Charlestown Retirement Community Residents > News > Residents Council > Communications Committee > Evergreen Topics as of August 25, 2024

Evergreen Topics as of August 25, 2024

Aug 25, 2024 | Communications Committee, Evergreen Topics

Last Updated on August 25, 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. As of 8/1, the Charlestown Sedan Service lowered the medical sedan mileage rate from $6 to $4.50 per mile.
  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, August, 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: Info for the new Residents’ Council members is posted, and photos of past Council members are grouped by year. Gatehouse Operations info has been updated under News and the new Campus Delivery Map has been added to Campus Maps. The Technology Assistance Day was a success. We have updated the Move-out Article and contacts under News and identified the department responsible for Sections under ME. Learn how to join the re-named “charlestown-resident-hub@googlegroups.com” under News. 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 ELLIC Fall Catalog will be available on the website on Sept. 4, under Education.
  1. BCF: The Treasure Sale broke a July record with $43,032 in sales, great work volunteers! The next TS is 10/17-19, and there is an ongoing litany of volunteer needs for many TS tasks; contact Bette, ext. 7958.  The Treasure Stores are currently open, including a Ladies’ Boutique sale for summer wear. 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 ensure the promise of a “Home for Life”.  To learn more, attend the next “Get the Scoop” event onMon., 9/23 at 1 PM in the Gallery, please call Bette in Philanthropy (601-7958) to RSVP. Then on Wed., 9/25 at 10 am in the Auditorium, Patti Santoni will give a “free to all” Ellic presentation on “BCF- Get the Facts”.  Reminder: Aug. 30 is the deadline to purchase bricks or a bench for the Memory Walk on Oct. 22.
  1. Res. Life & CR: The Fruits of Our Labor Expo has been renamed The CGO Expo and will be Friday, 9/13. The Fall Fun Festival, open to all residents, Staff, and families, will be Fri., Oct. 11, 3 -6:30 PM. There is a need for volunteer wheelchair escorts. Register with Allison to be on the Volunteer List!

Res. Life: 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 28 new residents on Aug. 5, which is great! The next event is Sept. 9, at which hosts are needed, and can contact Marie via email. Merci seeks residents to be identified who would welcome the Low Vision Reading Brigade service. David Graham moderates the Low Vision Planning Group that has created a Leadership Board, and meetings have begun. Low Vision Menus are available at restaurant Host Stands upon request. Tapestry will switch leaders this fall, with plans to continue the program with events in late Nov and early Dec at the Chesapeake. Thanks to the LWV Charlestown Unit, all Front Desks have voter registration and mail-in ballot forms that you can request a copy of.

  1. Medical Center:The annual Flu Clinics will be 9/11 at Cross Creek and 9/18 in the Gallery, both 8 AM thru Noon. The New COVID-19 vaccine will be coming in October.  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 and was posted in the August Sunburst. As the posting states, 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: There is a Preserving Independence Seminar on Memory, Thurs., Aug. 29 at 6 PM in the Auditorium, with families welcome.Home Care info is listed on our website, describing their services under Health/Fitness.

Extras: The ELLIC Fall Catalog is coming Sept 4, and Registration begins 9/11 at 9 AM. Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards. The Film Library seeks help for various specialties and will provide training, contact Phil Benzil. The Legislative/Political Committee is working hard for us to see interviews with political candidates for Channel 972. Jean Tribulski has resigned as Chair of the Health Committee and the Council. Jean, thank you for your great service! Hats off to Joe Carrick, Jerry Donaldson, Nancy Meier, and Connie Cooney, our new Executive Council leaders, and the rest of this year’s Council members listed on our website, with photos.

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!

Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee

 

PS: Add your email to the re-named Charlestown Resident Hub email group on our website under “News” or “Search”.