Last Updated on July 27, 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.
- 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
Congratulations to Ed Appel on his BOD appointment! Ed has come to the end of his 3-year Council Commitment as Chair of the Safety & Security Committee. Thank you for your service and your continuing support of our residents at Charlestown and elsewhere. Ed helped promote the Erickson Senior Living seminar on Scam Prevention on July 14, which was well received. The recording is now on ME videos. Both the recording and a Scam Tip Sheet are posted on the Council website at: https://ccicharlestown.org/2026/07/15/scam-prevention-presentation-july-14/
- Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, July, 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: The next Tech Bar will be Wed., Aug. 19, in the Refectory, 10 – Noon, and the Tech Team will be available to help you navigate the new Dining Reservation System. Thenext TS is Thurs.Oct.22, 2026 – Sat. Oct. 24 is on the website under Resident Activities: Treasure Sale/Stores | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. There is an updated BOD photo now posted. Tips for Enhancing Your Dining Experience at Charlestown Restaurants updated as of 7/15: Tips for Enhancing Your Dining Experience at Charlestown Restaurants | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. Sara has added links to their obituaries (highlighted in blue) to the list of resident deaths at In Memoriam. The July 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 Treasure Sale is now closed, and the proceeds will be announced this upcoming week. The next TS is 10/22-24. There is a list of volunteer needs for various TS tasks; please contact Victoria Klemm at 410-737-8892. Pickups will resume 8/3. The Treasure Chest and Ladies Boutique are closed July 28 and will reopen 8/4. The Treasure Sale Furniture is closed until restocked to reopen. 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. Our website has posted the August events scheduled for BCF Month Benevolent Care | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents
- CR: Granny Camp is 8/3-4 for ages 5-12 and grandchildren are encouraged to spend the night. $50 per person. The staff continues to coordinate the completion of the Maple Terrace Arts Studio, Train Room, and Library. Jennifer Tillett’s Summer “Arts Alive at Charlestown” newsletter, the August Performing Arts Schedule, the Chapel Concert Series’ 2026 Schedule, and also the BSO @ Meyerhoff Symphony Hall Classical Sunday “L” Series 2026-2027 Season, are available on the resident website under Events/Performing Arts and 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. American Medical will be here on August 21st in the Conference Center from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Res. Life: Charlestown This Week is presented by RL on Saturdays via ME messages. Margaret Vincent has ended her Newbie Newsletter. And that’s a shame, as it really has served a purpose and inspired other thoughts for communicating around Campus. If you would like to restart the Charlestown Newcomers Weekly, you can follow the current format or develop your own plan. Just contact one of the Resident Life Committee Chairs. “We’re Listening” pamphlets are available at lobby desks to advise the hearing impaired of the support for inclusive listening provided here on Campus. Dotty Reitwiesner leads the monthly Dine Together Program, and the next will be Mon., Aug. 3, 5:15 – 6:45 PM. Marie Skane leads the Lunchtime Social at Cafe on Main/Bill’s Place on the 2nd Monday of each month. The next will be on Aug. 10, and you can bring your own snack. Cathy Stevens, our Dining Committee Chair, has recruited new Dining Ambassadors and new residents to have meals together. Ann MacKay’s Accessibility & Inclusion Group subcommittee continues to research where changes need to be made to make the Campus more accessible, including the new outside venues.
The Tapestry Planning Committee has set the topic “Change Happens – How do we deal with it?” for their fall dates, Oct. 1, from 10-11:30 AM in the Chesapeake Restaurant, and Oct. 5, from 1-2:30 PM in the Terrace Restaurant. Please look out for the orange ribbons, identifying low vision people, which have recently been distributed.
Mary Strassner’s newly developed and successful “Speed Friendly” event, July 9, had 30 residents participating that resembles speed dating but involves new residents getting to talk to each other for a few minutes, while rotating among tables. The next will be Thursday, August 6, 2026, 2 – 3:30 PM, at Bill’s Place, RSVP required. Please let Mary Strassner know, by email or phone message, if you plan to attend.
Residents are reminded that the Feb., 2026 Transportation Brochure is permanently located on the General Service, Shuttle/Transportation page on our Council website.
- Medical Center: Please bring your new Medicare Card to the Medical Center to be updated in the system. The COVID-19 vaccine is available; walk-ins are welcome between 9-11 AM and 1-3 PM each day, but call ahead to confirm there is still supply. 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, co-chair of our Council Health Services Committee, recorded an episode on 972 with Dean Crawford explaining and supporting the Advanced Primary Care Management program. Reminder: It’s almost time for Flu Vaccines again—Don’t forget to get your vaccine here at Charlestown starting early September.
- 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 inform families 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: There is a strengthened focus on common area cleaning and a crackdown on vendors and contractors to clean up after themselves. If you see something that needs cleanup, please call the GS Call Center.
- Home Care: Updated Home Care info is listed on our website. During 2026 Quarters 1 and 2, residents receiving Certified Home Health services through Charlestown had a 60-day rehospitalization rate of only 5.1%. This is a third of what the national average is for other agencies in the country at 15.4%. This is a result of excellent clinical care.
Extras: Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings. Archives reminds clubs and groups to send photos, meeting minutes, etc. Note: Archives Hours – 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 Sept. 14, in CTS Classroom 216 Breakout Room. (There is no August meeting.) You can attend Jean Williamson’s free Resident-run Yoga classes on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 in CTS Room 116, Thursdays in 216 at 10:00 am, and Saturdays in the Gallery or Conference Center at 10:00 am. Note that the Aquatics Center is closed through the summer for refreshing.
There is an Assisted Living Open House Informational Event on August 5, Island Vibes at Caton Woods, and here’s the link: Assisted Living Open House Informational Event August 5 | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents
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 Event: the last opportunity 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 have their photos on ME: 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.
The Residents’ Association Annual Meeting is Monday, August 10 at 7 PM in the Erickson Conference Center, where you will be introduced to your new Council members and their duties.
Reminder: Monday 7/27 is the last day to donate to the July Back-to-School Supply Drive Support for Charlestown Employee Families.
Note: Fireside will begin renovation one day earlier, closing on Sunday, August 2, 2026:Fireside Renovation to begin August 2nd | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents
Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee