It’s a new era for the Town of Kingsville, and for its Mayor Dennis Rogers. Rogers is the first new mayor here in 19 years. But though he may be holding public office for the first time, he’s no stranger to the town of Kingsville. And he’s no stranger to taking care of people in need.
He opened his business Green Heart here with his wife Haley Rogers in 2013. Before COVID-19 changed everything for everyone, the Green Heart Lunch Club made lunch for 30 area schools.
When the pandemic hit, most of their staff had to be laid off. School lunches had become a thing of the past but many children of cash-strapped families were now going hungry. Kingsville Public School Principal James Cowper called the Rogers to see if they’d be willing to be partners in providing breakfast to children.
Over time other groups began offering donations and support. Eventually the not-for-profit Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) asked Green Heart Kitchen to become a hub for the area. Since then, the amount of food being donated and distributed has continued to expand.
Kingsville’s New Town Council
Kimberley DeYong was elected as deputy mayor. Our five councillors are Tony Gaffan, Debby Jarvis-Chausse, Sheri Lowrie, Thomas Neufeld and Larry Patterson.
The new council was sworn in on November 14, 2022. On November 15, inauguration of the new council took place at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre. During the week of November 20th, training for new members took place. The first meeting of the new council occurred on November 28.
The Kingsville Times recently had the opportunity to talk with Mayor Rogers. When he was asked what he loves most about Kingsville, he said, “What do I love most? The people!” Rogers said that the community has been great toward him and his family. “We’ve received nothing but support and positive words.”
Rogers wants to build on Kingsville’s foundation and create a sustainable development plan to take Kingsville through successive councils.
“Input from the community is integral, everyone is a stakeholder,” said Rogers. “It was always my goal to come back to Kingsville. The community is so supportive. Our organizations take such pride in their community.”