Chapman University Commencement May 9th

Chapman University conducted its Commencement celebration on Friday, May 9th at the Keyport Naval Undersea Warfare Center auditorium. Charlotte Garrido, Ph. D gave the commencement address to 21 Baccalaureate and 6 Masters Candidates and their families and friends. In her address Dr. Garrido acknowledged the student’s diligence and tenacity in reaching their goal. She drew upon a sonnet, Sonnet for Morgan’s Graduation, by local musician, luthier and writer, Philip Boulding, to help celebrate the event.

As she recognized the milestone the students had achieved she said “And so, as we extol your great achievements as students, this is also a time to “see ahead” and “set new sights on vistas of great worth.” 
Colleges and universities are committed to providing quality education. They offer fields of study that “open students’ minds to knowledge and discoveries,” as one says. Students of diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds come together in an academic community around education and leadership development.”

Dr. Garrido cited the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board in pointing out, “Education is the wellspring of economic growth and jobs.  It is also the foundation of democracy, and the shared experience that knits a diverse society together.” And reminded the graduates of the personal, societal and economic benefits of their achievement.
In closing, she asked the graduates to “Celebrate your notable achievements
Remember there is so much more to life as well

• Take time to thank the wonderful people who helped you reach this point. 
• Give yourself permission to enjoy some of the joys of life that have been on hold while you were a student. 
• Read some of those novels you didn’t have time for.
• See some of those movies you missed.
• Tend the garden, cook new foods

Look to the future, and your “wondrous” world.

A full copy of Charlotte's address is available here.

El Coral Listening Session April 23rd

We had a good group of people attend. Charlotte was able to connect El Coral restaurant co-owner Sandra Agas with City Councilman Mike Shepherd to help address parking problems in the area. This is typical of the way Charlotte identifies citizens' needs and promptly helps them work toward win-win solutions.

Charlotte listens as El Coral co-owner Sandra Agas tells her how she wants a commissioner to help local businesses.

Rick Cortes and Bremerton City Councilman Mike Shepherd join in.

 

Charlotte and El Coral co-owner, Sandra Agas.

May 22.  The Washington Veterans Home at Retsil in the South Kitsap community is home to 287 veterans that need skilled nursing and assisted-living care.  The Kitsap County Historical Society coordinated a private tour today to show visitors the impressive changes that have recently taken place on this 31 acres. 
Administrative Assistant Jim Brown told us that the first person to be admitted arrived by canoe in 1910.  We also learned that the name Retsil came from spelling backward the name of the governor at the time --Lister.
Residents and staff showed off their beautiful setting and contemporary buildings.  The “neighborhood” design is comfortable and built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building standards.  We saw counters made of sunflower seeds, floors of bamboo, and an innovative system for circulating air that does away with the need for air conditioning.

If you want to visit, call 895-4700 to set up a tour!

From the Bremerton Patriot

Garrido visits Mountain View

By Wesley Remmer | May 31, 2008
Susan Schnell’s 7th grade AP class at Mountain View Middle School learned firsthand May 15 what it’s like to be a county commissioner as former Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido paid the classroom a special visit.

Discussing a range of topics, including the differences between state and local government, Garrido offered a simplified version of what a politician sees on a day-to-day basis, while building students’ community awareness.

“It’s a very complex job,” she explained to the class. “On one hand it’s difficult, on another it’s exciting.”

As part of a teaching plan that encourages students to think about community-related issues, Schnell said Garrido’s visit paid dividends for her students. “All I wanted to do was have the kids a little more informed,” Schnell said.

And Garrido, who served as county commissioner from 1997-2000 and is currently looking to regain the District 2 position, said it is important to educate students on current issues.

By empowering “tomorrow’s leaders,” Garrido explained how students are the future to not only Bremerton and the surrounding area but the entire country. “What you’re learning and what you know is unique to your life experience at this time,” she said.

With hands raised and brows furred, Schnell’s students took interest to Garrido’s words. “I liked how she explained important issues that a lot of people in my life can’t explain,” student Jacob Guggenmos said. “I felt kind of important having one of the most accomplished women in Kitsap County come talk with me.”

Each forming their own opinions, Garrido left the students with plenty to ponder.

“I learned how important it is to know what is going on in your community,” student Jill Spore said. “I learned how important your voice is in the community.”

Garrido also stressed the importance of education, explaining that the classroom is the gateway to a bright future.

“Charlotte Garrido’s visit was very educational as well as inspiring,” student Kiara Lee Serantes explained. “She helped me realize how much I was interested in my career options, and she made me want to strive for my goals.”

Charlotte and supporters and friends walk with the 26th District Democrats in the Port Orchard Fathoms 'O Fun Parade