News & Happenings

District News, Newsletters

From the 1st Vice District Governor’s Desk – August 2025

From the 1st Vice District Governor’s Desk

1st VDG Jon Kimble-August 2025

Dear Lions of Montana District 37,

I hope this message finds you all in great spirits! I recently had the privilege of attending the Lions International Convention 2025 in Orlando, Florida. The energy and dedication of Lions from across the globe were truly inspiring, and I’m excited to share some highlights and initiatives that can benefit our district.

A key moment at the convention was the address from our International President, A. P. Singh. He challenged every Lions Club to expand its membership this month. His inspiring motto, “Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead,” reminds us of the power and impact we have as service leaders in our communities. Membership growth is essential not only for our sustainability but for our ability to serve effectively. Let’s take up this challenge—together, we can make a substantial difference!

District News, Newsletters

Lions International Convention, Orlando 2025

District Governor Corinna
“Why on Earth Would You Go to Orlando in July?”

To meet thousands of fellow Lions from across the globe, that’s why! There’s truly no better way to celebrate the spirit of We Serve than being immersed in a sea of Lions united in service, laughter, and culture.

Over 750 District Governors gathered to complete our final day of training, which ended in an epic celebration—international cuisine, music from every continent, and dancing that tested both rhythm and knee joints. (Important note: DG Corinna has confirmed she does NOT have the “Moves like Jagger,” and her knee reminded her of that for several days.)

District News, Newsletters

Turn Your Club Into a Content-Creating Machine

When our clubs build a ramp, conduct a vision screening, or run the pool concession stand, those moments matter. Yet many neighbors still say, “I didn’t know the Lions did that!” Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk (folks call him Gary Vee) offers an easy idea we can borrow:

Record one good story, then share it in several small ways.

You don’t need fancy gear: just a phone with a camera, a willing volunteer, and the steps below.

District News, Newsletters

Global Leadership Team – PDG Mike Collins-August 2025

Global Leadership Team Coordinator

August, 2025

“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”

Dear Montana Lions,

Are you ready to sharpen your skills, ignite your passion, and step forward as a stronger Lion? Then join us for the 2025 Wyoming Lions Leadership Institute, happening September 5–7, 2025—and this year, it’s easier than ever to attend!

  • Where:Allen H. Stewart Lions Camp on Casper Mountain, Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
  • When:September 5–7, 2025
  • Cost:Just $150– and that includes ALL meals and lodging!

This is one of the best values in leadership development across our Lions landscape. You’ll spend three meaningful days growing with fellow Lions, learning leadership strategies, and discovering new ways to serve your club and community more effectively.

District News, Newsletters

Global Membership Team Report – PDG Richard Gessling-August 2025

Global Membership Team
Global and Montana Membership – August, 2025

Growing Lion Leaders 3

I’ve been describing what the clubs should be doing to make a Lions leader, but I will describe what a Lion member should be doing to learn how to be a leader in whatever endeavor you pick, including a Lion leader.  You might ask why should I want to a Lions leader.  My reply would be, you will gain the skills for all aspects of your life.  You’ve probably already gained the skills that are necessary to fulfill your lifestyle goals.  If so you were exposed and taught and demonstrated by many people in your life, a teacher, parent, or a relative or friend.  It is time to pay it back, so they say.

District News, Newsletters

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

District LCIF Co-Chair Mike Tobin – August 2025

District 37 IS #1!!!!!

Congratulations District 37!! You did it!!  Of the eight single Districts in CA1, we have ranked 4th in LCIF fund raising for the past several years and District 50 ( Hawaii) as always been 1st. However, this past Lionistic year, (2024-2025) WE RANKED FIRST!!

District 50 had a goal of $41,686 and District 37 had a goal of $46,172.  District 50 raised $55,887, a 134% increase of $14,201. We raised $59,281, a 128.4% increase of $13,109,  beating Hawaii by $3,394.  This is the first time in the History of District 37 that we reached our LCIF fund raising goal!!

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH to all the clubs that donated $5,000 to qualify for the Community Impact grant of 15% and all those that are making personal monthly donations – it all adds up!

I believe this next year will be even better. I look forward to visiting with each of you and all the clubs. You all do make a difference in the communities in our District.  

Yours in Lionism,

PDG Mike Tobin – PO Box 408, Sunburst MT  59482, 406-450-2780, [email protected]

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

MTLS&H Foundation, Newsletters

Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – August 2025

Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Statistics

Please find below the statistics from January 1, 2025 to July 26, 2025

  • Applications Received: 28
  • Assistance Provided: 15
  • Total Cost of Assistance Provided: $17,610.72
  • Applications Received From: Billings, Bozeman, Columbia Falls, Coram, Corvallis, East Missoula, Great Falls, Hamilton, Havre, Helena, Hot Springs, Kalispell, Livingston, Missoula, Sidney, Townsend and Trego
Club News, Newsletters

Cascade Lions Club Diabetes Awareness Walk

On Saturday, June 14th the Cascade Lions Club hosted a Diabetes Awareness Walk to help shine a light on a disease that affects millions across the country. 

A total of 21 adults, 8 children and 5 dogs participated in the mile-and-a-half walk around the town of Cascade.  Along the route, walkers stopped at stations providing educational materials and tips on recognizing the signs of diabetes and the importance of early detection.

Organizers emphasized that education is key to identifying and managing diabetes.  When all was said and done the Cascade Lions Club raised $1,300 that will go toward helping kids attend the Montana Youth Diabetes Summer Camp where they can learn more about living with the condition in a supportive environment.
 
Three Girls on the Cascade Lions Diabetes Walk
Club News, Newsletters

Helena Fourth of July Flag Ceremony

Centennial Park in Helena Montana was the scene of the celebration of the American flag and its history. There was a large excited crowed watching as the flag was delivered by a DNRC helicopter. A Scout troop carried the flag from the helicopter to the flagpole and helped slowly to raise the flag as the history of the flag was told.

Club News, Newsletters

Honored Leaders in Seeley Lake

We give out all kinds of awards to dedicated Lions within our organization. Some are fun awards like the Repeat Offenders award or Rookie of the Year award. However, sometimes members just go above and beyond the “We Serve” credo to really serve their community. In that case we have the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) is the backbone of our foundation. Presented to those who donate US$1,000 to LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others, it’s a tremendous contribution to humanity and to the legacy of our founder, Melvin Jones.

This year we were proud to present the award to to a husband and wife team of Lions Cheryl and Gary Lewis for all the time and effort the they donate not only to the club but to the town of Seeley Lake. We are lucky  to have them and we lean on them for their past experiences to help guide us along the way. Both have served as President over 8 times over the years and several committee chairs. Currently Lion Gary is our 2nd Lieutenant Governor while Lion Cheryl is assisting in the duties of our Treasurer.
We thank them sincerely for all they do for us!

Gary & Cheryl Lewis