🪙 Scratches and Patches

Good Morning Saint John! Forget robins…the real sign of spring is the return of pickleball. The nets are officially up in Quispam, the courts are open, and it won’t be long before we’re dink rallyin’ all over the place! 🏓

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

• Are you ready for election day? 🗳️

• Set for Life on the west side 💰

• Reader submitted events coming up 📅

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🛣️ New Paving Rule Aims to Speed Things Up

If you’ve ever wondered why your street gets milled and then sits half-shaved for what feels like eternity, good news: City Council just hit the gas on paving timelines. Starting this year, contractors will have 16 days to finish standard resurfacing once milling starts - or they'll be fined $2,000 a day. More complex jobs get a bit more wiggle room, but the idea is simple: less waiting, fewer potholes, and (hopefully) no more months-long obstacle courses.

🗳️ Federal Election Voting 101

The federal election is Monday, April 28. If you’re 18+, a Canadian citizen, and can prove your ID and address, you can vote at your assigned polling station - check your mailbox for a voter card or use Elections Canada’s website.

Can’t make it that day? Advance polls run April 18–21, 9am-9pm. Or vote early at any Elections Canada office until April 22 at 6pm. Mail-in ballots are also an option, but you’ve got to apply by April 22 at 6pm.

Not sure where to go, what to bring, or if you’re registered? The Voter Information Service has your back. And remember: no ballot selfies. Seriously, wait till you're outside the polling station. 

🎉 Set for Life Winner Punches Out Early

Barbara Nelson used to kick off her workdays scratching lotto tickets in the breakroom, now she’s calling it quits for good, thanks to a $1,000-a-week Set for Life win. The longtime Saint John chain restaurant worker bought the lucky ticket at the Esso on the west side and says she’s ready to “sit back and see where it leads me.” First stop? A summer of no weekend shifts. Next? Who knows. Maybe sleeping in and brunch.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Reader Submitted Events
I love hearing from readers, especially when it comes to story ideas and event listings! Here are a few great submissions we've received over the last week. 

Poetry Open Mic | April 16
April is National Poetry Month, and this year’s theme is Family, chosen, found, or otherwise. Local radio show Hot Bottled Poetry is teaming up with the Write Cup Café for an open mic tonight from 6-9pm, and everyone’s welcome to read or just listen. Bring a poem, bring a friend, or just bring your ears - it’s low-key and welcoming, with plenty of room for whatever “family” means to you.

And if reading aloud isn’t your thing, you’ve got another way to join in: Poem in Your Pocket Day is coming up on April 24. All you have to do is tuck a favourite poem in your pocket and share it with someone, at work, in line for coffee, wherever. Quiet poetry people unite.

Welcome In Art Exhibit | April 26
Creative Connections, a L’Arche Saint John initiative, is back with its annual art show Welcome In - a one-day exhibit and sale exploring the theme of “welcome.” Sixteen local artists will share work inspired by feeling at home, from joyful places to meaningful moments. Drop by the Saint John Arts Centre from 2-4pm to take in the art, meet the artists, and be part of a conversation about belonging.

Victory Bears Project | Now through July 1
To mark the RCAF’s 100th anniversary, the Turnbull (NB) Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society has created three handmade Victory Bears, each stitched from authentic WWII uniforms and named after real service members. They honour army, navy, and air force stories, right down to their replica service certificates and purple poppies.

You can enter to win one with a $5 donation before July 1, when the bears will be drawn at the Summerside Air Show. Students can also join in with a school raffle of mini replica bears and tickets start at just a nickel, with funds staying in schools and winners drawn before Remembrance Day.

A charming mix of history, remembrance, and storytelling - all in bear form.

Stitch & Sip Tatreez Gatherings | Sundays in April & May
Learn the art of traditional Palestinian embroidery at this cozy stitch-and-sip series hosted at the Saint John Free Public Library. Materials, coffee, and tea are all provided - just bring your creativity. Sessions run Sundays from 1–3pm on April 6, 13, 27 and May 11, 18, 25. Space is limited, so call 506-643-7236 or email [email protected] to save your seat.

Got an Event to Share?

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think you know where these carvings stand, hit reply and send your best guess! We’ll reveal the location and name the correct guessers in Friday’s newsletter.

Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s most likely to pull a MacEnroe out on the pickleball courts - you cannot be
serious 😤 !

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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