Last Updated on June 20, 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)
- 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.
General Services will start selling personal carts to residents; we have 3 choices. The sale will begin Mon., Tues, June 29 – 30, at 11:30 outside of the Shortline, and on July 1 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside Café on Main.
- 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.An updated Admin Org. Chart, as of June 8, has been posted on our website under Campus Info: Charlestown Administration | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents
- Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, June, 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.
- ccicharlestown.org: CHUG, Computers, and IT have posted A series of How-to Wi-Fi Guides under News. Other additions include the Film Library catalog as of May 2026, the new Charlestown Annual Report, and the MaCCRA State Legislative report. Dining’s American Culinary Evolution – Featured Recipes, June 23 – July 3, is posted under News and on the Menus page. The next Tech Bar will be Wed., Aug. 19, in the Refectory, 10 – Noon. Thenext TS is Thurs. July 23, 2026 – Sat. July 25 is on the website under Resident Activities: Treasure Sale/Stores | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. The June CC Newsletter is posted under CC. 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 on Monday, July. 27, at 1:30 PM via Zoom. Contact Hope for the address.
- BCF: 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 is open. All Stores are open on Tuesdays. The Ladies’ Boutique shelves and racks are absolutely loaded with patriotic goodies to help celebrate the Fourth of July. 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 SEC Investing & Investment Fraud Presentation on 6/24 in the Auditorium at 11 AM, hosted by Philanthropy.
- CR: The staff continues to coordinate the completion of the Maple Terrace Arts Studio, Train Room, and Library. The Grand Opening is now mid-July. CR has developed a list of Campus 250th Anniversary events, and they are posted on ME under Residence Resources. Jennifer Tillett’s Summer “Arts Aliveat Charlestown” newsletter, the June Performing Arts Schedule, as well as the Chapel Concert Series’ 2026 Schedule, are available on My Erickson, also 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. “We’re Listening” pamphlets are now available at lobby desks to advise the hearing impaired of the support for inclusive listening provided here on Campus. Mimi O’Donnell has enlisted 15 new volunteers for the Friendly Visitors Program to help new residents navigate our wonderful community. Dotty Reitwiesner leads the monthly Dine Together Program, and the next will be Monday, July 6, at 5:15 PM. Marie Skane leads the new Lunchtime Social at Cafe on Main/Bill’s Place on the 2nd Monday of each month. The next one will be on June 13, 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 met with Management to discuss a list of locations where changes need to be made to make the Campus more accessible. The Tapestry Planning Committee has set the topic “Change” for their fall dates. Please look out for the orange ribbons, identifying low vision people, which have recently been distributed. Mary Strassner has developed a “Speed Friendly” event that will resemble speed dating but involve new residents getting to talk to each other for a few minutes. Her first event will be limited to 30 people and be held on July 9th at 2:00 PM in CTS 116.
- Medical Center: CC Coffee and Conversations with the Medical Center- July 7, 2026, at Wilton Overlook Meeting Hall, 6-7 PM. The COVID-19 vaccine is available, and 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; I did.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. Marty White recorded an episode on 972 with Dean Crawford explaining and supporting the Advanced Primary Care Management program. Please sign up if your Primary is at the Medical Center.
- 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.
- 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, Sm Items $10 (end tables, bags of clothing), Lg items $20 (dressers, etc.).
- Home Care: Updated Home Care info is listed on our website.
Extras: The Charlestown Pet Group is in need of a Recording Secretary to keep notes during the meeting. Write or call Dave Elder. Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings. Archives remind clubs and groups to send photos, meeting minutes, etc. Note: Archives Hours Change – Located in Courtyard Crossing Lobby | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. 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 July 13, 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 closed through the summer for refreshing.
The MaCCRA Annual Membership Drive is ongoing. All members and past members are encouraged to join or renew a MaCCRA Membership. The annual dues of $20 per person or $30 per couple are the best bargain you can get to have a direct and positive influence for Seniors in Annapolis.
CANDIDATES MEET & GREET Events: Opportunities to get to know the residents running to support YOU on the Residents’ Council for the next three years. Candidates will have a yellow ribbon on their name tags and some you may recognize by their photos on ME:
JUNE 23, 2026 – 3:30 PM – 5 PM – FOUNTAIN HILL LOBBY
JULY 15, 2026 – 3:30 PM – 5 PM – ATRIUM/BLACK SWAN LOBBY
JULY 29, 2026 – 3:30 PM – 5 PM – CROSS CREEK LOBBY CAFÉ
The Nominating and Elections Committee has 12 nominees:
Ann Densler Kathy Eiswart David Elder Lois Eldred
Karl Dortzbach Sal Dunn Russell Witzke Joe Gagliardi
Ben Grimes Robbie Sabin Bill Sundheim Barbara Wright
Resident Council Election Day is Wednesday, 8/5. Maryland Primary Election is Tues., June 23.
Please have a Happy and Safe 4th of July Celebration!
Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee