🎯 Shooting for spring

Good morning Saint John! Well, here we are… new year, new week, and back on the grind, which is why we’re slowing down the clock, biologically speaking, by loading up on coffee this morning. A new study suggests three to four cups a day may slow biological aging by a few years. Scientists have thoughts. We have mugs. ☕️

In todays edition:

Welcome to 2026!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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👏 Who deserves a civic shoutout

If you know someone who quietly makes Saint John better, this is your cue. The City of Saint John is now taking nominations for its 2025 Civic Recognition Awards, which celebrate residents, groups, organizations, and businesses that stepped up and made a real impact this year. Candidates could include volunteers, community builders, problem-solvers, and people who just get things done without asking for credit. Common Council will review the nominations and recipients will be honoured at a ceremony later this year. Nominations can be submitted online or dropped off at City Hall, and the deadline is January 31, 2026. If someone came to mind while reading this, that’s probably your answer.

🥅 Ball hockey complex is coming together quickly

Work is now well underway on Saint John’s dedicated ball hockey facility in the McAllister Industrial Park. The Knapper Centre Saint John will include two ball hockey pads, one indoor and one outdoor, along with change rooms and multi-use space. The project is expected to create up to 40 jobs and provide a year-round home for a sport that already has strong participation in the city. After an earlier site was reconsidered, construction is quickly moving ahead on the east side. Games are expected to start later this spring, which suddenly feels very soon.

🎿Rothesay’s winter trails are getting their groove back

If you’ve been eyeing your skis and waiting for the green light, here it is. Grooming is officially underway again on Rothesay’s Wells Trails, with crews back at it as of January 2. Under normal conditions, Wells is groomed Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while Hillside Trail runs on a Tuesday and Thursday schedule once the season gets going. Hillside hasn’t been groomed yet, so for now, Wells is your best bet. A quick reminder while you’re out there: groomed tracks are for classic skiing only, dogs need to stay leashed, and yes, scooping the poop still applies even in winter. Respect the trails and they’ll return the favour.

🌲 Don’t forget about your Christmas tree 

If your Christmas tree is still hanging around looking dry and suspicious, this is your reminder to deal with it. Natural tree drop-off runs through January 11 in Saint John at several arena and field locations, and Quispamsis is also accepting trees until January 11. Consider this your friendly nudge before the needles fully take over.

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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!

TUESDAY

Creative Duo Sewing Series | January 7
This four-week sewing series is designed for an adult and child to learn side by side, working on a project from start to finish with hands-on guidance. Held in a calm, supportive studio setting, the class covers sewing basics while actually making something useful along the way. Other classes also start this week, including adult beginner and beyond sessions, kids PJ pants, and more for anyone looking to get stitching.

THURSDAY

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | January 8
Fundy Sea Shanty Night returns to O’Leary’s for an evening of songs, stories, and good old maritime singalongs. The singing starts at 7pm and there’s no cover, just voices raised in unison and a room that warms up fast on a winter night. Expect nautical history, familiar choruses, and the kind of atmosphere that makes strangers feel like shipmates by the end.

FRIDAY

Wolf Castle – Waiting For the Dawn Tour | January 9
The Waiting For the Dawn tour stops in Saint John with Wolf Castle, joined by The Olympic Symphonium and Stephen Hero & Friends. The show blends pop-rap and old-school roots with sharp lyrics and big hooks, moving between celebration and reflection. It’s a high-energy night that’s easy to get into, whether you know the music or are just looking for a great live show.

SATURDAY

Brick City Beatdown | January 10–11
The Irving Oil Field House will be buzzing as 31 teams roll into Saint John for Atlantic Canada’s largest 4v4 ultimate frisbee tournament. Players from across the Maritimes and beyond spend the weekend sprinting, bidding, and laying it all out in a fast, physical format that’s easy to follow and fun to watch. Spectators are welcome, and yes, there’s merch if you want to rep the beatdown.

SUNDAY

New Brunswick Youth Orchestra - Vive le Canada | January 11
The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra returns to the Imperial Theatre for a Sunday afternoon concert that’s family-friendly and easy to enjoy, whether you’re a regular or just curious. The program mixes familiar favourites with big, dramatic moments, including music inspired by The Hockey Sweater, plus works by Márquez and Tchaikovsky. It’s a community-focused show that highlights young musicians from across the province. Show starts at 2pm.

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Back on New Year’s Eve, we shared this photo of a giant present wrapped in lights somewhere in the region and asked if you could name the spot. The answer was JTR Services on the Golden Mile, and honestly, if there were an award for favourite holiday display, this one would’ve been in the running. Shoutout to Eddy D., Sarah M., Rob C., Chanda M., Bryn R., Louise D., Kate W., and Cathy M. for nailing it.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who has never said the phrase too much coffee ☕️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher