By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
If there was a television show about community events in Chatham-Kent, it could be called “Everybody Knows Chris.”
That’s because the familiar face of Chris Taylor’s is everywhere – usually found behind a camera or microphone documenting a wide range of sports and current events.
In September, Taylor, who has a learning disability, was recognized for his accomplishments by Community Living Ontario. The 41-year-old was presented with the Jason Rae Award which acknowledges a civic-minded community leader who identifies as having an intellectual disability.
That disability has never slowed the Chatham resident down. He’s been a volunteer foot soldier with YourTV Chatham for the past 16 years and a Community Living Wallaceburg board member for 14 years. Taylor has also volunteered with CKSX Wallaceburg for 14 years and on top of that he manages videography and IT for the Chatham Maroons Jr. B hockey team.
Part videographer, producer, journalist, editor and techie, Taylor told The Voice the best part of his many roles is “meeting new people and sharing in their lives.”
The hardest part, he said, is interviewing people who give only a two- or three-word answer to a question.
Taylor added it’s a lot harder being the subject of an interview rather than being the one asking the questions.
“For me, doing this interview is more difficult,” he joked. “I’m not used to being the one that’s being interviewed.”
Taylor, who grew up in Wallaceburg, attended Christ the King elementary school where, with the help of an educational assistant, he discovered he had an affinity for computers and technology.
“Instead of me sitting there reading books, I was more hands-on,” he said.
He continued to delve into technology while attending secondary school at Ursuline College Chatham. From there he went to work in the grocery business before moving on to full-time volunteerism.
According to Taylor, highlights of his media career include interviewing baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins as well as covering the new Chatham Barnstormers baseball team.
YourTV manager Erik Shaw has words of praise for Taylor.
“Chris has been an outstanding volunteer for over 10 years and has never said no to any task given to him,” Shaw said. “He’s often seen out in the community with a smile on his face and a can-do attitude.”
According to Shaw, Taylor is always up for the challenge, whether it’s covering city council meetings, keynotes with the Rotary Club of Chatham or local events around town.
“We truly appreciate everything he has done – and continues to do – for this community, always stepping up with a positive can-do spirit,” Shaw said. “Congratulations Chris, from the YourTV team!”
CKSX station owner Greg Hetherington echoed Shaw, noting Taylor is a great ambassador who sends a message about inclusivity.
“He’s so dedicated…I’ve never seen a volunteer in my lifetime who’s so passionate about media,” Hetherington said.
Taylor said he has no plans on leaving the world of media any time soon.
“I do have a lot of fun doing it,” he added. “A job as a journalist can be very serious, even boring, but you can make it fun and exciting. You can be as creative as you want to be with the way it turns out.
“Just have fun,” Taylor said. “That’s basically it.”
