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Good morning, Saint John! Just down the road in Maine, a chicken named Gertie has been named the oldest in the world at 15… still clucking along and ruling the roost like it’s no big deal. If you needed a Friday mindset, there it is. Don’t wing it, pace yourself, and don’t let anyone ruffle your feathers.

Here’s what we’re cluckin’ about today:

  • The doorbell dilemma 🛎️

  • When mom comes to town to cook 🍱

  • Painters under pressure 🎯

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
RVR Days won’t last forever

Spring’s here, and this is one of the best deals you’ll see all year.

The RVR is Mitsubishi’s compact SUV that somehow checks every box. Sporty look, smart tech, and one of the best on gas in the country. Perfect for Saint John winters, grocery runs, hockey gear, and everything else life throws in the back seat.

The only catch is...when March ends, this deal ends.

So if your current vehicle has started making new and exciting noises every morning, this might be the sign.

NEWS NOTES

It’s door-to-door season 🚪

You’re just sitting down for supper, finally, fork in hand… and the doorbell rings. Dog loses it, everyone freezes, and now you’ve got a decision to make. Get up? Or pretend you didn’t hear it?

Turns out, it might actually matter. New Brunswick regulators are warning that door-to-door sellers are back out in full force this time of year, and not all of them are legit. Some are showing up without the proper licence, offering everything from driveway paving to roofing and “quick inspections” you didn’t ask for.

There’s also a 10-day cooling-off period if you do sign something, but honestly, the safest move is to take your time, check references, and never pay upfront.

So next time that doorbell goes mid-meal… ignoring it might not be the worst call.

🏆Top clicks of the week

Monday - Full voting info from Elections NB
Tuesday - Lume fitness coming to Market Square
Wednesday - Surf City Artistic Swim Club
Thursday - Harbour Passage extension to Fallsview

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

LOCAL BUSINESS
FOODIE FRIDAY

🍜 A new Korean spot lands in the North End

Another new food option is setting up on Churchill, and this one’s built for quick, easy, repeat visits.

Bap & Noods is getting ready to open at 229 Churchill Blvd, bringing Korean rice bowls, noodles, and crispy fried chicken into the North End lineup. The whole concept leans into customization, letting you build your own bowl with your pick of base, protein, toppings, and sauce.

“It’s a fast-casual take on Korean food focused on bold flavours, simple choices, and everyday affordability,” said Ginny Hwang, owner of Bap & Noods.

Ginny says the move to Saint John was a personal one, with family already here. “My son and his girlfriend are in Saint John, and he’s a firefighter, so I wanted to support them with food and mom’s love,” she said. “Funny reason for a new adventure, right?”

It’s meant to be simple and approachable, even if Korean food isn’t something you usually go for, with what they describe as “approachable…balanced Korean flavors.”

Early menu highlights include the Korean BBQ rice bowl and their K-fried chicken with signature sauces, both of which feel like safe bets on a first visit.

“We chose the North End because of its rapid growth and demand for fresh, quick dining options,” said Ginny, adding that the space is designed to work as both a grab-and-go stop and a casual place to sit and eat.

Soft opening is planned for late April. Another one to keep an eye on as that stretch of Churchill keeps filling in.

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

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

What we’re doing this weekend!

Coffee and Conversation | April 17
St. Mark’s United Church is serving up caffeine and gardening talk Friday morning with its latest Coffee and Conversation session. Amy Cleveland, a horticulture technician and Master Gardener, will lead a discussion on square foot gardening in raised beds from 10am to 11am at 50 Dexter Drive. Handy timing for anyone staring at a yard, a seed packet, or a raised bed that currently contains mostly ambition.

Legally Blonde The Musical | April 14-18
Only a few shows left! Elle Woods hits the stage at KV High in a high-energy, pink-powered take on the crowd favourite. It’s the story you know…fashion, law school, proving people wrong, with big musical numbers and a cast that’s clearly going to have fun with it. Matinee and evening performances are scheduled. 

Dram and A Draw Live at Yip Cider | April 18
Yip Cider is turning into a full East Coast kitchen party with Dram and A Draw bringing accordion, fiddle, and high-energy Celtic roots to the taproom. The show starts at 8pm out in Long Reach, with optional shuttle pickups from Saint John and the KV. Yip will also be showcasing some new menu items, included with your ticket!

Art Love Live Painting Competition | April 18
A live painting showdown is taking over 333 Water Street with local artists going head-to-head across three rounds while the crowd watches it all come together in real time. It runs 6-8pm, and guests get to vote on their favourite piece before a winner is crowned. Tickets are $20, with proceeds supporting P.R.O. Kids Saint John.

Earth Day Community Clean-Up | April 18 - April 22
Rothesay is inviting schools, businesses, families, and anyone else with a pair of shoes and some civic pride to join its Earth Day Community Clean-Up. The clean-up runs for five days, with gloves and garbage bags available at Town Hall starting April 16 and a dumpster set up at the Rothesay Arena parking lot for collected trash. Good excuse to do something useful, get outside, and finally stop pretending that roadside litter just magically handles itself.

Saint John Aquarium Society Monthly Meeting | April 19
Aquarium enthusiasts are getting together at Summit Pets for an evening of fish talk, learning, and a few prizes along the way. Doors open at 5pm, with a feature presentation at 5:30pm on a recent fish expedition to West Africa, followed by an auction, raffle draws, and in-store deals. Coffee’s on JavaMoose, and anyone curious about the hobby is welcome.

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.

LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday, we shared this nautical piece and asked where Uptown we were. It’s the HMCS Saint John display in the foyer between Market Square and the Trade and Convention Centre, and the plaque notes the ship served from 1943 to 1947 and was adopted by the City in 1944, with the memorial funded by local donors in 1986. Shout out to Edgar D., Jim B., Sharon F., Rick F., Ken C., Wes M., Sean M., and Chrissy M. for knowing their stuff.

Got a great local shot? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and we could feature it here.

SIDE NOTES

🌅 6:35am | 🌇 8:12pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Low Tide

6:12 AM(Fri 17 April)

0.55 m(1.8 ft)

High Tide

12:19 PM(Fri 17 April)

8.03 m(26.35 ft)

Low Tide

6:32 PM(Fri 17 April)

0.72 m(2.36 ft)

Fastest ship in the world sets sail 🚢
On this day in 1851, the Marco Polo was launched at Marsh Creek near Saint John, and it didn’t take long to make waves. Built at Courtenay Bay, the clipper ship went on to earn the title “Fastest Ship in the World,” putting Saint John shipbuilding on the global map in a big way.

Right Place. Right Time. Every Morning.
Running a special this week? Side Notes is perfect for quick-hit offers that get seen. From limited-time promos to new menu drops or sign-up deals, it’s a simple way to stay top of mind with locals already planning their next move. Let’s put it in front of them.*

*indicates sponsored content

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs to join the local info pecking order 🐔.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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