AKtion Club Receives Charter

The newly formed Bradford AKtion Club officially received its charter during a celebration last night at Togi's.

Kiwanis Club President Todd Peine had this message for AKtion Club President Mike Walter and the rest of the members, "With all the stuff you guys have already done, it shows you have been wanting to do things for your community; you have the ability to do things for the community. Now you have an avenue to do that."

Other AKtion Club officers are Chelsea Albright, vice president; Rose Colella, secretary; and Renee Chittester, treasurer. Board members are Tom Miller, Sheridan Phillips, Tracy Carson and Jeffrey VanScoter. Other members of the club are Jay Furman, Henny Keller, Ashley Peterson, Patty Price, Robert Tubbs, Lisa Williams and Jackie Wolfe.

Bradford Mayor Tom Riel read a proclamation declaring November 19, 2008, "AKtion Club Day" in Bradford. City Clerk John Peterson, on behalf of State Representative Marty Causer, read a resolution from the Commonwealth recognizing the AKtion Club.

Peterson said he's met most of the members of the AKtion Club over the years and, in congratulating them, said "It's been a true privilege to get to know all of you people."

Dr. Nancy Fuhrman said the AKtion Club was the vision of Kiwanis Club past president Kimberly Weinberg, but she needed a chairperson.

"Paula (Vecellio) jumped in with both feet, arms, legs, the whole bit," Fuhrman said. "She's made it fun for the AKtion Club, Kiwanis and Key Club."



Also last night, Bradford High Key Club President Austin LaRoche presented Walter with a check for half the money the Key Club raised by selling refreshments at Kiwanis Kapers. The Key Club and Evergreen Elm are co-sponsors of the AKtion Club. Dallas-Morris Drilling is the AKtion Club's corporate sponsor.

Luida Shearer, Kiwanis International AKtion Club Administrator, told the gathering that, as far as she knows, this is the first AKtion Club that's had a corporate sponsor.

"You may be making history here in Bradford, and you're to be congratulated for that," she said.

The AKtion Club has already worked on several projects -- including sprucing up Hanley Park -- and will be working with the Bradford Hospital Auxiliary on their annual fundraiser.

(Pictured, Mike Walter gives his remarks after being inducted as the AKtion Club's first president. Jay Furman shows off his AKtion Club membership certificate. Renee Chittester being pinned by Paula Vecellio as Sue Florentine and Greg Foreman from Evergreen Elm look on. ~~ Thanks Kimberly! )