Evergreen Topics, as of May 23, 2024

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. This complete report can be found on our website under News.

1. The General Services contact instructions are on our website, with the current hours under General Services Communications. If you need something fixed or repaired, call, or for non-urgent requests, residents may utilize 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.

2. Recurring Opportunities for Voicing Concerns are listed on our website under Campus Info>Getting Things Done and Getting Started. Note that the monthly Neighborhood Chat schedule is published in the Sunburst under Campus Connections. The Council Communication Form icon on our website is 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, May, 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: 2024 Maryland Bills tracked can be found on our website under Search. Dining has changed, only to accommodate that they have grouped the Sunday Brunch and Weekly Specials together, as it will change weekly for now. 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.

5. BCF: The Treasure Sale this month was a success, earning $42,006. here is an ongoing litany of volunteer needs for many TS tasks; contact Bette, ext. 8397. The next TS is July 25-27, and the TS pickup line has resumed. The Treasure Chest store is open, the Treasures Unlimited furniture store will reopen when there is sufficient inventory, and the Ladies Boutique’s Pink Dot sale continues. Memory Bricks will be available later during summer.

6. Res. Life & CR: The Summer Solstice Spectacular is scheduled for Fri., 6/14 from 4 pm, everyone is invited and volunteers are needed, so contact Alli! CC also requests volunteers to share their talents for CC activities and card players, with Alli looking for prize donations for CC Bingo. Register with Allison to be on the Volunteer List!

Res. Life: The New and evolving Social Dining with Newbies: Consider joining one of the pilot program teams (Dining Buddies or Welcome Tables) by contacting Margaret Vincent or the ongoing Dine Together Team led by Marie Skane. The next neighborhood Tapestry gathering is June 11, in the Chesapeake, for residents of Herbert’s Run and Brookside. Merci requires volunteers for the Low Vision Reading Brigade. David Graham and Nancy Fayer have begun a Low Vision Group Development Team that’s invitation only for now, and brainstorming meetings have begun.

7. Medical Center: The New COVID-19 vaccine is still available if you missed the Clinic, call the Medical Center. 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. 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.

8. Move-out Process at the End of Life helpful article is on our website in the Blog area. BCF is asking us to inform families 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. Bette Holub, Coordinator – 410-737-8838, x601-8397.

9. Housekeeping: A free Electronic Recycling Disposal Event will be held on June 5th, look for the posting describing what is included, places and times. The Annual Housekeeping Special continues thru September 27.
Home Care: Home Support info is listed on our website describing their services. A chart explaining the difference between Home Support and Certified Home Health is on our website. A new RN for Home Support and an OT for Home Health have been hired and started this week.

Extras: The next Medicine takeback is on 7/15. Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards. Again, volunteers are needed for the Treasure Sale and the Summer Solstice! Have you noticed the closed captioning on Channel 972? Donate your books to the Rotary Books for International Goodwill Project on Wednesday, May 29. The Farmer’s Market has returned to the Chesapeake Lounge every Thursday at 10 am. If you missed the Scholars’ Ceremony Wednesday, check the recorded video on My Erickson or Channel 972 on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 PM.

Further Extras: The Charlestown Chapter of MaCCRA is hosting a membership drive the week of June 3 – 7, 2024 at different restaurants/times around lunch and dinner on June 6.

The Charlestown DEIB Joint Council is sponsoring the LGBTQ+ Pride Walk on June 5 at 10:30 am, starting at Cross Creek Station. Friends & family welcome to attend! Celebration and music!. Pride outfits, signs, flags, noisemakers, and instruments are encouraged.

Have a peaceful Memorial Day weekend and tune into the Memorial Day Concert Special on PBS Sunday night.
Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee