December 30th, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! And you thought last week was the end...wrong ! The winner of the "Shop Chester 2015" gift basket valued at $1900 is Susan Cruickshank of East Chester. It took five of us to get all the packages into her car. Congratulations Sue ! I hope you made it through Christmas. Thank gawd there are only six days between Christmas and New Year's otherwise we would ALL be in detox. Nothing says holidays like a port wine cheese ball.

This Week in Chester Don't forget to move your little brown Flat Man back to the basement in the New Year. Heads up ! Here's the New Years Day Levee schedule. Don't go overboard New Year's Eve or you won't have the staying power to get through the day. Chester Playhouse  11-1 Chester Legion  11-1 Chester Yacht Club 1- 4 Fo'c'sle Pub  12- 6 Looking ahead to 2016, keep your eyes peeled in March for the EP release party of "The Blue Lane." This exciting new band offers audiences a mellow jazz / blues style with elements of Americana and Swing. Connor Booth (drummer) is from Lunenburg, Morgan Cruickshank, (lead/rhythm guitar) is from Chester,  Rachael Henderson (vocals and bass) is from Truro and Caleb Johnson (lead/rhythm guitar) is from Perth Andover, NB. The debut of the Blue Lane includes original songs "I'll See You When" and "Walking into Yesterday." These guys are HOT ! Click on their songs and listen to their sound. Brochure

A quick recap of 2015 ... "Sometimes bad things happen to good robots."   Hitchbot Happy New Year to all of you from all of us. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 23rd, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The ballots have been counted. Bunch Fraser won the "People's Choice" award for her gingerbread birdhouse in our Annual Gingerbread House Competition. Congratulations and thank you to ALL the entrants for such fabulous works of art and for taking part. Our merchants are at their posts until last man standing December 24th. Stop in, show them your look of desperation and they will help you and your credit card get through the season of joy. This Week in Chester Today, Wednesday, is "Subway Cookie Day" in support of Chester PRO Kids. There are cookies for sale at two lettuce depots : Subway or Scotiabank. Cookies are $1 each or $10 for a dozen. A portion of all food sales at Subway go to Chester PRO Kids as well. Amicus Gallery is celebrating the season, or the end of it, by serving up mind blowing eggnog on Thursday afternoon. A last minute sweater might be just the ticket to finish off your list. Paula has lovely painted sinks as well, but that may not be quite the Christmas gift da wife was envisioning. The OHC 50-50 Draw Program has kicked it up a notch. They are now chasing the Ace - and you know how lucrative THAT can be ! Each of the first four weeks' winners will receive a guaranteed minimum $1,000.00 prize.Tickets are on sale every Thursday - Sunday at OHC "Chase the Ace" retailers. A runaway bargain at $2.00/ ticket. Brochure With Christmas upon us, I would like to relay a story a friend shared with me. Here is his tale... "As you know, some of us have been known to have brushes with the authorities from time to time, often on the way home after a "social session" with family or friends. Well, two days ago, this happened to me. I was out for an evening with friends and had more than several beers followed by a couple of bottles of rather nice red wine and vodka shots. Although relaxed, I still had the common sense to know I was slightly over the limit. That's when I did something I've never done before - I took a taxi home. Sure enough, on the way there was a police roadblock, but since it was a taxi they waved it by and I arrived home safely without incident. This was a real surprise to me;  I had never driven a taxi before. I don't know where I got it, and now that it's in my garage I don't know what to do with it." Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 16th,2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                AJ Paterson photo                                                                                                                     Greetings! Well, that was quite the tide yesterday. I had to pick my way through seaweed to get to Glyda's. We're coming into the home stretch. 10 days left before you can safely get the bunny slippers on and own the remote. Avoid that December 24th panic and get out there now. "Git 'er done."

This Week in Chester Tonight is the  "Sing Choirs" celebration at the Baptist Church on King Street at 7:30 pm. An evening of Christmas music from massed choirs, individuals, and the youth choir "Musical Friends" who will perform the classic Charlie Brown Christmas song "Christmas Time" in honour of its' 50th anniversary. The storm date is tomorrow night, Thursday. Admission by donation in support of Musical Friends' after school program. The "Invisible Fence" duo have opened a "pop-up" Dog Supply store at the old Lesley's Pantry at #3802 across from Tim Horton's on Highway 3. They are open every weekend from 9-5 and other times by chance or appointment. They have Christmas themed collars and leashes, dog toys, raw beef patties, dried beef organs (yummy) obedience classes and individual sessions, dog grooming and Invisible Fence solutions. 902 277-0580. This Friday Internationally acclaimed soprano singer Suzie LeBlanc and her band will be on stage at the Chester Playhouse at 7:30 pm. While this show will be primarily themed around Christmas, what you will hear will be unlike any other Christmas music you may have experienced before. These professional musicians and strong vocals fit just as well within an opera hall as they do with the acoustics of the Playhouse. Suzie LeBlanc will bring to the stage something far beyond 'Jingle Bells.' This Saturday is the final Hubbards Market of 2015. The barn doors open at 0800 and close at noon. This is your chance to stock up on Julien's goodies for the Christmas season. The Kiwi Café has "Jazzette" and the dulcet tones of Cynthia Myers on stage this Sunday from noon until 2pm. Get there early to assure yourself a seat and some eggs bennie. Oh, and maybe a brownie or three. The choir has left the building and the actors are IN. This Sunday and Monday night the play  "A Christmas Carol" will be presented at the Baptist Church on King Street @ 7 pm. Adapted and directed by Reid Campbell, this delightful Christmas classic features Doug Ross as Scrooge, Bruce Jollymore as Marley with Barry Redmond, Cynthia Myers and Beth Guptill as the three Spirits, and a supporting cast of local actors and musicians. This is a fundraiser for the Starfish Refugee Project to sponsor a Syrian family in Chester so dig deep.  902 275-3434 / 902 624-8269 for further info. Admission by donation. Next Monday there is also a Winter Solstice Yoga Fundraiser in support of the Starfish Refugee Project at the Chester Basin Legion from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.  Doors open 6 pm with a social gathering after the class.  A community yoga celebration of "Bendy Wendy" poses; bring a mat, a blanket and maybe a pillow just in case you nod off. Cash donations for the Starfish Refugee Project/ food donations for the Lighthouse Food Bank. For info call Amy 902 273-0405 / ahtwellness@hotmail.ca. Brochure

Three Wise Women would have asked directions, made reservations, helped deliver the baby, brought practical gifts, made a casserole and there would have been peace on Earth. Just sayin' Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 9th, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, the weather on Monday helped make up for July. I just wish we had had it ... in JULY. A big shout out to Cynthia Myers and her team for three super "After School" performances last week. These shows were a huge success with very enthusiastic audiences. The Merchants' "Shop Chester" campaign is in high gear. They are offering up a gift basket worth $1800 in merchandise and certificates. You may enter a ballot every time you "Shop Chester." I was at the Dollar Store yesterday and the nice lady asked me if I would like to enter my email address on the ballot so I could receive the weekly Chester Merchants Press Release.

This Week in Chester Tonight at 8pm the Chester Playhouse and the Chester Drama Society present "One Night at the Highmoore Inn" penned by first time writer Ryan Smith. Tonight is a "Pay What You Can" preview, and the grand opening is tomorrow night,Thursday. They should know all their lines by then. The play is about a group of strangers who are stranded at an inn due to a snow storm. Shane plays "Martin" the chef as well as the bartender. Think "Faulty Towers" and prepare to be entertained.The production runs until Saturday night and it always sells out so get your tickets now. Amicus Gallery on Pleasant Street is showcasing some of Victoria McGregor's photography this month. Stop in and see what Amicus has to fill out your Christmas list. They showcase pottery, fine art, stain glass, woodwork,woolen sweaters, jewelry, and ohhh so much more. If you haven't chopped down your Christmas tree yet, put down your axe and head to Oceanview Nurseries where the Lions Club have chopped them for you. Saturday the Hubbards market is up and running from 8am-noon. Get there early and dress warmly as it is always colder inside than out. Please note that the Fo'c'sle Pub is closed next Monday night for their staff Christmas party. Go to someone else's living room. Many thanks to the Bob, Audrey and the crew for being there for us rain, sleet, snow or hail. Brochure

A dyslexic man walks into a bra... Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 2nd, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                      Shoreham Village 2016 Calendar  [Victoria Macgregor photo]                                                                            Greetings! Shoreham Village has produced a calendar to put a smile on your face all year long and yes, they ARE wearing clothes. These gems are available at the Shoreham Village office, Pharmasave, Light My Fire on Duke Street and community craft fairs for $20.

This Week in Chester The Chester Playhouse is pleased to present their annual Christmas plays for the "After School" youth acting program. Directed by the amazing Cynthia Myers, with assistance from many volunteers, these drama programs will showcase the talents of about 60 rug rats from the 'hood. Tonight at 7 & 8 pm join the actors from CAMS as they spend a day time traveling in the life and memories of a 92 year old Shoreham resident. "Forget Me Not" is a musical memory tour. Tomorrow night, Thursday, at 6 & 7:30pm "The Loneliest, Littlest, Lighthouse" is the grades 3-5 production; set on the magical Sable Island featuring: my little ponies, mermaids, pirates, with special guest Steven Harper and one very lonely lighthouse.  Awwww  :( Also on Thursday night VOCTADA is having their AGM at St Stephen's Hall on Regent Street at 7 pm. They are looking for some fresh blood to join the ranks. Can you supply some? Come out and see what's happening with the Village of Chester Tourism and Development Association. See, VOCTADA is easier...LOL. Oceanview Home and Garden at 4392 Highway 3 are wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas by paying the tax from now until December 24th. There's more than just plants here people. I bought a tree and a pair of earrings there last week. Maybe I'll just use the earrings to decorate the tree. There will be a Refugee Settlement Information Fair this Friday from 2 - 5 pm at 20 King Street, Lunenburg. Come and learn about organizations and services available to assist refugees in Lunenburg County. Friday night there is karaoke at the Chester Legion from 9pm -12:30 am. Everyone 19 years and older is welcome. Bring your vocal cords. Betcha your woodpile doesn't look as fancy as this one. This Sunday the Chester Brass Band is having their 34th annual Christmas Gala Dinner at the Atlantica Hotel in Western Shore. The bar opens at 5:30 pm so be prompt. This will be an evening of Christmas music and caroling featuring special guests "Cynthia Myers and the Cynthetics." The price is $75/ person with charitable receipt for $35.  For more info/reservations, call Greg Fraser @ 902 275-3453. Clear your dance card next week because the Chester Drama Society is baaaack  ! The tradition of creating original twisted Christmas plays (not recommended for children) continues in Chester with a New Generation. After 16 years of writing Christmas plays for people who don't like Christmas, Malcolm Callaway is passing the torch. "One Night at the Highmoore Inn," penned by first time writer Ryan Smith, opens at the Chester Playhouse next Thursday, December 10th and runs until Saturday, with a "Pay What You Can" preview on Wednesday, December 9th. The curtain goes up at 8pm each evening. The play is directed by Malcolm Callaway and features Chester Drama Society actors both newbies and veterans.  Where else can you see a Viking being ravished by a slightly over zealous hotel maid who once played a similar role but as a Klingon?  Brochure

Overheard in the NSLC queue  ...  "He's basically the human version of a Labrador Retriever." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 25th,2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The Gingerbread Houses are in and they are fabulous. The judges had a difficult time of it and even had to pull out a flashlight and measuring tape to break a tie. The winner is Sara Claveau with her creation "Chateau d'Isaac." It is a masterpiece ! It is on display at Chez Glass Lass until December 20th along with all the other equally wonderful entries that are on display in village shop windows. A very Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends. We will be thinking of you on the couch, monster turkey sandwich in hand cheering on your favourite football team. Go Pats!

This Week in Chester The Chester Playhouse  is having their annual Poinsettia fundraiser. Got a cat you don't like? This sale is for you. How about a nice big red one for the Missus? They are $20 each and will be delivered on Saturday, December 5th. Purchase 1 or maybe 10 to share with your friends. Dial up the Playhouse now and beat the rush. 902 275-3933 The Chester Municipal Heritage Society's Annual Victorian Craft Show and Sale is happening at the Lordly House Museum at 133 Central Street this Thursday until Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm daily. Featuring the work of many local crafts people, this show promises not to disappoint those looking for unique Christmas gifts for family and friends. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Heritage Society. $2 admission for a door prize. For more details contact Hilary at 902 273-2176. "Kindness is Contagious"  is a film fundraiser for Chester District Elementary School.This film will be presented at the Chester Playhouse Friday at 7 pm. There will be silent auction items, baked goods and loads of fun. Admission by donation. This Saturday has Christmas at the Barn in Hubbards from 8am-12 noon. All the usual goodies with a festive twist. Get there early to hear Chester's troubadours John Cahill, Tom Myers and Barry Redmond. Saturday afternoon there is a Craft Fair at the Baptist Church on King Street from 10am - 2pm. Join in on the Global Climate March rally this Sunday at 1 pm at the Parade Square. Get involved and help fight global warming. Wear shorts.  Next Monday there is a Blood Donor Clinic at the Chester Legion from 1 - 3 pm and again from 5 - 8 pm. For info dial up the vampires @ 1-888-236-6283. Brochure

The fact that there's a highway to hell and only a stairway to heaven says a lot about the anticipated traffic numbers. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 18th, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! All your fabulous gingerbread creations must be delivered to the Mecklenburgh Inn, 78 Queen Street between 4 and 6 pm this Thursday. That's tomorrow [Bunch]. The Gingerbread Houses will be on display at various merchants' from Friday until December 20th.

This Week in Chester Bring out your Patrick Chan and get over to the Eleanor Pew Arena - skating times are Mondays AND Thursdays from 10am - 11a.m. Everyone is welcome!  For the small sum of $3.50 you can enjoy an hour of adult skating at the rink with some musical classics you thought you would never,ever, hear again. Bring a friend because if there are too few people this year they will stop the program. In breaking news from the Chester Merchants "Shop Chester" campaign ... they have a winning gift basket this year with a whopping value of $1800! They will have boxes in 26 participating merchants around the village and beyond. Shop Chester and enter to win this basket of joy. The campaign kicks off this Friday and runs until December 20th. Going Coastal on Queen Street is having a month long Christmas show and sale with a great selection of local and handmade paintings, prints, home decor, tree ornaments, furniture, cards and giftware. They will be open Wednesday - Sunday 11- 4pm and they will stay open till Sunday, December  20th. They are serving festive treats every Saturday from 1-4pm.   This Friday at 7:30 pm the Chester Playhouse presents "The Judgment of Paris." This performance follows the lives of two very different French composers, Claude Debussy and his once-follower Maurice Ravel in the midst of the oncoming Great War, as they compete for the love of their (personified) city. In a show that combines cabaret, history, and story-telling there is a feature in the music which contains a few original pieces written by the cast, which includes Patricia O'Callaghan, Bryce Kulak, Kevin Fox, Lori Gemmell and CBC's own Tom Allen. Saturday is the annual Christmas Bazaar at St. Stephen's Hall at 54 Regent Street starting at 11 am. Lunch will be served from 11:30 - 1 pm. Enjoy a variety of soups, rolls, dessert and tea/coffee. Adults $8, Children (5-10 years) $5 and under 5 years are free. There will be a bake table, wreaths, books and Christmas items. For more info email:  tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca. From there you can roll on down the street  to the Baptist Church and catch the Kohl Canon Supper from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Kohl Canon, baked beans, ham and pie for dessert. Adults $12, Children 12 and under are $6. Saturday night Short Notice will be playing at the Chester Legion for everyone 19 years and older starting 9 pm. Sunday has the Chester Farmers' and Artisan Christmas Market at the Chester Legion from 11 am - 3 pm. Looking for something extra special for your Christmas gift giving? They have handcrafted wood and woolen products, jewelry, jams & jellies, seaweed soap, candies & candles, fresh bread, meats & seafood for Christmas dining, and more! Hot food and drink available. chesterfarmersmarket.wordpress.com Next Monday there is a Local Refugee Sponsorship Public Information Session at 7pm at St Stephen's Hall. Moved by the crises in countries such as Syria, The Starfish Refugee Project has begun investigating local sponsorship of two refugee families. Comprised of residents and groups in the Chester area from East River to Western Shore, the plan is to raise at least $40,000 to begin the sponsorship process. $11,000 has already been raised. The public gathering on Monday aims to inform and inspire. It is not enough to simply raise money. It takes a passionate, committed community to help make this a successful sponsorship. The organizers hope for a large turnout, where the story behind the "Starfish" name will be revealed. Brochure Don't forget Tuesday Trivia at the Fo'c'sle Pub

"I once had a leather jacket that got ruined in the rain. Why does moisture ruin leather? Aren't cows outside a lot of the time? When it's raining, do cows go up to the farmhouse, 'Let us in! We're all wearing leather! Open the door! We're going to ruin the whole outfit here!'"   Jerry Seinfeld Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 11th, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                                                                                 Victoria McGregor photo                                                                Greetings! Take some time today to remember the fallen heroes.  Lest we forget.

This Week in Chester The Chester and Area Family Resource Centre is selling wreaths. There are several "wreathage" options available from $12-$24. You must place your order by next Friday, November 20th and you may pick them up the following Friday, November 27th. Order your new bouncing baby wreath @ 902 275-4347 Celtic-folk sensation Còig will be making a rare appearance at the Chester Playhouse at 7:30 pm this Friday. Based in Cape Breton, Còig has four incredibly talented members - fiddlers Chrissy Crowley and Rachel Davis, pianist Jason Roach, and multi-instrumentalist Darren McMullen. This group has been the promotional band for Celtic Colours and have helped make the event a truly International Festival. This Saturday is the monthly brew ha ha breakfast at the Chester Legion from 7:30-10:30 am.  Enjoy eggs (any way you like them), French toast, hash browns, beans, bacon, sausage, toast, tea/coffee or juice and get caught up on the Chester gossip. Remember that every Sunday this month there are Gold Mine Tours from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. The 2 hour guided walking tour is on the west side of Gold River gold mines, part of the Nova Scotia gold rush of the 1860s. Adults $10. All proceeds in support of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society.  For more info/reservations (a must) call 275-3718 or email:  flhs@eastlink.ca Next Monday the Chester Garden Club is meeting at St. Stephen's Hall at 6:30 for 7:00 pm.  The members will demonstrate how to assemble a centerpiece, using an oversized mug, and greenery from your garden (what's left), with other trimmings. Please bring an assortment of fresh cut spruce, cedar, hemlock, or other greens, and a container - of rum. There will be an assortment of other supplies for your use, at a nominal cost. Last men standing in Chester for the season. Please remember that the Fo'c'sle Pub and the Kiwi Cafe are open year round 7 days a week in spite of rain, snow, sleet, hail (last week) or floods.These two establishments are open to serve you. Do them the courtesy of frequenting them with your custom. Brochure

A Polish immigrant went to the registry to apply for a driver's license. First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test. The optician showed him a card with the letters.  On the bottom row were these letters: C Z W I N O S T A C Z "Can you read this?" the optician asked. "Read it? I know the fellow." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!