Clarkston Eagles Auxiliary member Florence Blimka does not seek the spotlight, even when selected for a national award.
‘She’s pretty shy about the whole thing,? said Rebecca Champeau, madam president of Fraternal Order of Eagles Clarkston Auxiliary 3373. ‘We needed false pretenses just to get her to her award breakfast (Aug. 17).?
They told her the breakfast was in memory of a friend. Instead, local Eagles and Auxiliaries had gathered to honor her for her Isabel Vallie/Imogene Harac award.
‘When I read the (award) letter, she didn’t know it was about her until the end, when I said her name,? said Champeau, who wrote her nomination, along with Debra Deplaunty and Sharyn Tracy.
‘She was very honored and surprised,? Deplaunty said. ‘She’s a neat lady. She’s done so much for the community. That’s why we picked her.?
A charter member, Blimka was initiated into the chapter on May 25, 1969. She served every office except madam president, including work with nominating and financial committees, bake sales, and bingo.
This is the first national for the Clarkston Eagles Auxiliary, Champeau said.
‘It’s pretty amazing,? she said.
Working as a school bus driver, she made sure children had coats and boots. She volunteers at local senior centers and nursing homes, sitting with those who need companionship, takes care of family, shelters women in need of help, provides free art lessons.
‘She still drives,? Deplaunty said. ‘She lives by herself, cooks for herself ? she never stops.?