🎭 A peek behind the curtain

Good morning Saint John! Today we’ve got it all…snow, freezing rain, rain, and fog all scheduled before supper. Walk like a penguin and assume every step is a trap. 🐧

Here’s what else is coming down this morning:

Happy Hump Day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🤝 Community Is Calling For Volunteers

Two local organizations are looking for people willing to step into leadership roles right now, and both are focused on long-term impact.

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is looking to add new members to its Board of Directors. It’s a hands-on volunteer role for people who want a say in how the Y operates and how it supports the community. They’re especially interested in legal or health backgrounds, but the bigger goal is lived experience and perspectives that reflect the region. The deadline to apply is January 30.

Just Us; We All Struggle Inc. is also building its board, looking to fill three to four positions with people passionate about making mental health care more accessible in New Brunswick. Board members help guide strategy, support fundraising, and advocate for barrier-free counselling across the province. Interviews happen in February, with applications due by February 15.

👮‍♀️ More Women On The Force

The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force has signed onto the 30 Forward pledge, setting a target of 30% women among sworn officers by 2030. Right now, policing is still heavily male-dominated, and this is a public commitment to change that over the next few years.

For the Valley, it’s a signal about where recruitment is headed. The force says the focus will be on hiring, mentorship, and keeping officers long-term, rather than quick wins or box-checking. They say it’s a measurable goal, with a clock on it, and something residents can actually watch progress toward between now and 2030.

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A quick look at what’s hitting the stage over the next couple weeks. 🎭

Imperial Theatre Behind the Scenes Tour | January 10
Step inside one of Saint John’s most recognizable landmarks with a guided afternoon tour of the Imperial Theatre. Hosted by the Saint John Newcomers Centre, this family-friendly visit explores the theatre’s history, architecture, and backstage spaces, with French interpretation provided. A relaxed cultural outing that offers a fresh look at a building many pass by but rarely see from this side of the curtain.

New Brunswick Youth Orchestra - Vive le Canada | January 11
The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra returns to the Imperial Theatre for a Sunday afternoon concert that’s family-friendly and easy to enjoy, whether you’re a regular or just curious. The program mixes familiar favourites with big, dramatic moments, including music inspired by The Hockey Sweater, plus works by Márquez and Tchaikovsky. It’s a community-focused show that highlights young musicians from across the province. Show starts at 2pm.

James Mullinger Unplanned Unscripted Off the Cuff | January 14–16
After a sold-out run last year, James Mullinger is back with his improv-heavy stand-up show where the audience calls the shots. Topics come from the crowd and Mullinger builds the comedy on the fly, meaning no two nights are the same. Expect fast thinking, big laughs, and the occasional moment that could only happen once. Each show opens with a guest comedian. Recommended 14+.

Candlelight Concerts at Stone Church | January 17
Two candlelit string-quartet concerts run back to back at the Stone Church on January 17. The evening begins at 6:30pm with a Tribute to Taylor Swift, featuring string arrangements that move through early favourites and newer eras in a calm, intimate setting with assigned seating by zone. At 8:30pm, Queen vs. ABBA takes over, bringing bigger singalong energy as the quartet weaves together classic hits from both bands. Each show runs about an hour, with doors opening 30 minutes early.

Ghost Light | January 28–31
A powerful one-man show written and performed by Shawn Wright hits the stage at the BMO Studio Theatre. Ghost Light is a deeply personal tribute to Wright’s late mother, blending humour, heart, and vivid memories of growing up in New Brunswick. Intimate, moving, and rooted in local life, this is storytelling theatre that stays with you long after the lights go down.

Art | February 18–21
Friendship gets stress-tested in this sharp, fast-paced comedy by Yasmina Reza, presented by the Saint John Theatre Company. When an expensive all-white painting enters the picture, long-simmering tensions rise fast. Smart, funny, and full of bite, Art proves that taste, money, and ego rarely mix politely.

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Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. This pattern can be found on a building uptown…do you know which one? Hit reply and give it your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

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Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who whose already slipped on ice this winter 🙋‍♂️.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher