Good morning, Saint John! An Ecuadoran couple had their dog witness their wedding this week, complete with a paw print on the marriage certificate. Meanwhile, we still can't get them a seat on the airplane.
In todays edition:
Big league visit ⚾
Swimming's back on 🏖️
Saint John's oldest grave 🕰️
Let’s get into it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🥎 Big league lesson
A rainy Friday couldn't spoil a special day for the KV Girls Softball Association. Jays Care Foundation hosted a skills clinic at the Irving Oil Field House, giving young players the chance to learn from experienced coaches after weather forced the event indoors.
Saint John native and former Blue Jays prospect Andrew Case also stopped by to meet players. The event builds on Jays Care's support after helping fund lights at the Wells Recreation Park softball field last fall, creating more evening field time so younger players can practise and play on a softball diamond instead of nearby soccer fields.
🏊 Back in the water
Good news, Fisher Lakes is back open for swimming. Bad news, the hottest weekend of the summer is already behind us.
The beach was closed last week after routine water testing detected elevated bacteria levels. While the park remained open for walking, picnics and other activities, swimmers were asked to stay out of the water until conditions improved.
🛳️ Cruise day
The Zuiderdam is in port today with nearly 2,000 visitors exploring our region. Time to pretend you can actually explain the Reversing Falls...when in doubt just point and say, "See? It’s reversing!”
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Rothesay Council Meeting | July 13 - 7:00pm
On the agenda for the Rothesay Town Council meeting this evening:
79 Donlyn Drive Development - Council will revisit a proposed development agreement for an 18-unit residential project at 79 Donlyn Drive after the item was previously tabled.
Frances Avenue Culvert Project - Council will consider awarding the tender for a culvert replacement project on Frances Avenue.
Financial Update - Council will review draft unaudited financial statements for the Town's general and utility funds, along with a donation summary.
Planning Matters - Council will receive recommendations on a two-lot subdivision at 340 Renshaw Road and the vesting of School Avenue as a public street.
Council Meeting Recaps - Council will discuss a proposal to provide regular public recaps following council meetings.
The meeting begins at 7pm in the Town Hall Common Room. The public is welcome to attend.
⚖️ Hampton Council Meeting | July 14 - 7:00pm
On the agenda for the Hampton Town Council meeting this evening:
Industrial Rezoning - Council will consider final amendments to the zoning by-law for industrial zones, including the proposed rezoning of 27 Bloomfield Ridge Road South.
Main Street Safety Concerns - Council will review requests for a new crosswalk near the Cool Zone, a lower speed limit on Main Street, and concerns about traffic speeds on Route 100.
Main Street Property Purchase - Council will discuss the acquisition of a property on Main Street.
Hampton RCMP Update - Sgt. Curtis McCann will provide Council with the latest RCMP report on policing and community safety.
The meeting begins at 7pm in Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!
MONDAY
Studio Ghibli: Howl's Moving Castle | July 13
Spend Monday evening with one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved films as Howl's Moving Castle returns to the big screen at 12 King Square South. Follow Sophie as she's swept into a magical world filled with witches, wizards and the unforgettable walking castle. Whether you're introducing someone to the film or happily watching it for the tenth time, it's a great excuse to escape reality for a couple of hours.
TUESDAY
Try-it Tuesdays: Discover Curling at Market Square | July 14
If you've ever wondered what all the sweeping is about, here's your chance to find out. Try-it Tuesdays brings curling demonstrations, beginner instruction and hands-on activities to Market Square, giving curious newcomers an opportunity to experience one of Canada's signature sports. No experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and maybe prepare to start judging Olympic curling a little less harshly.
Tunes on the Lawn | July 14
Pack a lawn chair or picnic blanket and settle in for an easygoing evening of outdoor music at 50 Dexter Dr. The free community concert is all about relaxing, catching up with neighbours and enjoying a summer evening outside. There's plenty of parking available, so all that's left to decide is who remembered the bug spray.
WEDNESDAY
Free Summer Concert Series at Unity Park | July 15
Grand Bay-Westfield's Summer Stage series continues with The Copper Pennies performing at Unity Park. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of free outdoor music overlooking the river. If Mother Nature has other plans, the concert will move indoors to the Brundage Point River Centre.
THURSDAY
Brundage Point Weekly Market | July 16
Spend Thursday afternoon browsing one of Grand Bay-Westfield's favourite summer markets. The Brundage Point Weekly Market brings together local growers, bakers, makers and food vendors, with everything from fresh produce and preserves to handmade crafts and ready-to-eat meals. Grab lunch, shop local and enjoy an afternoon by the river.
Concert in the Common | July 16
Dave Hansen takes the stage for this week's Concert in the Common in Rothesay. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a free hour of live music in the heart of the community. If rain rolls in, the concert moves to the Wells Community Centre.
FRIDAY
St. Martins Old Home Week | July 17-26
One of the region's favourite summer traditions returns with more than a week of parades, family activities, live entertainment, sporting events and community celebrations throughout Fundy-St. Martins. Whether you're heading down for an afternoon or making a day of it, there's something happening almost every day.
SATURDAY
Donation Drive for Free Fair | July 18
Help stock this year's Annual Free Fair by dropping off hygiene products, non-perishable food, clothing, school supplies, pet items and other essentials at the Pulse parking lot on Wentworth Street. Donations collected will be distributed to community members during the Free Fair on Aug. 22.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
YOUR PICS
PETS ABOUT TOWN 🐾
Ms. Frankie enjoying a sunny summer stroll along Harbour Passage.
📸 Want to see your pet in SJ Today? Hit reply and send us a snap of your furry pal.
SIDE NOTES
🌅 5:49am | 🌇 9:10pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 5:09 AM(Mon 13 July) | 0.64 m(2.1 ft) |
High Tide | 11:21 AM(Mon 13 July) | 7.61 m(24.97 ft) |
Low Tide | 5:32 PM(Mon 13 July) | 1.03 m(3.38 ft) |
High Tide | 11:43 PM(Mon 13 July) | 8.35 m(27.4 ft) |
🪦 Today in 1784
The oldest gravestone in Saint John's Loyalist Burial Grounds bears today's date. It marks the resting place of Conradt Hendricks, who died at age 46 on July 13, 1784. Nearly 242 years later, you can still find it today.
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s pooch runs the house 🐾
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher