Fundraising fun at Youngstown Oktoberfest
Bash at Penguin City raises tens of thousands for Autism Society
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YOUNGSTOWN -- For about 20 years, Denise Seman has run a Mineral Ridge-based business called Crafty Shop of Horrors, but it's likely those on the autism spectrum who pay her shop a visit found many more halcyon items than horrifying ones.
"It's good to support the autism society. … It's nice to see that it's not something being shunned," Seman said.
Her support came via the wide array of products she and her daughter, Edee Seman, brought to the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley's all-day Oktoberfest Youngstown fundraiser Saturday at Penguin City Brewing Co., 460 E. Federal St., downtown.
They were among several vendors who set up shop as part of the gathering's marketplace.
A goal of the funfest, which featured a variety of German music, food, dancing, games and competitions -- not to mention, lots of celebration and camaraderie -- was to raise money for the ASMV's operating expenses, programs, resources, advocacy efforts and services, Jodi Glass, executive director, said, adding that she hoped Saturday's gathering would generate $50,000.
One such program is Social Connections, which is made up of two groups of those ages 12 to 25 who meet monthly.
"We travel around the three counties (Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana) and attend activities, including a kickboxing class," Jennifer Groce, who teaches seventh and eighth grade English and science at Potential Development High School, said.
The main ideas are to provide those on the spectrum in that age range opportunities to build relationships with peers and feel more comfortable in public settings, Groce added.
Those eligible have "lower support needs," meaning they are able to communicate with others but may need prompting and can take care of themselves, she noted.
For more information about the Social Connections program, go to www.autismmv.org/social.
Contrary to what one might initially assume, Crafty Shop of Horrors specializes in selling primarily merchandise made not with horror themes in mind, but from chenille polyester and acrylic yarn for those on the spectrum who have sensory problems, difficulty with self-regulation and need to de-stress. Such colorful and offbeat wares include dragons, turtles, fidget toys and beads, and even woven pickles with faces that convey various emotions.
"We do have a lot of stuff that's very tactile," Denise Semen said.
Much of the stigma once associated with autism has been erased, but some remains partly because of certain political points of view, she continued.
While the specter of an autism diagnosis often is serious business, that doesn't mean a little fun can't be infused into the mix. Specifically, the Oktoberfest featured a bratwurst-eating contest in which five competitors were given 10 minutes to down as many of the German sausages as possible.
Taking home a first-place finish -- and an additional T-shirt -- was Alex Riddle of Youngstown, who ate more than 10 of the spicy brats.
Soon after, the German sausages were the theme for a bratwurst toss in which contestants were challenged to stand backward and toss as many small plastic brats into buckets that their partners held. Each round became increasingly challenging, as the contestants holding the buckets and those tossing the bratwursts were instructed to stand farther from one another.
The winner was Nicole Kun of Boardman, who caught about 15 of them, along with her partner.
While it's likely no one will argue that the 11-hour Oktoberfest failed to have its share of fun, frolics and festivities, the event also went a long way toward exposing the public to seeing more closely, and further appreciating, how the ASMV functions and serves those on the autism spectrum and their families in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, Glass noted.
"I'm glad to see the support of the community. It renews my spirit as director of this organization when they see the work we do," she added.
While pleased with the increase in awareness and acceptance of autism over the years, a greater number of resources is still needed, partly because long wait lists to see a neurologist, receive applied behavior analysis therapy and other services still exist, she said, adding that such waits can be up to a year.
Also, it's vital to keep in mind that autism does not lend itself to a one-size-fits-all approach. While some on the spectrum may have mild characteristics, others can be more severe and have an additional challenge such as obsessive compulsive disorder, Glass said, adding that her organization is working to change the conversation regarding autism.
"People on the spectrum deserve a quality of life," she said.
The Oktoberfest also featured a pretzel toss, beer stein races, raffle drawings and a community chicken dance. Providing the entertainment were the Saxon Club Band, the Fred Zwich Polka Band, the Ohio Valley Folk Society Dancers and the House Band.