Commission outlines projects that keep Chester beautiful
Members of Chester's Beautification and Tourism Commission outlines the purposes and special projects the commission undertakes during the April 28 meeting of the Chester Women's Club.
The commission, which operates with funding from the city of Chester and various fundraising projects, oversees local projects like the ongoing anti-litter campaign, the purchase of holiday banners and Christmas lights, maintenance of Chester's city welcome signs, the monthly Take Pride Award for residences and businesses, historic preservation, Mississippi Riverboat tours and the planting and maintenance of the floral planters in Chester's business district.
Special projects include the renovation of Chester's Stone Cottage in downtown Chester and its continued maintenance. The small, two-story structure dates to the mid 19th Century and plans are for the property to become a museum. In the near future, it is expected that the property will be placed on the National Historic Registry.
Club members Sandra Starr said one of the busiest undertakings is working with the city to provide bus tours for the many Mississippi Riverboat passengers that dock at Chester during the spring and summer months. Passengers are offered a variety of tours while the boats are docked in Chester, including bus trips to Chester's business district, the historic Cohen Home, Spinach Can Collectibles, the Randolph County Courthouse and the Chester Welcome Center.
If requested, passengers are shown Chester's popular Popeye Statue Character Trail. Premium tours are also offered, which go to historic Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Riverboat companies that dock in Chester are the American Queen, Queen of the Mississippi, Viking and Duchess cruise lines.
The Beautification and Tourism Commission also oversees Chester's farmers market and riverfront improvement.
Starr reported on a special project during 2017 when a small group, including herself, husband Brad Wylie, and Marlene Seymour, researched, cleaned and repaired the Spencer Mausoleum in Chester's Evergreen Cemetery. The mausoleum dates to 1910 and had become in serious disrepair. After much effort, descendants of the family were located and the small group of volunteers was given permission to do the work. Stained glass repair was paid for by family members.
"Another example of our goal of historic preservation," Starr said.
The business portion of the meeting was conducted by President Chris Bowles. Scholarship committee chairman Mary Ann Stumpe reported that her committee will peruse Chester High School senior scholarship applications during the coming week and selected recipients of the Chester Women's Club's scholarships will be announced at the CHS Honors' Night on May 9.
Toni Hosick, chairman of the nominating committee, presented the following proposed slate of officers for the 2018-19 CWC club year: President, Chris Bowles; First VP, Nikki Aubuchon; Second VP, Sandra Starr; Recording Secretary, Joyce McGee; Corresponding Secretary, Cathy Sauer; and Treasurer, Jane Stallman: The slate was elected by acclamation and will be installed at the May meeting. Club member Joan Montroy spoke briefly about a project of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Liberty Bell of the West Chapter, in keeping with the Illinois Bicentennial celebrations. The Chapter will dedicate a monument next to the Randolph County Courthouse on August 26, memorializing Randolph County as the place
where Illinois began. A fried chicken fundraising dinner, to assist with the costs of the monument, will be held Friday, June 8 at the Chester KC Hall.
The final meeting of the club year will be the annual May Luncheon on Friday, May 11. Tickets must be purchased by May 4 and any member who has not already purchased a ticket may do so by contacting Jane Stallman. President Bowles urged all members to be prepared to pay their dues and give their "Thank Offerings" at the May Luncheon.