January 31, 2025

January 31st is the 31st day of the year. There are 334 days remaining until the end of the year.

Little quieter on the roads this morning, it’s a PA Day for most students in Chatham-Kent.

There’s a free swim at the Gable Rees Pool in Blenheim today from 1:30-3 and at the Wallaceburg Sydenham Pool at the from 1:30-4.

Grab some skates and get the family out for some FREE Public Skating this weekend.

Friday, January 31
Tilbury Arena, 1:00 2:30 p.m.
Chatham Erickson Arena, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 1
Blenheim Arena, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 2
Memorial Arena, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Thames Campus Arena, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Wheatley Arena, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Monday, February 3
Wheatley Arena, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Click here for more information on the ice skating programs.

This weekend stop by Tim Hortons for a limited-edition donut in support of Special Olympics Canada.

100% of proceeds from the Special Olympics Donut supports sports programs for athletes with an intellectual disability in communities across Canada. To date, this exclusive donut has raised nearly $1M for Special Olympics Canada.

The donut is a chocolate cake ring donut with white fondant, coloured sprinkles and whipped topping. The multi-coloured design was inspired by the themes of diversity and inclusion that are central to the Special Olympics mission. It’s $1.69.

February is Black History Month.

Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.

It wasn’t until December of 1995 that the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by the Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

Once considered a destination for freedom seekers, Chatham-Kent is home to some of the most successful Black settlements in Canadian History.

The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum and the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History are all hosting events this month beginning with a flag-raising today at the Civic Centre on King Street, starting at noon.

Sunday is Groundhog Day.

Legend has it that if the groundhog sees his shadow, Winter will last six more weeks. If he doesn’t see his shadow, an early Spring.

Last year, Wiarton Willie, Ontario’s prognosticating rodent, predicted an early Spring.

This is the 69th year Willie will be making a prediction. Well, someone that looks like Willie anyways. Willie died of a tooth abscess prior to the 2021 prediction. The Mayor used a fur hat two years ago, but it wasn’t confirmed until November that Willie had in fact passed.

The Wiarton Willie prediction will be made at 8:07am.

Groundhog Day in Milltown, New Jersey has been canceled again because the town was unable to find a groundhog. Organizers are hopeful they can bring back the tradition next year.

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Categorised in: 5 Things You Need To Know

This post was written by Chris McLeod