December 30th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, we made it through, but there's still turkey in the fridge. And shortbread, lots of shortbread.The wine seems to have evaporated. Funny, that. As the New Year approaches, it's time to move your little molasses men off the doorstep into the basement so they will be fresh gingerbreads for next year.

This Week in Chester New Year's celebrations are rampant. The Fo'c'sle Pub has seating at 6pm and 8pm for their New Year's Eve meal. They will feature the regular menu along with a special meadow and marine offering. There is a baked brie appetizer and two special desserts, pecan or key lime tart. All items are à la carte and reservations are required. The George Carter Jr Trio hits the stage at 9 pm and there is no need for a reservation to dance the night away. New Year's Day levées abound. Hit them all. The Legion is the first out of the gate at 11am followed up the stretch by the Playhouse and the Fo'c'sle Pub at noon. The Yacht Club doesn't hit their stride until 1 pm, so plan your attendance accordingly. Levées are serious business here in the Hamlet and we don't like to miss out on any of it. Did someone say free drinks? The Village Emporium on Pleasant Street re-enters the platform of commerce Thursday, January 2nd. Post Boxing day sales await you and your credit card. Looking ahead to the New Year, there are plenty of options to keep you out of trouble. The Chester Art Centre kicks off the season with rug hooking classes, acrylic painting classes, a class on phone and tablet photography that are face book worthy and ohh so much more. Check out their website and sign up. The Senior College Association of Nova Scotia is offering classes at Saint Stephen's Hall, 54 Regent Street  beginning Monday, January 13th @ 10:30am. SCANS is dedicated to providing non-credit course to seniors 50+ in Nova Scotia. There are no assignments or exams, just listen, learn, discuss and enjoy.  For more info and programming call 902-444-7588 or visit www.thescans.ca. Coldest Day is just around the corner. This annual fundraiser is a benefit for the Chester Drama Society. Get to the Fo'c'sle Saturday, February 8th and start bidding. Live music from 3pm till close; raffles, auctions and surprises. Only $10 - a bargain at twice the price. This is a village effort so make the effort to attend.

The days are getting longer and spring is just around the corner. Yup. Happy New Year to all of you from all of us. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 18th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, last Saturday night's closing show at the Chester Playhouse was an evening of drama that even Noel Coward couldn't have scripted. Kudos to Cynthia Myers, the staff at the Playhouse and all the volunteers who helped make this a night to remember. Many thanks to all who participated and helped in our Gingerbread Festival. A big thank you to our sponsors. Without them, it couldn't have happened.

This Week in Chester The Annual Sing Choirs is tonight, Wednesday, 7:30pm at the Baptist Church on King Street. Four choirs plus special guests present an evening of seasonal music for the entire family. Tune up your vocals and prepare to sing along. Free will offering to benefit Our Health Centre. For more info call Erin @ 275-5864. Don't miss this.This IS Christmas. Thursday night is the ever popular wing event at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Beat the throngs, get there early and compare notes from Trivia Tuesday. Friday night the Fo'c'sle Pub has SWIG on stage at 9pm. The band is Maritime Celtic music with 3 part harmonies and a fiddle. And what's a band without a fiddle? The Annual Chester Brass Band Christmas Gala was cancelled last weekend due to the extraordinary amount of snow fluffies. It has been rescheduled for this Sunday at the Atlantica Resort in scenic Western Shore. As a result there are still a few tickets left. You may book your reservation @ 275-3453. Hurry ! Below are a few snaps of the boys preparing for Christmas... Making the shortbread cookies Modeling the seasonal Christmas sweater Decorating the house

On behalf of the Chester Merchants Group we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 11th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Last weekend was a corker ! Malcolm's play did not disappoint the crowds. Congratulations to all the cast and crew for their hard work and a super show. The Gingerbread Festival wraps up this weekend with prize giving @ 7:25pm Saturday evening at the Chester Playhouse. Please note the Arts Centre @ 60 Queen Street is open to view the gingerbread houses from 12- 5pm Saturday and from 12- 4 pm Sunday.

This Week in Chester Sandy's cookie contest will be judged at the Playhouse Saturday afternoon at 4 pm. Entry guidelines Each single entry must include: * Entrants name, address and phone number * Name of cookie * A copy of the recipe including the ingredients and step - by- step instructions for preparing the cookie. Do not submit a recipe that had been photocopied from a cookbook. *1 cookie (for judging) and 1 dozen cookies packaged for auctioning (in a bag, plate or box). * Contest is open to all ages. There is a $5.00 entrance fee per cookie type. All contestants may enter more than 1 type of cookie. You must register before December 12th at  s.morash@ns.sympatico.ca or by calling 275-4441. Registration fee may be paid December 14 at the time of drop off. Winners will be announced at 6pm December 14th at the Chester Playhouse. Cookies will be auctioned off throughout the show. Proceeds to the Food Bank 'Birthday in a Basket' Program. Forest Heights Community School presents a "Celebration of the Arts" Friday evening from 7-9:30pm and Saturday from 10am -1pm. Art gallery and sale of student's artwork, music, food, and drink!!!  Admission by donation to FHCS Arts Program. It's "Murphy's Law" Friday at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Discounts on Murphy's draught to accompany the sounds of the upbeat rockabilly band "Memphis Knights" on stage at 9pm. Get Shane's autograph. There are a gazillion silent auction items to bid on at the Chester Playhouse. This wraps up Saturday evening at their closing Christmas party so get down there and place your bid. All your Christmas shopping taken care of in the flourish of a pen stroke. Next Wednesday is the annual Christmas "Sing Choirs!" at the Baptist Church on King Street. Do not miss this. Get your Christmas bonnet on and march over there. It will remind you how lucky we are to live in such a special community. José's Latest

Multitasking is the art of doing twice as much as you should half as well as you could. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 4th 2013 Press release

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings, Chester is oozing ground ginger from every pore. As you turn off route 3 into the village, roll down the  window and follow your nose. It will take you to the Arts Centre at 60 Queen St where all 16 houses are on display. The Centre is open over the next two weekends from 10am-5pm Saturdays and 12-4pm Sundays. You may also view them throughout the week by calling the Centre @ 275-5789 and leave a message or email chestergingerbreadfestival@gmail.com and a gingerbread will let you in. If you are looking to add some Christmas tunes to your life this month, 92.9 FM has All Christmas, All the time - if you can handle the ads. This Week in Chester This week is the play we've all been waiting for. Malcolm Callaway's twisted mind will be showcased on stage in the form of "Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie." Tonight, Wednesday, is pay what you can dress rehearsal. The show runs Thursday - Saturday and the curtain goes up at 8pm. Dial up the Chester Playhouse as there are very few tickets left. This is a village favourite and will sell out. Warm up for the dress rehearsal run with Big Pitcher Wednesday at the Fo'c'sle. $3 off pitchers - a few of those and you'll want to take Gavin home. Sandy's annual cookie contest is back. Entry guidelines Each single entry must include: * Entrants name, address and phone number * Name of cookie * A copy of the recipe including the ingredients and step - by- step instructions for preparing the cookie. Do not submit a recipe that had been photocopied from a cookbook. *1 cookie (for judging) and 1 dozen cookies packaged for auctioning (in a bag, plate or box). * Contest is open to all ages. There is a $5.00 entrance fee per cookie type. All contestants may enter more than 1 type of cookie. You must register before December 12th at  s.morash@ns.sympatico.ca or by calling 275-4441. Registration fee may be paid December 14 at the time of drop off. Winners will be announced at 6pm December 14th at the Chester Playhouse. Cookies will be auctioned off throughout the show. Proceeds to the Food Bank 'Birthday in a Basket' Program. Friday night the George Carter Jr Trio is on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub - a blues and rock band that have a good handle on 70's cover tunes. Stop in after the show and 'get down.' This Saturday is a "First Saturday," a celebration of fun experiences along our Bluenose Coast (without the Bluenose.) Amicus Gallery has a few spaces left for the Gingerbread Ornament Painting workshop. There will be two workshops: morning: 10am-1pm / afternoon 2-5 pm. Decorate bisque fired, glazed pieces: three pieces are included for the workshop fee of $25; extra pieces may be purchased. Finished work may be picked up on Dec 14th. Class size 6-8. Pre-registration is required. The studio space is not suitable for children. To register, call Amicus Gallery 275-2496 or email art@amicusgallery.ca. Light My Fire at 59 Duke Street will be hosting workshops to decorate your own wax Gingerbread/Christmas tree ornaments.Workshops begin @ 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Ornaments are $10.00 each. 275-5800. Also on Saturday from 9am - wake up ! -1pm is the Chester Elementary School Gingerbread Craft Fair. I bought a bottle of wine there last year. Yes, there's something for everyone. Transport your bottle over to the Christmas Caroling at Lordly House at 133 Central Street from 2-4pm and tra la la la la the afternoon away. Sunday is the Last Supper at Nicki's Inn from 5- 8 pm. It's vegetables for you from here on in. Get there for your last carnivore fix. This came to us from overseas... Tancook. "The lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together."  Garrison Keillor Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

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November 27th 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Classified ad: "Single female seeks male companionship. I'm a very good girl who loves to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me.... Call and ask for Annie, I'll be waiting...." See Annie at bottom...

This Week in Chester Brace yourselves, Malcolm Callaway is back in the writer/director's chair. Next weekend is the opening - and closing - run of "Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie" at the Chester Playhouse from Thursday - Saturday evenings at 8pm. A festive romp through Malcolm's warped mind. Get your tickets now because they will sell out and you don't want to miss this. Do not bring your children as they will begin to question your state of mind. 275-3933 for tickets. Paula still has a few spaces left for the Gingerbread Ornament Painting workshop. On December 7th there will be two workshops: morning: 10am-1pm / afternoon 2-5 pm. You will decorate bisque fired, glazed pieces: three pieces are included for the workshop fee of $25; extra pieces may be purchased. Finished work to be picked up on Dec 14th. Class size 6-8. Pre-registration is required. The studio space is not suitable for children. To register, call Amicus Gallery 275-2496 or email art@amicusgallery.ca. Light My Fire Studio at 59 Duke Street will be hosting workshops to decorate your own wax Gingerbread/Christmas tree ornaments next weekend Saturday, December 7th. Workshops begin @ 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Ornaments are $10.00 each. For more info dial up the luminous Bill @ 275-5800. On Friday night Chester Playhouse offers up three of the country's most giving performers as they combine their talents to create a night of original music with a dash of Christmas jingle thrown in for good measure. Mixing the sounds of soul, pop, folk and jazz with some of the most timeless holiday classics, Erin Costelo, Coco Love Alcorn and Ian Sherwood form a band that will get your mistletoe tapping! Also on Friday evening the Fo'c'sle Pub has the band FOG on stage. No, not the July fog we know, but a 70's cover tune band that will bring a smile to your face. Grab the missus and head on over there. Shane might even give you a preview of his Downton Abbey role. Saturday is the opening bash of the Gingerbread Festival. All those delectable houses will be on display at the Chester Arts Centre's "Enchanted Forest" @ 60 Queen Street. While they will have all been judged by that time, you may vote for the "People's Choice" award and be eligible for a prize draw. The Arts Centre will be open for house viewing this weekend and next, and on weekdays by appointment. There are 16 entries so please stop by and see these fabulous creations. Saturday evening is the Gingerbread Festival tree lighting at the Chester Train Station. An action packed event kicking off at 6 pm sharp with the arrival of Santa on a ruby red fire truck, hot chocolate and cookies, a giant gingerbread man, carol singing and kazoos. Yes. Kazoos. You'll have to show up to see what that's all about. Our friends from NSPC will be there to exchange your  present power - sucking tree lights for some LED gently drawing gems. Bring 2 strings and they will give you 1 in return. Bring your recent power bill. Maybe they can cut that in half too. The Gingerbreads also have a Lincoln toy train magical Christmas window display at the Mecklenburgh Inn at 80 Queen Street. A lot of drinks went into this, so come by and take a look. Designed and built by Rhubarb Home Design. If you want your home decorated for the holidays or are looking for some home improvement design ideas, look no further. Why not roll into the Fo'c'sle for Sunday Brunch from 11- 3pm. A bit of hair of the dog. $1.50 off Absolute caesars. Absolutely ! Monday the Blood Donor Clinic is back in the village at the Chester Legion from 1- 3 pm and again from 5-8pm. For more info call 1-888-236-6283. Roll up your sleeve. Monday night the Chester Brass Band hits the stage @ 7:30 at the Bonny Lea School. They are presenting "Christmas at Home" featuring Kathleen Hamm, Ernie Rafuse and Joyce Semone. $15 (cider, cookies and Santa too!). Door prize from Pete's Frootique ... Bananas for all!  There will be a raffle on a gift basket from Taste of Nova Scotia. For tickets/info call 275-5622 Ext 221. The bass trombone player is excellent ! Annie's keepers at the SPCA received hundreds of calls

Air Canada telephone customer: "I'd like to book a flight to Toronto." AC Rep: "Fine. Where are you now?" AC customer: "In my kitchen." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

November 13th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Monday's Remembrance Day ceremony was a corker and the weather cooperated. The parade square was packed, there was a "fly by" by an old fighter plane and the band played on. It was epic. It's Gingerbread time again ! The Festival kicks off in just over 2 weeks. There are several divisions for the gingerbread house entries and each winning entry will win a $150 prize thanks to our generous sponsors. Blow the cobwebs out of the oven and get busy.

This Week in Chester Tonight is Big Pitcher Wednesday at the Foc's'le Pub. 3 clams off a pitcher of beer to go with your pasta of choice which is the special of the day. Bring the family. Thursday night @ 7:30pm the Chester Playhouse presents it's Maggie Smith film series with "Suddenly Last Summer."  Maggie plays Mrs. Venerable who wants her niece institutionalized to hide her family secret. Natasha Richardson plays Catherine Holly who witnessed the gory death of her cousin Sebastian and has not recovered from this and the events leading up to this. Rob Lowe plays the psychiatrist who is here to evaluate and institutionalize Catherine. Remember Nicki's is open from Thursday to Sunday every week until December 8th. Get your little piece of heaven before she is lathering up with the stallions on Somebeachsomewhere. Friday night the Klunkers take the stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub. This is a fun group with a combination of folk and blues. Saturday night there is dinner theatre at the Legion. Doors open @5:30 pm, dinner@ 6:30 pm. That's late for the Legion - they are usually washing up by then. The Accidental Actors will be performing "Nick's Place" a play depicting 1930's prohibition days.Tickets may be purchased at Scotiabank or by calling Gerri 275-3817. Monies raised will help enhance lives of the residents of Shoreham Village. This Sunday from 1:30 - 3:30 pm there will be a 2 hour guided walking tour of the west side of the Gold River Gold Mines, part of the Nova Scotia gold rush of the 1860s.  Adults $10 and Children (under 12 years) $5 and Children under 6 years are free.  All proceeds for a new roof on the Chester Train Station.  By reservation only. 275-3718. Monday evening the Chester Garden Club is meeting at St. Stephen's Hall @ 6:30 for 7:00 pm.  Topic:  Streptocarpus:  a rainbow of colour - an interesting plant grown and explained by our own Edward Rafuse.

A BIG congratulations to "Swingology" and our very own Tom and Cynthia Myers for winning Music Nova Scotia's Jazz recording of the Year !  Yeahhhhh ! To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

November 6th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well Hallowe'en was a bit of a disappointment. I have enough chocolate left over to last until Easter. It could all be melted down to make a bunny. But I'm getting ahead of myself in the spectrum of seasons. Gingerbread Season is imminent.The Gingerbreads are still looking for indoor/outdoor lights, outdoor extension cords and flood lights to be borrowed or donated to the sugar cause. You may drop off your offering on the porch at the Mecklenburgh Inn @ 78 Queen Street next to the Post Office. The clocks went back last weekend: WHY do I never remember this? I blew an extra hour of feather fun by launching out of the bunk too early.

This Week in Chester "Going Coastal" on Queen Street is the new kid on the block. Lovely artwork adorns the walls and some beautifully crafted wood pieces from tables to kitchen islands await you. Don't forget every Tuesday is trivia night at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Assemble some friends and repair to the pub for their half price burger special. The competition is fierce so brush up on your trivia. No googling allowed. Friday night SWIG takes the stage at the Fo'c'sle. Mark and Sara will delight you with their music selections. "Singing along is not only encouraged, it's expected." (That's what their biz card says.) Friday evening also has the Season 4 premiere of "Haven" on Showcase @ 8 pm. Break out the popcorn and beer, pull the lever on the la-z-boy and settle in. Saturday night @ 7:30 pm the Chester Playhouse presents "Jake's Gift,"  a surprisingly funny drama that tells the story of a Canadian WW2 veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary D-Day. While roaming the shores of Juno Beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious ten year old from the local village whose inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long ignored ghosts. Sunday morning the Kiwi Café has the Jazzettes spicing up your daily chai habit from 11am - 1pm. Stop by for brunch and listen to the effervescent Cynthia Myers and her background boys. Once you've fueled up on eggs benny head over to Western Shore @ 1:30 for a 2 hour guided walking tour of the west side of the Gold River gold mines, part of the Nova Scotia Gold Rush of the 1860's.  Adults/ $10, children under 12/ $5 and children under 6 free. All proceeds for a new roof on the Chester Train Station. By reservation only 275-3718.  Monday is Remembrance Day. Plan to be at the Cenotaph @ 11 am to remember those who sacrificed their lives. This is a very important and moving ceremony. Please join us.

How do they get a deer to cross at that yellow road sign? Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group