Charlestown Retirement Community Residents > News > Residents Council > Communications Committee > Evergreen Topics, as of November 24, 2023

Evergreen Topics, as of November 24, 2023

Nov 24, 2023 | Communications Committee, Evergreen Topics

Last Updated on November 24, 2023

Below is the list of reoccurring topics of interest I have taken the responsibility to maintain and update periodically or when timely. Some I submit after sending them to Managers to alter or add before re-submitting them to reappear on our website. Other topics I glean from minutes and reports from Committees.

  1. The General Services contact instructions are on our website, with the current hours under General Services Communications. If you do need something fixed or repaired, call, or for non-urgent requests, residents may fill out a Request a Service Work Order online under the ME icon forms. If there is an emergency after hours, or on weekends, call Security for help. There are now GS Comment Forms on ME to report on your service call from GS. The page includes an extensive article on the Comcast contract apartment TV connections that was posted on 6/18.
  2. Reoccurring Opportunities for Voicing Concerns are listed under Campus Info>Getting Things Done and Getting Started. The Council Communication Form icon on our website can be used to alert the Council to a problem. Also, the Administration welcomes comments, please send them to ccifeedback@erickson.com.
  3. Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, November, can be obtained by asking at lobby desks. The only E-directory is on My Erickson, which is password protected. Changes to both directories should be referred to the Res. Life Asst., Deanna Booker, at Ext. 601-8230.
  4. ccicharlestown.org: The next Tech Bar will be Tues., 12/19 at the Chesapeake Restaurant. Resident Life Aging and Ableism Subcommittee videos are now available on our website as well as on MyErickson in Community Videos. The Help icon has directions to add photos to resident ME profiles, among other useful topics. Hope is creating a team of residents to assist other residents with the use of computers, those interested in helping can reach out to her. Questions or suggestions for the website may be submitted on the Home Page. Check the current Covid-19 Continuing Care Visitor Guidelines under News on the website before you visit. CCBC Winter Course Registration for Jan-March ’24 begins 11/27, and courses can be found on our website under Resident Activities/Education/CCBC.
  5. BCF: Sponsor a wreath for just $17 to be placed on a veteran’s grave this December at Baltimore National Cemetery, last day is 11/28. $5 per wreath will benefit our BCF. The Ladies Boutique is now fully stocked with holiday clothing of all sorts, including PJs, and will be open on Tuesdays through 12/19. Bricks are now on sale for the Spring Memory Walk, price goes up Jan. 1. Please consider the BCF in your year-end giving through your RMD and for “Giving Tuesday” make a donation to the BCF to ensure a “Home for Life” for our residents. Treasure Sale need volunteers for all sorts of tasks, please contact Bette, ext. 8397. The Treasure Chest store is seeking volunteers for 1 Tuesday per month for 90 minutes for Cashier and Assistant positions. Contact Ann Walsh.
  6. Res. Life & CR:  IL Card Players are desperately needed in CC, contact CR. The Transportation Working Group arm of the Sustainability Group is now formed and will study alternative methods, other than cars, in the County and State. Newer residents are welcome to the January RL meeting on 1/17, to offer the challenges of their settling-in process and their suggestions to improve it. Resident Life Aging and Ableism subcommittee videos are now linked with our website. An article on the importance of language will be in the December Sunburst. The Tapestry and Ageism projects have both become subcommittees of the RLC. The Tapestry Team will be scheduling neighborhood meetings beginning with the Atrium on 1/24. Look for the Tapestry article in the December Sunburst for this info and how to access videos on ME for meeting examples. Merci needs volunteers for the Low Vision Reading Brigade.
  7. Medical Center: Our Continuing Care facility was given the highest rating and listed in the top Nursing Homes in the US by U. S. New & World Report! Also, Congrats to EA for 4 straight years of a 5-Star rating! Flu shots are still available at regular routine scheduled appointments if you haven’t had yours. Make sure you get your vaccine here rather than outside the campus.  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for all residents who have not received their shots.  However, individuals should discuss the RSV vaccine with their physician.  A Mask may be required at the Medical Center if a resident is symptomatic. Sign up for the Care Path Program, even though you may have your doctor off-campus, in case of emergencies. Check CC visitation restrictions before you go there. Please complete any surveys you receive from MDPCP or Medicare regarding doctor visits. Remember to schedule and keep your Annual Wellness visits. If you are going to the hospital on your own (i.e., elective surgery) please let security know.
  8. Move-out Process at the End of Life article was in the August Sunburst and is found permanently on our website in the Blog area. BCF is asking us to informfamilies that we offer our volunteers to pack up any donations left behind in loved ones’ apartments, and that there is no charge for the removal of approved larger items left for donation to the Treasure Sale. Our volunteers work quickly because they realize time is of the essence. Emily Fowler is their contact at 410-737-8892.
  9. Housekeeping is offering a Carpet Cleaning Special thru Dec. 15, call Gen. Services. Home Support Services’ new Assistant Home Care Administrator is Capri White-Coleman, current Home Support Assistant Manager at RWV. Her first day is 11/29/23.

Extras: Congrats to us and the Staff Appreciation Committee! 71% of us contributed to the $320K donated to our staff employees that was not tax-deductible and will be disbursed to this worthy group early December in time for the Holidays. Ellic is looking for recording/sound support help, as well as ushers, call Gif. Ellie Dipietro needs residents to serve as Friendly Visitors in Caton Ridge and Harborview. Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels for all buildings and for volunteers to color birthday cards. The League of Women Voters will hold a training session on January 11 for persons to be trained to register voters. Contact Judy Plymyer if you want to be trained.

Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah

Charlie Eichenlaub