UCC graduate Orlagh Grochmal received a hand up from Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance recently.
She is one of five students to benefit from the organization’s 2026 scholarship program.
The annual scholarship program supports graduating high school students from Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex who are pursuing full-time post-secondary education. This year, applicants were invited to share how their volunteer experiences have made an impact in their communities and shaped their own goals and values.
For the past several years, Grochmal has volunteered weekly at St. Angela Merici Catholic School, assisting in the school library and working one-on-one with Grade 1 students who needed a little extra help.
Her commitment to young people extends beyond the classroom. As a volunteer coach with the Chatham Ballhawks Volleyball Club, Grochmal helps young athletes develop their skills and confidence while contributing to accessible local sport programming.
For Grochmal, the scholarship will provide support as she prepares for her next chapter at Western University, where she will study psychology.
“I am so grateful to Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance for providing this scholarship, as it helps me get one step closer to graduating with minimal debt,” said Grochmal in a media release. “I especially appreciate having the support of a local business and the community as I start my degree in the fall.”
Kent & Essex Mutual has supported local education through its scholarship program for more than a decade, awarding more than $75,000 to students to date.
Retirement living
A familiar name is drawing new attention in Chatham, and St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge is taking the opportunity to help seniors and their families better understand their options.
Following opening of St. Angela’s Meadow Care Centre, the neighbouring Retirement Lodge is clarifying an important distinction. While the two properties share a name and are both part of the Jarlette Health Services family, they are separate residences serving different needs.
The new Care Centre, located at 575 McNaughton Ave. W., is the redeveloped long-term care home formerly known as Meadow Park Chatham. St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge, located at 20 Merici Way, continues to offer retirement living centered on independence, personal choice and community.
“People hear ‘retirement living’ and sometimes picture a setting where they need around-the-clock care,” said Chris Durfy, sales co-ordinator at St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge. “That assumption can mean they never consider an option that they might really enjoy and benefit from. We want people to understand what life here can look like and make that decision for themselves.”
Understanding the difference between retirement living and long-term care can help individuals and families explore their options with greater confidence.
Long-term care supports individuals with more complex needs through 24-hour nursing and personal care, alongside recreational programs, therapeutic services and meaningful opportunities for engagement.
Retirement living offers an independent lifestyle with accommodation, hospitality and access to additional support based on individual needs and preferences.
Both settings value connection, comfort and quality of life. The distinction lies in the level of support residents require to live to the fullest.
To learn more or book a tour of St. Angela’s Meadow Retirement Lodge at 20 Merici Way, contact Chris via email at [email protected] or at (519) 352-5225.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to [email protected].
