🎒 Waiting on what?

Good morning Saint John! Ever wish cleaning out the attic could make you rich? A Northern California family found a 1939 copy of Superman No. 1 that sold for $9.12 million. All we’ve ever found in the attic are old Ritchie’s newspaper ads. 🛠️

Here’s the haps for the day:

• Too many tots, too few spots 🍼

• Time’s ticking for Faces of Fusion ⏳

• Need a Claus for a cause 🎅 

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Spread the Word! 📣

Share your local business story with our readers. Advertise in our newsletter for maximum reach!

NEWS NOTES

🧸 New daycare opens but demand keeps climbing 

Daycare by Design finally held its grand opening this week after quietly wrangling toddlers inside the Full Gospel Assembly Church on the east side for a month. The space is lively and multicultural, with kids and staff from Ukraine, the Philippines, Nigeria, and around town all figuring out snack time together. They can take 60 kids, but 120 families are already on the waitlist. Across Saint John, officials estimate nearly 9,000 children are waiting for childcare spots, which is why the province kicked in $500,000 to help expand capacity. 

🩸Saint John hospital getting smart with blood

The Saint John Regional Hospital just scored a national nod for “using blood wisely.” Along with Moncton, the Regional is helping cut unnecessary transfusions and keep Canada’s blood supply in better shape. It’s part of a clinician-led program with more than 180 hospitals nationwide, but here, it’s our team saving lives and being efficient while they’re at it. With demand for blood expected to jump nearly 10 per cent in the next five years, every smart transfusion counts.

✨ Faces of Fusion nominations closing soon

Know someone in Saint John who quietly makes the city better every day? Time is running out to bring their name forward for Faces of Fusion 2026, nominations close December 5. Fusion Saint John is handing out awards for Entrepreneurs, Artists, Community Champions, Environmental Heroes, and newcomers making waves (aka the New Johner award).

The celebration is February 6 at the Imperial Theatre…food, a cash bar, silent auction goodies, and five deserving locals finally getting the spotlight. Learn more about the event, nominations and get your tickets here.

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Today’s events come straight from our readers. If you’ve got an event coming up, be sure to sent it our way!

Radon Information Session | November 26
Worried about what’s lurking in your walls? Radon Plus and NB Lung are hosting a free info session in Grand Bay-Westfield to demystify radon…what it is, how it sneaks into homes, its health risks, and ways to test and reduce it. Drop in Wednesday, 6-7:30pm at the Grand Bay Room, Community Centrum. No registration required, all welcome, and yes, it’s completely free!

Portside Cheer Luncheon | November 27
Support Saint John’s seafarers at the 2nd Annual Portside Cheer Luncheon Wednesday, 11:30am-1pm at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, 111 Water Street. Connect with business and community leaders, hear from a keynote speaker about the port and transportation sector, and enjoy catering by Thandi. All while contributing to the Saint John Seafarers Mission, offering a warm welcome and essential services to the men and women keeping our marine traffic moving.

Caribbean Christmas Concert | November 28
Get into the holiday groove with the Balysto Steelband at Portland United Church, 50 Newport Crescent. Friday, 7pm, they’ll serve up upbeat Christmas favorites with a Caribbean twist, plus timeless carols like O Holy Night. Bring your festive cheer (and maybe a few coins), it’s a free will offering event that promises fun for the whole family!

Emporia Christmas Open House | November 29
Step into old-world magic in Uptown Saint John for a Christmas Open House Saturday, 10am-5pm. Cozy candlelight, gorgeous decorations, and inspired gift ideas set the scene, with treats, refreshments, giveaways, and plenty of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect spot to soak up festive vibes, get inspired, and enjoy a little extra Christmas sparkle in the heart of the city!

Mistletoe and Mayhem 2 | November 29
Get in the holiday spirit at Saint David’s United Church, Rothesay, for “Mistletoe and Mayhem 2” Saturday, 2pm. Enjoy traditional and playful Christmas songs with Christopher Lane and Terri-Lynn McNichol, accompanied by John Higgins on piano. The concert is free, with an optional donation.

Christmas in the Village | November 29-30
St. Martins is really lighting up this weekend for Christmas in the Village with Santa visits at the Caves Restaurant, a Grinch Food Drive, the parade, and the Harbour Lights tree lighting. Get crafty at Peter Salmon Art Centre, make ornaments at Not Your Average Arts Studio, shop local vendors, sip free hot chocolate, and meet a llama in the petting zoo on Sunday. One weekend only, don’t miss the holiday magic!

In Pursuit Sparkles+ Pop-Ups | December 5-6
In Pursuit is gearing up for Sparkles weekend, but like the rest of us, they can’t stop at just one night of fun. Friday, December 5, 5-9pm, pop in for Eleven, Timeless Trinkets, Erin Elleker, and Eastern Brims doing live tattoos. Then roll back on Saturday, December 6 at 10am for Modern Messybun, The Bread Box, and Maritime Women Apparel with last-minute gifts, treats, and post-Sparkles cheer!

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY

📸 Tracy Allain Daigle | 📍 1 Princess Street

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Santa Wanted at Bobby’s Hospice

Bobby’s Hospice is hoping to find a Santa who can swing by on December 5 and 22 to bring a little holiday cheer to patients and families. If you know someone with a good “ho-ho-ho,” they’d love to connect.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who might find hidden cash in the couch cushions 🪙.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?