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!