Chester Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse

Flags for Heroes

The “Flags for Heroes” program was established to honor our heroes from the military, police, fire, EMS, teachers, doctors, nurses, or anyone that played a heroes role in someone's life. The flags will be flown 4 times a year. We hope to help pay tribute to all of our hometown heroes to come.

4th of July Car Show - 2022

Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone that attended we were able to enjoy another successful 4th of July Car Show! The weather was beautiful and we ended up with more than 260 cars registered from all over the tri-state area; our most ever.

For more photos of the car show, check out our Facebook page (Chester Lions, WV).

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Our annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" at the Chester Municipal Building has become an Easter tradition. In 2022 we served about 180 breakfasts to children, parents, families, and friends. The children enjoyed Easter egg hunts, featuring nearly 3000 eggs; photos with the Easter Bunny; and breakfast. Thank you Connie Hissam for the help over the years in preparing the breakfasts, and to everyone who help set up and help out the day of the event.

Distribution of Holiday Food Baskets

Thanks to Marsh Bellofram, the Chester Lions Club distributed more than 100 bags of groceries and turkeys to local families once again during the 2021 Holiday season. The distribution was made possible through the generosity of Marsh, who, along with Sparkle Market, donated the food. Marsh has been donating food to both the Chester and Newell Lions Club for distribution for over 15 years.

"3rd" of July Car Show - 2021

After missing last year's show due to COVID, it was good to get things back on track in 2021. Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone that attended we were able to enjoy another successful "3rd" of July Car Show! The weather was beautiful and we ended up with 23 7cars registered from all over the tri-state area; our most ever.

Best of Show was awarded to Kurt Massey from Georgetown and his 1969 Camaro SS. The President’s Award (runner up) went to Bill Harrison from New Cumberland and his 1929 Ford Roadster. In total, there were 38 trophies awarded.

For more photos of the car show, check out our Facebook page (Chester Lions, WV).

Allison Elementary Vision Screening

The Chester Lions Club has provided vision screenings through the years to Allison Elementary students ranging from preschoolers to 4th grade students. The screenings were performed using a Plusoptix screener. Refraction, pupil sizes and corneal reflexes were measured and compared to age based referral criteria automatically. If one or more of the readings were outside of limits, the student was referred to an eye care professional for a comprehensive exam. The Lions Club purchased the screener through a grant received from the Westminster Rabenstein Endowment. Pictured administering the screening is Lion Tom Hineman.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Our annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" at the Chester Municipal Building has become an Easter tradition. Unfortunately we were not able to hold the event in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID 19. We hope that we will be able to continue the event in 2022. We typically have between 120 and 150 children plus parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends attending. The children enjoy Easter egg hunts, featuring nearly 3000 eggs; face painting; live chicks and bunnies; crafts; photos with the Easter Bunny; and breakfast. Thank you Connie Hissam for the help over the years in preparing the breakfasts, and to everyone who help set up and help out the day of the event.

Dave Smith Memorial Chili Cook Off

The Club successfully hosted its annual Dave Smith Memorial Chili Cook-off in conjunction with Chester’s Hometown Christmas celebration. The contest was renamed in 2018 in memory of the club’s longtime member and dear friend, Dave Smith, who was instrumental in organizing the cook off over the years.

The club appreciates everyone who enters the cook-off; all of the entries are always excellent! Special thanks go out to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for allowing the club to host the event in their station and assisting with the setup. Thanks also go to everyone who stopped in to sample the chili, the judges, and Oak Glen High School students for helping with the event.

Pictured are some of the members of the Chester Lions who participated in 2018 with two of Dave’s children; (l-r) Doug Comm; Donnie Murray; Jimmy Beckman; Dan Allison; Marshall Hobbs; Dave’s daughter, Ashley Dahlman (with the trophy) and her husband Kevin; Dave’s son, Nathan; Bob Milner; Pete Arner; and Steve Wilson.

Donation to Allison Elementary School Sensory Room

The Chester Lions Club was very happy to make a $1500 donation to Allison Elementary School to be used towards equipment and appurtenances for the school’s Sensory Room. Lion Jodie Juszczak suggested the idea a while back, when President Bob Milner asked for ideas on how the club could help the community.

Following Jodie’s suggestion, Lion Marshall Hobbs and his wife, Rosemary, coordinated with the school and arranged for a brief presentation at the club’s meeting on September 27, 2018 by Allison’s Assistant Principal Jennifier Marchese and Special Education Teacher Ashley Turley. During the presentation Jennifer and Ashley talked about the needs of children with learning disabilities and explained how the needs vary between the children. For example, one child may respond to lights and noise, while another prefers quiet. They also discussed and demonstrated some of the items they currently use. In response to a question they talked about some of the items that they could use to improve the learning experience for the children. The sensory room at Allison also doubles as an occupation therapy room.

Following the presentation the club voted to make the $1500 donation. The Lions Club is also a Platinum Sponsor for the school’s Positive Behavior Program.

Pictured (L-R) is Lions Club President Bob Milner, with Special Education Teacher Ashley Turley, and Assistant Principal Jennifer Marchese.

Sayre Graham Memorial

A memorial to the civic minded and longtime Chester resident, Sayre Graham was dedicated on Saturday, September 29. The memorial was a joint project between the Bob Milby VFW Post 6450 and the Chester Lions Club. The memorial is located at Virginia Gardens Memorial Park at the corner of 6^th Street and Carolina Avenue in Chester, alongside the gazebo that Sayre helped construct in the early 1980’s.

Lions Club President Bob Milner provided remarks regarding Sayre and his service to the community. He also thanked the VFW for funding the project and members of the Lions Club for pulling the project together. Sayre’s son expressed his appreciation for the memorial and shared some memories of his father.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Sayre served in the European Theater during WW II and received three Bronze Stars. He was an active member of the Chester American Legion Post 121 and VFW Post 6450.

Sayre was a longtime devoted member and a past president of the Chester Lions Club. He was also a distinguished past District Governor of district 29-L of the West Virginia Lions and served in several offices at the district level as well.

He was a master carpenter for the Finley Brothers Construction Company in Chester, whose work left an imprint all over the area, including the former Waterford Park Race Track. Sayre’s proudest professional moment came when he completed construction of the VFW in Chester while operating his own construction company. Later in life he worked for the Potters Construction Company in East Liverpool.

He was a graduate of the Chester High School class of 1939 and served as class president.

Special guests at the ceremony included his daughter, Diane Sterbutzel of Vienna, VA.; his son, Sayre Graham of East Liverpool; VFW Post 6450 Quartermaster, Joe Capito; Chester Mayor, Rex Cowey; Chester councilmen, John Woodruff, and Steve Shuman; several Lions Club members; and other friends and residents of Chester.

Pictured are (l-r) Lions Club President Bob Milner, Councilman John Woodruff, Sayre’s son Sayre Graham, Councilman Steve Shuman, Lion Dave Shilling, Lion Bud Miller, Joe Capito (VFW Post 6450 Quartermaster), Mayor Rex Cowey, and Sayre’s daughter Diane Sterbutzel. Also attached is a picture of the plaque and a picture of Sayre alongside the gazebo shortly after it was constructed in the early 1980’s.

For more photos of the dedication, check out our Facebook page.

4th of July Car Show - 2018

Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone that attended we were able to enjoy another successful 4th of July Car Show! In spite of the hot weather we ended up with 190 cars registered from all over the tri-state area; our most ever.

The Best of Show award went to Bill Beatty and his 1948 Cadillac (see photo below compliments of Bob Durbin). In total, there were 36 trophies awarded.

For more photos of the car show, check out our Facebook page.

Adopt a Highway

As part of the “Adopt a Highway” program, the Chester Lions annually pick up trash along Pyramus Road in Lawrenceville beginning at the C.A.Smith house out to Johnsonville Road. Pictured are (front) Andy Shilling, Chris Wetherell, (back left to right) Dave Shilling, Bob Milner, Dustin Lang, Jeff Wetherell, Tom Hineman, and Marshall Hobbs.

Allison Elementary Donation

The Chester Lions Club annually make a donation to Allison Elementary in Chester for their annual program to purchase coats, clothing, toys, shoes, and other gifts for children in need during this holiday season. Pictured is Lion Steve Wilson presenting a check to Principal Toni Hartung.

The Return of Lucky Leo

Lucky Leo is back!! After several years in hibernation, the Chester Lions Club caged lion float came back to appear in the Chester Hometown Christmas parade on Saturday, December 2. The Nutter Fort (WV) Lions Club originally purchased the lion at an auction barn in Burnt House (Ritchie County, WV) in 1979. Several members from the Nutter Fort club constructed the trailer and cage for transporting and displaying Leo. Lucky Leo was used at the State Convention in 1980 and 1984, and also appeared in at least two international conventions and numerous parades throughout the state.

In 1997 Chester Lion and Past District Governor Sayre Graham was instrumental in obtaining Leo for the Chester Lions Club from the Nutter Fort Club. Lucky Leo made his first appearance as a member of the Chester club in the City’s 1997 4^th of July parade, but had not participated in any events for the last several years.

Thanks to Lions Doug Comm, David Wilson, and Jason Hobbs, and future Lion Cooper Comm for getting the old boy parade ready!

4th of July Car Show - 2017

Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone that attended we were able to enjoy our most successful 4th of July Car Show ever! The weather was beautiful and we ended up with 180 cars registered from all over the tri-state area; 60 more than our previous best.

The Best of Show award went to Jeff and Kim Stewart from Beaver Falls and their 1968 Chevy Camaro SS. The Best Motorcycle went to Steve Sosack from Irondale and his 2008 Harley Davidson Superglide. The Best Truck went to Bill Beatty from Weirton and his 1944 Dodge. The Mayor’s Choice award went to Tony Scarabino from Wintersville and his 1964 Ford. In total, there were 36 trophies awarded.

For more photos of the car show, check out our Facebook page.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

We held our annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" on April 15 at the Chester Municipal Building. This year's event was another success, with more than 140 children plus parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends attending. The children enjoyed Easter egg hunts, featuring nearly 3000 eggs; face painting; live chicks and bunnies; crafts; photos with the Easter Bunny; and breakfast. Thank you Connie Hissam for the help in preparing the breakfasts, and to everyone who helped set up and helped out the day of the event.

Allison Elementary Donation

The Chester Lions Club once again made a donation in 2016 to Allison Elementary in Chester for their annual program to purchase coats, clothing, toys, shoes, and other gifts for children in need during this holiday season. Pictured (L-R) are Assistant Principal Jennifer Marchese, Club President Bob Milner, Club Secretary Steve Wilson, and Principal Toni Hartung.

Distribution of Holiday Food Baskets

Thanks to Marsh Bellofram, the Chester Lions Club distributed more than 100 bags of groceries and turkeys to local families once again during the 2016 Holiday season. The distribution was made possible through the generosity of Marsh, who, along with Sparkle Market, donated the food. Marsh has been donating food to both the Chester and Newell Lions Club for distribution for over 15 years. Assisting with the distribution were (L-R) (front) Tom Hineman, Doug Comm, Donnie Murray, Jeff Wetherell, (back) Bud Miller, Pete Arner, and Cooper Comm.

Hometown Christmas Chili Cook-off

The Chester Lions Club successfully hosted its second annual Chili Cook-off in conjunction with Chester’s Hometown Christmas celebration on December 3, 2016. The Orchards at Foxcrest was awarded first place in the Professional Division, and was also selected as “Peoples’ Choice”. Their entry was prepared by their Executive Sous Chef, Alex Dombrowski. Chief Sean Pugh representing the Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department took first place in the Fire Department Division, and Jackie Lyle won first place in the Non-professional Division.

The club appreciates everyone who entered the cook-off; all of the entries were excellent. Special thanks go out to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for allowing the club to host the event in their station and assisting in the setup. Thanks also go to everyone who stopped in to sample the chili, the judges, and the Oak Glen Key Club for helping with the event.

Pictured are Coltan Moore accepting the awards for The Orchards and Alex Dombrowski; Lions President, Bob Milner; and Alec Duncan accepting the award for Sean Pugh and the Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department.

Allison Elementary Vision Screening

The Chester Lions Club recently provided vision screenings to about 200 Allison Elementary 1st and 3rd grade students. The screenings were performed using a Plusoptix screener. Refraction, pupil sizes and corneal reflexes were measured and compared to age based referral criteria automatically. If one or more of the readings were outside of limits, the student was referred to an eye care professional for a comprehensive exam. The Lions Club purchased the screener through a grant received from the Westminster Rabenstein Endowment. Pictured with the students students are School Nurse LaDonna Smith, and Lion Tom Hineman.

Election Day Pasta Dinner

The Club served about 175 dinners at their "Election Day Pasta Dinner" on November 8at the Chester Municipal Dinner. Diners were also treated to some excellent music provided by the Henry Mancini Community Jazz Ensemble. Special thanks go to Anthony Bernardi for all his work in preparing the food; the Henry Mancini Community Jazz Ensemble for providing the great music; Doug McCormack for filling in in the kitchen while Anthony was playing with the band; and Connie’s Restaurant for providing the plates, containers, plastic ware, bevarages, and more.

4th of July Car Show - 2016

The rain held off just long enough for the Chester Lions Club’s annual 4th of July car show. There were nearly 120 great looking entries from all over the Tri-State area, and as far away as Hydetown, Pennsylvania. The Best of Show award went to Dave Floyd from Hookstown and his 1970 Chevelle. The Peoples’ Choice award went to Keith and Marg Gooch from Toronto and their 1972 Plymouth Satellite wagon. The Best Motorcycle went to Randy Sullivan from Chester and his 1997 Honda Valkyrie. The Best Truck went to Wally Hartman from Lisbon and his 1954 Ford F-100. The Mayor’s Choice award went to Bill Harrison from New Cumberland and his 1948 Chevy pickup. In total, there were 36 trophies awarded.

A special thank you to all of the sponsors who helped make the show so successful. Thanks also, to everyone who entered their cars and motorcycles, and all those who just stopped down to check out the cars, grab a burger and enjoy a great day at Chester City Park!

For more photos of the car show, check out our Facebook page.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

We held our annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" on March 19, 2016 at the Chester Municipal Building. This year's event was another success, with more than 200 children plus parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends attending. The children enjoyed Easter egg hunts, featuring nearly 3000 eggs; face painting; live chicks and bunnies; crafts; photos with the Easter Bunny; and breakfast. Thank you Connie Hissam for the help in preparing the breakfasts, and to everyone who helped set up and helped out the day of the event.

Distribution of Holiday Food Baskets

Thanks to Marsh Bellofram, the Chester Lions Club distributed more than 110 bags of groceries and turkeys to local families on Saturday. The distribution was made possible through the generosity of Marsh, who, along with Sparkle Market, donated the food. Marsh has been donating food to both the Chester and Newell Lions Club for distribution for over 15 years. Assisting with the distribution were (L-R) Tom Hineman, Doug Comm, Cooper Comm, Steve Wilson, Grace Miller, Jonathon Headley, Brian Stewart, Bud Miller, Jimmy Beckman, Pete Arner, and Bob Milner.

Hometown Christmas

We always enjoy participating in Chester's Hometown Christmas. This year in addtion to the parade we held a chili cook-off. Johnny Hale from Hotshots was crowned as champion, with Mary Woofter claiming first in the “non-professional” division. The club appreciates everyone who entered the cook-off; all of the entries were excellent. Special thanks go out to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for allowing the club to host the event in their station and assisting in the setup. Thanks also go to everyone who stopped in to sample the chili, and to Jacob Adams and Kalib Bailey of the Oak Glen Key Club for helping with the event. Pictured are Lions Club members who helped with the cook-off (L-R) Donnie Murray, Jeff Wetherell, Jimmy Beckman, Kalib Bailey (OGHS Key Club), Dave Smith, Jacob Adams (OGHS Key Club), Bob Milner, Steve Wilson, and Chris Wetherell. Also pictured are Jimmy Beckman and his granddaughters getting ready for the parade.

4th of July Car Show - 2015

The weather cleared just in time for the Chester Lions Club’s annual 4th of July car show. This year there were 122 great looking entries, two more than the previous best! The Best of Show award this year went to Terry Waugh from Weirton and his 1941 Studebaker. The Peoples’ Choice award went to Mel Harris from East Liverpool and his 1964 Corvette. The Best Motorcycle went to Ron Ludovici from Chester and his 2004 Iron Horse. The Best Truck went to Terry Bolam and his 1948 Ford F1 Pick Up from East Palestine. The oldest car was a 1929 Ford Roadster owned by Danny Miller of Newell, and the newest a 2015 Corvette owned by Rick Severs from Negley. There were cars and motorcycles from all over the Tri-State area, and as far away as Parkersburg, West Virginia.

K-9 Donation

The Chester Lions Club recently made a $500 donation to the Hancock County Sheriff's Department to help replace the K9 Freddie, a 9 year old German shepherd who died in March after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. Club secretary, Steve Wilson presented the donation to Sheriff Ralph Fletcher.

Make it Shine - Teapot Edition

Members of the Chester Lions Club joined the many other volunteers on Saturday, April 18 to participate in the “Make It Shine – Teapot Edition” event in Chester. Volunteers picked up trash around the Teapot, cleaned the fence, and cut brush and trees along the stream in preparation for restoration of the Teapot scheduled for this Summer. Pictured are Lions Pete Arner, Chris Wetherell, Jeff Wetherell, and Bob Milner. Other Lions participating, but not pictured were Susan Hineman, Tom Hineman, Donnie Murray, Brian Stewart and his family, and Steve Wilson.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

The Chester Lions Club held their annual "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" on March 28 at the Chester Municipal Building. Approximately 250 children plus parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends turned out for the event. The children enjoyed Easter egg hunts, featuring nearly 4000 eggs; face painting; live chicks and bunnies; crafts; photos with the Easter Bunny; and breakfast. Thanks go to Susan and Tom Hineman for all of their work and all of the other volunteers! Thanks also go to Calcutta Walmart, Connie’s Corner, and Jeff Davis for their support!

Distribution of Holiday Food Baskets

The Chester Lions Club distributed 116 bags of groceries and turkeys to local families on Saturday. The distribution was made possible through the generosity of Marsh Bellofram who, along with Sparkle Market, donated the food. Marsh has been donating food to both the Chester and Newell Lions Club for distribution for over 15 years. Pictured are (Front L-R) Grace Miller, Bob Milner, Jeff Wetherell, Bud Miller, Donnie Murray,Jimmy Beckman, (Back) Doug Comm. Also assisting in the distribution, but not pictured were Pete Arner and Steve Wilson.

Vision Screening Tool Purchased

We are thrilled that we were able to purchase a new vision screening tool that was made possible through a generous grant from the Chester Westminster Presbyterian Church. The New Cumberland Lions Club also contributed to the purchase through a grant they received from Wal-Mart. We look forward to performing screenings on the area's youths, and are happy that we are able to share it with other local Lions Clubs (Newell, New Cumberland, Weirton, East Liverpool, and Calcutta). Lion Al Cox from Clarksurg recently showed members of the local clubs how to use the screening device. Pictured are Lion Al, with Jim Wells (New Cumberland), Doug Arner (Chester), Pete Arner (Chester), and Anthony Bernardi (guest).

Supporting Prevention Resource Officers

The Chester, Newell, New Cumberland, and Weirton Lions Clubs collectively purchased and donated a set of Lions Quest books for the newly assigned Prevention Resource Officers at the three elementary schools in Hancock County.

The books are entitled “Skills for Growing” and consist of a curriculum and other materials to assist the officers in planning and carrying out their duties at the schools. One set of books was purchased for each grade levels K – 5. Each grade level has six topical units created to enhance the development of the whole child and academic performance. Included in the curriculum kit are weekly lessons for a full school year featuring multi-disciplinary activities for support, a positive school climate guide, student-family activity booklets, and a parent meeting guide.

Hancock County high schools and middle schools have had resource officers since 1998, but this is the first year that officers are assigned to the elementary schools. The new resource officers are made possible through voters' renewal of the Hancock County School excess levy in November 2013 and are being staffed by Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Pictured are Betsy Wells, New Cumberland Lions President; Deputy 1^st Class James McGaffick, Oak Glen High School Prevention Resource Officer; Deputy 1^st Class Brian Hissam, Weirton Elementary School Prevention Resource Officer; Bob Milner, Chester Lions President; and Gary Pitcock, Weirton Lions President. Not pictured is Martha Elder, President Newell Lions Club.

FISH Donation

The Chester Lions Club made a $500 donation in July to Chester-Newell FISH. Chester-Newell FISH maintains a food pantry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chester and serves families in the Newell, Chester and New Manchester areas. Pictured is Steve Wilson, Secretary Chester Lions Club; presenting the check to Cathy Glass, FISH Secretary.

2014 4th of July Car Show

The weather was great and so was the turnout for this year’s Chester Lions Club 4^th of July Car Show. This year’s show was the biggest ever for the club with 120 great looking cars from all over the tri-state area registered.

32 total awards were presented, along with door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. Four gift packages were raffled off, including a set of Fiesta Ware, a Lowes gift card, a Wal-Mart gift card, and an Olive Garden gift card. The Peoples’ Choice Award went to Sharon Shushok from Weirton and her 1963 Falcom. The Best of Show Award went to David Floyd from Clinton, PA and his 1970 Chevelle.

In addition to raising funds to help support our Club’s projects, the show added to Chester’s festivities for the 4th. There was a steady stream of people walking through the park checking out the cars.

Special thanks go to all the sponsors and everyone who attended to make the event so successful. We hope to see everyone again next year. For more photos check out our Facebook page.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

The Chester Lions Club sponsored a “Breakfast with the Easter Bunny” on Saturday, April 12 from 9:00 AM until noon at the Chester Municipal Building, 600 Indiana Avenue, Chester. There were crafts, breakfast, Easter Egg hunts, live bunnies, and photos with the Easter Bunny. 195 breakfasts were served and nearly 100 photos taken with the Easter Bunny. Every one had a great time. Special thanks to Lion Brian Stewart for coordinating with the Easter Bunny.

Chester City Cleanup

Members of the club participated in Chester's city-wide cleanup by picking up trash at the 3rd Street Playground, Virginia Gardens Memorial Park, and the Jack Owens Playground in the Upper End. Pictured are Bob Milner, Jerry Smith, Susan Hineman, Tom Hineman, Jeff Wetherell, and Steve Wilson. Not pictured are Brian Stewart and Jackson Wilson.

Book Sale

The second annual used book sale was held March 7-8, 2014 at the Badgely Pavillion at Chester City Park. Susan Hineman once again organized the event. The indoor pavillion was packed full of an estimated 15,000 books. There was a great turnout and it proved to be another very successful fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who donated books, purchased books, helped setup and helped during the sale!

Distribution of Holiday Food Baskets

The Chester Lions Club distributed 116 bags of groceries and turkeys to local families on Saturday, December 14. The distribution was made possible through the generosity of Marsh Bellofram who, along with Chester Sparkle Market, donated the food. Thanks also go to Chestnut Hill Candle Company for supplying the truck to pick up and transport the food. Marsh has been donating food to both the Chester and Newell Lions Club for distribution for over 15 years. Pictured below are Lions (front L-R) Pete Arner, Jim Beckman, Jeff Wetherell, Tom Hineman, Bob Milner, (back) Eric Kester, Doug Comm.

Preserving Sight in the Community

Thanks to our fundraisers and the support of local businesses and individuals throughout the year, our club continues to serve the community through our various projects and donations.

However, our biggest focus is helping to preserve the sight of individuals in the community by partnering with the Calcutta Wal-Mart to provide eye exams and glasses to the less fortunate. We are very pleased to announce that in 2013, just August, we have been able to donate over $4000 in eye exams and glasses.

Chester Lions Club, “We Serve” the community in many ways, but preserving sight is our focus.

Virginia Gardens Memorial Park

The Chester Lions Club recently (July 2013) painted the gazebo and park benches at Virginia Gardens Memorial Park. The gazebo was originally constructed by Lion Sayre Graham and the Lions Club in 1984. The park is currently maintained by the Lions Club and is located at the corner of Carolina Avenue and Sixth Street at the site of the former Ludovici Pontiac dealership. Virginia Gardens was the name of the ball room that once stood in Rock Springs Park and is named after the park’s one-time owner (1926-1934) Charles McDonald’s daughter, Virginia. Virginia and her husband, Robert Hand, later became owners of Rock Springs Park, before it was torn down to make way for the Jennings Randolph Bridge. The park benches were originally from Rock Springs Park.

Sherwin Williams (Calcutta, OH) donated paint for the gazebo, and Werkheisers Hardware (Chester) donated the paint for the benches.

The freshly painted gazebo at Virginia Gardens Memorial Park.

Lion Sayre Graham, Sr. is pictured next to the gazebo shortly after it was constructed in 1984. The red and green roofing was patterned after the roofing covering the merry go round at Rock Springs Park.

The 2013 painting crew (l-r) Pete Arner, Steve Wilson, Tom Wehner, and Donny Murray. Not pictured are Edsel Emery, and Tom and Susan Hineman.

2013 4th of July Car Show

The annual Chester Lions Club 4^th of July Car Show was a great success, even though the weather was touch and go for a while. Seventy of the nicest cars and trucks from the tri-state area were in attendance. 33 total awards were presented, along with door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. Four gift packages were raffled off, including a set of Fiesta Ware, a Lowes gift card, a Wal-Mart gift card, and a restaurant package. The Peoples’ Choice Award went to Ed Day from Lisbon and his 1955 Ford Crown Victoria. The Best of Show Award went to Mel and Cindy Harris from East Liverpool and their 1964 Corvette.

Special thanks go to all the sponsors and everyone who attended to make the event so successful. We hope to see everyone again next year.

Best of Show Award - Mel Harris from East Liverpool, Ohio and his 1964 Corvette.

For more photos see the “Photo Gallery” section on this site, or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chester.lions.

Breakfast With The Easter Bunny

The “Breakfast with the Easter Bunny” held on March 23 at the Chester City Building was a great success. All the children and adults had a great time. More than 34 dozen eggs were prepared along with pancakes and sausage for the breakfast. 92 photographs of children with the Easter Bunny were taken by local photographer Anita Hopwood. All comments received on this year’s expanded event were very favorable.

2012 Projects

FISH DONATION: The club donated $300 worth of food and other sundries to the Chester/Newell FISH Food Pantry at the Catholic Church on March 24th. ONGOING EYE EXAMINATIONS are handled for area needy families.

MAKE IT SHINE: The club helped with Chester area clean up during the State sponsored Make it Shine Project April 21st.

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER: Several members attended the Scholarship Dinner held at the Newell Lions Den to honor superior high school graduates on May 21st.

The CAR SHOW on July 4th along with the FOOD BOOTH and main street SALES BOOTH were all successes. The turnout for work by the members was super.

FALL BASH: Over 10 members and guests worked the annual fall bash. The project is a $1500 fund raiser for the club.

FOXCREST FOOD BOOTH: The project was a small fund raiser.