🌤️ Shadow drama this morning

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Good Morning Saint John! Happy Groundhog Day, the one morning a year we trust a rodent more than the weather network. New Brunswick doesn’t have an active groundhog on payroll, so we look to Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam for guidance. The problem is Sam’s big appearance has been cancelled due to a nor’easter, so the whole forecast has been snowed out. Technically, since he won’t be seeing his shadow, that counts as an early spring…We’ll take it! 🦫

Here’s what else we’re looking at this morning:

🎂 Happy birthday to Brenda M.!

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Winter’s been long, budgets are tight, and your car probably needs attention, whether you want to admit it or not. AutoTec is sweetening the deal this February with a Valentine’s Day draw for anyone who books a service between Feb 2 and Feb 12.

Get your car serviced and you’ll be entered to win a Valentine’s date on AutoTec, with tickets to the Sea Dogs game February 14th and a $75 gift card to Gahan House.

Call (506) 653-9020 to book your service and mention SJ Today when you do.

🧰 Fundy region's homelessness toolkit

As homelessness becomes more visible around Saint John, a toolkit from the Fundy Regional Service Commission is giving residents and businesses practical guidance on how to respond with compassion when they encounter someone in crisis.

The guide walks through common situations and focuses on respectful, safe responses instead of guesswork. It includes language tips, everyday safety advice, and a list of local contacts for shelters, outreach teams, and mental health support. Organizers say the goal is to make it easier for people to help without escalating situations unnecessarily. With more neighbours facing housing insecurity, the toolkit is meant to turn uncertainty into informed, human responses.

🏋️ 90 and still hitting the gym

Most people celebrate a 90th birthday with cake. Carol Sprague celebrated hers at the Y. The Rothesay resident joined a mobility and strength program at the Saint John Regional YMCA after hip surgery and a serious infection threatened her independence a few years ago. Instead of slowing down, she rebuilt. Today she drives herself to sessions, travels to visit family, and recently returned from a Caribbean cruise birthday trip with her kids. Carol says the biggest change is confidence. Programs like this help older adults avoid falls and hospital stays while staying active and social. At 90, her outlook is simple. Just keep moving.

We can help! Advertise with us and be seen by readers enjoying their morning coffee!

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

MONDAY

Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony | February 2
The community gathers at City Hall to kick off Black History Month with a flag raising honouring 30 years of celebration and Black excellence across generations. After the ceremony, everyone’s invited to continue the conversation over coffee and snacks with PRUDE Inc. A meaningful midday moment to reflect, connect, and celebrate together. Starts 12pm at Market Square.

TUESDAY

Stained Glass Hearts | February 3
A beginner-friendly stained glass class where participants cut, foil, and solder their own glass heart from scratch. In three hours you’ll walk out with a finished piece that’s giftable, hangable, and proof you can absolutely work with glass. A creative night that’s equal parts craft and confidence boost. Runs 5–8pm.

WEDNESDAY

Time Travel Skate Winterfest Skate Series | February 4 ❄️
The Rothesay Common turns into a retro rink with music from across the decades and skaters encouraged to dress the part. It’s a free, family-friendly Winterfest skate with hot chocolate on site and donations collected for the KV Food Basket. A nostalgic midweek glide with a good cause built in. Runs 6–8pm.

Check out the full SJ Today Fundy Winterfest guide here.

THURSDAY

SPARK Celebrate Mentoring Luncheon | February 5
Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts its signature annual luncheon celebrating mentorship and the people shaping local youth. Expect inspiring stories, awards, guest speakers, and a packed room of community leaders rallying around the next generation. It’s equal parts feel-good and future-focused. Runs 12pm–1:30pm at the Delta.

FRIDAY

Faces of Fusion 2026 | February 6
A community celebration spotlighting people and organizations doing meaningful work in Saint John. Faces of Fusion recognizes locals helping shape the region’s future, with awards, food, a silent auction, and a room full of hometown pride. Hosted by SJ Today’s Geoff Walsh, it’s a feel-good night dedicated to the people pushing the city forward. Runs 5–8pm at the Imperial Theatre.

SATURDAY

Curling Fun Night | February 7
Whether you’ve curled for years or never stepped on the ice, this is a low-pressure night built for laughs and good company. TSA supplies the gear, snacks, and you bring the fun. A great excuse to try something new with friends or family. Starts 7:30pm.

SUNDAY

Doktor Kaboom Under Pressure | February 8
Science meets comedy in an interactive family show that turns pressure into big laughs and real-life lessons. Doktor Kaboom mixes experiments with empowerment, pulling volunteers into the action and keeping kids fully locked in. Equal parts education and chaos in the best way. Starts 2pm at the Imperial.

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📸 Wayne Hansen | 📍 Rockwood Park

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🌅 7:43am | 🌇 5:33pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who wants an early spring no matter what a rodent has to say about it ☀️.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher