Wednesday, December 24, 2014

December 24th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings!


AND THE WINNER IS:

Anne Sinnis from Chester Basin.

Lucky Gal !!!

All those goodies in one basket (and a box) just for shopping in one of our local stores.

 
The wine to the left should be champagne!

 
Donations by the following 26 local businesses resulted in a gift basket valuing $1100!

Double Take
Finishing Touch
Stretch Diner
Napa Auto
Chester Pharmasave
Between Friends
Chester Building Supplies
Chester Serivce Center
Double A Used Clothing
Oceanview Garden Center
Calvin's TV  
Chez Glass
Spidle's Independant Grocer
Subway
Chester Gold & Silver
Light My Fire Candle Studio
Linen's For Life
Valerie's Hair Studio
The Village Emporium
Going Coastal
The Fo'c'sle Tavern
Amicus Gallery
Chester Playhouse
Flowers, Flowers, Flowers 
Kiwi Cafe
Luna Salon, Spa and Boutique

Printing of posters kindly donated by Tradewinds Realty

Thank You to all local merchants who donated and participated in any way to the Shop Local Contest 2014 and an even BIGGER THANK YOU to everyone who SHOPPED LOCAL! Your local business community depends on you.

                                                                                                       
This Week in Chester

It's Christmas Eve and hopefully everyone can breathe a sigh of relief, slow down and enjoy the holiday now the time is up.... Take time to see family and friends, gather around a table, eat favourite foods, sing songs, play games, read that book, attend a church service or take a long walk on one of our trails or beaches..... for within a week it's 2015 and New Year's Day heralds not only a change when writing the date (that takes until February to get right), but a slew of levées. 

Research into the origin of the New Year's Day Levée was quite engrossing:

"The word levée (from French, noun use of infinitive lever, "rising", from Latin levāre, "to raise")[1] originated in the Levée du Soleil(Rising of the Sun) of King Louis XIV (1643-1715). It was his custom to receive his male subjects in his bedchamber just after arising..."

With references to males only, fur traders, boisterous parties and moose milk, it is apparently only us Canadians that still gather in large groups on January 1st for hair of the dog, well-wishing and lots of hugging and kissing to help the spread of germs!
More details if you're interested @wikipedia
Quite fascinating.

Here's a list of New Year Levées held within the boundaries of this wee hamlet alone. It's is possible to visit them all and spread goodwill.

The Playhouse will hold their annual NY Day levée 11am until 1pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Chester Legion from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Everyone 19 years and older welcome.

The Fo'c'sle Tavern from 12 - 6pm. The Youdens always put on quite a spread.

The Chester Yacht Club  from 1pm-4pm with their usual offerings of Moosemilk (egg nog & rum) & seafood chowder!

Maybe there are more? 

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Happy/Merry Christmas/Holidays
 and Happy New Year to all!



We'll be back with the petunias and yacht sails June(ish) 2015.


From The Other One, Suzi (in absentia), and all the Chester Merchants Group

Over and out

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

December 17th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings!

The countdown is happening. Are you on track?

I would've been, but I laughed so hard and celebrated into the wee hours with the cast and crew of Malcolm's final Christmas farce that the rest of my weekend was shot. Maybe you overdid it too?!

Well, don't panic!

There's still one more week to go before Dec 25th. Surprisingly though, everyone seems to have had their Christmas fairs early in the month so this coming week is more relaxed and manageable.... Pleasant shopping on Pleasant St and all around Chester.


                                                                                                       
This Week in Chester

Not to be missed is tonight's Tree of Memories Lighting and Sing Choirs at St. Stephen's Anglican Parish, 54 Regent Street, Chester starting 6:30pm. Immediately followed by the
15th Annual Sing! Choirs at 7:30pm. Enjoy an evening of Christmas Music featuring Chester United Baptist Choir, Musical Friends, St. Augustine's Singers, St. Stephen's Anglican Choir, Studio Singers and guests. Free will offering to benefit Chester PRO Kids and CUBC Organ Fund. Storm date: Thursday, December 18.

More Christmas tunes and jollies on Saturday, as the Chester Playhouse presents...Christmas at the Playhouse featuring THE CHAD DOUCETTE BAND starting 7:30pm. Chad Doucette is a Canadian singer from East Chezzetcook, NS, who finished 4th in the 2006 season of Canadian Idol. For more info/tickets call the Playhouse 902-275-3933 or visit:  www.chesterplayhouse.ca . 

On Sunday, there are two completely different 'crib' events, first the Christmas Crib (Children's Play) at St. Stephen's Anglican Parish, 54 Regent Street, Chester starting 11:00 am. 

And then the Crib Tournament at the Chester Legion starting 1:00pm.

Jazzette will be entertaining at the Kiwi Café on Sunday from noon until 2:00pm. A Christmas themed sing-along with the possibility of special treats in store. Jazzette alone are a treat.

The rest of the week will be spent removing the sap from your fingers after you put up the tree, digging out the decorations and fighting with the lights, running out of scotch tape and maybe scotch, and tying bows on just about everything.
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You have until Sunday to shop local and enter to win the Chester Merchants gift basket valued at over $1000.


HAPPY CHRISTMAS everybody!

The Other One
for the Chester Merchants Group
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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

December 10th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings!


Are you feeling festive yet?

It's a challenge with the yoyo weather we've been having, but Christmas is fast approaching so pull on those wellies and join in the fun as you cross things off that lengthy holiday list:

shopping local √
gingerbread guy √
tree and decorations √
eggnog and fixin's √........


                                                                                                       
This Week in Chester

On a not-so-festive note, tonight (Wednesday) there is a Public Forum Meeting hosted by the Village Commission in the Chester Legion at 7pm to discuss the recently released Provincial-Municipal Fiscal Review and the future of villages in Nova Scotia. Comments and questions will be open to the Village of Chester residents only but it's a chance to learn more and get your voice heard.

If you need a pick-me-up immediately after, you might be in time to catch the pay what you can Dress Rehearsal at 8pm of Malcolm's Christmas Farce "Soprano' Green Gables" at the Chester Playhouse. Failing that there are 3 hilarious performances of this reportedly 'last' annual farce by Mr Callaway on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8pm. Tickets are $18 adult, $15 senior and $10 student. Community theatre at it's best (although not suitable for young audiences!) You'll recognise everybody in the cast and maybe even some of the jokes... For more info/tickets call the Playhouse 275-3933 or visit:  www.chesterplayhouse.ca 

Wednesday is also Advent Day of Reflection at St. Stephen's Anglican Parish, 54 Regent Street, Chester starting 10:00 am.

Saturday morning there's Breakfast at the Chester Legion from 7:30 to 10:30 am.  Fuel for shopping, you can enjoy eggs (any way you like them), French toast, hash browns, beans, bacon, sausage, toast, coffee/tea and juice.
  
There's a Free Public Skate at the Chester Rink from 5:00 to 6:00 pm Saturday.  I'm sure René will be there so join him and have a laugh. There will be refreshments - hosted by the Chester Municipal Recreation Committee.

After the public skate, up at the Chester Rink starting at 6.30pm, The Celebration of the Edmonton Oilers 30th Anniversary of the 1984 Stanley Cup win continues with Glenn Anderson's NHL All-Stars Cliff Ronning, Craig Muni, Doug Bodger, Greg Adams, Darryl Shannon, Dave McLlwain and others VS local All-Stars. After the game, country music star Aaron Pritchett will be playing with Amanda Riley at the Chester Legion. General Admission: $25. Intermission Passes $20 (must have admission ticket).  Reception Pass $20 (must have admission ticket).   Tickets available in Chester at Chandler Davis, Scotiabank or by calling 279-0560. In support of the 351 Llewellyn Sea Cadets Chester Branch of the Navy League.

Sunday brings Advent Lessons & Carols at St. Stephen's Anglican Parish, 54 Regent Street, Chester starting 11:00 am on Sunday.



Back to those holiday lists..... if the stock market is making you nervous, you might consider stocking up on gold or silver. Pick up one or more 2014 Silver Maple Leaf coins in an air-tite case for just $25 each, tax included at Chester Gold & Silver. The shop will be open regular business hours until Saturday, December 20th. Contact Mark 902 980 0278.

 
Or, what about purchasing a stair plaque on the newly restored Lightfoot Tower? Unlike your gold or silver coins, it won't have any cash-in value down the road, but you'd be contributing to on going fundraising for the Tower. They are $100 each and are personally engraved with whatever name you'd like (business/friend/self/pet?). Contact Dolly at 902 275 4991 or dollyhancock@mac.com for more info.
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The village stores are full of goodies! Remember the Merchants have banded together to make a gift basket valued at over $1000 which you can win. We encourage people to spend their shekels here in the Hamlet then everyone wins. This campaign runs until December 21st. You may enter the draw when you "shop local."

Keep buying OHC 50/50 tickets. There's a draw each Monday and the winner could be you!




The Other One
for the Chester Merchants Group
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

December 3rd, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings!

It's official. Christmas is coming. Black Friday was the tip of the iceberg  - followed by Cyber Monday. How many emails did YOU get from Amazon on Monday? While we always urge you to shop local, it is understood that Steve Jobs has never been to Chester, and sadly, never will. We don't sell Apple, Future Shop or Best Buy here.

We cannot compete with high tech because we are the lowest of low tech, but we do support your kid's hockey team, we sell 50/50 tickets for OHC, we support the Chester Playhouse and a whole lot more.

As a community we must all work together and hey, I bet you can't get spiked eggnog behind the counter at Walmart.

                                                                                                       
This Week in Chester

Tonight, Wednesday at 6 and 7:30 pm the Chester Playhouse After School Program presents "A Zombie Christmas" performed by students ages 11-13.
Tomorrow night, Thursday the 8-10 year olds present "A Beary Merry Christmas" also at 6 and 7:30pm which leaves plenty of time to get to the Fo'c'sle for wings.

Light My Fire will be open 10 - 5pm Saturday to Wednesday and 10 - 7pm Thursdays and Fridays for your December shopping pleasure. Add your faces to the gingerbread kids peeking at the electric train. Enjoy lots of seasonal candles and special artisan created gift ideas.

The Village Emporium is having a select sale over the next two weeks. They are offering 30% off a large variety of items including pearl, fashion & sterling jewelry, the beading shelf, general giftware, souvenirs, children's toys and more. Karen Wilson art prints are 15% off, Mrs Finney's Hat antiques are 20% off just to name a few. Stop by before the end of next week and pick up some Christmas bargains.

This is your last week to dine at Nicki's before she flies the coop. From Thursday until Sunday evening you can experience your own little piece of heaven on Pleasant Street.

This is the final weekend for the "Lovely Stuff " pop up shop at the old Lesley's Pantry across from Tim Horton's on Route 3. The shop will be open this weekend 11am - 3pm. Lots of Christmas goodies and quirky gifts for under $10 ! Corinne's Pine Furniture will also be on display and up for perusal and purchase .

The Gingerbread creations are on display at the Train Station this weekend from 10-4pm Saturday and 12- 4pm Sunday. It was jammed in there last week ! Go see these things because they truly are works of art.

Sandy Morash is hosting her annual Cookie Contest at the Yacht Club this weekend. You must register by today if you wish to enter. See details on poster attached.

A couple food and music options on Sunday. Kick off the day at the Kiwi Café with Jazzette from 12- 2 pm. Settle in for some pancakes and a special coffee and enjoy the tunes.

Sunday evening the Chester Brass Band is holding their annual Christmas dinner at Atlantica Hotel in Western Shore. Dine with the sounds of Christmas Carols - there are a few seats left and you may book them @ (902) 275-3453.

Looking ahead to next week the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce invite you to a Christmas Business After Hours event on Tuesday, December 16, from 5-7 pm at 54 Queen Street. This is being held in Al Chaddock's pop up gallery behind the Haven Herald office.
Your hosts are Piers Baker and Able Engineering.
Along with the usual networking and socializing, they will showcase the "Haven Herald" office as a viable space for business opportunities in the Village. With Haven circling the drain, we need to promote Chester as a "haven" for business. Bring a friend and a non perishable food item or cash donation for the Lighthouse Food Bank.

Malcolm Callaway's annual Christmas groaner premiers next Wednesday at 8 pm at the Chester Playhouse with "pay what you can" and runs through until Saturday night.
Every Christmas Malcolm gets away with bad puns, outrageous plots and humour not suitable for children. This year's offering is "Sopran o' Green Gables" - a lighthearted look at murder, gangsters and the irrepressible Anne Shirley.
The plot, such as it is, includes a group of gangsters who have been put in the witness protection program and end up in PEI.  There, they find themselves doing community service by helping to mount a Christmas musical.

"Leave the kids at home.  Come and enjoy an adult alternative to the sickly sweet and commercial hijacking of Christmas. Forget the family fussing, the turkey trussing, Christmas light cussing for a couple of hours of laughter, song and true Christmas cheer."
Believe it or not - this WILL sell out, so get your tickets now.
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Well, another day has passed and I didn't use algebra once.


Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group
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