– John C. Maxwell
MEET THE FARGO LIONS
Member Highlights
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President
Jane Pettinger
Proud Lion since 1987, Sponsored by Neil Jordheim
Why did you join? I joined most primarily because I was invited! My goal in joining was to meet and network with a variety of community members in varying professions.
Favorite Fargo Lions Project: Vision Screening (Fun Fact: during the 2023-2024 school year, Fargo area Lions screened over 15,000 schoolchildren!)
Favorite Lions Memory: Oh, how to pick only one?? Well, I'll tell you a couple... 1. Traveling to Mexico on a vision mission trip. Meeting the beautiful people of the community there and helping them to see more clearly was amazing. I have worn glasses since I was 5 and I cannot imagine my life if I did not have decent vision. What a life-changer this must be for the people we served. 2. Vision screening in our area schools - to ensure that each of our area kids have every opportunity to see more clearly --> and to have their best shot at success in school is priceless.
(photo taken during installation of the Spirit of the Sandbagger artwork in 2021)
Secretary & Vision Screening Coordinator
Sue Anderson
Proud Lion since February 2002, sponsored by Neil Jordheim.
2023 Lion of the Year
Why did you join? Neil Jordheim, came to my employer and encouraged me to join. I didn’t know much about the Lions but soon realized I had a strong connection to the mission of the Lions. My husband, Troy, joined the Lions May 13, 2019.
Favorite Lions Project: Working with the Vision Screening program throughout the Fargo and surrounding area. I enjoy getting to know the school nurses and going into the schools to screen the kids. I truly believe the Lions are making a difference providing vision screening.
Favorite Lions Memory: Going on three vision mission trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and partnering with the PV Lions. Being able to put glasses on someone who doesn’t have access to eyecare is really something you can never forget.
Membership Co-Director
Mona Tedford Rindy
Proud Lion since 1990, sponsored by Gary Hanson.
Why did you join? Gary was my co-worker, who told me I was going to a meeting with him and basically that I would join.
Which was great with me! I love being part of a community, especially one that does so much FOR the local and broader community. And I loved learning about the community from the interesting speakers at meetings.
Favorite Lions Memory: 30 years ago, Jane and I were quite pregnant at the same time and standing in front of the group, which consisted of mostly men, leading some efforts. There was fun banter and laughter. I think one of the men said something about how the club was better for being more inclusive. It wasn't that many years since women were first allowed into Lions International.
Member and 1st Vice District Governor
Paula Swanson
Proud Lion since January 2011, sponsored by David Jensen.
Why did you join? At the time that I joined Lions, my father, David Jensen, was district governor. He asked me and my three sisters to join. We all joined at his winter convention, and two of us remain active lions. When I moved from Minneapolis to Fargo, I joined the Fargo Lions so that I could meet new people in the community.
Favorite Lions Memory: It’s really hard to pick just one memory, but I loved going on the Vision Mission trip to Puerto Vallarta and having the opportunity to work closely with the Lions Club there to bring eye glasses to hundreds of people. Another favorite is attending conventions and leadership events to grow my knowledge of Lions on a worldwide scale.
Favorite Lions Activity: Vision Screening in schools has always been one of my favorite activities. I also enjoy helping with Parking at Bluestem as a fundraiser for the club. I am also looking forward to my experience over the next couple years at I become district governor. This will give me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful new lions and help move our district forward in our service to our communities.
Member
Sara Bien-Aime
Proud Lion since 2023, Sponsored by Mona Tedford Rindy
Why did you join? I joined the Fargo Lions because of the mission to improve eyecare. My uncle lost his vision to glaucoma. I want to help others before they lose their eyesight.
Favorite Lions Memory: 1. Covering the 1st International Womens Day Luncheoon for work. 2. Speaking at the 2nd Annual International Womens Day Synposium. 3. Telling the story of Greg Otis. A visually impaired man looking to join the Fargo Gateway Lions Club. 4. Soritng eyeglasses for those who need it. 5. Conducting vision screenings at Fargo elementary schools.
Treasurer
Trent Freier
Proud Lion since 2018, A Melvin Jones Fellow, honored by the club Board of Directors
Why did you join? My parents have been Lions members my whole life (and long before that). I grew up attending Lions events and hearing them talk about Lions. I also have a passion to serve and Lions is the largest service organization in the world
Favorite Lions Memory: Having no idea I was receiving a Melvin Jones from the club.
Favorite Lions Project: Vision screening
