Last Updated on August 12, 2026
First, I like to thank all the Presidents I have worked with over the years, Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker, John Remias, Joe Carrick and Stephanie Leddy. I have been on the council for almost 5 years. For most of that time, I worked on the Communications Committee — Co-chair (appointed for 2 years) and then Chair for 1 year and subsequently became the Vice President during this last year.
During my years on the Communications Committee, I worked diligently to address two major concerns: Network Infrastructure and Mobile Phone Service. Both initiatives received the support and approval of the Administration and the Board. This year, we celebrated the completion of the Connect 3 project, which provided for stronger connectivity, enhanced security for individual residences, and simplified device setup. In addition, the Mobile Phone service upgrade has been completed in Continuing Care and is expected to begin in Independent Living by the middle to end of this year. These 2 projects will strengthen our communication across our community.
I am honored and excited about being the new Residents’ Council President. My time on the Council has given me an opportunity to form relationships with the Administration, other Council members and you, the Charlestown residents. I am eager to work with both new and prior Council members, the Administration, and residents, to produce positive outcomes for Charlestown. These accomplishments demonstrate what we can achieve when we all work together toward a common goal.
The 2026-2027 Council members bring a diverse range of abilities to the table, including legal knowledge, engineering, management, research, accounting, health care, and higher education teaching and planning. Their varied backgrounds enable them to effectively represent the community’s interests, make informed decisions, and manage Council resources responsibly. With experience in leadership and a commitment to the neighborhood’s well-being, Council members are equipped to address challenges, oversee projects, and guide the association in achieving its goals.
My theme for this year is Working Together as a community. This means listening to one another, sharing responsibilities, and using everyone’s ideas to make positive changes. When people cooperate, they can solve problems more effectively and create a stronger sense of belonging.
Here are some common challenges we will be facing in our community:
- Communication between residents, staff, and families
- Access to transportation
- Safety and fall prevention
- Managing different needs, opinions, and personalities
- Keeping residents active and engaged
- Technology barriers
- Affordability and financial concerns
- Nutrition and meal preferences
- Maintaining independence while receiving support
As I begin my term as Residents’ Council President, I want to share my priorities for the year ahead: strengthen communication, encourage residents to share their time and talents, build closer connections between Independent Living and Continuing Care, and continue Charlestown’s sustainability work.
Again, I would like to request all residents to think about sharing their time and talents. Join a Council committee that matches your interest or ability. Our committees meet monthly for no more than 1 hour. You can find the 13 committees and their meeting day and time by going to the Residents’ Council website: ccicharlestown.org.
You can also contact Charlestown Volunteer Coordinator, Nadine Rebeiro (Nadine.Rebeiro@Erickson.com). She can assist you in matching your interest and skills with a specific organization within Charlestown that need volunteers. Also, on September 18th there will be a CGO Expo that will showcase all Charlestown organizations. Every organization at that Expo needs you. Joining a club or group is also a great way to make new friends.
Serving on the Council has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Charlestown because it has allowed me to work with residents and staff to improve life for everyone in our community.
As I step into this new role, I want to build on that same spirit of cooperation and shared problem-solving. The work ahead will require open communication, respect for different perspectives, and a willingness to contribute where each of us can.
Larry Taylor
Presidents, 2026-2027