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Good morning Saint John! Tomorrow marks Remembrance Day, a time to honour all who have served and sacrificed for our nation and our freedom. In observance, there will be no SJ Today issue tomorrow…we’ll be back on Wedneday with your usual morning update.

In todays edition:

• Pup Plunge Ends in Heroic Rescue 🐾

• Saint John’s Art Bank Wants You 🎨

• Eat out, on SJ Today’s tab 🍲

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
️ Join the cast, enjoy the perks ️️🎟️

At Imperial Theatre, membership isn’t just a discount card, it’s a backstage pass to feeling like a VIP. Members rave about early ticket access, cheaper seats, and yes, those free drinks that make show nights even sweeter.

Choose your style, Dry ($39) or Drink ($49), and unlock perks like free exchanges, exclusive invites, and special promos all season long. With 30+ eligible shows, your membership pays for itself faster than the curtain can rise.

Join the cast, skip the line, and become a member at Imperial Theatre today.

NEWS NOTES

👀 Who’s Reading SJ Today?

Hey Saint John, Geoff here. Every so often, we like to check in and learn a bit more about who’s reading SJ Today. We’ll ask a few personal questions (nothing too wild) to help us shape what we write and keep this thing running strong.

Your responses are completely anonymous. We ask for your first name just for newsletter personalization; everything else isn’t tied to you and won’t be shared. All answers are 100% confidential.

And yes, there’s a bribe. Whenever someone subscribes to SJ Today we ask them what their favourite local restaurant is. Italian By Night is the most popular answer…and of course a great choice, among many! So we’ll give away a $100 gift card to IBN to a random person who completes the survey. It only takes about 3 or 4 minutes.

Will you help us out by answering the survey?

🚒 Firefighters Save Dog from Cliffhanger in Lorneville

On Saturday night in Lorneville, a local pup got a little too adventurous and found itself dangling over a cliff…cue the Saint John Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team. With ropes, harnesses, and nerves of steel, one firefighter was lowered to the dog’s location, securing it and bringing it safely back to solid ground. No injuries, just a very relieved owner and one very lucky pup. From dog lovers everywhere in the region, we’re giving the rescue team two big paws up!

❄️ Winter Help for Those Without a Home 

As the cold creeps in, Saint John’s shelters are ready to offer warmth, safety, and a place to rest. The Foundation Centre, Outflow Ministry, and Coverdale Centre for Women on Waterloo Street, along with the Rothesay Avenue Emergency Shelter, are open and prepared to welcome anyone needing a bed this winter.

Most are open 24 hours, with extended hours during deep freezes. The province says outreach teams are stepping up across the city to connect people with food, shelter, and support. If you or someone you know needs help, call 211 anytime for information on local services.

🎨 Saint John Wants Your Art

The City of Saint John is on the hunt for local artists to expand its Art Bank collection. Emerging talents, seasoned pros, and creative teams can submit paintings, sculptures, prints, photos, crafts, and mixed media. Work could end up in City Hall, Market Square, the Saint John Arts Centre, or the library. Priority goes to artists not already in the collection.

Deadline to apply is Monday, December 8, 2025. Full submission details are on the City’s Arts and Culture page.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

🏛️ Rothesay Council Meeting | November 10, 7pm

• Budget season — Council will review draft 2026 operating budgets for both the general and utility funds, outlining next year’s spending priorities.

• Beach access — A report on the Renforth Wharf beach access is up for discussion, along with updates on ATV use in Wells.

• Big picture plans — Envision Saint John will share its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, highlighting long-term goals for the region.

• Also on deck — Council will consider several donation requests, a subdivision agreement amendment, and the latest from local committees on parks, water conservation, and climate adaptation.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place in the Town Hall Common Room at 7pm.

Your Holiday Message Could Be Here
Get festive with us! We’re offering special one-time custom holiday banner placements in SJ Today. Perfect for sharing cheer or giving your brand a seasonal spotlight. Request details here. 

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Remembrance Day Services | November 11
Ceremonies will take place across the region Tuesday in honour of Remembrance Day.

Saint John

• TD Station (Central Service): Seating by 10:20am, service at 11am, eight official wreaths laid.

• Field of Honour, Cedar Hill Extension: 9am.

• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69 Cenotaph (Barnhill School, West): 11am.

• Public Gardens (North): Wreath laying at 2pm.

Grand Bay–Westfield

• Veterans Peace Park (Cenotaph): Arrive by 10:15am; service follows. Livestream on the Legion’s Facebook. Woolastook Drive closed 10am–12pm. Flags at half-mast and the park lit red until November 15.

Kennebecasis Valley

• qplex: Doors open 9:30am, ceremony 10:30am (seated by 10:15am).

• Rothesay Common Cenotaph: Outdoor community ceremony at 10:45am.

Here are a few more things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

TUESDAY

​​Ron James: The Noise Between Our Ears | November 11
Canada’s funniest road warrior rolls into the Imperial Theatre for a night of classic Ron James wit…sharp, fast, and full of that “only-in-Canada” perspective. His new show dives into politics, aging, and everyday absurdities, all with his trademark charm. Expect big laughs, bigger truths, and a full house at 7:30pm. Tickets are $86.25 and on sale now through the Imperial box office.

Shades of Green Holiday Market | November 12
Get a jump on the festive season at Shades of Green Garden Centre. From 10am-4pm Wednesday through Saturday, browse wreaths, planters, and holiday décor, or let their creative team help bring your seasonal vision to life. Perfect for stress-free decorating and picking up unique gifts for friends and family.

THURSDAY

Outstanding Business Awards | November 13
It’s one of the biggest nights of the year for the local business crowd. The Saint John Region Chamber will host the 43rd Annual Outstanding Business Awards at the Trade & Convention Centre, celebrating the entrepreneurs and community leaders driving the region forward. Expect plenty of applause, good company, and a few surprises. The event runs from 6-8:30pm and tickets are available through the Chamber.

FRIDAY

Rhoda’s Market 50th Anniversary Show | November 14-16
Kick off the holiday season at the Irving Oil Field House with Rhoda’s Market celebrating 50 years of handmade treasures. Enjoy antiques, crafts, delicious food, and hourly door prizes while browsing. One ticket covers all three days. Hours are Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 10-6pm, and Sunday 10-4pm. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors, kids under 12 free, and parking is free.

Cricket Cove Knitting Circle | November 14
Grab your needles and join the crew at The Write Cup Bookstore Café for an evening of cozy conversation and creative stitches. From 6-9pm, local knitters gather to chat, swap tips, and spin up something new, yarn and good company included. Beginners are always welcome.

SATURDAY

Saint John Beer Fest | November 15
Cheers to good times and good causes…the city’s best beer bash is back at the Trade & Convention Centre. From 3-7pm, sample craft brews, ciders, and seltzers from near and far while playing carnival games and hanging with fellow hop fans. Proceeds support Housing Alternatives, helping create affordable housing in Saint John. VIPs get early entry and extra perks.

Saint John Santa Claus Parade | November 15
The city’s biggest holiday tradition is rolling through town for its 72nd year, bringing all the lights, music, and marching-band cheer. This year’s theme is Animated Christmas… so expect a few cartoon favourites to make an appearance. Heads up: the route starts at the Cruise Ship Terminals on Water Street before joining the usual path across the Viaduct to Main Street North and Lansdowne Avenue.

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves to eat out uptown!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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