Monthly Archives: April 2024

History

On this day April 15

Today in History

  • 1994 The World Trade Organization is founded

    The WTO coordinates and strives to liberalize international trade. It has been criticized for ignoring and escalating the negative social and environmental side-effects of globalization.

  • 1989 A small group of students initiates pro-democracy protest on Tiananmen Square in Beijing

    The death of reformer Hu Yaobang triggered the demonstrations, which grew in size and were brutally dispersed in the Tiananmen Square Massacre on June 4.

  • 1986 The United States launches retaliatory air strikes against Libya

    Around 40 Libyans died in Operation El Dorado Canyon, including an infant girl. The attack was the United States’ response to the bombing of a Berlin discotheque on April 5, in which 3 people had died.

  • 1945 The German concentration camp Bergen-Belsen is liberated

    British and Canadian troops found about 53,000 prisoners inside the camp. Tens of thousands died before and after the liberation.

  • 1935 The Eastman Kodak Company launches Kodachrome

    The photographic film was one of the most popular media used by professional and hobby photographers around the world. The product was discontinued in 2009 because of the advent of digital photography.

Quick News

Volunteer Week

Greater Saint John Volunteer Connector

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 24 million volunteers. 

NVW 2024 – April 14 to 20

Every Moment Matters

The theme for National Volunteer Week highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our communities.  

Volunteers are fundamental to meeting this challenging moment. By coming together, committing support, and increasing our collective efforts and impact, we contribute exponentially to the quality of life we all strive for.  

During National Volunteer Week 2024, we come together to recognize and celebrate the importance of each and every volunteer’s impact from coast to coast to coast. Now more than ever, Every Moment Matters.

Fun Holidays

Sunday April 14

International Moment of Laughter Day

On April 14, stop, smell the roses, and laugh a little (or a lot), because it is International Moment of Laughter Day.

 

The unofficial holiday, created by humorologist Izzy Gesell, encourages people to forget the stresses of daily life and give into the healing and relaxing power of laughter.

Reduces Stress

Medical studies have shown that laughing reduces stress, increases blood flow, and lowers blood sugar levels. Some studies have found that people who laugh just before going to bed are much more likely to sleep better than those who did not.

Spreads Happiness

In addition to its health benefits, laughter also has social advantages. People who are jovial tend to be quickly accepted in social groups and have an easier time making friends. Laughter is a way to spread joy and happiness and bring cheer in the lives of other people.

How to Celebrate?

  • Take a moment in the day to read or watch something that would make you laugh.
  • Go with family and friends to watch a comedy show or comedy movie.
  • Collect jokes and share them with colleagues, friends, and family.

Did You Know…

…that human laughter has a specific acoustic structure? Laughter can have a ha-ha-ha or ho-ho-ho structure, but it is humanly impossible to have a ha-ho-ha-ho structure to laughter.

Crime

Missing Person

Story Harvested From Saint John Police Dept

Missing Person Murray Doucette, 63

 

File: 24-2490

The Saint John Police is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing adult.

It is reported that:

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Murray Doucette, 63, was reported missing to police. He was last heard from on Thursday, April 12, 2024, at approximately 9:11 p.m. He has been known to visit the Park area on Bridge Street, Saint John NB.

Ian is described as 5’6, and 185 lbs.

The Saint John Police are concerned for his safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 1-506-648-3333, or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or 1-800-222-T.I.P.S.