June 29th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The Playhouse was rocking last weekend with Dawn Hardwood Jones' "Chester's Got Talent" variety show. This was a fundraiser for the Starfish refugee project. The house was packed with an enthusiastic crowd which included our new Syrian family. "Dirty Dougie and the Divine Dandies" - a collection of retired teachers - rounded out the evening with some great doo wop tunes which garnered a standing ovation. My seat mate allowed that perhaps all that talent had been wasted on education. This Week in Chester Friday is Canada Day ! Get out the red and white streamers and show your pride in our country. In the big picture, we're looking pretty good at the moment. Canada Day Celebrations are kicking off at the Chester Legion with breakfast from 7:30 - 10:30 am.  Eggs, french toast, hash browns, beans, bacon, sausage, toast, tea/coffee and juice - the whole enchilada! They will raise the flag at noon followed by a walk around Chester then back to the Legion to enjoy free hot dogs, cake & pop. That better be a   l o n g  walk because that is a lot of groceries. It's business as usual for the Chester Farmers and Artisan Market this Friday. They aren't taking the day off and will be at the Chester Visitor Information Centre from 10 - 2 pm rain or shine.  Stop by for some Canada Day Cake and enjoy live music whilst stocking up for the long weekend.   This is good news : there is a now a hop on/hop off shuttle bus service in Nova Scotia. Yeah! Check out their website and please use the service if you can. Chester Playhouse is excited to present multi-time JUNO award winner Stephen Fearing this Friday at 8pm. Stephen is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist and also a founding member of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, alongside Colin Linden and Tom Wilson, and one-half of the duo Fearing & White. Opening the show will be Cassie Josephine & Gabriel Minnikin, founding member of The Guthries. There will be fireworks at 10 pm in the Front Harbour. Snag your viewing spot at the Yacht Club or mark your territory at Freda's beach. Rain date Saturday, July 2nd. Picnic (and dancing) in the Park is on the cards next Tuesday and every Tuesday until the end of August with live music from 6- 8 pm at Lordly Park. Next Tuesday has the Klunkers on stage sponsored by GN Thermoforming Equipment. Meals for the musicians generously provided by the Stretch Diner. Free admission...donations encouraged...if it's raining Tuesday, they dance on Wednesday, if it's raining Wednesday, they dance on Thursday!   The Chester Art Centre is showing off their new home, opening the season with Heather Sayeau's  "The Way to Your Best Paintings" July 5th & 6th from 9am - 4pm. Bring photos of great Aunt Bertha, or browse through Heather's snaps for your subject. $140.00. Bring your Snoopy lunch pail. Next up at the Art Centre is water colour "Still Life Painting" with Susan Paterson on July 7th & 8th from 10 am - 4 pm. The cost is $140.00. Sandwich required. The Chester Playhouse Galapalooza is next Saturday, July 9th, from 6-9pm at the Totman property on Nauss Point Road. The theme is "Ascot by the Sea" and will feature a new event of seahorse racing along with the annual festivities such as 'Chester Dines' silent auction. Hors d'oeuvres by Cocoa Pesto, lots of booze and exceptional entertainment from Mike Cowie and The Vibe Trio with a preview of the opening production "Ruthless!" Tickets are $150 per person and are going fast. A baby beaver. Awwww, what's more Canadian than that? Brochure I had two guests last week that reminded me of a Fawlty Towers clip - and I will leave it at that. Happy Canada Day everyone ! Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

June 22nd,2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings! Happy summer. Finally. It's here. Well, there was that gale for the past few days, oh and the lingering fog, and, well, maybe the temperatures are a bit low. But take heart, summer is out there somewhere !

This Week in Chester The Kayak Shack is up and running for another great season at 106 Duke/ 89 Water Street. This operation is so large it spans the block ! They are ready to push you out to sea every day from 0800-1900 from now until mid October barring an unforeseen hurricane. There are trips and routes to suit every level of exuberance.You could paddle to Tancook for a hike or paddle to the Rope Loft for lunch and call it a day. All paddlers will receive personal instruction and a briefing to cover basic safety. The Kayak Shack can also transport kayaks to your desired location for an additional fee. All their brightly colored boats are fitted with retractable skegs and have 2 water tight compartments to keep you floating. Dial (902) 980-0522 for reservations/ information. Try it, you'll like it. There is nothing better than Chester as seen from the water. The OHC's AGM is tonight @ 7pm at the Legion. Guest Speaker is Janet Knox, CEO of the NS Health Authority.Get an update on OHC progress and learn about the state of health care in Nova Scotia.The OHC is expected to be in operation by late October. Put art openings back on your social calendar this summer. Amicus Gallery on Pleasant Street is off and running with the first show of the season featuring new works by Zehava Power and introducing Carole Malcolm into the mix. Drop by and see the show this Thursday from 6-8pm, or preview the pieces to shop online. The canvasses will be nailed to the wall until July 6th when you may then liberate them to YOUR wall. The Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market is open for business this Friday at the old train station from 10 - 2 pm.The fiddleheads are finished but there are other great things coming. It's a great vibe. Go check it out. Don't forget every Friday night is Pizza Night at the Kiwi Cafe. Get your Italian fix here. Prego! Round out your Friday night with Karaoke at the Chester Legion starting 9 pm for members and guests over 19. This year marks the 25th anniversary of  the Show "n" Shine at Graves Island. This show is open to all. Rain date - Sunday, June 26. The show runs from 10 -  3 pm.  Over 200 vehicles from 1948 onwards. No admission but donations are appreciated to help with expenses.  There will be a canteen on-site with proceeds going to a local charity.  For more info contact (902) 275-4933/ (902) 275-7727. This Saturday at 7:30 the Chester Playhouse is proud to host "Chester's Got Talent!" a benefit for the Starfish Refugee project. The Starfish Project is a grassroots, collaborative group comprised of community volunteers dedicated to resettling two Syrian refugee families in the Chester area. This event features professional musicians including Laura Smith, Pat Watson, David Finlay, Morgan Cruikshank, Melina & Amelia as well as local young performers from Enpoint and the After School Theatre program. Doo-wop band "Dirty Dougie and the Divine Dandies" will be on stage as well. Mrs M. Lordly requests the honor of your presence for tea at Lordly House @ 133 Central Street from 1-4 pm on Sunday the 26th day of June. Join the Lordlys to celebrate their renovations. Get your period "kit ' on and get over there. It will be a hoot. Lordly House is now open for the season Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm.  Brochure The summer BBQ season is here.

If you are going to be weird, be confident about it. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

June 15th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings! You would never know summer is less than a week away because it sure doesn't feel like it. My wood pile is being depleted daily. Don't rush with the swimsuit collection this season.

This Week in Chester The After School Drama Youth Performances continue tonight, Wednesday, at the Chester Playhouse  with "Broadway My Way!"  ages 11 - 15 years. A cast of 15 rising stars sing and dance as they treat the audience to show tune favourites and a touch of Frank Sinatra. Tomorrow night, Thursday,  "Where Did They Go?" ages 8 - 10 years will be on stage. Help Professor Alberta "Bone-Hunter" Jones, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Alfred Weneger find the clues that will lead them back to the land of the lost to solve this mystery. General admission tickets are available at the door on day of show. $7 Adults/ $3 Short ones The Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market is now open for the season at the Chester VIC AKA the old Train Station Friday from 10- 2 pm rain or shine. Get there PDQ. Local farm vendors and artisans are selling fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, divine Indian food and more.  Friday night is Pizza Night @ the Kiwi Café from 5:30 - 9 pm or until Lynda runs out of dough. Its a unique style of pizza that she studied in Rome last winter. Made from Italian 00 flour, spelt, barley and whole wheat flour, the dough ferments for 48 hours.The toppings are Roman style - selective and high quality - with locally sourced ingredients. Their charcuterie comes from the Peasants Pantry in New Ross. Later there is karaoke at the Chester Legion starting 9 pm for members and guests over 19. Practice your alto in the shower this week. Brochure

It is "World Knit in Public Day" this Saturday at the newly refurbished Chester Art Centre @ 60 Queen Street. The Clampetts will be knitting on the front porch from 10 am onwards. You are welcome to bring your own knitting project and join in ... the more the merrier. Lots of action at Gold River Marina at 242 Demont Road in Chester Basin this weekend. They are having a Marine Yard Sale from 0900-1400 on Saturday - rain or shine. You may buy or sell. If you would like to book a table to sell your ratchet block, call 902-275-1322 to book your $10 table. There will be hot dogs and refreshments with proceeds going to the local Sea Cadets. On your way down to the marina why not check out this one of a kind yard sale. It runs from 10 - 2 pm @ 45 Bluenose Close in Westchester Village just past Marriott's Cove. A thumbnail of the chattels : furniture, lamps, mirrors, fireplace gear, dining tables, bedroom dresser set and two end tables, black bar stools, large wicker chairs and other groovy chairs; pine dresser, jam cabinet, desk table, Wilton Armental table ware Emile Henry stuff, Ralph Lauren glassware, golf gear, high end clothing and shoes. Run Forest run ! Inquiries may be directed to 902- 452-8553.There will be fresh home made muffins - reason alone to attend ! Celebrate your new meadow and marine acquisitions at the Annual Mason's Clarke Lodge Lobster Supper hosted by the Chester Legion from 4 - 6 pm. $20 buys you lobster, potato salad, coleslaw, dessert, tea or coffee. Take-outs are available. Tickets may be purchased by calling 902- 275-4034 / 902 275-5181. Tickets are also available at the door. Gold River Marina is hosting a VHF radio course this Sunday from 0830-1500. Call the Marina TODAY to register if you would like to take the course 902-275-1322. $70 includes manual and the Industry Canada Certificate. Over. Next Monday night the Chester Garden Club presents "A World of Ferns for Canadian Gardens" at St. Stephen's Hall @ 6:30 for 7 pm.  Iain Jack from Fernwood Plant Nursery, will be speaking on the many ways to enjoy and feature these durable and versatile plants in our gardens. A selection of ferns will be available for sale. All are welcome. I find durable is good when it comes to plants. Cat's diary... DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

June 8th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The Chester Merchants are back on the air for 2016. We are fired up for the season and ready for the stampede. Come and see us.  Jacob and Graeme Saunders are going to RIO ! Our Chester boys are heading to the Olympics ! You can follow their progress here. This Week in Chester Despite the fact that we live on the Atlantic ocean, it is sometimes difficult to get fresh fish on a regular basis. Here is some very exciting news ... "Fresh Fish Delivered to your Door." Two enterprising high school graduates want your custom. They will have fresh fish, right off the boat, delivered to your door twice a week this summer. Beginning July 1st, they will send out a bi weekly email  to let you know of products and pricing for delivery the following day. Sign up now with your name,civic address and cell number for their database and they we will keep you informed of incoming (ex) swimmers. Contact Conal Lucey/Glen Creaser at  onlinefishguys@gmail.com to enjoy fresh fish all summer. Yippee ! Tomorrow night is wing night in the Hamlet. You can have the "nude" variety at the Rope Loft or the "dressed" kind at the Fo'c'sle. It's so nice to have options. I have done a survey and the nude vs dressed are running neck and neck. You judge and be the "Master of your domain." The farmers are back at the old train station Friday from 10 am -2 pm. It's spinach for the masses this month. There are so many leafy greens this month it can only help offset the winter sloth. Get to the breakfast this Saturday 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. There is a plant sale (but not the Plant itself)  at the Louisiana Pacific composting facility Open House from 9am - 12:30 pm rain or shine at the Union Hall in East River, 7216 Highway 329. Niki Jabbour will be the guest speaker and there will be master gardeners on hand.Tours of the composting facility will be offered as well - reserve your seat by calling Jennifer @ 902-275-2976. There will be an Acoustic Jam at the Chester Legion kicking off at 9 pm Saturday evening for members and guests. Get your happy feet on. Your little green wheelie bins may now be waltzed to the curb weekly until mid September. The blood donor clinic is happening at the Chester Legion Monday afternoon from 1- 3pm and again from 5-8pm. For more info call 1-888-236-6283.There will be cookies. Cynthia Myers is creating magic at the Chester Playhouse with the After School Productions. Next Tuesday showcases "Knee Deep" with budding thespians aged 5-7. Basho the frog is abandoned in the local pond where he quickly learns that friends can help you flip, flop or fly! Have your heart warmed as the small but mighty cast brings us lessons about the importance of making good friends and self - growth within those friendships.Tickets are available at the door on day of show. Adults $7 / short ones $3. Brochure Gender equality is futile as long as a man's underwear is only $8.95 for a three-pack. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!