Western Springs resident John Huebner recently brought home second prize in the prestigious International Aktion Club Contest. Aktion Club, which is affiliated with Kiwanis International, is a community service club made up of individuals with disabilities. The local club is coordinated by the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation and is co-sponsored by Downers Grove and Lombard Kiwanis Clubs.

SEASPAR provides recreational and social programs for individuals with disabilities. Huebner, who has a developmental disability related to his brain and eyes,  said he has been active with SEASPAR for more than 15 years, participating in a variety of sports and social activities. When the local Aktion Club was formed about three years ago, Huebner became the charter president.

Huebner’s award was given for his speech on the topic, “What I’ve Learned by Being an Aktion Club Member.” A video-taped version of his speech was first submitted to the Illinois and Eastern Iowa District of Kiwanis. From there, it advanced to the international competition, where contestants were judged on originality, organization, delivery and more.

Susan Friend, executive director of SEASPAR, is the adviser of the local Aktion Club. Currently, she said, there are about 20 members. They have coordinated a number of food drives, as well as collections of items for Operation Support Our Troops and for schools in underprivileged areas.

Affiliation with the Club, Friend said, “provides a sense of purpose, belonging in the community and contributing to the community. It’s a unique situation. Our participants have been on the receiving end of generosity and good will, and this is their opportunity to step up to the plate.”

In his speech, Huebner “talked about what the club has done, and about being in the club,” Friend said.

“It’s allowed him to show and develop leadership skills. That’s a big part of what the club does. It helps to develop leadership skills within our ranks of members,” she said.

“As president I ran meetings and listened to other peoples’ opinions,” Huebner said.
The experience has been valuable.

“I have more patience listening to other people than I had in the past. In private, I wouldn’t always listen but in meetings, I’d listen to the people,” he said. “I explained activities, helped to put things together and lead.”

“I like meeting other people and meeting people in the community. There’s more social interaction with other people, doing things for myself and for others in the community.”

Other local Aktion Club members receiving awards were Renee Vrochota of Darien, who won first place for her speech, and Molly Sosnowski of Lisle, who won second place for a poster.

“Our gang smoked the competition,” Friend boasted.

For further information on the local Aktion Club, call Susan Friend at (630) 960-7600.

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