Beautification Commission continues active roll in community
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Chester Beautification Commission continues to take an active roll in the community. Take Pride Awards are presented; the Farmers Market now includes a selection of hand-made furniture, carvings and more to the fruits and vegetables for sale; trash cans plus more flower pots have been added along the streets; color and beauty to the urns at Evergreen Cemetery, and the Riverfront Park is blooming. Looking ahead, the City Steps are being spruced up.
The Take Pride Award recognizes commercial and residential properties that have enhanced the beauty of our community; seven awards have been presented so far this year. The Commission is seeking nominations to acknowledge residential and commercial properties. Chester residents are encouraged to suggest nominations by contacting Marlene Seymour (826.3330) or leave a voice message for Charlie Bargman at 826.3454. There are many beautiful yards and striking improvements in Chester and the Beautification Commission want to acknowledge the property owners, so please contact Marlene or Charlie.
The Beautification Commission purchased an additional 10 flower pots this spring bringing the total to 26 large plus smaller ones at the gazebo. Cathy and Tom Sauer oversaw the purchasing and planting of the flowers. Ron Caron was hired by the Beautification Commission to help care for the flowers. Ron and Cathy water and take care of the flowers in planters throughout town, at the river park and the urns in Evergreen Cemetery.
Flowers are blooming in the large white urns in Evergreen Cemetery. A special thanks to Chester Women's Club which donates toward the purchase of these flowers and to Marlene Seymour for the planting. Visitors are encouraged to drive through the area as well as take advantage of the scenic view and serene setting by taking time to sit at the picnic table overlooking the Bridge Road. Bring a picnic lunch or a book to read.
The riverfront park is nearing completion. The 300-foot mini park has a lovely raised flower bed in the shape of a boat with a genuine anchor as a focal point. Antique light posts stand along the winding concrete walk; additional tables and benches are coming. The park was financed through a 2008 grant from the State of Illinois.
The Farmers Market is from 7:30 AM until sold out each Saturday until September 26th. Get there early since vendors sell out quickly. Besides seasonal fruits, vegetables and canned goods, hand-made outdoor furniture and other wooden items are for sale. A variety of hand-made jewelry boxes and additional crafted items are also available. The furniture is made by Larry Korando, Willy Gully Lane, 826- 2027; the jewelry boxes, etc. are made by Bill Lang, George Street, 826-2553. Since all their items are not at the Farmers Market, they invite the public to contact them at their home. Special orders are welcome.
The Beautification Commission members want to thank the private individuals for donations that have been used toward the purchase of flowers around Chester. These individuals who have graciously made donations are greatly appreciated.
A special thank you goes to Matthew Heberlie in accepting the City Steps as his Eagle Scout project. The plans to revamp this historical site are commendable. The target date in completing this project is the first weekend in September, in time for the Popeye Picnic.