💐 A bouquet of good news

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Good morning, Saint John! If you woke up grumpy, then just remember today is National Milk Chocolate Day. So whether it’s chocolate chips in your muffin or a Kit Kat in your lunch bag….don’t let Tuesday get you down!

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Here we go!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Not because you're celebrating. Not because it's the weekend. Just because every once in a while, you want some BBQ.

Whether you're digging into a full rack of ribs, sharing an appetizer before the game or finally trying that burger you've been eyeing, Montana's is the place where good food is the whole plan. Bring your appetite, bring your people and don't worry if things get a little messy. 

Proudly locally owned and operated, Montana's Saint John is open every day from 11am.

🤝 Local business helping local business

Months of Charlotte Street construction have forced businesses like Julius Pizza and Keirstead's Flower Shop to work a little harder just to remind people they're still open. Last week, another uptown business decided to help. After seeing Keirstead's post about the construction surrounding its shop, In Pursuit owner Dominique Léger fired off a message offering space for a pop-up inside her King Street boutique.

"If this was happening in front of my business, how would I want people to show up for me?" Dominique said. The answer, it turns out, is simply to step up and help. Keirstead's sold out of bouquets on Friday and was back with more on Saturday morning. Dominique wasn't surprised to see people rally around the idea. "I will never not be amazed at just how strong the community support is here," she told SJ Today. "It's truly a phenomenon that should be studied."

For Dominique, supporting another small business isn't charity, it's common sense. "I know that supporting another business doesn't take anything away from my own. If anything, it strengthens all of us," she said. "When one of us is thriving, it brings more people uptown, creates more energy and reminds people why supporting local matters."

🎸 No spoiling this weekend

AREA 506 is just two sleeps away, and organizers aren’t letting one bad apple spoil plans for a killer long weekend on the waterfront. The site was hit by a break-in, theft and vandalism Sunday, but police quickly arrested a 20-year-old man nearby who was allegedly carrying stolen property. Cleanup is already underway and the festival is going ahead as planned.

The Dead South kick things off Thursday, followed by Soul Asylum, Marianas Trench and The Glorious Sons across four nights, with Kathleen Edwards, Crash Test Dummies, Wheatus, Wolf Parade and plenty more along for the ride. Single-day, two-day and weekend passes are still available for what organizers promise will be the biggest weekend of the summer.

🏠 A Fresh Start gets a home

A new supportive housing development called the House of Merritt will provide 12 apartments for women experiencing chronic homelessness and other health challenges in Saint John. All three levels of government are contributing a combined $3.7 million, with another $500,000 from the Sisters of Charity. Each unit will have its own kitchenette and bathroom, while Fresh Start Services for Women will provide on-site healthcare connections, crisis counselling and practical support to help residents stay housed. Named after Fresh Start founder Lois Merritt, the building will turn her belief that everyone deserves a home into 12 of them.

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🎭 Theatre Talk Tuesday

Nikki & Friends | July 30
Comedy veteran Nikki Payne headlines an evening of fresh, uncensored stand-up at Hampton Brewing Co., joined by former NBCC comedy grads testing out brand-new material. Consider it your chance to hear tomorrow's jokes before they make the final cut.

The Audience | August 11
Before The Crown became a television phenomenon, it was an award-winning stage play. Helen Mirren stars as Queen Elizabeth II in this acclaimed National Theatre Live production, screening for one night only at the BMO Studio Theatre.

Fundy Fringe Festival | August 17-22
Saint John's biggest celebration of independent theatre returns with six days of comedy, drama, dance and boundary-pushing performances. Tickets are on sale now, and every ticket dollar goes directly to the artists.

ArtsLink Mentorship Program | Applications close August 17
New Brunswick artists can now apply for ArtsLink NB's year-long mentorship program, pairing nine creatives with experienced mentors from across Canada. It's open to both mentors and mentees looking to grow their artistic practice.

📍Discover tons more upcoming events across the Saint John region.

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📸 Kris Trotter | 📍 King Street East

We love seeing your pics! If you’ve got some local images to share, hit reply and send them our way or tag us on instagram!

🌅 6:01am | 🌇 8:56pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone you know that’s a bonafide chocoholic 🍫

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher