ONE ON ONE | Austra Blaus Native of Latvia honors role model by serving others

You run the church food pantry, drive a route for Meals on Wheels and organize funeral meals for church members. Why such an emphasis on service to others?
I was brought up by a lady who brought me to the United States from Latvia. She was a schoolteacher. She was active in service projects. That kind of gave me the idea. She showed me the way. I've never regretted my involvement.
How big is the food pantry operation?
I've been doing it for 17 years. The demand has decreased from the 1980s. We served 270 families last year. This is an emergency pantry, and it's not subsidized. We can only give from what money we have from the church and special donations.
How long have you been arranging funeral meals for church families?
Twenty years, but not since I've been ill since September. Last year we had six, the year before, we had 12. This year we've had four.
How often do you drive for Meals-On-Wheels?
Every Tuesday. I have our longest route -- 26 miles -- Brookfield and Masury. Right now, I have 13 stops.
Are there other community programs you are involved in?
Church outreach, World Hunger and CROP Walk.
You were recognized for your community service by being named an honoree on Buhl Day 1996. Were you surprised?
Yes, because I felt there were more deserving people than me. The church synod recognized me in 1998. They presented me with a plaque.
Do you watch much television?
I like to watch the news. I switch around. I like to watch "[Judging] Amy."
How about movies?
The last one I went to was "Lord of the Rings" with my kids. I wait until they come to television.
You like to watch the news. Do you have an interest in politics?
Only as an observer. I'm just interested. My interest in politics stems from the Russians' taking Latvia. We got out in January 1945. Latvia declared its independence in 1991, and I went back to Latvia for the first time in 1995. We saw the graves of my older brother and some of my husband's relatives who were also killed by the Russians.
Is your husband from Latvia, too?
Yes. He had two uncles killed by the Russians. I met him at a wedding in New York City 50 years ago this July.
Who has most influenced your life?
Actually, it was a minister when we were in Germany and his wife (who) was organizing the Girl Scouts. After them, it was my sponsor, Leita.
Where do you go to get away from it all?
Back yard. That's where my flowers are and the birds. We have two bird feeders.
How did you come to live in Hermitage?
I retired (from nursing) in 1967 in El Paso. We moved to Hermitage in June 1970. My husband was stationed at the Farrell Army Reserve Center. We had four kids in school and decided to stay here. We kind of like it. We're still in the same place on Welles Road.
What do you do to relax?
I read the paper. I have flowers and vegetables every year. I'm a slight gardener. I was a bowler. I had a stroke last September the day before I was to get back to bowling. I bowled every Wednesday. I play cards. We play pinochle and bridge.
Any other hobbies?
I like to sew. I like to walk. I like to travel.
What type of flowers do you plant?
All kinds. We have geraniums, tulips, narcissus, phlox, impatiens and petunias. I plant tomatoes and peppers.
Do you have a favorite food?
All. We finally tried that Mexican restaurant on State Street. We went in Sunday, but the lights went off. The church lights were off, too. The church lost food in the freezer when it went off.
What type of music do you like?
I like music in the '50s and '60s.