Knee slappers from Paolo Cortesi - 1520

Can't see the humour?? Just go to the Saint John Renaissance Faire on Aug 25 at Sheldon's Point Park, Sand Cove Road.

Happy Canada Day

I didn't know there were voyageurs in town.

Take that - Super Moon

All this talk of the Super Moon .... in June Venus will show the moon who is boss.
I saw this notice at the  Irving Nature park today. Get ready for the Transit of Venus on June 5.

Lots to do this weekend on the westside

If you're looking for something to do on the westside this weekend and you're not much of a political junkie, or simply need a break from the campaigning, a few events come to mind.

• The Lou Murphy Park  / Emera Trail Mulch Day is happening on Saturday May 5. You can help to make this park's trails user friendly.
• Also on May 5 in the Milford area, the Dominion Park Beach Clean Up Day - 9am to 1pm - Volunteer BBQ at noon. Bring your rakes and gloves, the rest will be provided.
• And at the Carleton Community Centre, a fundraiser on Sunday from 10am -3pm  with vendors, food, raffle tickets and lots more.  Sounds like a fun way to support a good cause.

Ye Old Renaissance Faire

The fog added a bit of atmosphere to the Saint John Renaissance Faire today at the Sheldon Point Barn on Sand Cove Road.  I couldn't stay for the Shield Throwing, but it looked like everyone was having a merry time.

Lancaster Christmas Parade this Weekend

I saw a Christmas tree being installed at Wolastoq Park this morning (the site of the former Provincial Hospital / Centracare). The Lancaster Christmas Parade is happening this Saturday. Let's hope for slightly milder temps for an enjoyable time for all.

It happens every year

I saw a poster recently announcing the 6th annual Lancaster Santa Parade, November 27, 1pm. Looks like some elves have been busy preparing for this great show of local community pride.
I guess I had better make my list...

Stonehammer - First Global Geopark in North America- that's solid!

I received a news release from Stonehammer / NB Museum today announcing that the bid by the local Stonhammer Geopark committee has been accepted. Well done all!  Good news for southern NB tourism.

It's NB Day

It was a great weekend to get out and enjoy the weather and all things New Brunswick, and Westside things, of course.

There was some serious overtime happening at the Superstore today.  The Superstore sign has been removed and painters were giving the outside of the store a fresh coat of paint.  There were several workers visible installing equipment and doing "stuff" - preparing for the transformation to the  "No Frills" store .  Late last week the photo centre was gone, and by now the deli may be out. The bakery was removed early last week. Looks like the change over is happening fast.

I must say I do like the bike racks that have been recently placed around the Lancaster Mall - a nice example of form meeting function.

I dropped by the NB Day activities at Wolastoq Park this afternoon. A good crowd was gathered, and there was lots of food and music everyone.

NB Day Events

I noticed that there will be several events happening on NB Day, Monday Aug. 2.
The West Side PACT and RBC Westwind Place are sponsoring a free BBQ and Flea Market from 11am-2pm. The Flea Market will be located in Queen Square on the West Side. 

Also - a free BBQ and family games will be held 1-5pm, with live music,  at Wolastoq Park, Simms Corner.

Buskers Uptown

I had an opportunity to see some of the buskers in town this afternoon. I couldn't resist posting this image of a very stout chef.  The boardwalk at Market Square was a beehive of activity -  nice to see so many folks out enjoying activities.

Fast, Faster, Fastest

I attended Dave Goss's excellent Walk'n'Talk tonight. "Fast, Faster, Fastest" took place in CedarHill Cemetery on Lancaster Avenue.  Among the highlights, the newly unveiled monument marking the grave of Charles Gorman, the graves of the Paris Crew  (I didn't realize they were West Siders), the guy (can't remember his name) who, around 1850,  was responsible for having water piped in from Spruce Lake, and other remarkable people who were involved in amazing ways with Lancaster's  / Saint John's development.

Dave Goss, along with Harold Wright who was in attendance tonight, are great resources in helping the community keep in touch with our history.














Last summer I took this photo of William Boggs' grave stone.  I thought it was interesting because he was 104 when he died in 1838; he was born in 1734!  David Goss mentioned Boggs tonight because Boggs was the oldest Loyalist buried in the cemetery, and he died on Loyalist Day.

Pick a winner

If you haven't already voted in the Best of Saint John Music Poll, time is running out (has it already run out?) The 3rd annual awards will be held at the Blue Olive May 14th.
 

Amazon / Schmamazon! 

Yer not done yet! More Voting.

The Bay of Fundy has made it to the finals of the New 7 Wonders of the World / New 7 Wonders of Nature. It's the only Canadian finalist.   Be sure to visit the website and vote for the Bay of Fundy;  the competition is impressive, and we want to put an end to the "drive-through tourist" syndrome in NB.

Family Literacy Day - January 27

Family Literacy Day occurs each January 27.  The Saint John Free Public Library, West Branch is holding a "Singing for Literacy" event, 7:00  p.m. - 8:00  p.m.  with participants singing books.

Check out this worthy cause.

Happy New Year 2010!

Christmas Tree Lighting at Wolastoq Park

The rain had ended and the temperature was unusually mild for the Irving sponsored  Christmas Tree Lighting tonight at Wolastoq Park (former Centracare site).  A good sized crowd attended, and Rudolph, Frosty, and even the Grinch were chillin' to hot chocolate and music from Harbourview School choir.

Market Place Wellness Centre

The province of NB has spent a lot of money helping to establish a Wellness Centre in the Carleton Community Centre. The local neighbour group West Side PACT has been working with the province and the Hospital Corporation to make this happen.

The Market Place Wellness Centre is having a grand opening on Saturday the 28th at its location in the Carleton Community Centre. I hope to attend. It's a great addition to the west side, and a great service for the whole community.

Santa Parade

The West Side Santa Claus Parade was Saturday. I couldn't stay for the parade but did catch a bit. Ya couldn't have asked for better weather.

The Empty Stocking Fund was happening at the same time, so I don't know if that impacted attendance. I have yet to hear or read any news about the success of this year's Empty Stocking Fund; no idea how much money was raised. I can't seem to find information about the broadcast. The local media seem to go into hibernation every weekend.

The light standards on Fairville Blvd. are a new addition - wonder when the actual lights will be installed?

Why so serious ... Champlain?

I hope to drop by Wolastoq Park (formerly the site of the Provincial Hospital / Centracare) on July 7th to learn more about the individuals represented by the wood sculptures displayed there. David Goss will be the presenter, should be interesting.

Communities at Work and Play

Last weekend saw many activities around the city, and the west side was busy, too. The great weather helped bring people out to support two events that I dropped by. On Saturday at the Carleton Community Center supporters assisted with a clean up and barbeque organized by John Campbell. Members of the International Longshoremen's Association were there to help. Mr. Campbell wants to raise community awareness of the unused and neglected green spaces, and raise funds for a multi-purpose community facility. If you haven’t been to the playground at the Center it’s worth checking out.

On Sunday I dropped by the fundraiser for the Porter Memorial Playground at Seawood Elementary School. The organizers are hoping to raise $200,000 to build a playground. Again, lots of community support was evident. I don’t know how much was raised at Sunday’s event but by the look of the crowd a good beginning was made.