🍟 Plastic spots in your tots?

Good morning, Saint John! Today is National Lager Day… and honestly, that’s all we need to hear. Anyone got a few left in their presidential pack that we can come enjoy? 🍺

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

• SJ’s secret choir scene 🎼

• Frozen snacks fight back ⚡

• Canada says Not Maine! 🇨🇦

Happy hump day 🐫 !

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

 🎶 Saint John’s choir scene surprises

This past Sunday, 230 singers filled the Imperial Theatre for Christmas from the Heart, a collaborative show featuring Raise Your Voice ladies choir, Lift Community choir, Valley Girls, and Music from the Heart children’s choir. The show was the vision of Elaine Boulanger, longtime choir director and founder of Music from the Heart, who teamed up with other local directors to make it happen.

“It’s more than just making music together, it’s a true community,” says Sarah Cleveland, who helped organize the show and sang alongside her mother and kids. “Saint John’s choir scene is incredible. There is a choir for anyone looking to join one. All have slightly different styles and vibes. I’ve made new friends and reconnected with old ones through our choirs.”

Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just curious, there’s a choir waiting for you. Who knew Saint John’s music scene was this vibrant?

🩺 New clinic on deck for the North End

The province is setting up a new collaborative care clinic in the North End. That makes eleven of these clinics announced this year. The current team at the North End Wellness Centre covers about 450 people, but with $2.9 million heading to Horizon for a bigger space and more staff, the aim is to chip away at the wait-list and give families easier access to primary care. The province wants 30 of these teams by 2028, so consider this the latest step in the slow-but-steady quest to make “seeing a doctor” a normal Tuesday again. 

🐦 Tiny island, big fuss 

Machias Seal Island, sitting about 20 km off Grand Manan, is back in the spotlight after an American tour company called it part of the “Maine coast.” NB Senator Jim Quinn was not amused. He pointed out the island has a Canadian lighthouse, Canadian researchers, Canadian permits and a Canadian flag that does not scream “Welcome to Maine.” He wants Ottawa to tighten things up and remind visitors whose puffins they’re looking at, as he puffs out his chest.

🥔 Tater trouble hits the freezer aisle 

McCain has issued a national recall on its Tasti Taters Crispy Potato Bites after someone found plastic pieces mixed in with the spuds. The CFIA says it’s a Class Two recall, meaning it’s not life-threatening but definitely a “no thanks” situation for your mouth. The bites were sold across Canada, including here, and shoppers are told not to use or serve them. McCain and the CFIA are pulling them from shelves, and honestly, since we can’t enjoy a tot poutine at McGill’s anymore, who’s eating them anyway.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

All of today’s events are local picks from stage and screen! 🎭

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical | December 12–13
InterAction School of Performing Arts is staging a festive run of Rudolph: The Musical, complete with all the classic characters and plenty of holiday charm. It’s a family-friendly pick for anyone who wants a little sparkle before the season ramps up. Tickets are selling fast, and there’s also a Rudolph raffle supporting their kids’ theatre program, with the draw happening during the Dec. 13 show. 

The Nutcracker | December 12–14
Rothesay Ballet School and GALA Ballet are bringing their annual Nutcracker to the Imperial, complete with local dancers, visiting pros, and all the magic that makes this holiday staple feel timeless. Clara, the Nutcracker Soldier, the Mouse King, and the Sugarplum Fairy all take the stage in a production that’s big, bright, and built for all ages. The show opens December 12 at 7pm and continues through the weekend.

The Winter Solstice and Contemporary Dance Project | December 14
First City School of Dance is marking the season with a one-hour showcase that pairs a children’s ballet about light returning in winter with a contemporary piece performed alongside cellist Emily Kennedy. It’s a family-friendly mix of storytelling, movement, and local talent, all staged by young dancers who’ve built these works from the ground up. The performance begins at 4pm at Saint John High School.

Harbour View: Home for the Holidays | December 21
Harbour View High School is gathering its concert bands, choirs, and a few special guests for an afternoon of big holiday sound on the Imperial stage. It’s the kind of community concert where the energy is warm, the talent is local, and the playlist leans full-festive. Perfect for families looking to settle into the season. The show begins at 2pm.

Script Sessions Launch | January 2
Saint John Theatre Company is kicking off a new community script-reading series, and they’re looking for the plays you want to hear out loud. Think classics, forgotten gems, or that one script you swear would land if people just heard it. Anyone can toss a title into the hat, simply email the play and its author by January 2. Selected picks will be read publicly this winter and spring.

James Mullinger: Unplanned. Unscripted. Off the Cuff | January 14–16
James Mullinger is bringing crowd-powered improv stand-up to BMO Studio Theatre, where the audience throws out topics and he builds the jokes in real time. Last year’s shows sold out, and this round promises the same. Fresh bits, left-field detours, and moments that only exist for one night. Each show also features a guest comic. Three nights, all different, all at 7:30pm on Princess Street.

Got an Event to Share?

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Did you know?!
BGC Greater Saint John has been helping kids explore sports, hobbies, and new skills for 125 years? You can help give a child a brighter holiday right her at home! *
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LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

Each Wednesday we drop a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John region. Think you know the city like the back of your hand? Let’s get weird with it….a close-up of a drain cover somewhere in the core. Think you recognize it? Hit reply and tell us the street, corner, or business it’s in front of. We’ll reveal the answer, and any correct guesses, in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone thats more of a hazy IPA type…🍻

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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