Charlestown Retirement Community Residents > News > Evergreen Topics > Evergreen Topics (Remaining Fresh and Vital) as of Dec. 27 2025

Evergreen Topics (Remaining Fresh and Vital) as of Dec. 27 2025

Dec 27, 2025 | Evergreen Topics

Last Updated on December 29, 2025

Below is the list of recurring topics of interest that I have taken responsibility for maintaining and updating periodically, as needed. Some I submit after sending them to the Managers to alter or add before resubmitting them to reappear on our website. Other topics I glean from committee minutes and reports. This report can be found on our website under News.

Legend: GS: General Services; ME: My Erickson website; BCF: Benevolent Care Fund; CC: Continuing Care; E: Electronic; CR: Community Resources Dept.; RL: Resident Life; QR: Quick Response; cci: Charlestown Community Incorporated; BYOB: Bring your own booze; FH: Fountain Hill; TS: Treasure Sale; CTS: Charlestown Square. DEIB: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging CGO Expo: Resident Club, Group, and Organization Expo (formerly Fruits of Our Labor) & Sales Open House

  1. The General Services Call Center’s phone number and current hours are listed under General Services Communications on our website. If you require something fixed or repaired, call, or for non-urgent requests, residents may utilize a Request for 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. Congrats to Dave Bulett, who has accepted the position of the 4th Facilities Coordinator.
  1. 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.
  1. Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, December, can be obtained by asking at the 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.
  1. ccicharlestown.org: The Tech Bar on Dec.10 at the Chesapeake was well attended. Resident Writer Dayle Dawes highlights the Ladies Boutique “Green Tag Sale” under News. The recent CHUG Group Wi-Fi Connection Guides, are now posted on MyErickson. The Admin Org. Chart has been updated as of 12/26/25. The Feb TS info is posted on the website under Resident Activities: Treasure Sale/Stores | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. The December CC Newsletter is posted. Hope is creating a team of residents to assist other residents with computer use; those interested in helping can reach out to her. Questions or suggestions for the website may be submitted on the Home Page, or join us for the next Website Subcommittee meeting, Mon., Jan. 26, at 1:30 PM via Zoom. Contact Hope for the address.
  1. BCF: The next TS is scheduled for February 5-7, 2026, and there is an ongoing list of volunteer needs for various TS tasks; please contact Casey at 410-737-8892. The Pickup Line is closed until Mon., Jan. 5, 2026. The Treasure Stores will re-open Jan. 6, except for the Ladies Boutique will be open Tuesdays, offering a Green Tag Sale.  Anyone interested in joining the BCF committee should contact Sandy Mack, the Chair, to attend a meeting. If you wish to donate your car to Cars for Care, contact Bette Hallowell at 410-314-7958. All funds raised through Cars for Care go to the BCF. Philanthropy reminds us to “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, ensuring the promise of a Home for Life. Janet Evans’ annual Holiday Card Sale on 12/5 brought in $350 for the benefit of the BCF. The Art Auction on 12/10 raised $2,600 for BCF! Note that the Putterland dates are January 20-24 in 2026. Volunteers will be needed; contact resident Donna Ferrara, whose info is on the Resident Directory.
  1. CR: Jennifer Tillett’s January “Arts Alive at Charlestown” newsletter, and the Chapel Concert Series’ 2026 Schedule, are available on this website under Performing Arts. Volunteers will be needed for taking down Christmas decorations beginning on Jan. 9. All volunteers wanting to help, register with Community Resources using the new group email address: ccicommunityresources@erickson.com.

Res. Life: Marie Skane leads the monthly Dine Together Program for new residents, and the next will be Monday, Jan. 5, at 5:15 PM. Cathy Stevens, our Dining Ambassador Chair, has recruited new Dining Ambassadors. Ann MacKay’s Accessibility & Inclusion Group has been examining several areas of need around the campus. Her subcommittee has developed a list of priority projects they feel need to be addressed, which includes several automatic door openers. Margaret Vincent is looking for a few people to act as reviewers to attend activities and to write reviews on those groups for her New Resident Newsletter. The Transportation Sustainability Subcommittee presented a final draft brochure that will provide information on various ride-share opportunities available to residents. The next meeting will be Jan. 21, 2026, in Brookside Classroom 2.

  1. Medical Center: Happy Retirement to Daina Buivys, our Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, but welcome to our new Doctor, Dr. Chika Egbe, an Internal Medicine Physician! The COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine are still available if you’ve missed the Clinics. Call to make an appointment for your shot. The COVID-19 bug is still active, if sick, call the Medical Center and a mask will be required at the Medical Center if a resident is symptomatic. Stay healthy by washing hands—keep others healthy by not going out if sick. Call the medical center if you are not feeling well. Those who have Primary Care Physicians at the Medical Center are encouraged to sign up for the new Medicare APCM initiative. Also, 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 the Medical Center has 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.
  1. The Move-out Process at the End-of-Life helpful article is updated on our website under News with the name of the coordinator, Trina Butler, as well as the brand-new Transition to CC Move Guide. Limited copies of the printed versions are available upon request at the lobby desks. 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.
  1. Housekeeping: Dumpster day is January 7th, at CTS, 9-11 am. Electronic recycling is targeted for spring. A 24-hour notice to the GS Call Center is now necessary to request that apartment keys be made available to housekeepers. It is requested that if you see something that needs clean-up attention, call the GS Call Center.
  1. Home Care: Updated Home Care info is listed on our website. Also, they are waiving the $150 Nursing Assessment Fee if you use Home Support services for at least 3 weeks. This offer is running in January.

Extras: Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards. Archives are in their new home in the Courtyard Crossing Lobby, and they remind clubs and groups to send photos, meeting minutes, etc.. The next Medication Disposal event is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 16. The resident-run Cancer Support Group, led by Ann MacKay, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, the next being Jan. 12, at 2 PM in CTS Classroom 216 Breakout Room. American Medical Equipment will be here on Jan.14, at the Erickson Center from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM for free repairs to your mobility equipment. In CC, they ask for Bingo prizes of small snacks, costume jewelry, soaps, lotions, etc., for residents to be taken to the CR Office. CC is also seeking magazine and coffee table books for Memory Care. Volunteers are needed in CC to share their talents for CC activities and card players. The Harmonizers Holiday Concert is replaying on Channel 972 this weekend at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. It is also available on MyErickson under TV and Videos/Community Presentations. Lovely!

Happy New Year!
Charlie Eichenlaub