Last Updated on November 22, 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 General Services Comment Forms on My EricksonMy Erickson is a resident portal. It is provided by Erickson Corporate and is managed by Charlestown staff, mainly Community Resources. See Portal. READ MORE to report on your service call from GS. When you shop online during these Holidays, be sure to read the new Amazon Delivery Tips, suggested by GS, which are listed under News on our website and the new Campus Delivery Map has been added to Campus Maps. Scams are prevalent this time of year, Campus Security and the Committee will continue to educate us about telephone scams, even from recognizable numbers. Return your carts, please!
2. 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.
3. Resident Directory Info: The latest printed version, November, can be obtained by asking at lobby desks. The only E-directory is on My EricksonMy Erickson is a resident portal. It is provided by Erickson Corporate and is managed by Charlestown staff, mainly Community Resources. See Portal. READ MORE, 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 Tuesday, 12/3 from 10 to Noon at the Chesapeake Restaurant. Ed Appel’s Telephone Fraud Warning is posted under News, and Margaret’s Navigating Charlestown Map is listed under the Campus Maps icon. Learn how to join the re-named “charlestown-resident-hub@googlegroups.com” under News. A current Org. Chart is updated under “Getting things done”. 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. Mel Milio’s article on the Scholars’ Coaching Program is posted under News.
5. Benevolent Care Fund: “Leave your legacy at Charlestown” by designating the Benevolent Care Fund in your estate plans or as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of the entrance deposit to ensure the promise of a “Home for Life”. The next Treasure Sale will be February 6-8, 2025, and there is an ongoing litany of volunteer needs for many Treasure Sale tasks; contact Casey, at 410-737-8892. The Treasure Stores are open. Anyone interested in joining this committee should contact Virginia Antevil, the new Chair, to attend a meeting. The next Memory Walk will be in May 2025, and memorial Bricks and Benches are available for purchase. K & J Annual $7 Sale will be 12/2 at 9 am in the Conference Center. 20% of proceeds go to the Benevolent Care Fund.
6. Community Resources: Register with Allison or Ellie DiPietro, to be a 60-minute volunteer to visit residents in Caton Woods. Continuing Care is seeking magazine and coffee table books for Memory Care and prize donations for Continuing Care Bingo. Volunteers also remain needed in Continuing Care to share their talents for Continuing Care activities and card players. Christmas trees will begin being decorated starting 11/29, so contact Allison to volunteer. Also, register with Allison for the Volunteer Program.
Res. Life: All of Margaret’s Newcomer Weekly Newsletters (12 so far) are being “archived” and can be requested and received via email as attachments. Marie Skane leads the monthly Dine Together Program for new residents and can use more volunteers as Hosts, the next is Monday, Dec. 2. Merci seeks residents to be identified who would welcome the Low Vision Reading Brigade service. The Tapestry Program will continue Dec. 6 at the Chesapeake, 10 -11:30 AM. The Low Vision Physical Environment Action Group is pursuing various improvements throughout the Campus. Those participating in Light Up Charlestown are reminded that battery and electric lights only, please!
7. Medical Center: Medicare Open Enrollment continues through 12/7. The New COVID-19 vaccine and Flu shots are still available if you have missed the Clinics. 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 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.
8. The Move-out Process at the End of Life helpful article posted on our website in the Blog area and was in the August Sunburst. As the posting states, BCF is asking us to inform families 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 Casey Bassler, Coordinator – 410-737-8892.
9. Housekeeping is having a carpet cleaning special until Dec. 13. The Committee asks if you see something that needs clean-up attention, say something, please! November is Home Care Month! Home Care info is listed on our website, describing their services under Health. Kristen Aybar reported that at the end of last month, they had an unannounced Medicare surveyor arrive for recertification of Home Health, and they were found to be in compliance with the Federal requirements with no deficiencies. The last survey was 3 years ago with the same result. She is very proud of this success! Check your long-term care policies coverage for paying for Home Support services.
Extras: Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards. Next year’s Medication Disposal Days are being finalized. We can meet our elected officials on Tuesday, December 10 at 7 pm in the Auditorium. The Archives needs photographers for our events and a coordinator who may or may not be a shutterbug; contact John Yoder. The new Cancer Support Group welcomes any resident or staff member newly diagnosed, under treatment or having completed treatment. It is designed to be a place of support, encouragement, and confidentiality. Ann reports a great response of diverse types of cancer diagnoses and the next meeting is Dec. 9, at 2PM in CTS 216 Breakout. This Group is resident-run, so help to coordinate from within is welcome.
Congrats to us and the Staff Appreciation Committee! 72% of us contributed to the $416,300K donated to our staff employees that was not tax-deductible and will be disbursed to this worthy group in early December in time for the Holidays.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee