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Good morning, Saint John! It’s Back to the Future Day…Great Scott, it’s already Wednesday. Somebody check the flux capacitor!

Here’s what else is up this morning:

Whoa, this is heavy!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Rothesay calls in the reserves 🚒

Rothesay’s rainy-day fund is helping cover the fire department’s bills. Council approved $281,484 from operational reserves to cover the town’s share of a 2026 funding gap at the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department.

The town says the contribution will maintain existing service levels. Its summary doesn’t explain what caused the shortfall or give the department’s total funding gap. For now, the reserves are answering this call.

Bayside gets another slow-motion sequel 🚦

Bayside Drive has another reason to leave home a little earlier. Traffic near Kaines Corner at 8 Bayside Drive is reduced to a single lane in both directions for approximately two weeks, with infrastructure work starting yesterday.

This is a different work zone from the recent disruption near the asphalt plant. Traffic personnel and signs will guide drivers through, with advance warnings along Loch Lomond Road, Seely Street, Bayside Drive and Thorne Avenue. Your podcast may get a little further ahead than you do.

Help wanted at the top 👮

Saint John’s police commission is looking for someone to take the chief’s chair, and applications for the permanent position close today, October 21.

Acting Chief Neal Fowler has been leading the force since Robert Bruce’s retirement. Word is, the commission wants an experienced police leader who can build public trust, strengthen community partnerships and lead the organization. There’s no announced timeline for an appointment yet.

A little business behind the brush 🎨

ArtsLink NB’s CATAPULT program is accepting applications from New Brunswick artists ready to build the business side of their creative work, with training in marketing, financial planning, contracts and more, plus a year-long mentorship.

The winter program runs online from January 12 to March 4, with sessions Tuesday through Thursday from 6pm–9pm. Tuition is free for ArtsLink NB members, and artists working in any discipline can apply by November 16. An online information session on October 27 from 12pm–1pm will help you decide whether to take the leap.

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Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Germain Street Open | October 24
Uptown becomes a mini-putt course as teams of four or five tackle holes inside local businesses, homes, and other venues in support of L’Arche Saint John and its Creative Connections Art Studio. Registration starts at O’Leary’s Pub at 11am, with golf at 12pm. Ages 19+, costumes encouraged, plaid pants entirely your decision.

Saint John Zombie Walk | October 24
The walking dead have somewhere to be. Dress as a zombie and gather at Loyalist Burial Ground from 3:30pm for photos before shuffling to the AREA 506 Container Village at 4:30pm. This free, family-friendly walk supports Romero House, so bring non-perishable food or a cash donation. Children’s treat bags are available while supplies last.

St. Luke’s Fundraising Breakfast | October 24
Your breakfast helps put lunch on someone else’s table. St. Luke’s serves eggs, sausages, home fries, pancakes, toast and a beverage from 8am–11am in its Fellowship Hall at 369 Main Street. Admission is $12, supporting the church’s community outreach lunch program.

Memory Café — Saint John West | November 1
An afternoon of music, conversation and company awaits at St. Mark’s Church at 1pm. This free Memory Café welcomes people living with dementia, friends, families and anyone interested, with refreshments, information about dementia-friendly communities and hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

P.R.U.D.E. 45th Anniversary Celebration | November 7
Forty-five years of bringing people together deserves a get-together. Join P.R.U.D.E. from 2pm–4pm at its office on the third floor of Market Square, Unit W301, to celebrate its work supporting equity, inclusion and cultural diversity. The afternoon also brings a new brand and website reveal. RSVP to receive the agenda and further details.

BGC Greater Saint John Diamond Dinner | November 13
Get dressed up for a good cause, with a little sparkle at stake. BGC’s Mix & Mingle gala starts at 7pm at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre, with multicultural food stations, auctions, beauty experiences, DJ Steve and a diamond pendant draw. Tickets are $80, supporting local children and youth.

There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. Polkaroo, is that you? No, but if these dots look familiar, hit reply and tell us where you think they are. We’ll reveal the location and correct answer in Friday’s issue.

Great local pics belong here! If got one on your camera roll, hit reply and send it our way. We’d love to share it with the SJ Today subscribers!

🌅 7:48am | 🌇 6:28pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who is ready to hit 88mph this morning…⚡!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher