December 22, 2023

December 22, 2023 5:55 am Published by Chris McLeod

December 22nd is the 356th day of the year. There are 9 days remaining until the end of the year.

It’s looking more and more like it’ll be a Green Christmas.

Environment Canada says it’s the result of a strong El Nino pattern this fall coming after a spring and summer that was already unusually warm.

A mix of sun, cloud and showers leading up to Christmas Eve before temperatures will peak. Cloudy with a high of 10C for the 24th and 25th, some showers expected Boxing Day.

Environment Canada does warn that we will face some serious winter in 2024.

Donors are needed!

There’s a blood donor clinic next week in Blenheim. The clinic will be heald at St. Mary’s Hall on Tuesday 1:30-7:30pm

No walk-in appointments are available. Book your appointment at Blood.ca, call 1-888-2-DONATE or use the apps.

If you’re unable to donate this week, there is a clinic in Wallaceburg on January 2nd and the UAW Hall from 1-7pm.

A few things to keep in mind with the holidays here:

Curbside garbage and recycling collection will be delayed by one day for the weeks of December 26 and January 1, 2024.
Ride CK services will be closed December 25, 26 and January 1.
All branches of the Chatham-Kent Public Library will be closed December 25, 26, 27, 31, and January 1 and 2.
All arenas are closed December 25, 26 and January 1.
Municipal offices will be closed December 25, 26, 27, and January 1.
The Chatham-Kent Museum and the Thames Art Gallery and ARTspace is closed December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1 and 2. The Milner Heritage House and Ridge House Museum are now closed for the season.
CK Public Health offices will be closed December 25, 26, 27 and January 1.

The Friday before Christmas is the busiest travel day of the year.

Estimates say close to 140,000 people expected to arrive or depart from Toronto Pearson Airport. And almost 3 million people will hit the airport over the holidays.

Flights out of Detroit Metro Airport peaks today. An estimated 1.5 million passengers will be flying through DTW from now through January 1st. That’s a 10% increase in the number of passengers from last year.

Arrive early! Make sure your passport and other documents up-to-date and don’t wrap gifts because they’ll have to be unwrapped. Be sure to check with your airline if there are any delays or cancellations.

Grab some skates and get the family out for some FREE Public Skating this weekend and over the holidays!

Friday, December 22
Chatham Erickson Arena – 4:00 – 5:30pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living

Saturday, December 23
Bothwell Arena – 12:00 – 1:30pm – Sponsored by Royal Canadian Legion Br 252 Bothwell
Blenheim Arena – 7:30 – 9:00pm – Sponsored by Professional Engineer Ontario (Chatham-Kent Chapter)

Wednesday, December 27
Dresden Arena, 12:00 – 1:30pm – Sponsored by Professional Engineer Ontario (Chatham-Kent Chapter)
Wallaceburg Arena, 11:30am – 1:00pm – Sponsored by Anonymous Donor in Support ofChildren’s Activities
Wheatley Arena, 1:00 – 2:30pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living
Bothwell Arena – 3:00 – 430pm – Sponsored by Bothwell Optimist Club

Thursday, December 28
Chatham Memorial Arena – 11:00am – 1:00pm – Sponsored by Dajcor Aluminum Ltd.
Blenheim Arena, 12:00 – 1:30pm – Sponsored by Chris & Winnie Deprez in support of the JoLynn Deprez Athlethic Fund
Dresden Arena, 12:00 – 1:30pm – Sponsored by Dresden Rotary Club
Ridgetown Arena, 3:00 – 4:30pm – Sponsored by Chris & Winnie Deprez in support of the JoLynn Deprez Athlethic Fund

Friday, December 29
Ridgetown Arena, 1:00 – 2:30pm – Sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart – Ridgetown
Wallaceburg Arena, 1:00 – 2:30pm – Sponsored by Anonymous Donor in Support of Children’s Activities
Dresden Arena, 3:30 – 5:00pm – Sponsored by Bourdeau Painting
Bothwell Arena, 5:00 – 6:30pm – Sponsored by Bothwell Advisory Recreation Committee (BARAC)
Chatham Erickson Arena, 4:00 – 5:30pm – Sponsored by Chatham-Kent Dental

Saturday, December 30
Bothwell Arena – 12:00 – 1:30pm – Sponsored by Royal Canadian Legion Br 252 Bothwell
Tilbury Arena, 1:00 – 2:30pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living
Chatham Erickson Arena – 1:30 – 3:00pm – Sponsored by Dajcor Aluminum Ltd.
Blenheim Arena – 7:30 – 9:00pm – Sponsored by Chris & Winnie Deprez in support of the JoLynn Deprez Athlethic Fund

Sunday, December 31
Dresden Arena, 1:30 – 3:00pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living
Tilbury Arena, 6:00 – 10:00pm – Sponsored by Mark Authier
Ridgetown Arena, 7:00 – 8:30pm, Sponsored by Ridgetown Rotary

Monday, January 1
Tilbury Arena, 1:00 – 2:30pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living

Tuesday, January 2
Dresden Arena, 11:30 – 1:00pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living
Chatham Memorial Arena, 1:00 – 3:00pm – Sponsored by Dajcor Aluminum Ltd
Chatham Erickson Arena, 3:00 – 4:30pm – Sponsored by Dajcor Aluminum Ltd

Wednesday, January 3
Wallaceburg Arena, 11:00am – 12:30pm – Sponsored by Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres
Dresden Arena, 12:00 – 1:30pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living
Wheatley Arena, 1:00 – 2:30pm – Sponsored by CK Promoting Healthy Living
Bothwell Arena, 3:00 – 4:30pm – Sponsored by Bothwell Optimist Club

Click here for more information on the ice skating programs.

This will be the last 5 Things You Need to Know for 2023.