Global Membership Team Report – Clubs Helping Clubs-October 2025
Global and Montana Membership – October, 2025
Clubs Helping Clubs!!
On September 28th, the East Missoula Lions Club hosted a community BBQ to share with their neighbors who Lions are and what we do.
They were joined by several Lions from the Seeley Lake Lions Club, and together they created a very successful day with over 30 community members in attendance.
Results:
- At least 10 new member applications were turned in, with hopes that these individuals will inspire even more friends and family to join.
- President Jack Ballas of East Missoula led the effort, supported by an enthusiastic crew.
- Zone Chair Rob Shaffer and Lion Clay Creek worked the grills, while Lions Jayne Lux and Mike Feretich (Seeley Lake Club President) welcomed guests and answered questions to spark interest in Lionism.
A big thank you to everyone who made this day such a success!
If your club would like to host a similar event to boost membership and visibility, please reach out to your Zone Chair for guidance.
Not sure who your Zone Chair is? Check the listing here: District 37 Zone Directory
Some zones are currently without a Zone Chair—if that is the case for your club, please contact DG Corinna Christensen for support.
Together we can keep growing the strength of Lions across Montana.
By Global Membership TeamSeeley Lake Lions Respond – We Serve
One of Seeley Lake’s Residents, Mary Welch, was viciously attacked by a dog on July 27, 2025 near her home, leaving her hospitalized for a week. She required over 200 stitches and two surgeries with the possibility of a third coming up. She had power washed her house and was saving up to have a local carpenter build her a new porch, but the attack left her unable to do anything.
Lions John and Sherry Fulton sprang into action forming a special committee to get quotes on materials and enlist the help of other members and residents. A few weeks later, with some hard labor in the sun, nine Lions, two volunteers and 215 hours of time resulted in not only building the porch, but painting her house complete with trim! We then sent over a truckload of firewood for the upcoming winter season from our wood shed that we keep stocked for residents in need in Seeley Lake.
By Seeley Lake Lions Club
Seeley Lake Club News-Park Stewardship Award
Seeley Lake Lion Recognized by Missoula County for Stewardship –Kai Williams | Aug 14, 2025
An enthusiastic crowd of Lions Club members, families and friends gathered at the Seeley Lake Lions Park on Wednesday, August 6th to witness Missoula County commissioners award a longtime Lion for his stewardship.
Rich Westin was the 2025 recipient of the Missoula County Parks and Trails Steward Award. A press release from Missoula County stated this award is given to people and organizations who dedicate years of service to building and improving facilities across the county for the public to enjoy.
Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero delivered a proclamation celebrating Westin’s work with the Seeley Lake Lions Club to kick off the celebration.
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!
By Lion Peggy Tobin
Introducing 2nd Vice District Governor Jon Kimble: A Commitment to Service and Community
Jon Kimble’s life is a testament to dedication, service, and a passion for community. As the 2nd Vice District Governor for District 37 Montana Lions Clubs, Jon brings a wealth of experience from his diverse background, enriched by his commitment to serving others.
Early Years in Arizona
Jon Kimble was born and raised in Southeastern Arizona, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for his community. His early years were spent in a region known for its rugged landscapes and close-knit communities, shaping his character and values.
Academic and Professional Beginnings
Jon attended Arizona State University from 1980 to 1983, where he laid the foundation for his future career. After university, he entered the plumbing trade, gaining hands-on experience and technical skills that would serve him well throughout his life.
A Distinguished Naval Career
In 1984, Jon joined the United States Navy, a decision that would significantly shape his professional and personal life. He completed Nuclear Plant Operator Training and served aboard the USS Truxtun, CGN-35, from 1986 until 1990. During his service, Jon developed a deep sense of duty, discipline, and technical expertise. His honorable discharge marked the end of his active military service but the beginning of a new chapter.
Transition to the Power Industry
Following his naval career, Jon secured employment with an Independent Power Producer in California. His career in the power industry spanned technical, supervisory, and management roles, encompassing power generation, transmission, distribution, regulation, and compliance. Jon’s extensive experience in this field underscored his ability to lead and manage complex operations effectively.
Retirement and New Beginnings in Montana
In 2013, Jon and his wife, Laura Cullen, retired to the scenic town of Seeley Lake, Montana. The couple’s love for the outdoors and their desire for a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle made Seeley Lake the perfect place to settle. Retirement, however, did not signal the end of Jon’s service-oriented endeavors.
Active Community Involvement
Jon immersed himself in various volunteer organizations, reflecting his commitment to giving back. He became an active member of the Seeley Lake Lions Club, where his leadership and dedication quickly became evident. In addition to his role with the Lions Club, Jon serves with Veterans & Families of Seeley Lake, the Seeley Lake Senior Center, the Seeley Lake Rural Fire District, and the MEC’s Operation Round Up Board of Directors. His involvement in these organizations highlights his passion for community service and his desire to make a positive impact.
Continuing Professional Contributions
Despite retiring, Jon continues to provide consulting services to his former employer, Wellhead Services, INC. This ongoing professional engagement allows him to leverage his extensive expertise in the power industry while maintaining his commitment to service.
Jon Kimble’s Vision for District 37
As the 2nd Vice District Governor, Jon Kimble aims to enhance the Lions Clubs’ impact across District 37. His vision includes fostering a spirit of service, increasing membership, and strengthening community programs. Jon believes in the power of collective action and is dedicated to leading with integrity and compassion.
Conclusion
2nd Vice District Governor Jon Kimble’s journey from Arizona to Montana, and from the Navy to community service, is a story of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment. His leadership within the Lions Clubs and his involvement in various community organizations underscore his passion for making a difference. Under Jon’s guidance, District 37 is poised for continued growth and success, driven by a shared mission of service and community engagement.
FAQs
Who is Jon Kimble? Jon Kimble is the 2nd Vice District Governor for Lions Clubs District 37 Montana, known for his extensive background in the power industry and his dedication to community service.
What is Jon Kimble’s background? Jon was born and raised in Southeastern Arizona. He attended Arizona State University, served in the US Navy, and had a distinguished career in the power industry before retiring to Seeley Lake, Montana.
When did Jon Kimble join the Lions Clubs? Jon became an active member of the Seeley Lake Lions Club after retiring to Seeley Lake in 2013.
What are some of Jon Kimble’s achievements? Jon’s achievements include his service in the US Navy, his successful career in the power industry, and his active involvement in various volunteer organizations in Seeley Lake, Montana.
What is Jon Kimble’s vision for District 37? Jon aims to enhance the Lions Clubs’ impact by fostering a spirit of service, increasing membership, and strengthening community programs within District 37.
How does Jon Kimble spend his free time? Jon enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Laura Cullen, and is actively involved in several volunteer organizations in Seeley Lake, Montana.
By MontanaLions
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