Stop, go, and ‘follow me’ 🚧

Good morning Saint John! Ah, the first day of school…finally being allowed to wear those new sneakers, catching up with pals you didn’t see all summer and that moment when your homeroom teacher gives you the look, clearly sizing up the class clown…or was that just me? 🎒

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Traffic is gonna suck this week 🚦

• Mind your digital manners 📱

• Who’s our next Tiny Tim? 🎄

Have a great (short) week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚸 Slow down, school’s in 

Summer’s almost over and that means backpacks, buses, and school zones are back in play. Starting today, it’s 30 km/h during school hours — no exceptions. Kids are unpredictable, so keep an eye out for crosswalks, crossing guards, and those flashing bus lights (passing a stopped school bus = big no-no). Traffic’s about to get heavier, so leave a little earlier and remember: better late than flying through a school zone.

⛔ Bridge blues this week 

Heads up, west side commuters, if the thought of back to school traffic wasn’t daunting enough, there are several Harbour Bridge closures scheduled this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday (Sept. 2–3), the whole bridge will close for about 20 minutes sometime between 6 and 7pm while crews lift things into place. Then on Thursday, Sept. 4 and again Sept. 11, westbound lanes shut down from 6pm to 6am. Expect flaggers, a “follow me” truck, and the usual chorus of brake lights.

💻 Think before you click 

Back-to-school means new classes, new friends and, unfortunately, new chances for online drama. Saint John Police are reminding families that cyberbullying isn’t just mean comments; it can include spreading rumours, sharing personal info, or ganging up on someone in group chats. It’s harmful, and it can carry real legal consequences. Their advice: pause before you post, share, or reply. If you or your child are targeted, call 506-648-3333.

🎭 Auditions for A Christmas Carol 

Want to bring Ebenezer Scrooge (and a whole cast of colourful characters) to life? Saint John Theatre Company is holding auditions for a reimagined A Christmas Carol on Thursday, Sept. 4 (7–9:30pm) and Saturday, Sept. 6 (1–4pm) at 112 Princess Street. Seven adult roles and two youth roles are up for grabs, most actors will play multiple characters, so flexibility is key. Come ready to read, sing a bit of a carol, and show off any instrument skills. Rehearsals start in early October, with performances running Nov. 19–22 (and maybe the 23rd) at the Imperial Theatre. First-come, first-served so get there early and make Scrooge your own.

👷‍♂️ Something’s up at Long Wharf 

You may notice some action happening at Long Wharf this week. Crews are dredging the slip from 7am-7pm daily to scoop out built-up silt and keep the harbour deep enough for visiting ships. It’s routine work, but it means our cruise ships and cargo vessels can glide in without scraping the bottom…expect the activity to run for about a week.

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COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Quispamsis Town Council | Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Agenda Not Available – The full agenda wasn’t available at publishing time but should be posted here later today.

The meeting is scheduled for 6pm and can be attended in person or watched via livestream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TODAY

Sunset Yoga at Renforth Rotary Park | September 2, 2025
Take a break and unwind with a free sunset yoga session along the Kennebecasis River at Renforth Rotary Park. Perfect for all ages and abilities, no experience needed, just bring a mat. Stretch, breathe, and soak in the view, and you might even win a $50 Yoga Haus gift card in the raffle. Sessions start at 7pm. Rain date is the following evening.

WEDNESDAY

Try Touch Rugby | September 3, 2025
Want to get a taste of rugby without the tackles? Head to Irving Oil Field House for a free Try Touch Rugby session, perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. Learn the basics, get moving, and enjoy a fast-paced, friendly game. Open to anyone 18 and up, just bring energy, comfy sportswear, and water. Starts at 8pm, and no experience is needed.

THURSDAY

Connected for Impact | September 4, 2025
Saint John’s business minds are gathering at the Arts Centre for Bloom Funding’s free event on building future-ready, resilient companies. Hear practical insights on turning waste into wealth and tackling the productivity crisis, then stick around for a networking mixer with light refreshments. Registration is required, so grab your spot and join the conversation on sustainability, innovation, and growth. 4-7pm.

FRIDAY

The Laughing Tap | September 5, 2025
FusioNEast Taproom is serving up laughs with The Laughing Tap comedy night, hosted by Jon Nesbitt. Catch performances from Katelin Dean, Liam Patrick McNamara, Cass Maz, Jon Forward, and Ryan Whittaker. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy an evening of local talent and good vibes from 8-10pm.

SATURDAY

4 Corners Market & Music Fest | September 6, 2025
Spend the day in Nerepis enjoying live music, local treats, and a good cause. The Dirty Toques play classic rock, and Time Traveller kicks things off at 5pm while you enjoy a BBQ hamburger or hotdog. Check out the Traveling Gypsies Market from 10am-4pm, take part in a toonie toss, 50/50 draw, and other fun prizes, all supporting a community project. No entry fee.

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SIDE NOTES

🌊 Today’s Tides 

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

WEDNESDAY
Unity Park | 4 Amigos, Sour Dough Boys and The Copper Pennies | 6:30pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who could get a laugh in class. 🤡

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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