CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY IN CHESTER

chesterns.ca's camera caught Santa Claus in the Village last night. As there is not much snow in the Village,Santa had to use a small environmentally friendly automobile to get the presents to all the children in Chester. Our sources tell us that he landed the sled in the vicinity of New Ross where there is typically more snow in the winter than we get along the coast.


The Chester Yacht Club sits idle on Christmas Day 2009. Up 'til a week or so ago you could still sail in the milder weather we were experiencing. Eight more months 'til Race Week :)


Home for Christmas. The ferry to the Tancooks,William G. Ernst makes steam for the Islands taking last minute travelers home for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to our troops at Christmas time. Whether serving around the world or in Canada,we are thankful for their efforts. We also wish a merry Christmas to all our veterans who have served in the fight for freedom.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BEN AND KERRY

Anyone who attends the Chester United Baptist Church Christmas Candlelight Service will recognize another great Levy tree. Karl and Bernice Levy have been giving the Church a tree for longer than Pastor Dan Green can remember.

Dec.25'th,Chester------------------------chesterns.ca wishes all a very merry Christmas and all the best during this holiday season. Alone or with family and friends, enjoy and celebrate the spirit of the season. If your situation doesn't permit you to have a Christmas tree,we bring you an excellent example of the classic Lunenburg County Balsam Fur tree that is the traditional standard in these parts. It came from Karl Levy's Christmas Tree Farm in Sherwood.
You are welcome to borrow it for your wallpaper to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Enjoy !

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CHESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Front:(L to R) Deputy Chief Dave Richardson,Blake Corkum,Jared MacDonald,Doug Morash,Candice Heisler,Chief Duke Chafe,Chad Stevens.
Middle: Garry Morash,Wayne Payne,Emma Demont,Brad Chambers,Jim Dauphinee,Nancy Richardson.
Back: Barry Schnare,Danny Nauss,Grant Payne,Danielle Nauss,Mike Jennings,Duncan MacDonald,Michael Bezanson,Everett Hiltz,Martin Hiltz,Bill Zinck,Steve Wagner,Morgan Stevens,Dennis Stevens,Terri DeMont.
Missing: Chris MacDonald,Hazen Emms,Phillip Stevens,George Bremner,Mike Grist,Carl Bond,Willie Rhyno,Ross MacDonald,David Payne,Tony Jans,Bill Marshall,Andy Heisler,Jesse DeMont,Bryan Collicutt,Tyler Harnish,Kyle Chafe.

Dec.23,Chester---------------chesterns.ca brings you a message from our local fire department. It is an opportunity to put some names to the faces of the men and women who volunteer when your life or home is in danger,whatever the hour and weather. We wish them all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in return.

FIRE CHIEF'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

On behalf of the Officers and Firefighters of the Chester Volunteer Fire Department I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and remind everyone about the importance of safety at Christmas time. Make sure all trees are kept away from heat sources,such as heat vents,electric heaters,radiators,and fireplaces. It is very important to make sure your tree has a sufficient amount of water. Never leave your home or go to bed without unplugging your tree lights. Candles are not to be left unattended and must be extinguished properly. Never put wrapping paper,tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood stove because rapid burning can ignite creosote in the chimney.
Always remember in case of fire,Get Out and Stay Out,Never go back into a burning building.

Leo (Duke) Chafe
Chester Fire Chief

WINTER ARRIVES FAST AND FURIOUS ONE DAY EARLY

Dec.20'th,Chester ---------Here's the infrared+visible satellite photo from Environment Canada as of 5:09 p.m.
Get your shovels ready and drive carefully.

Local Flavour - Think Global, Eat Local - Phil Ellwood

Flavour of Wessex

I am a little overdue with my next column, which was to feature wild Nova Scotian venison. I am in England, Wessex, the South West shires which, were once a Saxon Kingdom before the Norman conquest. So, I thought I would share a few sights and flavours with you before I return.

This one needs no introduction:


Unfortunately, due to Agriculture Canada's policy towards British beef, I can only bring home pictures of these delicacies:




The pubs of Sherborne, Dorset




And finally, the chippies:

Cod and chips, without the extras:

Peter, the Glaswegian proprietor of the chippie mans the bar in the dining section.

I'm off to London, then back home in Chester for the Holidays. Have a Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year!

Cheers,

chesterfoodie@gmail.com

RECENT WEATHER CONDITIONS IN AND AROUND CHESTER

'ol Sol rises from the entrance to Winfield's Wharf.

An interesting mushroom cloud over Tancook as seen from East River.

A long shot of the above cloud.

A winter sky over Quaker Island.

The little cape island boat "Willett' surrounded by sea smoke.

The sun's rays shine through morning cloud cover as seen from Goat Lake.

Dec.17'th------------The last few days have provided some fantastic views courtesy of the weather conditions. Typically the best scenes are at the beginning and end of the day. It feels like winter has arrived a few days early.

CHANGING THE LIDO CHANGE ROOMS

The old Lido lifeguard office and change rooms the day before demolition.


The large excavator pulls the structure down.

As seen from the Peninsula Canal Bridge.

It is gone.

The machine finishes the clean up.

Like it was never there.

Dec. 9'th,Chester-------------------The old Lido building is no more. The Village of Chester demolished the little blue hut that served as an office for lifeguards and swimming instructors and changing rooms for the kids swimming program.
Local contractor Ron Zinck was awarded the tender for removing the building. The structure was removed to make way for a new building with improved facilities for the staff and the children taking part in the summer swimming program.
The new building will also house Chester's new public washrooms with financial help from the Municipality. The public washroom facility has been an issue in the Village for many years and should make life easier for residents and visitors alike.

WESTERN SHORE FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDS NIGHT

Perhaps the patriarch of of The Western Shore and District Volunteer Fire Dept., Charlie Rafuse has 50 years of service dedicated to his fire department and still wears the uniform proudly. Note the service bars on his cuff.

Long serving member Garnet DeMille received his 40 year service award.

Arlee Corkum is all smiles after receiving his 45 year plaque.

MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse presented Charlie Rafuse with his 50 year medal.

Natalie Morash of Chetser Building Supplies received a Dept. crest for helping the Department's fund-raising efforts.

Cecil Joudrey received a Volunteer Service award for over 40 years of dedicated volunteer work in the community from Scouting to Church to Legion.
(L to R) Commissioner Donna Slauenwhite,Deputy Chief Blaine Swinimer,Commissioner Ashley Juodrey, Cecil Joudrey,Fire Chief Scott Rafuse and Secretary Board of Commissioners Rickey Rafuse .

Western Shore Volunteer Fire Dept. members pose after the awards. (L to R) Roger Hiltz,Deputy Chief Blaine Swinimer,Charlie Rafuse,Fire Chief Scott Rafuse,Garnet DeMille,and Arlee Corkum.

Dec. 12'th Western Shore-------------On this evening we take you to the Western Shore and District Volunteer Fire Department's annual Awards Banquet. The Dept. is lead by Chief Scott Rafuse with Deputy Chief Blaine Swinimer. There is 1 Fire Captain and 1 Rescue Captain. There are 4 Lieutenants,2 Safety Officers and 1 Medical Officer. The Department operates 6 vehicles. One new truck was purchased last year.
There are 32 members in the Department with 6 women and 24 men comprising the group. Western Shore and District Fire Dept. was formed in 1957. They average 120-130 call-outs a year with medical assists and first response making up the bulk of their work.
Well, over 100 members and guests filled the hall to honor firefighters young and old alike.
WVFD serves an area from the trail (old railine) near Martins River (east) to the Gold River Bridge (west) and also the Beech Hill Road area. On Highway #103 they cover the area between mile markers (kilometre) 225 to 231. They also respond to other calls in the Municipality under the Mutual Aid Agreement between the municipality and it's 7 Fire Departments.
All in all it was a great evening with excellent food.
If you want to discover some of this area's wonderful community spirit, talk to volunteers like local firefighters and attend some of their events.Take an interest in their efforts. The life or house they save could be yours.

OAK ISLAND TOURISM SOCIETY TERMINATED

The entrance to Oak Island via the causeway on a warm December afternoon.

Oak Island Tourism Society founding member and Chairman,Ken Petrie.

Vice Chair and Communications,director Danny Hennigar.

The OITS Board of Directors discuss the voting process. (L to R) Vice Chair:Dan Hennigar,Secretary:Yvonne Hennigar,Carol Nauss,Chair Ken Petrie,Rev. Kyle Wagoner,Maresa Davidson,Larry Ryan and Glenda Redden.

The small group of 17 OITS members and the press in the audience.

The final votes are collected.


Danny Hennigar speaks after the vote.

The famed Money Pit with a glaze of ice covering it.

A monument marks the spot of the Oak Island Tragedy where the four named lost their lives in the hunt of the elusive Oak Island treasure.

Dec.7'th Oak Island,Nova Scotia----------------------The Oak Island Tourism Society met for the last time at a meeting on Dec. 7,2009 that determined their fate through a vote to shut down the 8 year old group. Besides running the "Explore Oak Island Days " and organizing tours of the Island,the group's main focus was to own and operate an interpretive centre on Oak Island.
The fact that there are 5 or 6 private land owners on Oak Island appears to have been the major factor in preventing the creation of an on-island interpretative centre. OITS had discussions and negotiations with some of the owners but nothing concrete had ever materialized from those talks. Hence the major reason to disband the group.
This decision was not without controversy as there were a few members of the society and general public who felt that OITS could continue. If the present executive felt burned out after their futile attempt,some felt that new blood could take over and try another plan. Central to the Society's vision was a study that stated that an interpretative centre should be located on Oak Island in order to be successful. There is irony in this as the OITS had recently decided to turn over their money and assets to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society to have a permanent display in Chester at the Heritage Society's Chester Train Station. There is also talk of it ending up at Lordly House. OITS members did state that if a new Oak Island interest group were to form,they would be happy to give that group the artifacts to display.

Back to the meeting. Chairman Ken Petrie called the meeting to order and Secretary Yvonne Hennigar made a motion to surrender their certificate of incorporation. After questions and some heated discussion,the motion was voted on. 16 of the 17 members present voted in favor of the motion. Some thought it was not a fair representation as there are 160 members of the OITS scattered around the world.

According to Garnette Blankenship and Charles Barkhouse, a new group is forming. Studies aside,if an interpretive centre cannot locate on the island then the next best option would be to have one on the mainland but closer to Oak Island than the Chester sites.

Here is a little Oak Island info. There are 32 four acre lots based on the 1762 Charles Morris survey. Morris also laid out Halifax. Again there are 5 or 6 lot owners from single to multiple lots.
Three owners are awaiting treasure hunting licenses to be issued by the Nova Scotia Government. Dan Blankenship and his partnering consortium known as "The Michigan Group" are the big treasure hunters.
There is much speculation as to what the treasure may be. Captain Kidd's spoils, Shakespeare's manuscripts,The Holy Grail, Spanish or English gold, and even alien connections. It all makes for a wonderful, world-class mystery. Many have been frustrated for hundreds of years over Oak Island's secret. It only took 8 years for the Oak Island Tourism Society to become frustrated in their efforts.

CHRISTMAS TREES IN SHERWOOD FOREST

Follow the sign on Route 14, one mile in from the Sherwood church.

Karl Levy ties the twine as he gets ready to bale a tree for easy transport.

Almost done.

Voila ! The tree is ready for it's journey.

Bernice runs the check-out counter.

Business was brisk last weekend.

Some were buying by the truckload.

Dec.5'th,Sherwood----------------------If you are looking for the perfect Christmas tree then you should head out to Levy's on the Sherwood Rd. just off route 14. On this end we know it as the Windsor Road. If you live at t'other end you know it as the Chester Road. Enough with the geography.
Karl and Bernice have been in the Christmas tree business since 1992 and it has become an institution for many. With a nice warm fire in the log cabin and Bernice's wreaths and other
handiwork on display you can browse in warmth and comfort for traditional Christmas decorative items. Sometimes there are home baked beans and cider available.
If you don't have a truck or trailer Karl will bale your tree for easier transport.
There are two weekends left if you want to make the trip for an interesting experience to seek the perfect tree. You can cut your own or Karl will be more than happy to cut it for you.
Have a Merry "real tree" Christmas.

BENEFIT BREAKFAST AT C.A.M.S.

Tasha,Tammy and Karen were selling breakfast and raffle tickets.

The happy servers were dishing out flapjacks,sausages,eggs and hashbrowns with toast on the side.

Dec.5'th,Chester------------------Volunteers at Chester Area Middle joined together to put on a fund raiser breakfast for Damion Parks. He is a C.A.M.S. student in need of a multiple organ transplant. In case you missed the breakfast and would like to aid the cause you may contact Chester Area Middle School to have your donation directed to the proper folks in charge of the benefit for Damion.

LIVING NATIVITY

There were sheep.

A goose.

Meet the Clergy.

Donkeys.

Joseph.

The llamas.


Father Jim McCorriston gives the opening prayer.

Rev. Dan Greene gave a solo.

Dec.4'th,Chester--------------------The Village of Chester was full of Christmas activity Friday night. After the Village tree lighting,there was a Living Nativity event at Lordly Park. Perfect weather allowed about 200 people to witness the event. There were at least another 50 counting the cast, sound and lighting people and the animal wranglers.
The costumes were wonderful and the pageant played out perfectly.
Sources tell us this could be the last event with the organizers of this one. Perhaps someone else will step up to the plate for the next one if the animal owners are willing to participate.
It is a unique and interesting traditional event. We understand that there is only about one other similar event in the province.
With careful planning and promotion,The Living Nativity pageant could be a major draw in attracting visitors to Chester.

VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING

A sandwich board sign promotes the event.

The crowd starts to gather.

The staff at Lesley's Pantry were serving up cookies and hot choclate.

The studio singers directed by Dawn Harwood-Jones provided Christmas songs.

Santa arrives via firetruck with Chester Fire Chief Leo "Duke" Chafe.

Some were excited about Santa.

Some were just happy to see him.

And others were more focused on the cookies.

A short display of fireworks signaled the lighting of the tree.

The tree is lit.

And Santa waves good-bye as he jumps in the fire truck on the first leg of his journey back home to the North Pole.

Dec.4'th,Chester-----------------Once again Lesley's Pantry and Chester Building supplies hosted what is becoming a popular traditional event in Chester. The Village tree lighting features singing,refreshments and Santa Claus for the kids. Well over a hundred people came out for this year's event. Special thanks to the Chester Volunteer Fire Department for getting Santa to the gig via Chester's newest firetruck. There was no snow for the event. This probably made it easier for so many folks to get out but it was tough on Santa as he had to park the reindeer and use a firetruck to get there on time.

THE LAST SAILBOAT

Dec. 4'th,Chester--------------As the crew waits on the wharf, the skipper readies the last sloop moored in Chester's Back Harbour for its trip to the boat yard to be hauled for the season

LAST CHANCE FOR A FLU SHOT IN CHESTER

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

Dec. 4'th,Chester--------------------There will be a flu clinic at St. Stephen's Parish Centre's Tuck Hall today at the corner of Regent and King Street. It may be the last one,at least for awhile.

THAT'S AMORE !

Moonrise from Haddon Hill. The Rogers cell tower is just to the left of the moon.

"When the moon hits you eye like a big pizza pie,that's amore..."

Dec.2'nd,Haddon Hill----------------------chesterns.ca thanks a fan for calling in about last evening's moonrise. It truly was spectacular.
The photos barely do it justice but in case you missed it,they aren't bad for the Fuji s2000 that is our present workhorse for the site.

IT'S SANDY CLAUS

Chester's bon vivant and party planner extraordinaire Sandy Morash gives back to the community by manning a donation booth for the Chester Foodbank outside the local Save Easy grocery store.

Will the real Santa Claus please step forward. Local artist Al Chaddock stopped by to donate and get a picture with "Sandy Claus".

Dec.2'nd,Chester------------The weather looks more like summer but signs of Christmas are in the air in Chester. We caught local resident Sandy Morash doing a good turn for the community and those less fortunate this Holiday season. chesterns.ca says a BIG THANK-YOU to Sandy and all you other volunteers out there working for your community this Holiday season. Have a great Christmas !

THE LOBSTERS HAVE LANDED

Nova Scotia lobsters close up.

The crew gets ready to unload some of the catch.

We purchased the first pair to be sold at the Chester wharf.


A cold but happy skipper poses with some of his catch.

Dec.1'st,Chester--------------------We followed up on the start of the lobster season with our friend Blaine. With the good weather still holding,fishermen have perfect working conditions. Blaine had a reasonable catch for the first haul.
We purchased a pair and had them for lunch the next day. We did the basic lobster boil with bread and coleslaw on the side. The first ones of the season tasted excellent and were very full with lots of meat. The Chester Foodie will be doing a "fancier" lobster dish soon so stay tuned.
If you are interested you should be able to buy at wharfside this Friday afternoon.

NOVA SCOTIA LOBSTER FISHERY OPENS : ABOARD A CHESTER BOAT ON DUMPING DAY

Traps wait to be loaded on the Chester Government Wharf on the morning of Dumping Day.

A lobster boat plies the waters off Chester to the west.

Captain and crew at work. Chester Lobsterman Blaine Bond and assistant Adam Trethewey load the last lobster trap aboard.

Blaine has the most colourful buoys on the water. There's no mistaking which traps are his.

The term "Lobster Yacht" made famous by the locally produced Big Motion Pictures television series,Black Harbour may best describe this classic Cape Islander. Now a pleasure boat it no doubt worked and fished nearby many years ago. It sits at the wharf waiting to be hauled for the season.

Steaming out Chester Harbour,we see a crewmember of the Tancook ferry keeping things shipshape and Bristol fashion aboard the William G. Ernst Provincial ferry.

Off the bow it is a beautiful morning to kick off the Lobster Fishery in Chester.

Chester Harbour as viewed off the stern of the Little Peanut. If you don't want to cook your own,you can always have a lobster at the Rope Loft on your left in the above photo.

We just like the colour in this shot.

It's been awhile since we viewed the Village from the water.

With a splash,the first trap is set in Chester Harbour.


There goes trap #2.

A buoy marks the spot.

Adam Trethewey in the iconic pose of a Nova Scotia lobster fisherman. It is great to see an energetic and younger generation taking an interest and working in the fishery.

Loaded and ready to set, Little Peanut heads out.

Down east in Fox Point lobster boats were coming and going.


The view west from East River. The tiny speck on the water about mid-frame is a lobster boat.
It is just off the area of Long Reef Point and Hume Point. Graves Island lies just beyond. Just about any where you looked out on the ocean, you were bound to see lobster fishing activities on this day.

Nov.30'th,Chester--------------------Perfect weather and warm temperatures made life easier for thousands of lobster fisherman in Districts 33 and 34 as Dumping Day 2009 got underway. There are only a few boats fishing directly out of Chester but nearby there are many more.
We were able to ride along for a short trip with a local fisherman as he began the season. Optimism and excitement always fills the air at the beginning of the season.
Rumours indicate that the price for lobster will be $4.50 to $5.00 per pound. The fishermen would like to see $6 to $7 per pound. If you are fortunate enough to buy right from the boat you should get a good deal on your first feed of lobster for the season. They really do taste better right off the boat. We will bring you an update on how the first day went.

TOM HADDAL RELEASES "THAT'S THE WAY" CD AT CHESTER LEGION

Tom Haddal warms up the audience at the opening of his "That's The Way" CD release concert at the Chester Legion.

The band plays on.

Nick Jeffrey on harmonica and percussion.

Russ Wynham a.k.a. Dr. Weird Beard played bass.

And Jack McDonald on guitar and mandolin.

Nov.28'th,Chester-------------Tom Haddal released the second CD of his musical career at the Chester Legion on Saturday night. For over 35 years Tom has been playing and writing songs. Putting in that kind of time is finally paying off. He is a great writer and talented musician.
It was fitting that the evening opened with his song,"The Lobstermen" as the seasonal Lobster Fishery was to open in a few days.
The opening set included all the songs on the new CD. "Thieves of Mombassa" is a riveting tune based on Tom's encounter with pirates who attacked a ship he was working on several years ago.
As most aspiring musicians will tell you,they have a "Real Job". In Tom's case he works in the Marine Trades as an engineer. Once you hear Tom perform, you may wonder why music isn't his "Real Job". Given time and broader promotion,Tom will be riding on his sound waves as opposed to the waves of the ocean. Pick up a copy of Tom's latest CD. "That's The Way" to promote and enjoy local world- class talent and culture.

CHESTER CLIPPERS CANADIAN FORCES APPRECIATION NIGHT

RCSCC 351 Llewellyn,Sea Cadet Corps Band "warms up" in the rink lobby.

Meet your Chester Clippers.

Meet the New Waterford Jets.


Chester resident Harvey Nauss pauses for the camera before he performs the ceremonial puck drop to begin the game.

Let the game begin !

It is perhaps fitting that Harvey stands with the band as he was an avid former member of the Chester Brass Band for many years.

Nov. 28-29'th,Chester------------------In a pair of weekend games,The Chester Clippers stopped the Jets from flying. The New Waterford Jets hockey team,that is.Game 1 score was 7-1 and in game 2,the Clippers hammered the Jets with a 7-2 win.
Opening night was Canadian Forces Appreciation Night with the Local Sea Cadets Corps band on hand to play the national anthem.Perhaps the highlight of the evening was long time Chester resident Harvey Nauss performing the ceremonial puck drop to start the game. Harvey is over 90 years old and played hockey in Chester during his youth.
Play fair and keep your stick on the ice.