Where to Spend Your $36.29 Meta Settlement Locally 💰

Good morning, St. John’s. This is St. John’s Living —the local newsletter that’s a shiny pearl in the brine of your email inbox.

In this week’s St. John’s Living:

• Demolition of Booth High School Resumes 🏫

• Meta Cheques 💰

• New Year’s Day Earthquake ⚡

Let’s get into it…

Digest

🏫 Bye Bye Booth

Booth Memorial High School closed for classes back in 2015 and not much has been happening on the location since. Pennecon Realty picked up the school for $1.2 million and demolished most of the school in 2019. The lot has been quiet until recently when it looks like demolition on the remaining building has picked up again. What could be in store for the former school? In 2020 a building permit was issued for office space, but our guess would be residential now.

💰 Get an Email from MNP?

Did you get an unexpected e-transfer from MNP recently? If so, it’s not a scam. It’s good to be vigilant in these things, but this one is legit. It’s a settlement from a class action lawsuit against Meta (formerly Facebook). If you lived in Newfoundland and had a Facebook account between  January 1st of 2011 and May 31, 2014 and registered, you’re not entitled to $36.29 so go ahead and deposit that transfer.

⚡ You Shook Me All Night Long

While we felt nothing here in the metro region, a mild 2.8 magnitude earthquake had Twillingate and Fogo rocking on New Year’s Day. Quite an unexpected way to ring in the new year.

Local Business

• The Natural Emporium is going to be closed for two weeks to undergo some renovations. Stay tuned for their grand re-opening date.

• Heather Brown, from the immensely popular Mrs. Brown’s Kitchen, has signed a book deal with Flanker Press so expect to see her first cookbook hit the shelves this fall.

• The Battery Cafe’s dining area is closed for their annual shut-down from January 6-10, but their walk-up window will be available for drinks and a limited menu during this time.

• Urban Market 1919 is also closed for annual maintenance. They will reopen on January 10th.

What’s Happening

Wednesday

⁉️ Bi-weekly live trivia is back at Bernard Stanley’s! Food and drinks are available throughout the night and the winning team will take home a $50 gift card! Free to play, make your reservations by calling.

🧘‍♀️ Looking for a twist on your typical yoga class? Why not try aerial yoga with Far Out Fitness. A new year stretch, fun, and relaxation in a silky, comfy hammock.

📸 Get a new camera for Christmas? Join NL’s premier photo club and get the most out of your new hobby. Camera 35 will be holding a regular club meeting at the Marine Institute and non-members are encouraged to check it out.

Thursday

📖 Have you read Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens recently? Want to share your thoughts on it with others? Magic Storm Events is hosting a lunchtime book club every month that includes a tea or coffee and great conversation.

Friday

🛍️ Urban Market reopens today for all your local product needs.

🎶 Jonesing for some jazz? The Tide Quartet take over The Black Sheep from 8pm-11pm with everything from Sinatra to Bublé.

Saturday

👰‍♀️ Did you say a big YES this holiday season? Then you’ll want to head to the Emera Innovation Exchange for the Luxury Bridal Show. See the latest trends and learn about the top vendors. Connect with industry experts and discover everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality.

🎉 Chic Celebrations Grand Opening at their new location at 270 Water Street (3rd floor). All kinds of cool social events coming soon.

🎻 Embark on a journey through the forces of nature with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra’s Sinfonia 2: Elemental. Don’t miss this chance to experience the elemental power and beauty of these orchestral gems.

Sunday

🪄Embark on a magical adventure at the Majestic Theatre as they begin their Harry Potter film series. Wear your favourite costume, drink some butterbeer, and have fun together watching these incredible films!

🏀 The Newfoundland Rogues take on the Pontiac Pharaohs @ 4pm at the Mary Brown’s Centre. Come cheer on your hometown team.

🧘‍♀️ If you’ve ever been curious about reiki, Jean Squires is offering a level one workshop that includes an overview of Reiki's history, self-practice and focuses on opening energy channels. You will receive an attunement during this class, enabling you to channel Reiki energy to yourself and others.

🎳 Looking for something new for Sunday evenings? Why not get out with the girls for Plaza Bowl’s Women & Wine league? $20 for 2 games and 2 alcoholic drinks. Bring a team of 4 or show up solo and they’ll make a team for you.

💃 Maybe you and your partner want to get out of the house and learn something new this winter. There is currently one spot still open for Beginner Ballroom Dance at the Mews Centre. You’ll be dancing with the stars in no time!

Monday

🩰 Dance Collage is a fundraiser by The Dance Teachers Association of Newfoundland to support their scholarship programs. The performance will feature a wide variety of exciting and innovative choreography created by the members of DTAN featuring students from 15 local dance studios. Sounds like a time!

Tuesday

🕺 Get your booty movin’ by joining in on some Lindy Hop. If you’ve ever wanted to swing to some great jazz tunes, Lindy Hop on the Rock can teach you the steps with a winter session starting tonight.

☕ Learn how to properly steam, texture milk, and make your espresso drinks not only taste great but look fabulous as well with the latte art barista class at The Battery Cafe.

🤠 If you’ve ever wanted to heel-toe-doe-see-doe, join the Beginner Line Dance class at the Mews Centre kicking off this afternoon.

Municipal News

⚖️City Council Meeting

City council meetings will resume on January 14, 2025.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading St. John’s Living today. If you found something useful, please share it with your New Year’s Resolution accountability partner.