By Rose S. Prinzi
On Thursday, Oct 15th, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation hosted a luncheon to say “thank you” to those folks who belong to the Foundation’s Legacy Society.
Those in attendance included: Gladys Peterson, David “Skip” Axelson, and Joyce Axelson. Prior to joining the Legacy Society, these individuals established a fund in honor or in memory of people in their lives.
In the case of Mrs. Peterson, she and her late husband, Lyle, initiated a fund to benefit the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped.
The Peterson’s story began with Mr. Peterson’s childhood friend, Richard W. Johnson, who had cerebral palsy and was unable to walk. Every day, Lyle would pick Richard up in a wagon and take him to Falconer Street School, making sure he arrived at his classes. Their friendship endured for years.
In addition, one of Lyle’s loves was horses. From the time he was a little boy visiting his grandfather’s farm, he felt that the back of a horse was “good for the inner part of a person.”
The Petersons combined their love of horses with the memory of a dear friend to establish a fund for the Centaur Stride program – a perfect fit for the Petersons’ legacy of giving to the community.
The Axelsons’ story is one of loving memories of a daughter and her fiancé. Wendy Sue Axelson and Theodore T. Moll were engaged. Ms. Axelson was one of those individuals capable of doing nearly anything and was a most caring person. After graduating from the State University of New York at Fredonia with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology, Wendy Sue became a staff announcer at WJTN Radio Station.
Ted loved the out-of-doors and volunteering as a fireman at the Kiantone Fire Department where he served as a captain. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Beaver Falls Community College where he became a commercial pilot.
They were in the midst of planning their wedding when tragedy struck. They were hit head-on by a drunken driver while visiting in Mobile, Alabama, ending their young lives prematurely.
In memory of these two young people, their families setup a scholarship fund at the Foundation. The scholarship is given to a graduate of Frewsburg Central School who exemplifies the attributes of Wendy and Ted.
The establishment of the above funds is a testimony to the Petersons’ and the Axelsons’ dedication to our community in memory of those they hold dear to their hearts.
However, their generosity to the community continues through their participation in the Foundation’s Legacy Society. On Thursday, Gladys, “Skip”, and Joyce joined other members of the Legacy Society. Not all members have established funds, but they have all made a charitable bequest in their will to the Foundation. Through their planned gift, Legacy Society members are able to continue to support our area long after they have passed, by providing a legacy of timeless giving and acts of lasting love for future generations.
If you are interested in learning more about the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, or how you may leave a legacy to your community for the future, call 661-3390 or go to our website at www.crcfonline.org.