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.  Brochure 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 Join Our Mailing List!

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. Brochure 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 Join Our Mailing List!

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 Café 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 !                                                              A little Canadiana                                                      Brochure                                                             Mono Rail Cat 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 Join Our Mailing List!

November 8th, 2017 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                                             Everyone is getting tucked in for winter                                                                                                                                    Greetings! Well today was a nasty surprise. I guess summer is officially over. You still have 4 days left to play at the Chester Golf Club. Get your muffs on and get over there before they close the gates for the season. This Week in Chester  Tomorrow night, Thursday, from 7 - 8:30 pm, Tina Hennigar, the tour leader and coordinator with "NOW" Lunenburg County, will be at the OHC Lobby to share the love. Tina spent this summer in a 1960's Boler trailer traveling Canada from coast to coast trying to convince 150 entrepreneurial young people to move to Lunenburg County. Come see the documentary and get some insight. The Rope Loft has moved into fall hours and they are open November through till December 31st every Thursday to Sunday. They are taking bookings for Christmas parties and New Year's Eve dinner with live music. 902-275-3430 The Kiwi Café's pantry is now carrying a line of cheeses with french accents from Quebec. Triple creme Brie, soft blue, aged hard chèvre, soft vegetable ash covered chèvre, stout cheddar and soft washed rind. Why not pick up a wedge for cocktails after lunch. The Village Emporium on Pleasant Street is offering all their beading supplies at 25% off. Maybe a new beaded headband for that special someone in your life? They also carry Legacy Lane Alpaca Insoles. "Buy 1 pair and get the 2nd pair half price." Alpaca wool is 7 times warmer than sheep's wool so get yours now to keep hooves warm all winter !  This Friday "Oh, Canada, We Sing for Thee!"  is on stage at the Chester Playhouse at 7:30pm. "Oh, Canada" takes you on an exciting musical journey across this spectacular country with a cavalcade of hits from our greatest stars with some funny anecdotes to accompany. Sing-along to Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Celine Dion, Michael Buble, Shania Twain, Stompin' Tom Connors, Buffy Ste. Marie, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, The Guess Who, Ian & Sylvia, Neil Young, Don Messer, Bryan Adams, BTO and many more. The superb musicianship, and incredible storytelling make us all proud to be Canadian! From Canada's influence on early Rock 'n Roll music with the 50's songs, Little Darlin', & the boisterous Sh'Boom, to the breath-taking modern duet of Celine Dion/David Foster's The Prayer, this concert showcases an extraordinary range of music. A highlight is the singers' beautiful rendition of the late Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." This Saturday is November 11th. This is the day to remember our veterans and honour them for their service. Plan to repair to the cenotaph before 11am and join with the rest of the Villagers to remember and give thanks.                                                                                                             Next Wednesday, November 15th at 7pm, Geraldine Tuck will be launching her new book, "The Halifax Explosion Mystery" in the Ondaatje room upstairs at the Playhouse. The event is free and open to all. This is the fourth and last novel in Tuck's Mystery Marauders Series. While on the hunt for a lost family heirloom, Dan finds himself in the year 1917, days before the Halifax Explosion. Can Dan find his way out of the myriad of tunnels beneath the Citadel in time to save his aunt? In this novel the main character is transported back to December, 1917, days before the Mount Blanc collided with the Imo in the Halifax Narrows. Written for young audiences, this novel coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Halifax explosion. Geraldine Tuck will be presenting a slide show at the event along with excerpts from the novel. The Marauder series of books are available at the Village Emporium. Chester alum Ann Barry has written a book called "Sweet Ride." It is the summer of 1943 and the tentacles of World War II are lapping the shores of Nova Scotia as four young women leave Lunenburg County on the trip of a lifetime - by bicycle to Charlottetown PEI. This is a creative non-fiction story of challenge and endurance, emancipation and doggedness but most of all it is a story of friendship. Ms Barry is launching her book next Monday at the Mahone Bay Centre from 2-4 pm.                                                              Kiwi Cheese                                                  Brochure                                                            Alpaca feet Why did the cows return to the marijuana field? It was the pot calling the cattle back. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 1st, 2017 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                                                                                                                         Carole Malcolm artwork                                             Greetings! Many eggs on the house last night? Got any Kit Kats left? Liberate enough loot from your kids' pillowcases to hold the sugar high till the Christmas bon bons arrive? And how about that GALE Philippe on Monday ! Jeepers. The Rope Loft was issuing life preservers with every deck cocktail. This Week in Chester  Amicus Gallery has new works by artist Carole Malcolm arriving this week. Stop by the gallery and see who else is on the walls or on display. There is something for everyone and every pocket book here. Light My Fire candle studio is getting into the swing of things with some new Christmas candles on the block. They have some new creations and special techniques with a variety of waxes. They also carry music from local artists: The Blue Lane's new CD "Blind;" The Market Boys; Jamie Junger & friends and many others. Drop by to see what's in the vat. Congratulations to The Blue Lane for being nominated for Best Nova Scotia new album of the year. Remember this Saturday is the deadline for your entry forms to be emailed/dropped off for your gingerbread house entries. The Shoreham Village Ladies Auxiliary is hosting their annual dinner theatre at the Chester Basin Legion. Their show "Fixin to Get Hitched" features the Accidental Actors. Tickets are $25 per person. The doors open 5:30 pm and the show starts 6:30. To purchase tickets, call Geri Allen 902-275-3817. This festive season, why not hold your office Christmas party at White Gate restaurant? Or even an event with family and friends? They are now taking bookings for December Christmas parties and dinners. They can provide you with a Christmas 3 Course Prix Fixe menu for $50 or you can add in hors d'oeuvres, a wine pairing or some bubbly!! For Information please call on 902.275.4400 or email to info@whitegate.ca                                                                                                             Next Friday November 10th, the Chester Playhouse will be alive and bursting at the seams with all of your favourite songs from famous Canadian artists. "Oh Canada,We Sing for Thee!" is a trip through the Canadian songbook with a four piece band and a VERY talented Leisa Way at the helm. The costumes changes in Oh Canada! will be epic as Leisa transforms from Shania to Joni to Anne in the blink of an eye. She'll be joined by a fantastic band called the Wayward Wind, who will provide the songs from Stompin' Tom, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot and many more. Along the way the cast will share stories and tidbits about the songs and the artists. A sing-a-long with glamourous costumes, familiar music and at least seven wig changes? That's a beautiful thing. You are now allowed to bring your on site purchased drinks into the theatre. Reason alone to partake in all things "Playhouse." Back by popular demand, the Chester Drama Society once again presents another Malcolm Callaway outrageous Christmas play. This year sees the reprise of 'Grunion Bay' with a cast that includes a whole new generation of actors and even brings one of the original cast back as stage manager. Who knows what surprises await? The play opens Wednesday, December 13th and runs through till the 16th. Brochure Mary accompanied her husband, Paddy, to the doctor's office. After his checkup, the doctor called Mary into his office alone. He said, "Your husband is suffering from a very severe stress disorder. If you don't do the following, your husband will surely die. Each morning, fix him a healthy breakfast. Be pleasant at all times. For lunch make him a nutritious meal. For dinner prepare an especially nice meal for him. Don't burden him with chores. Don't discuss your problems with him, it will only make his stress worse. If you can do this for the next year, I think Paddy will regain his health completely." On their way home, Paddy asked Mary. "What did the doctor say?" "He said you're going to die." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!