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?

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 Join Our Mailing List!

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.

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 Join Our Mailing List!

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.

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 Join Our Mailing List!

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.

Well, another day has passed and I didn't use algebra once. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 26th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! We are knee deep in Gingerbread this month ! We are all about our little molasses men and the 14 Gingerbread house creations that will be on display at the Chester Train Station this weekend. Our "flat men" are turning up on properties all over the village this week with some interesting twists. Come and have a look at the new displays. Eric Harding, our Tradewinds Realty gingerbread "man on the street" was the poster boy last weekend at the Gingerbread Fair at CDS, to the delight of all the attendants. Thank you Eric !

This Week in Chester 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 from Friday until December 21st. You may enter the draw when you "shop local." The Chester Playhouse Annual Poinsettia sale is   b a c k !  They are all red this year so you won't have to agonize over a choice of colour as to what will match the sofa, and they are available for the bargain basement price of $20. Order today (and I mean TODAY) and your little red bundle of joy will be available for pick up or delivery next Saturday. "The Cynthetics" are hip to the Christmas scene this season with cocktail music to celebrate. You may book them for your staff party, house gathering, huge blow out event or dinner for one. Visit their Facebook page then dial up those dulcet tones directly @ 902-233-4781 Thursday is the opening of the annual Victorian Christmas Show and Sale at the Lordly House at 133 Central Street. They have over 20 vendors with a wide selection of items including wooden bowls, knit and crochet items, glass, jewelry, soaps, hooked mats, quilts, specialty vinegars, and a whole bunch more. The show runs daily from 10-5pm until Sunday and it costs a loonie to get in the front door. One fifth of all proceeds will be donated to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society for restoration work in the village. 902-273-2176  -  knowledge at your fingertips. Friday night kicks off our Gingerbread festival with Christmas tree lighting at the Chester Train Station. Plan to arrive at 6:30 pm and take part in the Efficiency (oxymoron) Nova Scotia Holiday Light Exchange. Santa will jet in at 7pm for the tree lighting. Music, hot chocolate and cookies await. Food Bank donations are welcome. This is a big weekend of Christmas celebration on the South Shore. The Hubbards Market is back from 8am - noon on Saturday in the Barn. The Gingerbread Houses are on display at the Chester Train Station Saturday from 10-4pm and Sunday from 12-4pm and Father Christmas is in Mahone Bay all weekend so there is something for everyone here on the Bluenose Coast. Sunday is the last mine tour of the season down at Gold River. For more info/reservation (a must) call 902-275-3718. Chester Playhouse presents "The Gingerbread Man" next Tuesday evening at 7 pm. Theatre students from 5-8 years old are on stage. I actually attended one of these "short one" productions and was pleasantly surprised with the talent. GN Thermoforming is the top supporter of the Chester Playhouse and it is because of their help these programs are possible. The Annual Chester Brass Band Christmas dinner will be held next Sunday, December 7th at  Atlantica Hotel in Western Shore. For reservations dial up the maestro @ (902) 275-3453 Tickets are flying out the door so hurry and book your seat/ table now ! Merchant Gift Basket

I have shared these tips before but I think it is worth revisiting as the holiday season approaches... Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. If you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. Drink as much eggnog as you can. Who cares that it has 10,000 calories? Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 19th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! It's that time of year to pull your little brown flat man out of the basement, sweep off the cobwebs and maybe make him a new 2014 outfit. Show him off to the neighbours. We have 14 entries for the Gingerbread Competition. Wahooo ! They will be on display next weekend at the Train Station.

This Week in Chester Don't forget to buy your OHC 50/50 ticket this week. Buy now, buy often. You may now purchase your tickets online . Remember that every Wednesday the South Shore Library Bus is at the Chester Legion from 1- 4:30 pm. This is free for all to join and they have a great selection of books, magazines and videos. Don't miss the blue bus when it comes to the village as there is something for everyone. It is Christmas Craft Fair weekend in the Hamlet.... EVERYWHERE ! This Saturday the Gingerbread Craft Fair will be held at the Chester District School from 9 - 1 pm. Crafts, food, live music and family fun. Support the Lighthouse Food Bank and bring a can of food!  For info: paterson.amandajane@gmail.com There is a Craft Fair at the Chester Baptist Church from 10 - 3 pm on Saturday as well. There will be a variety of items to choose from; jams, knitted goods, willow baskets, sea glass jewelry, fudge, stuffed children. Free admission. St. Stephen's Community Centre is hosting their Annual Christmas Bazaar on Regent Street and the  doors open at 11am with goodies such as books, Christmassy things, wreaths and a baking table. Lunch will be served from 11:30am -1:30pm. Adults $8, Children under 10 years $5. Soups, homemade bread, apple crisp and tea/coffee. I think a flask is in order here. Three craft fairs in one day? Something's got to give. Saturday evening Alejandra Ribera, the Argentinean/Scottish songstress is onstage at the Chester Playhouse with a three-piece jazz band in tow at 7:30 pm. Alejandra is known for her wild vocal range and eclectic writing style and has been compared to artists like Edith Piaf, Tom Waits and Joan Armatrading. Alejandra plays anything from jazz ballads, to Mexican folk tunes to alternative pop. Never satisfied to sit still, Ribera bursts with energy on stage and exudes a deep commitment to her art. Her show sold out here in 2012 so get your tickets today ! I heard her on CBC yesterday afternoon. I actually waited by the radio till the end to hear who was singing. Don't miss this girl. The Gold Mines Tour is this Sunday - a 2 hour guided walking tour of the West Side of Gold River Gold Mines, part of the Nova Scotia Gold Rush of the 1860s, from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. For more info/reservation (a must) call 902-275-3718. Sunday night there is a Gospel Concert at the Chester Baptist Church @7 pm with Rev Dan Green leading the way. All are welcome. Great music with Hymn Sing starting 6:30 pm. On Monday there is a blood donor Clinic at the Chester Legion from 1 - 3 pm and again from 5 - 8 pm. For more info dial up the vampires @ 1-888-236-6283. It is in you to give - so give it up !

CDO is like OCD but all the letters are in alphabetical order. As they should be. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 12th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The girls' send off last Wednesday was epic. The Fo'c'sle was almost as packed as New Year's Day ! The decibel level at the PO next door is a bit lower these days. I will now need to invest in an alarm clock to get out of bed. Your gingerbread entry form must be received by 5 pm Saturday to be eligible for the competition. $$$ to be won! Start your ovens now ! Local talent abounds this week. Read on.

This Week in Chester Don't forget to buy your OHC 50/50 ticket this week. More buyers result in bigger winners. You may now buy your tickets online . Friday night Old Man Luedecke is on stage at the Chester Playhouse at 7:30pm. Chester's own award-winning roots singer-songwriter's latest album "Tender Is The Night," songs are playful, coy, and soul warming. Chris's music is rich in metaphor, heart and instrumentation...this is a show not to be missed. Saturday evening is loaded with options but you may pick only one as they are all at the same time. Local boy Ryan Emms CD Release Party "Couldn't Be Better" is happening at Atlantica Oak Island Resort from 4 - 6 pm. Donations to IWK for Sick Kids.  www.facebook.com/rtemms. The Chester Baptist Church is hosting a Kohl Canon supper from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Get over there right after lunch. "After, Even After - with a Twist" is a dinner theatre presentation by the Accidental Actors sponsored by the Shoreham Village Ladies Auxiliary at the Chester Legion. Doors open 5:30 pm and the play starts at 7pm. Roast piglet is on the menu.Tickets are $25 and are available at Shoreham Village office, Bank of Nova Scotia or Gerri Allen @ 902-275-3817. On Sunday the Gold River Gold Mines Tour is happening from 1:30 - 3:30pm. 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.  All proceeds in support of Chester Municipal Heritage Society. For more info/reservation (a must) call 902-275-3718. Pat and Angela await you at the Village Emporium on Pleasant Street. A delightful shop with something for everyone from books to jewelry to clothing and everything in between. Think Christmas and think "Shop Local." Monday there is a Chester Garden Club meeting at the St. Stephen's Hall at 6:30pm. Guest Speaker Svenja Dee will demonstrate how to make a seasonal wreath and a seasonal centerpiece. Refreshments followed by AGM. New members welcome. Tuesday evening at 7pm the "Friends of Nature" will hold their AGM at the Baptist Church Hall. Guest Speaker Rosemarie Lohnes will speak on her Living Shorelines Project. Rosemarie has been working with the Ecology Action Centre on ways to minimize coastal erosion without destroying the living ecosystems of our shorelines. Mary-Frances Lynch will provide an update on the South Canoe Wind Farm; Jamie Simpson will speak on the latest developments in sustainable harvesting practices in Nova Scotia. All are welcome.

"Energizer Bunny Arrested: Charged with Battery." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!