Nov. 7--CHICO -- Last month was a landmark month for Alice Ackerman. Oct. 24 she was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the organization's headquarters in Bakersfield.
The festive event was "like a Hollywood production," she told the Enterprise-Record on Oct. 28, describing the star treatment she received.
The Chico Eagles Auxiliary member made a point to say she wasn't the only one honored that night; Eagles aeries and auxiliaries name several hall-of-famers each year, including one given post-humously.
It was no surprise for her in Bakersfield, she said. The announcement had been made earlier in the year at the state convention. Past State President Elizabeth Roberts of Magalia nominated Ackerman.
"I had months to be nervous," Ackerman said. Through her many years serving the auxiliary at various levels, there were some familiar faces in the audience.
"There were hundreds of people. I've known quite a few officers around the state."
In 1990, the year she retired to Chico, she joined Chico Eagles Auxiliary, and within three years was its president. With a bookkeeping background, she became auxiliary auditor and then handled its secretarial duties for 11 years. She often helped with registration and other record-keeping duties for county conferences.
Several years ago she was Child Abuse and Spinal Cord Injury state chairman. She secured a $5,000 grant that was given to Enloe Medical Center for an education program to prevent spinal
cord injuries in children.
Besides Chico, there are a number of other busy Eagles auxiliaries, including Willows, Orland and Paradise, she said. Joann Grover of Oroville is the auxiliary state president.
Auxiliaries take part in national projects, as well as each having its own favorite charities. Chico Eagles Auxiliary has supported Catalyst Domestic Violence Services, Esplanade House, Chico library, Butte Literacy Council, Salvation Army and the Jesus Center, among others.
Ackerman has divided her services between Chico and Oroville auxiliaries, as well as being involved in Elks Ladies, Chico Women's Club and Chico Odd Fellow Rebekahs. Her next project will be to help with the Rebekahs' baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"They won't let me rest. They are already asking me about next year," she said with a wide smile.
She attributes her passion for community service to her father, a preacher from Oklahoma.
"It's a type of service I was born with. My father was a minister. I grew up with it."
Ackerman raised three children, and now has three grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Laurie Kavenaugh can be reached at 896-7765 or lifestyle@chicoer.com.
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