John Hooper Studios

John Hooper is a world renown sculptor who made his home and studio in Hampton, New Brunswick. His works can be seen all over Canada and even overseas. John was born in 1926 and past away in January of 06'. His legacy lives on through his amazing pieces of art. The art featured in this video today are the Market Square Time Piece and People Waiting. How to read the Time Piece The timepiece is a clock tower with a difference. It has no face and no hands. The numerals are on a horizontal band, above which another, encircled by a snake, completes one rotation every six hours. The traditional hands are replaced by the tail of the snake. How to tell the time has not been explained since the artist wished people to have to “ puzzle it out”. The snake’s tail is the “pointer” or “hour hand” and as it reaches the hour there are two numbers or hours to choose from - which one is obvious since the observer is usually aware of the general time of the day. The carvings are all in some way related to Man’s involvement with time. The snake grasping its tail for instance, is the symbol of eternity, and the little group at the top of the column are passing time. The structure and the carvings are of Honduras mahogany. Epoxy has been used as a sealant, stains for the bench and structure, and acrylic polymer paint for the carvings. The guilding is gold leaf. The clock mechanism is located immediately beneath the four standing figures and is driven by an AC synchronous electric motor (which can be heard above the traffic noise if one listens carefully). John Hooper of Hampton designed and carved the timepiece. Kathy Hooper, also an artist and John’s wife, was a colour consultant and assistant. The clock mechanism and wood construction is the work of Jack Massey of Darling’s Island.

Inside Connection Pt. 2

This is Part 2 of the Inside Connection, Saint John'sPedway System. Today we will explore the Aquatic Centre, Harbour Station, Brunswick Square, Shoppes of City Hall and the Market... enjoy!

Saint John Suzy explores the Pedway System

There is nothing worse then having to walk outside in the rain, snow , fog and whatever obstacles mother nature throws at us. This is why the inside connection pedway system is so fantastic. You can get from one end of the city centre to the other in virtually a few minutes and all by staying inside out of the bad weather. The pedway system connects you to all major amenities. These amenities include: the Saint John Free Public Library, Trade and Convention Centre, Market Square, Hilton, Delta, City Market, Saint John City Hall, Brunswick Square, Brunswick Business Centre, Aquatic Centre, Harbour Station, and not to mention countless shops and restaurants. This is part one of a two part series. Stay tuned for part 2!

Loyalist Burial Ground

The Loyalist Burial Ground is a landmark in Saint John. Despite it being a historic grave yard, the park is actually quite beautiful. The greenery in the summertime is beautiful and is a must see when visiting the city. I find as a tourist, whenever I am in a destination I've never been before, I tend to get tired quite quickly. This park is somewhere where you can relax, unwind and get that second wind to do other fantastic fun things within the city. There is also a fountain where you can sit and regroup before hitting the market or taking a ride on the jet boat. For the historian in you, the park offers plenty of of interesting facts and historical depictions on different stones. You're walking and learning! who woulda thought? Next time you are in Saint John, grab a coffee and take a stroll through the Loyalist Burial Ground. You won't regret it I'm sure.
-Suzy

City’s Best: Saint John Photo Competition

Tourism Saint John is proud to sponsor this year’s City’s Best: Saint John Photo Competition. Starting March 15, 2010 until June 30, 2010, email us your best photos of Saint John for a chance to win:

First Prize: Gift Certificate to Appleby’s Photo Centre ($150.00)
Second Prize: Jet Boat Ride for two (valued at $80.00)
Third Prize: Dinner for 2 at Grannans ($50.00 Gift Certificate)

*All winner’s photos will be posted on www.tourismsaintjohn.com as well as be displayed in the visitor information centers*


Rules and Regulations:
•Photos must be taken in the following categories:
1.Scenic (landscapes, seascapes, ect.)
2.Outdoor Fun (Festivals, picnics, sport, ect.)
3.People shots
4.Saint John turns 225! History, culture and art
• The submitted images must be the photographer’s original work and have never been copyrighted.
•Contest starts March 15, 2010. All entries must be received by midnight, June 30, 2010.
•All photos must have been taken within the last 12 months.
•All digital photos are to be submitted to visitsj@saintjohn.ca
•Prizes must be accepted as offered and are not transferable for cash.
•No purchase is necessary to enter or to win.
•All applicants are responsible for any liability issues that may arise from photographs and/or the violation of terms and conditions of their release
•All photos submitted become the property of Tourism Saint John. Some will be chosen and displayed at the visitor information centers around Saint John.

How to Enter:
-Submit your digital photograph(s) to the following address: visitsj@saintjohn.ca or
-Mail your photo(s) to the following address:
Saint John Photo Competition, Tourism Saint John,
PO Box 1971, Saint John, NB, E2L 4L1 or
-Drop your photo(s) off at Tourism Saint John Visitor Information Centre (Shoppes of City Hall).
-All photographs must have been shot within the last 12 months.
-Rules & Regulations are displayed at Visitor Information Centre or on our website, www.tourismsaintjohn.com. For more information, call 506-658-2855.

Clocks spring ahead an hour, Suzy loses an hour of sleep

For those of you who didn't change your clocks this morning, i bet you have some pretty mad bosses. I was fortunate enough to remember. I lost an hour of sleep last night but woke up surprisingly refreshed this morning. I am so excited for Wednesday!! ST PATTYS DAY

This weekend was a great weekend. I went to check out some of the live music at O'learys Pub and even got up to play a quick acoustic set with Ryan Smith who plays in the acoustic section of the Irish bar. Saint Patrick's Day is coming up sooner than later. There were many celebrations this past weekend pertaining to the Irish holiday. I keep getting alot of questions as to what is going on this St. Patty's Day. Well be rest assured, there will be lots to do in Canada's oldest Irish city. The Irish Canadian Culture Society offers a great calendar of events pertaining to this Irish holiday: http://www.newirelandnb.ca/Events/Events-Saint-John-area.html

I hope you all have a safe and jolly Saint Patrick's Day.
-Saint John Suzy

Saint John Suzy talks about Prince William Street

Prince William Street is a national historic site. Most of the buildings on it were ressurected after the great fire in 1877. It's arctiecture dates back to the homogenious period in the late 1900's marking it's historical significance. When visiting the city, taking a walk here is imparitive!
-Saint John Suzy

St. Patrick's Day in Saint John

Saint John is known for it's deep Irish roots. We are practically the little Ireland of Canada. We taker St. Patrick's Day very serious and that being said, this year is bound to be a success. There will be several events from Irish stew dinners to crazy Irish pub nights... and the weather has been so beautiful that even Saint John will be wearing green to show their inner Irish pride. Here is a list of all the events that are sponsored by the Irish Canadian Culture Association of New Brunswick:

Friday
12 Mar /10
6:30 pm Gala Irish Dinner Show
Saint John Trade & Convention Centre
Reception 6:30pm Dinner at 7:30pm
Entertainment: Tom O’Donoghue and Kathleen Gorey-McSorley
Special Guests: Keynote Speaker: Barry Ogden; Honorary Chair 2010: Clare Walsh;
Honorary “Irish” Person for the week: Jacqueline Oland
Tickets $40.00each. (up to 10 per table).
Call: Agnes & Paddy Addison 634-7919. (No tickets available at door.)

Saturday
13 Mar /10
9 am - 1 pm Irish Breakfast at O'Leary's
Irish Breakfast at O’Leary’s In Support of L’Arche
Tickets: $7 Under twelve $5
Entertainment: Comhaltas Musicians & Friends
O’Leary’s is St. Patrick’s Week’s “Official Irish Pub”

11:00 am St. Patrick’s Week OFFICIAL OPENING at Market Square

Parade of flags and O’Canada -
Greetings from: Owen Boyle, President ICCA; City of Saint Johnand dignitaries.
Entertainment featuring : Tom O’Donoghue & invited guests


12 Noon Parade to City Hall and Raising of Hibernian Flag.

2 - 4 pm Irish Set/Ceili Dance Workshop, 69 Branch Legion, Wilson Street, Saint John West
No age limit, $5 per person, free to Pub night/Ceili ticket holders
Contact: Stuart 847-0010 Paul 653-8469 or e-mail info@comhaltas.caThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

4 - 6 pm
(take-out 5 to 5:30 pm) Beef Stew and Kentucky Gingerbread
St. John the Baptist Church Hall
Broad Street
Adults $10 Children $5.00
Call Noreen 646-1009 or
Gertrude 693-7852
4:30 - 6:30 pm Shamrock Roast Beef Dinner
St. Mark's United Church
Dexter Drive
Adults: $10 Children: $5.00
Call Doug MacPherson 672-2662

7 - 11 pm Irish Pub Night and Ceili
69 Branch Legion, Wilson Street, Saint John West
Featuring: Comhaltas Musicians, Lyris Dancers, Alexandre Banks, Tom O’Donoghue, Brad & Krista Trecartin and Debbie Harrity.
Tickets: $10, available from Kennebecasis Drugs,Catholic Book Store,Hampton Pharmasave, Scholten’s Grand Bay and at the door.
Contact: Stuart 847-0010 Paul 653-8469 or e-mail info@comhaltas.caThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it


Sunday
14 Mar /10
9 am - 1 pm Belfast Children’s Breakfast,
Loch Lomond Villa Auditorium. Sponsored by the Simons Lions Club.
Music by Comhaltas. Tickets $8. Children under ten $4.
Call Terri Mullin 633-0236


12 - 3 pm St. Patrick's Tea Extravaganza
St. Ann's Parish Hall, Glen Falls
Tickets: $5.00
Call Barb 696-7976
1:00 pm Ecumenical Service at the Celtic Cross. St.Patrick’s Square (The foot of Prince William Street)
Refreshments to follow at market Square


2 - 4 pm Irish Family Festival at MARKET SQUARE
Entertainment: Tim Maloney & Ron, Zany Lane and the Lyris Dancers
Children: BE SURE TO WEAR GREEN – prizes to be won. Face painting, Colouring, green fountain Enjoy- “A Wee Taste of Ireland” Cake Cutting at 2:45 pm.
Call: Helena 847-0010 or Toni 672-1612


March 15-20 O'Leary's Irish Pub is hosting The Andrew Doyle Irish Band

Wednesday
17 Mar /10
12 noon St.Patrick’s Day Mass 12 noon at the St. Pius X, Church, Somerset Street, Saint John. Cake and refreshments to follow in the church basement.

6:30 pm St. Patrick's Society Men's Annual Dinner
Saint John Trade and Convention Centre
Guest Speaker: The Honourable Kelly Lamrock
Tickets: $65
Call Hugh Fitzpatrick 634-1965

Friday
26 Mar /10
8 pm

Saturday
27 Mar /10
2pm and
8 pm
Irish Play:
An Amharclann presents Martin McDonagh's hilarious black comedy "The Cripple of Inishmaan" in the Saint John High School Mini theatre (Canterbury Street entrance).
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students with ID.
Contact Patrick at irishtheatre@rogers.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Shopping for a deal in Saint John

How about this weather? It is beautiful in the city today. The birds are chirping which is a sure sign that spring is here and hopefully here to stay. I wanted to talk about shopping in the city. I am known as the queen of shopping around here. If there is a deal to be had.. I'm on it.

There are several places to shop in the city. It really depends on what you are looking for.

McAllister Place Mall is on the eat side of the city. It is located with easy access to Highway 1, a major traffic artery.It is full of 110 different shops and services. The mall underwent major renovations this past year so it's become a great spot to shop and have a bite at the food court while you're at it. Parkway Mall is also on the east side. It has some clothing stores, a pet store and Newbody's fitness is located there. This is a smaller mall in comparison to McAllister Place. East Point Shopping Centre is brand new and is full of clothing stores, Costco, and Indigo. It's a definite stop when trying to shop in Saint John. Here is their website. http://www.eastpointshopping.ca/shops_and_services.php

There is a mall further West if you are visiting the Falls and would like to do a quick shopping trip. Lancatser Mall is located on 621 Fairville Boulevard. This mall has 25 shops and services to choose from.

The uptown core offers Brunswick Square and Market Square for malls. Brunswick Square has over 60 shops and services. They both offer great clothing stores and fantastic places to eat once you get hungry from all of the shopping you've been doing.

Then you have the vendors on the streets as well as shops that line the street ways. You are always sure to find something unique in one of these shops.

-Saint John Suzy

Did someone say coffee?

I am a coffee drinker. I don't get heavy duty into the lattes and creme de la cremes. I'm more of a double double kind of girl from Tims. That being said a little creme de la creme isn't nice once in a while.

Although there are many coffee shops in Saint John, there are three that rule the uptown core. When visiting Saint John city centre, these are the coffee tycoons you will come across.

We have our local Java Moose which is located in the Saint John City Market as well as on Prince William Street, McAllister Place, and their new West side location. They have all sorts of different coffees to choose from. Ones that sound more like a decadent desert or a milkshake rather than a black coffee. I definitely reccomend Java Moose. http://www.javamoose.com/ is their website. You can check them out.

Starbucks is another fine establishment that we have here in our city. With a location in Brunswick Square, East Point Shopping Centre, and McAllister Place Mall, you are always close to getting that vento latte that you've been waiting for all day. I like Startbucks. It's a real treat for me. I always feel somewhat classy when sipping from the cup. Probably because the girls from Sex in the City all do it. Suzy in the Saint John City... I like it.

Last but certainly not least, there is Tim Hortons. I love Tim Hortons because where can you buy a coffee for $1.35 and have it in your hand in 10 seconds? The Tim Hortons in Brunswick Square, thats where. I pay and I receive immediately. There are Tim Hortons all over the uptown core of Saint John. One in Brunswick Square, Market Square, King Street, Union Street... The list goes on. Not to mention, they are located all around greater Saint John.

There you have it folks. Coffee is good. It's what keeps us awake during the day, it's what puts a smile on our faces in 7 am in traffic. And now you know where to get it. So next time you're in line, I want a large 3 milk , half sugar. Thanks! ;)

A Beautiful Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend in Saint John. Come Friday, all the talk was about the plus nine we were to get on Saturday. Boy was it delivered! I woke up, looked out the window and bestowed upon me was sunlight! Finally .. and not the wintry sunlight that we'd been getting for the past 5 months, no no this was definitely spring sunlight. Even the air was fresh like spring. I wore my shorts and a sweatshirt all day. People were out walking everywhere. The Irving Nature Park was in full swing. Both dog parks in Saint John and in Quispamsis were very busy. Saturday night, I checked out a few spots for nibblies and drinks. We have some of the best restaurants I swear. So there you have it folks on a nice day check out the Irving Nature Park and follow it by one of our great restaurants. Guaranteed to be a great weekend!

City of Saint John Gallery opening

Do you like art? I once went to an exhibit and interpretted something completely wrong. What was supposed to be a part of the Berlin wall, I thought was a gun. The artist was unfortuneately standing next to me and overheard my pensive conclusion of the peice. He agreeed and thought that maybe somehow he sunconscioulsy painted it in the shape of a gun. I think he was just trying to make me feel less dumb. Anyway the Saint John Arts Centre on 20 Hazen avenue will host "Recent Works by Saint John artist Peggy Smith," on Friday, March 12, from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. The exhibition continues through to May 1.

Suzy Q on the Scene

Last night was a good night. The wind was a blowin', the snow was a snowin' but that wasn't going to stop me from hitting the town to see what kind of trouble I could get myself into. I ended up at Pepper's Pub where a bunch of people had gathered to enjoy half price wing night and live entertainment. That's one thing about Saint John. It may be a small city but it sure has some amazing talent. Miacha Nickerson, Sean Roach, and Erin McKay hit the stage and put on a hell of a preformance. Every Thursday night, artists are brought in to preform. This is a great place to go Thursday nights. It is a great place to go period. Lemongrass is the restaurant portion of the establishment, GREAT FOOD. The Thai food is amazing. One of the best in the city. So there you have it folks. EAT, DRINK, and be MERRY!

Art

I recently went on a Gallery Hop around Saint John. There I noticed Art, the new Saint John 225 Mascot. She was colorful and full of life. She was very friendly and appraoched everyone with a huge smile. Pictures were taken at the Handworks Gallery with Art. I hope see mine soon. It probably wasn't that great considering I was at work and went directly to teh hop. I like Art. I think she fits the 225 profile to a T. I hope she becomes a symbol of art and culture within the city. I had a great time. These events are always a success.