Charlestown Retirement Community Residents > News > Evergreen Topics > Evergreen Topics remaining fresh and vital as of April 24 2026

Evergreen Topics remaining fresh and vital as of April 24 2026

Apr 24, 2026 | Evergreen Topics

Last Updated on April 25, 2026

Evergreen Topics (remaining fresh and vital) as of 4/24/2026

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
Dietary Focus Group (DFG)

  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. 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 GS service call. Welcome to Mike Miller, our new Project Manager, replacing Dave Vickers, who left earlier this year.
  1. Recurring Opportunities for Voicing Concerns are posted 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.

A warm welcome to Laura Rye, our new Associate Executive Director! 

  1. Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, April, can be obtained by asking at the lobby desks. Note that in the back, there are Staff Dept. phone numbers and email addresses. 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 Next Tech Bar will be on May 20 in the Chesapeake from 10 am to Noon. The recent Medical Center hire is posted under Health/Fitness. The EMV “Rules of the Road” are now posted under General Services>Mobility.The May TS info is on the website under Resident Activities: Treasure Sale/Stores | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. The April 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., May. 25 (date may change due to Holiday), at 1:30 PM via Zoom. Contact Hope for the address.
  1. BCF: The next TS is May 14-16, 2026. There is a list of volunteer needs for various TS tasks; please contact Rachel Susio at 410-737-8832. The Pickup Line will close 5/1 and reopen 5/26; no cleanouts will be done during this time. The Treasure Chest and the Ladies Boutique will close on 5/12 and 5/19. TS Furniture will close 5/1 and re-open when inventory is restored. 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.  There is an upcoming Raffle by the Quilting and Fiber Arts Group for their bright and cheerful quilt, starting on May 5 at various restaurants for the benefit of the BCF.
  1. CR: The staff is coordinating the finish of the Maple Terrace Arts Studio, Train Room, and Library. Jennifer Tillett’s May “Arts Aliveat Charlestown” newsletter, the April-May Performing Arts Schedule, as well as the Chapel Concert Series’ 2026 Schedule, are available on My Erickson under Resident Resources. Walking Escorts are needed for Intermissions; contact Nadine.  In CC, they ask for Bingo prizes for residents to be taken to the CR Office. A full list is attached. Also attached is a list of specific volunteers needed in CC.  American Medical Equipment will be here on May 27, in the Erickson Center, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM for free repairs to your mobility equipment.

Resident Life: The recent Tapestry events were successful, with 50 residents participating at each. Dotty Reitwiesner leads the monthly Dine Together Program, which had 30 new residents on 4/6; the next will be Monday, May 4, at 5:15 PM. Marie Skane leads the new Lunch Together at Café on Main/Bill’s Place on the 2nd Monday of each month. This month had 8 participants with good conversation and laughter. The next will be on May 11. Kathy Stevens, our Dining Ambassador Chair, is seeking more new Dining Ambassadors and residents to have meals with Newbies. Ann MacKay’s Accessibility & Inclusion Group subcommittee will meet on May 12, 11:00 AM in Brookside CL 2. Their first EMV Focus Group meeting was a great success. Please look out for the orange ribbons identifying people with low vision, which have recently been distributed.

  1. Medical Center: Welcome, Chelsea Horton, the new Medical Center’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker, replacing Shannon Miller! The COVID-19 vaccination clinic was a success with 588 residents getting shots. If you missed the clinic on 4/15, walk-ins are welcome between 9-11 AM and 1-3 PM each day. Stay healthy by washing your hands — keep others healthy by not going out if you’re sick. Call the medical center if you are not feeling well. If your Primary Doctor is at the Medical Center, you may receive a Medicare Press Ganey Medical Center Survey, which is random and continues to garner high marks. Please take the survey if you are chosen.Also, new residents need to sign up for the Care Path Program, even though you may have your doctor off-campus, so in case of emergencies, 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 posted on our website under News with the name of the coordinator, Trina Butler, as well as the Transition to CC Move Guide. Limited copies of the printed versions are available upon request at the lobby desks. BCF is asking us to informfamilies 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 Rachel Susio at 410-737-8832.
  1. Housekeeping: The Charlestown Resident Shred-It Event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, between 9 AM and Noon, at Charlestown Square curbside. The event may close early if the truck is full before noon.If you see something that needs cleanup, please call the GS Call Center. There are new Housekeeping Services brochures available at the front desks with a price list for services.
  1. Home Care: Updated Home Care info is listed on our website. They are thrilled to announce that one of their PRN/flex nurses, Michaela Cousins, is transitioning to a full-time position at CCI. Michaela is the recipient of many letters, emails, and phone calls from residents receiving home care. They rave about her care, professionalism, and knowledge.

Asst. Home Care Administrator, Capri White-Coleman’s son, Mike Coleman, who worked here in Security (whom I met and was impressed), is now a US Marine who has been ordered to ship out to the Middle East. Godspeed Mike!

Extras: Sewing machines are needed to help the Baltimore neighborhoods supported by the Charlestown Sandtown Connection. Please get in touch with Nancy Meier.

The Scholars’ Campaign raised $332, 312!!! Thank you, residents, who donated! Now come to the graduation ceremony held in the Conference Center on Tuesday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. All residents are invited to attend. It’s a grand Charlestown event with the Special Named Award Scholarships being announced to the students and the residents, on that night!

The OLOA Ladies Auxiliary is having its Spring Basket Raffle next week at various restaurants.

All retired nurses are invited to attend the Resident Nurses Luncheon, Tuesday, May 19, 11:30 AM – 2 PM, in the Erickson Conference Center. If you haven’t received your invitation, reach out to Deb Patterson.

The Charlestown Pet Group has Katie Flory, the Maryland SPCA Community Care & Advocacy Director, scheduled to speak about SPCA Outreach Programs available to our residents at their meeting on April 28th, 11 AM in Brookside CL2.

The Safety Committee will have a Special Presentation on 5/20 at 1 PM in the Auditorium, “Better Safe Than Sorry”, which Ed Appel believes residents will enjoy the multiple presenters.

Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings. Archives remind clubs and groups to send photos, meeting minutes, etc. The next Medication Disposal event is scheduled for Monday, May 18. The resident-run Cancer Support Group, led by Ann MacKay, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, the next being May 11, at 2 PM in CTS Classroom 216 Breakout Room.

Voluntary Resident Council dues of $2 per person are requested by April 30, please. These dues support the Council’s work to help make Charlestown a wonderful place to live.

Charlie Eichenlaub

Communications Committee