Council Chair 2010-2011

CC BEN APELAND MD 37 Council Chairperson Ben joined Bozeman Gallatin Empire Lions Club in 1974.  Following a two year break to pursue a career opportunity, he rejoined Gallatin Empire in 1980.  Ben has held all Club level positions throughout the years.  His District level activities include Cabinet and Zone chair positions, Vice District Governor, and District Governor.  He also served on the MD37 Council as Finance Chair.  A Certified Guiding Lion, Ben has attended numerous Lions Club International Conventions, USA/Canada Forums, and the Lions Leadership Institute.  The International President’s Leadership medal, three International President Certificates of Appreciation, and numerous Presidential Awards are included in his long list of Lions Club accomplishments.  A Melvin Jones Fellow and Monarch with 25 years perfect attendance, Ben serves as Trustee on the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, a presenter on the faculty of the MD37 District Governors School, and a member of the Transfusion, Transition, Transformation team. A professional bench jeweler with a background in Business Administration and Accounting, Ben owns and operates his independent retail jewelry store.  His dedicated and professional staff shares in the opportunity to contribute to the momentous occasions of his loyal customers while attending to their jewelry needs

Vice Council Chair Chair 2010-2011

PDG TOM HODGSON PDG Tom spent his early years in Port Hope, On.; the oldest of four boys in the Hodgson family, he was always active in sports and worked summers on his grandparent's family farm.  His interest in agriculture prompted him to enroll at the University of Guelph from which graduated in 1970. His working career has taken him from Almonte, to Campbellford, Port Hope, Peterborough, Toronto and Ottawa, On. where he finished his work experience as Chief of Field Programs for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in 1998. He Joined Lions in February, 1971. During the same year he married Gayle. Fatherhood soon followed with two sons being born. He has served in many clubs as Lions Tamer, Director, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and President. In 1984-85 he was elected to serve as Zone Chairman for Zone 10 South of District A-3. Within the Districts of A-3 and A4 , Tom has chaired the Leo Club and Effective Speaking Committees. His involvement with youth a has also given him the privilege of acting as the MDA Chairman for Leo Clubs and he has received several Extension Awards for his work in establishing new Leo Clubs. From 2004-2007, he was the MDA Youth Opportunities Chair, which coordinates the activities of Peace Poster, Leo Clubs, Youth Exchange, Lions Quest and Effective Speaking and was also the Sight First II coordinator for his zone. In 2007 he received a Melvin Jones Fellowship, a Knight of Strength, Top 5 Award for CFS II, and International President's Certificate of Appreciation and  Multiple District Certificate for Youth Opportunities. He is also a Helen Keller Fellow, Lions Foundation Life member and an LCI Life member. During 2005-06, he was proud to accompany Lion Gayle in her travels as A-3 District Governor. Life changed for Tom with Gayle's death in May 2006 and he made a decision to move west in 2007. He now enjoys his new surroundings in Edmonton being near hs two sons, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, meeting Lions and beginning new friendships. He is a member of the Edmonton Host Lions Club.

District Governor 37-L 2010-2011

DISTRICT GOVERNOR BETTY ANN ROBSON   Lion Betty Ann was born and raised in Bassano Alberta. She received all her schooling there and was active in 4-H, basketball, track and field and Girl Guides. In 1977, she joined the Brooks Lioness club as a chartered member. In 1981, she moved to Drumheller and again helped to charter a Lioness club. In 1989, Rick was transferred north and they settled in Beaverlodge. Lion Betty Ann joined the Trumpeter Lioness club in Grande Prairie. In 1992, the club chartered as a Lions club. In April 2000 she transferred to the Wembley & District Lions Club. Lion Betty Ann has served in all club positions, some several times over. Lion Betty Ann and her family are very active with the youth exchange program, hosting 34 students, as well as being the Camp Director of the Northern Alberta Lions International Youth Camp, in Grande Prairie. Lion Betty Ann is a Licensed Practical Nurse, currently working on a pediatrics/ neonatal intensive care unit at the QE II Hospital in Grande Prairie. Lion Betty Ann is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, Judge Brian Stevenson Fellow, Bill Webber Fellow, Dr. Jack Dobush Fellow, CNIB Jack and Denis Isaman Fellow, Dog Guides of Canada Fellow, Life Member of Lions Foundation of Canada, a Certified Guiding Lion and has received an International President’s Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation as well as numerous District Governor appreciation awards. Lion Betty Ann has 33 years perfect attendance. Lion Betty Ann has attended many International Conventions, USA/Canada forums and one Europa Forum in Romania. She has also attended a Regional Lions Leadership Institute (2000) and a Faculty Development Institute (2008). Lion Betty Ann served as District Governor 2002-2003 in District G. Lion Betty Ann has been married to Lion Rick for 39 years and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Their daughter Shannon is also a Lion. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, cross-stitching, golfing, big game hunting and spending time with her grandchildren.

District Governor 37-I 2010-2011

DISTRICT GOVERNOR LESLIE STORCH Lion Leslie R. Storch was born and educated in Hanna and after graduating he attended Olds College for other technical training. Lion Gerry Cameron sponsored Leslie into the Hanna 'Young' Lions Club in March 1988. At the Club level Lion Leslie has served as president for two years, secretary for six years and director for two years. In Cabinet Lion Leslie has served as Zone, Membership and Extension Chairperson in District 37-E and Zone, Region and Environment Chairperson in District 37-I. He is currently serving as Youth Outreach (Quest), and Lions Eye Institute Chairperson. Lion Leslie has received numerous District Governor Appreciation awards, one International President Certificate of Appreciation and he is a BILL WEBBER FELLOW. Lion Leslie has attended two MD Conventions, many District Conventions, one International Convention, and two USA/CANADA Lions Leadership Forums. Lion Leslie also attended the Senior Leaderships Seminar in Toronto. Lion Leslie's companion of five years is Leigh Sleigh who is also a Lion. At present Lion Leslie is a journeyman welder employed at Greenslades Northern Welding Ltd in Hanna. Lion Les is also a guiding Lion. Lion Leslie is an avid fisherman.

District Governor 37-O 2010-2011

DISTRICT GOVERNOR JOHN GOODRICH Lion John joined the Bowness Lions Club in 2000 and was inducted in June, 2001. He has served on the Board of Directors since joining the club in various positions and just recently served as President. Lion John is Past Chairman of the Lions Pride in the community for 2007. At present he is serving his 2nd term as Zone Chairman for 1C. Lion John is a Certified Guiding Lion. He has received the Jack and Denise Isaman CNIB Fellowship and Melvin Jones Fellowship. Lion John is married to his best friend Sandra and they have 3 daughters and 1 son, 3 Granddaughters and 5 Grandsons. Lion John and Sandra enjoy doing Lion events, camping, golfing and spending time with their family and friends.

District Governor 37-N 2010-2011

DISTRICT GOVERNOR CHRISTINE LANK Lion Christine was born and raised on a ranch in Southern Alberta with her parents, both Charter Lions of their respective clubs. Lion Christine is a retired Personal Account Manager, and in the 20 years she was employed in the banking industry she received many achievement awards for excellence in service and achievement. She was the first person licensed with Alberta Securities to sell mutual funds in Southern Alberta, the first trainer for new licensed mutual fund representatives, and was the Alberta Representative on the First Canadian Personal Portfolio Advisory Committee. At the time of her retirement from the CIBC she managed the 3rd largest investment portfolio in Alberta and the 15th largest in Canada. In 1999 Lion Christine purchased Pincher Office Products and now this year for the second time since purchasing her business, she is expanding her store for the addition of a permanent gift shop. Her store received the Small Business of the Year award in 1999 (first year in business) and again in 2006. Lion Christine has been nominated for other business and citizen awards. Lion Christine also served on the two local Museum boards for several years and volunteered for other non-profit groups, and joined Lions in 1994. She started with the Coulee Lions of Lethbridge, then transferred to the Pincher- Cowley Roaring Lions and finally to the Pincher Creek Lions where she had the privilege of being the first Lady President of the Pincher Creek Lions for two consecutive years. She has served in all executive capacities at the club level and at a District Level Lion Christine has had the opportunity to hold several chairman positions including Campaign Sight First ll Coordinator and Cabinet Secretary Treasurer. Lion Christine is a Certified Guiding Lion, has completed the Lions Regional Leadership Training, and is also a graduate of the Lions Faculty Development Institute. Lion Christine has been honored with several awards and Fellowships., including the International Presidents Leadership Medal, an International Presidents Certificate of Commendation, , She is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, a Progressive Judge Brian Stevenson Fellow, a PID Bill Webber Fellow, a Lions Foundation of Canada Fellow ,and a Life Member of Lions Foundation of Canada. Lion Christine, also has a 5 key award, a Membership Chair Award, a Club Presidents Diamond Award ,a Lion of the Year , and 15 years of 100% attendance.

District Governor 37-S 2010-2011

DISTRICT GOVERNOR BILL PFEIFER Bill grew up on a dairy farm near Hayward, Wisconsin.  In 1971, he joined the Air Force, serving four years, with one tour in Southeast Asia.  After leaving the Air Force he returned to Hayward where he married his childhood sweetheart, Jayne Cook, in December 1976.  He also continued his formal education, receiving a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.     Bill’s first job after leaving the Air Force was working in the woods cutting timber and skidding with a team of horses.  Realizing there had to be a better way to make a living he took a job with the US Forest Service.  This resulted in a 33 year career with the Forest Service, retiring in January of 2009.   In addition to the Forest Service, Bill joined the Montana Army National Guards in 1979.  This resulted in a dual career, with Bill retiring as a LTC in June of 2008.       Bill started his Lionistic service, joining the Kalispell Sunrise Club in 1986 then transferring to the Libby Lions club when he moved there.  Jayne joined the Libby Lions club, becoming one of the first female Lions in the State.  Bill joined the Gallatin Empire Lions in 1995.  He attended the Lions Leadership Institute, in May of 1999, making the trip to Illinois for the course.  (He even got his picture on the cover the Lions magazine.)  Bill has been on the board directors, Secretary/Treasurer; and Club President; along with chairing numerous committees and fundraisers.        Bill has also been active at the District level.  District positions held include Zone Chair, District 37S Secretary and District 37A Secretary/Treasurer in addition to chairing other committees.  Bill is a Certified Guiding Lion and conducts training for the District.     Bill is an Old Monarch with 14 years of perfect attendance.  Jayne is also an Old Monarch with 13 years of perfect attendance with the Bozeman Gallatin Empire Lions Club.  Both he and Jayne have been honored by their club with Melvin Jones Fellowships.  Bill is also a life member of the Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.   When not doing Lions activities he can usually be found on the local golf course.