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⛄ Winterfest Adventures Begin
SJ Today
January 16, 2025
Good morning, Saint John! This is SJ Today—your local info update, delivered fresh with no snark, no trolls, just good vibes. 😎
Here’s the latest:
Live painting for Bobby’s Hospice 👩🎨
Crane Mountain community grants are open 💰
Fundy Winterfest kicks off this weekend ⛸️
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🎨 Local Artist Allie Beckwith to Paint Live at Bobby’s Hospice Gala
Popular Saint John artist, Allie Beckwith, will be creating a live painting at the upcoming Bobby’s Hospice Gala on February 15 at the Trade and Convention Centre. The finished piece will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to support Bobby’s Hospice.
In a recent conversation with SJ Today, Allie shared her personal connection to the cause, "In 2017, my family and I spent the last week of my grandmother’s life by her side at Bobby’s. Our new puppy, Mason, brought us all so much light during such a dark time,” Allie explained. “He is a certified therapy dog now, and we visit hospice patients weekly"
When asked about the live painting she’ll create for the event, Allie told us, “I’m playing with a few ideas, but I think it will be a seascape of Bayshore Beach. When I used to travel back to Saint John from living away, I would always joke that my first stop would be my grandmother’s and my second stop was Bayshore.”
You can support the Bobby’s Hospice Gala by donating an auction item or purchasing tickets to the event. It’s a great opportunity to contribute to a cause that helps so many families in our community. For more information, to donate an item, or to buy tickets, call 506-632-5593 Ext 3 or email [email protected].
🌱 Crane Mountain Grants Are Back
Got a project with big community or environmental vibes? Applications for the 2025 Crane Mountain Enhancement Inc. (CMEI) grants are open until February 17. With nearly $100,000 up for grabs annually, this fund could be your green light to make it happen.
The grants stem from a commitment tied to the Crane Mountain Sanitary Landfill, with funds set aside for lasting community benefits. Check out all the details and grab your application now!
🤝 Help Build a Safer Saint John
The Saint John Police are on the lookout for big-hearted locals to join their refreshed Auxiliary Police Program, celebrating 25 years of volunteer service. With over 76,000 hours logged since 1999, auxiliary members play a key role in community safety—volunteering at events, helping with traffic campaigns, supporting search-and-rescue efforts, and more.
Not into uniforms? No problem! Non-uniform members assist with things like career fairs, public education, and even giving tours of Peel Plaza. Bonus: Over 30% of auxiliary volunteers have gone on to full-time law enforcement roles.
If you’re community-focused and up for the challenge, this could be your chance to serve Saint John in a big way. Learn more about the program and how to apply at Auxiliary Program Recruiting | Saint John Police Force.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Is it just us, or does this week feel like it’s never-ending? Good news—the weekend’s almost here, and there’s plenty to look forward to!
TONIGHT
PowerPop Girls | January 16
Get ready for the PowerPop Girls Maritime Drag Tour at Five and Dime in Saint John on January 16th! Doors open at 8:45pm with showtime at 9:15pm. Enjoy a drag performance inspired by the Powerpuff Girls and featuring hits from Chappel Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX, presented by BILF, FILF, and Dahlia Dior, with special guest Justin TooDeep. Presale tickets are $10, door tickets are $15—so grab yours fast and hot to go!
FRIDAY
Sea Dogs vs Charlottetown Islanders | January 17
Get ready for a night of fun and flair at TD Station! The Sea Dogs are taking on the Charlottetown Islanders, and it's Style & Flow Night! Join the excitement as Coach Chippy brings the hype to the rink. The action starts at 7:00pm—don’t miss the game, the style, and the epic atmosphere!
The Uptown Get Down | January 17
Get ready to dance the night away at Club 506 (9 Sydney St.)! The Uptown Get Down is the ultimate dance party experience, featuring high-energy beats and killer mixes from DJ Dustin Funkman, DJ Beatspetite, and DJ Cogswell C. With disco ball magic, hot pink lighting, and black lights they’re promising a glow-worthy vibe and ultimate rave atmosphere.
SATURDAY
Charles Gorman Speed Skating Competition | January 18
Get ready for a speed-fueled Saturday! The Charles Gorman Short Track Speed Skating competition is back with about 60 skaters from across the Maritimes battling it out on 85m and 100m tracks. Racing starts at 9am at the Charles Gorman Arena, and the best part? Spectators are welcome at no charge!
Open Studio-Art Hive | January 18
Join the creative community at Art Hive, a welcoming space where people of all ages and skill levels come together to create art without formal instruction or expectations. Whether you're working on your own project or exploring materials provided, it’s all about creativity and fun. Light snacks and refreshments will be available. The event runs from 12-5pm at Divine Studios, 87 Canterbury Street, and costs $20 per person—drop in or stay for the whole session!
SUNDAY
January Blues' Wine Tasting | January 19
Sunday-Funday at Billy’s Seafood Co. from 2-4pm with a fantastic wine tasting event! Local wine vendors will be pouring their best selections, complemented by mouth-watering appetizers from Chef Tom Robertson. Live music will set the vibe as you sip, sample, and enjoy great food and tunes. Tickets are $75—don’t miss this perfect way to warm up your January!
FUNDY WINTERFEST
❄️ Fundy Winterfest Kicks Off This Weekend
Overwhelmed with Fundy Winterfest event listings? You’re not alone! There’s so much going on across the region over the next several weeks, but the festivities officially begin this weekend in Hampton & Rothesay. From ice skating with hockey stars to a SNOWball tournament and cozy bonfires, it’s going to be an action-packed start! You can find all this weekend's events here, but this is what we’re most looking forward to:
🥎 SNOWball Tournament
Saturday - 9:00am-4:00pm at Mahoney Field, Veterans Field & Earle Bovaird Field
It’s softball… but in the snow! Cheer on teams as they battle it out in this exciting SNOWball tournament, all in support of Hampton P.R.O Kids. Spectators are welcome for free, and at 3:00pm, you can meet Saint John Sea Dogs players for a meet, greet, and signing at the final game at Earle Bovaird Field.
🏒 Skate with the Vito’s!
Saturday - 9:00am-10:30am at Rothesay Common Ice Surface
Join the Saint John Major U18 Vito's Hockey Team for a morning of skating and fun at Rothesay Common! Bring your skates and sticks for a chance to meet the players, join in on some pickup, or just enjoy the winter vibes.
🍪 Hampton Cookie Crawl
Saturday - 11:30am-3:00pm at participating businesses in Hampton
Embark on a sweet adventure through Hampton, collecting delicious cookies from local spots as part of the Fundy Winterfest Cookie Adventure! Tickets are required to secure your cookie box, so grab yours and get ready for a tasty trek across town.
🔥 Hampton Community Bonfire
Saturday - 5:30pm-7:30pm at Spooner Island
Wrap up a perfect winter day with a cozy community bonfire! Sip on hot chocolate (compliments of Tim Hortons) and enjoy truck tours with the Hampton Fire Department.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 1:07 AM(Thu 16 January) | 7.46 m(24.48 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:15 AM(Thu 16 January) | 1.36 m(4.46 ft) |
High Tide | 1:23 PM(Thu 16 January) | 7.79 m(25.56 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:39 PM(Thu 16 January) | 1.04 m(3.41 ft) |
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Thanks for reading SJ Today! If you found it useful, share it with someone who could use a break from the algorithm chaos. 💛
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher