💻 Holiday bargains may bite

Good morning Saint John! Some mornings you’re late, and some mornings a parrot steals your latte. In Seoul, a rogue Amazon parrot swooped into a café, snagged drinks, charmed customers, and left police scrambling to catch it.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• 20 more sleeps til open lanes on the bridge 🌉

• Who skipped KV’s free ride? 🚌

• Watch out for fake holiday deals 💳

Have a great Thursday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🎁 A December win on the Harbour Bridge

Apparently Santa got our letter, because the Harbour Bridge is about to give Saint John its biggest holiday gift: being fully open. The city says the 2025 construction phase is wrapping, and by December 10 all lanes, all ramps, and the Harbour Passage detour near the Brunswicker should be back in action. It won’t last forever, there’s still ramp and bearing work through 2028, plus the odd short lane closure or 20-minute shutdown next year, but for now, enjoy the seasonal treat of smooth sailing across the span.

🚍KV wants to know why you didn’t hop on

KV spent 90 days running a free test drive transit line between Quispam and Rothesay, and now they want to hear from the folks who didn’t climb aboard. The KV Go Non-Rider Survey is basically a five-minute confessional on whether you knew it existed, why you skipped it, and what future transit should look like in the valley. If you’ve got opinions, they want them before December 16. Take the survey here.

💻 Holiday deals over holiday steals

Online scam season is blooming again, and much like hearing Mariah Carey in November, fraudsters are popping up exactly where you hoped they wouldn’t. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the doorstep, local cybersecurity pros say AI has basically handed low-effort criminals a “make it look real” button, and they’re using it everywhere from Google results to sketchy Facebook ads. So, they’re advising you to skip the search-engine roulette and go straight to sites you trust, keep an eye on your credit card, and be extra suspicious of deals that scream ACT NOW. 

Shopping local is still the safest bet, plus, your money stays here instead of vanishing into the Scam-O-Sphere. 

🧮 Zero tax surprises in Quispam

Quispamsis signed off on its 2026 budget Tuesday night, and if you like stability, you’re in luck…tax rates aren’t moving an inch. The town’s $38.6M operating budget and $20.4M capital plan keep the residential rate at $1.2599 and the non-res at $2.1418, right where they’ve been. Doesn’t mean spending’s standing still, though. More than $12M is heading into pavement, patches and keeping your shocks from screaming. The full budget will land on the town’s website soon.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Holiday Stained-Glass Workshop | November 20
Stained Glass Creations by Kim is inviting everyone to become a festive elf for the afternoon. At 995 Millidge Ave., you can craft your own holiday-themed suncatcher, no experience required. They provide all the supplies and guidance, so you leave with a shiny creation and a little extra holiday cheer. It’s a hands-on, cozy way to get into the Christmas spirit from 6–9pm.

Point Lepreau Bird Observatory 30th | November 20
Nature Saint John is celebrating three decades of seabird monitoring at the Point Lepreau Bird Observatory at the KBM. From 6–8:30pm, past and present volunteers, partners, and curious newcomers can enjoy snacks, a celebratory cake, and stories from founder Jim Wilson about the observatory’s early days. There’s also a $30-for-30 giveaway with a custom PLBO sweatshirt up for grabs. It’s a friendly, feather-filled evening honouring community and conservation.

Gilmore Girls Trivia Night | November 20
Yip Cider in Long Reach is hosting a Stars Hollow-style trivia night from 7–9pm. Teams of 2–6 can compete while sipping series-inspired cocktails and cozy mocktails, and each team captain gets a complimentary 12oz draft cider. It’s a fun, fast-paced evening for Gilmore fans ready to talk fast, think faster, and win some Yip prizes in a cozy, caffeine-fueled atmosphere.

FRIDAY

A Sweet Night for Mental Health | November 21
Just Us Counselling is hosting a feel-good evening at Lily Lake Pavilion, blending sweet treats with a little early holiday shopping. Guests can nibble their way through desserts, check out auctions, and settle in for live music and speakers, all starting at 6:30pm. It’s a warm, community-minded night built around indulgence and impact, with proceeds supporting accessible counselling close to home.

SATURDAY

Soap Making Workshop at The Porch | November 22
The Porch in Hampton is hosting a hands-on soap workshop from 11am–1pm. Participants will craft 11–12 bars of soap with all supplies included and get step-by-step guidance. After class, enjoy a cocktail, mocktail, wine, or on-tap beverage. Spots are limited, and tickets are $85. Perfect for a creative morning out and a fun way to take home something handmade.

Fresh Starts Casino Royale | November 22
Fresh Start Services is turning the Union Club into a full-on casino night, complete with games, live music, and all the tuxedo-energy without actually needing a tux. Guests can wander between Crown & Anchor, blackjack, roulette, and a VIP poker game upstairs, all while supporting local homelessness initiatives. It’s a glitzy, good-hearted night out where every chip played helps someone find a safe place to land.

Christmas Workshops at The Sewist | November 22
The Sewist on Water Street is kicking off its Saturday holiday workshops, running 2–3:45pm. Perfect for beginners, these sessions offer festive, hands-on projects to add a personal touch to your holiday season. Each week features a new project, so drop in, get creative, and make something special to brighten your Christmas celebrations.

Kingston Farmers Market Lobster Dinner | November 22
The Kingston Farmers Market is wrapping up the season with a 3-course lobster dinner fundraiser at 4 Market Lane, starting at 6:30pm. Guests can enjoy mussels, a 1½ lb lobster with potato salad and coleslaw, and sticky toffee pudding for dessert, with non-seafood options available. The evening includes live music from The Heartless Wrecks and a silent auction featuring local artisan items. Delicious food, tunes, and community all in one night.

Mardi Gras Gala Fundraiser | November 22
Elizabeth Fry New Brunswick is bringing the spirit of Mardi Gras to the Riverside Country Club from 5:30–11pm. Guests can enjoy a 4-course buffet, complimentary cocktails, a silent auction, and dancing into the night. Grab your mask, bring friends, and celebrate in style while supporting local housing programs. Tickets are $125 with a $50 charitable tax receipt, available by e-transfer or cheque—fun and philanthropy all in one evening.

SUNDAY

Days Off Pop-Up at Woodchucks | November 23
Woodchucks Axe Throwing is turning into a mini block party for an afternoon as Days Off teams up with Working Class, a DJ, and a tattoo artist for a very not-your-typical-Sunday vibe. From 1–5:30pm, you can browse apparel, check out skate videos, grab a drink, listen to Loosey Goosey spin, and even get some fresh ink. It’s a fun, eclectic hang with plenty to look at and lots happening at once.

6th Annual Dirt Road Christmas Parade | November 23
Get your festive spirit on! The Westfield and District Recreation Association is bringing back the Dirt Road Christmas Parade at 2:00pm, winding through Brittain Road, Campbell Road, and the Nerepis Road loop. After the parade, head to 4 Corners for snacks, hot drinks, and a cozy post-parade gathering. Don’t forget to bring a food bank donation to help spread some holiday cheer.

Chroma NB Supper Club | November 23
Chroma NB is hosting its monthly supper club, and this round is all about learning how to make burritos…then immediately eating them, which is the best kind of class. It’s a relaxed, community-style evening with vegan and gluten-free options and a chance to meet others in the queer community. All ages are welcome with an adult, and everything gets rolling at 6pm.

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone wouldn’t let a bird anywhere near their coffee in the morning 🦜.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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