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It’s a story that still makes the Russell sisters laugh; it was their matchmaking grandmother, who first introduced their parents, Jerry Russell and the former Mary Lou Murty in 1952. “Mom had just moved to Sherman (from Buffalo) to work at the … [Read more...] about Mary Lou and Jerry Russell Scholarship

A gap in services for children with disabilities has led to a unique summer camp experience for nearly 60 local youth. Next week, children with disabilities, their siblings and volunteers with Exceptional Stars Athletics will spend two days at … [Read more...] about Kids and Sibs Summer Camp

The Southwestern Boys Varsity Soccer team recently donated $1,000 to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for the Janet Lindell Scholarship. The donation was made in honor of Andy Lindell, a senior member of the team and Janet’s son. The … [Read more...] about Southwestern Soccer Donates to Lindell Fund

As they looked for a way to honor the memories of their parents and beloved family friend, sisters Caroline and Kirsten Green couldn’t help but be inspired by the countless stories of former students and community members that were touched by the … [Read more...] about Edwards Receives Carlson, Green, Willson Scholarship

Jason Williams lived his life asking the question, “What can we do to help?” By day, the 7th and 8th grade English teacher at Washington Middle School encouraged his students to dig deeper, ask questions and follow their interests. He inspired … [Read more...] about Fund Created in Memory of Jason Williams

Nearly two weeks after a racist gunman shot and killed 10 people in a Buffalo grocery store, two of Southern Chautauqua County’s largest funders have committed to supporting our Western New York neighbors in need. The Chautauqua Region Community … [Read more...] about Chautauqua County Funders Respond to Buffalo Tragedy

This story was originally written in 2012 after the creation of the Bill and Linda Knight Brass Scholarship A young music student, whose family struggled to make ends meet, was devastated by the thought of having to give up music lessons. … [Read more...] about Bill and Linda Knight Brass Scholarship

Alexis "Lexy" Hughan grew up in the arts community. At the age of 3, Hughan began taking piano and dance lessons at Infinity Visual and Performing Arts. Her artistic abilities were developed and nurtured during the years that followed as she … [Read more...] about Infinity’s Lexy Hughan Memorial Fund

When John Zabrodsky commits to something, he is in it for the long run. In 2021, Zabrodsky celebrated 31 years of service as a member of the Board of Directors at Chautauqua Striders and announced his retirement following his term as Chair. A … [Read more...] about Chautauqua Striders Honors Zabrodsky’s Leadership

Representatives from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation were honored to be invited to The Star Hospice House's ribbon cutting on February 8. A grant from the Foundation’s Fund for the Region was awarded to Chautauqua Hospice and … [Read more...] about Star Hospice House Receives CRCF Support

For 35 years, Karen Cotten inspired and encouraged the students and athletes at Falconer Central School.  A graduate of Liverpool High School and SUNY Brockport, Cotten taught health and physical education until her retirement in 2005. Two … [Read more...] about Karen Cotten Memorial Scholarship

Though her eyes often brimmed with tears, Junie Eimiller’s voice remained strong and steady as she spoke about her son, Bannon, and his compassion for others. “He had such a huge heart and an incredible way of connecting with people, regardless of … [Read more...] about Finding Strength in Tragedy

Following the tragic death of their friend and classmate, a group of Southwestern Central School graduates set out to honor one of their own. On January 23, 2017, Justin Romaniuk was traveling southbound on Route 60 when his car veered into the … [Read more...] about Romaniuk Scholarship Created for Southwestern Seniors

In the Metzger family, giving back to the community is a core value that has been passed down for generations. For Michael Metzger, it has simply become second nature. “My mom and dad raised us to believe that volunteering was expected and an … [Read more...] about Metzger Receives Community Service Award

For anyone who knew Jerry Lockwood, if he wasn’t spending time with his loving family, he was probably on the golf course. As a young boy, Lockwood fell in love with the game. His family recalls that as a kid he was playing in the woods around … [Read more...] about Lockwood Scholarship to Benefit Area Golfers

The Falconer Region Community Fund and Donald R. Swanson Memorial Fund recently awarded grants to seven organizations throughout the Ellington, Falconer and Kennedy communities. More than $8,000 was distributed to the Ellington Farman Library to … [Read more...] about Falconer Region Receives Funding from Community Foundation

The John Edward McLaughlin Family Fund, administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, recently awarded nearly $10,000 to organizations in Randolph, NY.   Grants were awarded to Randolph Fire Company to purchase smoke and carbon … [Read more...] about McLaughlin Family Funds Awarded