Last Updated on March 23, 2024
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. GS will be inspecting piping in the HVAC closets along with the bi-annual maintenance checks. Security is asking us to review our File of Life form that folds in a pouch and attaches to your fridge. Forms are available on ME under Forms. Pouches are available from Craig Nelson.
2. Recurring Opportunities for Voicing Concerns are listed on our website under Campus Info>Getting Things Done and Getting Started. Note that monthly Neighborhood Chat schedule each month is published in the Sunburst under Campus Connections. 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, March, 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: We have linked the Prevent Falls Brochure, as well as CDC’s STEADI: Older Adult Fall Prevention on the website. The 2024 Maryland Legislation tracking is posted on our website. Home Health info has been updated with contact info under Health/Fitness, and a chart showing Certified Home Health vs. Home Support Services is posted under News. There is a new post explaining how to use MyNutrition, which you can find via the Help page, the Dining page, and Search. 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 there.
5. BCF: Volunteers are needed in Building 8 for all sorts of TS tasks, please contact Emily, ext. 8892 and there is an immediate need for a Brookside TS Director and a Men’s Clothing Captain. All TS stores are now open, plus the S/L display is selling “hand wrought aluminum” serving pieces. The Cross Creek display will be selling purses in April from the Ladies Boutique. The next Treasure Sale is scheduled for May 2-4, 2024. The Memory Walk is on May 7. The next “Scoop” event will be May 13 in the Black Swan lounge.
6. Res. Life & CR: The Summer Solstice Spectacular is scheduled for Fri., 6/14 from 4pm and everyone is invited! CC requests volunteers to share their talents for CC activities and card players. Allison is looking for prize donations for CC Bingo. Nominations for the Senior HOF must be into CR by 4/15. Please complete your Annual Resident Volunteer Census and return to CR.
Res. Life’s next neighborhood Tapestry gathering is Monday, March 25th, 10-11:30 am in the Gallery. Participants will include residents of Parkview, Chapel Court, and Caton Woods. Merci requires volunteers for the Low Vision Reading Brigade. David Graham has begun a low vision/no vision group, and brainstorming meetings have begun. The Aquatic Center has transitioned to a liquid chlorine system rather than salt to help lessen erosion problems. The Saturday movie, The Holdovers, will be shown on 972 on Saturday and Sunday at 7pm, as well as in the auditorium using a makeshift projector screen.
7. Medical Center: Results from the Holleran Survey indicate that the Medical Center continues to improve their services. Dean is requesting that the random residents who receive the MDPCP CAHPS survey of Medical Center Patients either complete it by mail or online. Not everyone will receive a survey, as it’s a sampling. CC Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines are posted on our resident website each week under the News icon on the Home page. New COVID-19 vaccine info will be available in the near future. Individuals should discuss the RSV vaccine with their physician. A Mask may be required at the Medical Center if a resident is symptomatic. New residents need to sign up for the Care Path Program, even though you may have your doctor off-campus, in case of emergencies, so they have your particulars. Check CC visitation restrictions before you go there. If you are going to the hospital on your own (i.e., elective surgery) please let security know. All hospital stays should be followed by a transitional doctor visit to help prevent readmission. 98% of all after hours calls to the Medical Center are answered within 5 minutes.
8. Move-out Process at the End of Life article is on our website in the Blog area. There is an informative Workshop on Tues., 3/26, at 1-2PM by Gladstone’s Dept., and Sales, to discuss your Residence and Care Agreement with Charlestown in the Conference Center. Then on Tuesday, April 9, there will be an Estate Planning and Probate Law session from the Baltimore County Register of Wills in the Conference Center from 11- Noon.
9. Housekeeping: Annual Housecleaning Special begins Monday, 3/25. There is a shredding event April 13, at Cross Creek, from 9-12pm. Home Care: Home Support info is listed on our website describing their services. Carol Jones reports that Charlestown readmission rate to a hospital is 9% compared to the national average of 15%. This is due in large part to the services of Home Health Care. A chart explaining the difference between Home Support and Certified Home Health is on our website
Extras: The annual Charlestown Scholars’ Fund Campaign begins April 1, so please give generously! There are no slots remaining for AARP Tax-Aide Assistance, but there is a waiting list, contact CR. Ellic is looking for recording/sound support help, call Ralph Strong. Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels for all buildings and for volunteers to color birthday cards. Archives is looking for freelance photographers. Again, volunteers are needed for the Treasure Sale, including a Brookside Director and men’s clothing Captain! Pauline Frazier, CC Nursing Admin., is leaving for personal reasons, the current staff plus Leslie Johnson will take over until a replacement is appointed. The current CDC guidelines for COVID-19 are 5 days in your apartment, then 5 days wearing a mask while out of your apartment. The next vaccine clinic is now being organized for the near future.
Happy Easter!
Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee
PS: Reminder that the Nurse’s Luncheon will be coming up, and please encourage anyone who was a nurse to attend. When the Scholarship funding campaign is underway in April, and if you would like your contribution to go to nursing or health care in general, that can be noted on the contribution form.