🟢 125 Years in Saint John

Good morning, Saint John! Back on September 11, 1884, the city had exactly 291 telephones in service. That’s it. Today, most of us panic if we can’t find at least two within arm’s reach. Imagine the hold music back then though…probably just a guy with a fiddle. ☎️

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• BGC celebrates 125 years in Saint John ⚽

• Sea Dogs host ball hockey tourney 🏒

• Starting making your weekend plans 🎟️

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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TALK OF THE TOWN
125 YEARS OF KIDS FINDING THEIR PLACE

Saint John has always been a city of firsts, and the Boys & Girls Club is no exception. From a small group of boys in 1892 to a 36,000-square-foot hub for youth today, the Club has shaped generations. Carl White, a lifelong club kid, is now co-authoring a commemorative history book that tells the full story.

Curious how a local organization became a national leader in youth programs? Read the full story about 125 years in Saint John here.

NEWS NOTES

🚧 City Road down to one lane

Starting today, traffic on City Road and Station Street will be squeezed into a single lane while crews tackle some much-needed asphalt resurfacing. The work zone runs from Garden Street through Haymarket Square, plus Station Street over to Smythe. Expect lane reductions 7am–7pm for the next two weeks. Translation: leave a little extra time, keep your cool, and maybe wave to the folks in hard hats.

👮‍♂️ Young Voices Wanted at SJPD

You’re never too young to make a difference! The Saint John Police are looking for youth leaders aged 16-22 to join their Chief’s Youth Leadership Advisory Committee. It’s your chance to give the Chief feedback on policing, share ideas, and help shape the future of community safety…basically, be the voice of your generation without yelling across a city council chamber.

The committee meets quarterly at HQ, with the Chief and neighbourhood officers on hand. Members under 18l need parental consent, but other than that, it's just about bringing ideas and enthusiasm. Applications are open until September 30.

🏒 Ball Hockey with the Sea Dogs 

Forget the ice…this fall it’s all about the pavement. The Sea Dogs Ball Hockey Classic hits the Memorial Cup Outdoor Rink on Saturday, September 20, starting at 9am. Kids 13 and under can lace up for a 3-on-3 showdown, with shirts, guaranteed games, and even a Sea Dogs ticket for Home-Opener weekend is included in the $25 fee. Registration closes Sept. 15 at noon, so get your squad together and bring your best street game.

^{_{*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

TODAY

Saint John Regional Y 10th Anniversary | September 11
The Y is throwing a birthday bash, and everyone’s invited. To celebrate 10 years on Churchill Boulevard, the Saint John Regional Y is hosting a free community open house today from 4-8pm. There’ll be tours, live music, a global fashion show, and a Brazilian BBQ sizzling from 5:30-7:30pm. Official remarks happen at 6pm, but the whole evening is all about community, connection, and fun.

Black Bears Girls Youth Softball Open House | September 11
Thinking about taking the leap into competitive softball? The Black Bears are holding an open house this Thursday where families can get answers to all their questions. Known for their player development, off-season training, and team spirit, the program is also budget-friendly, with gear and uniforms included. A chance to learn more and see if the Black Bears are the right fit.

Pitch the Publisher | September 11-20
Got a book idea in your back pocket? The Write Cup Bookstore Café is hosting a series of workshops to help local authors sharpen their craft and connect with publishers. From writing synopses to editing essentials, pitch practice, and even a free First Chapter Book Fair, it’s nine days of insider tips and inspiration. Sessions run September 11-20, with something for every aspiring writer in Saint John.

FRIDAY

Come From Away | September 12-14
The Saint John Theatre Company is celebrating its 35th birthday with a homegrown production of the Broadway hit Come From Away. Featuring local talent, including Fredericton-born Broadway star Tony LePage, the musical tells the true story of how a small Newfoundland town welcomed thousands of stranded passengers after 9/11. Performances run through the weekend.

Chairs for Charity | Through September 14
Pull up a chair at spots like Thandi, The Med, Splash Thai, Vito’s, and more, and you’ll be helping patients at the Saint John Regional Hospital. One table at each restaurant is dedicated to Chairs for Charity, with proceeds going toward advanced surgical care. Whether it’s drinks or a full feast, every bite makes a difference and you can even scan the table’s QR code for a chance to win free flights.

SATURDAY

Loch Lomond Mitsubishi Fall Fun Fair | September 13
Get ready for a whirlwind of fun at Loch Lomond Mitsubishi’s 6th Annual Fall Fun Fair this Saturday from 11am-1pm. Take on two 60-foot inflatable obstacle courses, win prizes at carnival games, enjoy BBQ eats, and try your luck at mini golf against Jaymee for a golden ticket to win a car (only 25 available!). Entry is just $1, with proceeds going to charity, and Trevor the Entertainer will keep the tunes and energy rolling all afternoon.

Rides @ Rockwood | September 13
The 11th annual Rides @ Rockwood car show rolls into Rockwood Park this Saturday, with a rain date on Sunday (Sept. 14). Expect everything from classic VW Bugs to jacked-up Jeeps, muscle cars, and Chopper-style motorcycles. Stick around for the burnout competition at the end…it’s a crowd favorite. Keep an eye out for updates, and enjoy a fun, car-filled day while supporting ProKids, Operation Feed SJ, and the park itself.

Highland Dance Pop-Up | September 13
Looking for something different this weekend? Celtic Roots is leading a one-hour Highland dance class at the Denis Morris Community Centre on Greenhead Road. Kids (5+) can give it a whirl from 10-11am, and adults step in from 11am-12pm. Expect a full-body workout with a Scottish twist, whether you’re there for the cardio or the culture. All levels welcome.

Balance Festival | September 13-14
The 6th annual Balance Festival returns to Lily Lake Pavilion this weekend, inviting the community to explore all things wellness. From yoga and Zumba to meditation hikes and belly dancing, it’s a two-day celebration of mind, body, and spirit. Sessions run 45 minutes each, and festival-goers can dip into as many as they like. A great excuse to recharge, try something new, and soak up the lakeside vibes.

Paranormal Investigation at Loyalist House | September 13
Step inside one of Saint John’s oldest buildings after dark for a guided paranormal investigation at Loyalist House. Hosted by Rising Phoenix Paranormal, the two-hour session explores the stories and mysteries of this National Historic Site. Space is limited and spots must be booked in advance. Cost is $20 per person, with proceeds supporting the museum’s ongoing work in the heart of uptown.

SUNDAY

Invasive Plant Paddle | September 14
Grab a paddle and help protect the Kennebecasis River. The Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee is hosting a community paddle Sunday from 1-4pm, launching at the Hampton River Center. Along the way, you’ll learn how to spot invasive plants like Eurasian water-milfoil and curly-leaf pondweed, and see a mobile boat wash station in action. Bring your own canoe, kayak, or paddle board or rent one onsite at Osprey Adventures.

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SIDE NOTES

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

THURSDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Shine Light Music | 7pm
O’Leary’s | Fundy Sea Shanty Night with Before the Mast | 7pm
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Stage) | 9pm

FRIDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Ukrainian-Canadian Open Mic | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | Hope King | 7pm (no cover)
Oleh Foggy Distillery | Snacktime Supervisors | 7pm-9pm
Trinity Galleries | James O’Farrell (Sax) & Friends | 7pm ($20, Jazz Night)

SATURDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Fran Scott | 7pm
Harmony House SJ | Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper & Sandy MacKay with Andrea Pascuttini | 7:30pm
Wasted Day Brewing | Sam Hudson Band with Abigail Joan Mack Sommerville | 7pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that lets you know they use an android over an iPhone…📲 🙄

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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