June 2025 Newsletter
Please notice that we are trying something new this month with the District 37 newsletter. Instead of one multiple-page newsletter, we have broken the articles into separate blog posts and you can select individual posts to read or still download the entire newsletter to explore.
We are currently going to have the publication of the newsletter at the beginning of the month and another email notification mid-way through the month if there are additional posts to share.
You can reply to this email to give us feedback on the new format. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!
By Lion Peggy TobinFrom the Governor’s Desk – DG Raleigh Peck-June 2025
From the Governor’s Desk – DG Raleigh Peck – June 2025
Good morning, Lions of District 37,
As we near the close of this Lionistic year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for helping make it a strong and impactful year for Montana Lions. Your dedication to service and community continues to inspire.
While we’ve had many successes to celebrate, I must also acknowledge a few disappointments. As many of you know, we began this year with the loss of the Great Falls Electric City Lions Club, and as of today—May 30th—we have now also lost the Missoula Southside Lions Club. While it’s reassuring that many members from both clubs have transferred to nearby clubs, these closures still weigh heavily.
By DG Raleigh PeckDistrict Governor Elect Message – June 2025
From Your District Governor Elect – Corinna Christensen – June 2025
Dear Lions of District 37,
What an incredible time we had at the Montana Lions Convention in Helena this May! My heartfelt thank you to the Helena Lions, Helena Gold Rush Lions, and Townsend Lions for putting on a fantastic and well-organized event . Your hospitality, energy, and commitment to Lionism made for a truly memorable gathering. If you have not attended a convention – or have not been to one in a few years – consider attending next year in Columbia Falls. It is already shaping up to be a memorable event.
It is an honor to serve as your District Governor Elect, and I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to support each and every one of you in the coming year.
I want to circle back to a long standing theme that the Lions have touted:
“Your Club, Your Way” — with the full support of your District Team and Lions International .
As we approach the final month of the Lionistic year, I encourage each club to focus on two key things:
Finish the year strong – Celebrate your accomplishments, complete those final service projects, and share your impact with your community
Plan for a smooth transition – Let’s set up our incoming officers for success by offering guidance, encouragement, and a solid handoff
Also, don’t forget to share your victories and your lessons learned – both are equally valuable in making the next year even better .
I am actively reaching out to fill remaining Zone Chair positions, so…
Don’t be surprised if your phone rings
And please be open to a conversation – Zone Chairs are vital to our communication, support, and teamwork across the district.
Finally, I want you to know that I am always available — no matter the size of your question, concern, or idea. Whether by phone, text, email, or yes, even good old-fashioned snail mail , I’m here for you.
Let’s move forward together into a year of purpose, pride, and service.
We Serve.
With Lion heart,
Corinna Christensen
District Governor Elect – District 37
406-570-6742
[email protected]
By Lion Corinna Christensen
President’s Message – June 2025
Make Your Mark with International President
Fabrício Oliveira
Dear Lion,
“We serve” is more than just a motto. It’s a way of life for Lions and reflects our mission to the world. Lions are known for our dedication, service, kindness — for going above and beyond for people in need.
So let’s continue to do what we do best — serve our communities. And remember, with more members, we can do even more service, so invite others to join your club and the incredible work you do. This is how we will make our mark and keep serving those who need us the most.
At your service,
Fabrício Oliviera
International President
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.
Global 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 Foundation
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