No flies on these pumpkins

I saw these at the Pumpkin Patch a few weeks ago. They were big.

You don't see this everyday!

These Halloween fans were taking advantage of the beautiful weather today.
They weren't trick-or-treating, it was a group of toddlers with their caregivers enjoying the sunshine.

More Updates Coming for Carleton Community Centre

Last week Saint John MP Rodney Weston announced a federal investment of $22,500 for the community centre's in the new gym floor, with the city contributing $40,000 which will finish the job.

The center which was built in 1863, has had a great year in terms of renovations and injections of funds. Earlier in the year the NB Dept of Health announced that the centre would be receiving $125,000 toward establishing a Wellness Centre in conjunction with St Joseph's Community Health Centre. A health practitioner provides disease management and specimen collection, and other services.

Apparently the West Side Food Bank will relocate to the community centre later in the year. This is very good news. The current location at the Maritime Opportunity Centre, is on a bus route that has sporadic service. And it's quite a walk if you're carrying a few bags of groceries.

Queen's Square Makeover?

According to the City's website:

The City of Saint John is developing a plan for Queen's Square West.

The public is invited to contribute to the plan for Queen’s Square West. The City of Saint John Input Session – Queen’s Square West Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7-9pm. St. Patrick’s School Gymnasium, 172 City Line. For further information, please contact the City of Saint John Leisure Services Department at 658-2909.

That could be exciting news... get out there everyone and have a say!!

I like this aerial image from the City's webage (look for Maps - under Services). It was taken in 1967. Great shot of the west side.

The Hurricane Bill Show

Hurricane Bill turned out to be a breeze for Saint John - thankfully.

Saints Rest beach attracted many spectators, none the less. The surf was definitely strong enough to pull a person out into the water. That didn't deter people from tempting fate.

It's amazing what nature can create; what are the chances of wind, water, and tides creating this?:

Art Gallery?

At a recent city council meeting (according to the August 17th agenda) Councillor Snook presented a motion to explore costs associated with a "graffiti management plan", and council members received information on Halifax's anti-graffiti program.

Graffiti can be a big problem. Defacing public and private property, and costs associated with clean-up, are serious considerations. I read recently about a two different approaches to controlling graffiti.

In Calgary this past weekend Urbanburn2 - an outdoor youth and art festival - addressed "artistic expression through vandalism" in a positive way. Artists exhibited their work and explored "non-destructive" means of graffiti. They were taught about public art and community involvement.

Meanwhile, according to a recent CBC article, the City of Calgary has given a "legal zone" to graffiti artists. From the article:

Dawn Ford, with the City of Calgary, said the project carries a positive message. "One of our goals is to visually animate our city and make it much more vibrant, and in a space like Shaw Millennium Park we're looking at targeting the art ... to the community that uses that park," Ford said.

On the other end of the spectrum, the city of Los Angeles is taking a very serious tone regarding graffiti. I read a story in the LA Times that reports the city's Attorney wants to give police the power to arrest taggers who congregate, they don't have to be caught doing anything illegal.

Not surprisingly there are many vocal critics to this proposal, ranging from representatives of civil liberties organizations to law enforcement officials.

How does this relate to the West Side? I am posting pictures of graffiti found on the west side. It is very impressive, and I would consider it to be non-destructive as it is found on an abandoned foundation near the water.

Sand Sculpture Contest at New River Beach

I did not attend the sand sculpture contest at New River Beach this weekend, but I drove by the area. I haven't heard how many people attended, but by the number of cars parked on the Saint John side of the entrance, I'd say the event was a success.

St Andrews Visit

I recently was in St. Andrews - it's been a while since I visited there. It was hopping busy. The murals on Water Street are a nice addition.

I had great coffee at Honeybeans Coffee, Tea and Treats, 157 Water Street. It's owned by couple from Alberta who moved to St Andrews last year. The coffee is roasted in Halifax, and the treats are made locally. Check it out.

Zellers Reopening and Lancaster Mall update

Zellers in Lancaster Mall had their official reopening today, after months of renovation. Apparently there were shoppers lined up outside the store at 6:30am. The store looks bright and clean, a great improvement. Can't wait for the parking lot reconstruction to be finished!

Java Moose also opened in Lancaster Mall this week. The new shop is looking good - a nice addition to the mall. They don't yet have the full menu that the other stores have - but hope to offer it soon.



The mall entrance to Zellers will open later this week. The area shown in the photo below will house the SJ Transit Lounge. The mall entrance to Zellers is on the left.

Why doesn't the SJ Police Force have a website?

I find it curious that the Saint John Police Force does not have its own website. The municipal web presence for the force is virtually non-exist ant. Many local and regional forces have their own sites, such as: Fredericton, and Rothesay, and larger cities like Halifax have a very comprehensive website with lots of useful information.