🐈 Stray Cats & Dog Bowl

Good morning Saint John! Here’s a fun fact - blue was the last colour to be named in english. Imagine there being a time when the daytime sky was described as…’not red’. 🌌 

Let’s see what we’re talking about today:

• Strut into the world of a local stray saviour 😻

• Ice Safety Reminder 🦺

• Sea Dogs announce the Dog Bowl Tourney 🥅

Enjoy your Tuesday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

LOCALS YOU SHOULD KNOW
How Dianne Fox is Helping Local Stray Cats Strut

For stray and feral cats around Saint John, Dianne Fox is nothing short of a guardian angel. Whether she’s reuniting lost pets with their owners or managing feral colonies, her work ensures that cats across the region get the care they need. It all started with RC, a feral cat she mistook for a raccoon, in her Redhead neighbourhood. From there, Dianne's passion grew into Red Head Strays, a charity that’s changed countless lives.

At the heart of the organization is a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program, which runs every spring and summer to help control feral populations and keep colonies healthy. Dianne is quick to remind pet owners that the best thing they can do is spay or neuter their cats and, if possible, keep them indoors. “It makes a huge difference,” she says.

Red Head Strays is powered by a small but passionate team of volunteers who foster, fundraise, and care for local colonies. Together, they’ve built a thriving community of nearly 11,000 supporters. Dianne’s personality shines through in the quirky details of the organization, including her banner that reads, "One cat away from being the crazy cat lady." She says it’s a playful nod to the fact that no matter how many cats she and her husband, Reg, may have at home, she’s always just one away from officially earning that title.

Want to lend a hand? You can shop their Amazon wishlist or take part in their Valentine’s Day fundraiser, featuring gift packages worth over $1,000. Every bit helps Dianne and her team continue their life saving mission—because for them, every cat is worth it.

Know a Local We Should Feature?

Big thanks to Mary-Ellen Martin for telling us about Dianne and her amazing work with local stray cats. If you know a local hero—or just someone with a great story to tell—drop us a line! We love discovering new faces in the community. Your tip could help us share their story next!

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NEWS NOTES

🧊 Ice Safety Reminder for Renforth Wharf and Beyond 

While the Town of Rothesay reopened the barricades at Renforth Wharf for ATVs over the weekend to allow ice fishing shacks, they’re still urging everyone to exercise caution when venturing onto the ice. Ice safety is crucial—always check local conditions, wear proper clothing, and ensure you measure ice thickness before setting up. Remember, clear blue ice is safest, and any other color could be a warning sign. For more details on winter fishing regulations and safety tips, visit the Provincial Winter Fishing page.

🚓 Police to Reduce Response to Medical Calls in Saint John 

A few months after the idea was first announced, Saint John police are set to reduce their response to medical calls starting this weekend as part of a one-year pilot project. Currently, police, paramedics, and firefighters all respond to medical emergencies, but police often arrive after EMS and fire, which can waste resources. Going forward, officers will only respond if they’re nearby or if criminality or violence is involved. The change should help officers focus more on core policing duties, save costs, and allow for more community engagement. (CHSJ)

🏀 Port City Power Pauses on 2025 Season

Port City Power, Saint John’s anticipated pro basketball team, has announced they won’t be taking the court for the 2025 TBL season. Citing financial challenges, the team has opted to pause operations and focus on building a sustainable future. Ticket holders and sponsors will receive full refunds. While this season won’t happen, organizers remain hopeful about bringing basketball back to the city soon.

📸 Sneak Peek of Hampton's New Multipurpose Centre

Progress on Hampton's new multipurpose centre is well underway! The facility will feature an NHL-sized ice rink, a year-round walking track, and spaces for fitness, wellness, and community events. It’ll be a hub for families, schools, and local groups, plus offer stunning valley views from its outdoor patio. They recently shared a few progress pics on the town’s Facebook page.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

🗓️ Mark your calendar - here are a few things we’re looking forward to over the next few weeks.

Cedarcrest Gardens Winter Classes | February 2
Cedarcrest Gardens continues its winter classes with Seed Starting & Square Foot Gardening. Learn all the tips and tricks you need for successful seed starting, plus how to maximize your growing space with Square Foot Gardening. The class is free, but pre-registration is required. Call (506) 658-1112 to sign up. It’s happening at 1pm, so mark your calendars!

Sea Dogs Present Dog Bowl Tournament | February 7 & 8

You better fetch your game face, because The Dog Bowl is about to drop the puck at TD Station! The Sea Dogs are hosting a high school hockey showdown with teams from Kennebecasis Valley, Rothesay, St. Malachy’s, and Sussex, all battling for the ultimate prize: the Dog Bowl Trophy.

The action kicks off Friday, February 7th with Rothesay vs. Sussex at noon, followed by KV vs. St. Macs at 3 pm. Then, the Sea Dogs hit the ice at 7 pm against the Moncton Wildcats. The championship game is Saturday, February 8th at 2 pm, with the consolation game at 11 am.

The tournament MVP will snag an exclusive invite to the Sea Dogs’ Training Camp this August—talk about a game-changer!

Old dogs, dust off your school spirit and come out to cheer on your alma mater (fancy for schoolmates). Relive those high school days, minus the homework, and show your team some love.

A weekend pass for all four high school games and two Sea Dogs games is just $20. Get your tickets online or at the TD Station Box Office. Dog on! Who’s going to take the first Dog Bowl home to their school? Let the rivalry begin!

Epidermis Circus at Imperial Theatre | February 16
Get ready for a wildly hilarious, spicy puppet show that will have you laughing out loud! Directed and co-created by Britt Small (Ride the Cyclone) and performed by Ingrid Hansen (puppeteer for Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock and Sesame's Helpsters), this show is not for the faint of heart. Watch as Hansen uses household objects, a camera, and her bare hands to create a live puppet film before your very eyes! This utterly absurd show is packed with surprises and sounds like a blast!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it someone that needs to get their head out of the clouds! ☁️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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