🔌 Saint John’s getting a second byte?

Good morning, Saint John! The world’s two oldest men turned 114 and 113 yesterday and exchanged birthday cards. Finally, someone who can call a 113-year-old “kid.” That’s 227 candles between them! No word on if they could could actually blow them out.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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An attic find gets an encore 🎻

Most attic cleanouts turn up Christmas decorations and a mystery cable. This one turned up a violin made in France in 1731.

Saint John’s Cecilia “Ceci” Flanagan-Snow has donated her 295-year-old Gaviniès violin to the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra’s instrument bank, giving its principal musicians a chance to play a piece of musical history.

Ceci acquired the dusty instrument through her high school boyfriend’s family before heading to London’s Royal Academy of Music. She played it for 60 years before arthritis forced her to stop.

As the NBYO’s first concertmaster, she’s now putting it back into the hands of the orchestra she helped lead. That fiddle still has a few generations left in it. ($)

More data, more debate 💻

Saint John could have a second large-scale data centre in the works, and Lorneville residents who are already questioning the first have more to chew on.

Cross Rivers Infrastructure Partners pitched a campus to the province in April, requesting 50 megawatts of guaranteed power. Provincial talks are underway, but the exact site hasn’t been confirmed and no city permit application has been filed.

Residents worry about noise, water and pressure on the electrical grid. They want the combined effects of any projects assessed together, especially with the Beacon AI and VoltaGrid proposal at Spruce Lake Industrial Park already under environmental review. The company promises jobs and growth. Neighbours want to know what else comes with the download.

Six locals get the hall call 🏅

Making a name for yourself is one thing, but getting it into the Sports Hall of Fame is another. Six locals will join the Greater Saint John Sports Hall of Fame on October 24: athletes Peter Britt (boxing), Glen Hayward (judo), Olivia Gauthier (soccer) and James Smith (shooting), plus builders Robert McInnes (karate) and Allie Vaughan (taekwondo).

The 28th induction ceremony takes place at Lily Lake Pavilion, giving you a chance to applaud without choosing sides. Tickets are on sale now for $40 for adults, $20 for those 18 and under, and $30 for existing inductees.

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Theatre Talk Tuesday 🎭

The Misanthrope | October 6
A novelist’s refusal to tolerate society’s carefully constructed lies makes her increasingly unpopular in Martin Crimp’s play, directed by Indhu Rubasingham. Catch the National Theatre production, filmed live on stage, at 7:30pm at the BMO Studio Theatre. Honesty apparently comes with quite the invoice.

Once Upon a One More Time | October 8–10
Harbour View High School gives Cinderella, Snow White and their fellow princesses a Britney Spears soundtrack as they start rewriting their happily-ever-afters. Performances run at 7:30pm each night at Harbour View High School, with tickets starting at $30. These princesses have had enough of being told to work, witch.

Autumn Evening with Olena Kolibaba | October 9
Violinist and composer Olena Kolibaba brings music and storytelling to the Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza, at 7pm. Selections from Perennial blend neo-classical, cinematic and folk influences with live looping, joined by pianist Becky Reesor and visual art by Anastasiya Bura and Ki Elmes. Plenty for the eyes as well as the ears.

Joel Miller | October 9
Saxophonist and composer Joel Miller joins Jason Flores and Jon Bailey at the BMO Studio, 112 Princess Street, at 7:30pm. The trio will move between jazz standards, pop favourites and a preview of Joel’s developing “Joul Music” project. Hotel California and Harry Styles might find themselves sharing a set list.

Solitary Man: Celebrating the Music of Neil Diamond | October 10
Neil Diamond tribute performer Will Chalmers brings Solitary Man to Imperial Theatre, with shows listed at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are listed at $56.25. There’s nothing solitary about a room full of Neil fans.

📍Discover tons more upcoming events across the Saint John region.

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📸 Dorothy Galbraith | 📍 Rothesay Floating Walkway (now open until the third week of October)

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🌅 7:28am | 🌇 6:55pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher