Wednesday, June 27, 2012

June 27th Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release


We are approaching Canada Day weekend! Yahoo! Get the flag out, wave it around and remember that in spite of the TSX this week, everything Canadian is worth celebrating.
Well, with maybe one small exception.

Burgers? Buns? Ketchup? Lamb's? Flag? Check.
OK, you're ready.

It's a big fine art weekend here in Chester. We have paint literally pouring from brushes onto canvasses throughout the village.

This Week in Chester

On Thursday night at 7:30 pm the Chester Playhouse wraps up its Meryl Streep movie series with "Dancing at Lugnasa." Five independent-minded sisters living in Donegal in the mid 1930s face the possibility of change when economic and emotional circumstances conspire against them. Admission by donation at the door.

Friday has the Chester Seaside Farmer's Market back at the parade square from 2- 5 pm. Let's hope the monsoons will have subsided by then.

Friday also has the opening of José Antonio Valverde's Studio on King Street, open from 11-5pm on Fridays and otherwise by appointment.

The official Chester "season opener' is Paula's launch at Amicus Gallery Friday evening from 6-8 pm.This is the starting gun for "All Things Chester" for the 2012 season. Whale belts and pink sweaters are queueing now.

The Rope Loft is serving up their very popular prime rib this evening which may be ordered in ascending sizes. Park yourself at a table on the deck, sit back and enjoy the view.

The Foc's'le Pub has "Peter Grant and 3 for Now" on stage at 8 pm. Their ribs may also be ordered in varying sizes so arrive with an appetite.

Saturday night the Fo'c'sle is serving up Aldric Robicheau from "down da Yahmouth shorh you." This is his cameo in Chester so why not stop in and welcome him.

Sunday the Chester Train Station presents artist Linda Roe's solo show "Smorgasbord."  This runs until July 7th with displays of landscapes, wildlife, and brightly coloured whimsical moments. Hours are 10-4pm.

July 1st is the introduction of parking sign enforcement in Chester. Overstaying your welcome in a timed parking spot or parking backwards (never!) - you will be towed.

The Chester Legion is hosting a family fun afternoon from 1 - 4 pm. There will be a red and white cake, games of chance, face painting and a  BBQ.  All welcome.





Aspire to inspire before you expire.
Please come and see the fruits of our artists' inspirations this weekend.

Happy Canada Day !

Suzi Fraser

for the Chester Merchants Group

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

June 20th Press Release!



Chester Merchants Press Release
Dear Angela,

Ahhh, the summer heat of June...OK- not so much. The fog bank off the coast prompted me fire up the wood stove the other day. Yup, decided to get it cleaned after that chimney fire back in February. Nothing like a call to 911 to get Chester's finest on your doorstep. Much faster results than "Plenty of Fish."

The upside of June is the vibrant sky both morning and night. The bright lights of "Haven" filming down the street makes things even that much brighter.

This Week in Chester

The Lordly House is now open for the season. Open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 9 to 5 pm; Wednesday from 9 to 3 pm and Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. 

The Chester Playhouse is accepting registrations from short ones aged 9-16 for the Summer Theatre School production of E.B. White's Charlotte's Web which opens July 25th. They have space for 25 budding thespians so get your little Christopher Plummer on down there.

Tonight is the summer solstice open house from 5-7 pm at the Sadhana Centre on Duke Street.There will be Indian food, refreshments, a yoga demo and door prizes. You don't need to be a pretzel to attend. Drop by anytime during event hours. RSVP @ 273-YOGA

On Friday the Chester Seaside and Farmer's and Artisan's Market is at the Parade Square by the Yacht Club from 2-5:30 pm. Veggies, fish right off the boat, meat, baking, plants, soaps and more.The lemonade is delicious and pairs nicely with Absolute.

The Shawn Hebb Trio is on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub on Friday night @ 8 pm. The kitchen is serving up until 10 pm.

The very talented Kate Church is back at the Chester Arts Centre on Queen Street with her hugely popular Basic Fairy Doll Making class on Saturday, June 23rd and Monday June 25th.

The Lido Pool will be up and running for the first Red Cross swim classes on Monday June 25th. Brrrr.  villageofchester.org. Public swim is from 12-1:30pm and 5-8pm Monday-Friday and from 12 - 8 pm on weekends.

Everyone is invited to attend the official opening of the "Explore Oak Island" display at the old Chester Train Station, 20 Smith Road, Chester, starting 10 am. There will be guest speakers, cake, refreshments and costumed animators.Have your picture taken with a pirate, monk, Templar Knight, Spanish Conquistador, British Soldier or René. It's free! Info @ 275-3718.

Why not stop by Jim Smith's Fine Studio Pottery shop,a delightful studio that was a penny candy store in it's former life - I was their best customer. Jim's work is showcased internationally and there is not enough space on this page to list his awards.

Maybe drop by the Rope Loft and have an adult beverage on the wharf and watch the waterfront ebb and flow.

Saturday evening the Chester Playhouse has award winning Ian Sherwood and Coco Love Alcorn. They have been performing together for four years and are set to release their new EP, "Attic Music." Is that the new vinyl? The evening promises to be full of harmonies and humour with a sense of adventure created by these two troubadours.

Sat night the Fo'c'sle Pub is showcasing the acoustic duo Vinny and Gary from the band "Cover up." Think Danny Devito. Order up the man sized ribs and sit back and enjoy the show, or dance your happy feet the night away.

The Chester Yacht Club will be hosting a Women's Sailing Seminar beginning this Sunday evening @ 7 pm. Both Advanced and Basic Sailing Course are offered to members and non members. Classes will be held over 5 nights next week at the CYC. For more info email  Barkhouse.finlay@eastlink.ca

Sunday evening is the launch of the Chester Brass Band summer concert series at the Bandstand @7 pm. Thirty musicians of Chester Brass return under the direction of Commander (Retired) George Morrison. The concert will feature a variety of popular music, light classical pieces, stirring marches and well-known hymns.  Bring Mildred, a lawn chair, a flask and a bag of cheezies and tell her it's date night.






Herman was driving down the 103 when his wife called. "Herman, I just heard on CBC that there's a car going the wrong way on the 103. Be careful!"  "It's not just one car," said Herman. "It's hundreds of them!"

Take  the Lighthouse Route 3 to come visit us in Chester, it's much more scenic.

Suzi Fraser

for the Chester Merchants Group

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

June 13th Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release


In case you have missed every notice in the newspaper under your bowl of morning Shreddies, be advised that you have exactly 4 shopping days left until Father's Day.

Very exciting news : This is the first week of the weekly green bin pick up. No longer will the aroma of your bin join your backyard BBQ's.

This Week in Chester

Tonight at 6 and 7:30 pm the Chester Playhouse after school Productions presents "Text Me" directed by the fabulous Cynthia Myers. Rug rats and android devices await you on the stage. Nate cannot function without his cell phone, he's forgotten what it's like to look someone in the eye and relies completely on technology to communicate. Based on the myth of Narcissus, this show is about maintaining human contact in a world that invites you to plug in.

On Friday the 7th annual Canadian Cancer Relay For Life will be held at the Chester Area Middle School from 7 pm to 7 am Saturday.  For more info about the Relay and/or get involved, call Sheila @ 275-5720 or Lynn@ 275-3263.  Anyone who knows any survivor that would like to attend the survivors reception, call Gerri @275-3817.

Don't forget the Seaside Farmer's Market at the village square by the Yacht Club from 2:30 - 5 pm. Bring your eco friendly bag and load up on goodies for the week.

Friday night is a big music night here in Chester with two very different genres.
The Chester Playhouse has Mike Cowie and the Booty Boppin' Brass Band on stage at 8pm. Dial up the Playhouse to ensure yourself a seat.

Also tonight the Fo'c'sle Pub is showcasing a new band "Memphis Knights," a rockabilly dance band featuring some tunes of Buddy Holly,Chuck Barry, Elvis and more. The band fires up at 8pm and the grill is on fire till 10pm.

Saturday is your last day to procure the gift that says "I thought about this for months, not 12 hours ago." Chester Building Supplies is a good place to start for toys for boys. All sorts of goodies for the man of the house. Maybe a membership to NiLu gym? How about something to decorate the Man Cave from the Warp and Woof. All our shops have something for dad; check us out.

After all your hunting and gathering why not drop in to the Fo'c'sle and listen to the tunes of Darren Arsenault, a village favourite.The kitchen closes at 9 tonight so get your order in accordingly.

Sunday is THE day and if you missed the gift window, dining options abound. Treat dad to brunch at the Rope Loft on the waterfront and watch the world sail by. The Kiwi Café has expanded their venue and have many delicious items on their brunch menu. Nicki's Inn presents a Sunday Roast from 5-8pm; a wonderful english tradition that puts the pasture on your plate.

Shawn Hebb is on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub from 4-8pm- another dining option with music to match.

Next Wednesday Chester Harbour Yoga & Massage Therapy is hosting their Summer Solstice Open House from 5-7pm. It is a free event with Indian food, refreshments, a yoga demonstration @ 6pm and door prizes. Regardless of your yoga prowess, you are welcome to share the fun to celebrate the warm, long days of summer ahead. Drop by anytime during event hours. RSVP @ 273-YOGA.









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One may never understand why women love cats. Cats are independent, they don't listen, they don't come in when called, they like to stay out all night, and when they're home they like to be left alone and sleep. In other words, every quality that women hate in a man, they love in a cat.

Happy Father's Day !

Suzi Fraser

for the Chester Merchants Association

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

June 6th Press Release!



Chester Merchants Press Release
Dear Suzi,

We're  b a c k ! How did that happen? Wasn't Christmas just yesterday?
Everyone enjoying the June springlike weather ? NOT.

We had that spring weather for two days in March. BBQ's buoyed themselves out of basements, flip flops flourished, margaritas materialized and all was  blissfully tropical for 48 hours. It was pure magic with an expiry date.
Life here in the Hamlet is revving up. I had to wait a full minute to exit off Valley road yesterday. Grid lock in Chester. Who knew?

This Week in Chester

Thursday is the first annual golf tournament for the Daffadilly Queen's Relay for Life team at the Chester Golf Club - a 4 person scramble.  There are non profit prizes for the lucky winners.  For info call Ron @ 275-4089 or Sheila @ 275-5720.

The Chester Heritage Society presents its community art gallery now open for the season at the train station with over 24 artists presenting their works. The work will be changed up monthly so check back often.

The Chester Seaside Farmer's Market is back at the Parade Square. The meat and pie boys are parked in their usual spot so all is well with the world. I took their picture last Friday; they asked if I was a newspaper reporter. They were visibly disappointed when I told them I failed grade 6 english and was not a reporter for any credible paper.

Friday night is the premiere of Andre Haines latest directing efforts, "Ruby Zwicker's Recipe for Hodge Podge...and Things you can do with Fish"
The Chester Drama Society presents another touring comedy at the Baptist Church Hall @ 84 King Street starting at 7 pm both Friday and Saturday evenings. "Ruby" has a cast of fourteen performing comedy sketches, musical numbers and underwater adventures. Hmm...the baptismal bath? Musical guests for the evenings are Jazzette on Friday and Pam Paton on Saturday. Both performances are fundraisers for the new Health Centre in the Chester Municipality. Tickets are $20.  275-3434
Gavin Flinn singing and dancing? That is worth the price of admission alone.

Also Friday night the Fo'c'sle Pub has the Shawn Hebb Trio on stage at 8 pm. I heard Shawn singing solo last Sunday and he's great. Wander down and check out his band.

The Chester Playhouse is showcasing a solo performance by Hal Bruce Saturday night at 8 pm. "The Decade of Rock and Roll," Hal will be performing hits from the 60's and 70's. Nine time award winner, Hal became a worldwide sensation with his one-man tribute to his musical heroes, the Beatles.

Why not round out the evening and head over to the Fo'c'sle Pub after the show and catch Russel, Amanda and Jens. Folk music with a fiddle in tow.

Sunday afternoon Shawn Hebb is back at the Fo'c'sle for a solo performance from 4-8 pm. Take the missus down and treat her to a meal with some live entertainment...besides the local live entertainment.









Welcome back to our summer season in Chester. Please come and join us for the fun and games we have in store.  We look forward to sharing our village with you.

Boldly going forward because we cannot find reverse.
Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group