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🚩Wrexham Weekend
Good morning, Saint John! On this day in 1843, John E. Turnbull invented a manual washer with a wringer. Ten minutes of cranking = clean clothes…essentially Saint John’s original spin class 💪.
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
Mini homes, big drama 🏡
Wanderers vs Wrexham showdown ⚽
Cop shoots, scores medals🥇
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
Mini homes, major debate 🏡
City staff said no, council said yes, and now a 17-unit mini home neighbourhood on Latimore Lake Road is one step closer to reality.
Developer Tom Cole pitched the project as a fix for the housing crunch, offering small, fixed-foundation homes with garden lots and no need for city water or sewer. Staff pushed back, saying it didn’t fit with Plan SJ or city service boundaries.
Council voted 6-2 in favour anyway, with Coun. Brent Harris calling the plan “culpable” in the housing crisis and backing smaller, creative builds like this. Third reading still to come. ($)
🎯Saint John Cop Cleans Up at Global Games
Saint John’s own Detective Constable James Smith just hauled in eight medals at the World Police and Fire Games in Alabama. The 14-year police veteran is apparently just as steady with a rifle as he is on the job, earning top honours in events like 300-yard prone and 3-position small bore (a.k.a. the Olympic decathlon of lying down, kneeling, and standing still very precisely).
Smith’s performance helped Team Canada clean up, and he also hit a personal best which, in rifle-speak, we assume means “dead centre a whole bunch of times.”
He’s competed in China, the Netherlands, L.A., Winnipeg… and now Birmingham, Alabama. We’ll just go ahead and say it: this guy’s medal haul might be heavier than his badge.
⚽ The Coolest Teacher at RNS Might Be Your Soccer Kid’s Hero
You’d be forgiven if you mistook André Bona for just another RNS teacher at first glance. French class? Check. History? He’s got it. Coaching? Oh, just varsity boys soccer. Oh, and also: former pro with the Halifax Wanderers.
When Bona landed at Rothesay Netherwood in 2021, the kids did what any sensible student would…stalked his stats and brought his jersey to class for autographs.
These days, he’s schooling the next generation both on the field and off, turning soccer dreams into strategy and mindset lessons. And come Saturday, when Wanderers U21 takes on Wrexham U21 right here in Saint John (details below), his students, and maybe a few ball kids, will get to see how close the dream really is.
Bona’s message? “Nothing’s impossible.” But it probably helps if your geography teacher once played in the Canadian Premier League.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates third-party subscription may be required.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WEEKEND PREVIEW - keeping things casual with markets, soccer and some laidback events this weekend, before three big local weekends in a row. Here’s some stuff to check out!
TONIGHT
Trivia at the Docks | July 10
Back for another season, Trivia at the Docks is setting sail at AREA 506 with host Tony on the mic. Brought to you by Cask & Kettle Brewing, this laid-back waterfront quiz night kicks off at 7pm. Teams of 4–6 are ideal, but no registration is needed, just show up, grab a drink, and test your smarts with the tide at your back.
Nico Paulo at the Common | July 10
The Concert in the Common series continues with Nico Paulo taking the stage at 7pm. The Portuguese-Canadian folk-pop artist brings her lush, dreamy sound to Rothesay Common for a free outdoor performance. Bring a chair or blanket, maybe take the dog for a loop, and enjoy a mellow summer evening. Parking available at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, just across the way.
Fundy Sea Shanty Night | July 10
O’Leary’s will be echoing with maritime music as Halifax’s Callehan and local crew Before the Mast team up for an evening of sea shanties. Things get rolling at 7pm and run about 90 minutes. No admission fee, but donations are encouraged, with proceeds heading to the local food bank. Expect harmonies, history, and a scurvy-free good time.
FRIDAY
Movie in the Park: Moana 2 | July 11
The Town of Quispamsis teams is the place to be for a free outdoor movie night at the Arts & Culture Park. Showtime is dusk Friday, July 11, with complimentary popcorn on hand. Moana is back for a new adventure beyond the reef, grab a blanket, bring the family, and enjoy this sea-faring sequel under the stars. Rain location is the Q-Plex at 7pm.
Hampton Market Fridays | July 11
Every Friday evening through July and August, Hampton Market sets up from 5–8pm with fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. It’s a lively community spot with live music and friendly vibes, perfect for supporting local makers and catching up with neighbors. For updates on vendors and special events, check the Town of Hampton’s socials.
SATURDAY
Wanderers vs Wrexham U21 | July 12
The Summer Series lands in Saint John as Halifax Wanderers’ U21s take on Wrexham A.F.C.’s U21 squad…yes, that Wrexham, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. It’s the final match of a three-city showdown, and Wrexham’s first-ever Maritime visit. Kickoff is 1pm at the Canada Games Stadium, come see some future pros tear it up on the pitch.
Ghosts of Grand Entrances | July 12
Local legend David Goss leads this eerie uptown walking tour, sharing ghost stories tied to Saint John’s historic homes and hidden corners. The 90-minute stroll begins at 8:30pm from the Duke Street steps of Saint John High, flashlights and warm layers recommended. Expect tales, chills, and a chance to win his latest spooky book. Deadline to book is July 9, and space is limited to 25 brave souls.
Embracing Spontaneity in Creative Process | July 12
Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Gill Salmon’s full-day workshop in St. Martins offers playful prompts, mixed media, and a few unexpected tools to help shake things loose. Whether you’re a painter, writer, or just feeling creatively stalled, this hands-on session runs 10am–4pm at the Peter Salmon Art Centre. Open to all creative types. $75, register via e-transfer to [email protected].
SUNDAY
Saint John Free Store Fundraiser | July 13
The Free Store’s fundraising social kicks off at 6pm at Haven Music Hall & Cafe in Uptown. Expect food, cornhole, swag, and a pay-what-you-can art sale featuring pieces by Simmi Obscura. Funds raised will help support the free August 16th Fair in Queen’s Square, covering essentials like toilets and printing. If you can’t make it, donations are welcome by e-transfer to [email protected].
Pop Up Community Market | July 13
Spend your Sunday morning and afternoon at Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park’s Pop Up Community Market from 9am to 2pm. Explore local vendors, enjoy the outdoor setting, and soak up some community vibes. It’s a great way to support local makers and spend a relaxing day in the park.
*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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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 00:02 AM(Thu 10 July) | 7.45 m(24.44 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:23 AM(Thu 10 July) | 1.39 m(4.56 ft) |
High Tide | 12:33 PM(Thu 10 July) | 7.03 m(23.07 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:37 PM(Thu 10 July) | 1.78 m(5.84 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s been taking it a little too easy so far this summer! 😎
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher