Charlestown Retirement Community Residents > News > Evergreen Topics > Evergreen Topics (remaining fresh and vital) as of 5/23/2026

Evergreen Topics (remaining fresh and vital) as of 5/23/2026

May 23, 2026 | Evergreen Topics

Last Updated on May 23, 2026

Evergreen Topics (remaining fresh and vital) as of 5/23/2026

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. `

Note: The current contract for pest control with Orkin ends 6/30, and the new company, Erlich, takes over the next day. This means Rex, the long-serving Orkin rep. will no longer be here and has decided to retire, effective July 1.

  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. The 2025 Charlestown Annual Report and an updated Admin Org. Chart has been posted on our website under Campus Info.

Let us welcome Shannon Cuffley to our campus as the new Executive Assistant, joining Emily Fowler in the Admin Office.

  1. Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, May, 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 Tech Bar was a success with 46 residents getting free help. The next Tech Bar will be Wed., Aug. 19, in the Gallery. The Auditorium Final Report was submitted to the Administration and is posted under Finance Committee or News, along with the Charlestown Capital Expenditure Proposals for FY2027. Theadded Bookmobile Schedules are posted under Books and News. The next TS, Thurs. July 23, 2026 – Sat. July 25 is on the website under Resident Activities: Treasure Sale/Stores | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. The May CC Newsletter is posted under CC. The MaCCRA 2026 End of Session Report is posted under Track Maryland Legislation and News, and the Safety and Security Committee’s “Better Safe than Sorry!” brochure is under the Safety & Security Committee and News. 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, Thurs, May. 28 (date change), at 1:30 PM via Zoom. Contact Hope for the address.
  1. BCF: A warm welcome to Victoria Klemm, our new addition to the Philanthropy team! The TS proceeds were a record for the May sale, $50,139.06!A special thank you to our dedicated volunteers who work so hard, as well as our partners in Housekeeping and Security. The next TS is 7/23-25. There is a list of volunteer needs for various TS tasks; please contact Victoria Klemm at 410-737-8892. The Pickup Line will open 5/26; The Treasure Chest and the Ladies Boutique are open 5/26. TS Furniture will re-open when inventory is restored. There will be a special “Hello Summer” week of Raffles of Baskets beginning on 6/14 through the week, with winners announced on Friday, 6/19. 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 also an SEC Investing & Investment Fraud Presentation on 6/24 in the Auditorium at 11 AM, hosted by Philanthropy.
  1. CR: The Food Trucks celebrating Volunteer’s Day was a hit! Tickets are available for the Basket Bingo event on June 11 in the Conference Center at 1 PM. The staff is coordinating the completion of the Maple Terrace Arts Studio, Train Room, and Library, and a Grand Opening is coming soon. Stay tuned! CR is developing several 250th Anniversary events: The Maryland Military Band will be here on June 26, and there will be a special presentation by a Ben Franklin actor on June 30. Jennifer Tillett’s June “Arts Aliveat Charlestown” newsletter, the May-June Performing Arts Schedule, and 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, and for volunteers for various tasks. See Nadine.

Res. Life: Charlestown This Week is presented by RL on Saturdays via ME messages. This year’s Pride Walk will be on 6/10, gathering in the Cross Creek lobby beginning at 10:30 AM. Mimi O’Donnell is seeking volunteers from each building for the Friendly Visitors Program to help new residents navigate our wonderful community. Check out her post on the scroll. Dotty Reitwiesner leads the monthly Dine Together Program that had 28 new residents on 5/4, and the next will be Monday, June 1, at 5:15 PM. Marie Skane leads the new Lunch Together at Cafe on Main/Bill’s Place on the 2nd Monday of each month at Noon. This month had 16 participants, and the next will be on June 8, with the name changing to Lunchtime Social, and you can bring your own snack. Cathy Stevens, our Dining Committee Chair, is seeking more new Dining Ambassadors and residents to have meals with Newbies. Ann MacKay’s Accessibility & Inclusion Group subcommittee will provide to Management a list of locations where changes need to be made to make the Campus more accessible. The Tapestry Planning Committee has tentatively et October 1 and 6 as their fall dates.  Please look out for the orange ribbons, identifying low vision people, which have recently been distributed.

  1. Medical Center: The COVID-19 vaccine is available. 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 Victoria Klemm at 410-737-8892.
  1. Housekeeping:  Annual Spring Cleaning sale is suspended until further notice due to staffing shortages and a strengthened focus on common area cleaning. If you see something that needs cleanup, please call the GS Call Center. There will be a Dumpster at Cross Creek on July 8, 8:30- 10:30 AM. If help is needed, call GS  during 6/23-7/6 to arrange PU, small Items $10 (end tables, bags of clothing), Large items $20 (dressers, etc.).
  1. Home Care: Updated Home Care info is listed on our website. Results from a recent national survey show our rehospitalization rate is 5.8% for Charlestown Home Care vs. the national average of 15.2% (impressive!).

Extras: American Medical will be at the Conference Center on Wed., May 27 for free repairs to your mobility equipment. 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 Mon., Aug.17. The resident-run Cancer Support Group, led by Ann MacKay, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, the next being June 8, in CTS Classroom 216 Breakout Room. You can attend Jean Williamson’s free Resident-run Yoga class on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 in CTS Room 116. Note that the Aquatics Center is closing 6/1 through the summer for refreshing. There is a Financial Planning for Continuing Care Residents & Families on Monday, June 1, 6 – 7 PM at the Wilton Overlook Meeting Hall. Speakers: Charlestown’s Finance and Sales Team. Please RSVP.  The  Harmonizers Spring Concert will be on Wednesday, June 3, in the Auditorium at 2 PM and June 4-5, at 7 PM. The Resident Council Nominating and Elections Committee has 12 Nominees that will be introduced at the Council Meeting on June 2, and Election Day is Wednesday, 8/5. Any volunteers for Election Captains at the polling places are welcome to contact Joe Carrick or John Arnold.

Note: The Memorial Day BBQ will be at the Cafe on Main this year due to renovations to the Terrace. Also check the trash and recycling schedule for changes in dates due to the holiday on Monday.

Have a great Memorial Day!

Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee