Volunteer spotlight: Lorraine Tomerlin

When she's not volunteering for Filmworks, Lorraine Tomerlin enjoys going on road trips.
When she’s not volunteering for Filmworks, Lorraine Tomerlin enjoys going on road trips.
March 2014 volunteer spotlight: Lorraine Tomerlin

Occupation: Lorraine teaches middle-school science.

What are some of your hobbies? “In my free time I love to go on road trips, hike, look for sea glass, hang out with friends, garden, and play my uke. For road trips I love the coast, specifically Cayucos, Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro, and Moss Landing. The pace of life is slow and relaxed in these places, not a whole lot of people at certain times of the year, and the scenery is spectacular. For longer road trips, I love western Washington. I moved to Fresno from Seattle many years ago and my heart is still there.”

How long have you been volunteering for Filmworks and how did you get involved?
“I’ve been volunteering for Filmworks about eight years, and I became involved because my friend [and former board member] Dianne Hanzlicek used to be the person who coordinated and recruited the volunteers. She asked if I would be interested and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

What has been your favorite Filmworks screening and why?
“My favorite film so far has been “Searching for Sugar Man.” It was a great story. Sixto Rodriguez is such an amazing person and I hadn’t heard his music before. I was pushing old ladies aside to be the first in line to buy the CD after the show.”

What are your favorite types of films?
“My favorite types of films are the ones based on real people or events. I like learning new things about people, places, and history. Besides “Searching for Sugar Man,” I loved last November’s show, “Wadjda,” which was about an independent little girl growing up in Saudi Arabia. I loved her spirit and the fact that she didn’t let society tell her who to be. She reminded me of my granddaughter, who is growing up in an Arab country. Another of my favorite films recently was “20 Feet From Stardom.” I had never really thought about the lives of backup singers before and how much singers and bands depend on them. It was a fascinating look into their world — their successes as well as their struggles.”

What do you enjoy most about Filmworks screenings?
“One of my favorite things about Filmworks, besides seeing all the great movies, is that it is a shot in the arm for the Tower District. It brings business to the restaurants, shops, and bars. People who normally would not be there are exposed to the different things to do and places to go in the Tower.”

Past volunteers in the spotlight: February 2014: Antonio Garcia • January 2014: Fae Giffen • December 2013: Cleo Bauer and Dominic Papagni • November 2013: Kathryn and Carl Johnsen • October 2013: Linda Hernandez • September 2013: Susan Rogers • August 2013: Joan and Brijesh Sharma • July 2013: Jon Veinberg • June 2013: Richard Stone • May 2013: Sarah Nixon • April 2013: Alyssa Rendon • March 2013: Nené Casares

Contact our volunteer director, Gloria Burrola, to volunteer at a future screening.