Last Updated on March 14, 2026
We’re Here for You!
How observant are you? Have you noticed that many of your servers are wearing dark blue aprons with ‘Scholar Candidate’ on them? Look more closely, some non-servers are wearing a dark blue button. Congratulate them for being accepted into the Scholars’ program! These scholarships are provided, predominately, by the residents of Charlestown. Thanks to encouragement from you, the people they serve, and the 28 mentor volunteers, we have a Scholars’ Candidate class larger than we’ve had in six years. There are 33 traditional and three one-year scholar candidates. The 2026 applicants are required to have worked 1,000 hours at Charlestown, have a 2.5 or greater GPA and be an employee in good standing prior to being accepted into the Scholars’ program. Additionally, eligible student employees may apply to the Named Scholarship program for specific awards funded by individual residents or resident groups. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA or better and must meet with the Scholarship committee to be selected for these named awards.
John Erickson established the Student Scholarship Program in 1988 with an initial $200,000.00 from what he considered found money. * The first student scholar was Greg Olszewski. He was taken by surprise when Executive Director Robert Rigel halted the dinner service one evening for an impromptu ceremony to recognize the student scholar and present him with the first scholarship check for $1,000.00. Thirty-nine years later, that fund is still going strong. Through the generosity of residents, $254,158.00 was raised in 2025 to provide scholarships of $5,000.00 a year for up to four years. Scholars also received a one-time $1,000.00 Technology grant to assist with laptop computers, tablets, etc. The goal for 2026 is $300,000.00. The 2026 Scholar Campaign begins March 1 and runs through March 31. You will receive an envelope in your cubby with a letter from me explaining the different ways you can donate.
Here is what MK Crowder, a 2025 Scholar, said: “I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in my educational journey … I appreciate the warm sense of belonging I have experienced since becoming a member of the Charlestown community.
Every conversation and kind gesture has meant so much to me. It is because of people like you that I am motivated to continue striving for success and making a difference. As a declared Social Work major, my goal is to one day give back to the very community that has supported me along the way.”
*(To learn more about how that money was found, read page 49 of John J. Strumsky, Jr’s The History of Charlestown available on CCICharlestown.org and in our Archives.)
March is also the kickoff of our Nominating Committee’s search for residents who care about their community and want to help it continue to flourish. Each year, seven people retire from the Council. We need, at minimum, seven other interested people to run. If you are currently attending our monthly Residents’ Council meetings and/or are already a committee member, you are the person we are seeking. Someone who cares about what is happening here is a person who should consider running for office. It is a most worthwhile undertaking. Joe Carrick, former Residents’ Council President, and John Arnold, current Residents’ Council Secretary, are chairing this committee. They and their committee members will be talking to residents about choosing to run.
As residents of this community, we own it as a nonprofit, and we have our own Board of Directors. Two residents sit on the Board as voting members, sharing residents’ viewpoints on issues. Pat Kasuda is coming to the end of her term in May and will become an emeritus member. We have formed a Nominating Committee to fill her place on the Board. Printed in this issue is a complete explanation of what the position entails, the qualifications necessary and how to go about applying. Please read it carefully and consider whether you or someone you know should apply. We need a person who cares about our community speaking for us at Board meetings.
President