Two Lights Montana Series
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.
By Global Service TeamFrom 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
By DG Jon KimbleFrom 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 VanDykeLeo Update – September 2026
Leos Are the Future — and the NOW — of Lionism!
As school has just started in pretty much every community in our district, I want to take a moment to say how happy I am to serve as the Leo Chair for SD37. I have a few ideas and reminders as we begin another exciting year with our Leos.
First, a reminder about reporting. The Leo50-A is a required form, so please make sure your Leo club information and membership reporting are kept current. The sponsoring Lions club is responsible for maintaining records of parental/guardian consent for Leo members who are under the legal age of majority.
Please complete both pages and keep the completed form on file with the sponsoring Lions club. The form should not be sent to International Headquarters. Click here to find the form: Leo Application Form
Keep Your Leo Records Up to Date
Another important reminder as we begin the new school year: work with your Leo president and secretary to make sure all of your Leo members are entered into the Lions portal. Keeping membership information accurate and up to date is important for good record keeping and helps ensure that your Leos receive the recognition and resources available to them.
Take a few minutes to sit down with your Leo officers and help them understand how to use the portal. This is also a great opportunity to make sure new members are added and information for existing members is correct.
I also encourage every Lions club supporting a Leo club to visit the Lions International Resource Center and simply type “Leos” into the search box. You will find a tremendous amount of information and resources to help make your Leo club as successful as it can be.
Stay Connected With Your Leos
One of the most important things a sponsoring Lions club can do is meet with your Leos on a regular basis. Your involvement is critical. Our young people need to know that their sponsoring Lions club is right there beside them and ready to help whenever they need it.
That support can take many forms. Maybe your Lions provide a safety vehicle for a highway cleanup, help the Leos organize a community service project, or team up with them to help at a community golf scramble. These shared activities don’t just get things done — they build relationships between Lions and Leos.
Every Community Deserves a Leo Club!
Leos are the future — and the NOW — of Lionism in the world.
Every community deserves the opportunity to have young people involved in service, leadership and making a difference. If your community doesn’t have a Leo Club, START ONE NOW!
And remember, I’m here to help!
If there is anything you may need regarding Leos — whether it’s starting a new club, supporting an existing club, finding resources, working with your Leo advisors or simply bouncing an idea around — please feel free to contact me.
PDG Raleigh G. Peck
Leo Chair – SD37
406-480-5000
[email protected]
Thank you for all you do, and especially for everything you do to support the young people who will carry the Lions’ service mission forward.
Let’s make this a great year for our Leos!
By Leos AdvisorTwo Lights Montana – September 2026
March 23, 1775 — the Quote Heard ’Round the World
WHAT – Patrick Henry warned the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond that conflict with Britain was inevitable; the colonies must prepare to defend their liberty. His speech ended with one of the most famous lines in American history: “As for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
WHO – Henry was a prominent Virginia-born lawyer known for challenging British authority. His courtroom success launched a political career and made him a leading voice for colonial resistance.
WHAT FOLLOWED – The Convention narrowly approved Henry’s call to organize a Virginia militia. Soon after, armed conflict began between colonial forces and Britain, pushing the colonies toward revolution.
WHAT MOST DON’T KNOW – Henry’s speech was not written down at the time. The version known today was reconstructed decades later from eyewitness accounts.
ONE SIMPLE TAKEAWAY – Henry’s speech marked a turning point when many colonial leaders accepted that resistance—and eventually independence—would require war.
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 – August 2026
Fellow Lions,
In a renewed bid to broaden its impact and reverse a longstanding membership decline, Lions Clubs International (LCI) continued a multi-year strategy – Mission 1.5 – aimed at expanding both its membership and the reach of its service projects. The plan, reiterated at this year’s International gathering in Hong Kong, aims to achieve 1.5 million Lions Members by the 2027 – 2028 Lions Year.
The core objective is straightforward: “more members, more service!” Lions’ service is wide given the sponsored programs: vision, health, environmental improvement, among its service programs around the world. LCI leaders emphasized that increasing enrollment is not merely about numbers, but about expanding our service to communities in need, from vision screenings in rural clinics to disaster-response relief, youth mentorship programs and diabetes awareness and treatment.
District 37 has engaged The Wendt Agency to promote Lions across Montana. The initial phase of the project will be aimed at engaging our neighbors where Lions Clubs are no longer active or have never been present. The new members and Clubs are expected to contribute to the Lions Mission, strengthen Lions in Montana, and serve more of our communities. Changes to LCI administration include:
- Expanded recruitment and onboarding: new digital tools to simplify sign-ups, streamlined mentoring for new members, and targeted outreach to women, younger professionals, and diverse communities.
- Strengthened youth and family pathways: renewed support for Leo Clubs and college-age volunteers as pipelines for future Lions, with enhanced training and project funding.
- Local-to-global service alignment: a framework to connect local clubs’ service projects to broader international campaigns, improving impact visibility and collaboration.
- Strategic partnerships: collaborations with corporations, nonprofits, and government-led public health and humanitarian initiatives to provide scaled opportunities for service.
Success will be reason to celebrate! If you would like to know more, visit https://www.montanalions.org/ or https://www.lionsclubs.org/en
Let’s have a GREAT year!
Jon Kimble
District Governor,
Montana Lions District 37
559-352-1455
From the Desk of IPDG Corinna – August 2026 – Peace Posters
Inspire Young Artists and Promote Peace
Sponsor a 2026–2027 Lions International Peace Poster Contest
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Montana Lions District 37 clubs are encouraged to sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. This year’s theme is “Harmony in Humanity”.
The contest gives young people ages 11–13 an opportunity to express what peace, kindness and understanding mean to them through art. It is also a wonderful way for Lions clubs to connect with local families, youth leaders and community organizations while promoting the work of Lions.
Participation is not limited to schools. Clubs may also partner with:
- 4-H clubs
- Scout troops
- Boys & Girls Clubs
- Church youth groups
- Homeschool groups
- Libraries
- After-school programs
- Community art centers
- Tribal youth organizations
Montana Lions District 37 offers cash prizes for outstanding entries, and clubs may also offer local prizes or recognition.
At the international level, the grand-prize winner receives US$5,000, a special award and an invitation to a Lions International event. Twenty-three merit award winners each receive US$500 and a certificate.
Lions International also offers a Peace Essay Contest for students who are blind or visually impaired, giving these young people another opportunity to share their vision of peace.
Peace Poster kits are now available online, so there are no postage charges. Each club must purchase a kit for every contest it sponsors. Clubs can also order certificates, pins and other Peace Poster supplies to use as prizes or participant gifts.
Visit the Lions International Peace Poster Shop to purchase kits and supplies:
https://lionsclubsinternational.myshopify.com/collections/peace-poster
Start planning now and help a young Montanan share their vision of “Harmony in Humanity” with the world!
IPDG Corinna Christensen
Montana Lions District 37
“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”
By IPDG Corinna ChristensenTwo Lights Montana
CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
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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 Lion Peggy TobinUSA/Canada Lions Forum – 2026 Midwest Breakfast
Montana is Invited to the Midwest Breakfast at the Forum
Any Montana Lions attending the USA/Canada Lions Forum are invited by PID Deb Weaverling to attend the Midwest Breakfast.
From the Desk of Governor Corinna – June 2026
“Leading with Heart: Service, Empowerment, and Community”
Fellow Lions and Leos of Montana,
As they say, “the days are long, but the years are short.”
As I sit down to write my final newsletter as your District Governor, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible journey this has been. Serving as your District Governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The opportunity to visit clubs across Montana, meet so many dedicated Lions, and witness firsthand the impact of your service has been both humbling and inspiring.
The friendships formed during this journey will last a lifetime. Whether sharing a meal after a meeting, working side by side on a service project, celebrating successes, or helping navigate challenges, I have been reminded again and again that Lions are more than members of an organization… We are family.
One of the greatest privileges of this role has been seeing the pride each club takes in serving its community. No two communities are exactly alike, and no two clubs serve in exactly the same way. Yet in every town, I witnessed Lions identifying needs and responding with service that was exactly what their communities needed. From vision screenings and food/garden programs to community celebrations, scholarships, park maintenance, and countless acts of kindness, I saw the very best of Lionism in action.
I also discovered that many of our clubs share common challenges. We talk about attracting new members, engaging the next generation, empowering emerging leaders, and navigating conflict when it arises. These challenges are real, but they are not unique to any one club. The good news is that none of us face them alone.
Lions International and District 37 are filled with resources, programs, and experienced Lions who stand ready to help. Whether your club is experiencing the good, the bad, or the ugly, there is support available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by going to MontanaLions.org. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of commitment to your club’s future success.
Before I close, I want to offer a special word of appreciation and encouragement to the Leo Clubs of Montana. You are an inspiration to all of us. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and spirit of service are truly exceptional. Throughout this year, I have been continually impressed by your willingness to step forward, identify needs, and make a difference in your schools and communities. The future of Lions in Montana is bright because of young leaders like you. Thank you for your commitment to service and for reminding us all that leadership begins with a heart willing to serve. We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we look forward to watching you become the next generation of Lions leaders.
As I pass the gavel, I look forward to supporting District Governor-Elect Jon Kimble, First Vice District Governor Gary Lewis, and Second Vice District Governor Gary Van Dyke. With two Garys on the leadership team, we may occasionally have to clarify which one we’re talking about, but I have complete confidence that District 37 is in excellent hands. Their passion for service, leadership, and dedication to our Lions family will continue moving our district forward.
As my term as District Governor comes to a close, my service to Lions does not. While this may be my final newsletter as District Governor, I look forward to discovering the ways Lions will continue to call upon me to live our motto, “We Serve,” in our communities and beyond.
One final thought. Throughout these years, I have traveled many miles across our great state, and I have come to appreciate something I’ve always known to be true: Montana is like one small town with a really long Main Street. No matter where I traveled, I found neighbors helping neighbors, Lions serving their communities, and friendships that quickly felt like family. While the distances between our towns may be great, the connections between our Lions are even greater. That spirit of service, kindness, and community is what makes Montana Lions so special.
Thank you for your encouragement, your friendship, your dedication, and your service. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving alongside you this year. May your journey be blessed with fulfillment in service, joy in friendship, and pride in knowing that the lives you touch truly make a difference.
With heartfelt gratitude,
DG Corinna Christensen
District Governor 2025-2026
Montana Lions District 37
“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”
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