Board Treasurer Lorraine Eriksen

Lorraine joined the BMD board so she could give back to the community and be a role model for the girls in her foster home. Since 2007, she has been a faithful BMD volunteer and board member ready to do whatever task is needed.  In past years she’s served as volunteer coordinator, board secretary and board treasurer. This year in addition to being Board treasurer she is the Bloomer Parade Coordinator. As a local Kiwanian she is also assisting in the organization of the Miners Dinner and Chuckwagon Breakfast. 

How long have you been a Grover? I moved to Cottage Grove the first time in 1981. I left for a while and returned in 2001. I was once told that you always return to Cottage Grove. I guess that is true. I am here to stay. 

Occupation/Vocation: I’m a retired Children’s, Adolescent and Family counselor. I now run a therapeutic foster home for at-risk teenage girls. I currently am in the process of starting a new business. 

How many years have you been on the board? I joined the board five years ago as treasurer. Since then I have been secretary and president. Things seem to come around again and am once more treasurer. 

Other Grove Connections: I belong to the Bohemia Sunrisers Kiwanis club. I am involved with the Chamber of Commerce and do volunteer work for the local high school and Hospice program. 

Why did you join the BMD board? I joined the board five years ago in an effort to help with different segments of the festival. I know from previous experience that it takes a lot of volunteers to make an event happen. I wanted to be part of the fun and be involved with making the festival the great experience that it is every year.

What is your favorite BMD event/memory? Back in 1981 I was involved with creating a float for the Nazarene Church. One of my jobs was to hand out candy and fliers about the church to the spectators. The day was hot and the parade was moving slowly. Someone decided that the floats should move at 5 miles per hour. I could not walk that fast and hand out candy. My float moved ahead of me and I found myself handing out fliers and candy next to a float with belly dancers. Not exactly what the church had in mind.