🚏 A new way out of town?

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Good morning, Saint John! It's National Chocolate Day, and if ya think about it, a Pal-O-Mine could be a great choice for breakfast… Chocolate, peanuts, fudge. That's three food groups before you get to work!

Here’s what else is up today:

Happy Hump Day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

High blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and cholesterol concerns can feel like numbers you’re simply stuck with. The YMCA’s Metabolic Fitness Program helps participants take an active role in managing them through structured exercise and expert support.

Beginning August 31, this 12-week small-group program is designed for people living with metabolic syndrome. Classes run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Saint John Regional Y under the guidance of clinical exercise physiologist, Chris Roberts.

Participants can refer themselves or be referred by a physician or health professional. The program is included with YMCA membership, with financial assistance available to eligible applicants.

A bus beyond city limits? 🚌

Getting around the Saint John Region without a car can be a challenge, especially once you leave the city. Now there's a plan in the works to help bridge the gaps.

The Fundy Regional Service Commission is developing a region-wide transit strategy that could eventually include fixed-route buses, community shuttles and on-demand rides. The focus is on connecting communities outside Saint John Transit's existing service area, with a phased approach to rolling out new options.

Residents can have their say at upcoming open houses in Quispamsis (Nov. 2), Hampton (Nov. 4), St. Martins (Nov. 5), Kingston (Nov. 9), Rothesay (Nov. 10) and Grand Bay-Westfield (Nov. 18). There's also a virtual session tomorrow at 7pm.

Nothing's rolling out just yet. The plan is still being developed, and an online survey remains open until November 25.

UNB Saint John gets a new degree 🎓

Saint John students with a knack for numbers have a new option that doesn't involve moving away or becoming everyone's unofficial IT department.

UNB is launching a four-year Bachelor of Data Science in September 2027, combining math, statistics and computer science with hands-on projects and work experience.

Students can specialize in health, the environment, business or engineering and technology. The idea is to turn mountains of information into useful answers, with career possibilities well beyond the tech industry.

Grand Bay-Westfield puts its budget on the table 💰

Grand Bay-Westfield is crunching the numbers for 2027, and residents have a few days to put in their two cents.

Town officials have proposed a budget that's 6.77% larger than this year's, citing inflation and changes to provincial funding among the financial pressures. They're also recommending a $400 annual sewerage utility rate to help cover operations, maintenance and future needs.

The 6.77% figure is a budget increase, not necessarily a property tax hike of the same size.

Council is expected to vote November 9, but residents can send their feedback until noon Tuesday, November 3. That's one deadline worth putting on the household calendar.

Quispamsis wants a little sunshine ☀️

Solar farms could eventually become part of the Quispamsis landscape, and the town wants residents to help decide where they belong.

A new community survey asks what kinds of solar projects make sense, how the town should oversee development and which locations might be suitable. Residents can even mark a map to show where they'd welcome solar panels and where they'd rather not see them.

There's no specific project on the table. This is about planning ahead, before anyone starts picking out a sunny patch of land.

The survey is open until November 29.
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Well, that was quick. Just four days after launching the first Saint John Dinner Club, in partnership with the Saint John Airport, and we're already 50% sold out!

We're getting together November 19 for a night of great food, new faces and a few surprises!

Half the seats are spoken for. Don't miss out on the other half.

Grab yours here!

Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Submitted by readers

50 Plus Women Who Care | October 28
A little pooling of resources can go a long way. Hear from two local charities, then help choose which receives members’ $50 donations. New members are welcome at St. James the Less Church. Registration starts at 1pm, with the meeting at 1:30pm.

Vocational Training Centre Casino Night | October 30
Put on your poker face for a good cause. VTC’s second annual Casino Night brings games, prizes and a silent auction to Exhibition Park from 6:30–10pm. Proceeds support employment opportunities and skill-building programs for adults with disabilities. Tickets are $25. Ages 19+.

Memory Café — Saint John West | November 1
An afternoon of conversation, refreshments and familiar tunes awaits at St. Mark’s United Church at 1pm. This free gathering welcomes people living with dementia, their families, friends and anyone interested. November’s program covers dementia-friendly communities, with music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

Dessert Bridge Party | November 5
Bring your card skills and leave room for dessert. Portland United Church hosts an afternoon of bridge and sweet treats starting at 2pm. Admission is $15 per person. Tables must be reserved by calling 506-632-4030.

KV Old Boys Country Music Show | November 7
The KV Old Boys are putting country music to work for their neighbours. Their 14th annual fundraiser takes over the Kennebecasis Valley High School Theatre at 7pm, hosted by New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Famer, Steve Lyons. A lineup of local performers helps raise funds for people in the community who need a hand.

BGC Greater Saint John Diamond Dinner | November 13
Dinner, dancing and a possible diamond upgrade. BGC’s annual fundraiser moves to the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre at 7pm, with multicultural food stations, auctions and DJ Steve. Every ticket includes entry into a diamond pendant elimination draw. Tickets are $80, supporting programs for local children and youth. A reserved VIP table for 10 is $900.*

Community Pancake Breakfast | November 15
Let someone else handle the pancakes. The New Apostolic Church hosts a community breakfast at Lakefield Elementary School in Quispamsis from 10–11am, collecting donations for Saint John Community Food Basket. Everyone is welcome, with a church service following at 11am.

Bad Words for Uptown Fridge 3 | November 28
Some choice words for a worthwhile cause. Katelin Dean headlines this comedy fundraiser at Wasted Day Brewing at 7:30pm, joined by Brian Giles, Chris Hovey and Cive Lucas. Tickets are $15 through November 27 or $20 on show day, plus fees. Five dollars from every ticket supports Uptown Fridge.

There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Clearly it was about quarter to two, but do you know where exactly this clock ticks? Hit reply and give it your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct guesses in Friday’s issue!

📸 Got a great local photo? Hit reply, send it our way and you could see it featured in SJ Today!

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with a pal-o-yours 🍫!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher