WELCOME TO THE CHESTER BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Mission Statement
The Chester Beautification Commission is dedicated to emphasizing and recognizing the natural beauty of our area in order to promote a sense of pride among our citizens in their homes, yards, and surroundings and to encourage tourism and attract visitors to our community.
Funding
Funding shall be provided by the City of Chester and approved fundraisers of the Commission.
Membership
The number of members on the Beautification Commission is not to exceed 12, which include an Alderperson on the City Council and the Executive Director of the Chester Chamber of Commerce. When a vacancy is open, a recommendation is to be submitted by Commission members to the Mayor of Chester for approval. Members of the Beautification Commission must be a resident in the Chester area. Length of membership on the Beautification Commission is for a two-year term. In the event a member is unable to complete the term, a replacement will be appointed to complete said term. The selection of the replacement will be the same procedure as all members. Positions on the board of the Beautification Commission are chairman, vice-chairmen, secretary, treasurer and directors. Selection of the position of chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer shall be by election of the entire commission.
Charlie Bargman, Chairman
Marlene Seymour, Vice Chairperson
VACANT
Tom Sauer, Treasurer
Frank Benedict
Bertha Mae Blechle
VACANTSandra Starr
Bob Dickson
VACANT
Cathy Sauer
Sandra Starr Lynda Sympson, Chamber of Commerce Liaison
Clint Cowan, Aldermanic Liaison
Meetings
Regular meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month at the city hall at 1:00 p.m. with the exception of November and December. Special meetings can be called by the Chairman of the Beautification Commission. Projects are to be chosen by the Beautification Commission and approved by the city council. All meetings are on Monday unless it is a holiday and therefore meetings will be on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
Current Projects the Commission is working on..........
It is a new year with projects actively underway by the Chester Beautification Commission. A few of these are the Take Pride Award, the Farmers Market, renovation of the Old Rock Bridge and a River Front Park .
The Take Pride Award is to recognize commercial and residential properties that have enhanced the beauty of our community. Recognition is acknowledged by placing a sign in a winner’s yard plus photo of the residence and owners in the Harold Tribune and County Journal newspapers. One or two awards are presented per month April through October; Charlie Bargman and Marlene Seymour head the committee. Nominations can be submitted to either of the committee members, the newspapers or telephone 826 3454.
Home grown fruits and vegetables, bakery goods and jams, hand-made items etc. are sold Saturday mornings at the Farmers Market beginning in May and our held on Saturday mornings at the Chester Square Gazebo park. The public begin arriving at 7:30 AM and continue until goods are sold out which is usually by noon. The market will continue until the last Saturday in September. For additional information including selling at the market, contact Frank Benedict at 826-3370. There is no charge to vendors for selling at the market.
The Old Rock Bridge is located below a scenic cataract area off Old Rock Bridge Road . The historical bridge dates back to the mid 1800’s and is beautifully constructed with a triple brick arch and stone walls.
The Committee has submitted a request to the Illinois National Historic Preservation Agency to place the bridge on the National Historical Register. Committee members are Tom Sauer, Cathy Sauer, Marlene Seymour and June Combs. Photos of the bridge can be seen at http://bridgehunter.com/il/randolph/rock/
A join effort of the Beautification Commission and the City of Chester is constructing a park on the River Front. The City received a $25,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to create the park which will be 300 ft long with flower beds, picnic benches & tables and a meandering walkway. Construction is almost complete. Committee members are Carolyn Schwent , Tom Sauer, Cathy Sauer, Kevin Diercks, Ned Carlton, and Jeff Kerkhover.
Respectfully submitted by Sandra Starr
