October 31st 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Well, the revellers howled last weekend and this week Hurricane Sandy is howling. All very apropos with regards to this Hallowe'en week. The loss of The Bounty and crew is tragic; the devastation on the east coast is horrific. By some trick of fate,we were spared. Regardless of our good fortune this time, please pay attention to weather warnings in the future. We may not be so lucky the next time.

This Week in Chester This upcoming Saturday is the "First Saturday," a celebration of experiences offered by merchants of all descriptions in Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. Check out their website and see what goodies are being offered up. They also have a Facebook page for those who are FB inclined. Tomorrow night, Thursday, Old Man Luedecke is taking the stage at the Chester Playhouse at 8 pm. Don't miss this. Chris is a born entertainer with a boatload of talent. He made a video at the Fo'c'sle Pub last month and it's hilarious. The Village Emporium on Pleasant Street is opening a corner of their shop for a selection of like- new ladies consignment clothing. If you have items to bring, please ring ahead to set up a time. Don't show up with "previously loved to death, ignore the rum stain down the front from my last night out at the pub" items that you picked off your bedroom floor while doing a muck out. I think "gently worn" was the phrase they mentioned. You can find the do's and don't's on their website. On Friday night the Chester Playhouse presents Jack and the Beanstalk with the Maritime Marionettes at 7:30 pm. Fun for the whole family. Also Friday evening the group "Grassabilly" will be on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub at 9 pm. The kitchen closes at 10pm so time your entrance accordingly. This Saturday is First Saturday ! Winterize your body at the Sadhana Centre at 71 Duke Street from noon to 1 pm. Lunch and learn with naturopathic doctor Erin Balodis, ND. Erin will tell you how to boost your diet and build your immune system for winter. A local harvest soup and other tasty treats will be provided by Lyra Neumann of Kitchen Party Catering. RSVP to erinbalodis@gmail.com  or 902-802-1257/ 273-9642. I tend to winterize my body with products that are akin to antifreeze, but each to his own. The 16th Annual Lighthouse Food Bank Fundraiser will be held at the Chester Legion from 10 am to 1 am. Admission is $ 5.  A Chinese Auction begins at 10 am. Door prizes, 50/50's, raffles and a Mary Kay table. Live entertainment starts at 12:30 pm with:  Shawn Hardy; Gary Landry; Ernie Rafuse; Blended Harmony; Two Many Strings; Shawn Hebb; Paul Lucas n' Frenz; Oasis Belly Dance; Devils Elbow; Dublin Vinyl; Dali Van Gogh; Poison Cherry and Short Notice.  Don't forget that the clocks go back at 2 am Sunday morning - that is the official time for this annual ritual. Forget about it until you are lying in the bunk Sunday morning nursing off the night before only to realize you have been given a whole hour reprieve to spend further face time with your feathers. Zzzzzzz. On Sunday there will be a Gold Mine Tour from 1:30 - 3:30 pm (weather permitting).  This guided walking tour will view the west side of Gold River gold mines which was part of the Nova Scotia gold rush of the 1860s.  See intact gold mine shafts, trenches,the site of a dam for power generation and locations of old stamping and 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. Dial up 275-3718 for more info and reservations.

Come and visit with us this "First Saturdays" weekend. If you do not know what you're doing, do it neatly. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

October 24th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release It's Hallowe'en weekend here in Chester. While the actual "trick or treat" affair doesn't get underway until the 31st, those of us who enjoy an adult beverage (or ten) like to get a jump on such things here in the Hamlet. In fact some started as early as last weekend. The annual Harvest Fest took place at Lordly Park last Sunday. Batman, Superman, Cinderella and more were all in attendance. Lots of games and entertainment for the short ones and it was PACKED! Even "Lichen Man" was there to entertain with his saw.

This Week in Chester Today, Wednesday, Shannon at the Green Grocer on Queen Street is having an up to 50% off sale. This sale is one day only and runs until 8 pm tonight. Tomorrow night @ 7:30pm the Chester Playhouse is continuing their Judi Dench film series with "The Shipping News." In upcoming Playhouse news Chester's own Old Man Luedecke is on stage next Thursday, November 1st @ 8pm. Get a ticket now because it will be a sold out performance. Friday evening the Fo'c'sle Pub is hosting a Hallowe'en costume contest with prizes while featuring the band "Memphis Knights" who will take the stage at 9pm.The kitchen will be slingin' hash till 10pm. Don't miss out on the ribs - order up the Fred Flintstone size. On Saturday why not stop in at Kiwi for lunch. A delightful little café in the theatre district on Pleasant Street. It's "truly delicious." On Sunday the Rope Loft is bidding you adieu for the season. They are having an all you can eat buffet for $16.95 starting at 11am. Eggs bennie, fishcakes, homemade baked beans, chowder, fish and chips, beef and seafood dishes all await you on the waterfront. Throughout this week they are having a 10oz strip loin special. Get down there, park yourself on the deck, and enjoy the last rays of summer and the autumn colours. Curtis and Bonnie Szakacs (must be locals) and their 7 children (Catholic?) will be playing at the Chester United Baptist Church @ 7pm. Curtis and Bonnie are musicians, song-writers and recording artists in ministry for the Lord. They have traveled with their music throughout various parts of Canada and the United States.

Get your broom out of the closet and fly down here for the weekend. You won't be disappointed. "I have never found that criticism is ever inhibited by ignorance." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

October 17th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Well, it was a bit nippy last weekend - OK it was a LOT nippy last weekend. However the tides have turned so we have a reprieve...for now. I went on a road trip to Lunenburg on Monday and the weather was spectacular. Time to think about shopping local.The rental cars have all left town, most of the pink whale belts have migrated south, so it's just us kittens here in the Hamlet. Please make a point to support the village merchants and in fact, all things village related as income and volunteer efforts need to be generated and supported year round,  not just in July and August.

This Week in Chester Tonight is the "Meet the Candidates" event at the Chester Legion @ 7 pm. Candidates from Districts 1,3 and 7 will be on hand to answer your questions and give their views on village issues. This event is sponsored by VOCTADA. There is a free introduction to curling beginning tonight until Friday at the Chester Curling Club from 7-9 pm each night.  For more info, call Wendy 273-2106, Paul 275-4793 or email info@chestercurlingclub.ca. Why not take the Tancook Ferry out to - where else - Tancook. Your ocean voyage starts at Water Street by the Rope Loft and for the bargain basement return price of $5.25 you can view Chester in all her autumnal splendour from your lounger on the deck and do a bit of hiking around the island upon arrival. This is perfect hiking weather, so pack up your paint box if you are artistically inclined, build yourself a sandwich, add wine, grab some friends and go. What are you waiting for? Friday night the Fo'c'sle Pub has the Shawn Hebb Trio on stage starting at 9 pm. Shawn has a great repertoire of folk and contemporary tunes to entertain you throughout the evening, and hey, the food rocks ! Saturday : VOTE ! If you haven't voted on line, get yourself to the nearest polling station and do your civic duty. If you don't do this you are SO not allowed to bitch about village politics henceforth. After you have marked your X, take the rug rats over to the Harvest Fest at Lordly Park, from 3- 9pm. Zombie tag, haunted house, ticket auction, pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, face painting, games and fun for all ages. Rain date:  Sunday, October 21st.  For more info call 275-3826. Sunday could be a foodie day. Brunch at the Rope Loft from 11-2pm, then a nap, a bit of football on the box, then over to Nicki's for the carvery from 5-8pm. Ahhh...the weekend in Chester.

Come to Chester. Hop on your steed and get on down here, see the fall colours, visit our shops and take advantage of all we have to offer. Coffee keeps me busy until it's acceptable to drink wine. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

October 10th, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release I trust you all had a lovely relaxing turkey weekend. I saw Mo from Chester Electric first thing yesterday morning and he tells me he's sworn off turkey for the rest of the year. Last weekend was the launch of the "First Saturdays" campaign. This event is shared amongst Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg to promote experiential tourism. The idea is for businesses to stay open late and offer interesting experiences, not just a sale. While it was a soft opening for us here in the Hamlet, I think this idea has teeth and will gather momentum in the future. Plus the fact that our 3 communities have actually agreed on something is an event in its own right. Check out the site before the first Saturday of each month and see what is in store for you. Sunday was the annual football match on the Hackmatack lawn.The bevvies flowed, the hotdogs were burnt to a crisp, Mary's Marauders walked away with the hardware and a good time was had by all.

This Week in Chester The Warp and Woof continues with their "Biggest Sale Ever"  with 70% off most inventory Friday till Sunday. Something of interest for the budding thespian in your family: "Page to Stage" Self-Inflicted Theatre for actors 15-18 years of age. This workshop is for the experienced or first time experimental actor who is interested in discovering process through multiple challenges. Actors will work together to develop characters, plot line, and conflict. The actors will create, stage, costume and tech their own performance.Each participant will be asked to write, perform and interact. Music is encouraged as well as choreography, set and costume design. Classes meet Monday nights from 6-8pm First Class: Nov. 5th Winter Break: Dec 18-Jan 6 Resume Rehearsals: Jan 7 Performance in March (TBA) A minimum registration of 15 students is required for the program to go ahead. Contact Cynthiamyers@eastlink.ca Time to get the fall bulbs in. Now doesn't THAT sound like I know what I am talking about ! I haven't got a clue about bulbs-unless they screw into a light socket. Go visit Oceanview Garden Centre at Robinson's Corner and pick up some lovelies to bury for next season's garden.They know what they're talking about. Friday night the Chester Playhouse welcomes the group ASHELIN on stage @ 8 pm. Five sisters from Newfoundland make up ASHELIN and will bring their brand of folk roots and pop music to the Chester Playhouse. Cassy, Joesie, Kaliyan, Shaelin, and Thea, began singing and dancing to Newfoundland and Irish music as far back as they can remember while learning to play a stunning variety of instruments. Known for their sparkling vocals and intricate harmonies, they perform their own original songs and novel interpretations of traditional tunes.  More tunes are happening on Friday night at the Fo'c'sle Pub on Queen Street.The "Midtown Blues" take the stage at 8 pm and evening meals will be served until 10pm. On Saturday the Al Nunn Memorial Golf Scramble will be held at the Chester Golf Club in support of minor hockey. Registration is at 8:30 am. Start time 10 am.  Fees:  $360 per team of four.  1st Prize:  Skybox for the Mooseheads. Oh goody. Watch for the chance to win a 4-Wheeler with a hole in one on a par 3 hole!  Come for the golf and stay for the steak & prizes!  To register call Satrina @ 902-531-2207. Malcolm Callaway is offering a class in marine/seascape painting at the Chester Arts Centre  Mondays from 1-4 pm October 15, 22, 29 and November 5th and 12th. Examining the greats (Montague Dawson, Stobart, Blossom et al) and analyzing their techniques, Malcolm will explore the many facets of the colour of water, its texture and the very feel of it with the translucency and atmosphere of all things marine. $130 for the five classes, material list to be supplied. Email chesterartcentre@ns.aliantzinc.ca  to register. On other gardening notes, the Chester Garden Club presents Rosemarie Lohnes, of Helping Nature Heal Inc., to talk about preparing your garden for Winter. This takes place at St. Stephen's Community Parish Centre, Chester 6:30 for 7:00 pm.  Refreshments followed by the monthly meeting. New members welcome.

More Classifieds: Lost: Labradoodle. Reward. Neutered. Like one of the family. Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00 Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first. For Sale -- Eight puppies from a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Hussy. We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand. 2 wire mesh butchering gloves: 1 5-finger, 1 3-finger, Pair $15 Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

October 3rd, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release My "week" off was delightful. Thank you all for your good wishes.I went on a Nova Scotia road trip for 3 days. Livin' large I was. Our province is paradise. We are so fortunate to live here and forget that by times. Yes, there are many stunning places worldwide, but what WE have cannot be duplicated. We have open doors, friendly faces that greet you at those doors, fabulous food and unparalleled hospitality. Be proud of who we are and what we have to offer. Bluenose II (2.5?/ 3?) hit the water on Saturday. An event of epic proportions that was enjoyed by all and instilled pride in our Maritime heritage.

This Week in Chester Tomorrow night, Thursday, is the Absolute Bloody Final (AKA ABF) at the Rope Loft. It's the usual CYC start but the finish is at the Rope Loft, where prizes will be awarded, stories will be told, and a few libations shared amongst sailors ... all boats welcome! If you're not a sailor, come anyway. Tall tales will be shared. Ok- lies, all lies. Friday is the final week for the Chester seaside farmers and artisan market from 2 -5 pm. Get down there and see what you might get for the root cellar over the winter. I will be there at 2 pm sharp to buy all tomatoes on site, so don't anticipate getting any of those in your basket. Friday night the Chester Clippers are back.That's hockey for those of you, perhaps like me, are out of the loop/in the dark/ on all things hockey. Home opener starts @ 6:30 pm at the Chester Rink. Chester Clippers vs Fundy Phantoms. All game proceeds donated to Chester PRO Kids. The Sadhana Centre at 71 Duke St is hosting guest lecturer and scholar Dr. Satyanarayana Das the evening of Friday, Oct 5th and all day Saturday. Dr. Das is visiting from Vrindavan, India, and will speak on the Bhagavad Gita ( the book that guided Ghandi), the history of yoga, ayurveda and sankhya philosophy. This discussion is open to all. For info/cost/registration or translation, please dial up Leigh @ 273-9642. Acrylic paintings by "Come Back From Away," artist Lloyd MacDonald of Indian Point, are on display at the Chester Playhouse. Stop by and see these gems any night the Playhouse is open. Looking ahead this month, there is the Harvest Fest on Saturday,October 20th from 3-9 pm at the Lordly Park on Union Street. Zombie tag(?) haunted house, ticket auction, pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, face painting, games and fun for all ages. Rain date is Sunday, October 21. 275-3826. The Warp & Woof gift shop on Water Street, in appreciation to all customers, is having the "biggest sale ever" on now until Sun Oct 14th. From Saturday onwards, most inventory is 50% off. Get on down there and do some Christmas shopping before it all goes.Watch the papers for serious markdowns! Al Simmons will be performing at the Chester Playhouse on Tuesday, October 9th @ 8 pm. Al 's one-man, multi-prop, music-filled, off the wall performances have elevated audiences world-wide to collective giggles and all-out guffaws. At once childlike in its simplicity and sophisticated in its execution, Al's humour touches a responsive chord in people of every age.

Cocktail conundrum: If a pessimist thinks the glass is half empty and an optimist thinks the glass is half full, the engineer questions why the glass is twice as big as it needs to be. The IT guy on the phone asks if you've tried emptying the glass and then refilling it. Attitude is not about whether the glass is half full or half empty, it's about who's buying the next round. To me, it doesn't matter if the glass is half full or half empty. All I know is there is clearly room in the glass for more wine. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group