From the Desk of Governor Jon Kimble – November 2026
DISTRICT 37 BULLETIN
District 37 Newsletter Update
Happy Thanksgiving
Recently, our District Leadership received notice of a number of Clubs in District 37 who were falling into “Status Quo” status for past due balances to LCI older than 90 days. We have worked to resolve those issues and still have some work to complete. LCI adopted a policy of posting any outstanding Club invoice to LCI online at Lions Portal. They have discontinued the practice of mailing printed invoices monthly, semi-annually, or annually. We have discussed options for remedy and are consulting with LCI about those approaches. Until we have a clear alternative, we will offer the following:
Lions International will post outstanding invoices on your club account monthly. Please use the procedure below to download, save, and print a copy of your invoices. Please check them and forward any remittance to LCI to maintain “Active” Status for your Club.
How to Find, Access, and Download Your Lions Clubs International Invoice
A Step-by-Step Guide for Club Administrators, Treasurers, Secretaries, and Presidents
Every Lions Club has financial responsibilities to Lions Clubs International (LCI). One important responsibility is monitoring the club’s accounts, reviewing invoices, and ensuring that payments are on time.
Whether you are a Club Administrator, Treasurer, Secretary, or President, knowing how to locate and download your club’s LCI invoice is an important part of effective club management.
The following instructions will help you find your club’s invoice through the Lion Portal.
Step 1: Access the Lions International Website
- Open your internet browser.
- Go to lionsclubs.org.
- Select the Lion Portal login option.
- Sign in using your Lion Account credentials (email address and password).
If you have not established your Lion Account, follow the account registration instructions on the login page.
Step 2: Navigate Your Club’s Financial Information
Once you have successfully logged in:
- Open the My Club
- Look for Club Statements.
- Select this option to access your club’s financial information.
You should now be able to review the financial statements and outstanding balances associated with your club.
Step 3: Locate the Invoice You Need
Review the available statements and financial documents.
Look for the invoice or statement you need. Pay attention to:
- The invoice or statement date.
- The billing period.
- The amount due.
- The invoice reference or account information.
- Any payment deadlines.
If you do not immediately see the document you need, check the available statement periods, and document listings.
Step 4: Open and Download the Invoice
Once you locate the appropriate document:
- Select the invoice or document you wish to view.
- Open the document.
- Look for the download icon or the option to save the document.
- Select Download or Save As, depending on your browser.
- Save the document to your computer in PDF format, if available.
Choose a recognizable file name, such as: ClubName_LCI_Invoice_October2026.pdf
This will make it easier to locate the invoice when preparing financial reports or reviewing club records.
Step 5: Save and Share the Invoice
After downloading the invoice:
- Save a copy of your club’s financial records.
- Provide a copy to the Club Treasurer if someone else retrieved it.
- Share the invoice with the appropriate club officers or board members.
- Record the invoice amount and payment due date in your club’s financial tracking system.
- Retain the document for future reference and financial accountability.
Important Reminders
- Check the portal regularly. Do not wait for someone to remind you that an invoice is due. Make checking the club’s financial account part of your regular administrative routine.
- Keep your club’s records current. Accurate membership records are important because international membership dues are based on the club’s membership information.
- Work as a leadership team. The President, Secretary, Treasurer, and designated Club Administrator should communicate about the club’s financial responsibilities. Everyone should understand where invoices are located and who is responsible for processing payments.
- Remember that access and payment authority may differ. Being able to view or download a financial document does not necessarily mean you have authorization to make payments. Follow your club’s financial procedures and assigned responsibilities.
- Don’t confuse LCI invoices with LCIF donations. Lions Clubs International and Lions Clubs International Foundation are separate organizations with different financial purposes. Make sure you are accessing the correct account and document.
Need Additional Assistance?
For official payment instructions and financial resources, visit:
Lions Clubs International – Finance Resources
Lions Clubs International – Payment Instructions
For questions concerning club invoices, account balances, or payments, contact the LCI Accounts Receivable Department:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +1 630-203-3810
In Service,
Jon Kimble
District Governor,
Montana Lions District 37
559-352-1455
By DG Jon KimbleTwo Lights Montana Series -The Constitution
March 4, 1789: The U.S. government was scheduled to “turn on”, but it didn’t start with a bang.
We celebrate Independence Day in July, because July 4, 1776, is when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. But the new government created by the Constitution was scheduled to begin operating later, when the first federal Congress was set to meet on March 4, 1789.
The day the U.S. government “turned on”
March 4th mattered because it was the official start date chosen for the First Congress to convene in the new system, replacing the old national framework under the Articles of Confederation.
What actually happened that day
Congress was supposed to meet at Federal Hall, but not enough members were present to reach a quorum, so they couldn’t conduct official business. Travel was slow, roads were rough and representatives arrived in dribs and drabs. The government’s “engine” was there, but it couldn’t fully run yet.
- The House finally reached a quorum on April 1, 1789.
- The Senate reached a quorum on April 6, 1789.
Where it happened
The new Congress met in New York City at Federal Hall (America’s temporary capital at the time).
What it set in motion
Once Congress could officially operate, it could finally:
- Organize itself and elect leadership
- Count the Electoral College votes (April 6)
- And move toward the inauguration of George Washington (April 30)
One simple takeaway
March 4, 1789, is when the Constitution’s new federal government was supposed to begin, but the first morning had empty seats, and it took weeks for enough members to arrive to truly get it moving.
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.
By Global Service TeamTwo Lights Montana Series -7 Facts – How American’s Independence Became Official
- January 14, 1784 – This is when U.S. independence became legally binding.
The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, but it wasn’t law until the U.S. Congress ratified it on January 14, 1784. - America existed in a legal “in-between” period for months.
From September 1783 to January 1784, the United States had declared independence but was not yet fully recognized under international law. - Britain officially called the U.S. “free and sovereign States.”
The treaty recognized the United States as independent states—plural—reflecting early federalism before the Constitution existed. - The U.S. gained massive territory overnight—on paper.
The treaty set U.S. borders all the way west to the Mississippi River, instantly doubling the nation’s claimed land. - Independence was secured before the Constitution existed.
The treaty was ratified under the Articles of Confederation, meaning the U.S. became a recognized nation before having a strong central government. - The men who negotiated independence were diplomats, not generals.
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay negotiated the treaty—not military leaders. - This happened before America had a president.
The treaty was ratified five years before George Washington became president in 1789.
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.
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From the Desk of Governor Jon Kimble – October 2026
DISTRICT 37 BULLETIN
District 37 Newsletter Update: Tracking Our Goals for a Stronger Montana
Dear Fellow Lions,
As we embark on another incredible year of service, District 37 has established five critical, actionable goals designed to expand our reach, fortify our existing clubs, and elevate our impact across the Big Sky State. True success requires dedication, persistent effort, and a collaborative spirit. We are off to a phenomenal start, but crossing the finish line requires all hands on deck!
Here is an update on our five primary district goals and the tangible progress we are making right now.
Our District 37 Goals & Progress Update
- Launching a New Club in Libby, MT
We have successfully wrapped up our community interest meetings in Libby and have already identified five passionate individuals ready to step up and form a local club! To formalize the next steps, an initial organizational meeting is scheduled for tonight, September 30, 2026.
- Planting Seeds for a New Club in Lewistown, MT
The groundwork in Lewistown is moving rapidly. Our teams have begun surveying local citizens to gauge community needs and have developed excellent local contacts. These new allies are eagerly stepping up to help us execute a massive Lions Club project: performing vital eye screenings across 5 local schools on October 4 and 5.
To maintain this incredible momentum, District 37 is hosting its annual Leadership Retreat in Lewistown on October 2 and 3, 2026. Following the retreat, executive staff will remain on the ground for a few days to continue building club formation interest.
- Assisting Hot Springs, MT with Recruitment & Retention
We are actively building out tailored support systems to aid the Hot Springs Lions Club in attracting fresh faces and keeping current members engaged. Strong clubs require stable foundations, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary tools and toolkits.
- Revitalizing the Bozeman Noontime Club
Our Past District Governor and Zone 13 Chairperson have formally agreed to step in, contact, and personally mentor the Bozeman Noontime Club. This targeted leadership support will directly focus on member recruitment and strengthening retention strategies.
- Increasing LCIF Contributions by 5% Year-Over-Year
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) does vital work globally, but its impact here at home is unmatched. District Executive Staff have been hitting the pavement making official club visits to spread a critical message: Montana Lions Clubs receive significantly more funding back from LCIF than our clubs collectively contribute. Boosting our district donations by 5% ensures that this powerful cycle of compounding local grants continues.
Direct Comparison: Expansion vs. Support Focus
To give you a bird’s-eye view of how our strategic focus is divided this quarter, take a look at our current balance between new club development and existing club reinforcement:
Strategic Focus | Target Community | Primary Immediate Action |
New Club Development | Libby, MT | Initial organizational meeting on September 30, 2026. |
New Club Development | Lewistown, MT | School eye screenings (Oct 4–5) and Leadership Training (Oct 2–3). |
Retention & Recruitment | Hot Springs, MT | Deploying regional marketing and engagement resources. |
Retention & Recruitment | Bozeman Noontime | Direct mentorship by the Past District Governor and Zone 13 Chair. |
Foundation Growth | District-Wide | Club visits demonstrating how LCIF heavily funds Montana projects. |
How You Can Help
These goals are specific and entirely achievable, but they cannot rest solely on the shoulders of your executive staff. We need the persistent effort of local Lions who understand that the people who know a community best are those who call it home.
If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and help with the Lewistown eye screenings, the Libby expansion, or local recruitment, please reach out directly to your Zone Chairperson or a member of the District 37 Governing Staff today! Let’s keep this great momentum going.
In Service,
Jon Kimble
District Governor,
Montana Lions District 37
559-352-1455
From the Desk of 1st VDG Gary Lewis & GST Lion Cheryl – October 2026
Hello Montana Lions, and greetings from your 1st VDG Lion Gary and District GST Lion Cheryl Lewis! With 1st VDG Training, travel and club visits, we’re on the move a lot!
We started this spring with a trip to Atlanta, Georgia for Mission 1.5 Training for me. DG Lion Jon Kimble and our District GET Lion Margaret Baylinson also attended, where we were reminded again of the importance of doing our part to grow membership in our area. Much learning and strategy involved in this project, which will culminate next year during my year as District Governor. It is definitely on my mind and in my sights to succeed, and Lion Cheryl and I will be looking at ways to implement the strategies learned in Atlanta. More to come on that.
Next, we headed out to Hot Springs, MT to see what can be done to generate interest in rejuvenating that club. Hot Springs is a unique area that has a lot to offer, along with a caring population that believes strongly in community service. For that reason, we are committed to doing everything we can to save this 86-year-old club! Several members from our home club of Seeley Lake went with us to recruit for new members. We enjoyed the farmers’ market, and picked up some delicious Dixon melons on the way home. If you haven’t tried them, it’s worth the trip to tiny Dixon, MT on Highway 200!
September was chock-full of travel, first to beautiful Memphis, Tennessee, to attend the USA/Canada Forum, another great opportunity for leadership learning and growth. With presentations on everything from “soup to nuts,” coupled with a chance to rub elbows with our past, current and future international leaders, we couldn’t help but come away with even more enthusiasm for Lions Club!
While in Memphis, we enjoyed visiting Graceland, the family home of Elvis “The King” Presley! The accompanying museums housing his cars, clothing, airplanes and other memorabilia were impressive. And, we found out he was a true philanthropist, donating thousands of dollars to his hometown, including the Memphis Lions Club!
A visit to Beale Street, the home of the blues, and partaking of some world-class barbecue completed a memorable visit to an iconic American city
Later in the month, Lion Cheryl was able to realize a lifelong (or at least as long as she’s been a Lion!) dream when we were privileged to visit the Leader Dog campus in Rochester Hills, Michigan! If you don’t already know, the folks at Leader Dog invite all incoming District Governors to their facility to see first-hand the amazing work they do for the blind and low-vison community.
At the campus, not only do they train and place leader dogs for their clients, but they take care of the “whole person” by offering other living with blindness skills, such as Orientation and Mobility training using a white cane.
Lion Cheryl and I, along with DG Jon Kimble and his wife Laura participated in three blindfolded events: White Cane navigation, walking with a Leader Dog, and Dining in the Dark! All of these activities made us realize how important it is to continue this important work and support the Leader Dog facility, and gave us a new level of respect for the blind and low-vision community who overcome extraordinary challenges every day. It was also very exciting to learn that new technology, such as the currently offered “Meta Glasses,” can provide even more valuable tools to help those with low vision.
Returning home, we immediately began our club visit circuit, attending meetings in Roundup, Big Timber and Winnett. Three down and 18 to go!! We are so encouraged by the dedicated Lions we meet with each visit!
Being a Lion has never held more excitement for us than here and now. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities for learning and growth as we travel to these various Lions Club events as a District Governor elect. It’s a great time to be a Lion!
Happy Trails – see you soon!
VDG Gary Lewis & GST Lion Cheryl
C:406-677-4072; [email protected]
PO Box 523, Seeley Lake MT 59868-0523
By 1VDG Gary LewisLeo Update – October 2026
The Need for Leos
Leos perform hard and essential work for our communities. From cleaning highway ditches, to supporting our elderly, to helping provide food for those who are hungry, Leos are making a difference. WE NEED MORE LEOS!
The Sidney Leos recently cleaned their two miles of highway, and this is no easy undertaking. Their stretch of highway is on the way to the dump, which makes their service especially important. Their hard work is a great example of how Leos step up to take care of their communities.
If You Missed the SD37 Convention…
If you missed our SD37 Convention in Columbia Falls, you missed something special!
The newly formed Fort Benton Leos sent two lovely young ladies to our convention. They made two wonderful presentations and performed the 50/50 drawings both days.
As Lions, we wanted them to take their share of the 50/50 proceeds back to help support their club. There was none of that! Instead, they gave $300 back to the district to support the growth of Leo Clubs throughout our district. Their generosity and commitment to other young people truly touched us.
Then came the moving part…
At the banquet, they announced that attending our convention meant giving up the opportunity to go on their senior trip. They chose to come to the Lions convention instead—and told us that they knew they had made the right decision. What an incredible example of service, commitment, and the spirit of Lionism! Be sure to see the attached article from their local newspaper. Their story deserves to be shared and celebrated.
Connecting Our SD37 Leos
I am working on a district-wide chat group for all the Leos of SD37. This will give our Leos a place to share their successes, ideas, projects, and experiences with one another.
Most Lions clubs do not have a designated Leo Advisor listed on the portal, so I don’t know who to reach out to in order to get this essential tool into the hands of our Leos. Please help me make this connection. If you are a Leo Advisor—or know who is working with your local Leo Club—please reach out so we can get your Leos connected. And if your Lions Club does not yet have a Leo Club, please reach out to us! We would love to help you get one started.
Our communities need Leos. Our Lions clubs need Leos. And, most importantly, young people need the opportunity to serve, lead, and make a difference.
WE NEED MORE LEOS!
PDG Raleigh G Peck
By Leos AdvisorTwo Lights Montana Series – Flag Day
June 14, 1777 – The Story Behind Flag Day
Every June 14th, Americans from coast to coast pause to celebrate Flag Day, honoring the banner that has flown over battlefields, classrooms, front porches, and every great moment in our shared history. But do you know how this cherished tradition began?
A Banner Born in Revolution
The story starts on June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution. In the middle of a revolution—with the outcome of the war still far from certain—the young nation paused to declare what its banner would be: thirteen alternating red and white stripes, with thirteen white stars on a field of blue, “representing a new constellation.”
The founders weren’t just designing a flag. They were imagining a country that didn’t yet fully exist—a new light among the nations. As the United States grew, so did the flag, gaining a star for every new state while the original thirteen stripes remained a lasting tribute to the courage of those who started it all. Today, fifty stars shine for fifty states, still united under one banner.
One Teacher’s Big Idea
While the flag was born in 1777, the celebration of Flag Day was sparked by a single determined American. In 1885, a 19-year-old schoolteacher named Bernard J. Cigrand stood before his one-room classroom and placed a small 38-star flag in a bottle on his desk. He asked his students to write essays about what the flag meant to them, calling that June 14th the flag’s “birthday.”
That simple classroom lesson became a lifelong crusade. Cigrand spent decades writing articles, giving speeches—reportedly more than two thousand of them—and rallying support wherever he could. For his devotion, history remembers him as the “Father of Flag Day.” It’s a fitting reminder that some of our most enduring traditions began not with politicians or generals, but with ordinary citizens who simply loved their country.
Making It Official
Cigrand’s dream gathered momentum over the years. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. The cause finally reached its summit in 1949, when President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day for good.
Interestingly, Flag Day is not a federal holiday—the post office still runs and the banks stay open—but that’s part of its quiet charm. It’s a day we observe not because we have to, but because we want to. Over the years, Americans have come to see their own values reflected in the flag’s colors: courage and sacrifice in the red, hope and purity of purpose in the white, vigilance and justice in the blue.
We may come from different places and different walks of life, but we are united beneath one banner—the red, white, and blue. Before the Stars and Stripes, the colonies used the Grand Union Flag—13 red and white stripes with the British Union Jack in the corner—first raised in 1775.
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.
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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.
From the Desk of Governor Jon Kimble – September 2026
DISTRICT 37 BULLETIN
Mobilizing Lions and Leos Across the Big Sky State
Global Impact, Local Action: Lions Clubs International Announces Global Weeks of Service
Fellow Lions,
Lions Clubs International (LCI) has officially unveiled the schedule and focus areas for its upcoming global campaign, calling on all Lions and Leos across District 37 to join forces in addressing key community needs. The initiative focuses on three critical service pillars—Vision, Youth, and the Environment— distributing global efforts into targeted weeks throughout the Lion year.
Mark Your Calendars for District 37 Service Focuses:
- Vision Week: October 8–18, 2026
- Youth Week: February 13–21, 2027
- Environment Week: May 29–June 6, 2027
District 37 leaders encourage local club officers and service chairpersons to align upcoming club projects with these international dates to maximize our collective reach.
Additionally, District 37 will hold a Leadership Retreat at the YOGO Inn in Lewistown, MT. Mark Your Calendars for District 37 Leadership Training – October 2 – 3, 2026. To register, go to this link on the website: https://www.montanalions.org/retreat-registration/
Key Focus Areas & Project Ideas
Vision (October 8–18, 2026)
Kick off the service year by anchoring projects around World Sight Day (October 8) or International White Cane Day (October 15). Clubs can coordinate local vision screenings, collect used eyeglasses for recycling, or launch new visual support initiatives in their communities.
Youth (February 13–21, 2027)
Focusing on the next generation, this week aligns with International Childhood Cancer Day (February 15). Local clubs are encouraged to organize projects benefiting local youth, run Lions KidSight vision screenings, support pediatric hunger initiatives, or promote Lions Youth Camps & Exchange programs.
Environment (May 29–June 6, 2027)
Timed alongside World Environment Day (June 5), this week centers on local conservation, cleanup projects, environmental education, and sustainable community improvements.
Planning & Reporting Resources
To assist club leaders with marketing materials, project planning kits, and reporting tools, full details and downloadable guides are available directly on the Lions Clubs International Weeks of Service Page. Weeks-of-Service
Be sure to log all of your completed activities through the official service reporting portal following each event to ensure District 37’s contributions are counted toward our worldwide impact!
Let’s have a GREAT year!
In Service,
Jon Kimble
District Governor,
Montana Lions District 37
559-352-1455
From the Desk of 2nd VDG Gary Van Dyke – September 2026
Hello Fellow Lions!
Your District leadership team has had a busy end of August.
DG Jon, 1st VDG Gary, and 2nd VDG Gary met in Townsend for the Broadwater County Lions Club Charter Night ceremony, along with many other Lions leaders. The evening featured a speech by DG Kimble, the induction of officers, a delicious meal prepared by the American Legion staff, and a few Tail Twistings, culminating with a scrumptious dessert auction. It was an honor and pleasure to join our fellow Lions in friendship and camaraderie.
Later in the week Lions meet again to honor and remember PDG Steve Hadnagy, who passed away in Butte on August 1st. Lion Ben Apeland shared a post on Lions Steve’s amazing life’s accomplishments and his unselfish dedication to serving Lions. There was an impressive showing by local, state, and international members of Lions to honor Lions Steve’s memory and service.
Following the ceremony, Lions gathered to visit and remember, and to discuss many new and exciting ideas from other clubs and projects. This dialog brought a new spark of enthusiasm to this year’s planning to make Montana District 37 even more amazing helping those in need.
These photos are from PDGs Steve’s funeral service. He was a photographer, and during the memorial the Priest mentioned the importance photographs have to capture memories.
Gary Van Dyke, Second Vice District Governor, Montana Lions District 37
By 2VDG Gary VanDyke
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