Last Updated on July 19, 2024

Below is the list of reoccurring topics of interest I have taken the responsibility to maintain and update periodically or when timely. Some I submit after sending them to Managers to alter or add before re-submitting them to reappear on our website. Other topics I glean from minutes and reports from Committees. This complete report can be found on our website under News.

  1. The General Services Call Center’s phone number and current hours are listed under General Services Communications on our website. If you need something fixed or repaired, call, or for non-urgent requests, residents may utilize a Request a 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 now GS Comment Forms on ME to report on your service call from GS. The Custom Interiors office is currently vacant. Calls should be directed to the GS service line and ask for Maintenance.
  1. Recurring Opportunities for Voicing Concerns are listed 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.
  1. Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, July, can be obtained by asking at lobby desks. 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.
  1. ccicharlestown.org: Voting for the new Residents’ Council members is Wed., Aug. 7. The candidate bios are included in your Election Packet on the website, and the schedule where and when to vote.  The next Technology Assistance Day is Tues., 8/14 from 10 am to Noon at the Chesapeake. Hope is creating a team of residents to assist other residents with the use of computers, those interested in helping can reach out to her. Questions or suggestions for the website may be submitted on the Home Page. The Move-out Article contacts are updated under News.
  1. BCF: The Treasure Sale is next week, and there is an ongoing litany of volunteer needs for many TS tasks; contact Bette, ext. 7958.  The Treasure Stores are currently closed until after the TS. September is Benevolent Care Month, and the best way to have a lasting impact is that Residents can leave a legacy at Charlestown by designating the BCF in their estate plans or as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of the entrance deposit.  To learn more, attend the next “Get the Scoop” event on Fri., 8/29 at 1 PM in the Gallery, please call Bette in Philanthropy (601-7958) to RSVP or call for a brochure. The Memory Walk is on Oct. 22, and the deadline to purchase bricks is 8/30.
  1. Res. Life & CR: Volunteers remain needed in CC to share their talents for CC activities and card players, with Alli looking for prize donations for CC Bingo. Register with Allison to be on the Volunteer List! Club and Group Leaders are encouraged to attend the 7/31 Annual Leadership Meeting at 1 PM at the auditorium to plan the Fruits of Our Labor Expo for Friday, 9/13.

Res. Life: Res. Life: Mimi O’Donnell is now leading the Friendly Visitors. Ann Mackay has posted an Ageism article in the July Sunburst. The Welcome subcommittee continues to evolve with Social Dining programs, combining Dining Buddies with the Dining Ambassadors. The ongoing Dine Together team led by Marie Skane had a turnout of 20 new residents on July 1. Merci seeks residents to be identified who would welcome the Low Vision Reading Brigade service. David Graham moderates the Low Vision Planning Group, and it has created a Leadership Board, and meetings have begun. Tapestry will switch leaders this fall, with a plan to continue the program.

  1. Medical Center: The eye doctor is now on campus on Wednesdays, call for an appointment, ext.601-8323. There will be the annual Flu Clinic here on Campus in September, as usual. The New COVID-19 vaccine is still available if you missed the Clinic, call the Medical Center.  A Mask may be required at the Medical Center if a resident is symptomatic. New residents need to sign up for the Care Path Program, even though you may have your doctor off-campus, in case of emergencies, so they have your particulars. If you are going to the hospital alone (i.e., elective surgery) please let security know. All hospital stays should be followed by a transitional doctor visit to help prevent readmission.  If your Primary Doctor is at the Medical Center, you may receive a Medicare Press Ganey Medical Center Survey—which is random. Please take the survey if you are chosen.
  1. The Move-out Process at the End of Life helpful article has been updated on our website in the Blog area. 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. Bette Holub, Coordinator – 410-737-8838, x601-7958.
  1. Housekeeping: The Annual Housekeeping Special continues through September 27.Home Care: They remind us that 20% of Medicare beneficiaries are re-admitted to the hospital within 60 days of discharge, the rate for residents receiving certified home health services is 6.4%! They are keeping residents home and out of the hospital! Home Care info is listed on our website, describing their services under Health/Fitness.

Extras: Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards.

A Legislative Forum is discussing Balto. County issues with our elected officials on Thurs. 7/25, in the Auditorium at 7 PM. RIP Wendell Thompson–you served us well! Vote for the new Resdents’ Council members on Aug., 7!

Admin reports 51 cases of COVID-19 on Campus–keep vigilant!

Charlie Eichenlaub, Communications Committee