🏎️ Fast Laps in Quispamsis

Good morning Saint John! Apparently today is Static Electricity Day, which explains why every sweater in this city is plotting against us. If you’ve already shocked yourself on a doorknob, coffee mug, or loved one… congrats, you’re celebrating properly. ⚡

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s power up the weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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👥 Faces of Fusion finalists are out

Finalists for this year’s Faces of Fusion awards were announced Thursday night, following 75 public nominations across five categories recognizing business leadership, environmental and sustainability efforts, arts and culture, community leadership, and newcomer contributions. The finalists were selected by an external jury made up of Fusion alumni and partners. The full list of finalists is now public (recognize anyone?!), with winners set to be announced February 6 at the Imperial Theatre. Tickets for the event are currently available.

🚨 Fake credit union scam making the rounds

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick (FCNB) is warning New Brunswickers about a scam involving a completely made-up “Carleton Credit Union.” According to the Commission, scammers are cold-calling people and pitching investment opportunities tied to a fake credit union they claim is based in Centreville. To look legit, they’re pointing people to phoney websites and even using the real Centreville address of Brunswick Credit Union, which has been notified. FCNB reminds people not to share banking information with unsolicited callers, not to rush investment decisions, and to check that a business is properly registered before handing over any money.

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - January sewing lessons with Chavah Lindsay
Tuesday - KV Police festive RIDE campaign results
Wednesday - Mullinger: Unplanned…next week at BMO Theatre
Thursday - Chamber welcomes federal Transpo minister Tuesday

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

🏁 Racing Without Leaving Town 

There’s a way to go racing in Quispamsis, and it’s a lot more serious than it looks. KMR Raceroom opened about a year ago and it’s the passion project of Kyle Maher, a lifelong racer who spent years running karts and Mini-Cup oval races around New Brunswick and PEI. When real-life racing had to slow down after his second daughter was born, Kyle didn’t hang up the helmet. He built a way to keep racing and share it.

Inside the space are full racing simulators running the same software used by professional drivers. No arcade tricks, no easy mode and no quarters. Instead it’s real tracks, real cars, and a learning curve that turns out to be half the fun. The crowd so far has been a mix of racers, casual gamers, coworkers, and curious first-timers, most of whom leave surprised at how intense it is and how much they want another go.

Kyle eases people in, then lets them loose once they’re ready. And if someone just wants instant fun, he loads them up in off-road trophy trucks with jumps. More than 80 percent of visitors come back. Fair warning…this might become your new favourite way to spend an hour…or four. 

🎒 Origins is adding another classroom to the map

Origins Natural Learning Childcare is growing its school footprint. The organization announced plans to open a new Origins Academy program at The Park in fall 2026, starting with a combined Kindergarten–Grade 1 class. The site, located at the former Cherry Brook Zoo property, already operates as an Origins childcare facility and will now expand into elementary programming. The move follows the model in place at Origins Academy at The Woods, which currently serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 6. Space for the inaugural class will be limited, with families able to express interest as planning continues.

_{^{*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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WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND

Corey Jellison Live at the Ale House | January 9
Local favourite Corey Jellison returns to the Saint John Ale House for a late-night set packed with rock, roots, and crowd-pleasing covers. It’s an easy way to kick off the weekend with good music and zero fuss. Runs 10pm–midnight, with no cover and plenty of cold drinks.

Saint John Sea Dogs vs Newfoundland Regiment | January 9 & January 11

The Saint John Sea Dogs welcome the Newfoundland Regiment to TD Station for a weekend doubleheader. Friday night kicks things off, with a second matchup on Sunday for anyone who wants to make a habit of it. Puck drops at 6pm on Friday and 3pm on Sunday.

Cedarcrest Gardens Winter Market | January 10
Saturday shopping is back at Cedarcrest Gardens, with the Winter Market set up inside the heated greenhouse from 9am–2pm. A rotating lineup of local vendors keeps things fresh week to week, making it a reliable winter stop for browsing and picking up a few local finds. The market runs weekly through February, with weather updates shared on Cedarcrest’s social channels if needed.

Make Your Own Hand Warmers | January 10
The Saint John City Market is offering a simple, family-friendly drop-in where visitors can make reusable felt hand warmers to help take the edge off winter. It runs 11am–2pm inside The Blue Pelican Bath & Body and is free while supplies last. Live guitar by Tyler Jordan plays from 12–3pm.

Harry Potter Trivia Night | January 11
Gahan House Port City is turning Sunday night into a friendly test of Harry Potter knowledge, from spells and creatures to the stuff you forgot you remembered. Bring a team, rep your House, and see who earns bragging rights by the end of the night. Trivia gets going at 7pm. It’s free to play, with reservations and a food or beverage purchase required.

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

📍 On Wednesday, we shared this cool architectural pattern from an uptown building and asked you to place it. Turns out, it was trickier than expected. The answer is the Princess Street side of 71 Sydney St, which until late last year was home to Chipman Hill Suites. Nicely spotted by Edgar D. and Jim B., who knew exactly where to look.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

Today’s Tides 🌊

Today in history

On this day in 1839, tensions between Maine and New Brunswick edged toward open conflict as Maine prepared for war and sent Colonel Jarvis and roughly 800 volunteers into the disputed Aroostook territory. No shots were fired, and the standoff ultimately ended through diplomacy rather than fighting.

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that’ll be shocked by how awesome a little local info can be 🔌!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher