November 9th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Did you catch the season finale of America last night?

This Week in Chester  Friday is November 11th. Get yourself and your poppy down to the Parade Square and pay tribute to those who gave their lives. Lest We Forget. Thom Swift is on stage at the Chester Playhouse Saturday night at 7:30pm. His voice and music are both unique and powerful creating a show that you will not want to miss. With over 25 years of experience recording and performing across Canada, US and Europe, this multi award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist has a unique and powerful voice. This past June, Swift released his fourth solo album, The Legend of Roy Black. In addition to his recording talents, Thom is co-founder of the award-winning group Hot Toddy Trio.                                                                              Thom Swift                    Next Monday, the 14th, is the Blood Donor Clinic at the Chester Legion from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and again from 5 - 8 pm. For more info call 1-888-236-6283. Next Saturday at 4 pm at the Rope Loft, Geraldine Tuck is launching her third book "Mystery Marauders" in the Marauder Trilogy. Two 13 year-old sleuths try their hand at solving the Oak Island Mystery. The books will be available for sale there and also at The Village Emporium. Brochure

Women go on a diet on three occasions: When they break up with a guy; When they meet a new guy; On Mondays. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

Oct. 26th, 2016 Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                                                                 Lobster Cove Lighthouse, NL                                                     Greetings! I had a wonderful opportunity for a little road trip last week to Gros Morne Park, Newfoundland. It really IS as spectacular as all the photos suggest. We can learn a lot from our Newfoundland tourism partners. They wrote the book on promotion ! If you have an iconic Nova Scotia photograph you feel is worthy, please send it to us and we can share it. This Week in Chester  This Friday there is a Halloween Party at the Lightfoot Tower, 63 Regent Street from 6:30 - 8 pm. Dig deep in the wardrobe, get your freak on and go play with Casper.  Boo! Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more info call the Rec Department at 902-275-3490. Drop off the sugar fueled munchkins with the babysitter and head over to the Halloween Dance at the Chester Legion for members and guests. "Hog the Covers" will be on hand to entertain you from 9pm - 1am. For more info call 902-275-3315. This Saturday is Our Health Centre Open House from 10am - 3 pm. All are welcome!  Come out and see your new collaborative health and wellness facility. This will be your only chance to snoop through every nook and broom closet because next week the staff are movin' in ! PEI native Lenny Gallant is on stage at the Chester Playhouse this Saturday night at 7:30 pm. A recipient of the Order of Canada, Lennie is an international touring artist who will bring down the house this weekend. Dial up the Playhouse today because it will sell out.                                                                                 Lennie and Cap'n Tom                      After the witches leave town this weekend the Rope Loft will be open from Thursday - Sunday until New Years. How cool is that ?  How is your Gingerbread House progressing? Got the walls up? The entry form must be submitted by next Friday, November 4th. Follow their gingerbread Facebook Page and check out the competition.  Brochure Ban shredded cheese. Make America grate again. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

Oct.12th,2016 Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings! Quite the blow on Monday - almost blew the white bread lid off my turkey sandwich. Look at the bright side...we don't live in Cape Breton. They're now all sporting water wings. As they say, "Be careful what you wish for." I hope you filled your water barrels and washed the family Buick.

Annual Thanksgiving football match last weekend at Hackmatack Hill

This Week in Chester  This Friday there is Karaoke at the Legion for members and guests 19 years and older. For more info dial up the bartender @ 902-275-3315. The OHC aka "Our Health Centre" is having a Harvest Jam Kitchen Party at the Legion with live music from 3:30 pm till closing.  Harvest Jam Ingredients:  Cut Split & Delivered, Dicey Riley, the Klunkers, Kevin Koloff (John Lennon is in the building,) Collage, Pat Watson Trio, Oasis Belly Dancers, Road Trip Boogie and the Studio Singers. Dancing, harvest fare, raffles and silent auctions, shhhh.  Admission $15 or $5 after 9 pm, $20 Family Rate (children under 12).  Tickets available at the door or at Hubbards, Chester and Chester Basin Pharmasave.                                                               Have you ever wondered what buildings and businesses were once located in the village?  Back in the day, Chester teemed with commerce. There were 200 hotel rooms to accommodate the summer trade, the boozer was down by the ferry dock, and there was a jewelry shop across the street from the Robinson House. The Rope Loft was a gas dock and there were 2 hardware stores and 2 grocery stores downtown. Yes. Really. Walk back in time with the Chester Municipal Heritage Society for a tour next Monday, October 17th beginning at the Chester Legion at 1:30 pm. Cost $5.00 per person. You must pre-register and a minimum of 6 people is required. Call 902-275-3826 or 902-275-2030 or online at canauss@gmail.com. Rain date is Thursday the 20th  - same time, same place. Don't miss this. You will look at the village in a whole new light. On a different note - how are your gingerbread creations coming along ?? The entry form deadline is November 4th.  Brochure

In dog beers...I've only had one. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

Oct.5, 2016 Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release

Dory Shop, Shelburne

Greetings! I did a little road trip last week and hit the south west end of the province. I hate to get mushy but we really are  lucky to live here. How's the trout in the well? If he is like the Monty Python  parrot... fill out this form.

This Week in Chester  Tonight, Wednesday, at 7pm is the Municipal Candidates meeting at the Chester Legion. Candidates from District 3 - Danielle Barkhouse and Brenda Mulrooney, and District 7 - Sharon Church Cornelius and Doug Sharpham will be there to answer your questions. A flask might be a good idea. This event is sponsored by the Chamber and Voctada. This is it - the end of the road for local veg supply - the rutabaga stops here. The farmers are loading up their wagons and heading to Florida for the winter. Get there this Friday between 10 and 2 pm to get all the fall harvest goodies before they blow dodge. "Everything Fitz" is coming to the Chester Playhouse this Friday at 7:30 pm. This band presents a program of music and dance which reflects their distinct Canadian culture, namely the rich tradition of Canadian old-time fiddling and Ottawa-Valley step dancing. These spirited young performers are noted for their polished performances and provide wholesome, captivating entertainment for a diverse audience. This Saturday there is a breakfast at the Chester Legion from 7:30 - 10:30 am. Eggs any way, French toast, hash browns, beans, bacon, sausage, toast, tea/coffee and juice. This Saturday "Going Coastal" is having a little party from 1-4pm at their shop across from the Fo'c'sle Pub. Check out the artwork while sitting on their amazing furniture. This shop is a true gem. Get the turkey baster out - it's Thanksgiving. Organize the bread for sandwiches and claim the dark meat before anyone else gets dibs. A note to the wise: you might want to get the bird cooked before the power goes out if Hurricane Matthew gets this far.                                                               Sign up for Atmospheric Painting in Acrylics, a scenic painting workshop with Malcolm Callaway at the Chester Arts Centre. There are five sessions (Oct 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3 &10), and it's all about mixing, applying and understanding colour to interpret nature. $140. Material list to be supplied. To register for Classes (and Paint Night), check in at the Chester Art Centre or call (902) 275-5789 Malcolm's credentials include being the head painter for a movie called "Two If By Sea". The plot was all about stealing artwork done by the masters. This required perfect replicas of everything from Monet to Pollock. Next Saturday, October 15th, is the OHC Harvest Jam fundraiser at the Chester Legion from 3:30pm -11ish. Spread the word.They are looking for items for a silent auction for their fundraiser. If you can offer a service or donate an item....let the OHC know and they will collect it. The Gingerbread's are  b a c k ! This is your chance to show off your molasses creations. Get busy. Brochure

You cannot make everybody happy. You are not a taco. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

September 21st, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! We are a village of dry wells. Has your trout succumbed? If so, fill out this form. Graves Island is the new Fountain of Youth, or at least a watering hole. Water refills and showers are available there. The Rope Loft and Fo'c'sle Pub have suds. Forget your water woes and have a beer ! This Week in Chester  Light My Fire studio is getting a facelift. They are doing an exterior renovation over the next few weeks. Feel free to stop by, check out the progress and tell them how you would have done it. The Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market is at the train station this Friday from 10 - 2 pm. Just in the nick of time, the Chester Drama Society is having a costume sale next Saturday, October 1st,  from 10am - 2pm at the Old Train Station. Create your own Halloween costume from their hand-me-downs. Erin Gore, Master Dresser for the Chester Playhouse will help you with advice and instruction. Got a job interview? Knock them out with your vintage look. Maybe a little racy number for your witness protection program meeting on Monday? Clothing from the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s, Men's & Women's Accessories, Children's Apparel, Shoes & Boots, Hats & Gloves, Fabric, Costumes. Bring cash. Proceeds from the sale will go toward future purchases or rentals for upcoming productions for the Drama Society.                                                                Every Monday from now until eternity, it's "Musical Monday." All programs are free and are held at St. Stephen's Hall @ 54 Regent Street. Sessions will be cancelled if there is no skool (holidays / snow days). 1:00 pm: Vintage Voices -  For anyone who loves music from the 30s to the 60s. 2:00 pm:  Musical Friends Choir -Students from Chester District are walked from the school, given a snack, and learn popular songs both old and new. 3:00 pm: "Last summer at Band Camp...."  Older elementary youth are joined by Middle School students and learn guitar, bass, piano and drums. Occasional guest teachers include violin and other specialties. 4:00 pm: Tuneful Tots -  ie - short ones. For more info call 902 275-3804. The Chester Playhouse is excited to welcome back Dave Gunning next Saturday, October 1st, at 7:30pm. Dave has the gift of captivating audiences by painting pictures through his heartfelt stories and compelling songwriting, humorous lyrics and stunning musical arrangements. Over the past 20 years Gunning has earned a shelf full of music industry awards including eight East Coast Music Awards, two Canadian Folk Music Awards and a 2012 JUNO award nomination for Roots & Traditional Solo Album of the Year. Get your tickets now as Dave always sells out here in the Hamlet. Brochure A man asks a farmer near a field, "Would you mind if I crossed your field instead of going around it as I have to catch the 4:23 train." The farmer replied, "Of course, go right ahead. If my bull sees you, you might even catch the 4:11." Your scribe is taking next week off. Check the P O notice board for breaking news. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

September 14th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                                                             Dr John Curry Photo                                                        Greetings! The morning temperatures have dropped and there is wood smoke in the air. Autumn is here. This is the time of year we all wait for. Summer-mania is over. It's time to chill. Why not test out our new blue ferry? Take a ride over to Big or Little Tancook. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. This Week in Chester  The Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market is at the train station this Friday from 10 - 2 pm. Get there early or you will miss out on the tomatoes. Your little Green Gremlins are now back to their biweekly routine. Don't wheelie your green bin out when it's not your week, unless you plan to drive it around town to an alternate week A or B location. The Tim Horton's "Smile" cookie campaign is on now until Sunday. When you purchase a Smile Cookie for one dollar, 100% of the proceeds from every morsel sold will help support OHC. Buy now, buy often. The Chester Playhouse presents Zuppa Theatre's 2012 hit show "Slowly I Turn" this Friday. The curtain goes up at 7:30pm. Alternating between contemporary conversation and vintage vaudeville sketches and songs, "Slowly I Turn" is a metaphorical love letter to theatre and family.                                                            Chester is a super venue for Pokémon Go players. For those of you who don't know - the GO means doing a lot of walking and visiting Pokéstops located at points of interest in the village. Our tree lined streets dotted with delightful shops and restaurants are an easy walk to get your Poké groove on. We have 12 Pokéstops and 2 Gyms all within easy walking distance. Saturday afternoon there will be lures throughout the village. Make us your weekend destination. Happy hunting! Next Monday at 6:30pm the Chester Garden Club presents Andrew Breen from the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation. Andrew will discuss their progress with the endangered Atlantic Whitefish, past, present and future at St. Stephen's Hall at 54 Regent Street. All are welcome. This has absolutely nothing to do with Chester but I saw this clip last night. It is a vignette of the history of the Volvo Ocean Race. It will remind you how nice it is to be home.                                                                    Sometimes smoking does save lives                                                                   Brochure You matter. Unless you multiply yourself by the speed of light. Then you energy. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!