Your Club’s Photos Could Recruit Montana’s Next Lions. Send Them Now.
Montana Lions are launching a statewide membership campaign this fall built around one message: Make an Impact. Right Here in Montana. The ads will run across the state, and the first thing Montanans will see is not a slogan. It is a photo of Lions serving their community.
Here is the problem: we do not have enough of those photos. We reviewed everything on the District website going back to 2023, and most of what we have is posed group shots and convention pictures. Those photos have their place, but they will not convince a stranger to join. What convinces people is seeing service actually happening.
That is where your club comes in.
What we need
Candid photos of Lions in the middle of service. Think of the moment before anyone says “everybody look at the camera.”
- Vision screenings in progress
- Lions serving food, stocking shelves, or working a food drive
- Highway and park cleanups with trash bags in hand
- Flag programs, playground builds, ramp projects, tree plantings
- Any project where a Lion’s hands are doing the work
Faces and action together are the gold standard. A photo of two Lions laughing while they unload a truck beats a photo of twelve Lions standing in a row every time.
Phone photos are perfectly fine. Send the original file at full resolution, not a screenshot or a copy pulled from Facebook. Horizontal photos work best for ads, but send what you have.
What to skip
Please do not send:
- Posed group photos, lineups, or banner shots
- Check presentations and award ceremonies
- Convention, banquet, and meeting photos
- Screenshots, photos of printed photos, or heavily filtered images
- Blurry or very small files
Nothing is wrong with these photos. They are just not what a membership ad needs.
A note on permissions
Only send photos where the people shown are comfortable appearing in statewide advertising. If a photo includes anyone under 18, confirm you have a parent or guardian’s permission before submitting it.
How to submit
Email your photos to [email protected] with your club name and a one-line description of the project shown.
Send them by September 30th. The campaign schedule is moving, and photos received early have the best chance of appearing in the first wave of ads.
Your club’s service is the best recruiting tool this district has. Let Montana see it.
By Lion Steve DogiakosHelena Lions August News
The Helena Lions Club welcomed public official Lt. Governor of Montana, Kristen Juras, at their August Meeting.
By Helena Lions ClubTo The Lions of Montana District 37 and Alberta MD-C
It is with heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of PDG Steve Hadnagy on August 1, 2026. Lion Steve was a great Lion who was instrumental in shaping District 37 and Multiple District C into what we are today. He was a true friend, a mentor, and a leader in our world of service. Just knowing Lion Steve brings back memories of his personality and his dedication to the causes he believed in.
Lion Steve was a long time member of the Butte Mile High Club along with dedicated support of the Anaconda and Deer Lodge Clubs. During the Lions year 2002-2003 Lion Steve served on the MD 37 Council of Governors representing District D along with Shirley Dillman from District A, Ken Pickett from District B, Gail Witherspoon from District C, Dennis Stevenson from District E, Allan Reed from District F and Betty Ann Robson from District G. Now Lion Past International President Dr. Patti Hill served as Council Chair during the Lions year 2002-2003.
A memorial service is planned for Friday August 28th at the Wayryen-Richards Funeral Home, 1800 Florence Ave. in Butte at 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lion Steve’s name may be made to the Lions Club in care of the Funeral Home. Here is the link the funeral home and the official obituary.
https://www.wayrynen-richards.com/obituaries/steven-hadnagy/#!/Obituary
Respectfully submitted,
Lion Ben Apeland
A Special Memory from IPDG Corinna Christensen
Thank you for sharing this sad news and for honoring the remarkable service of PDG Steve Hadnagy.
I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet Lion Steve during a visit to the Butte Lions Club in May of 2025, when I was serving as First Vice District Governor. Although he had become less active in his later years, Steve made a special effort to attend that meeting. He came not only to visit with me, but also to be there for a very memorable occasion—the induction of an incredible six new Lions into the Butte Lions Club.
It was clear that evening how deeply Lion Steve cared about Lions and about seeing the organization continue to grow and serve. Watching a longtime Lion and Past District Governor be present to welcome six new members into our Lions family was especially meaningful. It was one of those evenings that reminded me of the legacy our longtime Lions leave behind and the responsibility we have to carry their dedication to service forward.
I only had the privilege of knowing Lion Steve for a short time, but that evening made a lasting impression on me. I feel truly blessed to have shared it with him.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Lion Steve’s family, his fellow Lions in Butte, Anaconda and Deer Lodge, and all of the Lions throughout Montana and Alberta whose lives were touched by his friendship, leadership and service.
Rest well, Lion Steve. Your legacy of service lives on.
In Lionism, IPDG Corinna
Lion Steve was a Lion for the ages. Spoke his mind and listened. Rest in peace.
PDG Richard Gessling
By PID Ben ApelandHeads Up Treasurers (and Presidents)
Winnett Lions August News
Winnett Lions have been busy with community beautification projects. We planted our hanging baskets and with help from Fergus Electric boys, placed them on Main Street light poles.
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We purchased another custom-made bench and placed it in front of another business. The owner was thrilled we did that. We also added a couple of planters and filled them with flowers for her. We also recruited three new members in July!
By Winnett Lions ClubAugust 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 – 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
By DG Jon KimbleFrom 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 ChristensenLCI President’s Message-August 2026
President’s MessageRooted in Servicewith International President Mark S. Lyon |
Dear Lion,
Service is the foundation of our organization. It’s at the very root of what we do and who we are as Lions. Meaningful service fuels growth, increases our impact and strengthens our communities and our world. It’s why people join us — and why they stay.
That’s why my presidential theme this year is “Rooted in Service.” I encourage all of us to reconnect with our Lion roots and focus on what matters most. Get creative with your service. Have fun. Look for new ways to meet the needs of your communities. And remember, no act of service is too small — every effort makes a difference.
I look forward to serving alongside you as your international president. Thank you for all the ways you already serve, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.
In friendship and service,
Mark S. Lyon
International President
Club Treasurers: Semiannual Dues Invoices Are Ready for Payment
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.
A note for clubs used to the old process: 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.
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.
What to do
- Log into MyLCI using your credentials.
- 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.
Why this matters beyond the invoice itself
LCI dues, along with District dues and any initiation fees, need to be current for your club to process new membership applications without delay. A lapsed invoice now becomes a bigger headache later, right when you’re trying to onboard a new member.
Questions
If your club is unsure about the amount owed or is having trouble accessing the portal, reach out to your zone chairperson or the District 37 Cabinet Treasurer for help.
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