPlusoptix – 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]
By PlustOptix Coordinator
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:
- Q:In what year was Lions Clubs International founded? A: 1917.
- Q:Who founded Lions Clubs International? A: Melvin Jones.
- Q:Where was the first Lions Club International Convention held? A: Chicago, Illinois.
- Q:What is the motto of Lions Clubs International? A: “We Serve”.
- Q:What is the name of the charitable foundation of Lions Clubs International? A: Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
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.
- Log into the Lion Portal and complete the process online (see video on montanalions.org – link is highlighted below under training videos).
- 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”.
- 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
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.
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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