🍌 New East Side Grocery Store

Good morning Saint John! I’m stepping away for a bit this week to focus on some health stuff, but the newsletter’s still rolling out…thanks to a special guest editor lending a hand. 🫶

In todays edition:

• Police welcome women to recruitment camp 🚓

• East side No Frills opens this week 🍌

• Uptown Heritage Awards 🏆

Hope you have a fantastic week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

👮‍♀️ Saint John Police Roll Out the Welcome Mat

Saint John Police rolled out the red carpet for their first-ever female-only Inclusion and Diversity Recruitment Camp last week. Women and visible minorities got an insider’s peek at the life of a local officer, minus the sirens but with all the action.

Held last Thursday, the day was packed with hands-on activities, chats with current officers, and enough coffee to keep everyone alert. Chief Robert Bruce was all in, praising the unique blend of cultures, languages, and life experiences that turned up. Hats off to everyone who showed up ready to see if the badge life might just be for them.

🛠️ Honouring the History Buffs and Brick Whisperers

If you’ve noticed Saint John’s heritage gems looking extra spiffy lately, it’s not just the sea air working wonders. Last week the 2025 Heritage Awards took centre stage at the Saint John Arts Centre, spotlighting the unsung heroes who keep our city’s past looking sharp. From brick buffs to sign slingers, these folks have turned everything from tired windows to weathered bricks into showstoppers. Big cheers to the award winners: William and Dianne Rector and Imperial Theatre Inc. for giving some commercial buildings new life, and Cornel and Dorina Ceapa and Michael and Susan Wallace for rescuing our residential gems. 

🚌 Main Street Detour – No More McD’s Stop!

Starting Friday, May 23, your bus stop fix on Main Street North by McDonald’s is closed for construction. West and north-bound riders, don’t panic! Just head to Metcalf Street by the medical centre to catch your ride. Drivers, take it slow, there’s lots of foot traffic around. Saint John Transit says thanks for your patience (and for not getting grumpy in the middle of the chaos!). Get the full detour rundown at Saint John Transit’s website.

🎤 The Debaters Return to Saint John

CBC’s The Debaters is rolling back into the Imperial Theatre on September 16 at 7 p.m. This isn’t just any old stand-up show, it’s a 20th season milestone tour! Host Steve Patterson is packing his best zingers, and comedians are prepped to bicker, banter, and probably roast our local quirks. Grab your tickets and get set for a night where laughter reigns supreme (and yes, some friendly jabs at our foggy charm are guaranteed!).

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LOCAL BUSINESS

🛒 No Frills, No Fuss – East Saint John’s Got Another Grocery Option

Hold onto your grocery carts, there’s a new No Frills in town! Ian’s No Frills is set to swing open its doors this Thursday, May 29, at Parkway Mall, bringing fresh produce, wallet-friendly prices, and that classic No Frills yellow to the east side.

The man at the helm? Ian Danis – he’s gone from managing Atlantic Superstores to running his own No Frills, and his LinkedIn says he’s pumped. So if you’re in the mood for bargain bananas and a fresh start for your weekly haul, Ian’s ready to make your grocery game a whole lot cheaper.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

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

TODAY

Hiring Newcomer Talent Lunch & Learn | May 26
Local businesses looking to grow their teams won’t want to miss this Lunch & Learn at Bridge Us Solutions in Hampton. Stephanie Davidson from Immigration NB shares practical tips and resources for hiring and integrating newcomer talent. Sponsored by Envision Saint John, this session is all about building skills and community, plus, it’s a great chance to get ahead on staffing challenges.

Fusion East Karaoke Contest | May 26
Think you’ve got the pipes to win? Fusion East invites all would-be stars to their Karaoke Contest on May 26. Belt it out for a chance at cash prizes: $500 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third. Hosted by local karaoke legend Michelle, with a panel of expert judges. Doors open early, so warm up those vocal cords and get ready to shine!

TUESDAY

Canada’s First Airplane Hijacking | May 27
Join the Turnbull NB Chapter of CAHS for a free Zoom talk on Canada’s first airplane hijacking—from New Brunswick to Montreal. History professor Dr. Greg Marquis of UNB Saint John will guide you through this gripping story. Tune in from wherever you are.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82058384651

WEDNESDAY

Grill & Give BBQ | May 28
Who’s hungry? Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is hosting a community BBQ on Wednesday, May 28 at 171 McAllister Drive. Swing by from 11am-2pm for a hotdog, drink, and some good vibes, all by donation. There’s also a 50/50 draw, a chance to win ReStore gift cards, and a booth for all your questions. It’s lunch with a side of giving back!

All-Sorts Open-Play Night | May 28
Haven Music Hall is throwing open the doors for All-Sorts, a no-holds-barred night for emerging artists. Sign up your solo act or band, bring your gear, and test-drive your set on a pro stage – everything from metal to cello, is welcome! Doors open at 7pm, music kicks off at 8pm, and the night is free and all ages. First-come, first-serve, so bring your A-game!

THURSDAY

Brundage Point Weekly Market | May 29
Catch the riverside vibes every Thursday at the Brundage Point River Centre Weekly Market. Running from May 22 to September 25, it’s a vibrant hub for local food, crafts, and live music. Hours shift with the season: 1:30-6:30pm until August 28, then 1-6pm in September. Interested in selling your goods? Contact Market Manager Faye Gorham at [email protected].

FRIDAY

Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen | May 30
BMO Theatre sets the stage for an unforgettable night of acoustic brilliance with Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen. Doors open at 7pm, music kicks off at 7:30pm, and tickets are $35. Thomas, who’s written for music legends, brings a mix of Folk/Americana and Bluegrass magic, all in support of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. Come for the melodies, stay for the stories, and leave humming a new favourite tune!

SATURDAY

NB Sports Hall - Class of 2025 | May 31
The 55th Induction Gala is set to light up the Saint John Imperial Theatre from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Guests can rub shoulders with New Brunswick’s sports legends, including the mighty 2001 Saint John Alpines, known for snagging national titles and local bragging rights. It’s an evening of speeches, memories, and a few trophy-worthy tales. Imagine, the best of our province’s sporting past all under one roof.

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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’d help you out in a jam! 🤝

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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