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Good morning, Saint John! A bear broke into a California library and helped itself to cookies, peanut butter and honey, exactly 100 years after the first Winnie-the-Pooh book was published….why Pooh, son?

Here’s what else is in the jar this morning:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Simms Corner gets back on track 🚂

Trains and cars could finally stop taking turns at Simms Corner. A newly announced $463-million investment in the Saint John Trade Corridor includes rebuilding the intersection to separate rail and road traffic, improving safety and reducing delays.

The federal government is contributing $254 million, the province $116.5 million and project partners another $92.5 million. The package also includes harbour dredging, warehouse improvements, a new container inspection facility and upgrades to 103 kilometres of railway.

The announcement doesn’t include a design or construction timeline for Simms Corner. Until then, west siders still have the Riverside Ave escape route when the morning traffic piles up.

Blood work gets a new number ☎️

Booking blood work will soon mean dialling a new number.

Horizon is changing its blood and specimen collection booking numbers on October 26. For the Regional, St. Joseph’s, Kennebecasis Valley Health Services, Sussex Health Centre and Charlotte County Hospital, call 1-833-482-0774. The new automated system allows booking, cancellation and rescheduling around the clock, alongside online booking. Existing appointments stay booked.

West side patients have a different number to save. Market Place Wellness Centre switches to 506-632-5636, with patients leaving a message for a staff callback. Its Monday and Tuesday collection clinic will continue booking by phone only.

A reminder that there is also an online booking option for blood and specimen collection.

A little local twang of fame 🎸

Rothesay drummer Terry Patterson has a new career highlight to keep time with. He’s among five new inductees into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame, alongside Julian Austin, who grew up in the Grand Bay-Westfield area.

Carla Bonnell, Steve Maillet and the late Lee Marlow round out the class. The hall has been recognizing the province’s country music community since 1983, honouring the performers and contributors who’ve helped keep it playing.

The courts take an early winter break 🏓

If you think you’ve got one more game before the season ends, you better book it now. Saint John’s outdoor tennis, pickleball and ball hockey facilities close for the season on October 24. Little River Reservoir Park’s volleyball court has already packed it in.

This was the first full season for both the reservoir’s volleyball court and Shamrock Park’s new pickleball courts. There’s still time to settle a score before Saturday.

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Weekend Preview

THURSDAY

É.T.É — Amants Volages | October 22
Get close to the music without having to join the band. Québécois trio É.T.É brings fiddle, cello, bouzouki and vocal harmonies to an intimate onstage show at Imperial Theatre at 7:30pm. Tickets are $35, or $30 for Imperial members.

FRIDAY

Frankenstein | October 23
It’s alive, and so is the soundtrack. Boris Karloff’s 1931 classic screens at Saint John High School with a new score by Andrew Reed Miller, performed live by Symphony New Brunswick musicians. The monster clocks in at 7:30pm. Use the Duke Street entrance. Tickets are $20, or $10 for students.

Día de los Muertos — Art & Dinner Experience | October 23
Your Friday dinner plans just picked up tacos and churros. Head to Yip Cider in Long Reach at 7pm for an evening of Mexican food, art and tradition with Día de los Muertos Saint John, with something creative to do between bites.

SATURDAY

YMCA Halloween Festival | October 24
Give the kids an early start on wearing out their costumes. The Glenn Carpenter Centre hosts an afternoon of Halloween activities, spooky surprises and treats around the lodge and grounds, starting at 12pm. The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick and community partners are bringing the fun for the whole family.

Harvest Festival & Mystic Faire | October 24
Pumpkins by day, predictions by night. Saint John Public Gardens hosts children’s games, pumpkin decorating and seasonal crafts from 11am–2pm, then reopens from 5pm–9pm for a night market with artisans, herbalists, tarot readers and seasonal drinks. Both events are free, with donations welcome, at 48 Seely Street.

Courtroom Sketches — A Conversation with Carol Taylor | October 24
Carol Taylor spent decades drawing the people making New Brunswick’s biggest courtroom headlines. Hear her stories at Stone Church at 1pm, including her work covering trials involving Allan Legere and Richard Hatfield. Copies of her book, Capturing Crime, will be available to buy and have signed. No jury duty required.

Día de los Muertos | October 24
The waterfront makes room for memories, Mexican culture and a full day out. Día de los Muertos Atlantic celebrates five years with a free festival connecting Picaroons, the Boardwalk, Harbour Passage and the AREA 506 Container Village from 1pm–11pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the art and community celebration honouring loved ones who have died.

Saint John Zombie Walk | October 24
Finally, a group walk that welcomes your slow pace and exhausted appearance. Gather in zombie gear at Loyalist Burial Ground at 3:30pm before shuffling to the AREA 506 Container Village at 4:30pm. Bring non-perishable food or a cash donation for Romero House. The family-friendly walk includes children’s goody bags while supplies last.

Classic Albums Live — Supertramp’s Breakfast in America | October 24
Breakfast is served at 2pm and 8pm. Classic Albums Live performs Supertramp’s Breakfast in America in full at Imperial Theatre, recreating “The Logical Song,” “Goodbye Stranger” and the rest of the record note for note. Tickets are $66.25. You handle the air piano.

SUNDAY

Halloween Skating Party | October 25
Give that costume a practice lap before the big night. Rothesay Arena hosts a free family skate from 3pm–4pm, with face painting, colouring, hot chocolate and treats. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the KV Food Basket, and consider how well your cape handles corners.

Jimmy Rankin — Song Dog 25th Anniversary Tour | October 25
Song Dog is 25, which feels like information someone should have broken to us gently. Jimmy Rankin celebrates his debut solo album by playing it in full at Imperial Theatre, with more favourites from across his career. Shows are at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $72.50.

🎟️ Looking for something else? Browse all of this week’s local events.

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher