Chambers spread warmth for 45 years in laundry biz

PHOTO BY EMILY CANNING-DEAN | BGNN
After 45 years of working at local cleaners and laundromats, Wanda Chambers is preparing for retirement.

By EMILY CANNING-DEAN
BGNN staff writer

BARBERTON It was a rainy afternoon April 10 as Wanda Chambers finished up her shift at Laundry Time on Wooster Road. But inside the laundromat was a warm and friendly atmosphere created by Chambers as she laughed and chatted with customers and coworkers who have become lifelong friends.

After 45 years in the fabric care business, Chambers plans to retire in May and many have already expressed how much they will miss her, including her employer, Scott Vlahos.

“I call her Miss Barberton because she knows so many people,” Vlahos said. “For 45 years she has helped customers and has been a friend to everyone. As much as we don’t want her to retire, she says it’s time.”

Chambers said her last day will be May 30 and while she is ready for retirement, she admits she will miss all of the customers she has gotten to know so well.

“I just love the people,” she said. “I know their wash days. I know what machine they want to use. I do know a lot of people in Barberton. I went to Barberton High School and my kids went there. I know their friends and their parents. I just love so many of my customers and it will be hard to go.”

Chambers began her career in 1979 when she started working at Nichols Cleaners. She spent 35 years with the company.

“I started in draperies and then went into the cleaners and then the laundromat,” she said. “I was there until the doors closed.”
Chambers started working at her current location 10 years ago when it was Hestons Cleaners. Her then boss, George, sought her out when multiple customers recommended her.

“A lot of my customers started going there after Nichols closed and said ‘go find the girl who used to work there,’” Chambers said.
Chambers worked for George for a year and stayed on when Vlahos bought the business.

“All this time I have had really wonderful bosses,” she said. “That was a big reason I stayed. And I just love my customers and I love what I do.”

Chambers said she isn’t quite sure what she will do in retirement but spending time with family, including her daughters, Deatra and Timisha, tops the list.

“My mom is 91 so I think she will be happy that I’ll be around to help her out. I have a sister who just recently retired from Goodyear so I’m sure she will be making some plans with me.”
Chambers will continue to live in Barberton and hopes to keep up with customers and coworkers.

“I still plan to do my laundry here and some people are already making plans for me with laundry day and days to walk around the lake,” she said.

Vlahos said that while he will miss Chambers, he is glad there is still time for customers to stop by Laundry Time to see her before she retires.