Residents’ Council President’s Report for June 2025

I just cannot believe how fast June has arrived. June has always been my favorite month with schools ending and vacations beginning. June reminds me that we are always growing, always reaching toward the light, and always capable of coming together in meaningful ways. Whether it is through celebration, giving, or simply enjoying the beauty of the season, June invites us to live fully and generously.

Generosity is the theme of my article this month. The residents of Charlestown are super generous with their time, talents, and resources. Last month I did my article on volunteering and was amazed at the number of volunteer hours (115,000) by residents in 2024. Researching this information provided me data on the financial resources that residents provide to the Benevolent Care Fund, the Scholars Fund, and the Staff Appreciation Fund. These acts of giving are more than financial contributions they are a testament to the vibrant, caring spirit that defines the Charlestown community. In 2024, residents contributed a total of $991,983.98.

In a world often focused on what people can no longer do as they age; Charlestown residents demonstrate the opposite: that later life can be a powerful time for giving, nurturing, and making a lasting impact.

Because of you, student servers can pursue their dreams, residents facing unexpected needs are cared for with dignity, and staff members feel truly valued and recognized for the compassion they bring to our community every day.

Your time, your compassion, and your generosity are the heartbeat of the Charlestown community. I want to especially recognize the extraordinary way so many of you go beyond—by giving not just of your time, but of your resources.

Your generous support of the Scholars Fund is helping young people pursue their dreams through education. You may never sit beside them in a classroom but make no mistake—you are shaping their futures in ways they will never forget. Residents contributed $224,258.59 to this fund last year.

Your direct gifts to the Benevolent Care Fund make sure that no neighbor is left behind. Your generosity to this Fund ensures Charlestown residents have a “Home for Life.” Direct resident contributions during 2024 Benevolent Care month were $384,501. The total collected from all sources (memorials, Treasure Chest sales, outside donations, etc.) in 2024 was $995,098.

Through the Staff Appreciation Fund, you remind our dedicated worker that their hard work, their care, and their daily acts of service are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. In 2024 residents contributed $383,223.99.

In all these ways and more, you make Charlestown not just a place to live, but a place to thrive—a place filled with purpose, generosity, and love. Thank you for leading with your hearts. Thank you for making a difference. And thank you for showing us what it truly means to care. Your contributions to the Scholars Fund, Benevolent Care Fund, and the Staff Appreciation Fund make a profound difference in the lives of so many.

Enjoy your summer months with your family and friends. There will be plenty of activities at Charlestown to enjoy with the Summer Solstice Festival kicking off the summer activities at Charlestown on June 13th. I hope to see you there!

Submitted by Joe Carrick