Photo Provided Dorothy Powell, widow of Duane Powell, stands with one of two benches dedicated in his memory at Martins Ferry City Park. The benches were installed by the Martins Ferry Lions Club.

MARTINS FERRY — Two new benches are available for use at Martins Ferry’s City Park, thanks to the work of the Martins Ferry Lions Club.

“It’s well known that the Martins Ferry Lions Club is a strong organization with members who have a passion to serve their community,” member Barb Ballint wrote. “Past projects such as the ‘Welcome Wall’ at the corner of Route 7 and Hanover(Street) and the Veterans Memorial at the city park are just a few examples. The most recent project was made possible by a donation from the Duane Powell family.”

Each bench features a memorial plaque. They have been placed in front of the Martins Ferry American Legion and by the Veterans Memorial Wall at the park. The plaques read: “In loving memory of Duane ‘Dibby’ Powell.”

Powell was a very active member of the Purple City. After retiring from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, he was a bus driver for the Martins Ferry City School District.

Powell was an Ohio Valley Athletic Conference referee for both basketball and football. He was also a member of the Purple Rider Booster Club and American Legion Post 38.

The Lions Club members were responsible for ordering, assembling and placing the benches in their place.

“We were glad to partner with the Powell family on this project,” said Ashley Bennet, secretary of the organization.

Another recent community project was the club’s annual park playground cleanup day. Members gathered at the playground with their lawn tools and spent several hours picking up garbage, pulling weeds and cutting grass.

The Lions Club takes great pride in the playground area that, through the organization’s funding, was made possible several years ago. Members replace damaged equipment and replace the mulch when needed.

“The playground is great for the kids in our community,” said Mike Deleonardis, member of the club. “It’s such a good feeling to see that area filled with kids enjoying the equipment.”

The club has a full calendar of service projects and events planned for the remainder of the year.

Members will soon be doing their annual flower planting around the downtown business area. And they have several other service projects in the works.

The club will be hosting the first Adult Prom on July 8 at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center. More information will be released as plans are finalized. And although it may seem a little early, Fallfest plans have started. The Lions Club food truck will be participating in the Strawberry Festival again this

year, as well as in Betty Zane Days in the park.

“We like partnering with other organizations that hold events in our city. Working together to make the community a place for family and friends to gather is a good thing,” said Kayla Shreve, club president.

Funds generated from events and fundraisers go back into the community. They support the club’s service projects, as well as an annual scholarship given to a high school senior from the community. The club has also donated to other nonprofit organizations to help with the success of their projects and/or events.

To find out more about the organization, follow it on Facebook or contact one of the members. The organization currently has 40-plus active members and continues to grow each year. Four new members will be inducted at the next meeting in June.