🍕 South end pizza panic

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Good morning, Saint John! A dog park in Miami just broke the world record for the largest dog pool party, with 277 pups splashing around in kiddie pools this weekend. Meanwhile, the rest of us are just out here answering emails and doggy paddling our way through the work week. Pooches are absolutely winning.

Here’s what we’re fetching for you today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

And start stepping in!

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Most people in Saint John know Scott Gogan as a longtime police officer, musician, and the guy behind the popular Christmas With The Cops concerts at the Imperial Theatre.

What many don’t know is that just over two years ago, Scott was days away from dying.

After months of being treated for what doctors believed was a chest infection, Scott learned he was actually in severe heart failure linked to radiation treatments he received decades earlier while battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He underwent emergency surgery in 2024 and spent weeks recovering in the New Brunswick Heart Centre.

Now, he’s returning to the Imperial stage this weekend for the Big Band Benefit supporting the NB Heart Centre alongside local musicians, surprise guests, and even Health Minister Dr. John Dornan.

➡️ Get to know Scott, learn about his remarkable recovery, and read why he now has the heartbeat that brought him back from life support tattooed on his arm.

🚧 Julius Pizza says don’t fear the pylons

The road closed signs are up on Charlotte Street, the construction cones are multiplying by the hour, and at least a few people have apparently assumed Julius Pizza has vanished into the asphalt forever, but the longtime south end staple says it’s still fully open and serving customers through the dust and detours.

Joanna Vlamakis, co-owner of Julius Pizza, said the restaurant is still operating as usual despite the construction confusion now surrounding the area.

“We have noticed some confusion from customers who think we’re closed or unable to be reached, but we want the community to know that we are absolutely still open and operating as usual,” said Joanna.

Customers can currently still access the restaurant through Horsfield Street and into the parking lot, or pull up directly in front of the restaurant. Joanna said access points have been changing often, which has forced the business into full-time “construction traffic update” mode on social media.

Still, she said the support from customers so far has been huge.

“We’ve had a lot of people checking in, sharing our posts, and intentionally coming by to support us because they know construction can be difficult for small businesses,” said Joanna. “That support means everything to us and to our staff.”

And while nobody is exactly thrilled about navigating another Saint John construction season, Joanna says the long-term city work is understandable… even if the timing isn’t exactly ideal for pizza traffic.

“In our opinion, the pizza and pasta are definitely worth navigating a few pylons for.”

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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.

Municipal Heritage Trail Clean-Up | May 13
The Grand Bay-Westfield Youth Council hosts this community cleanup Wednesday at 6pm, with volunteers meeting at the Community Centrum parking lot before heading out along the Municipal Heritage Trail. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided, and all ages are welcome to help tidy up the trail for the season.

For Every Season Quilt Show | May 15–16
The Marco Polo Quilters Guild brings its annual quilt show to St. Luke’s Anglican Church on Main Street, running Friday from 1-8pm and Saturday from 10am-5pm. The event features handcrafted quilts, local vendors, and demonstrations from quilters, with admission set at $5 and free entry for children 12 and under.

Dominion Park Beach Cleanup | May 16
Volunteers will gather at Dominion Park Saturday from 9am-12pm for the community association’s annual beach cleanup, helping clear the shoreline while learning about upcoming restoration plans for the park. Refreshments will be available on-site, with support from the City of Saint John and local businesses.

Loyalist House Open Day | May 18
Loyalist House on Union Street opens its doors Monday from 10am-3pm for a free public day focused on Saint John’s Loyalist and Revolutionary War-era history. Volunteers and members of DeLancey’s Brigade will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and share stories from the period.

Celebrate Africa Day | May 24
PRUDE Inc. hosts this Africa Day celebration Sunday from 1-4pm at its Market Square office, featuring food, fashion, music, storytelling, and a “Living Map of Africa” experience designed to highlight the diversity and traditions of the continent. Families and community members are invited to attend.

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s | May 31
The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick hosts this fundraising walk Sunday at HMCS Brunswicker, with registration opening at 12pm and the walk starting at 1pm. Participants will help raise funds for dementia programs and services across the province while taking part in games, activities, and community events throughout the afternoon.

Bootin’ It for Vets Run and BBQ | June 6
The second annual Bootin’ It for Vets takes place Saturday from 9am-1pm at the Ridgewood Veterans Wing on Bay Street, featuring a 1km fun run, 5km timed run, BBQ, bouncy castles, touch-a-truck activities, and other family events. Proceeds support the Veterans Comfort Fund, with registration open to all ages and abilities.

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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. If this looks familiar to you, hit reply and let us know if you know the location. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s needs a dog day afternoon 🐶.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher