When Archie Giese was preparing to take the reins and become president of the Flasher Lions Club, he had no idea his two sons were doing exactly the same thing.

Bryan Giese would be president of the Mandan Lions Club, and Glenn Giese would be installed to lead the New England Lions Club. The surprising coincidence was discovered by the District 5NW governor in western North Dakota, as he was conducting an installation ceremony.

It's the second terms for Glenn Giese and Bryan Giese, each having served as president of their clubs several years earlier. But Archie Giese would is a first-time Lions president.

Archie Giese joined the Flasher Lions Club when invited. "I just wanted to get involved," he remembers. He had retired from farming, and moved into town. So he became a Lion at the age of 70.

He became an involved member, holding various offices, and working his way up the ladder, to become president at 87.

Lions may have been a new experience for Archie Giese, but being involved in community affairs certainly was not. He had leadership roles as a member of various boards, wearing the title of president for several of them. Most recently, he worked for the Historical Society to create a museum that "we're really proud of," he said.

Archie Giese's work ethic may well have its roots in the family farm, that began when his immigrant parents became homesteaders on the North Dakota prairie. The family farm grew, and endured through three generations.

Glenn and Bryan Giese grew up on that farm. They did their farm chores and attended a one-room country schoolhouse, just as their dad had done.

But the sons went on to high school and college, Glenn Giese graduating with a degree in agricultural economics and Bryan Giese with a law degree. Their community involvement is a mirror image of Archie Giese's lifestyle.

Community service and helping others is simply a way of life for the Gieses.

"Dad is kind of a leader-type guy," Bryan Giese said. "He's the one that does it." It would seem that the sons have followed in those footsteps.

The three Lions clubs are very active. They work with and support worldwide Lions projects. And like Lions everywhere, they welcome opportunities to work together.

For several years, Glenn Giese and another volunteer from the New England club would drive to Mandan to pick up their share of the Christmas trees ordered by the two clubs to sell in fundraising projects.

In New England, the weekly Burgers In The Park project not only provided an improved public facility, but gathers local citizens and visitors in what Glenn Giese calls "Their social outing of the week. It's really brought everybody together."

Bryan Giese recognizes a similar benefit of their work in Mandan. "I enjoy doing my part. When we do those projects, the social activity that goes along with it is something I definitely enjoy."