The Faces of Broomfield

Editor’s Note: Each month Raven Astrom profiles a different community member from her website, TheFacesofBroomfield.com. Thank you, Raven, for this great endeavor to help us get to know each other better!

Meet Bette Erickson, Government Official, Teacher, Writer

About Bette: I’m a backcountry volunteer ranger for the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance and author of six regional hiking books. I currently serve on the Senior Resources Broomfield – SRB – Board of Directors, a group that advocates for Broomfield’s aging community. I’ve previously served as Broomfield’s Mayor Pro Tem, in addition to being a county commissioner and city councilmember. Suffice it to say, I like community service. I also write for this magazine.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

A: My late husband Paul and I raised our son and daughter in Broomfield. I’m an empty nester now and enjoy my big, sweet older rescue dog.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?

A: I’m retired but still enjoy freelance writing and substitute teaching.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

A: Oh, easy: Infinitus Pizza PIE and Durbar Nepalese and Indian Bistro.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

A: I’ve lived in Broomfield since 1984.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

A: Our former city and county manager George DiCiero, for whom city hall is named.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

A: One of my all-time favorite movies is My Cousin Vinny with Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

A: If you’re not happy, change your perception. There’s really always something to be grateful for.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

A: There used to be a drive-through donut shop near where Laurel Veterinary Clinic is.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet?

A: Broomfield resident Patrick Browne. He’s new to Broomfield and I enjoy his enthusiasm for our community and Colorado in general. We’d most likely meet at Great Scotts Eatery.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

A: My dog and I love to saunter around Community Park near the amphitheater, pond, and library.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

A: Hopefully aging well and still enjoying all the hiking trails.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: Since 1990, my family and I have hosted a dozen foreign exchange students from all over the world.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: My three young grandchildren. Lincoln, Willa and Eliana, aka Figgy.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

A: The way Broomfield residents care for each other and particularly care for our children.

Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Safety, love, happiness.