September 30th, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The super moon eclipse was spectacular. The tides were incredible. It was like someone pulled the plug out of the harbour. September should be called summer as the weather is way better and now we have time to enjoy it - so get out there !

This Week in Chester We are thrilled to share the news that Erick Bickerdike, General Manager of the Chester Playhouse, was presented the inaugural "Atlantic Presenter's Achievement Award" at the APA conference in PEI. This award is presented annually to a deserving individual who has made a significant contribution to the performing arts touring sector in Atlantic Canada. The recipient is selected by the APA Board of Directors from nominations from the Association membership and the sector at large. Erick has been the GM at the Playhouse for 11 years and we are over the moon with this recognition of his work and all the great shows he brings to the village. Congratulations Erick  ! Tomorrow night, Thursday, is the Absolute Bloody Final race of the season (except for schooners.) The start is 1800 with the finish in front of the Rope Loft. All comers are welcome to join the race and the festivities afterwards. There will be wings and also peel n' eat shrimp with prizes for the crew. What are you waiting for? Friday is the farmers market at the Train Station.They have moved the stalls to the forefront and it seems to flow well, so go get with the flow. Saturday is the Al Nunn Memorial Golf Tournament at the Chester Golf Course. Shot Gun start is at 10 am. The cost $360 per team of four. Registration forms are available online. This is a  fundraiser in support of Chester Ravens and BBQ in support of Chester PRO Kids. Saturday afternoon is the Haddock Chowder / Chili Supper at Chester Baptist Church from 4:30 - 6 pm. The cost is $10 and it is sponsored by the Music Committee. If it's the singing grandmas, they could use your help. This Saturday at 7:30 pm, award-winning musicians Kim Dunn and Shannon Quinn will take center stage at the Chester Playhouse. Dunn is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter that has been sharing his skills  "...a polished gem combining jazz, blues, soul and pop",with the industry for more than 30 years. Kim has played with Matt Minglewood, Rita MacNeil and Bruce Guthro to name a few. Shannon Quinn is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, dancer and composer. She has performed as a dancer with Cirque du Soleil , The Chieftains, and has recently been touring with The Paul McKenna Band as a fiddler for two years. Her sound is very much influenced by her Irish roots, but her passion for creating music serves as her greatest inspiration. My, my, the Chester Legion is busy this month. "Cover Up" will be playing there Saturday night for everyone 19 years and older starting 9 pm. This Sunday at 1 pm there is a country music fundraiser at the Legion with proceeds going to the "Animal Rescue Coalitions." The music line up features Chet Brown, Country Jam,Christina, Memory Lane, Newfound Country and Ron Muise. There will be a canteen, a bake table and a 50/50 draw. For further info  dial up 902 275-3645. Mark your calendar for October 17th. Our Health Centre is hosting a "Harvest Jam" at the Chester Legion with live music from 4pm till closing. This kitchen party will be headlined by "Dirty Dougie and the Divine Dandies." The doo-wop boys will be joined by many other bands for your dining and dancing pleasure.The kitchen will be serving harvest food, and the bar will be open.There will be raffles, silent auctions and surprises. Oh, I do love a surprise ! Admission is $15 for the whole gamut. $5 for short ones. Brochure

I always wondered what the job application is like at Hooters... do they just give you a bra and say, "Here. Fill this out."  ? Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

September 23rd, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Today is not only the first day of Fall but also the end of the Jewish day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. Two very convincing reasons to kick it up a notch for the weekly "Hump Day" celebrations. Summer drove away in the back of Kerry's truck last week so it will be bare poles until the yuletide season. Or we could take it upon ourselves to dress the hangars in something autumn appropriate. Any ideas? Don't say pumpkins.

This Week in Chester The Croquet Crowd are converging at Lordly Park tonight at 5pm. Wear your head lamp. Tonight at 7:30pm the Chester Playhouse invites you to join them in celebrating the achievements of Martin Rudy Haase who has just been awarded the Order of Nova Scotia. Chester resident Rudy Haase has lived a storied life in his 93 years.The former publisher, boatyard owner, Second World War naval officer, marine architect and environmentalist has accomplished more than most and met some of the legends of his time. Haase has inspired a generation of conservationists with his fight against pesticides, uranium mining, nuclear power and clearcut logging over the years and has been a leading environmentalist long before anyone knew what the term meant. In 2007 Neal Livingston produced a documentary about Rudy's life and the Playhouse will be showing this film tonight. Entrance is general admission with donations going to support the Friends of Nature, a foundation that Rudy set up in 1968. Friday the farmers are back at the Old Train Station from 10-2pm. Pedal yourself and your eco friendly shopping bag over there and load up for the week. Next Tuesday, the Municipality is holding a community workshop to gain insight from the local community to develop a brand. The workshop will take place at Forest Heights from 6:30 - 8pm. How do you feel about the Municipality/ core values and personality traits? They are looking for ideas regarding images and colours that could be represented in the new brand mark. I'm thinking a cocktail shaker and a martini glass overlaid on a chart of the bay. Can't make the meeting but still want to share your 2¢ worth? Fill out this survey before October 9th. For more info: mgates@chester.ca / 902-275-2599. Brochure

I've reached an age where my train of thought often leaves the station without me. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

September 16th, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                                                                     Jennifer Paterson photo                                           Greetings! Bluenose 2, 2.5, 3 ?  rolled into town last week. Northern Star cruised into town last week too. I hope you enjoyed viewing your tax dollars from afar. It's a beautiful day today ! Get out on the water if you can.

This Week in Chester Tonight at 5:00pm the croquet mallets will be waltzing around Lordly Park. March your mallet over there and join in the fun, or just bring a lawn chair and gin. Either accessory will be welcomed. Also on the agenda tonight, the legendary Mike MacDonald is on stage at the Chester Playhouse. A staple of the Just for Laughs comedy festival Mike incorporates recent events and things that happen within his life into routines. Mike has always been able to find the bright side to everything in life - from highly debated topics in the media to family road trips. MacDonald has appeared on Late Night with Letterman, Arsenio Hall, Showtime's Comedy Club, A&E's An Evening at the Improv, and Comedy Central's The A List. Dial up the Playhouse for your ticket now @ 902 275-3933 Friday the farmers are back at the old Train Station from 10am - 2 pm. Last week they were giving away delicious fresh hot corn on the cob rolled in butter. Who knows what they might be giving away this week...diamonds? or maybe an Ace? This Saturday and Sunday there is an "elegant" yard sale at 10 Main Street from 10 am-3 pm both days. The goodies are both inside and out, it will happen rain or shine and I am told there are antiques, collectibles, kilims and other rugs, fabrics, linens, furniture and artwork. Get your elegant self over there for the latest bargain. Saturday evening there is a benefit dance at the Chester Legion from 9pm - 1am with "Short Notice" on stage.Tickets are $10 in support of two local equestrian riders attending the National Equestrian Championships in the Nation's Capital next week . Renowned musician, songwriter, father of 3 beautiful girls, husband to the lovely and talented Teresa and generally all round great guy Chris "Old Man Luedecke" will be on stage at the Chester Playhouse this Saturday at 7:30 pm. Luedecke's new album Domestic Eccentric, is rife with everything the term 'domestic' implies - it's an album of home and the people that make it what it is. A banjo aficionado and winner of two Juno awards, Old Man Luedecke's sound has a comfortable folky, bluegrass feel to it with honest simplicity and an upbeat vibe. Don't miss this. Sunday the Chester Legion is hosting a crib tournament at 1pm for all you crib maniacs. 902 275-3315 for further info. Next Monday at 7pm there is a benefit for Musical Friends at St. Stephen's Church. Musical Friends is the free after school program where there will be a magical benefit with great guest artists including Laura Smith and the Studio Singers. This year Musical Friends is offering youth choir, band camp, tuneful tots and vintage voices - a weekly singalong for seniors and those who love 'oldies' music. These musical happenings are every Monday that school is in (no storm days / holidays).  Professional musicians and guest artists lead all four programs. For more information email dawnhj@gmail.com The Chester Art Centre has artist Jennie Carton with Back to Basics Drawing on the mornings of September 22nd, 29th, Oct 6th, 13th, & 20th from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Learn the details of realistic drawing ,explore creating light and shadow, proportion and reflection. The basic principles of illustration will be covered as all skill levels welcome. Cost: $130. Brochure

Diapers and politicians need to be changed regularly, and often for the same reason. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

September 9th, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, it was very nice to have an entire summer of good weather rolled into Labour Day Weekend. If you haven't been swimming, you should. Go. Go now. These water temperatures are on par with the Clampett's cee-ment pond in Beverly Hills.

This Week in Chester Tonight,Wednesday, the CCL (Chester Croquet League) will be at Lordly Park 5:30pm. They welcome new players and spectators. You and your flask are invited to join in the fun. Today and tomorrow the Chester Playhouse After School Acting Program will be at CAMS and CDS Schools. Director Cynthia Myers, Dawn Curry and many volunteers will host theatre classes for youth aged 5-13. Cost is $100 per student.  Bring your registration form and payment to the first day of class.The opportunity for your child to spend 12 weeks working with Cynthia is a gift to your child and to our community. Tomorrow,Thursday, the Seniors College Association of Nova Scotia (SCANS) is holding an information and registration session for fall classes at St. Stephen's Hall at 54 Regent Street at 4:00 pm. Courses include "Economists Debate Capitalism through History" and "Development of the Atlantic Provinces." Yup. Ever been to sea Billy?  Join the Sea Cadets ages 12-18 tomorrow night upstairs at the Chester Legion. Free registration for new and returning cadets is at 6:30 pm. Bring your health card and birth certificate or passport. For more info call Donna @ 902 689-2444. The farmers are back at the market at the Old Train Station this Friday from 10am- 2pm.This is the crescendo of the growing season. Buy everything and bottle it. You never know when the next petrol crisis will hit. Saturday morning there is breakfast happening at the Chester Legion from 7:30 -10:30am.  Enjoy eggs (any way you like them), french toast, hash browns, beans, bacon, sausage, toast, tea/coffee and juice. The Chester Heritage Society is wrapping up their "Underneath it All" exhibit this Saturday at the Lordly Museum at 133 Central Street. If you haven't seen this fine collection of knickers from the Lordly Era of 1860-1960, you should get over there. The show may be viewed all this week from 10-2pm until Saturday. How can we Chesterites share and participate in the Syrian refugee sponsorship effort? Our local church leaders have some answers.They invite you to an information meeting this Saturday at 6 pm at the Baptist Church, 84 King Street. Next Monday the Red Cross Blood Donor Clinic is at the Chester Legion from 1 - 3 pm and again from 5 - 8 pm. It's in you to give. For info dial up 1-888-236-6283. Canadian comedian Mike MacDonald will be performing next Wednesday at the Chester Playhouse @7:30 pm. A staple of the "Just for Laughs" comedy festival and a revered comedian nationwide, Mike incorporates recent events and things that happen within his life into his routines. He has always been able to find the bright side to everything in life - from highly debated topics in the media to 12 hour family road trips. I'm sure he'll have a hey day with the upcoming Federal election. The Chester Art Centre has engaged Janet Barkhouse to help you explore your poetic voice (should you have one) next Wednesday and Thursday from 1 - 4 pm where participants will explore their own unique voices. Bring a poem by one of your favourite poets to the first afternoon. Brochure

Denny's has a slogan, 'If it's your birthday, the meal is on us.' If you're in Denny's and it's your birthday, you might want reevaluate your life. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

September 2nd, 2015 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Ahhh, September! Fruition of the summer. I'm going to share a recipe with you that will make your taste buds sing with those ripe tomatoes and any other veg you pick up from a local market i.e. our own CHESTER FARMERS' & ARTISANS MARKET (10-2pm at the Chester Visitor Information Centre/Old Train Station - rain or shine). Most people think basil and toms, but why not try this? ZHOUG (recipe tried and trusted by 'The Other One', and directly reproduced from the Ottolenghi/Tamimi cookbook "Jerusalem" , given to me by one of the hamlet's best chefs). Veg, eggs, anything - once you've tasted it, you will look at mayonnaise and mustard in a different light:                 PS the Chester Farmers' Market runs till October 9th

This Week in Chester Wednesday night croquet at Lordly Park continues into September as the CHESTER CROQUET LEAGUE gains momentum as they are all having too much fun to call it quits. Two courts, whites, 'world class sport' with drink in hand, right on our doorstep. If you're interested in playing and/or putting a team of two together, contact Larry Pringle 902 980 1110 or dalemarinelogistics@gmail.com. Games start at 5.45pm sharp. SCANS (Seniors' College Association of NS) are running two courses in Chester this Fall (Oct-Dec): 'Economists Debate Capitalism Through History' with Daphna Levit and 'Development of the Atlantic Provinces' with Alan Wilson. They are holding an information and registration session on Thursday, September 10th at 4pm at St Stephen's Hall. Stimulate that 50+ brain. More info at www.theSCANS.CA A Permeable Driveway Installation is being showcased over the next week at 123 Duke Street in Chester. (It's the old Casablanca guest house). Featured at the Chelsea Flower Show, this sustainable alternative to asphalt and concrete has been used in Europe for over 30 years is just being introduced to Nova Scotia by Chester-based EcoDriveway Atlantic.  The project is being managed and installed by Elaine Collicutt & Sons  of Stanford Lake Rd (902 275 3666). Check it out. Danielle Barkhouse and her partner are behind bringing this eco-friendly product being available in NS. Our wells and water table thank you for your hard work and vision. The Playhouse is taking a short break and recharging it's batteries after a busy summer season. Doors open again September 16th with Canadian comic Mike MacDonald. Go to www.chesterplayhouse.ca for tickets and info on their fall shows. However, there will still be action in the 'theatre district' with stores, galleries and cafés open..... so take a wander down Pleasant Street now the crowds have gone and buy local. You might even find a parking space.... Oh, and the weekly green bin collection is carrying on until September 22nd when it will return to every 2 weeks. Plenty of time to eat lots of lobster without smelling it for days and days after. And don't forget to keep buying your OHC 50/50 tickets. Winnings are around $500 each week but will be more if you buy extra. Brochure

Submitted by, The Other One for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!