Last Updated on October 24, 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. I also glean other topics from committee minutes and reports. This report is available 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); CGO: Clubs, Groups and Organizations; BOD: Charlestown Board of Directors
1. General Services Call Center operating hours are: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 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. You will receive a confirming email with a ticket number to reference. If there is an emergency after hours or on weekends, call Security for help.
Note: If you want to learn more about Security Mgr. John Thomas, tune into the GS Update from 10/13/26: https://youtu.be/EDloD0Uqhe0
2. 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’sCouncil Communication Form icon alerts the Council to a problem. The Administration also welcomes comments; please send them to ccifeedback@erickson.com.
2026 Resident Satisfaction Survey needs to be completed by 10/25. It is available in electronic and paper format. You can access it through My Erickson by visiting the Forms Icon. Paper copies are available at front desks.
Note: CVS Pharmacy will transition to Main Street Pharmacy on November 30. You will need to update your CC on file.
3. Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, October, 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
4. CCICharlestown.org:The next Tech Bar is targeted for Dec. 1 at Wilton Overlook, 10 AM – Noon. Jennifer Simon’s slides from her presentation to Charlestown Erickson Advantage members are now available: Erickson Advantage | Charlestown Retirement Community Resident
Compost Guidelines: Resident Food Composting Drop-off Guidelines | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents
The Navigating Charlestown map has been updated and is available at the lobby desks and on the website under Campus Maps
The next TS Thurs. Feb. 4, 2027 – Sat. Feb. 6, 2027, is on the website under Resident Activities: Treasure Sale/Stores | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents. Hope is creating a team of residents to assist other residents with computer use; those interested in helping can reach out to her. In September, the top navigation bar was changed and was approved by the Committee. Questions or suggestions for the website may be submitted on the Home Page, or join us for the next Website Subcommittee meeting on Monday, November 23 at 3:00 PM via Zoom. Contact Hope for the Zoom link.
5. Benevolent Care Fund: The October TS has ended. The next TS will be Feb. 4 – Sat. Feb. 6, 2027. There is a list of volunteer needs for various TS tasks; please contact Victoria Klemm at 410-737-8892. Pickups resume 11/2. The Treasure Chest and Ladies Boutique will open 11/3. The Furniture Store will open when inventory is sufficient. Anyone interested in joining the BCF committee should contact Lois Eldred, 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 Charlestown Philanthropy is sponsoring Life. Investing for Older Adults, Wednesday, October 28, 11 AM, Auditorium, Speaker: Erin Scheithe, Investor Communications Specialist, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Refreshments provided.
Give: to the Staff Appreciation Campaign through Nov. 6!
6. Resident Life: Charlestown This Week is presented by RL on Saturdays via ME messages. Thanks again to Desmond Young III for continuing the Charlestown Newcomers Email, soon to be a weekly. Dotty Reitwiesner leads the monthly Dine Together Program, and the next will be Mon., Nov. 2, 5:15 – 6:45 PM. The Lunchtime Social program will not continue due to low attendance. Mimi O’Donnell, Friendly Visitors Chair, welcomes volunteers. Cathy Stevens, the Dining Committee Chair, could use new Ambassadors for Caton Ridge and Harbor View. Ann MacKay’s Accessibility & Inclusion Group subcommittee is continuing to make suggestions to Admin to help us around campus. The Tapestry events on Oct. 1 and Oct. 5 were successful and filled to capacity. The Low Vision Group will now meet monthly on the third Friday of the month at 2:30 in BR-CL 1. The next meeting is 11/20. Carol Benner reported that she will be presenting a Low Vision presentation at Ellic on Dec. 4, 2026. Please look out for the orange ribbons, identifying low vision people, which have recently been distributed.
The speed friending group is taking a break until January, when it will invite new residents from the last six months to join. In its place, they’re having a mix and mingle on the third Thursday of every month at Bill‘s place at 1:30 PM.
Paul Rao, Chair of the DEIB subcommittee, announced the Heritage Festival will be held on November 6th from 11:00-2:00 in the Chesapeake area. Right now, he has 16 tables representing 17 Countries for the event.
Community Resources: Thank you to the CR Staff for their hard work putting on the Fall Festival!
The Resident Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale is Fri. 11/13 at 1- 4 p.m. in Erickson Center. Participating residents must register by Fri., 10/30. Jennifer Tillett’s November Arts Alive Newsletter is available on My Erickson under Resident Resources, along with the Fall 2026 Charlestown Performing Arts Schedule. Paper copies are available at the lobby desks. 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 Fri., 10/30 in the Conference Center from 10 AM to 1 PM.
7. Medical Center: If you missed the Flu or COVID Clinic dates, walk-ins are welcome between 9-11 AM and 1-3 PM each day. At a recent Town Hall, please bring your new Medicare Card to the Medical Center to be updated in the system. 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.
Note: The Medical Center renovation project Phase 1 has finished. The balance is expected to take several months and will be completed in four phases. The work has been carefully planned to minimize disruption and ensure continuity of care throughout the project. The Medical Center services will continue to operate with temporary adjustments as needed during each phase of construction.
Note: Erickson Advantage Medicare Supplemental Insurance will not be offered in 2027, but Administration is offering assistance in selecting a new healthcare insurance coverage plan for 2027 during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Home Care: Updated Home Care info is listed on our website. Our rehospitalization rate remains exceptionally low, reflecting 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., Nov. 16; Fireside and Cross Creek, 1-3 PM. Volunteers are needed to assist Marty White at Fireside, and Kathy Eiswert and Lois Eldred at Cross Creek. The resident-run Cancer Support Group, led by Ann MacKay, meets on the 2nd Monday of each month; the next is Nov. 9, in CTS Classroom 216 Breakout Room. You can attend Jean Williamson’s free Resident-run Yoga classes normally: Room 116 at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Room 216 at 10:00 am on Thursday, and Saturday in the Conference Center at 10:00 am. Sometimes, for various reasons, they may change. Jean emails everyone signed up a confirmation every week.
Godspeed to Travis Stinson, GM of the Atrium, who is off to Texas with a promotion. Happy Trails, Travis!
Update: The Aquatics Center is closed until further notice, and the Fitness Center will reopen 11/2.
The MACCRA new Executive Committee Officers for October 2026 to October 2027 are: President: Pat Payne; Vice President: Carol Brenner; Treasurer: Victor Pyles; Secretary: Robert Larson. Also, we are very fortunate that John Geist continues to join our Executive Committee as part of the Legislative Work Group for Charlestown.
The Legislative Committee will hold a meet-and-greet with Delegates from Districts 44A and 44B, as well as Baltimore County Council District 1, on 12/9 in the Auditorium, 7-9 PM.
Friday, Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., there is a Safety and Injury Prevention Expo in the Conference Center. Come meet your Security officers and get important tips on staying safe and healthy!
Instead of the earlier scheduled focus groups, Dining will be hosting a Town Hall. Please join us: Wednesday, October 28th, 2 p.m. in the Conference Center.
Little Theatre’s production of Rumors will host ticket sales Oct. 28 – Nov. 3. The performances will take place between Nov. 10 – 19.
The Scholars’ Committee is looking for additional Mentors to maintain open communication and to assist scholar candidates throughout their pursuit of a degree. Mentors will be assigned in January after student candidates have been accepted into the program. Contact Mel Milio, Chair of the Scholars’ Committee.
Did you know? You can search for which restaurants on Campus your favorite food items are available in the Food Search block on My Nutrition: NetNutrition®, which is available on both websites under Dining.
Give: to the Staff Appreciation Campaign through Nov. 6.
Happy Halloween!
Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee