President Stephanie Leddy called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday January 6, 2026.  80 residents attended in addition to Don Grove, Charlestown Executive Director; Leslie Johnson, Associate Executive Director; Jill Clippinger, Resident Life Director; Jason Dennis, General Services Director; and Stephen Miller,  Assistant General Services Director.

Moment of Silence
The Council observed a moment of silence for those who have passed away.

Minutes
Minutes of the December 2, 2025 meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved.

Mission Moment
Honoree: Margaret Vincent
Nominated by Fred Sadler & Bill Jones

The resident life committee co-chairs celebrate Margaret Vincent for her outstanding communication efforts on behalf of the greater Charlestown community. Over a year ago, Margaret created and has continued to author the Charlestown Newcomers weekly email newsletter. The newsletter, which contains information of interest to new residents, is sent to the newest 100 residents for the first six months after they arrive in Charlestown, as well as to appropriate Charlestown staff.  Margaret actively solicits and welcomes ideas, content or any kind of feedback which would be helpful to new residents.  I feel grateful that I receive it, because I get good pieces of information as well.  Utilizing her IT skills, Margaret has also created a new updated campus map to assist new residents and not so new residents in navigating Charlestown. Copies of this valuable resource are available to front desks throughout the campus.  Thankfully, Margaret will continue to make revisions as new construction continues. Congratulations to Margaret for her wonderful work to dispel the fog which often envelops your residents, and Fred for just recognizing her. We need people who do recognize others here.

Remember, Marianne Reichelt is the person you would send your emails to if you would like someone to be recognized.

Executive Team Reports

Stephanie Leddy President

This is a time for resolution making, and I was wondering if any of you had made a resolution to continue to attend our resident council meetings, you could raise your hand if that’s the case. Thank you. Thank you.

So my sunburst article this month focused on the 12 committees and just a couple of the accomplishments of each committee has achieved over 2025 and I hope you take time to read that and see each committee is filled with residents interested in working in that particular area to improve life here at Charlestown, since you are attendees, how many of you have attended a meeting, a committee meeting, and How many of you actually committee members of subcommittee. Well, good for you. Thank you. Remember, all of you are a part of the residents’ association, and you can attend Eddie and all of the committee meetings. So look over my article in the sunburst to see what committee’s purpose speaks to you, and go for it. Soon we will have a nominating committee seeking interested people who would like to serve on the resident Council. Each year we need to vote in seven people to replace those who have completed their three-year term. So please give some thought to joining us and help to keep our goal of harmonious living a reality. And of course, you will be hearing more about this as the year proceeds today, when each committee chair reports their recent activity or goals for the year. See what prompts you to get involved. It is a resolution more than just you would feel good about so thanks.

Jerry Donaldson, Treasurer

Balance –  November 30,2025             $ 5,920.24

Income                                                    00.00

Expenses
President
Resident Council Holiday Gathering = ($178.48)
Total Expenses =             ($178.48)

Balance –  December 31,  2025       $5,741.76

Jerry stated that he will continue to carefully monitor the budget spend rate as the year goes on to determine as early as possible if and when and how we are going to have to collect dues this year.  The end of December spend rate was about 42% of the budget. Year, we spent about 23% of our budget. However, there is no requirement, nor expectation that the spending rate will be linear, so we’re just going to have to continue to monitor that, and we’ll keep everybody posted as quickly as it develops.

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Sandy Mack, Chair

• Planned Gifts

We received two new planned gifts in December, bringing the total for 2025 to 24 gifts and total pledges to $2.1 million dollars.

• Silent Auction – $2,600

We were delighted by the strong attendance at the December 10th silent auction for Angeline Culfogienis, which raised a wonderful $2,600 to benefit the Benevolent Care Fund.

• Paint Day – $751

Our Paint Day on December 17th was a wonderful success, bringing together 32 residents for some holiday cheer and raising $751 for the Benevolent Care Fund. As I walk through the halls of Charlestown, it brings me such joy to see everyone’s beautiful creations proudly displayed on each of their package shelves. I’m already looking forward to our next paint day in the spring!

Next Meeting- Wednesday, January 28th at 2:30 in CTS 116

Communications, Hope Tillman, Co-Chair

No meeting was held in December

• IT
  • 2026 Tech Bars – 1st meeting will be February 18 2026 from 10 to 12.
  • Planned Mobile Phone System Upgrade for Independent Living. This was mentioned at the last meeting but I think it bears repeating. There was a successful upgrade in Continuing Care in the 4th Quarter 2025
• My Erickson
  • This tool created by Erickson provides  access to the staff directory, resident directory, meals you have left, plus lots of other information. Community Resources manages much but not all of its content.
  • For anyone who opts in to E-Preferred, My EricksonMy Erickson is a resident portal. It is provided by Erickson Corporate and is managed by Charlestown staff, mainly Community Resources. See Portal. READ MORE provides  cubby stuffed information. Some departments opt in to E-Preferred, several don’t at this point.
• Many of the flyers which appear on MyErickson also appear on the bulletin boards around campus.

• ccicharlestown.org is the website paid for by the Residents’ Council and has been developed and is managed by a subcommittee of the Communications Committee. It has been around since about 2010. In addition to the work of the Council, the website features the things residents are interested in: current dining menus, movies of the week, announcements, club activities, and more. It is an active site and worth looking at regularly.
• Charlestown Resident Hub – I wanted to bring to residents’ attention the mailing list that the Communications Committee created a few years ago as a means for residents to share information. To subscribe, you can contact me or subscribe from your preferred email  to “subscribe+charlestown-resident-hub@googlegroups.com”

Our next Communications Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday January 26th at @ 2:00 PM. preceded by the Website Committee at 1:30 pm.- if you need the ZOOM link, contact hope@hopetillman.com

The Conservation Committee, Charles Robinson, Co-Chair

• Committee did not meet in December

• The recyclable items charts have been placed at the fireside restaurant. These charts will be moved to the Atrium next month, and will be continually moved out to residents throughout this coming year.

• Jack Flood and Charles Robinson visited Riderwood to view how they collect residents’ food scraps for composting. This program been going on since October of 2023.  They with Karen Douglas, one of the coordinators of this program. Jack will make a presentation at our next meeting.

• Will be discussing potential projects for CapEx 2027

• Will be discussing potential educational program for energy conservation

• Still looking for Eco-Charlestown updaters

        Next Meeting: January 20, 2026 – 2PM Brookside Classroom 1

Dining Services, Cathy Stevens, Chair.

• Atrium – Kudos to new dessert vendor – Clemmons (so?),

Also, happy with Hershey’s that has not only sugar free, but also lactose free ice creams.

• Cafe on Main – Happy with more relaxed atmosphere. Love the new dessert choices
• Shortline – items incorrectly marked as healthier choice
• Chesapeake – complaints of food too spicy. Food temperatures are better
• Fireside – can’t get reservations.

Too many foods marked healthy choice when they are not

• Dietary Focus Group – enjoying new zoom meetings with Ashby Ponds and others
• My Nutrition – need nutrition information on new dessert items

Next meeting is Monday, January 19th at 1:30 in CST 116

Finance, Art Johnson, Chair

• Reviewed November Finance Report- will end year in strong financial position

A review of the November Finance report showed little change from previous months and that which was reported at the November Town Hall:  Charlestown will end the year 2025 in good financial position. But there are challenges ahead in 2026 as we have reported over the past several months:  utilities cost and increasing cost of health benefits remain challenges.

• As of November 30th – 17 residents on Benevolent Care

• CapEx 27 – information and proposal forms are on My EricksonMy Erickson is a resident portal. It is provided by Erickson Corporate and is managed by Charlestown staff, mainly Community Resources. See Portal. READ MORE under (the Resident Council icon>RC information) and on ccicharlestown.org

The CapEx27 process is about to begin. Residents are encouraged to submit proposals for capital improvements to be funded in 2027. Proposals must be submitted to a Residents’ Council committee to be considered.  Deadline for committees to make their recommendations to the Finance Committee  is March 15 (so you must submit earlier). Information and proposal forms are on My EricksonMy Erickson is a resident portal. It is provided by Erickson Corporate and is managed by Charlestown staff, mainly Community Resources. See Portal. READ MORE (under the Residents’ Council icon > RC Information) and on cci.Charlestown (under Finance Committee). To print out the proposal form click on the box:

Downloadable Capital Expenditure Project Proposal Form.

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, January 27th at 9 AM  in BR-1

Grounds, Dick Voelkel, Chair did not attend – no report given – bullets below were provided:

• No Meeting in December

• Twelve small trees have been donated. Trees will be planted in front of maintenance area fence in the spring.

     Next Meeting: will be Monday, January 27 in BR 1 at 11AM

Health Services, Marty White, Co-Chair

• Bladder Health Presentation – OT Staff

On Dec 9, Occupational therapists Jessica Gertz and Kinjal Rosenberg gave us a lecture on bladder health, noting that over half of women and 21% of men >65 have incontinence. Treatment strategies were discussed.

• Health & Wellness sponsored classes

Our committee has sponsored 2 substance abuse lectures and co-sponsored an ELLIC course on Prevention of Falls in the Elderly.  All 3 lectures are now available on My EricksonMy Erickson is a resident portal. It is provided by Erickson Corporate and is managed by Charlestown staff, mainly Community Resources. See Portal. READ MORE.

• Dementia Caretakers & Parkinson Groups

Jane Vess reported that the Maryland Association for Parkinsons presented on the beneficial effects of music for those with Parkinsons, and I reported that the Dementia caretakers support group had a lawyer discuss power of attorney and related topics.

• Infectious Disease Report

Influenza cases reported nationwide by the last week of December exceeded the number of cases reported by mid-February last season.  This year’s strain is highly contagious and we now have 10 hospitalizations per 100,000 population, which is quite high.  Six cases have been reported in continuing care, and visitors to Continuing Care are being asked to wear surgical masks.  The flu vaccine is partially protective, but offers good protection against severe disease.  If you’re not vaccinated already, I strongly urge you to get your flu shot, and avoid contact with others if you have respiratory symptoms.

• Substance Abuse Working Group Lectures

The next substance abuse lecture will deal with sedatives, hypnotics and cannabis on Feb 23 at 1PM in the auditorium.

• Our next medication disposal event is Feb 16, 1-3 at the Fireside and Cross Creek lobbies.

Next meeting: Tuesday, Tuesday, January 13th at 11:00 AM in BR-1

Housekeeping, Pat Whittier, Chair

• Shout out to Housekeeping Staff & Housekeeping Committee

I wish to begin today by thanking the Housekeeping staff and residents on the Housekeeping Committee who work together to keep our home safe, clean, healthy and attractive. Though many of us enjoyed time off for the holidays, the housekeeping staff continued working throughout the entire month. The housekeeping building monitors did not stop their observations either, thanks to all.

• Many residents are faithfully using the plastic trash cans, placing their trash bags inside so that we can avoid spills and leaks on the carpet and rodent issues. As I walked the halls in the early morning hours, I came across a mouse happily eating the corner of someone’s trash bag sitting on the floor. I interrupted his meal, but it reinforced our need to use the plastic trash cans. If you need one, please contact General Services and one will be delivered to you free of charge.
• We have resident housekeeping monitors who are observers in their home buildings. For this new year we want to increase our number of areas being covered. Most people assume responsibility for their own floor, walking their normal route, but being observant for stains or items that need to be removed. They report to me anything that housekeeping might need to address. This allows us to assist the housekeeping staff and make sure our home is as well maintained as possible. Several of our buildings do not have monitors right now. I am particularly looking for volunteers in Fountain Hill, Maple Terrace, New Carroll and Edgewood. If you might be interested in helping in one of these or in any other building, please let me know.
• I learned this morning that Tameria Willis has been named the new Team Lead for the Housekeeping Department. She will facilitate the walk-through inspections for each building. I, or a representative, will walk with her, the Housekeeper and any committee member who wishes to walk their building. Next week some housekeepers will rotate to new buildings so they get to know this very diverse campus. So, please smile and greet your housekeeper.

             Next Meeting: January 19, at 10 AM in BR-1

Legislative/Political, Richard Lee, Chair

• All agreed that the Meet and Greet on December 9th was a success. Topics of discussion included cuts to Medicaid and Medicare and how these cuts may affect seniors. Delegates also discussed the state’s looming 1.4 billion dollar budget deficit. There were issues with security questioning Delegate Ebersole as he made his through the building. Also we may have a signer for our next event for audience members who have hearing difficulties.
• Judy Plymyer reported on the LWV meeting held on November 16th.
• LWV putting together a calendar of activities for the 2026 Gubernatorial and Congressional elections with the primary in June and general in November.
• LWV will be scheduling voter registration and poll evaluation training with the Baltimore County Board of Elections. Volunteers are welcome
• MaCCRA visit to Annapolis during the legislative session TBD
• Legislative wrap up in late April or early May
• Candidates’ forum for County Executive and Council seats in May.
• Rose Ann Wade is planning a Ranked Choice Voting program in BR-1 on January 23rd.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 14th at 10 AM in BR1

Maintenance and Engineering, Brian McGill, Chair

• Edgewood parking lot project completed

• Multiple main water line leaks surveyed

Two main water line repairs are scheduled for January 2026.

• Terrace restaurant major projects begun

• New carpet on Chapel Court Bridge

• Edgewood fire damper inspection on January 9th

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 27th @ 2 PM in BR1

Resident Life, Bill Jones, Co-Chair

• The Tapestry Program Committee met yesterday to begin planning their spring program. It was reported that approximately 500 residents have attended the fourteen (14) sessions held over the last four years. Several potential topics and dates were discussed. Details on the upcoming sessions will be published as soon as the committee finalizes them at their February meeting.

• The Dine Together Program held its monthly dinner get together last night with 35 residents sharing their meals together. Several new residents attended. Chair Marie Skane is meeting with the Café on Main Manager to discuss the possibility of having a new resident luncheon at that location.

• The weekly new resident newsletter continues to be very popular and was distributed to 120 residents this past Sunday. We are happy to announce that editor, Margaret Vincent, has been recognized in the January “Sunburst” for her efforts on this worthwhile program.

• The Transportation Sustainability group has finalized the brochure to help residents find alternative ride sharing opportunities. The brochure is being final reviewed by Dave Schuch, Transportation Manager, before going to the Administration for approval.

       Next Meeting: Wednesday,  January 21 at 2 PM in BR-2

Safety and Security, Ed Appel & Patti Omiston, Co-Chairs

The Safety-Security Committee met Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Bre Jones reported that a recurrence of Craig Nelson’s heart condition would keep him out of work for some weeks, recovering at home.  Please say a prayer for Craig.

• Thank you visits to BCPD, BCFD, & Arbutus VFS are planned

The committee is preparing to bring thank-you letters and treats to the Baltimore County Fire Department station in Catonsville, the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department and Baltimore County Police Department station on Wilkins Avenue.  Security plans to participate.

• Committee’s suggestions to Security based on recent incidents

The group discussed incidents where Security responded to resident injuries and areas where latches were left unchecked and fire doors left open.  Security followed up on these.

• Staying Safe- Senior Safety Panel Discussion planned for April

• Committee recommendations to improve pedestrian safety are pending

The committee asked for a status update on recommended enhanced signage to mitigate the danger to pedestrians of vehicles passing stop signs or speeding. We discussed the possibility of using low-rise crosswalk humps like those on streets in Catonsville and Arbutus to help slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety when crossing.  A CAPEX proposal will be considered.

Reminder: Dr. Kevin James’ falls prevention ELLIC class was well attended and considered excellent.  It is available on Charlestown’s YouTube channel.

Next Meeting: January 15th at 11am in CTS 116

Administration Update

Executive Director Don Grove

Don had a visit from John Erickson. He was excited to see the Cafe on Main and pleased we were able to open up the space in that way.  Don reminded us that Mr. Erickson was very helpful in getting the Maryland Historical Society to approve our changes to the front yard by reminding them it had been a centerpiece for outdoor activities in Catonsville for quite some time.

Hydro raking is completed. They were required to do some seating and grading.  because it is January, seeding is not going to work too well.  They do come back and they will redo it in the spring.

Herberts Run, the actual body of water, has had some green color recently. Several residents have pointed that out. We contacted Maryland Department of Environment, of environment, who was actually very responsive. They are investigating and determines it’s something off campus. It’s not related to the campus, but just trying to figure out what that is and get to the root of it.

O the 13th and 14th, there is a tree that will be taken down because it’s considered a danger by Caton woods. This will affect some Loop Road traffic. We will be able to keep traffic going, but there’ll be some, probably some flag folks out there limiting passersby for a period of time.

Building inspections for stability of our buildings and long term structural concerns.

There will be some soil testing outside the Herberts Run building entrance. It is not  a substantial issue. It is long term staying ahead of projects. Chapel Court has a little bit of cracking in the building, which is typically normal. But while that company is here, they’re also going to drill in that area, just to make sure that we have no concerns.

This week, we started the life cycle in the upper floors of the historic buildings, Maple Terrace, Fountain Hill and New Carroll. We’re trying to make a goal of getting out of the historic area this year.

We have gone aggressively after the bridge heaters, and we have some progress. I remind everybody that you’re trying to heat a glass box that’s surrounded by cold air. It’s not easy and all the campuses deal with the challenges of them, but we had some progress there.

There is a flu outbreak in continuing care across Wilton Overlook and Caton Woods. Please wear a mask when visiting.

Questions

When will the sludge around trees where the trail was smoothed out be removed? Don said it will be addressed in the spring.

Question about December billing notices.  Don acknowledged there had been a problem and that no one would be getting late fees because of the system error.  He said notices should come out this week for January.

Additional information about the auditorium remodeling project was requested.
Art Johnson stated we are trying to identify needs for this space. We’re trying to figure out the best way to administration and pass on. We are working against a tight time frame, though we hope to have at least work done by the end of March. The project will begin next year but we want to hear from residents what they’re hoping to see in the space. If anyone has thoughts or ideas, go to the meeting January 29 at 9AM in Brookside Classroom 2.

A long discussion of delivery drivers being on campus after 8PM yielded no conclusions.

A resident thanked Don for getting the heaters working on the Herbert’s Run bridge.

A resident asked that temporary signage be put up to help people find the Medical Center as all the construction in that area has made getting there new and different.  Don said they wanted signs to be placed.  There are temporary paper signs up currently but they will investigate further.

A Putterland announcement was made – only 17 teams have signed up – 36 is the goal.

A resident asked if the fountains in the lake would be turned back on now that Hydro raking is completed.  Don said they should.

The mouse issue was raised.  Don asked that anyone and everyone report all mouse sightings.

A resident asked what the policy was for reaching out to emergency contacts when security does not find a resident home and no leave form is on file.  Don said he would get an answer.

A reminder that the dumpster is available 7 January 2026 but not for electronic waste.

Next meeting is February 3, 2026 at 3PM.