Aktion Club growing in Ohio

Bucyrus, Ohio, Telegraph
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BUCYRUS, Ohio—The Crawford County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and two area Kiwanis clubs recently formed the Crawford Community Aktion Club, a service-oriented organization comprised of individuals with disabilities.

Aktion clubs can be found throughout the country and are supported by Kiwanis International.
The two local Kiwanis clubs co-sponsoring the Aktion Club are in Bucyrus and Galion.

Joyce Schifer, president of the Bucyrus Kiwanis club, and David Zeuch, president of the Galion Kiwanis club, are sponsoring club advisors to the Aktion Club. Beginning Oct. 1, Anne Goode and the Rev. Don Trigg will take over as presidents of the Bucyrus and Galion clubs, respectively.

“This is such a great opportunity for our people,” said Crawford MRDD Superintendent Charles Frobose. “I believe strongly that the more exposure and interaction that people with disabilities have with the community, the better for everyone concerned. Our people benefit by the interaction and others in the community develop a better understanding of people with disabilities. It’s truly a win-win.”

At a recent organization meeting, Charles Dierksheide was elected the first president of the Crawford Aktion Club. Other officers are Tim Plasencia, vice president; Renee Plasencia, secretary; and JoAnn Sharrock, treasurer. The newly elected board members are Jim Plasencia, Deb Dunbar, Jeff Turner and Kendra Keesee.

“This has been a great experience for me," said Schifer. "Prior to establishing the Aktion Club, I had not had a lot of exposure to people with disabilities. I’ve personally benefited from this relationship. I’ve learned that people with disabilities want to belong, participate and help their communities, just like everyone else. They want the same opportunities that everyone else wants. They have some great personalities.”

The club, which has 20 members, will meet once a month at the Crawford MRDD headquarters on Southern Avenue.

To participate in the club, individuals with disabilities must be able to participate in club activities, benefit from participating in club activities and have the potential to grow as a member of the club.

Club members recently attended a two-day Ohio District Aktion Club convention in Ashley, Ohio.
About 240 Crawford County residents, ranging from infants to senior citizens, receive services from MRDD. The agency sponsors the Waycraft Industries sheltered workshop, the Fairway School, Special Olympics, various adult services, community employment and residential programs.