Last Updated on September 20, 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 Call Center’s phone number and current hours are listed under General Services Communications on our website. 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. The GPS Tracker for the Shuttle should be working on your ME app on your smartphone or tablet. If you are having trouble downloading the application, contact the IT Service Line.

2. Recurring Opportunities for Voicing Concerns are listed on our website under Campus Info>Getting Things Done and Getting Started. The monthly Neighborhood Chat schedule is published in the Sunburst under Campus Connections. Our website’s Council Communication Form icon alerts 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, September, 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: New Amazon Delivery Tips, suggested by GS, are listed under News. The new Campus Delivery Map has been added to Campus Maps. Covid-19 Activity/Visitor Guideline in CC from 8/30 are posted. Learn how to join the re-named “charlestown-resident-hub@googlegroups.com” under News. 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. The ELLIC Fall Catalog is available on the website under Education.

5. BCF: September is Benevolent Care Month, and the best way to have a lasting impact is that Residents can leave a legacy at Charlestown by designating the BCF in their estate plans or as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of the entrance deposit to ensure the promise of a “Home for Life”. To learn more, attend the next “Get the Scoop” event on Mon., 9/23 at 1 PM in the Gallery, please call Bette in Philanthropy at 410-314-7958 to RSVP. Then on Wed., 9/25 at 10 am in the Auditorium, Patti Santoni will give a “free to all” Ellic presentation on “BCF- Get the Facts”. Finance, and Admin, will follow with a “Value for Price Paid” talk on 9/30 at 1 PM in the Auditorium. The next TS is 10/17-19, and there is an ongoing litany of volunteer needs for many TS tasks; contact Bette, at 410-314-7958. The Treasure Stores are currently open. The Memory Walk is on Oct. 22. Psst, Philanthropy is about to introduce the new 3rd person on their team.

6. Res. Life & CR: The Fall Fun Festival, open to all residents, Staff, and families, will be Fri., Oct. 11, 3 -6:30 PM. There is a need for volunteer wheelchair escorts. Register with Allison to be a Volunteer! Volunteers remain needed in CC 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 Committee reconvened this week, with Bill Jones and Fred Sadler as co-chairs. Dining Ambassadors, led by Stephanie Leddy are active and meeting new residents. Marie Skane leads the monthly Dine Together Program for new residents, and can use more volunteers as Hosts. Merci seeks residents to be identified who would welcome the Low Vision Reading Brigade service. The Tapestry Program, led by Audrey Trapp and Moffett Churn, will continue this fall, with events on Nov. 20 and Dec. 6 at the Chesapeake, both from 9:30 -11 AM. A Low Vision Devices demonstration by a VA rep will be conducted in the Auditorium, from 10-Noon, on Mon., 10/28, and all are welcome. Thanks to the LWV Charlestown Unit, all Front Desks have voter registration and mail-in ballot forms that you can request a copy of. The LWV will also hold Voter Registration in the dining halls on September 25 during lunch and dinner.

7. Medical Center: Flu shots are still available if you missed the Clinics. The New COVID-19 vaccine Clinic will be on 10/23, 8-12 Noon in the Gallery at CTS. 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 alone (i.e., elective surgery) please let security know. All hospital stays should be followed by a transitional doctor visit to help prevent readmission. If your Primary Doctor is at the Medical Center, you may receive a Medicare Press Ganey Medical Center Survey—which is random. Please take the survey if you are chosen.

8. The Move-out Process at the End of Life helpful article has been updated on our website in the Blog area and was posted in the August Sunburst. As the posting states, 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 removing 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 – 410-314-7958

Housekeeping: The Annual Housekeeping Special continues through September 27, but the 2024 Mattress flip special $15 ends October 18th, 2024. A Shred It Event will be at CTS curbside, on Sat.,10/5 from 9 until Noon. Home Care info is listed on our website, describing their services under Health/Fitness. The Preserving Independence Seminar on Memory video, on My Erickson, is well recommended, in case you missed it; and they have a Fit Fair Extraordinaire 2024 on 9/27, 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Cross Creek.

Extras: Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic candidate for the United States Senate, will be hosted by Progressives Together in the Auditorium on Tuesday, September 24th at 1:30 PM. Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards. The Film Library seeks projectionists for some Saturdays @ 7 pm and will provide training, along with help needed for various specialties, contact Phil Benzil. Add your email to the re-named Charlestown Hub email group on our website under “News” or “Search”.

Charlie Eichenlaub

Communications Committee
PS: RIP Steve Harders. My personal note: Steve, when Council Pres. in 2017, suggested an “Evergreen” report from the Communications Committee, mostly because he was tired of the number of sink backups because of garbage disposal mishaps at the St. Charles. I volunteered as part of my website maintenance duties, and it has evolved into this report.