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