👋 Goodbye 2024

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - And just like the ball in Times Square, we’re gearing up to drop more local news into your inbox in 2025! 🪩 We will being taking a day off tomorrow to recover and be back at it Thursday, January 2.

Here’s what you need to know on the last day of 2024:

• Time to say goodbye to our fir friends 🌲

• SJ Police are looking for input from young people 🙋

• Even more parties for tonight 🥳

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🌲 Time to Toss That Tree

Now that the tinsel’s tangled and the ornaments are back in their boxes, it’s time to give your Christmas tree a fond farewell. Lucky for us, the region’s towns are here to help you send your festive fir off in style! Here’s how you can ditch your tree and start fresh in 2025:

Saint John
The city’s drop-off sites will be ready for business January 1–12, 2025. Trees can be dropped at Charles Gorman Arena, Crescent Valley, Peter Murray Arena, Forest Hills Ball Field, or the Old Sugar Refinery. Can’t drop it off? Chop it up and toss it in your compost cart for curbside pickup. Find all the details here.

Quispamsis
Our favourite of the local discard events, the Annual Christmas Tree Mulch! Drop it at Walter Jewett Field by January 12, 2025. Look for the marked area, and don’t forget to strip off the decorations.

Rothesay
Partnering with Urban Organics, Rothesay offers drop-offs at four spots: Bill McGuire Centre, East Riverside-Kingshurst Park, Rothesay Arena, and Wells Recreation Park. The deadline? January 4, 2025. Pro tip: Rothesay trees aren’t welcome at garbage pickup, but they’re compost cart-friendly. Details here.

🏛️ City Hall Fridays Are Back

Good news for anyone who’s ever scored a parking ticket during Friday lunch uptown (us), starting January 6, 2025, the City of Saint John’s Customer Service Centre and One Stop Development Shop will reopen on Fridays! Now, when you’re enjoying a leisurely bite and spot that dreaded slip under your wiper, you can head straight to City Hall and settle up (or maybe contest it—we won’t judge).

The new hours—Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—mean more flexibility for residents and businesses needing a little City Hall face time. Whether it’s paying a bill, asking about permits, or just enjoying the sheer thrill of bureaucracy, it’s the spot to be. 

🚓 Young Leaders Wanted for Police Advisory Committee 

The Saint John Police are looking for young voices to help shape the future of policing in our community! The Chief of Police is inviting youth ages 16-22 to join the Saint John Police Chief’s Youth Leadership Advisory Committee. This is a chance to provide feedback on policing issues, improve relationships between youth and police, and help make the city safer for everyone.

Meetings will be held quarterly, and the Chief and Neighbourhood Officers will be present. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Applications are open until January 31, 2025—so step up and make an impact!

🚗 Simms Corner’s Roundabout Fate

Simms Corner is finally on the city’s radar for a major overhaul. With the Port and mill construction ramping up traffic, Mayor Donna Reardon says it’s time for a real fix. After years of talk, a roundabout is looking like the answer. While tricky with rail crossings, roundabouts are known for calming traffic and reducing accidents—so here’s hoping we’ll soon be gliding through Simms Corner with a lot less stop-and-go! ($)

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Tonight’s the night to say goodbye to 2024! 🎉

We shared some big parties in yesterday’s issue, and we’ve found a few more to help you ring in 2025 with a bang!

TONIGHT

Cask & Kettle Westfield New Year’s Eve Party | December 31
Ring in the New Year at the Cask & Kettle with live music by Penalty Box from 9 PM to midnight! Tickets are just $20 and include an unforgettable night of entertainment plus a champagne toast at midnight. Only 20 tickets left, so grab yours fast and get ready to celebrate the best NYE party in Grand Bay-Westfield! For tickets and details, visit the pub or call (506) 217-9511.

Highlands Bar & Lounge New Year’s Eve Celebration | December 31
Celebrate the end of 2024 at Highlands Bar & Lounge with music, drinks, door prizes, and dancing! It’s the perfect way to ring in the New Year with friends. Don’t miss out on the fun – see you there!

Hampton Brewing Co. Cold Plunge & New Year’s Reset | December 31
Kickstart your New Year with a refreshing plunge at Hampton Brewing Co.! Join NB’s first certified SHERPA instructor, Sonja Bailey, for a cold water immersion experience, followed by a cozy beverage of your choice. This invigorating reset costs $40 per person and includes your drink. Reserve your spot by calling (506) 832-4364 or visiting the taproom!

New Year's Eve Fireworks | December 31
Ring in the New Year with a bang! The City of Saint John is hosting a spectacular fireworks display from Long Wharf at 8:00 p.m. (weather permitting).

WEDNESDAY

New Year’s Day Brunch at Lebanon The Go | January 1
Start your New Year’s Day right with a delicious brunch at Lebanon The Go from 9:00am-1:00pm (reservations required). Enjoy all-day breakfast and brunch favorites, from House Omelette Pitas to Lebanese Grilled Cheese and Fully Loaded Hashbrowns. Pre-order a Brunch Tower for up to 12 people for pick-up or delivery! Make your reservation or order today: [email protected] or 506.636.2677. Talk about a tasty start to 2025!

New Year’s Day Skate | January 1
Kick off 2025 with a community skate at Rothesay Common from 12:00-4:00pm! Bring your family and friends to enjoy the ice and a complimentary hot chocolate (BYO mug for extra warmth!). Skate, laugh, and ring in the new year surrounded by a winter wonderland. Parking available at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Rain location: Rothesay Arena. Don’t miss this fun family afternoon!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone whose idea of a good NYE is take-out and bad movies! 🎞️

Happy New Year!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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