Volunteer Profile

Doug Erdman volunteers with the Shawano Optimist Club. Erdman was born and raised in Marinette, graduating from Marinette High School. He earned a certificate from Brown College in Mendota, Minn., in radio broadcasting. Erdman first worked for six months in Richland Center, then Waupun for a year and a half, and finally in Shawano, where he has worked at Results Broadcasting for 23 years. Erdman was on air and now in the IT department where he fixes the computers. He still occasionally makes on air appearances. Doug and his wife, Dawn, a homemaker, have been married 20 years and live in Shawano. They have four children and eight grandchildren. Erdman is a lector and commentator at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano and was on the Sacred Heart School Board. The family enjoys camping and traveling to southern Illinois to visit Doug’s mother. He also enjoys taking his grandsons fishing. Q When and how did you become an Optimist? A “About four years ago. Basically because I like what the Optimist Club is all about. They do a lot for youth and youth activities in the area.” Q What are the things you help with? A “I volunteer with the Mountain Bay run depending on what area they put me in. Last year, I was more of a traffic guard. We need about 20 to 25 people to help as traffic guards again.” Q What else do the Optimists do? A “After the run will be Tri-Star Football. The annual Christmas movie is the first weekend in December. People bring in canned food items and can see a move for free at the Shawano Cinema. Last year we brought in four to five tons of food. The movie starts at 10 a.m. and is done by 11:30 a.m. so that it doesn’t interfere with the regular schedule at the theater. To start the new year we have basketball tournaments and in March Tri-Star Basketball. May is Respect for Law Week, where we honor one city and one county officer. Next, we have a Bike Rodeo. On July 29, we will be at the Little Red Barn at Charlie’s.” Q Why do you volunteer? A “Because it gives me satisfaction and peace of mind. It’s a way for me to give back to the community that has given to me.”