KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 9, 2008 - The Kiwanis Club of Northside Knoxville, in conjunction with Knoxville's Cerebral Palsy Center, announces the formation of the Northside Aktion Club, designed to provide opportunities for young people and adults with disabilities to develop initiative and leadership skills and be a part of serving their community.
"This is the first Aktion Club chartered in Division V and second across the Kentucky-Tennessee District, the other being in Collegedale, Tenn. It's one we are proud to support," Northside president Patsy Vittetoe said. "Our club will provide support for the Aktion Club, and assist them in their service projects. In turn, they will be a part of our community service projects."
The Northside Aktion Club held its official Charter Night ceremonies Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Ramsey's Restaurant, 5331 Central Avenue Pike at Merchants Drive, at Exit 108 off I-75. Attending were Kentucky-Tennessee District Governor-Elect Jim Westmoreland of Cookeville and Past Kentucky-Tennessee District Governor Al Porell of Tellico Village.
Cerebral Palsy Center executive director Bob Sexton said the new Aktion Club was an exciting and innovative project for the Knoxville community. "We appreciate the Northside Kiwanis Club coming to us with this idea, one that will greatly enhance opportunities for the individuals we support to be more involved in their community."
The club has elected Rhonda Bradford, president, David McBride, vice-president, Marie Anderson, secretary, and Debbie Coene, treasurer.
The Aktion Club has already raised nearly $400 from the sale of Christmas cards created by a former service recipient of the Center, and is working on projects to provide assistance to the Young-Williams Animal Center.
The organizing committee of the Aktion Club includes Past Division 5 Lt. Governors Ralph Harness, Tom Mattingly, and Dr. Bob Harvey, along with Vittetoe and club past president Bob Hillhouse. Doris Mynatt served as a liaison from the Cerebral Palsy Center.
The Northside Aktion Club meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Cerebral Palsy Center, 241 E. Woodland Avenue at 4 p.m.
Aktion Club activities enable members to:
· Participate in the active life of the community
· Contribute to the community
· Develop mechanical, creative, and intellectual abilities
· Participate in social interaction awareness
· Improve self-esteem
· Develop leadership skills
· Achieve personal and service goals
For additional information see club newsletter at: http://www.discoveret.org/kiwanisn/newsletter.pdf
You may also contact: Tom Mattingly (865) 588-5687/414-6218