Longtime Royal City volunteer honored

ROYAL CITY — One of Royal City’s longtime volunteers was honored during a surprise reception on Thursday, March 21 at the Port of Royal Slope. Sharon Chesterman, a resident since 1964, is involved in almost every community project in town.

Chesterman came to Royal City in the fall of 1964 when the high school opened. She said that she apparently made the statement to her parents that she would only stay for five years. Now she can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Over the 55 years that Chesterman has been in the community, she has volunteered for many different things.

“She is a testament to volunteering,” said Linda Murphy, during the surprise reception.

Murphy first met Chesterman when she was a teacher at Red Rock Elementary School.

“I remember her volunteering for recess duty,” Murphy said. “No one volunteers for recess. She saw every child in the school district. She still remembers their names.”

Currently, Chesterman is involved with the Royal City Food Bank.

“Sharon is the bookkeeper at the food bank,” said Dorothy Lee, a worker at the food bank. “Thank you Sharon. You are really a help.”

She is also involved with Royal City Summerfest and senior citizen activities. She is the leader of SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life), an exercise program for seniors age 65 and older.

Chesterman is also known for her involvement with SHOC (Strengthening the Heart of Our Community), which she helped to create. SHOC was started with a grant of $10,000. Its purpose is beautification, education and outreach.

“We had eight different committees,” said Cathy Potter, executive director for the Port of Royal Slope, during the reception. “We passed around sheets for people to sign up. Sharon’s name was on all of them.”

“I have too many interests,” said Chesterman. “I love Royal City!”

Over the years, SHOC has done various projects. Two which they no longer do are a farmers market and a community garden.

“Knowing what you can’t do is as important as what you can do,” said Murphy.

Chesterman is known for spear-heading the banners that grace Royal City.

“The city has learned that we are going to have banners,” Murphy said. “We are so lucky. The rest of us don’t have the tenacious spirit that Sharon has. She sees what needs to be done. She is not afraid to ask people to do something. I am glad she started this organization (SHOC).”

Chesterman thanked those in attendance at the reception for their involvement in the community. She mentioned the new project that SHOC is attempting to undertake – a new library for Royal City.

“There are a lot of exciting things happening in Royal,” said Chesterman.

Money has been raised to purchase a new park bench in Chesterman’s honor.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@columbiabasinherald.com.