🪧 Print your lawn signs yet?

Good morning Saint John! Monday is here and nobody asked for it.

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Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🗳️ Ready. Set. Run. 

We’ve seen a few mayoral announcements roll in lately, but with the municipal election still a few months away (May 11), there’s still plenty of time if you’ve ever quietly wondered whether running might be for you. A local group called See Jane Run is hosting a free online session on February 3 aimed at helping more women feel confident and supported in stepping into municipal politics, though the session is open to everyone.

The 90-minute Zoom event walks through whether you might be a good fit, what the timeline from now to election day actually looks like, and leaves lots of room for questions. See Jane Run was co-founded by Tiffany Mackay French, Brittany Merrifield, and Katie Bowden, all with real council and campaign experience. You don’t need to be committed or have made up your mind. Testing the waters is kind of the point.

👮Police pay deal finally lands

After two years of going nowhere, an arbitration board has stepped in and handed Saint John police officers a 15.42% raise over three years, keeping them the highest-paid municipal force in the province. First-class constables now earn about $120,700, with increases backdated to 2024.

The board leaned heavily on workload, pointing to roughly 61,000 calls last year, a huge policing area, and a city that fills up daily with commuters, shoppers, and port traffic. The money was already baked into the city’s budget, so the board says it won’t hit Saint John’s finances. 

🚒 Volunteer fire-rescue recruitment underway

The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is looking for new volunteer firefighters and is hosting a recruitment open house on January 21 at Fire Station #1. This is the part where people picture sirens and big moments, but the open house is more about the practical stuff: training, time commitment, and what the job actually looks like when the pager goes off.

Anyone 19 or older can apply, with applications due January 30. The Grand Bay-Westfield Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department handles everything from emergency response to fire prevention and public education. No cape required. Just a willingness to learn and show up when it counts.

❤️ Italian by Night feeling the love

Valentine’s Day might still be five weeks away, but Italian by Night is already in full romance mode. The uptown favourite has been named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in Canada, based entirely on customer reviews. Even better: it’s one of just two East Coast restaurants to make the list, alongside Halifax’s Five Fishermen. Not bad company.

The team was quick to credit diners for taking the time to leave reviews.  And if this news has you suddenly thinking ahead to February 14, a heads-up, it appears Valentine’s reservations are already booked solid. Love waits for no one…

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

MONDAY

Retro Film – Big Trouble in Little China | January 19
The Imperial Theatre screens a retro favourite: Kurt Russell is trucker Jack Burton, dragged into a wild Chinatown showdown to rescue his friend’s fiancée from a crime lord with ancient, supernatural plans. Tickets are just $10.

WEDNESDAY

Snowshoe & Sip at Elmhurst Outdoors | January 21
A guided snowshoe hike through Elmhurst’s scenic trails, followed by a warm-up in the lodge. Your first hot drink is included, cookies are available for purchase, and rentals are on site. Runs 10am–12pm at 65 Ganong Road in Kingston. Easygoing, social, and very winter.

THURSDAY

Workshop on Psychological Safety at Work | January 22
Fusion Saint John launches its professional development series with a fast-paced session on psychological safety in the workplace. Hosted by Porter O’Brien, this workshop focuses on practical tools for stronger communication, trust, and team performance. Runs 8:15–9am at Envision Saint John.

Cultivating Connections Film Screening | January 22
A free community movie night celebrating farmers and landowners who help protect nature. The evening includes screenings of Homes on the Range and Guardians of the Grasslands, plus a local highlight from Passekeag Holdings. Free snacks included. Runs 6–8pm at Hampton High School.

FRIDAY

Winter Night Sky Telescope Viewing | January 23
Members of the New Brunswick Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Saint John Astronomy Club are hosting an early evening of stargazing at the Glenn Carpenter Centre. Expect views of the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter and its moons, plus winter favourites like the Orion Nebula and the Seven Sisters. Starts at 6pm at 730 Foster Thurston Drive, with a weather backup planned for January 24.

Celestial Get-Together in Fundy St. Martins | January 23
A winter stargazing night built around a rare alignment of the Moon, Saturn, and Neptune. Cliff Valley Astronomy will be on site with telescopes to guide the experience. Runs 6:30–8:30pm at the amphitheatre in Fundy St. Martins. Storm date is January 24.

SATURDAY

Stone Church Gala – A Light in the Winter | January 24
The Stone Church hosts its third annual gala in support of the Stone Church Conservation Project. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, a full meal, and live entertainment, with Bob McVicar and Julia Wright emceeing. Starts at 5:30pm on Carleton Street.

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📸 Paul Owen | 📍 Hampton, NB

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher