LCI President’s Message-July 2026
President’s MessageLead to Serve, Serve To Leadwith International President A.P. Singh |
This year, Lions and Leos around the world have made a meaningful difference. Through your leadership and service, compassion and kindness, needs have been met, lives have been touched and communities strengthened.
As the Lion year comes to a close, that impact continues. MISSION 1.5 reminds us there is more to do, and by growing our membership, we expand our service and extend our reach into the future.
This impact is worth celebrating, so take time to recognize what you and your fellow Lions have accomplished. As you look ahead, continue building momentum by preparing future leaders and strengthening succession plans, ensuring your club and our mission thrive for years to come.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your international president this year. Thank you for your service and leadership as we continue leading to serve and serving to lead together.
Together in service,
A.P. Singh, International President
By Lion Peggy TobinMeet 2026-2027 International President Mark S. Lyon
Mark S. Lyon, from Brookfield, Connecticut, USA, was elected to serve as first vice president of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 107th international convention held in Orlando, Florida from July 13 through July 17, 2025.
Prior to his retirement in March 2024, Vice President Lyon has worked in corporate legal administration and financial services with several major corporations and banks for over 40 years.
As a long-time resident of Brookfield and an active volunteer in his community, church and local government, his connection with Lions was already well established before he became a member of the Brookfield Lions Club in 1996. Since then, he has held a number of offices within the association, including international director, multiple district council chairperson and multiple district GLT coordinator.
He was also appointed as a member of the LCI Forward project team, a Global Action Team area leader, a District Governor-Elect Seminar group leader and board liaison to the 2019 USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum Executive Committee. Vice President Lyon has also served as presenter, faculty and participant at countless training events and leadership forums throughout the years.
In recognition of his service, he has received multiple International President’s Awards and International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, as well as an International President’s Leadership Award. Vice President Lyon is also a recipient of the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Connecticut Knight of the Blind and a Connecticut Ambassador of Sight, and is the recipient of a number of project and service-related certificates.
In addition to his Lion activities, President-Elect Lyon has been active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served on the board of directors for the Silver Lake Conference Center and Wide Horizons for Children. He was an associate member of the American Bar Association and a past member of the Association of Legal Administrators, the Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals and the Shareholder Services Association.
Vice President Lyon is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. His wife, Lyn Lyon, is also a longtime Lion and Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. They are the proud parents of three incredible daughters.
District LCIF Co-Chairs PDG Raleigh Peck & PDG Mike Tobin – July 26
Eastern Montana Lions Clubs Invited to Explore LCIF Funding & Service Opportunities
Hello Montana Lions,
When I took on the role of Governor of SD37, one of my primary goals was to shine more light on the incredible Lions serving across Eastern Montana. Time moved quickly, and while I wasn’t able to accomplish everything I had hoped during my term, my commitment to supporting our clubs and communities has only grown stronger.
Because of that commitment, I am proud to announce that I have accepted the role of LCIF Coordinator for Eastern Montana.
In September, I will be traveling to New Orleans for my initial LCIF training and look forward to learning even more about Lionism and the many opportunities available through Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). With the support and guidance of PDGs Mike Tobin and Larry Garrison, I am excited to help clubs throughout Eastern Montana begin and complete meaningful new service projects that strengthen our communities.
LCIF exists to help Lions clubs turn compassion into action through grants and project support. Whether your club is considering a community improvement project, humanitarian service initiative, disaster relief effort, youth support program, vision project, or another service opportunity, I want you to know that I am here to help.
If your club has ideas but needs assistance identifying funding opportunities, navigating LCIF grants, or developing projects, please reach out. My goal is to help Lions across Eastern Montana bring more impactful projects to life and continue making our communities, our state, and our world a better place for everyone.
Together, we can accomplish great things through service.
Yours in Lionism,
PDG Raleigh Peck , 1575 10th Ave SW., Sidney, MT 59270, 406-480-5000, [email protected]
PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]
By LCIF CoordinatorsClub Treasurer Financial Checklist for July
Welcome to the new Lionistic Year!
As we turn the page to another year of service, I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to District Jon Kimble, First Vice District Governor Gary Lewis, Second Vice District Governor Gary Van Dyke and all of our dedicated club officers across District 37 a successful, inspiring, and rewarding year ahead.
Your commitment and leadership make a powerful difference in our communities, and I look forward to working together to support the financial health of our clubs throughout the coming months.
Start the new fiscal year strong by working through this checklist:
- ✅ Review prior year’s ending balances and carry over amounts
- ✅ Confirm all signers on club bank accounts are correct and current
- ✅ Reconcile year-end bank statements to make sure no outstanding transactions
- ✅ Prepare and present a beginning-of-year financial report to your board and club
- ✅ Ensure your club’s annual 990/990-N filing is up to date if the fiscal year ended June 30
- ✅ Verify any bonding/insurance coverage for club officers, if required
- ✅ Check dues invoicing from Lions Clubs International
- ✅ Update your club budget for the year, including anticipated expenses and fundraising plans
- ✅ Confirm your membership roster is accurate to avoid paying dues on dropped members
- ✅ Review club governmental filings with the Montana Secretary of State to ensure good standing with state
- ✅ Familiarize yourself with the Lions Club Treasurer e-book and resources in the Lions Club Treasurer Page
By Lion Steve DogiakosGlobal Leadership Team – PDG Mike Collins-July 2026
Calling all District 37 Lions!
6th Annual Montana Lions Leadership Retreat
Lewistown October 2-4, 2026
Dear Montana Lions,
The leadership retreat is a unique opportunity for Montana Lions to enhance your leadership skills, gain new insights, and strengthen the connections within our Lions community. Your role as an officer in your Lions Club is vital to the success and growth of our service and Lionism in Montana, and this retreat is designed to support you in that mission.
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By Global Leadership TeamMontana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – July 2026
Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Statistics
Please find below the statistics from January 1, 2026 to June 26, 2026:
- Applications Received: 22
- Assistance Provided: 6
- Total Cost of Assistance Provided: $13,145.04
- Applications Received From: Belt, Billings, Bozeman, Emigrant, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Ovando, Polson, Trego & Whitefish.
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.
Thank you for your continued support of the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.
Does Your Club Collect Glasses?
Used glasses can be dropped off in Great Falls at Floors and More, located at 920 1st Ave N, Great Falls, MT.
Please place the following address on boxes of used glasses:
Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, 9013 Mullen Road SE, Olympia, WA 98513
By Montana Lions Sight & Hearing FoundationPlusoptix – Lion David Falcon – July 2026
District 37 PlusOptix Update
Hello Lions:
PlusOptix screening totals for school year September 2025 to June 2026 – 34,955 students screened with 4,313 refers through June 2026.
Have a Great Summer!
Lion David Falcon, District 37 PlusOptix Chair
314 9th St. W., Kalispell, MT 59901; C. 406-253-1726: [email protected]
By PlusOptix Coordinator
Special Notices – July 2026
For Club Secretaries
ALL 2026-27 CLUB OFFICERS MUST BE ENTERED INTO THE LION PORTAL!!
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL LIONS CLUBS OFFICERS FOR THE 2026-27 YEAR MUST BE REPORTED TO LCI EVEN IF NONE OF YOUR OFFICERS HAVE CHANGED! PLEASE REFER TO THE EMAIL THAT YOU RECEIVED FROM LION PEGGY TOBIN ON MAY 18, 2026.
THERE ARE TWO METHODS AVAILABLE FOR COMPLETING THIS TASK:
1. Log into the Lion Portal and complete the process online (see the document on montanalions.org/Training & Resources/Other Documents/Secretary-How to Assign Officers)
2. Complete a paper PU101 document available at montanalions.org 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 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 (please note that these were recorded prior to updates that have made changes to the “look” of the pages – but the blue boxes are still there:
District 37 Facebook Page
We all know that Lions serve from the heart, and now we want to see YOU in action! Whether you’re planting trees, organizing a food drive, helping out at a community event, or any other service activity, we want to showcase the amazing work our Lions are doing.
We’re looking for candid shots of Montana Lions actively engaging in service. We appreciate the posed group photos that commemorate events but we want to see how you have captured the real moments that show the spirit of Lionism in action!
How to Participate:
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- Snap candid photos of Lions in action during service activities.
- Share your photos via message to the District Facebook Page (https://m.me/MontanaLions).
- Include a brief description of the activity and the names of the Lions involved.
- Bonus points for Lions wearing Lions Club logos on hats, vests, shirts, etc.!
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Let’s fill our media with the heart and soul of our District’s service efforts. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words—let’s show the world the impact of the MT Lions Clubs of District 37!
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 including Leo Application forms and Club Service Project Ideas. 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 – July 2026
JUNE CLUB ANNIVERSARIES
69 years of service!!!
Billings Heights – 07/23/1957
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETING DATES
MT Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – July 12, 2026 @ 10:00 at the MT School for the Deaf and the Blind, Great Falls, MT
District Cabinet Meeting – July 12, 2026 @ noon at the MT School for the Deaf and the Blind, Great Falls, MT – LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
District 37 6th Annual Leadership Retreat – October 2 – 4, 2026, Lewistown, MT
2027 District 37 Convention – April 16-17, 2027, Choteau, MT
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-50th Annual!! – September 3 – 5
2027 Huntsville, AB – September 16-18
2028 Grand Rapids, MI – To be announced
2029 Shreveport, LA – To be announced
Sidney Lions – 9th Annual Family Fun Trap Shoot
Sidney Lions 9th Annual Family Fun Trap Shoot was held Sunday 6/28/26 in partnership with Sidney Trap Club and Pheasants Forever. The event raised over $11,000, mainly from local business sponsorships, a raffle and a Dutch auction.
Both Youth and Adults participated in the trap shoot competition on this beautiful day.
Sidney Lion George Biebl (also a Pheasants Forever member) assessed eye dominance for youth shoots. Gun safety and proper shooting habits were emphasized and everybody had success breaking at least one clay target! Plus, all walked away with written recommendations for proper practice to enhance their muscle memory for shooting.
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