December 26th Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Still firmly planted on the couch? Not yet rebounded for the first turkey sandwich of the week? I have one word for your sofa love in: Netflix. Yesterday was more like a beach day, but hey, that's OK. No shoveling required. A word about your outdoor gingerbread man display. Your boys need to vamoose before  the end of the month. March them down to the basement for hibernation until next year. If they lounge too long in your front yard they are no longer special. A new year awaits you and your little brown men.

This Week in Chester Looking for a New Year's resolution? Unloading a bit of the turkey tonnage? Chester Harbour Yoga & Massage Therapy has the Yoga class for you. Six weeks of yoga for $78 beginning January 8th and 9th. Dial up the guru @  902-273-9642 to register. The Village Emporium wants more ladies like-new clothing for consignment. Clean out your closet over the holidays and give them a call when they reopen January 3rd. Next Monday is New Year's Eve and the Fo'c'sle Pub has SWIG on stage to ring it in. If you plan on eating, call now as there are only a few spots left. If you plan on drinking and dancing, just show up. Malcolm will slide over to allow you a spot at the bar. The Chester Yacht Club is hosting their New Year's day levee for members and guests from noon - 4 pm and the Chester Playhouse is throwing open their doors from 11 - 1 pm. The Fo'c'sle will be open from noon until 6pm New Year's day for levee festivities. Get down there and see everyone in Chester, and I mean everyone ! New Year's hours of commerce throughout the Hamlet : ring ahead to ensure the cash register is fired up and the visa machine is plugged in. Most businesses are open but they may decide to declare an unscheduled snow day so call ahead before you make the trek. Looking way ahead the Chester Drama Society annual fundraiser, Coldest Day of the Year (which has become hottest night of the winter in Chester) will be Saturday, February 9th at the Fo'c'sle. Live entertainment from 3pm until last man standing. Why not stop by the Zoe Vallé Library on Regent Street this winter. A nice warm place to relax with a cup of tea and a good book.

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. We are signing off for 2012.  Happy New Year from all of us. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 19th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release The Gingerbreads have all melted away for another year leaving a trail of molasses in their wake. Our gingerbread party on Sunday was a hit with a visit from our own giant Gingerbread man, Eric and our emcee in "Rudolf" red, René. Ribbons were awarded, door prizes collected and sugar was consumed...lots of it. Shirley Allen won the outdoor residential gingerbread prize and the Sadhana Centre won the commercial division. All other recipients may be found on our facebook page Gingerbread Festival Chester, NS. A huge thank you to our sponsors : The Municipality of Chester; Destination South West Nova; Bluenose Coast; Steve Foran and Chester Building Supplies; Billy Williams and his South Shore Work Activity Program; Kim at Chester Pharmasave; Fo'c'sle Pub; Tradewinds Realty; Nicki's Inn and Amicus Gallery. Many thanks also to the Ladies of St. Stephen's; Cove Side Quilters; Chester Art Centre; Chester Playhouse; The Sign Guy and Jim Barkhouse.

This Week in Chester Tonight, Wednesday, at 7:30 the annual Sing Choirs Concert will be held at St. Stephen's Anglican Church. This features choral Christmas music of the Choirs of the Baptist, Catholic and Anglican Churches and the Studio Singers. Donations to P.R.O. Kids. As I have said before - it's like the Who's in Whoville - don't miss it. This IS Christmas! The Village Emporium has begun their "Boxing Week Before Christmas" sale.You have until 1pm Dec 24th to get the goodies as they are closed until January 3rd. Many sales including pearl and other jewellery are 40% & 50% off. Friday evening the Fo'c'sle Pub has the Shawn Hebb Trio on stage at 9 pm. Shawn is back with his band of Merry Men ! Don't miss this last dust up before you go home, put on the bunny slippers and hook up the eggnog drip. And speaking of 'nog, Paula at Amicus Gallery will have some of that elixir on tap for  you on Christmas Eve day. Last minute shopping with a buzz.  Ahhhh. A Christmas tale... When four of Santa's elves came down with the 'flu he began to feel Christmas  pressure. Mrs. Claus then announced her mother was coming to visit. He went  to harness the reindeer and found that three were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence. He began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and the toys went everywhere. Frustrated, Santa went into the house for a shot of rum. He went to the cupboard and  discovered the elves had drunk all the rum.  He accidentally dropped his glass and it broke into pieces all over the kitchen floor. He picked up the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of it. Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the  door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great  big Christmas tree. The angel said very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?" And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

I would like to take this moment to ask you to make this a Christmas to remember. We have lost several dear friends in our community this year and I hope you take the time to remember them and to treasure the moments you spend with your family this season. On behalf of all the Merchants, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 12th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Christmas is 13 days away. Every year I wonder "how did that happen?" Of course I say that on my birthday too. Age. As a kid you couldn't wait for it all to happen and as an adult you can't wait for it all to be over. So, for the child in all of us, I have included the full version of "The Grinch who stole Christmas" in case you missed it Monday night. Dr Seuss rules ! The above photo was taken at 4:30pm. Take heart - spring is just around the corner.

This Week in Chester All things Gingerbread will be winding up this weekend in the Hamlet. Please remember  that you have until midnight Saturday, December 15th to vote for your favourite outdoor gingerbread man display on facebook @ "Gingerbread Festival Chester,NS." Friday night the Fo'c'sle Pub has Late Night Lover on stage from 9 pm. The year is drawing to a close - get the missus out for a night on the town so when she says "you never take me anywhere" you have ammunition to get you through 2013. Merchants are standing by on red alert for your gift requests. If you can't decide, gift certificates are always a good option. Paula is throwing open the doors to her kiln at Amicus Gallery on Pleasant St. Bring your oven mitts and get 'em while they're hot ! Saturday is a LARGE day at the Chester Playhouse. I have included their poster of events so won't repeat it in text. There are some great items to bid on in the silent  auction they are holding throughout the evening. Make a point to stop by and place your bid, sing along to carols, buy some cookies, enjoy the warmth of the season and catch up with friends. Sunday has the Gingerbread Festival Finale Party at St Stephen's Hall on Regent Street from 2-4pm. Our gingerbread giant will be there, door prizes, presentation of awards and prizes, hot chocolate and cookies, craft decorating fun for the short ones...another sugar soaked session. Uncle. Below is your holiday workout routine. Pay attention.

Click on our "blog" link above for merchants' winter hours. When in doubt, call ahead. Please join us this weekend. Our shops are open, there are ginger flavoured men running amok throughout the village, and the pub has beer on tap. What are you waiting for? Anyone who believes that men are the equal of women has never seen a man trying to wrap a Christmas present. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

Chester Merchants Business Hours

At this point in time.. the following is a list of business hours for some of the Chester Merchants. This list may be updated as merchants supply the information to us.

Amicus Gallery 
Winter: Saturday 10-5.
 I am here most other times during the winter.

Chester Harbour Yoga  & Massage Therapy
  Throughout January and February will be open according to scheduled classes and by appt.
There will be no RMT available mid January until the first week of March.
 An event is being hosted in the studio January 25 – 27 .
 Beginning in March back to five or more weekly classes, RMT and ND services.



Chez Glass
Closed for approx 3 weeks after Christmas but may be
contacted for an appt.

Flowers, Flowers...

Reg. Business hrs. (year 'round)

Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm

Sat. 10am-3pm

Sun. -closed

Fo'c'sle Tavern

We are open every day of the year except Xmas day,

Hours till June

Mon 11am-11pm

Tues  11am-11pm

Wed 11am-11pm

Thurs  11am-11pm +

Fri  11am-2am

Sat  11am-2am

Sun  11am-11pm +

Kiwi Cafe 
The kiwi is open 7 days a week 8 am until 5 pm,  
 
Lesley's Pantry

Closing until April on the 29th of December.

Light My Fire 
Thu Fri. and Sat. 10 to 5

 Sunday 11 to 4

Other days by chance or appointment

Please call 902-275-5800 or 275-5360

Nicki's Inn
Closed as of Dec 9th
Open Valentines Day Feb 14th and reopen Good Friday 2013.
The accommodation may be open if I am around call 275 4342.

Slipcovers etc by Jill 
I have no set hours as I work elsewhere casually. 
I advise my customers to call 275-2004 to arrange a time to meet.

The Mecklenburgh Inn
Closed til May 1st.

The Stretch Diner
Monday to Thursday 7:00 to 7:00
Friday 7:00 to 8:00
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 to 7:00

The Village Emporium 
Winter hours:
Mon-Wed - Closed
Thurs-Sat - 10am-4:30pm
Sun             12pm-4:00pm

Tradewinds
9-5 weekdays
Saturday 10-4
Sunday - by chance

December 5th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release The Christmas Fair last Saturday at CDS was super. Many vendors, tons of people and a lot knee high sized rug rats racing around fueled up on sugar. I had to go home and make a caesar with my own version of sugar to recover from THAT event. While it may not feel like December, I must point out the obvious to launch you out of your false sense of calm. Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. Sadly as we are now adults (most of the time) visions of sugarplums don't hold quite the warm and fuzzy glow they used to. So get busy ! Bake or create, wrap, repeat. Or go check out our local shops and see what they have to suggest.

This Week in Chester Tonight the Chester Playhouse presents their second show by the After School Program."The Emperor's Nude Clothes" will be on stage at 6 pm and again at 7:30 pm. Light My Fire on Duke Street will have extended hours this month.They will be open Thursday and Friday evenings until 8 pm. All other days are 10am to 5pm. Each Saturday there will be "drop in snowball candle making sessions" for children and adults. Sandy's annual cookie contest is next Saturday,December 15th at the Chester Playhouse @ 4pm. I am giving you a heads up on this now to allow for time to toss the burnt beyond recognition ones before presenting your golden brown offerings. You must register by December 12th to s.morash@ns.sympatico.ca  or 275-4441 stating the name of your cookie(s). On the day of the event, please bring a baker's dozen - 1 for judging and 12 for auction and the recipe. Proceeds to help the food bank and other local charities. Lots of tunes happening in the Hamlet on Friday night.... Well-known Nova Scotian performer Dave Gunning is on stage at the Chester Playhouse @ 8 pm. He will be performing tunes from his CD "Christmas Too" as well as his newest release "No More Pennies." Then wander over to the Foc's'le Pub where SWIG is on stage till the last man standing. Brian's culinary delights will be racing out of the kitchen until 10 pm. Eat up so you don't trip over the light fantastic. Check out their stunning gingerbread man display on the upper veranda. There's a band, music, dancers, and even snow. It's fabulous ! This weekend Forest Heights is hosting their Gingerbread Classic 2012 girls basketball tournament which is bringing in teams from all over Lunenburg County. Games kick off at 2 pm Friday afternoon until 8:30 that evening. Saturday morning the players get underway at 9:30 am and run the courts until 5:30 pm. Get out there and support your team of choice. This Saturday the Chester Municipal Heritage Society presents a Christmas Carol Sing with hot cider (bring rum) at the Lordly House Museum, 133 Central Street from 2-4pm. Jeanne Nash and Cynthia Myers will be exercising their vocals for your enjoyment. Got your gingerbread guy propped up at your house yet? The competition is now on for the best residential or business gingerbread man display. Big prizes to be won. Email your man's photo to chestergingerbreadfestival@gmail.com and it will be posted on their facebook page "Gingerbread Festival Chester,NS" where the masses may vote by "liking" it. Don't have access to facebook to  vote for yourself? Find a "friend" with an FB account, or just grab a kid off the street focused on his phone as he walks into a tree - you can be sure he's got an account. Sunday is the Last Supper. Nicki is out the door once the last hoof hits the plate. Get down there for your last kick at carnivore heaven. There are still a few tickets left for the Chester Brass Band Christmas Concert and dinner at Atlantica Hotel on Sunday night. The bands strikes up at 6pm. 275-3453 for tickets... operators are standing by.

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

November 28th 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Black Friday. How was this idea ever allowed to cross the border? All it means for us in Canada is that US chains are capitalizing, but on our turf. I didn't see any local shops jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon. Shop local and support your neighbour, not Target or Walmart. Well the Canadian geese are pulling pitch. A big flock flew over the inn last weekend. What a racket! It was fabulous to watch. Mabel had a Louis Vuitton clutch under her wing so I'm guessing Miami or LA might be the destination.

This Week in Chester The Gingerbread House creations are in and the winners were announced by the judges Monday evening. Drumroll... The individual under 12 division was a tie ! Nicole Heisler and Lila Hume tied for top honours. In the adult group division Lara and Silas Parsons won the prize. The individual adult division honours went to Bunch Fraser. Congratulations to all the winners. Prizes will be awarded to the winners at the Gingerbread wrap party. I saw the slew of gift certificates to be given to the winners. Oh la la - what a bonanza of goodies ! This Friday night the annual tree lighting and LED light exchange will be held at Chester Building Supplies, with hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies provided by Lesley's Pantry starting at 5:30pm. Once the rug rats are sufficiently juiced up on sugar, hand them over to the babysitter, then head over to the Fo'c'sle Pub and take in the sounds of Peter Grant and Three for Now. Enjoy some adult juice and dance the night away Saturday is the kick off of our Gingerbread Festival.The village will be alive with the smell of molasses and Gingerbread Houses will be on display in the merchants' shops. New this year is the outdoor Gingerbread Man competition. Gingerbread Men may be purchased at Chester Building Supplies. There is a prize for each division- residential and commercial. If you have a Gingerbread man to display, you may submit your photo to: chestergingerbreadfestival@gmail.com It will be posted to the "Gingerbread Festival Chester, NS" facebook page where you can vote for your favourite by "liking" it. Voting will end midnight Friday, December 15 and the winners will be announced at the Family Gingerbread Celebration Party on Sunday 2-4 pm, December 16 at St. Stephen's Hall. This Saturday is a First Saturday - a celebration of our three Bluenose Coast communities (Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg) to showcase our wares and smiles and to offer you some special experiences. Check out the 1st Saturdays link to see what could be in the cards for your weekend enjoyment. The Chester District School Gingerbread Fair is this Saturday from 9 -1pm. There will be crafts, food, live music, a gift wrapping service, a candy cane pull and some fantastic prizes supplied by their vendors. Check out their Facebook page , tell all your friends to "like" the CDS Fair and get on over there to support their efforts. On Saturday and Sunday this weekend and next, the "Artists for Kids Exhibition" is on display at the Chester Art Centre from 10 am-2 pm @ 60 Queen Street. The Art Centre is proud to present the amazing works created by students from CDS , CAMS and Gold River Elementary School. It was taught by working artists such as Marla Benton, Joan McInnes, Sherry Goede and Malcolm Callaway. Drop by the art centre and check it out. The Chester Bandstand will be decorated Saturday for the Christmas season by the Chester Garden Club. Stop by and tell them where YOU think the bow should be placed. Looking ahead to Sunday, December 9th, the Chester Brass Band still have a few tickets left for their annual Christmas extravaganza at Atlantica Hotel in Western Shore. The band fires up at 6 pm and dinner will be served shortly thereafter. Always a memorable evening. Dial up Gregor Fraser @ 275 - 3453  for tickets. Next Tuesday and Wednesday evening at the Chester Playhouse, the After School Drama kids have two shows on the docket."The Snow Queen" debuts Tuesday evening at 6pm and 7:30 pm and "The Emperor's Nude Clothes" shows at the same times Wednesday. These shows are presented by director Cynthia Myers in collaboration with Dawn Curry and Robyn Harris.

Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until they speak. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

November 21st, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release American turkey weekend is looming. Don't call your friends south of the border this weekend as they are either a) expanding at the table b) making a sandwich for further expansion c) yelling at the box like it is going to reply d) horizontal on the couch. This is not a good weekend to reach out and be touchy feely with Ma Bell. Wait till Tuesday when the turkey tryptophan coma has worn off. I am not pointing fingers - we got a jump on our American friends and did the same thing a month ago.

This Week in Chester Your gingerbread house entry form must be delivered today to the Village Emporium. See the Gingerbread Festival facebook page for updates and breaking news.The physical gingerbread house entries must be delivered to the Chester Arts Centre on Queen Street this weekend, Saturday or Sunday from 2-4pm either day. Winners will be announced next Wednesday. From Thursday to Sunday the Chester Municipal Heritage Society is hosting a Victorian Christmas Craft Sale at the Lordly House Museum, 133 Central Street from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Thursday evening the Chester Playhouse is wrapping up their Judi Dench run with the screening of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" @ 7:30 pm. This is pay what you can night. This movie is exceptional - don't miss it. Check out this trailer. A fabulous cast with a lot of laughs. You must see this one. Friday evening Memphis Knights is on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub @ 9 pm. I hear rumor the gingerbread band will be back on the upper deck this year but with some new players added to the mix. Bob knocked it out of the park last year with his gingerbread display and I know this year will be equally spectacular. Saturday afternoon there will be a Roast Pork Dinner with all the trimmings at the Chester Legion from 4- 6 pm.  Adults $12.  Bake table and tickets on a gift basket. The Gingerbread Festival folks will be selling their 4' Gingerbread Men cutouts for $20 and tickets on a gingerbread quilt.  No, you can't eat it. Hosted by Shoreham Ladies Auxiliary.  For tickets call Gerri Allen 275-3817. Sunday is the last time to catch the Gold River gold mine tour @ 1:30.  A two hour guided walking tour of the west side of the Gold River gold mines, part of the Nova Scotia gold rush of the 1860s.  See intact gold mine shafts, trenches, site of a dam for power generation and locations of old stamping/processing mills.  At the half way point, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies inside a warm heritage log cabin. Adults $10. All proceeds to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. 275-3718 for info and reservations. Nicki is heading to Beverly Hills for Christmas. Swimmin' pools, movie stars. Get your bib on and get to Nicki's Inn before December 9th or you will miss out. There is a Gospel Concert at the Baptist Church, 84 King Street, @7 pm with Heart in Action Ministries, Jeffrey & Charmaine Haines and the Singing Moms. I've heard the "Singing Moms" before.... The Chester Brass will be presenting "Santa's Jolly Jukebox" - a Bonny Lea Farm fundraiser at the Chester Area Middle School @ 7:30 pm with Laura Smith and the South Shore Chorale.  Admission $15/ rug rats under 12 gratis.

For every vision, there is an equal and opposite revision.  Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

November 14th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release The November 11th Remembrance Day service was fabulous. Not a breath of wind, gorgeous, sunny and hot. I think I burnt my face ! It was jammed. I've never seen so many souls at the parade square - not even at Race Week.The fly by added a touch of excitement as well. Kudos to the organizers. The Chester Playhouse won a very special award last weekend down in Liverpool at "Music Nova Scotia Week." This award goes to a non-profit community organization that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to presenting musical performances in the province.The recipient is chosen by the members of Nova Scotia's music industry. Well done Chester Playhouse !

This Week in Chester In other Playhouse news, unless you already have a ticket for Jill Barber's performance tonight, you can forget about getting tucked into one of those lovely chairs because it's sold out ! I got the last one (thank you Dolly) and am not giving it up. VOCTADA is holding their AGM at the St Stephen's Hall Thursday @ 7pm. Kerry will be there. Friday evening the Fo'c'sle Pub has SWIG on stage at 9pm. This group is a house favourite so get there early to assure yourself a seat.The kitchen is open until 10 pm. While there are many goodies on the menu to chose from I always have the pan fried haddock and am never disappointed.The staff no longer bother to give me a menu. Why not stop in at Chez Glass Lass on Duke Street and see their groovy dinner ware. This shop has something for everyone - so much more than just glass plates. There will be a Kohl Cannon supper at the Baptist Church from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Love those south shore dining hours. Ham, baked beans, bread, rolls, pies and dessert.  Adults $10, Children $5. Take out available. A craft and bake table will be on deck. On Sunday there will be a  gold mine tour from 1:30 - 3:30pm (weather permitting.) A two hour guided walking tour of the west side of Gold River gold mines, part of the Nova Scotia gold rush of the 1860s.  See intact gold mine shafts, trenches, site of a dam for power generation and locations of old stamping/processing mills. At the half way point, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies inside a warm heritage log cabin. Adults $10. Proceeds to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. 275-3718 for information and reservations. Monday evening at 6:30 for 7pm the Chester Garden Club is holding their AGM at St Stephen's Hall."So, what am I?  Native or Cultivar?" Funny, I ask myself that question occasionally but had never entertained those 2 options. Master gardener Brenda Hiltz will preside over an interactive presentation and discussion about local plants.Refreshments to follow. New members and guests welcome. Ok,  I've held off - but here it is.... Chester's annual Gingerbread Festival is just around the corner. It will be held December 1st-16th. All Gingerbread House entry forms must be received by November 21st either by mailing them to Box 181 Chester, or by dropping off the form at the Village Emporium on Pleasant Street. Forms may be downloaded at Chester Art Centre. The physical Gingerbread Houses must be delivered to the Chester Arts Centre on Queen Street between 2-4 pm, Nov 24th or 25th. New this year: We are having an outdoor Gingerbread Man competition. Nude Gingerbread Men may be purchased at Chester Building Supplies. Do with them what you will. Create a gingerbread man or theme to display, photograph it and submit your photo to chestergingerbreadfestival@gmail.com and it will be posted to our "Gingerbread Festival Chester,NS" facebook page where you may vote for your favourite by "liking" it. This competition is open to residents of the Municipality of Chester.There are two categories: business and residential. Voting will end midnight December 15th. In other Gingerbread news the Chester District School is holding a Gingerbread Fair on December 1st from 9am-1pm.There will be lots of crafts, food, live music, gift wrapping service, a candy cane pull and some fantastic prizes supplied by vendors. They have a facebook page which is "CDS Gingerbread Fair" so please tell all your friends to "like" them. When making your December plans remember to mark your calendar and save Sunday, December 9th. At 6pm the Annual Chester Brass Band Christmas Dinner will be held at the Atlantica Hotel and Marina in Western Shore. For tickets and info dial up Gregor @ 275-3453.

"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing noise they make as they fly by."  Douglas Adams. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

November 7th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Apparently my African warrior lady picture ruffled a few feathers in the Hamlet. I am of the mind that Hallowe'en is a time to be as outrageous and off the wall as one can be. I apologize to those who may have not taken it in the spirit of the season as it was intended. OK , who forgot to turn the clocks back?   Show up too early at church? Throw the froot loops off schedule? Upset the Sunday caesar routine? Winter is coming and it's dark, but take heart as the tides will turn again December 21st.

This Week in Chester This Friday the Foc's'le Pub has Late Night Lover on stage at 9 pm. This band is a fixture at the Shore Club in Hubbards and always draws a big crowd, so get down to the Fo'c'sle early, claim your table, get your meal order in with Shane, sit back/or dance and enjoy the show. Saturday morning get a jump on the day by firing up at the Foc's'le with our man in red, Tim Harris. Eggs and beer- eggscellent ! Sunday is Remembrance Day. Plan to repair to the Cenotaph @ 11 am to remember those who sacrificed their lives for us. This is a very important and moving ceremony. Please join us in this time of remembrance. There is a gold mine tour this Sunday from 1:30 - 3:30 (weather permitting.) A two hour guided walking tour of the west side of Gold River gold mines, part of the Nova Scotia gold rush of the 1860s.  See intact gold mine shafts, trenches, site of a dam for power generation and locations of old stamping/processing mills.  At the half way point, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies inside a warm heritage log cabin. Adults $10 All proceeds for Chester Municipal Heritage Society. Call 275-3718 for more information and reservations. A blood donor clinic will be held at the Chester Legion on Monday, Nov 12th from 1- 3 pm and from 5-8 pm.  For more info call 1-888-236-6283. Cookies await ! The Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce AGM and dinner will be held at the Atlantica Hotel starting @ 5:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov 13th. Please RSVP before Friday, November 9.  For info/tickets call Shelli @ 275-5825. Next Wednesday, the lady of the golden voice, Jill Barber, will grace our stage at the Chester Playhouse. DO NOT MISS THIS. This woman has a voice that makes angels sing. I saw her show in Halifax a couple years ago and was on a high for a week. Call now for tickets.

"Don't ever confuse your life and your work. The second is only part of the first." Anna Quindlen. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group