Pat Nanney
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 11:35 am
|
New officers of the Aktion Club of Rutherford County began serving recently as the club held its monthly meeting, the first of the club's 13th year. The officers (left to right) are: Vice President Isaac Lail, President Yanessa Ortiz, Treasurer Amy Harkrader and Secretary Andrew Gordon. The officers pledged to work together to better the community and help those in need.
Aktion Clubs are service clubs for adults with disabilities and are an extension of Kiwanis International. The Rutherord County Club, which is a distinguished club, is sponsored by the Rutherfordton and Forest City Kiwanis clubs and meets at Rutherford Life Services, which was thanked for their support. The vision of the Aktion Club is to develop competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.
Rutherford County Library director Chaundra Johnson allowed the Aktion Club to display handmade bookmarks for library patrons to use when reading a book. The members started making bookmarks in April and completed the project recently after reaching a goal of 500 bookmarks. Aktion Club member Dana Moltrum and volunteer Charleen Cashman showed samples of the bookmarks. Club members are asking that if a bookmark touched your heart to please send a note to Kiwanis Aktion Club of Rutherford County; 230 Fairground Road, Spindale, North Carolina 28160.
The club has been collecting hats, scarves, gloves and socks for the Grace of God Mission to share with the community when cold weather returns. The "Hats for Hope" project was suggested by Billy and Cathy Callahan and collection of items began in August. The Callahans presented 324 items to Teresa Long at Grace of God Rescue Mission. The club shares Little Debbie products with Grace of God Mission monthly and also donated 15 Halloween goody boxes to be given to children.
The local club totaled 1,660 service hours during the past club year. The group continues the Kiwanis Signature Teddy Bear Project that gives bears to local law enforcement and fire departments to help comfort children in a crisis situation. Handmade cards and framed wildlife pictures are shared with Hospice families. Old stamps are being used to make bookmarks that will be shared with veterans in November. Items have been made for the Rutherford County Senior Center. The next club meeting will be November 19, 2026.