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Another Boost for Nurses, Here’s the Deal
SJ Today
May 13, 2025
One week into the 16-week Main Street project and traffic’s already wearing us down. But come fall, we’ll have new curbs, signals, and protected bike lanes, so cyclists won’t have to worry about traffic… or cows.
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
More money going to nurses 👩⚕️
Revival community screening scheduled 🎥
Upcoming events submitted by readers 📅
Let’s get into it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🩺 Province issues second $5K retention payment to nurses
The province is marking National Nursing Week with a second $5,000 retention payment for nurses…part of its ongoing strategy to address the staffing crunch in health care.
About 11,000 full- and part-time nurses across hospitals, nursing homes, and Extra-Mural/Ambulance NB are eligible, as long as they commit to another year on the job. The first round went out late last year; this one follows the same rules with a one-year return-of-service requirement added.
Talks are still underway for some nursing home and LPN groups.
The move comes with mixed opinions, but the message from GNB is clear: nurses are essential, and keeping them on the job is a top priority.
🚓 Cops, Coffee and Conversation
It’s also National Police Week…because apparently May is when we celebrate everyone who keeps things from falling apart.
To mark the occasion, Saint John Police are hosting two Coffee with a Cop events this week. Stop by HQ (1 Peel Plaza) on Tuesday, May 13, 11am–1pm, or hit CenterBeam Place on Wednesday, May 14, 8:30–11am for coffee, snacks, and a chance to chat with officers about safety, recruitment, or whatever’s on your mind.
No agenda. No pressure. Just coffee and conversation.
🎬 Watch Revival Before the Rest of Canada Does
We gave you the trailer last week, now it’s time for the big(ish) screen. The locally shot supernatural series Revival is hosting a free community screening of its first two episodes on Friday, June 27 at 7pm at Centre scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain.
There’ll be a short panel, a cash bar (thanks ARCf), and a whole lot of familiar faces, on screen and off. Crew, cast, background extras, location heroes, and anyone who cheered this production along: this is your invite.
Entry’s free, but optional donations support youth programs in Waterloo Village through the United Way’s $1M Pledge.
Oh, and under 18s need a parent in tow, because, well, the dead don’t always come back PG.
🥍 Founders Cup coming to Saint John
It’s official: Saint John will host the 2026 Founders Cup, Canada’s national Junior B lacrosse championship. First played in 1964, the tournament has grown into a full-on national showdown featuring the top teams from across the country—including reps from Ontario, the Prairies, the Maritimes, BC, and the First Nations Lacrosse Association. The Saint John Rapids LC, alongside Envision Saint John, led the charge to bring it here. Game on in August 2026.
*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’
These events came straight from readers, and we want more! Got something coming up? Send it our way and help fill the calendar.
One Voice by Lift Community Choir | May 13 and 14
The Lift Community Choir is back with their spring concert, One Voice, happening at 7:30pm both nights at Church of Christ the King on Loch Lomond Road. Admission is free, but they’re happily accepting cash or non-perishable food donations at the door. Seats can be reserved through Eventbrite via their website, just pick your night and bring your best listening ears.
Jumbo Colon Exhibit | May 15
Ever wanted to walk through a giant colon? Now’s your chance. CCRAN’s inflatable, interactive Jumbo Colon will be set up at the qplex in Quispamsis from 11am–4pm. This larger-than-life exhibit guides visitors through the ins and outs of colon health, from polyps to prevention, in a way that’s surprisingly fun and hard to ignore. It’s free, fascinating, and full of useful info.
Spring Art Show and Sale | May 18
Local artists are taking over the Bill McGuire Centre in Rothesay from 11am–3pm for a one-day spring show and sale. Expect everything from original artwork to handcrafted wood and jewelry pieces, perfect for gifts or treating yourself. Hosted by Fred Harrison and Friends, it’s free to attend and an easy way to support local talent all in one place.
A Conversation With Dr. Mandela | May 19
Dr. Siyabulela Mandela , great-grandson of Nelson Mandela , is coming to Saint John for a powerful evening on justice, peace, and human rights. The talk runs 4-7pm at the Assumption Centre and admission is free, but seats are limited. It’s a rare chance to hear from someone continuing a global legacy of change. Register online to reserve your spot and be part of the conversation.
Raise the Roof Fundraiser | May 22
James Mullinger and the Saint John Youth Orchestra team up for an evening of music, comedy, and community at the Trade & Convention Centre, 5–8pm. Hosted by local radio fave Dennis Hunt, this fundraiser for the Centre for Youth Care includes a buffet, cash bar, and laughs for a great cause. Tickets are $85 — and every giggle helps support local youth programs.
Fundy Heights Cleanup | May 25
The Friends of Seaside Park are calling all hands on deck for a neighbourhood cleanup in Fundy Heights from 11am–3pm. Whether you're ready to haul junk from the ditches or just want a relaxing stroll with a grabber, there’s a way to pitch in. It’s part of the Green Machine effort, and every bit helps keep the west side looking its best.
*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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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 00:53 AM(Tue 13 May) | 7.6 m(24.94 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:10 AM(Tue 13 May) | 1.28 m(4.2 ft) |
High Tide | 1:18 PM(Tue 13 May) | 7.22 m(23.69 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:23 PM(Tue 13 May) | 1.74 m(5.71 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows how to pedal around town 🚲!
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher