Helena Lions September News
Helena Lions Welcome Helena’s New Mayor
Helena Lions 1st Vice President Art Rinaman and President Gene Hill present the Honorable Emily Dean, Mayor of Montana’s Capital City, as Speaker of the Day on September 8, 2026.
Helena Lions Visit Gold Rush Lions
Helena Lions, Art Rinaman, Gene Hill, Jack Berry, Byron Beley, and Stuart Beagles visited the Gold Rush Lions Club September 10, 2026.
Lion President Gene Hill presented Lion President Cory Sena of the Gold Rush Club a check for $2,500 for the Gold Rush’s service and assistance with the Lewis and Clark Last Chance Stampede Rodeo and Fair.
By Helena Lions ClubTwo 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 Team
Seeley Lake Lions News
WHERE THERE IS A NEED – THERE IS A LION!
In August of 2026 there was a need at the Seeley Lake Senior Center for more storage. Residents who no longer need their medical equipment can donate it to the center in hopes that someone who does need it, if only for temporary usage, will be able to obtain it and use it for as long as is needed. All of this equipment was being stored in the basement of the center and, not only was that space running out of room, it was difficult to continue going up and down the stairs.
It was decided that a shed would be erected next to the center for easy drop off and access to the equipment. There was only one problem. How do they get this put together? As always, where there is a need there is a Lion! A group of five including three Lions spent a few days in the hot sun toiling away until the new shed was finished and it was VERY appreciated! Many thanks go to District Governor Jon Kimble, Lions Ray Stoetzel and Lynn Utterback for all their help in accomplishing this task.
By Seeley Lake Lions ClubSeptember 2026 Newsletter
The publication of the district newsletter is at the beginning of the month, but articles are posted all during the month. A second email notification mid-way through the month will be sent if there are additional posts to share.
You can reply to this email to give us feedback.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!
By Lion Peggy TobinFrom 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 VanDykeLCI President’s Message-September 2026
President’s MessageRooted in Servicewith International President Mark S. Lyon |
Dear Lion,
Being “Rooted in Service” is about more than just the service others see us do. It’s about who we are at our foundation. Our roots in service are strong, and they run deep.
Lions are often the first to answer the call, find a solution or identify a need. And when we do, we step up. We help. We serve.
This year, work with your club to create service projects that are engaging, impactful and aligned with what your community needs. And if you want to make them even more fun, invite your family and friends to serve with you.
True impact starts with one act of service, big or small. I can’t wait to see what you do!
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
IP Mark Lyon Announces Int’l BOD Recommendation for Third Vice President in 2027
Dear Lion Leaders,
Certified and endorsed international third vice president candidates are interviewed, evaluated and considered for a recommendation by the International Board of Directors based on their knowledge of the association, understanding of the role of international president, support of LCIF, and their demonstrated leadership in the association and alignment with the association’s mission.
The board met earlier this week, and I am pleased to announce that the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors recommends Past International Director Vijay Kumar Raju from Multiple District 316 (India) as international third vice president for election at the 2027 Lions International Convention in Washington D.C., USA.
The international board was incredibly impressed with the dedication, vision and service of Past International Director Raju, including his recent role as a member of the LCIF Board of Trustees.
Past International Director Raju has also served as chairperson of the Membership Development Committee, Centennial Action Committee member, GAT area leader, Lions Clubs International Strategic Planning Committee member, LCIF constitutional area chairperson, and has served on a number of other local and international committees, all advancing the association’s mission and goals over his 30 years as a Lion.
Past International Director Raju works in the education field as a senior executive with a focus on governance, strategic direction and advisory leadership. In addition to his long-standing history of service to our association and foundation, he has been actively engaged with a wide range of civic, cultural and professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to both industry and community.
The 2027-2028 third vice president will be elected by certified delegates at the Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C., July 2-6, 2027.
Past International Director Raju is an exceptional leader and a long-serving Lion, making him the ideal choice to lead our great association forward.
On behalf of the international board, I would like to thank you for your support and your service.
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
By PID Ben ApelandLeo 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 AdvisorFrom District Treasurer Steve Dogiakos
Heads up Club Treasurers (& Presidents)!
From last month’s newsletter article – Lions Clubs International issued semiannual dues invoices to every club on June 30, and they are payable now. If your club’s treasurer hasn’t logged into the MyLCI portal recently, this is the reminder to do it this week. If your club’s treasurer has not created an account on the portal, that is the first step to completing this process. The login is the email address that LCI has on file for each officer. If an email address has not been provided to your club secretary, you will NOT be able to create an account in the Lion Portal.
LCI no longer mails paper invoices. Your invoice exists only in the MyLCI portal. If you’re waiting on something to arrive by mail, it isn’t coming, and the clock on payment is running whether or not anyone has looked.
What to do – Log into MyLCI using your credentials. Your login will be the email address that LCI has on file for you. (If you have changed your email address, let your club secretary know so that it can be updated in LCI.)
- Navigate to your club’s account and click on the “Statements” tab to see
- Submit payment through the portal, or route the invoice to whoever handles your club’s payments if that isn’t the treasurer directly.
- Unpaid dues can affect your club’s standing with LCI and create complications for member transactions, so don’t let this sit unchecked because no envelope showed up.
By Lion Steve Dogiakos
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