When special wood tiles needed to be shaped over a fire before being installed on the roof of her home, Belita Schindler did not hesitate to be the one to form the tiles and then climb two stories on a ladder to give the tiles to the roofers.

“One couldn’t help but be amazed by her,” said her good friend, Mary Anne Wolesky.

That story shows the energy and single-mindedness Schindler has displayed throughout her life about things she thinks are important — and a good portion of those have benefitted the Austin community.

Schindler, amid a standing ovation and applause, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, during the chamber’s fall meeting.

Schindler, said Chamber President Tim Fritz, has always been a spark plug for community involvement.

“She never seems to tire,” he said, adding her volunteerism has ranged from helping save the Paramount Theatre and working on the Main Street Project, to co-chairing Austin’s Artworks Festival and serving on countless foundation boards. She has been an avid supporter of art, music, theater and everything in between.

“She has always been all-in, always engaged … with creative and artistic spirit,” said Wolesky, who introduced Schindler during the presentation of her ward.

Wolesky said Schindler knew when it was time to laugh. She recalled when Schindler and her late husband, Dr. Richard Schindler, were named grand marshals of the Fourth of July parade.

Rather than sit through the parade in the traditional convertible, they installed dummies in the car’s seats and then roller-bladed the entire parade route.

Schindler, a North Dakota native, came to Austin with Richard in 1972.  She established Belita’s Residential and Commercial Interiors and established a top-flight reputation in the interior design business during her 25 years in business.

While she was active in the business community, she was as well-known for her work with community projects. She was a key player in the Main Street Project, which resulted in the renovation of 38 store fronts and eight residential properties. She has opened her home to medical students when needed, and has played the organ at St. Augustine Catholic Church for 44 years. She is a member for the choir. She has four children and nine grandchildren.

“She is so compelling and inspiring,” Wolesky said. “She loves our community and serves it with enthusiasm.”

The Paramount Theatre renovation continues to spark her passion and on Wednesday, she did not waste any time in enlisting fellow Chamber members to be part of the move to expand the theater.

“See, now, you’re all my volunteers,” she said, arms wide, to a round of laughter. “Now you are all members of my team — and don’t forget, I know where you live.”

Onea more serious note, she thanked them for all their support of projects that enhance Austin.

“People who do not volunteer just don’t get it. … When you volunteer, you put yourself in the company of remarkable people,” she said. “And that’s a good way to live your life.”

Waldhoff and Cano take board spots

Stephen Waldhoff of Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea and Austin, was re-elected to the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. Matt Cano of Ameriprise Financial Wealth Management Solutions was elected for his first term. Kim Hillberg, of Clifton-Larson-Allen LLP, who served the board for seven years, has retired her service.