Last Updated on January 24, 2025
Evergreen Topics (remaining fresh and vital)
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 GS Comment Forms on ME to report on your service call from GS, and staff are handing out QR forms as they complete their tasks for easy usage. Please, please return wheelchairs and shopping carts to where they belong!
2. Recurring Opportunities for Voicing Concerns are listed on our website under Campus Info>Getting Things Done and Getting Started. The current Executive Team photo and Organizational Chart has been updated. 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, January, 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 is 2/26 at the Fireside from 10-2 PM. The current Executive Team Photo and Org. Chart has been updated under “Getting Things Done”. The IT Glossary is updated. The Charlestown Continuing Care Monthly Newsletter for January has been posted. The current courses for Ellic and CCBC are listed. The 2025 Maryland Bill Tracker is available on the website. Also, 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: Patti Santoni has left Charlestown, but let us thank her for her efforts for the BCF over the past 10 years. “Leave your legacy at Charlestown” by designating the BCF in your estate plans or as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of the entrance deposit to ensure the promise of a “Home for Life”. The TS is February 6-8, 2025, and there is an ongoing litany of volunteer needs for many TS tasks; contact Casey, at 410-737-8892. The last day for pickups is Friday, 1/24 and will open back up Monday, 2/17. The Treasure Chest and Ladies Boutique are now open, but will close 2/4 and 2/11, but reopen 2/18. Treasures Unlimited is now closed, but will reopen when inventory is optimal. Winter Putterland will take place February 18th-February 22nd and to sign up for Tournaments, contact Teresa Reymann-Curran at the Fitness Center. Anyone interested in joining the BCF committee should contact Virginia Antevil, the Chair, to attend a meeting. The next Memory Walk will be on May 13, 2025, and memorial Bricks and Benches are available for purchase now. Contact the Philanthropy Office for more information.
6. CR: The Dean Crawford Event is Tonight in the Conference Center, with proceeds to benefit the Benevolent Care Fund. The AARP Tax Preparation signup will occur on January 31st from 10:00-12:00 in the Auditorium. Register with Allison or Ellie DiPietro, to be a 60-minute volunteer to visit residents in Caton Woods. CC is seeking magazine and coffee table books for Memory Care and prize donations for CC Bingo. Volunteers also remain needed in CC to share their talents for CC activities and card players. Also, register with Allison for the Volunteer Program. Winter Putterland will take place February 18th-February 22nd and volunteers will be needed. The American Medical Equipment Co. will be on Campus Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Bring your walker, rollator, wheelchair, scooter, etc. for adjustment/repair.
Res. Life: Marie Skane leads the monthly Dine Together Program for new residents and can use more volunteers as Hosts, the next is Monday, Feb. 3. In CC, there is a February Coffee and Conversation, and Programming Department Q/A at the Wilton Overlook Meeting Hall on 2/12 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The Tapestry Program will continue in 2025 with events on March 25th & April 1st. Merci seeks residents to be identified who would welcome the Low Vision Reading Brigade service. David Graham reported that the Low Vision Group are now several Continuing Action Subgroups, of 3–4 people each, that are focusing on specific low vision issues. Ann MacKay reported that the Age/Ageism group continues to focus on Accessibility and Universal Design, with the overall hope to influence Corporate to be more aware of these needs.
7. Medical Center: Farewell to Dr. Yi, thank you for your service! Stay healthy by washing hands—keep others healthy by not going out if sick, especially to the dining rooms. Call the medical center if not feeling well.The New COVID-19 vaccine and Flu shots are still available if you have missed the Clinics. 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. The Move-out Process at the End of Life helpful article posted on our website in the Blog area and was 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, call Casey Bassler, Coordinator – 410-737-8892.
9. Housekeeping is having an Electronics Recycling Day in February TBA. The Committee asks if you see something that needs clean-up attention, say something, please!
10. Home Care info is listed on our website, describing their services under Health/Fitness. Home Support offers a free assessment fee if residents sign up before 1/31. The next Preserving Independence presentation is being planned for the upcoming months by Kristen Aybar on home safety, including Custom Interiors. The last, on Dec. 18, Home Safe Home is on ME under Special Presentations.
Extras: Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards. Archives want photographers to cover our events and a coordinator who may or may not be a shutterbug; contact John Yoder. The Medication Disposal next events will be on February 24, May 19, Aug 25, and November 24 from 1-3 pm in Cross Creek and Fireside Lobbies. The resident-run Cancer Support Group, led by Ann MacKay, will meet on the 2nd Monday of each month, the next being Feb. 10th at 2 PM in CTS Classroom 116.
Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee
PS: Can you donate a gently used coat for the needy to the Pastoral Care Office through 1/31?