🚨 Marine Drill Alert

Good morning Port City, this is SJ Today - the newsletter that wraps up everything you need to know in a pretty little package each morning.

Here’s what’s inside today:

• There’ll be a little more action than usual at the Port today ⚓

• As Canada Post gets back to work, your utility bill is still due ✉️

• If you need an excuse to enjoy a burger and a beer this week, we’ve got one 🍔

Let’s tear it open!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Spread the Word! 📣

Share your local business story with our readers. Advertise in our newsletter for maximum reach!

NEWS NOTES

Marine Training Exercise at the Port Today 🛟

Don’t be alarmed if you spot some serious action on the Port’s west side this morning—it’s just Atlantic Towing and Saint John Fire teaming up for a marine training exercise! Starting at 10am, this safety drill is all about boosting response skills, so it’s good news for everyone. No danger here—just teamwork in action! If the weather misbehaves, the drill will float over to December 18th. Stay curious, not worried!

Urgent Toy Donations Needed to Spread Holiday Cheer 🎁

Things are tough all around this holiday season, but here’s an opportunity to make a real difference. The Salvation Army in Saint John is making an urgent plea for toy donations, with their shelves critically low—especially for boys aged 3 to 9. With just days to go, they’re counting on the generosity of our community to make Christmas brighter for over 1,200 local kids.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at The Salvation Army (Waterloo Street) Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or any city fire station.

2. Host a toy drive at your office or business—call 506-634-7166 to get set up.

3. Volunteer to help collect and distribute the gifts.

If you're able, this is a wonderful way to bring joy to a child in need this holiday season.

How the Canada Post Disruption Affects Your Utility Bill 📬

Heads up, Saint John! If you’ve been waiting for your utility bill, it’s on its way—though with a slight delay. Due to the Canada Post disruption, bills for meter customers are expected to be mailed today, assuming postal workers are back on track as expected.

Here’s the deal:

• If your utility bill (dated November 14th) hasn’t arrived yet, don’t worry—it’s still due today, December 17th. Late penalties may apply, so be sure to pay on time!

• Payments can be made by phone, in person, or online. No need to wait for the paper copy.

• Questions? Contact Customer Service at 658-4455, email [email protected], or visit City Hall at 15 Market Square (Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.).
  
  ^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

SPONSORED
Be the Talk of the Town! 🏙️

Put your business in the hands of your neighbors. Advertise with us and watch your audience grow!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

Handel's Messiah | December 17
Experience the magic of Handel's Messiah tonight at Trinity Anglican Church. From 7-9:30pm, The Symphony Chorus and Orchestra will fill the air with stunning melodies, featuring Lauren Estey Jovanovic, Jillian Bonner, Colin Frotten, and Paul Bustin. Led by conductor Spencer Belyea with concertmaster Dani Sametz and a virtuoso trumpet performance by Rob Dutton, this is a holiday tradition not to miss. 

WEDNESDAY

Holiday Open Mic Night | December 18
Grab your guitar (or borrow theirs!) and head to Haven Music Hall for a festive open mic night hosted by Cole Savoie, with special guest David R. Elliott. From 7-10pm, share your tunes or just enjoy the cozy vibes with fellow music lovers. Performers score a free drink, and all ages are welcome. No sign-up needed—just show up and shine! Free entry. For accessibility details, email [email protected].

THURSDAY

Cheers for Charity at Union House | December 19
Raise a glass and lend a hand! This Thursday, Union House will donate $1 from every pint and can of brew sold to Romero House, Saint John’s soup kitchen serving hundreds daily. Can’t make it? All this week you can drop off food donations at Union House to support this vital cause. Enjoy a beer, spread some cheer, and make a difference this holiday season. Cheers to giving back!

FRIDAY

Women in Business Breakfast Meet-Up | December 20
Tired of the same old networking song and dance? This Friday at 10am, Post Road Marketing is flipping the script with a breakfast meet-up designed for real conversations. No sales pitches, no slideshows—just women sharing the unfiltered ups and downs of life and business over coffee and great food at Britt’s Rockwood. Think less “elevator pitch” and more “you’re not alone.” It’s free, but seats are going fast: postroadmarketing.com/breakfast-meet-ups.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Potluck | December 20
Rothesay Hive members, it’s time to break out those delightfully tacky holiday sweaters! The Ugly Holiday Sweater Potluck kicks off at 1:30pm. Bring your favorite dish to share (don’t forget to confirm it!), and enjoy festive vibes, a beverage on the house, and maybe even snag a prize for your outfit. Spots are limited, so register early to secure your spot. Email Kirstin at [email protected] or call (506) 799-9240.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY

📸 Marcelle Carrier | 📍 Grand Bay

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Will Your Car Make It Through Another Winter?

Before the cold sets in, make sure your car is ready for the season. Autotec’s You See What We See inspection gives you a real-time, tablet-powered look at your vehicle’s condition—no guessing, just clear insights. From brakes to belts, get ahead of potential issues and drive with confidence this winter. Book your inspection today and be winter-ready. Click here to learn more or schedule now!*

Eyes on You!

Want to catch Saint John’s attention? Baseline ads in SJ Today put your message front and center, mingling with the latest news and stories. It’s a simple, effective way to be seen by locals. Ready to stand out? Let’s make it happen!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who has their finger on the ribbon. 🎀

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?