Whats Happening
Scholarship Reception
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union hosted a reception on Thursday, May 28th, to formally award $100,000 in scholarships to 50 deserving high school and college students from New London and Windham counties.
These students were chosen by a committee that reviewed more than 170 applications to Charter Oak’s 2026 Community Giving Scholarship Program. Students were required to submit a detailed essay demonstrating their commitment to their academic efforts, as well as how they plan to give back to their local community. Topics included improving local parks and recreation centers, creating services for the homeless population, and supporting food pantries within the region.
Charter Oak awards scholarships annually and will begin accepting applications again in January 2027 for the 2027–2028 school year. To learn more about the Credit Union’s scholarship program and view the full list of winners, please CLICK HERE.
Charter Oak Celebrates Teachers and Nurses
In May, we celebrated teachers and nurses!
On social media, we asked our followers to nominate their favorite teacher, and the response was amazing! People shared beautiful messages about teachers in our community. From the list of nominees, we randomly selected four winners: Kerry Orshal, Early Childhood Center at BP Mission; Madison Attardi, Gallup Hill Elementary School; Jill Zangerl, Killingly Intermediate School; and Liam McCarthy, Bacon Academy. The winners received much-needed school supplies for their classrooms.
To celebrate Nurses Week, our Community Relations team made a special delivery to the nurses in the emergency rooms at Backus and L&M hospitals.
Charter Oak is proud to recognize the teachers and nurses in our community whose dedication, care, and service help strengthen and inspire those around them all year long.
Movie Night Recap
On May 15th, we hosted this year’s first movie night, and more than 70 people joined us for movie snacks, free popcorn, and Monsters, Inc.
Our second movie night will be on September 11th, and we will be showing Back to the Future. RSVPs will become available on August 3rd.
Upcoming Blood Drive
Charter Oak is proud to partner with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive on Tuesday, June 30th, from 1pm – 6pm at our Headquarters Branch located at 1055 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford.
Appointments are highly recommended as walk-ins cannot be guaranteed.
CLICK HERE to book your appointment
Any questions can be directed to Community Relations at 860.446.3275 ext. 3275.
Summer Kickoff
Charter Oak is kicking off summer by competing in a friendly walking challenge. This challenge will last six weeks, and at the end of it, we will award the top six walkers.
Did You Know?
A regular brisk walk can help you*:
- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Strengthen your bones and muscles.
- Increase your energy levels.
- Improve your mood, memory, cognitive function, and sleep.
- Strengthen your immune system.
- Reduce stress and tension.
Consider your technique*:
- Keep your head up and look forward, not at the ground.
- Keep your neck, shoulders, and back relaxed, not stiffly upright.
- Swing your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows. A little pumping with your arms is okay.
- Keep your stomach muscles slightly tightened, and your back straight, not arched forward or backward.
- You’re walking smoothly, rolling your foot from heel to toe.
How to get started*:
- Plan a routine – get the right gear, choose your course carefully, warm up, cool down, and stretch.
- Set realistic goals – it’s okay to start slowly!
- Track your progress – keep track of your steps.
- Stay motivated – set yourself up for success, make walking enjoyable, and vary your routine.
*Information provided by Mayo Clinic.
Join us this summer in creating better habits and let us know how your walking journey is going!