💖 Winter Wellness Sessions This Week

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - the jolliest local newsletter this side of the Bay of Fundy.

In today’s edition:

• The Saint John Skyline changed on Friday 🌆

• How many different bird species spend the holidays in Saint John? 🦅

• Winter wellness sessions scheduled this week ❄️

Let’s unwrap the week ahead!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

New Cranes in Town! 🚢

Saint John’s skyline just got a little taller overnight! Two new container cranes arrived at the port on Friday, bringing the total to six. These towering newcomers aren’t exactly fresh off the assembly line—they’ve been hard at work at the Port of Virginia for over a decade. But with a total cost of $12 million to get them here and ready, they’re sure to make a big impact. They’ll help the port handle bigger ships and more cargo, creating even more jobs as Saint John’s port continues to grow. (CHSJ)

Saint John’s Hidden Bird Data Takes Flight 🦆

Bet you didn’t know that Saint John has been keeping track of bird sightings for over 70 years—it’s part of North America’s longest-running citizen science project—the Christmas Bird Count. Now, thanks to local compiler Don MacPhail, all that bird data is online! After years of sorting through shoe boxes of records, Don has compiled data on 181 species and over 600,000 birds counted right here in the Saint John area. From the first sightings of red cardinals to the strange influx of robins, the database offers a peek into how our local bird population has evolved. And it’s not just a local thing—this project spans across 2,000 locations in North America! (CBC NB)

Ritchie's Annual Food Drive Kicks Off! 🍲

Tis the season to give, and Ritchie’s 18th Annual Food Drive is back to spread some holiday cheer! Starting today and running through Saturday, swing by Ritchie’s Building & Flooring on Rothesay Avenue and help fill the transport truck outside with non-perishable food items or donations. All contributions will go directly to Romero House, ensuring that local families in need have what they need for the holidays.

Some of the main items they’re hoping for include turkeys and pantry staples like rice, coffee, and canned goods.

You can help make this Christmas a little brighter for those who need it most. It’s a simple way to make a big difference! You’ve got until December 7—let’s fill that truck. Or make a donation to Romero House online.

TONIGHT’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

📊 Special Saint John Council Meeting

On the agenda for tomorrow’s Common Council meeting:

• Heather Way Future Use
  A discussion on the future of Heather Way, focusing on the proposal to return it to a four-lane configuration to improve traffic flow and safety.

• Public Participation
  Community members have the chance to provide feedback on Heather Way and other ongoing projects.

• City Infrastructure Plans
  An update on other city-wide infrastructure projects, including resurfacing initiatives and potential bike lane additions.

See Full Agenda

The meeting begins at 6 PM in the Common Council Chamber, City Hall. The public is welcome to attend or view via live stream or Rogers TV.

📊 Rothesay Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
The Rothesay Planning Advisory Committee meets tonight at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall Common Room. Key agenda items include:

• 4 Grove Avenue Setback Variances: A review of proposed setback variances for the property at 4 Grove Avenue.

• 71 Marr Road Conditional Use (Self-Storage): A discussion on the conditional use application for a self-storage facility at 71 Marr Road.

• Zoning By-law Update: A verbal report from Town Manager Jarvie on updates to the zoning by-law.

See Full Agenda

The public is welcome to attend or watch the meeting online.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TUESDAY

Winter Wellness & Safety Session | December 3
Join the YMCA for a fun and informative session on staying safe and healthy this winter. Learn winter driving tips, how to prepare your home and car, and manage common hazards. Whether you're new to the area or a seasoned pro, this session has something for everyone! Join in person at 10am, 1pm, or 5:45pm (virtual option available). Don’t miss out on this fun, free community event! Registration is required. 

Making Wellness a Priority - Personal Finances | December 3
Get your finances in check at this free session hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association at the Kennebecasis Public Library. Learn tips on budgeting, debt repayment, and how to protect yourself from scams. This informative hour will leave you feeling more confident about your personal finances. To register, call 506-910-1804 or email [email protected]

WEDNESDAY

Whiskey Tasting + Celtic Tenors Christmas | December 4
It will be a joyous evening at Imperial Theatre on Wednesday! Start the night with a Whiskey Tasting hosted by Brad Mitchell from Hopscotch at 6:30 PM. For just $30, enjoy a selection of fine whiskeys in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Afterward, stick around for Celtic Tenors Christmas at 7:30 PM, where the renowned Celtic Tenors will fill the theatre with holiday cheer and classic Celtic tunes. Show tickets are $50 for adults, $45 for members. Don't miss this perfect pairing of spirits and music to kick off the holiday season!

THURSDAY

KVHS Presents Little Women| December 5-7
Join the talented students of Kennebecasis Valley High School for a stunning performance of Little Women, the beloved Broadway musical based on Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. Featuring a book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, this heartwarming production captures the spirit and struggles of the March sisters. Performances are on December 5 - 7 at 7:30 pm, with a Saturday matinee on December 7 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $18 for the orchestra and $15 for the balcony, and they are available now.

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YOUR PICS
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📸 Jean Blanchard | 📍 Two New Cranes Arriving at Port Saint John

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that you think should be in our little club of In the Know Locals! 🌠

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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