Foundation honors officer's kind legacy

Donations will be accepted soon at several area events.
CANFIELD -- Random acts of kindness.
Canfield Assistant Police Chief Bob Magnuson used to bestow them on people he came across who needed them.
Magnuson, who was a well-known and respected figure in law enforcement in the Mahoning Valley, died in a sky-diving accident in April. He left behind a shocked and grieving community that included martial arts friends and students at Ohio Valley Martial Arts on U.S. 224.
To honor his memory, people who knew him through his karate classes decided to make his acts of kindness a legacy. They formed the Magnuson Foundation to continue them for people in need throughout the Valley.
Magnuson, a seventh-degree black belt, was a teacher at the school on Thursdays, said the foundation's Annette Paskevitch.
She said she studied under him for five months. "He made it fun."
Paskevitch said that while she was talking to Magnuson's wife, Sandy, she came up with the idea for continuing the random acts of kindness. His wife agreed, saying, "That was Bob," Paskevitch said.
The foundation is also establishing a scholarship for people interested in careers in criminal justice.
Foundation's events
To raise money, the foundation has begun collecting used ink cartridges and old cell phones, with donation bins in 74 locations in Mahoning County, as well as some locations in Columbiana and Trumbull counties.
Paskevitch outlined upcoming events in which the Magnuson Foundation will participate. It will be accepting cartridges, phones and monetary donations at the Big Rock Saturday during the fireworks display at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
The foundation will have a float in the Fourth of July parade, and members will also be on the village green in the alumni tent on the Fourth.
The foundation will be at the Austintown Wal-Mart on July 28 and Aug. 27.
Other events tentatively planned are a dinner-dance and a golf outing.
The foundation is also hoping to sell a coupon book good for vendors at the Canfield and Trumbull fairs and other festivals.
Monetary donations are also being accepted at: Magnuson Foundation, P.O. Box 272, Canfield 44406.
Paskevitch thanked people and businesses that have donated services to the foundation, such as Canfield Lions Club, Boardman Home Depot, Piper Printing, Printing Services Etc., Star Supply and Lowe's.