The past year and a half have been an extraordinary experience for all of us at Charlestown. Through it all, our staff reliably supported our needs and nourished us through to the relaxed freedoms we have today. We were blessed to have these students working in dining and other places, especially those who were with us at the start of the pandemic. Back then, the students had to switch gears, abandon the training they had received in bussing and serving to learn sorting, packaging, labeling, and delivering to apartments, among other spur-of-the-moment tasks. All with a smile under their masks, despite the threat of being in contact with someone with Covid-19.

The students have answered our needs and have served us well.  At the same time, they were dealing with virtual learning, applying to colleges, waiting to hear what the future will bring with the uncertainties of which colleges will accept them in the fall, versus the burden of finances they can afford. This month we will be saying goodbye to some of our Class of 2021 Scholars as they venture off to their respective colleges.  In some cases, not only are they leaving Charlestown, but some will be moving away from home as well.

We once again thank each of our residents who make donations to our Scholar Fund. This program is only as successful as the residents that fund it, and we have been so fortunate to have your consistent support. These scholarships help to alleviate some financial burdens that our student employees experience in the pursuit of their education, and can sometimes make the difference in them being able to earn their degrees.

Your Scholar Fund questions can be answered by our Scholar Committee members: Norma Goldberg, Roland Gray, Mel Milio, Marie Skane, Ed Delong, Jackie Graham, Eugenia High,  Mimi O’Donnell, or me, or contact Lisa Zehring in the Philanthropy Office at 410-737-8892 x8397.

Charlie Eichenlaub, Scholar Committee Chair