President Stephanie Leddy called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday July 7, 2026.  Seventy-six (76) residents attended in addition to Don Grove, Executive Director; Laura Rye, Associate Executive Director; Paul Edelman, Director Dining Services; David Schneyer, 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 June 2, 2026 meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved.

Mission Moment

Honoree: David Graham
Honored By: Resident Life Co-Chairs – Bill Jones & Fred Sadler
David is honored by Bill and Fred for his outstanding continuing efforts on behalf of the low vision and blind community in Charleston. The low vision subcommittee is chaired by David and has taken action in the areas of environment, communications programs, and education, and also worked with the safety committee, the health committee, the maintenance and engineering committee, as well to further their goals. Under David’s direction, the group has spurred efforts to establish greater contrast in the numbered buttons and elevators, improved carpeting, and increased interior lighting, paint on sidewalk dips and curves, lighting on the car outside walkways, obtaining magnifying glasses and large print menus in the restaurants, inspection of braille signs and educational articles in the sunburst and on bulletin boards, most recently David was instrumental in designing and distributing orange ID badge ribbons to better identify residents with low vision, and the wife of one of the gentlemen who has low vision said that he actually wears his name tag with that sign when he is out and about, you know, shopping or whatever, just so people would be aware. So I think it’s a wonderful thing. David has also worked to coordinate programs and presentations by the Veterans Administration, the Maryland State Library for the Blind, and the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Fred and Bill say we thank David for his powerful contributions, which certainly demonstrate the Erickson values of diversity, responsibilities, respect and caring teamwork and excellence.

Honoree: Security Team (Bre and LJ)
Honored By: Stephanie Leddy
When both of the St. Charles elevators went down on Friday, this super duo, complete with a chair and straps, guided those stranded up to their homes. They are ever vigilant and very strong. And how fortunate we are to have superheroes here.

Executive Team Reports

Stephanie Leddy President
Our Semiquincentennial celebrations were wonderful-the weather did not stop us celebrating. Many thanks to Community Resources for staging the events and the photo opts along the way and for Dining providing historical food selections. The Maryland military Band started it off with a trumpet blast and drum salute. Followed by patriotic cookie treats- what better excuse for eating a cookie than it is a patriotic thing to do. Ben Franklin reminded us of our beginnings. The Patriotic sing-a-long was just that- everyone was singing and playing theirs hearts out. While the Patriotic Day Parade was a little shorter and inside, it was still patriotic and well-attended by a red, white and blue crowd of people, an honor guard, our Cheers squad and the Harmonizers to lead us in our National Anthem- it was ended with red, white and blue treats to sweeten the day. The 4th dawned super-hot, but we enjoyed our barbecue, corn and watermelon in true Fourth of July tradition. Then, for some of us, it was on the Catonsville Parade. Although we did not walk, Thank you very much, Don! We waved our flags enthusiastically by the windows and the crowds waved and cheered back at us. It still felt good and my feet didn’t hurt. Back to everyday life- our election activities are moving forward.

You should have received election information in your cubby or online. If not, see John Arnold or Joe Carrick at the end of the meeting to arrange receiving it. (John- Joe wave your hands) The 12 candidates will be introduced again towards the end of the meeting. They all have candidate tags on their name badges to identify them Their bios and pictures are by all of the restaurants and their videos are running on 972.

There are two more Meet & Greets- Wednesday, July 15th at the Atrium lobby and Wednesday, July 29th at the Cross Creek Lobby café- Both run from 3:30-5pm. Take advantage of all of these opportunities to get to know the candidates. They all have terrific resumes! so you can choose the 7 you want to be on the Council on Wednesday, August 5th when you vote. Remember- if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.

The committees have been busy this month working on a variety of items to make life better at Charlestown and the chairs are ready to share it all with you.

Jerry Donaldson, Treasurer

Balance –  June, 2026                                      $ 9,219.98
Income                                                                  72.00
Expenses                                                          12.36

Balance –  June 23, 2026                                  $ 8,479.62

Expenses
Major Expense Materials for Election         710.60

Income from Dues Contributions                    72.00
Dues Campaign is over. Thank You to all Contributors
Contributions To-Date                                   $5, 286.85            .

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Sandy Mack, Chair

• Planned Giving

To date we have four new planned gifts totaling $303,580.00.

We also had one resident recently make a significant increase to an existing planned gift. While this is not considered a new planned gift, it is noteworthy. The resident changed their commitment from donating their full entrance fee refund to naming the Benevolent Care Fund as the beneficiary of an investment account. Based on the current value of the account, the Benevolent Care Fund would receive $1 million.

• Hello Summer Raffle Recap

Our Hello Summer Raffle raised an outstanding $1,948 for the Benevolent Care Fund!

Congratulations to our winners – Basket #1 and #2 Kentrala Fulton, Basket # 3 John Remias and Basket #4 Elaine Evenson.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make this fundraiser such a success. Special thanks to the Philanthropy team, our committee members, Dee Walsh, Stephanie and Ron DeAbreu, Patti Ormiston, Virginia Antevil, Sandra Gandlach, Carol Kefford, Deborah Richards, and Kathy Harmon for their dedication and hard work selling tickets.

A special thank you to everyone who generously donated prizes, as well as the residents and staff who purchased raffle tickets. Your support, enthusiasm, and generosity made this event a tremendous success. Thank you all for supporting our Home for Life.

• Treasure Sale

The July treasure sale is Thursday – July 23rd thru Saturday July 25th

• Benevolent Care Month is coming up in August

There will be a Continuing Care Educational Seminar on Monday, August 3rd at 1 p.m. in the Auditorium hosted by Continuing Care Administration, Finance and Philanthropy.

A Legacy Society Brunch will be held on Wednesday, August 19th at 11 a.m. in the Conference Center and is by invitation only.

• We are having another Paint Day fundraiser on Wednesday, August 26th at 1 p.m. in the Conference Center. Ticket sale dates and details will be announced shortly.

Next Meeting- Wednesday July 22 at 2:30 in Room 116, Charlestown Square

Communications, Betty Elder and Hope Tillman, Co-Chairs

Community Resources

• Mary reported on event planning, such as all of the fourth of July events but noted ongoing challenges with high demand for tickets and limited seating capacity. Hopefully some of the events will be taped for those unable to receive tickets.
• The deadline to submit topics for the Charlestown This Week is Wednesdays. Please send content to Deanna Booker at extension 8230 or via email to: deanna.booker@erickson.com The link to reach the monthly Evergreen Topics will be highlighted in an upcoming Charlestown This Week. General Services

Gregory Johnson / General Services

• Personal Carts now available.

IT/ Zach Parks

• Erickson IT Support update: This month there were 181 resident tickets completed in 2.5 days, and 129 staff tickets completed in 2 days.
• Connect 3 system upgrade update: From a July 7 email, The team is still actively working through the Connect project. They are still working to finalize some spaces within independent living at this time. They have started working within the Assisted Living spaces as well.
• In preparation for the IL mobile phone system upgrade, the Telnet group is installing antenna flat cones and lines to racks in closets. Zach confirmed cell phone drops would be addressed once mobile phone access is fully implemented later this year.
• Tech Bar – look ahead to Wednesday, August 19 Tech Bar in the Refectory.

Other Topics

• The Committee members voted to fund the Smartmap software to continue the wonderful Navigating Charlestown Map created by Margaret Vincent.
• CCICharlestown.org – Because of a website software upgrade, the club pages have been redesigned.
• The Signage Subcommittee has been reassured that the incorrect new Courtyard Crossing Lobby signs are being replaced. The packages for the Charlestown Square and Evacuation maps are under review. We appreciate Mike Miller’s work with the committee.  The concern with directional signs to the adjoining buildings from the major lobbies was again raised.

Our next Communications Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27 @ 2:00 PM by Zoom, preceded by Website Committee at 1:30.

The Conservation Committee, Jack Flood & Gary Rogers, Co-Chairs

• Water Conservation
• Electric Conservation
• Plastic Bag pickup in Laundry Rooms – We now have somebody from our committee that’s going to organize the collection of plastic bags and take into the giant food
• Aluminum Can program is going exceptionally well. Charles Robinson, the former co-chair of the conservation committee, make sure that gets done
• Food Scraps – are going to be now put on hold till fall. Charles and I went to Riderhood, had a half a day meeting with them, they’ve had food scraps for three years. They have 500 residents turning in food scraps weekly, and 200 more on a maybe once or twice a month effort. With hope, we have transferred all their information, customized it to us. We’re ready to go on the website as soon as we get approvals from above. We’ve also met with Rick Hayes from the dining, so the dining people are aware of food scraps, because they currently, if you didn’t know it, they’re collecting food scraps now in most all our residents, and Veterans Compost comes in twice a week and picks that up, so when we add the residents’ food scraps to the program, there will be no additional cost for us, it’s just that every Wednesday at selected locations from 930 to 11 we’ll have a volunteer and container for people to drop off the food scraps. We have a member of the committee that has purchased 300 to start the program. The committee has enough funds to order 1000 and we have another member of the committee that’s volunteered to donate to get about another 1000, so we will have a couple weeks before the program starts where people can go and get three or four bags to get it going.

        Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – 2PM – Brookside 1

Dining Services, Cathy Stevens, Chair.

DINING SERVICES

• Shortline has changed the location for many items
• Contractor to turn over the Terrace on 7/15 (ha ha) then we must wait for inspections. Lunch on Sunday 11-2
• Fireside Carryout will be M-F 1-5. Limited menus
• New Entree items leading up to the 4th
• Chefs working on healthier snacks in response to residents’ requests

Restaurant Reports

Where are QR code cards?

Next meeting is Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:30 in CTS 116

Finance, Art Johnson, Chair

• The July meeting of the Finance committee was held in the Caton Woods conference room. No residents from Caton Woods attended.
• We believe that the process being used for making CapEX proposals has been successful. The Finance Committee oversaw the process for developing, evaluating, and submitting proposals from residents for the 2026 and 2027 budget years. However, to be truly successful those CapEx proposals that were approved need to be acted on. Charlestown’s Finance Office has provided the Finance Committee an update on our CapEX 26 proposals.  Two projects are completed, five projects are in progress, and one has yet to be started.
• It is critical that residents continue to participate in the CapEx budget process by submitting proposals for the capital budget. Without your participation, the process will fail.  The process for CapEx 28 will begin in the December/January time period.
• The proposal for renovation of the auditorium is reported to be “in progress” with the design stage to be in the third quarter of the budget year. This is further along than we anticipated.  I remind everyone that we believe it is critical that residents be involved in the discussions with ESL throughout the design process and beyond.
• CapEx2027 proposals have been submitted to the Administration and they are being evaluated and developed further for review by the Board of Directors. We will not know their status until September when the budget is finalized.
• The Committee reviewed Charlestown’s financial results for May. Most indicators were positive relative to the budget. Fifteen residents were on Benevolent Care as of May31.

Next Meeting:  Tuesday July 28th at 9am in BR 1

Grounds, Dick Voelkel, Chair

• Exterior lighting 7-8-9 and Arborside sidewalk lighting under repair by Cove Electric
• Status of stocking Lake Charles with fish-discussion underway with lake maintenance contractor
• Grounds will be removing several dead trees to be replaced by donated ones
• Adam reported that Grounds has purchased an electric hedge trimmer which will be quieter and more environmentally friendly
• Level Green has provided a plan for plantings in Edgewood Circle
• Edgewood loading dock hose bib still awaiting adaptor/aerator

Next Meeting: will be Tuesday, July 28 in BR 1 at 11AM 

Health and Wellness, Marty White, Co-Chair

• Pat Kasuda reported that continuing care department heads attend the WO council meetings and are quick to act on residents’ concerns. The next coffee and chat will be tonight at the WO Meeting Hall, from 6-7 PM.  The focus will be on the Medical Center and the changes to medical care that occur when a resident moves to continuing care.  Additionally, there is interest in pursuing grants to the Jim Davis Foundation to obtain funds for OT programs for low hearing and low vision.  The transition from independent living to continuing care can be stressful and lonely.  Pat stressed the importance of continuing to visit our friends who have made the move to Continuing Care.
• Several people have expressed interest in establishing a Low Hearing subcommittee, however a person to lead such a group has not yet been identified. Interested persons should contact either Lois or myself.
• Jane Vess noted that Science News this month did a 4-page spread on Parkinsons, reporting on new medications both available and in the pipeline. The article noted the need for more neurologist specializing in movement disorders.
• Respiratory infections are low throughout the country and the risk for Ebola in this country is extremely low.
• I recorded an episode on 972 with Dean Crawford explaining the Advanced Primary Care Management program, and will moderate an ELLIC class on devices helpful for those with low vision.

The next Medication Disposal Event is Aug 17, 2026 at Cross Creek and Fireside lobby from 1-3

Next meeting: Tuesday, July 14th BR 1 @ 11AM 

Housekeeping, Pat Whittier, Chair

• I wish to begin by thanking the housekeeping staff and residents on the Housekeeping Committee who work together to keep our home safe, healthy, clean and attractive. I especially want to thank the Charlestown residents who have stepped in to walk the halls and accompany staff on the monthly walkthroughs of each building. We are very fortunate to live in this community where so many people are willing to immediately jump in when there is a need.
• To assist the Utility Workers assigned in each building, the goal is to have a Team Lead assigned to each building group: Chapel Court/Parkview; Caton Ridge/Harborview; St. Charles; Brookside; Herbert’s Run; and the “Historic” district. (Questions were raised in the committee meeting about having only one Team Lead in the Historic section due to its large size). These employees will be focusing on their specific area, performing 20 inspections weekly. This will help facilitate a quicker response to issues that might arise in each building.
• However, we are still in need of more residents who are willing to walk the halls of their buildings to help report needs they see. If we all work together, we can help provide more immediate attention to accidental spills and stains.
• Tomorrow, July 8, is dumpster cleanout day. If you have larger items to be disposed of, this is your opportunity. The dumpster will be located in the Cross Creek parking lot from 8:30-10:30 am.
• On July 1, Ehrlich assumed the responsibility for pest management here at Charlestown. Beginning this month, inspections will be taking place in each resident apartment to look for any means of access that rodents might use. At the time of that inspection, your apartment will receive a bar code placed in the electrical box. You won’t even notice it. This bar code will allow for digital recording of issues that arise, steps taken and follow up. You will receive notification of when your area will be affected.
• Please continue to use the plastic trash cans, provided free of charge, place trash bags inside and help keep mice in check.

Next Meeting: July 20th in Caton Woods at 10:00 AM.

Legislative/Political, Richard Lee, Chair

• Most of the June 10th meeting was devoted to discussing the Candidate Forum held on May 19^th. Overall we felt that the event went well. It was well attended by both candidates and residents. 13 out of 15 announced candidates attended.  Some logistical issues arose: Catering could not cater it or set up tables & Housekeeping provided wrong tables. Committee members rose to fix problems.
• LWV announced prep for June 23rd primary. Volunteers are ready to go
• The Committee agreed not to meet during July or August

Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 9th at 10 AM in BR1

Maintenance and Engineering, Brian McGill, Chair

• Preventative planning for a water leak above the Archive office – A resident asked that preventative planning be done to help limit water leak damage if the bathroom above the Archives Office has a leak.

• Sound attenuation in public places – A resident asked for materials to absorb noise in public spaces.

• Renewable Energy Update – Six residents now working as a team

Researching three operational modes: Buy/lease/borrow

Financing a project

Maryland Energy Administration Grant/ Wellness Fund

Loan from a “not for profit” finder/ TRUIST Bank line of credit

CapEx28 proposal

Current Team Consensus: Follow the “buy” model/Establish a narrow goal/apply lessons learned/ Document process

Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 28th @ 2 PM in BR1 

Resident Life, Bill Jones, Co-Chairs

• The Tapestry Planning Committee has tentatively set their fall sessions for Thursday, October 1st and Monday, October 5th in the Chesapeake and Terrace Restaurants, respectively. The topic for these sessions will be “Change Happens – How do I deal with it” More information will be forthcoming soon.
• The Dine Together Program held its monthly dinner get together last night with approximately thirty residents sharing their meals together. Also, the Lunch Together Social program was held for a third time last month at the Café on Main and saw fourteen residents participate. For the latter, it is intended that additional advertising will be done to attract even larger participation of new residents.
• The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee is planning to produce a video, that will be shown on Channel 972, that will focus on EMV etiquette and use. The video will address issues for EMV users themselves as well as for other residents who encounter EMV’s in their travels around the campus.
• The Resident Life Committee is honored to have submitted David Graham, leader of the Low Vision Group, for this month’s Mission Moment. David’s activities on behalf of residents, with low vision issues, have contributed significantly to improvements campus wide.
• The Friendly Visitors Program has recruited several new visitors to welcome new residents and an orientation for these new volunteers was held recently. This program has been working on the development of a similar effort in Continuing Care. The Administration is also currently looking at ways to involve more independent living people in Continuing Care activities and our respective groups will be consulting in the future.
• The Resident Life Committee wants to remind everyone that a brochure detailing Ride Share options is available at each front desk. The brochure lists a variety of opportunities for residents to get rides to various Baltimore locations in addition to the Charlestown Shuttle.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in BR2 at 2pm

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

• The Committee met on May 21 st in Caton Woods classroom. As you know, Security with help from other staff has visited all independent living residents’ apartments to check pendants, pull cords, smoke detectors and resident safety. This ensures that all devices are working properly.
• You have probably noticed the new crosswalk, slow and stop signs on campus. Although they have succeeded in slowing down most vehicles, encouraging stopping at stop signs and crosswalks and keeping pedestrians safe, there are still vehicles speeding and passing stop signs on campus. Please drive safely.
• The Better Safe Than Sorry presentation has been put up on YouTube. You can find the video, which is an excellent reminder of how to stay safe this spring, on MyErickson. At the end of the presentation, a resident needed medical attention, which was expertly handled by Security.
• As we venture out more with the improved weather, we should all remain alert to stay safe. Driving on highways today is a challenge, as there are drivers who speed and drive recklessly.
• As our Baltimore County Police Outreach Officer, Keith Boone said, be aware of your surroundings, travel with others when possible and conceal any valuables including your cell phone. With spring and summer often comes an uptick in crime, particularly juvenile delinquency. So be careful out there.
• We had an incident recently in the gym involving an argument which reportedly resulted in one resident physically injuring another. The Charlestown culture of mutual respect and friendly behavior is worth remembering at all times. It helps keep us all safe.

Next Meeting: Thursday. July 16th from 11-12 in CTS 116.

Nominating, John Arnold, Co-Chair

• Candidates and Election Information Packets were distributed July 1
• Absentee ballots – if you need one, contact Sherry Stewart in HR-526 – her email is in the packet.
• Meet & Greets will be held on July 15th at the Atrium & July 29 at Cross Creek Lobby Cafe from 3:30-5pm
• Election takes place on August 5^th.
• Candidates were introduced again.

Next Meeting: June 15th at 10am in HR 140

Administration Update

Don Grove, Executive Director

Concerning the auditorium, thanks to the council for writing a thorough list of requirements for the auditorium. We took that list, as a team, and compared it to what we knew we needed. Your list was very comprehensive.  We have now shared that with our Erickson senior living partners and development partners, who build auditoriums at new campuses and they’ll be coming back to us. We will give it to our development team to create an estimate. The board is aware that we have a high dollar project coming their way, and they’re supportive of the idea. I will keep the council updated, and we will probably have additional conversations as we learn more.

We are working on our overall capital budget for next year at projects across all departments, we’re taking into consideration all the projects that were brought forth by the council, and literally this week we’re meeting with each department. David Schneer, our finance director, is leading those discussions with each department. We discuss the large purchase needs for each department are for 2027 towards building our budget

I just want to ask everybody, sort of, to help me as we go forward with the dining and help the dining program go forward.  We are on the brink of the Terrace reopening.  We have inspection this week. If that inspection passes, it allows us to go forward, and the next few weeks will be opening. We’ll have some soft openings, but then we will open the new Terrace venue. Once the Terrace venue opens, just reminding everybody that the terrace will be open for dinner. The fireside will close the same day that the terrace opens again. We will have had soft openings to make sure the Terrace operation is going smooth, but once it’s fully open, we will close the fireside. The Atrium will then open for lunch on a daily basis, the Cafe on Main will continue to serve dinner, and we’ll have some additional offerings, because you have a larger menu in the fireside. We’re going to expand the menu at the Cafe au Main, and then, of course, you’ll have the menu for the Terrace Restaurant. For everyone to know, that Terrace Restaurant menu is a little bit more of a. it’s a great menu, I’ve seen it. It’s a bit smaller, and with more turnover, as far as changes and specials. So, I think you’re going to enjoy what we have to offer there. At the same time, we close the fireside. We’ll also open what we’re calling Crab and Go, and Crab and Go will feature crab cakes, much, and other crab-related items that will be located as a carry-out option in the Charlestown Square, near the fireside, where the fireside carryout location is. The wood shops been working on decorating our crab and go station. All those things will occur through August, September, and October. That’s the scheduled period, the time to redo the Fireside.

We have a new updated version of the reservation system for dining that’s coming, that system will start on July 27 beginning reservations for august 1.

Otis will be on site tomorrow, following up on some resident requests as far as elevators, just checking door closing times to make sure that they’re what they should be, and just make sure all our elevator functionality is aligned. So, shouldn’t we don’t expect any elevators to be going out for that. Of course, Otis will be here. No elevators will go out tomorrow.

Council asked the stairs here from Edgewood to the Terrace. We are working on redoing those steps. We have estimates done. We have the go ahead. We’ll be doing that within this year. We had thought it’d be next year, we’ll actually do that this year. 

Questions

Rick Jones asked if there is a real start date for the bridge support project since it was supposed to be June 15, and that’s way gone.  Jason answered that pre-construction is Friday, but that doesn’t give a specific date.

Jean Tribulski. I have a question about the possibility there is so much useful information that comes from our chair people and such, and not all are really perfect public speakers. When the new group comes in, would it be possible to take one of your work sessions and have somebody that’s trained in teaching public speaking, and there may be someone here, if not a resident, even in the staff, that might be able to come and give a short presentation of what makes a good speaker, so we don’t miss a thing. Thank you.

Karl Dortzbach, Edgewood – Concerning the stairs there at Edgewood. Has there been any consideration of ramping that?  Don replied that we have looked at different options. There is not an easy option to do that.  We will widen those steps, so that they’re safer and not as steep, and that’s what the focus would be so that we have looked at thati

John Arnold asked for a quick update on the front area construction.  Don replied that they are focusing in on august 7. He knows no reason that we wouldn’t meet that schedule.

Robbie Sabin – St. Charles 301 asked about the ticket sale situations. I wondered, are there is there some active investigation of alternatives. I haven’t found anybody, including the people that get tickets, who are happy with the current process.

Don is scheduled to attend a meeting this week with the groups who handle the ticketing, which are resident groups.  Robbie said, as a computer person, it’s not a big job to use a randomization algorithm to get something that would be equitable and accessible people.

Connie Cooney – asked for an update on the rails to trails and the fence that was going to be put up.  Don said that we get periodic updates from the rails to trails but didn’t know the next step.

Ron DeAbreu asked about short line changes, remarking that while he understood the need to trim waste that portions at times were unacceptably small.

Another resident asked concerning the ticket question if there’s been any consideration of doubling the performances. Stephanie replied that there was a cost consideration that made that impossible.

Connie Andrews – St. Charles 507 asked if it was known the problem was with the elevators last week. Are there any actions being taken so we don’t have it happen again?

Don replied that condensation shut down one elevator then the other elevator was essentially overpowered. He suggested she speak with Steven afterwards for more information.

Many compliments were given for the handling of the elevator situation.