June 11th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! It was an epic event last Thursday morning at the Zoe Library grounds. A small but enthusiastic crowd watched the top of the Lightfoot Tower glide through the air and land gently atop the Tower structure. It was surreal and a bit unnerving. Barry Redmond and his team orchestrated the move and the boys at Land & Sea sealed the deal. Nice work guys !

This Week in Chester We have new kids in the sandbox ! Colin Blanchard and Kenneth McRobbie have joined us here in the Hamlet with their Seaside Shop "31 Westgate." They are located in the blue building on the corner of Queen and Pleasant streets across from the Fo'c'sle Pub. It doesn't get any better than this - home decor with a nautical twist and a beer chaser. Ahh, Chester. Chester Trust Lightfoot Tower Time Capsules are still available - 12" long @$100 or 6" long @$50 - both sizes are 4" in diameter. The time capsules will be entombed at the Chester Trust celebration garden party on July 30th at the Zoe Library grounds and will be opened in 2064. An opportunity to show your grandchildren that you were young once. Capsules may be obtained by contacting Dolly Hancock at 275 4991/ dollyhancock@mac.com. The deadline for filled capsules is June 30th. All funds go to the Lightfoot Tower restoration. If you are looking to adopt or foster a dog look no further. Call or email Traci @ 273-2356 / recycledlove@eastlink.ca. Their rescue team supports all rescues in Nova Scotia so she can help you find the perfect pet. Woof. Thursday night @ 7:30pm the Playhouse presents their continuing Alan Rickman film series with "Sense and Sensibility." This is a brilliant movie with an outstanding cast. Do not miss this. Daffadilly Queens  Relay For Life Team  invite you to a musical concert at St Stephens Church on Thursday evening @7pm.  Featuring the Studio Singers, Pat Watson, St Stephens Choir, Peter Parsons, Dan and Kathryn Green and Kathleen Hamm. A free will offering to the Chester Relay for Life. For info call Vicky at 275 4219. Friday the meat and pie boys are back at the Farmer's market at the Train station. They are joined by - well, just about everybody. You can probably get anything you want there except maybe a TV. I didn't see any TVs. Friday night the band "Mutiny" is on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub at 9 pm. Fletcher Christian on guitar/ Bligh doing back up vocals? Who knows. Go check it out. Arrive early and get the rib special. Did someone says Fred Flintstone? I've seen those ribs. Wilmaaaa ! Saturday night Jamie Junger will perform for kids from his "Fishin' for Pickles" CD at 6pm in the red shed at the corner of Queen and Union Streets.  Later in the evening Andy and Ariana and Jamie will play a show for bigger people @8pm. Sunday is Father's Day. You can hit the brunch bunch at the Kiwi Café or the Fo'c'sle Pub or wait until evening and hit Nicki's or the Fo'c'sle. Or you could stay at the Fo'c'sle all day and cover both bases. I've done that before. Monday evening at 6:30pm the Chester Garden Club hosts Rosemarie Lohnes from Helping Nature Heal to discuss "The Challenges of Rock Gardening" at St. Stephen's Hall. Refreshments to follow.  www.chestergardenclub.wordpress.com. Between a rock and a hard place.

Paddy calls Air Canada to book a flight. The operator asks, "How many people are flying with you?" Paddy replies "How do I know! It's your plane!" Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

June 4th, 2014 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The snow is finally gone.Thank gawd. I hear icebergs are ubiquitous outside St John's Narrows though, so if you need a cold fix, Newfoundland awaits you and your parka. Here in the Hamlet, people are finally poking their noses outside. The long hibernation is over, and boy was it long. I even fired up the BBQ this morning ! There was a small explosion - I put it out with a few snowballs I had stockpiled over the winter. The Havens are back in town. Yippee ! I watched them filming on the Yacht Club dock in the snow last month. It wasn't pretty. Hollywood is not all it's cracked up to be.

This Week in Chester The Train Station Gallery is now open for the season at, where else, the train station. Creative art by area artists and artisans will be displayed on a monthly basis for all to enjoy. Open daily from 10-4 pm. The Visitor Info Centre is also located at the train station, so you may pick up all the travel information you need there. The Village Emporium is stocked and ready to go for the summer season! Ladies summer clothing, sun hats, sandals and all kinds of gift ware, books, souvenirs and other goodies, much of it locally made. Check out their Facebook page for photos and updates. The Chester Merchants & Chamber of Commerce are having a Haven Contest! Are you a Haven fan living in or visiting Chester? You must answer ten questions and enter to win Haven and Chester merchandise. Draw Date October 1st. They would also like any visiting fans to autograph Haven posters! All details on where to find contest entries and Haven posters may be found here. Follow @Village_Emp_NS or @VisitChesterNS on Twitter. Thursday night is Wing night at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Join the rest of the wing nuts and get yer sass "hot on." They really are quite addictive. Bring a wet-nap. Friday from 10-2pm the Farmer's Market is back at the Train Station and there are a whole slew of new vendors. I went for fiddleheads last week and came home with a garlic grater, a bowl from Spain, soap, fresh fish and a book. Forgot about the fiddleheads. There are wood products, jewelry, meats and so much more. Put it on your weekly calendar. On Friday at 5 pm the Chester Playhouse After School Drama Program is pleased to present their Pizza Party and Talent Show Fundraiser at the Chester Legion. Everyone is welcome to attend and perform. The pizzas are $20 for a 12". The options are cheese, veggie, pepperoni and the works.  The Grand Prize is a full scholarship for fall classes. Pizza pick up is @ 5pm and the talent show begins at 5:30. There will be pizza by the slice, drinks, and cupcakes available for sale after 6 pm. To order pizza, please call Sue at 1-902-275-4414 chesterdramapizza@gmail.com. For a performance slot contact Robyn Harris, robby.doodlebop@gmail.com or Cynthia Myers cynthiamyers@eastlink.ca. Saturday morning Bonny Lea Farm is holding a breakfast and plant sale from 8-11am. Hanging baskets and transplants. Purchase tickets on a trip for two anywhere Porter Airlines flies within US and Canada - draw date TBA.  275-5622 This is exciting: An Estate sale! The BIG day is Saturday from 10-3pm, but you may go to the pre sales event between now and then and you might catch Daphne at home. Daylight hours please. The address is 88 Millennium Drive by the Golf Course. There are all sorts of interesting pieces from Asian rugs, art work, antiques, lamps, kitchen gear, tableware. This is the estate of a well traveled couple with extremely good taste. Don't miss this. Saturday evening @ 7:30pm "Swingology" takes to the stage at the Chester Playhouse. In the 1930s, gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt revolutionized music by blending swing with gypsy passion and the sounds of the Parisian musette dance halls to create a unique style never since matched for its driving rhythm, inventiveness and excitement. Chester's own Cynthia Myers will be singing. On Sunday the St Stephen's Anglican Church presents a musical Concert of Organ, Brass and Vocal pieces featuring:  Shawn Whynot, organist, Chester Brass and Jennifer Farrell - soprano soloist at 3 pm.  Admission $20 at the door or advance purchase of $15 at the Parish Centre Office, 54 Regent St  on Wed/Thurs/ Fri from 9-3 pm. Proceeds for Church's outreach. Nicki is back and the meat is falling off the bone. The Sunday carvery is open for the season. Carnivores can get their fix Sunday evenings from 5-8 pm. Please call to reserve your table. Nicki is open Wednesday through Saturday as well with her regular (non hoof) menu. Our Health Centre is holding their annual meeting next Tuesday at the Chester Basin Legion @7pm. This will be preceded by Dr. Margaret Casey of the North End Community Health Centre who will speak about today's Health Centers. All welcome. You will have noticed the OHC information tables set up around the village shops. Feel free to stop and ask the volunteers any questions you may have. Fill out the form and you will be kept up to date on the latest developments and when your new Doc is rolling into town. The OHC needs your help. The booths have donor cards and with your help, the shovel could go in the ground as early as September. Think about it. This centre is for YOUR health. A reminder that the green bin weekly pick up will start next week with the "A" week residents.  The program will run till the last week in September.

When you wish upon a falling star, your dreams can come true. Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the Earth. Then you're pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 30th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, we made it through, but there's still turkey in the fridge. And shortbread, lots of shortbread.The wine seems to have evaporated. Funny, that. As the New Year approaches, it's time to move your little molasses men off the doorstep into the basement so they will be fresh gingerbreads for next year.

This Week in Chester New Year's celebrations are rampant. The Fo'c'sle Pub has seating at 6pm and 8pm for their New Year's Eve meal. They will feature the regular menu along with a special meadow and marine offering. There is a baked brie appetizer and two special desserts, pecan or key lime tart. All items are à la carte and reservations are required. The George Carter Jr Trio hits the stage at 9 pm and there is no need for a reservation to dance the night away. New Year's Day levées abound. Hit them all. The Legion is the first out of the gate at 11am followed up the stretch by the Playhouse and the Fo'c'sle Pub at noon. The Yacht Club doesn't hit their stride until 1 pm, so plan your attendance accordingly. Levées are serious business here in the Hamlet and we don't like to miss out on any of it. Did someone say free drinks? The Village Emporium on Pleasant Street re-enters the platform of commerce Thursday, January 2nd. Post Boxing day sales await you and your credit card. Looking ahead to the New Year, there are plenty of options to keep you out of trouble. The Chester Art Centre kicks off the season with rug hooking classes, acrylic painting classes, a class on phone and tablet photography that are face book worthy and ohh so much more. Check out their website and sign up. The Senior College Association of Nova Scotia is offering classes at Saint Stephen's Hall, 54 Regent Street  beginning Monday, January 13th @ 10:30am. SCANS is dedicated to providing non-credit course to seniors 50+ in Nova Scotia. There are no assignments or exams, just listen, learn, discuss and enjoy.  For more info and programming call 902-444-7588 or visit www.thescans.ca. Coldest Day is just around the corner. This annual fundraiser is a benefit for the Chester Drama Society. Get to the Fo'c'sle Saturday, February 8th and start bidding. Live music from 3pm till close; raffles, auctions and surprises. Only $10 - a bargain at twice the price. This is a village effort so make the effort to attend.

The days are getting longer and spring is just around the corner. Yup. Happy New Year to all of you from all of us. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 18th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, last Saturday night's closing show at the Chester Playhouse was an evening of drama that even Noel Coward couldn't have scripted. Kudos to Cynthia Myers, the staff at the Playhouse and all the volunteers who helped make this a night to remember. Many thanks to all who participated and helped in our Gingerbread Festival. A big thank you to our sponsors. Without them, it couldn't have happened.

This Week in Chester The Annual Sing Choirs is tonight, Wednesday, 7:30pm at the Baptist Church on King Street. Four choirs plus special guests present an evening of seasonal music for the entire family. Tune up your vocals and prepare to sing along. Free will offering to benefit Our Health Centre. For more info call Erin @ 275-5864. Don't miss this.This IS Christmas. Thursday night is the ever popular wing event at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Beat the throngs, get there early and compare notes from Trivia Tuesday. Friday night the Fo'c'sle Pub has SWIG on stage at 9pm. The band is Maritime Celtic music with 3 part harmonies and a fiddle. And what's a band without a fiddle? The Annual Chester Brass Band Christmas Gala was cancelled last weekend due to the extraordinary amount of snow fluffies. It has been rescheduled for this Sunday at the Atlantica Resort in scenic Western Shore. As a result there are still a few tickets left. You may book your reservation @ 275-3453. Hurry ! Below are a few snaps of the boys preparing for Christmas... Making the shortbread cookies Modeling the seasonal Christmas sweater Decorating the house

On behalf of the Chester Merchants Group we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 11th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Last weekend was a corker ! Malcolm's play did not disappoint the crowds. Congratulations to all the cast and crew for their hard work and a super show. The Gingerbread Festival wraps up this weekend with prize giving @ 7:25pm Saturday evening at the Chester Playhouse. Please note the Arts Centre @ 60 Queen Street is open to view the gingerbread houses from 12- 5pm Saturday and from 12- 4 pm Sunday.

This Week in Chester Sandy's cookie contest will be judged at the Playhouse Saturday afternoon at 4 pm. Entry guidelines Each single entry must include: * Entrants name, address and phone number * Name of cookie * A copy of the recipe including the ingredients and step - by- step instructions for preparing the cookie. Do not submit a recipe that had been photocopied from a cookbook. *1 cookie (for judging) and 1 dozen cookies packaged for auctioning (in a bag, plate or box). * Contest is open to all ages. There is a $5.00 entrance fee per cookie type. All contestants may enter more than 1 type of cookie. You must register before December 12th at  s.morash@ns.sympatico.ca or by calling 275-4441. Registration fee may be paid December 14 at the time of drop off. Winners will be announced at 6pm December 14th at the Chester Playhouse. Cookies will be auctioned off throughout the show. Proceeds to the Food Bank 'Birthday in a Basket' Program. Forest Heights Community School presents a "Celebration of the Arts" Friday evening from 7-9:30pm and Saturday from 10am -1pm. Art gallery and sale of student's artwork, music, food, and drink!!!  Admission by donation to FHCS Arts Program. It's "Murphy's Law" Friday at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Discounts on Murphy's draught to accompany the sounds of the upbeat rockabilly band "Memphis Knights" on stage at 9pm. Get Shane's autograph. There are a gazillion silent auction items to bid on at the Chester Playhouse. This wraps up Saturday evening at their closing Christmas party so get down there and place your bid. All your Christmas shopping taken care of in the flourish of a pen stroke. Next Wednesday is the annual Christmas "Sing Choirs!" at the Baptist Church on King Street. Do not miss this. Get your Christmas bonnet on and march over there. It will remind you how lucky we are to live in such a special community. José's Latest

Multitasking is the art of doing twice as much as you should half as well as you could. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

December 4th 2013 Press release

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings, Chester is oozing ground ginger from every pore. As you turn off route 3 into the village, roll down the  window and follow your nose. It will take you to the Arts Centre at 60 Queen St where all 16 houses are on display. The Centre is open over the next two weekends from 10am-5pm Saturdays and 12-4pm Sundays. You may also view them throughout the week by calling the Centre @ 275-5789 and leave a message or email chestergingerbreadfestival@gmail.com and a gingerbread will let you in. If you are looking to add some Christmas tunes to your life this month, 92.9 FM has All Christmas, All the time - if you can handle the ads. This Week in Chester This week is the play we've all been waiting for. Malcolm Callaway's twisted mind will be showcased on stage in the form of "Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie." Tonight, Wednesday, is pay what you can dress rehearsal. The show runs Thursday - Saturday and the curtain goes up at 8pm. Dial up the Chester Playhouse as there are very few tickets left. This is a village favourite and will sell out. Warm up for the dress rehearsal run with Big Pitcher Wednesday at the Fo'c'sle. $3 off pitchers - a few of those and you'll want to take Gavin home. Sandy's annual cookie contest is back. Entry guidelines Each single entry must include: * Entrants name, address and phone number * Name of cookie * A copy of the recipe including the ingredients and step - by- step instructions for preparing the cookie. Do not submit a recipe that had been photocopied from a cookbook. *1 cookie (for judging) and 1 dozen cookies packaged for auctioning (in a bag, plate or box). * Contest is open to all ages. There is a $5.00 entrance fee per cookie type. All contestants may enter more than 1 type of cookie. You must register before December 12th at  s.morash@ns.sympatico.ca or by calling 275-4441. Registration fee may be paid December 14 at the time of drop off. Winners will be announced at 6pm December 14th at the Chester Playhouse. Cookies will be auctioned off throughout the show. Proceeds to the Food Bank 'Birthday in a Basket' Program. Friday night the George Carter Jr Trio is on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub - a blues and rock band that have a good handle on 70's cover tunes. Stop in after the show and 'get down.' This Saturday is a "First Saturday," a celebration of fun experiences along our Bluenose Coast (without the Bluenose.) Amicus Gallery has a few spaces left for the Gingerbread Ornament Painting workshop. There will be two workshops: morning: 10am-1pm / afternoon 2-5 pm. Decorate bisque fired, glazed pieces: three pieces are included for the workshop fee of $25; extra pieces may be purchased. Finished work may be picked up on Dec 14th. Class size 6-8. Pre-registration is required. The studio space is not suitable for children. To register, call Amicus Gallery 275-2496 or email art@amicusgallery.ca. Light My Fire at 59 Duke Street will be hosting workshops to decorate your own wax Gingerbread/Christmas tree ornaments.Workshops begin @ 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Ornaments are $10.00 each. 275-5800. Also on Saturday from 9am - wake up ! -1pm is the Chester Elementary School Gingerbread Craft Fair. I bought a bottle of wine there last year. Yes, there's something for everyone. Transport your bottle over to the Christmas Caroling at Lordly House at 133 Central Street from 2-4pm and tra la la la la the afternoon away. Sunday is the Last Supper at Nicki's Inn from 5- 8 pm. It's vegetables for you from here on in. Get there for your last carnivore fix. This came to us from overseas... Tancook. "The lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together."  Garrison Keillor Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

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November 27th 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Classified ad: "Single female seeks male companionship. I'm a very good girl who loves to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me.... Call and ask for Annie, I'll be waiting...." See Annie at bottom...

This Week in Chester Brace yourselves, Malcolm Callaway is back in the writer/director's chair. Next weekend is the opening - and closing - run of "Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie" at the Chester Playhouse from Thursday - Saturday evenings at 8pm. A festive romp through Malcolm's warped mind. Get your tickets now because they will sell out and you don't want to miss this. Do not bring your children as they will begin to question your state of mind. 275-3933 for tickets. Paula still has a few spaces left for the Gingerbread Ornament Painting workshop. On December 7th there will be two workshops: morning: 10am-1pm / afternoon 2-5 pm. You will decorate bisque fired, glazed pieces: three pieces are included for the workshop fee of $25; extra pieces may be purchased. Finished work to be picked up on Dec 14th. Class size 6-8. Pre-registration is required. The studio space is not suitable for children. To register, call Amicus Gallery 275-2496 or email art@amicusgallery.ca. Light My Fire Studio at 59 Duke Street will be hosting workshops to decorate your own wax Gingerbread/Christmas tree ornaments next weekend Saturday, December 7th. Workshops begin @ 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Ornaments are $10.00 each. For more info dial up the luminous Bill @ 275-5800. On Friday night Chester Playhouse offers up three of the country's most giving performers as they combine their talents to create a night of original music with a dash of Christmas jingle thrown in for good measure. Mixing the sounds of soul, pop, folk and jazz with some of the most timeless holiday classics, Erin Costelo, Coco Love Alcorn and Ian Sherwood form a band that will get your mistletoe tapping! Also on Friday evening the Fo'c'sle Pub has the band FOG on stage. No, not the July fog we know, but a 70's cover tune band that will bring a smile to your face. Grab the missus and head on over there. Shane might even give you a preview of his Downton Abbey role. Saturday is the opening bash of the Gingerbread Festival. All those delectable houses will be on display at the Chester Arts Centre's "Enchanted Forest" @ 60 Queen Street. While they will have all been judged by that time, you may vote for the "People's Choice" award and be eligible for a prize draw. The Arts Centre will be open for house viewing this weekend and next, and on weekdays by appointment. There are 16 entries so please stop by and see these fabulous creations. Saturday evening is the Gingerbread Festival tree lighting at the Chester Train Station. An action packed event kicking off at 6 pm sharp with the arrival of Santa on a ruby red fire truck, hot chocolate and cookies, a giant gingerbread man, carol singing and kazoos. Yes. Kazoos. You'll have to show up to see what that's all about. Our friends from NSPC will be there to exchange your  present power - sucking tree lights for some LED gently drawing gems. Bring 2 strings and they will give you 1 in return. Bring your recent power bill. Maybe they can cut that in half too. The Gingerbreads also have a Lincoln toy train magical Christmas window display at the Mecklenburgh Inn at 80 Queen Street. A lot of drinks went into this, so come by and take a look. Designed and built by Rhubarb Home Design. If you want your home decorated for the holidays or are looking for some home improvement design ideas, look no further. Why not roll into the Fo'c'sle for Sunday Brunch from 11- 3pm. A bit of hair of the dog. $1.50 off Absolute caesars. Absolutely ! Monday the Blood Donor Clinic is back in the village at the Chester Legion from 1- 3 pm and again from 5-8pm. For more info call 1-888-236-6283. Roll up your sleeve. Monday night the Chester Brass Band hits the stage @ 7:30 at the Bonny Lea School. They are presenting "Christmas at Home" featuring Kathleen Hamm, Ernie Rafuse and Joyce Semone. $15 (cider, cookies and Santa too!). Door prize from Pete's Frootique ... Bananas for all!  There will be a raffle on a gift basket from Taste of Nova Scotia. For tickets/info call 275-5622 Ext 221. The bass trombone player is excellent ! Annie's keepers at the SPCA received hundreds of calls

Air Canada telephone customer: "I'd like to book a flight to Toronto." AC Rep: "Fine. Where are you now?" AC customer: "In my kitchen." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group