President Stephanie Leddy called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday March 3, 2026.  60 residents attended in addition to Don Grove, Charlestown Executive Director; Leslie Johnson, Associate Executive Director; Jill Clippinger, Resident Life Director; David Schneyer, Finance Director; Nathan Taylor, Assistant Finance 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 February 3, 2026 meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved.

Mission Moment
Honoree: Don Gahs
Nominated by Betty Brown Young

Betty honors the late Don Gahs for planting the gorgeous garden outside the right wing of Herbert’s Run. Don not only filled his own first floor apartment garden with vibrant perennials, but extended his lovely planting along the walkway for all the residents to enjoy. And let me tell you I am one of those residents who thoroughly enjoyed this garden. It was such a pleasure every day to go buy it. Although Don passed away in November, his legacy of caring enthusiasm and creative initiative will continue to touch the hearts of all who went to the doors of Herbert’s Run

Honoree: Gerald Collins
Nominated by JoAnn Wer

JoAnn ware caught Gerald in the act of doing good as he mowed the grass and weeds on the neglected mound of earth outside the bridge between Herbert run and the short line restaurant. And that wasn’t eyesore, I have to say, I commented on that as I was walking past, Joanne explains that several years ago, that wooded area near Herbert’s runs loading dock lost all the trees and then not been re landscaped. Gerald and his wife Margaret had worked together on this area for many years, amending the soil and planting 90 perennials in dozens of daffodils. However, since the lawn company had not cared for the error over the years, it’s become unsightly. Gerald drove to his daughter’s house, retrieved the family lawn mower and returned to hand mow that whole piece of land. Gerald and Margaret’s planting should now be more than visible this coming spring and summer, and we will appreciate them many thanks to Gerald for his caring responsibility and initiative in reclaiming a portion of our Charlestown landscape.

Executive Team Reports

Stephanie Leddy President
Stephanie began with an apology for Pat Miller who one the Hole In One Trophy at Putterland and to Pat Whittier for naming her instead.

Cookies and Donuts were delivered to the Arbutus and Catonsville Fire Station and the Catonsville Police station. These three companies are here on campus multiple times a week to come to the aid of our residents. And when I asked Bree about it, she gave a rough estimate, figuring on an average of 80 and 100 times a month, one of those companies is here.  We wanted to let them know how grateful we are for their good care of us, and they were equally appreciative of the treats.

This month, you have the opportunity to donate to the Scholars Program to help this year’s 33 traditional scholars and three one-year scholars and the 84 current scholarship students to make help make their pursuit of higher education a reality. If you haven’t already seen it, you will find this packet in your cubby giving you all the details of the different ways you can give through March 31 or monthly throughout the year. So please take that out of your Chevy and make good use of it. The students certainly are appreciative of what we have done for them, and they will be paying it forward for the rest of their lives.

The resident Council has two nominating committees functioning in March. The first is for residents to apply to run for resident Council. Every year seven members, terms are up and replacements are needed, and we’d like to get more than seven people. This past time we had 12 people running, we were so glad to see 12 great people, because things happen, you know, people get sick and whatever, and we always need people ready to move on to the board. So please, think about it.

The second nominating committee is a special nominating committee, and that is to be for people to be a candidate, to be a resident member of our board of directors. We have two resident members normally, and lots of places only have one. Pat Kasuda’s term is ending. She will be a board member emeritus. But we have, we will have that position to be filled. And it’s important, it’s important that the board hears from the residents, what the residents need, don’t you think so there’s information on how to do both of these, to apply for both of these in the March sunburst on my Erickson and on CCI Charlestown, and you will hear more about the resident for position on the board at the end of this from the nominating committee.

Jerry Donaldson, Treasurer

Balance – December 31,2025                         $ 5603.96

Income                                                                          00.00

Expenses                                                                    00.00

Balance – January 31, 2026                            $5,603.96

Jerry stated that we are going to collect dues this year.  April will be designated as dues collection month.  We will discuss and vote at the March workgroup meeting.  Volunteers will be needed to stuff envelopes and distribute.

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Sandy Mack, Chair

• We are pleased to report that we secured two new planned gifts in February.
• A huge thank you to our wonderful residents who shared their talents for our Valentine’s Day bake sale! Between those delicious homemade treats and Lois Eldred’s beautiful flower sales, our community truly came together for a great cause. We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your generosity, we raised an impressive $1,000 for the Benevolent Care Fund.
• New boulders were installed at the Cross Creek legacy tree, and Rachel Susio is in the process of contacting the donors.
• Join the Fireside Artists for a special pop-up sale on Tuesday, March 24th, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Located in the Chesapeake Lobby in front of the fireplace, all proceeds benefit the Benevolent Care Fund.

Next Meeting- Wednesday, March 25 at 2:30 at Caton Woods

Communications, Hope Tillman, Co-Chair

Community Resources – Mary Evans

• Groups & clubs – At the end of 2025, there were currently 289 clubs, 8 new in 2025 (with fewer disbanded than additions).
• Streaming – Mary reported that planning for commercial streaming services to common areas is currently underway. Working on the project are Kosta Viennas, Jill Clippinger, Brittany Owens, Jane Amtmann, and Mary Evans – for IL, and Rob Hunter for Continuing Care.

General Services – Gregory Johnson 

• ComcastThe Charlestown Comcast bulk service contract provides basic HD television in the apartments. Address your concerns to General Services. See more information about apartment television and television connections. READ MORE information for new residents – Mary Evans reported that Welcome Home Quick Guide covers television and Resident Life staff goes over that with new residents. If a new resident has a television issue, refer the resident to Mary’s group. One issue is that external streaming services are a problem for new residents. Larry pointed out that residents are noticing that MASN is much cheaper than through ComcastThe Charlestown Comcast bulk service contract provides basic HD television in the apartments. Address your concerns to General Services. See more information about apartment television and television connections. READ MORE. Gregory Johnson pointed out that residents have a problem navigating between cable and streaming services.

IT –  Zach Parks   

• Spam trend report for January (since November) – 3 scareware and 1 remote access intrusion reported
• Erickson IT Support update for January – 211 resident work orders 1.5 days and8 employee tickets 1.4 days;
• Shuttle tracker – Zack reported that the on site team will try to get to trackers whenever there is an IOS update, but if residents see that the tracker is not working, they should report it to the IT Support Desk for an onsite technician to update the tracker.  Zack believed there are only two communities using the shuttle tracker system which may be why the IT Service Desk may be less familiar with it.
• Planning for the ConnectConnect or Charlestown or Erickson Connect Network is the name for the local telephone and Wi-Fi system at Charlestown. READ MORE 3 system upgrade in 2026. Initial meetings have been scheduled. Plan is for May for Independent Living followed by Continuing Care — Meraki ConnectConnect or Charlestown or Erickson Connect Network is the name for the local telephone and Wi-Fi system at Charlestown. READ MORE 3 system. A number of Erickson communities have already had this upgrade. We will hear a lot more before the upgrade takes place.
• Status of IL mobile phone systems upgrade planning for 2026 – planning phase in process, plan to have work on this begin before the end of February. The first step is that cable will be installed where needed.
• However, it is going to be a longer process; completion for independent living is not expected until November 2026. In addition to Verizon, we will be providing access to T-Mobile and AT&T.  Verizon will still be working during the cut-over. With this as well, we expect to have a lot more info before the upgrade takes place
• Last Tech Bar was held on February 18, with about 60 attendees and 20 follow-ups. The schedule for the rest of the year is still being planned. There is the request to have one of them in Continuing Care and one at Charlestown Square.
• “Tech Time” videos – is back on the agenda now that Channel 972 TV studio is at full staff, subject to the ongoing projects. Tips and Tricks with Mac Tahoe and Tips and Tricks with Windows 11. Myrone is also planning an update to the video on scams.

Other Topics:

• Auditorium CapEx 2027 – The Communications Committee is resubmitting last year’s proposal for funding of the Auditorium project.
• The Signage Subcommittee will meet in Brookside Classroom 1 monthly on the 2nd Thursday at 1:00 PM. Their January meeting was held at the Cafe on Main and included walking around the historic district to review the new signage. Recommendations were submitted to Rose Suter, Jason Dennis, and Leslie Johnson.
• Charlestown Resident Hub – this email list has been receiving more traffic, especially since the publicity in the Newcomers Letter. We still need further publicity to get the word out about this group. It was useful yesterday with an early heads-up that trash would not be collected today because of snow.
• Evergreen Topics – Charlie highlighted that this is the time for the Nominating Committee – asking residents to run for Council. He pointed out the different contributions Pat Kasuda has made to Charlestown with her roles on the Council and then the Board of Directors, as well as many committees.
• CCICharlestown.org – we continue to keep it up to date. Next meeting is in March.

Our next Communications Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday March 23 at @ 2:00 PMpreceded by the Website Committee at 1:30 PM. – if you need the ZOOM link, contact Hope Tillman.
The Communications Committee will meet in Caton Woods for our April meeting – April 27, 2026

The Conservation Committee, Charles Robinson and Gary Johnson, Co-Chair

• Committee was briefed on Ryderwood resident food scrap composting project – Committee voted to move forward toward implementation at Charlestown
• Committee reviewed CapEx proposal for Solar Energy Feasibility study – proposal was approved and submitted to Finance Committee
• Committee discussed educational campaign for electricity conservation – slide for MyErickson and Channel 972 was approved and forwarded to Community Resources for posting
• Committee will discuss participation in Nature Fest schedule for April 23 at our next meeting.

        Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 17, 2026– 2PM Brookside Classroom 1

Dining Services, Cathy Stevens, Chair.

DINING SERVICES

• Placemats are now in the Chesapeake and are anticipated in the Fireside in the first week of March.
• Sundaes are available at the Cafe on Main every Tuesday and Thursday at dinner time.
• Dining Services will tape their first show during the first week of March and it will be televised all during March, after which it will tape their April show.
• March dining specials include crab cakes on 3/6; St. Patrick’s Day on 3/17 and Opening Day for the Orioles on 3/26.
• Anticipated specials include Root beer floats on Wednesday and Blueberry Muffins on Friday.
• Dining services are bringing back the QR Code cards after meals and very much like to have residents fill them out after every meal.

Restaurant Reports

• Shortline – Residents would like more variety in ice cream flavors.
• Chesapeake – concern over the same entree is prepared very differently than the same entree on a different night.
• Fireside – ran out of steaks on Valentine’s Day.
• Atrium – Kudos to staff who worked through snow/ice storm. Love the new French fry slicer
• Cafe on Main – Residents would like more variety in dessert menu.

Next meeting is Monday, March 16th at 1:30 in CST 116

Finance, Art Johnson, Chair

• The total 2026 budget for capital expenditures is $26,533,720. The budget for the nine CapEx proposals submitted by the Finance Committee and approved is approximately $5.8 million or nearly 22% of total capital expenditure budget. The proposals submitted by residents via Council Committees made a difference.

• This is a reminder that we are following the same process for the 2027 Capital Budget. Proposals are due from the Council committees to the Finance Committee by mid-March.  Therefore, residents, who wish to submit a proposal and have not done so, need to do so as soon as possible. The Finance Committee has received seven proposals so far.

• The recent ice storm represented a potential hit to Charlestown’s operating budget for snow removal. However, the contract with a new vendor calls for payment according to the depth of snow (i.e., in inches) that is removed. This saved us money as the old contract called for payment by hours worked in removing snow. Given the nature of the storm snow removal proved to be difficult.  Other communities, paying by the hour, that we know about, incurred costs much higher than Charlestown.

• There were 16 Benevolent Care residents at the end of January

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 9 AM in BR-1

Grounds, Dick Voelkel, Chair

• Front yard project starting week of March 6.
• Concrete pads under benches still in process.
• Arborside/Building 7-8-9 courtyard lights to be repaired.
• Charlestown has two hybrid vehicles with three new vehicles planned.
• Electric charging station is being used by employees who remain parked all day.
• A new electric charging station w/two chargers is planned at Cross Creek.
• Encore azaelas will be planted at the gardens surrounding the pool area.
• 50 new Eastern Red Cedar trees to be planted along the maintenance yard fencing on April 22nd. Contact Ron Hendricksen / rrhen@aol.com to help.
• 2 new CapEx 27 proposals were approved:

1. Accessibility features to be included in Lake Charles Trail.
2. Snow blower for Grounds Dept.

     Next Meeting: will be Tuesday, March 24th in BR 1 at 11AM

Health and Wellness, Marty White, Co-Chair

• Firearm Safety Presentation – Ed Appel

Ed Appel gave a presentation introducing the firearm safety subcommittee of the Safety and Security Committee.   In the last 10 years Charlestown has seen a murder/suicide and a suicide by handgun.  In men over the age of 70 who possess a firearm, guns are the preferred method of suicide.  Risk factors include depression, dementia, and substance abuse. While Maryland has strict firearms laws and requires that guns be locked up separate from the ammunition, the risk to the community and the firearm owner is when the rules are not followed and firearms are not safely stored.   Firearm registration is not required at Charlestown.  The Firearms Safety Committee provides education on how to safely store and handle firearms, and serves as a resource to residents who own or wish to dispose of a firearm.

• Continuing Care and Low Vision

Carol Benner and Pat Kasuda continue to work on a program to smooth the transition from Independent Living to Continuing Care. Permission has been granted to have a special ribbon or badge attached to the name tag to identify people with low vision.

• Alzheimers Caretakers Support and Parkinson’s groups

Brea Johnson and Lisa Roeder addressed the Dementia Caregivers Support Group about what happens at Charlestown when the caregiver has a medical emergency. Having a filled out green sheet regarding backup plans for a resident who cannot be left alone is highly important in the response.   Residents self reliant at move-in would are not given the form, but if the clinical picture changes, green sheets can be obtained from Resident Life.

Dr Bonnie Kaas addressed the Parkinsons group and discussed interactions of OTC meds with Parkinsons medications.

• Substance Abuse class

Dr Joe Gagliardi’s Feb 23 lecture “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sedatives, Hypnotics and Marijuana but were Afraid to Ask” was recorded and will be available on MyErickson

Next Meeting: March 10, 2026. 11 am. Brookside Classroom 1,

Next Medication Takeback, May 18 at Cross Creek and Fireside lobby from 1-3.

Housekeeping, Pat Whittier, Chair

• I want to thank the housekeepers for their diligent work this past month during the snow and ice events we all experienced. Salt was a major issue at the entrances and being tracked down hallways and into elevators. It seemed like an endless job, but they managed to address this issue and keep our campus as clean as possible. Thanks also need to be given to our residents who showed patience as the housekeepers worked hard to accomplish this task.
• Now, I turn to my favorite topic, pest management. We are very fortunate to have added Steven Miller, Assistant General Services Director to the Charlestown staff. Steven comes from Oakcrest where he had extensive experience with this issue. He reported that Ehrlich has been brought on board along with Orkin to try to increase management of the pest issue. A big change is going to be the cloverleaf inspection approach. Instead of just examining apartments with known issues, they will be inspecting units above, below, beside and across. If you have a mouse issue, please contact General Services so it can be addressed. Our committee has been very vocal about mouse-proofing apartments during the re-occupancy period, not waiting until new residents move in. We feel the need to be very proactive about this problem.
• You may have noticed that the Shortline Restaurant is moving all of their furniture twice a month to thoroughly clean the floors. We applaud this effort. We have things we, as residents, can do to help keep our community at its best. We continue to urge everyone to use the plastic trash cans provided free of charge, placing trash bags inside to prevent spills, carpet stains and mice attraction. If you need one, call General Services and one will be delivered to your apartment. Another thing you can do is to call Housekeeping if you have a spill, everyone has accidents but getting them cleaned up as soon as possible helps to avoid staining. It will help on recycling day if you can break down any boxes you have placed outside your door. When the housekeeper has to take the time to break down numerous boxes, that is time taken from their regular cleaning duties and slows everything down. Your help is greatly appreciated.
• I’m going to take a moment for a personal note. Since I live in Courtyard Crossing, building 7, I want to let everyone know that in fact, Courtyard Crossing has a unique third floor. This floor does not connect with any other building on campus. A resident got on the one elevator servicing this floor and pushed button 3, a fellow occupant in a surprised voice asked if there really was a third floor. I am here to tell you, yes, there really is a third floor in building 7!

Next Meeting: March 16, at 10 AM in BR-1

Legislative/Political, Richard Lee, Chair

• Some members of the Committee report they are still experiencing problems with security admitting invited guests for on campus meeting.
• LWV putting together a calendar of activities for the 2026 Gubernatorial and Congressional elections with the primary in June and general in November.
• LWV met with Baltimore County Board of Elections on February 18 th for voter registration training and poll evaluation training, as well as updates on new rules.

30 people showed up for the training.

• MaCCRA hosted a visit to Annapolis on February 26 to meet with members of the 44a and 44b to discuss legislation that the organization would like our legislators to support.
• Legislative wrap up in early May. Date to be determined.
• Candidates’ forum for County Executive and Council seats in May. Proposed dates are May 18th of 19th .

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

Maintenance and Engineering, Brian McGill, Chair

• The new maintenance supervisor, Wade Newcomb,
• there are interviews ongoing for the vacant Assistant Project Manager position that was that happened when Dave Vickers left Charlestown.
• Many of you already know that elevator number one here in Edgewood is in limited service, but this week, no service, yesterday, today, tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, it will be limited service after the normal working hours, you may see crews installing newly purchased stop signs, and perhaps ed will have More information about that.
• But one of the aspects of it is that the maintenance professionals will be installing bolts so that the stop signs cannot be stolen as they were once before, especially the stop sign that lights up. Already mentioned is that the front yard project will be beginning in March. 1 sign of that will be that fencing will be erected for the large vehicles that are involved in that project.
• We’ve had a discussion with General Services about the lighting in the bulletin board nearest the medical center, and we’ve asked that the lighting be refocused so that someone who’s sitting in a wheelchair is not blinded when they look up as I am blinded by these sites, and so that they can actually read the content of the of the bulletin board already mentioned by art is the capex proposal is to the room that We’re all in now will probably be the major engineering and construction project 2027 we think it’s going to be somewhere in one to one and a half million dollars. So a major effort. It’s going to take a long time. And all of the things that we’re that we do all the events that we do in this room, will have to find another home terrace restaurant. Refurbishment is scheduled for completion in June, when the when the terrace restaurant opens, the fireside restaurant will close for renovation.
• Also it’s going to be a sort of a busy spring, because the Charlestown square renovation will begin later this spring, the sales office and other offices will will have to move temporarily, but the gym and the maintenance the gym and the hair salon and the pool will not be involved in the locker rooms associated with the pool will not be involved in that.  any of you have already received a letter from David crews telling you that there will be a number of small tasks that will be will be accomplished in your apartments, sort of in one single session. So the idea is to do, rather than come back to your apartment multiple times during the year, come once? Do the do the small tests that need to be done there? And those that will that effort will start on March 9, and it will continue for six weeks. When that’s done, we won’t have to revisit it until again next year

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 24th @ 2 PM in BR2

Resident Life, Fred Sadler and Bill Jones, Co-Chairs

• The Tapestry Program met yesterday to finalize the upcoming sessions on March 26th and 30th in the Atrium Restaurant from 10:00-11:30 AM each day. The theme of the discussions will be “Learning – A lifelong journey”. Information has been distributed around the campus so interested residents should look for this information on bulletin boards, in the March “Sunburst” and Channel 972 as registrations are now being accepted.
• The Dine Together Program held its monthly dinner get together last night with 30 residents sharing their meals together. Beginning next week on March 9th the program will be expanded to include a once per month luncheon at the Café on Main. New residents will get their meals at the Café and meet with others at Bill’s Place for conversations from noon to 1:30 PM. Hopefully many residents will attend.
• The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee Chairperson, Ann MacKay, recently met with Dave Schuch, Charlestown Transportation Manager, to discuss methods to upgrade shuttle buses to make them more accessible. She has also submitted a 2027 CapEx proposal to provide funds for upgrades to current and new shuttle buses. She has developed a slide presentation, at Don Groves request, that highlights places where accessibility can be improved across the campus.
• The Low Vision Group is purchasing orange ribbons that will identify people with vision issues. These ribbons will be made available to residents through the Sales Office and at lobby front desks.
• The Friendly Visitors Program has started to examine the potential of expanding to continuing care. Meetings will be held soon to discuss needs and the best way to implement this program.
• The Transportation Sustainability Group has finalized the publishing of the Residents Transportation Options brochure and it is available at lobby front desks. The availability of the brochure will be publicized soon in the “Sunburst” and on Channel 972.

       Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2 PM at Caton Woods

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

• The Administration has acquired new signs for placement at some dangerous spots to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety. They will be installed soon.  The committee has submitted a CAPEX proposal recommending installation of “speed shelves” which are low crosswalks – not speed humps – with surfaces contrasting with roadways and parking lots.  An example is the crosswalk from Parkview to the St. Charles.  The speed shelves would be installed at critical crosswalks and intersections to help slow and stop traffic, to avoid danger to pedestrians from vehicles speeding and passing stop signs.
• The committee has offered to co-sponsor Maintenance and Engineering Committee’s proposal to rebuild the Edgewood stairs to reduce the danger of falls.
• Planning for the presentation titled “Better Safe Than Sorry” scheduled for Wednesday May 20, 2026, from 1-2:30 pm in the auditorium is underway. Several topics will be covered, including falls and scams prevention.  We welcome suggestions for presenters and topics.
• Thank You visits on February 17th by a group composed of Security staff, Residents’ Council and Safety-Security Committee members to BCPD, BCFD, and Arbutus VFD were well-received.
• An official Gun Safety Club and Gun Safety subcommittee have been established. Their purpose is to offer support for firearms safety measures such as storage, transportation, safe use & disposition in compliance with Maryland law and Charlestown Resident Handbook.  The gun club also offers training, practice and guidance.  Several residents are experienced and expert in these topics.  If you want to dispose of a firearm or ammunition, they can help sell them or turn them over to Baltimore County PD in coordination with Security staff.  In recent years, residents have turned in weapons.  Now we’re offering assistance in selling firearms as well.  Firearms may be valuable.  The gun safety resident groups are not advocating or debating law or policy.  We are collaborating with the Health Committee and Dementia Support Group because guns are a major health hazard.
• The committee in conjunction with the Health Committee is seeking ways to enhance Charlestown falls prevention efforts, led by co-chair Patti Ormiston.

Next Meeting: March 19th at 11am in CTS 116

Nominating, John Arnold, Co-Chair

• Committee Members

Pat Kasuda, John Remias, Pat Payne, Michael Rogan and Barbara Grondahl

• Council Terms and Rotation
• 2025 Goal: Slate of 14 Candidates
• Consider Running for Council
• Contact Co-Chairs or any Council Member if You know Someone who would be a Good Candidate
• A special thanks to Russell Cook from Chapel court who created special candidate ribbons for us this year so we didn’t have to spend any of Our budget money

Next Meeting: March 19th at 11am in CTS 116

Administration Update

Communications Manager Gregory Johnson
John Arnold stated several residents had expressed deep concerns about the difficulty they will have getting to the Atrium or Café On Main when the Fireside restaurant is closed.  Several had asked if a dining specific shuttle could be run during dining hours to take residents directly to and from Charlestown Square to the Saint Charles entrance.

Greg said he would take the question to Don Grove.

Hope Tillman announced that the fix to MyErickson for apple phones was finally available and should be downloaded and installed by anyone who needed it.

Next meeting is April 7, 2026 at 3PM.