Introducing Our OCTOBER Member Spotlight: Meet ERNA!
We are thrilled to introduce our Member of the Month, Erna! Since joining the Lemonade Collective pool in 2021, Erna has brought warmth, inspiration, and a sense of community to everyone around her. Her dedication to her ever-evolving role at the Marsh Street Centre, and her newly developed talent for creating meaningful art, is a testament to her creativity and passion. Beyond her artistic talents, Erna keeps her pool friends motivated and uplifted. Her welcoming nature and generous spirit have made her a beloved part of the Lemonade Collective, and we are so grateful for all she does for our community.
Thank you, Erna, for being such a sweet and inspiring presence!
Can you share a brief overview of your background and journey that has led you to where you are today?
I initially studied architecture but soon realized it wasn’t my true calling. Afterward, I owned a Bavarian specialty restaurant in Munich. After the birth of our son, we visited Canada and quickly realized it would be an ideal place to raise him. That’s when I began working with horses, training, competing in barrel racing, and teaching students for 42 years. Not a single day was boring—life with horses is always exciting and deeply personal, especially when it comes to matching students with the right horses. The work is intensive, but incredibly fulfilling.
Four years ago, we sold our farm and moved to Thornbury. Through the Lemonade Collective Pool, I met a member who introduced me to the Marsh Street Centre, and from there, I became a volunteer, then Secretary, Vice President, and now the newly appointed President.
Two years ago, I discovered a new passion: painting. I started as a total beginner by attending a class at the Marsh Street Centre, and it felt like a new chapter in my life. I’ve become increasingly bold, experimenting with different tools and materials—not just painting on canvas, but also using wood. I’ve met so many wonderful people who supported me when I was new to the area. The community has given me a completely fresh perspective on life.
What are some of the key moments or experiences in your life or career that have shaped who you are and what you're passionate about?
I've been fortunate to experience many key moments throughout my life. Each one has added something new and exciting, shaping me into who I am today. I live with passion and make it a point to treat everyone as equals in both my personal and professional journeys.
Could you highlight some of the projects or endeavours you're currently involved in that you're particularly excited about?
Fundraising is an ongoing challenge, but it’s something I’m deeply passionate about. At the Marsh Street Centre, we’re raising funds for several meaningful initiatives: providing music lessons for children, supporting senior yoga programs, and improving the patio to enhance our pub nights.
What drives and motivates you in your work or personal pursuits, and how do you stay inspired and focused?
What keeps me inspired is knowing that I’m at a point in life where I can give back and help others. Throughout much of life, the focus is on how much money you can make, but now my priority is to give. I stay healthy by cooking fresh meals every day, and I invest my time in the Marsh Street Centre, my art, and swimming at the Lemonade Collective.