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Enforcement

Operation Impact begins today

The Saint John Police Force will begin Operation Impact today, running through Monday, as part of a national campaign to make Canada's roads the safest in the world by 2010. Police will be enforcing all violations of the Motor Vehicle Act with a focus on speeding, seatbelts and impaired driving. Road checks will be set up throughout the city during the holiday weekend with a zero tolerance policy for all violations. Operation Impact is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Transport Canada.

Court

Voire dire set for Oct. 21-24

One of the accused in the Mecklenburg Street slaying of a Nova Scotia man will be back in court later this month for a voire dire, a trial in which a judge will rule on the admissability of certain evidence. Scott Arthur Taylor will appear in the Court of Queen's Bench on Sydney Street Oct. 21-24. He was charged in the slaying of Darrell Upshaw last March 11 Upshaw died of sword wounds. The incident began after a robbery at an apartment. A 17-year-old has also been charged in the slaying and he will appear in court on Nov. 24 for his judge-only trial. Taylor's judge and jury trial is to begin Dec. 8.

Gasoline

Pump prices take big dip

With gasoline prices dropping Thursday to their lowest level in eight months, New Brunswick motorists will have an extra reason to give thanks this Thanksgiving weekend. Most stations in the Saint John area were charging just less than or more than $1.10 per litre for regular unleaded self-serve gas after the province's Energy and Utilities Board cut the maximum allowable price by a whopping 8.4 cents per litre to $1.12. That's the lowest price in eight months. Diesel also went down by 3.6 cents per litre this week to a maximum of $1.30.9, while furnace oil dropped by 4.1 cents to a maximum of $1.15.3. Propane dipped by just 1.9 cents per litre to a maximum of $1.14.1.

Fundraiser

Choir hosts harvest fair

The Harbour View Chorale Ensemble is hosting a Harvest and Family Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Douglas Avenue school in support of the choir's upcoming trip the Alta Pusteria International Choral Festival in Italy. The event will include a pancake breakfast, barbecue, games and activities for children. Pies, homemade apple sauce, cranberry sauce, preserves and fresh baked goodies for the Thanksgiving table will be on sale. The pancake breakfast runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and costs $3 for adults and $2 for students. Hotdogs can be purchased from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a buck apiece.

Memorial

Event slated for Oct. 17

The Elizabeth Fry Society has announced it will honour the memory of Ashley Smith at "a memorial for those we have lost whose voices were never heard," to be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, in King's Square. All are welcome to attend. Smith was the New Brunswick teen who died at the Grand Valley Institution for Women, a federal correctional facility located in Kitchener, Ont. For more information on the memorial, call 635-8851.

Fundraiser

Hull to address Ducks' dinner

Former NHLer Dennis Hull will be the guest speaker and auctioneer for the annual Saint John Ducks Unlimited dinner, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Hilton Saint John. The fundraiser begins with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception. All money raised from the dinner will stay in the area to conserve, manage and restore wetlands and associated habitats. Tickets, at $75 apiece, $135 per couple or $1,000 per corporate table of eight, are now available by calling Duska Carr at 1-888-920-3330. The purchase of a table comes with a $500 tax-deductible receipt.

Walking

Tour looks at area of King Street East

The Tanners Inn 190 King St. E. will host a one-hour Walk-A-Block tour Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. Discover the history and mystery of Great Georges Street, King Street East and the Public Burial Ground with Harold Wright and Bill Thompson. The cost is $10 per person and includes refreshments. Pre registration is required. Discover the stories of the orphanage, the Great Fire, police department, hangings and homes on Great Georges Street. To pre-register call Terri at 634-8917 or e-mail: bookings@tannershomeinn.com All proceeds from the tour will benefit the Saint John SPCA.

Parade

Santa issues float applications

Entry applications for the 56th Annual Saint John Santa Claus Parade are now available. The parade will take place Saturday, Nov. 15, starting at 6 p.m. This year's theme is Christmas and Seasonal Holidays Around The World. Entry application forms are available at Market News in Market Square, the Lotto Booth at Brunswick Square and the Business Resource Centre, 40 King St. The application deadline is Nov. 3. For more information, call 633-9797.

Street hockey

Jamboree benefits Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement and the Saint John Sea Dogs are presenting the third annual Street Hockey Jamboree on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Harbour Station Teams will participate in round-robin style street hockey games. In addition, there are many activities on-site for participants and spectators, including slapshot and target practice, airbrush tattoos, a barbecue and the chance to meet the Sea Dogs. The event is also accepting corporate support for rink sponsorships. Registration is $25 per person and includes a T-shirt, lunch and a free ticket to the Sea Dogs vs. Moncton Wildcats game on Sunday, Oct. 26. Anyone interested can register a team of six, or register individually. All proceeds support Junior Achievement's elementary and middle school programs from Sussex to St. Stephen. To register, or for more information, contact Melanie Spray of Junior Achievement at (506) 634-8409 or jastj@nb.aibn.com

Fundraiser

Jazz, comedy fest supports hospital

A jazz and comedy charity fest to raise money for the Saint John Regional Hospital Oncology Department in memory of Mary Hanson, jazz lover, and Jamie Williams, comedian and master of ceremonies, will take place on Saturday, Oct, 25th, at the Somerset Pub, 229 Churchill Blvd. between 1 p.m. and closing. Local musicians and comedians will be performing free. All of the proceeds from $20 tickets, the live auction and donations will go to the hospital. To make a donation, provide items to be auctioned off, or to order tickets, please call John Hanson at 654-3166, e-mail him at mahanson18@hotmail.com or send mail to John Hanson, 1030 Somerset Street, Apt. 1, Saint John, N.B. E2K 2Y7. Checks should be made out to the Jazz & Comedy Charity Fest. Donors will be issued tax receipts after the event by the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Office. Companies already committed to support the event are Moosehead Breweries, Pepsi Bottling Group, the Staples Business Depot and Musicians' Local 815.

Parade

West Side holding Santa Claus Parade

The Saint John West Business Association Inc., in co-operation with Lancaster Mall ,presents a West Side Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Nov. 22, beginning at 1 p.m. The parade will leave the MediTrust parking lot and move east along Manawagonish Road to Main Street West and Simms Corner, turning south on Fairville Boulevard, next to Wendy's and ending in the parking lot of Lancaster Mall. Refreshments will be provided following the parade at the Lancaster Mall. Youngsters are invited to bring their letters for Santa. To enter a float, call the association at 672-8545 or e-mail blaine.harris@sjwba.com.