BP Citizen of the Year: ‘Thank You’
It has often been said that dynamite comes in small packages.
That is indeed true with the 2021 Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, Karen Fouarge.
The Mighty Mite of Blooming Prairie volunteerism will be honored Thursday night as the 2021 BP Citizen of the Year. A banquet is planned for the BP Servicemen's Club with social hour from 5-6 p.m. with the dinner being served at 6 p.m.
Fouarge, 56, said she was "pretty surprised" when told she was the recipient of the Chamber's top award. Asked if she had her acceptance speech ready, Fouarge said "yes." She has written her speech comprised of two words: Thank you.
Ask for help on any project, and Fouarge is ready to roll up her sleeves and be the leader or a most dedicated volunteer.
With a sparkle in her eyes, Fouarge can readily disarm anyone and convince them to be a part of her team. She does it with a chuckle and a laughing smile and with a determined plea.
Fouarge is known throughout Blooming Prairie as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.
She is most well-known for organizing the 4th of July parade the past 15-plus years. She said last year was her last year as parade chair. She has committed herself to helping the new chairs, Suzie Burt and her family.
Fouarge’s involvement in Blooming Prairie activities and events include:
• Worked with vision and hearing screening at the Blooming Prairie Elementary School;
• Served as room monitor for testing at the elementary school;
• Helped teacher Diane Pfeiffer with Lending Library games;
• Started the elementary carnival;
• Served on the Early Childhood board; and
• Helped with ice cream social and pancake supper at St. John's Lutheran Church of Havana Township and served as church secretary.
Fouarge also has been active in the Jaycees, chaired the 4th of July parade, helped with the Chamber golf outing, served as a committee member for Blooming Prairie's 150th celebration, helped with the BP Youth Club activities, and served as secretary for four years and as president the last three years of the BP Education Foundation.
She has answered the call for many types of involvement because she says if she has time and the knowledge, she would agree to be that "someone who has to do it."
Fouarge is an Awesome Blossom, graduating from BPHS in 1983. She was born in Owatonna. Most of her years have been in Blooming Prairie. She did reside in Rochester for five years and returned to BP in 1988.
Fouarge has four children, Tyler, Trevor, LeAnna and Jessica. She also has two stepsons, Brandon Fouarge and Jonathan Fouarge. She has four grandchildren, Linnea Kruckeberg, Cash Kruckeberg, Davina Fouarge and Noah Fouarge.
Her grandchildren rate high in her family involvement, said Fouarge.
When asked what satisfaction she has with her involvement in her small town community, Fouarge said: "Knowing I have helped people and they appreciate it."
Asked if she ever says "no" when asked to help out, Fouarge said only "if I'm really busy."
Fouarge said she is very organized. "It drives me crazy when I see people not being organized."
Using the 4th of July parade as an example, Fouarge said she plans by the month. "It might not be the easiest and right way, but it works for me."
Being part of a small town is very important to Fouarge. 'In Blooming Prairie, we always have a helping hand somewhere."
"I enjoy working with different personalities; the resources are people and they out there."
"I can't be everywhere but I can help get people connected with one another," she said. There are people out there who are hurting, and Fouarge said she takes pride in helping people in extreme need.
Fouarge is quick to thank husband, John, for his support of her busy schedule. "He has had no choice but to help on various projects and I tell him to get along for the ride or get off the wagon."
The 2021 Citizen of the Year said she hopes to retire someday and enjoy life at a slower pace.