🧵 Stitching Together Support for a Local Teacher

Good morning Saint John, This is SJ Today - the local newsletter that doesn’t chase the news, just tries to have fun telling you what’s going on around town.

Here’s what we have today:

• It sounds like Costco is about to become easier to get to 🚧

• Ever hear of the SJ Seafarers Mission? 🤝

• What to expect at today’s council and committee meetings 💬

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

LOCAL SUPPORT
Help a Teacher Restock Her Fibre Arts Supplies 🧶

Grade 3 teacher Anna Tilley at Rothesay Elementary is weaving sustainability and creativity into her classroom, and she needs your help! From chicken beanbags to felted eggs, straw weaving, and bracelets, Anna’s students are learning the magic of fibre arts—but her supplies are running low.

Anna is looking for donations of yarn (any weight), fabric (non-stretch), sewing needles, crochet hooks, buttons, and ribbon to continue these eco-friendly, imaginative projects. Instead of tossing your extra supplies, why not pass them on to help create more crafty masterpieces?

Check out the GIF above to see some of the cool things Anna’s students are making with your donations!

To contribute, reach out to Anna at [email protected] or drop off donations at the Rothesay Elementary front office. Let’s help Anna bring even more creativity to the classroom!

SPONSORED
Let’s Get Your Name Out There! 🔊

Connect with local families and build your community presence. Advertise in our newsletter today!

NEWS NOTES

Smoother Road Ahead for Costco Runs 🛒

Tired of waiting at lights and weaving through traffic to get to Costco? Well, getting to those samples on a Saturday is about to get easier! The city is realigning Retail Drive to line up with Ashburn Lake Road, cutting out the traffic headache across Rothesay Avenue.

Six buildings (including a few homes and an old auto shop) are making way for a new intersection that’ll lead you straight to East Point’s big-name stores like Sobeys and Home Depot—no more lane changes or train tracks to dodge.

Construction wraps up in October 2025, so your trips to Costco are about to get a whole lot easier. Now if only we could fix those stop-n’-chats in the aisles... (CBC NB)

Behind the Scenes at Port Saint John ⚓

Ever wondered what goes on behind those giant shipping containers at Port Saint John? Here’s your chance to find out! This Saturday you’ve got the chance to take a 90-minute tour starting at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. You’ll get the inside scoop on everything from the Barrack Point Potash Terminal to the bustling DP World cargo hub—basically, you’ll feel like a VIP at the fastest growing port in North America.

And the best part? All proceeds from the tour go to the Saint John Seafarers’ Mission, helping seafarers get a little R&R while they’re in our little port. It’s a win-win. 

Spots are limited, so don’t wait to get your tickets!

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

CIVIC UPDATE
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Council meetings and committee chatter are in full swing today. Here’s what’s being talked about in your neck of the woods…

📊 Saint John Growth Committee

On the agenda for today’s Growth Committee meeting:

• Affordable Housing Action Plan Update
  An update on the city’s Affordable Housing Action Plan, with a review of progress and next steps.

• Industrial Growth Opportunities
  A presentation on Saint John’s industrial potential, exploring strategies to attract businesses and foster economic development.

See Full Agenda

The meeting is at 12 PM in the 2nd Floor Boardroom, City Hall. The public is welcome to attend. You can also watch the video live stream here.

⚖️ Saint John PAC Meeting

On the agenda for tonight’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting:

• Drive-Thru Restaurant at University Avenue
  An amendment to 2016 rezoning conditions may allow for a drive-thru restaurant at the University Avenue and Millidge Avenue intersection.

See Full Agenda

The meeting is at 6 PM in the 2nd Floor Common Council Chamber, City Hall. The public is welcome to attend. You can also watch the video live stream here.

📝 Quispamsis Council Meeting

On the agenda for tonight’s Quispamsis Town Council meeting:

• Apartments in Garages?
  A proposed by-law amendment could allow homeowners to add accessory apartments in detached garages.

• Concerns About Hammond River Park
  Resident Joseph Secord will address the council regarding issues raised about Hammond River Park.

• Police Year-End Review
  Chief Steve Gourdeau will share updates on local policing and answer community safety questions.

See Full Agenda

The meeting begins at 6 PM in the Council Chambers, Quispamsis Town Hall. The public is welcome to attend. You can also watch the video live stream here.

SPONSORED
Be the Talk of the Town! 🏙️

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

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

TIFF Series at Imperial Theatre: The Queen of My Dreams | November 19
Experience the stylish feature debut of Canadian writer-director Fawzia Mirza with The Queen of My Dreams. Blending the vibrant textures of Indian cinema with the heart of a Canadian coming-of-age story, this film explores pivotal moments in the lives of a mother and daughter separated by three decades. Show starts at 7:30 PM and tickets are available for $12.50. Don’t miss this stunning TIFF selection and the first feature from a bold new voice in Canadian cinema!

WEDNESDAY

Carol Off in Conversation with Julia Wright | November 20
Award-winning author and former As It Happens host Carol Off joins Julia Wright at 7 PM in the Ganong Hall Lecture Theatre, UNB Saint John. Off will discuss her book At a Loss for Words, which unpacks the evolving meanings of key terms like democracy and truth. Drawing on her journalism career, she explores how distorted language shapes politics and society. Admission is free—don’t miss this insightful evening!

THURSDAY

Open Mic at Foghorn Brewing | November 23
Every Thursday at 7:30 PM, Foghorn Brewing becomes the stage for one of the liveliest arts scenes around. From musicians to poets, comics, and beyond, it’s a showcase of raw talent with no signups required. Whether you're performing or just soaking it all in, everyone’s welcome—regardless of age or ability. Listeners, bring your ears; performers, bring your spark. This is where creativity flows as freely as the beer!

FRIDAY

Scions + DenMother | November 22
Haven Music Hall transforms into a sonic dreamscape this Wednesday! Doors open at
7 PM, show starts at 8 PM. Scions—featuring members from jazz, drone, and composer royalty—brings their Sappyfest magic to life with an improvisational vibe that once earned a standing ovation. DenMother adds an otherworldly touch with ethereal vocals and feral beats. Tickets: $18 in advance, $20 at the door. All ages welcome.

Carey Lee at Punch Lines Comedy Club | November 22 & 23
Carey Lee hits the stage Friday and Saturday at Punch Lines Comedy Club, bringing his signature blend of jokes, impressions, and laugh-out-loud musical comedy. With his sharp wit and knack for keeping audiences in stitches, it’s the perfect way to shake off the week and kickstart your weekend fun. Don’t miss this double dose of hilarious entertainment!

Got an Event to Share?

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

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY

📸 Jay DiPucchio| 📍 Trinity Church

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Reach Readers Daily!
Need to get the word out? Our baseline ads give you the perfect spot to connect with Saint John readers. With your message right next to the latest local buzz, it’s a great way to make an impact. Let's chat about getting you featured here!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that knows real local content comes from happy local people. 😊

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?