Wednesday, December 20, 2017

December 20th, 2017 Press Release!



Chester Merchants Press Release
 
                                                                                              Victoria McGregor Photo                              
                                                                                                                  




Greetings!

Drum roll... Brenda Boutilier of Big Tancook Island won the Merchants' gift basket of $1900 in goods and services. Congratulations Brenda !  
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the campaign.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

This Week in Chester 

Tonight, Wednesday is the18th Annual SING! CHOIRS at the Chester Baptist Church at 7:30 pm. Singers featured are the Chester United Baptist Choir, Dirty Dougie and the Divine Dandies, Musical Friends, St. Augustine's Musicians, St. Stephen's Anglican Choir, Studio Singers and special guests. Feel free to sing along or hum softly if you're tone deaf. Free will offering to benefit St. Thomas Baptist Church in North Preston. For more info call Erin 902-275-5864.

Most local merchants are open Sunday, December 24th but many are closing early, so if you're going shopping on Christmas Eve you better do it right after church or you'll miss out.

White Gate Restaurant still have a few seats left for New Years Eve. They are featuring a four course dinner and a glass of bubbly for $59 + tax per person. Inn rooms are available if you want to make a night of it ! Contact White Gate @ 902.275.4400 or info@whitegate.ca

New Year's Day there will be levees all over the village so best make a schedule to hit 'em all.
The Playhouse will be hosting a levee from 11-1pm with snacks and bloody caesars.
The Legion is throwing open their doors at 11 am too.
The Fo'c'sle would like to thank all their loyal customers and invite you all to join
them for great food, drinks, friends, and laughter from 12 - 4pm.
The Yacht Club is serving up eggnog and seafood chowder from 1- 4 pm. Not for the lactose faint of heart.


                                                                                                       


Looking ahead to the New Year on Tuesday, January 9th there will be a SCANS Winter Term Course information and registration at St. Stephen's Hall starting 2 pm. The first course is Stephen Booth's "Imagining the Rural" how our ecologies of the heart shape our relationships to the natural world.  The second course is Michael Collins' "Glimpses of Georgian and Victorian England." SCANS is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing non-credit academic courses to Seniors (50+) in Nova Scotia.  For more info/to register call 902-444-7588 scansinfo@gmail.com.


                  This  is Louie. He is lost in the area of the Back Harbour.  
If you find him please call  902-275-4556                              
              
                                         
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Last weekend on the way to finish his Christmas shopping, Bruce wasn't really paying attention and drove into the back of a car at some traffic lights.
The driver got out and it turned out he was a dwarf.
He said, "I'm not happy."
Bruce said, "Well, which one are you then?"

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you from all of us.

Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group
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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

December 13th, 2017 Press Release!


Chester Merchants Press Release
 
                                                                                               Oceanview  Nursery                                
                                                                                                                   




Greetings!
Please remember the Merchants' shop local gift basket campaign runs until next Monday.  


A huge gift basket of goodies and gift certificates valued at $1900 could be yours if you shop at participating stores and enter to win.
Happy Hanukkah to all.
Remember to keep those fire extinguishers handy.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

This Week in Chester 

Tonight is the grand opening of the much anticipated "Christmas at Grunion Bay" at the Chester Playhouse.The curtain goes up at 8 pm and admission is 'pay what you can' at the door. The box office opens at 6 pm so get there early.

"Christmas at Grunion Bay" the off off off Broadway production by Malcolm Callaway with Ryan Smith runs until Saturday night, December 16th.

Make time to bid on silent auction items on display in the lobby. There are food offerings, crafts and other exciting items up for grabs. Exercise your community spirit and get your Christmas shopping done by supporting the Playhouse.

Gary Clark and his lovely bride, a Playhouse volunteer regular, had the winning ticket for a week at the Crane Hotel in Barbados. Congratulations !

The Village Emporium on Pleasant Street has a variety of sales happening until closing Christmas Eve. 25% of most jewellery (sterling, freshwater pearls, fashion), 10% off Cranberry Vine Studio, 15% off Silverwood Design just to name a few!

The Rope Loft has opened the eggnog tap and it can be yours every Thursday - Sunday until the New Year. Why not stop in for dinner before the play? They have already sold out their New Year's Eve dinner extravaganza so you better book now for 2018.

Saturday night "Cover Up" will be playing at the Chester Legion downstairs for members and guests.


                                                                                                        


Why not ring in the New Year at White Gate Inn & Restaurant and help them celebrate the end of a successful 2017 ! Their New Year's Eve celebration features a 4 course dinner and a glass of bubbly for $59 + tax per person. Places are still available, call or email to make a booking or enquiry. Inn rooms are available if you want to make a night of it!
Contact White Gate @ 902.275.4400 or info@whitegate.ca"

The Fo'c'sle is featuring a surf and turf or prime rib on New Year's Eve. The kitchen will be open until 9pm. Please call ahead for reservations @ 902.275.1408.


                                                                   
                                         
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It was just before Christmas and the magistrate was in a happy mood. He asked the prisoner who was in the dock, 'What are you charged with?'
The prisoner replied, 'Doing my Christmas shopping too early.'
'That's no crime', said the magistrate. 'Just how early were you doing this shopping?'
'Before the shop opened.'



Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group
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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

December 6th, 2017 Press release!

Chester Merchants Press Release
 
                                                                                           "Going Coastal" on Queen                                
                                                                                                                  




Greetings!
Last Friday's pajama party was a huge success! Pizzas were flying out of the Kiwi kitchen like frisbees on fire, there was a stampede for OHC colouring books in front of Amicus gallery which was jammed with patrons perusing painters' potential.
It looked like Race Week ! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

This Week in Chester 

If you missed last Friday's event, fear not, there are still deals to be had. The eggnog spigot may be temporarily off, but that's what the Fo'c'sle is for.

There are two more great children's plays on at the Playhouse this week. I was fortunate to see the rehearsal of "One Safe Harbour" last Friday night and I have to tell you it's worth kicking off the bunny slippers for. Get to the Playhouse tonight at 7pm.

This Friday evening from 5-6 pm there will be Christmas carols and the lighting of the
Lightfoot Tower behind the Zoé Library on Regent Street. Don't miss out - there will be cookies !



                                                                                                       


The blood donor clinic is at the Chester Area Middle School next Monday from 4:30 - 8:30 pm.

Looking ahead to next week at the Playhouse, Malcolm Callaway is back with his own twisted interpretation of the holiday season.
This is the tale of a small Newfoundland town experiencing tough times. The local drama group decide to put on a show to raise funds and cheer up the townsfolk. A blizzard socks them in, along with the passengers of a small jet enroute from London to New York.  Think Come from Away without the casseroles.
Guaranteed to make you groan!  Tickets are going fast. 902-275-3933

The Rope Loft is taking Christmas parties and New Year's reservations now.
Don't miss out. Bring in 2018 with live music and a festive New Year's Eve dinner on the waterfront with live music and fireworks.


                                                                   
                                         
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A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."


Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group
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Wednesday, November 29, 2017

November 29th, 2017 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release
 
                                                                                           Christmas Craft Cuteness                                 
                                                                                                                   



Greetings!
It's time to get your Flat Men out for the Christmas season and dress 'em up in a new outfit.   
Steve at Chester Building Supplies found a few flat guys hiding in the attic, so if you don't have a flat man, head over to CBS and pick one up.



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

This Week in Chester 


Tonight, Wednesday, the Chamber of Commerce invite members, their guests and local biz folk to their Business after Hours event at the Captain's House from 5-7pm. Join an evening of networking and socializing sponsored by The Captain's House and Duckworth Real Estate. Come out and meet Erin Lowe our newish economic development officer. Please bring a food item or cash donation for the Lighthouse food bank.

This Friday is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Visitor Information Centre. There will be music, cookies & hot chocolate starting 6:30 pm with Santa arriving at 6:45 pm. Please bring a non perishable for the Lighthouse food bank.

The merchants are staying up past their bedtimes Friday night so make a point to drop down, drop in and drop some dough. They are open till 9 pm and I bet someone is making eggnog.

And speaking of dough, Giuseppe will be firing the pizzas at Kiwi Café Friday evening starting at 5pm. Call now to book your table so you don't miss out.

The Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market will be holding their special Christmas Market this Sunday from 9 am - 2 pm at the Chester Royal Canadian Legion, branch 44. Artisan products include soaps, folk art, jewellery, pottery, hooked and felted items, artwork, jams & jellies, candies and more! Farm fresh meats, honey and eggs, and local seafood are all on hand. Hot food and beverages will be available from the kitchen. The menu will feature lobster and haddock chowder with biscuits, vegetarian baked beans with homemade brown bread and seasonal strawberry shortcake. For info ... chestermarket @hotmail.com


                                                                                       Pizzas @ the Kiwi                    


The OHC Foundation has produced an adult colouring book. It features ten local artists' interpretations of our community.There are scenes from Chester, Chester Basin, Blandford, Western Shore, New Ross and Tancook.
They are now on sale at local breakfasts, markets and all three Pharmasaves. $10 each. 


                                                                    
                                         
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A grasshopper walks into a bar. The bartender says to him, "Hey, we have a drink named after you." The grasshopper replies, "You have a drink named Murray?"



Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group
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Wednesday, November 22, 2017

November 22nd, 2017 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release
 
                                                                                
                                                                                                                   



Greetings!

Gingerbread houses are now on display in shops and they are spectacular. Stop by and check 'em out.  
The Shop Chester contest is on! Our goody basket is valued at $1900. Enter to win every time you shop locally. Ballot boxes are located practically everywhere in the Municipality.
There was an eye witness drive by sighting last night on Route 3 -  a line up at 6:55 pm for Ladies Night at Home Hardware! Who needs Black Friday?


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

This Week in Chester 

The Heritage Society Victorian Christmas Craft Show and sale is on tomorrow, Thursday, until Sunday at  the Lordly House at 133 Central Street from 10 - 5 pm daily. For more info call 902-273-2176. The $2 entry fee will enter you for a draw.

The Rope Loft has the fire on with hot toddies or cold craft beer. They are open every Thursday - Sunday until the New Year. There is a calendar on their Facebook page of daily specials and events over the holiday season. Book now for New Year's Eve with a 5 course meal, live music and fireworks to follow.

This Saturday is busy. Pay attention so you can schedule your Christmas craft fair attendance and consumption accordingly.
 
The Annual Christmas Market is on at the Hubbards Barn from 8 until noon. 
Local vendors are bringing their best to you accompanied by some great live music. 

There is a Craft Fair at the Chester United Baptist Church from 9 - 2 pm. Unique gifts for Christmas and all year round.

St Stephen's Parish Hall is hosting a Christmas Bazaar from 10:30-1:30pm.
Books, bake table, wreaths, candy, crafts and cookies - the usual stuff.
Lunch fires up at 11 (!) with a  variety of soups, rolls  and desserts. Adults $8/ short ones under 10 $5.

You can recover from all this seasonal shopping by stopping in at Luna Salon, Spa and Boutique on Duke Street. They are HST free from 10 - 1 pm. Paint your toes. Get new hair.

Then why not head over to the Fo'c'sle for some R&R with a side of Shane. Saturday is "Wined Down" day with bottles at half price. Go stake your table now.

Brian Bourne from Rawlins Cross will play in the Red Shed at 35 Union Street at 8pm for a modest cover charge of $20. Shannon Reeves will open, accompanied by Jamie Junger. Bring a sweater and settle in for a great evening of entertainment.


                                                                                                           


Looking ahead to Christmas entertainment at the Playhouse, Malcolm Callaway is back with his own twisted interpretation of the holiday season.

This is the tale of a small Newfoundland town experiencing tough times. The local drama group decide to put on a show to raise funds and cheer up the townsfolk. A blizzard socks them in, along with the passengers of a small jet enroute from London to New York.  Think Come from Away without the casseroles.  
Guaranteed to make you groan!  Tickets are going fast.


                                                                    
                                         
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An engineer dies and goes to hell. He's hot and miserable, so he decides to take action. The A/C has been broken for a long time, so he fixes it and things cool down. The moving walkway motor jammed, so he fixes that too. The TV is problematic so he tweaks the Satellite dish connection and now they get hundreds of high def channels.
One day, God decides to look down on Hell to see how his grand design is working out and notices that everyone is happy and enjoying umbrella drinks. He asks the Devil "What's up?"
The Devil says, "Things are great down here since you sent us an engineer."
"What?" says God. "An engineer? I didn't send you one of those. Obviously a mistake.  
Send him upstairs immediately."
The Devil responds, "No way - we're keeping him."
God replies, "I'll sue!"
The Devil laughs. "And where are You going to get a lawyer?" 



Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group
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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Nov. 15th, 2017 Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release
  
                                                                         Cadets guarding the Cenotaph              
                                                                                                                    


Greetings!


We're all about paying homage the Halifax Explosion this week.

December 6th, 1917 the Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel Imo in the Narrows of Halifax Harbour.  
A fire on board the French ship ignited her cargo, causing a large explosion that killed over 2,000 souls and injured 9,000 others.



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
This Week in Chester 

Tonight, Wednesday, at the Chester Playhouse, Geraldine Tuck will launch her fourth and last novel in the Mystery Marauders series at 7 pm.
Halifax Explosion Mystery follows main character, Dan Veinotte, who is transported back to December 1917, days before the Mount Blanc caught fire in the Halifax Narrows. Suited for young audiences, this novel is in perfect timing with this year being the 100th anniversary of the Halifax explosion. 
The event is a free, non-ticketed event open to the public. Geraldine Tuck will be presenting a slide show at the event along with excerpts from the novel. Come out and meet the author.

Your gingerbread house creations must be delivered to the Mecklenburgh Inn @ 78 Queen St this Friday from 4- 6 pm. These houses will be on display at local merchants from this Saturday onwards.

The Kiwi CafĂ© will be open for pizza this Friday night. Roman style, long fermentation "double "0" dough with gourmet toppings - the works ! 5 -9 pm. Call now to reserve your slice of Italy.
902-275-1492

Stop the Press ! The Restaurant at White Gate will be closing for the season earlier than expected - this weekend will be their last of the regular season. There will be a New Year's Eve event, so watch this space for details. Book today to avoid disappointment and get your last 2017 fix of lamb shank, pork belly, halibut w/ risotto or Cornish hen. Open this weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday with their special Prix Fixe menu.
The Inn at White Gate will remain open until the New Year. 902-275-4400

The Chester Playhouse is proud to present Eastern Front Theatre's production of 
"Lullaby: Inside The Halifax Explosion" this Friday evening at 7:30 pm.
This is a dramatic and educational experience that explores stories of the events of the Halifax explosion. It is a day that has become synonymous with tales of heroism, survival and of how a community fought against disaster. This play follows three diverse characters as they meet, moments after the explosion as they come to terms with, not only the situation they find themselves in, but who they are stranded with. As the characters share their stories, experiences and history, the audience experience the tribute to the diverse communities and cultures in Nova Scotia.
902-275-3933


                                                                                                            

Linens for Life in East Chester has some gorgeous linen towels, table linens, hand made PJ's, bedding and fashion items to offer the discerning shopper.
Mo is in the kitchen whipping up homemade soups, chowder and pies - worth a visit for the entertainment alone !

Chester's own Morgan Cruickshank and The Blue Lane brought home the 2017 "Jazz Recording of the Year" at NSMW with their EP "Blind" which is featured in the upcoming American drama film "Every 21 Seconds."  Congratulations to the band !

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Father O' Malley answers the phone.
'Hello, is this Father O'Malley?' 
'It is'
'This is the Inland Revenue Service, income tax department. Can you help us?' 
'I can.' 
'Do you know a Ted Houlihan?' 
'I do'
'Is he a member of your congregation?' 
He is'
'Did he donate $10,000 to the church?' 
'He will.'


Suzi Fraser
for the Chester Merchants Group

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