Charlestown Retirement Community Residents > News > Evergreen Topics > Evergreen Topics as of July 26, 2025

Evergreen Topics as of July 26, 2025

Jul 26, 2025 | Evergreen Topics

Last Updated on July 26, 2025

Below is the list of recurring topics of interest I have taken the responsibility to maintain and update periodically or as timely. Some I submit after sending them to the Managers to alter or add before resubmitting 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.

Legend: GS: General Services; ME: My Erickson website; BCF: Benevolent Care Fund; 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.

  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 GS Comment Forms on ME to report on your service call from GS, and staff are handing out QR forms as they complete their tasks for easy usage. Welcome to Stephen Miller, the new Gen Services Asst. Gen. Services Director!

Comcast is offering an Accessibility Support Center for Customers with Disabilities. Residents should follow the calling instructions provided under GS Communications on the website and request verification for a disability. This subject will be discussed further at the monthly Council Communications meeting on Monday, July 28, at 2:00 PM.

  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 the 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: The next Tech Bar is Tues. Aug. 13 at the Chesapeake. The Residents’ Council Candidates page is up on our website. The Scams/Frauds posting is updated. Tips for Enhancing Your Dining Experience at Charlestown Restaurants is posted under News and was assembled by the Dietary Focus Group (DFG) and approved by Dining Services. To add a photo of your pet to the Pet Gallery posted on our website, send a photo to Betty Elder or Hope Tillman. The website is constantly adding information as sent by Club leaders. 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, or join us for the next Website Subcommittee meeting, Mon. July 28 at 1:30 PM via Zoom. Contact Hope for the address.
  1. BCF: August is Benevolent Care month! Look out for upcoming events throughout the month – Financial Seminar, Spenddown/BCF seminar, and the Legacy Society Brunch. The next TS is scheduled for 10/23-25, 2025, and there is an ongoing list of volunteer needs for various TS tasks; please contact Casey at 410-737-8892. 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 Life. The Pickup Line will be open Aug. 4, the Treasure Chest, Ladies Boutique will re-open Aug. 5, and the Furniture Store will open when inventory is sufficient. Anyone interested in joining the BCF committee should contact Virginia Antevil, the Chair, to attend a meeting. If you wish to donate your car to Cars for Care, contact Bette Holub at 410-314-7958. All funds raised through Cars for Care go to BCF.
  1. CR: CC is seeking magazine and coffee table books for Memory Care and prize donations for CC Bingo. Volunteers are also needed in CC to share their talents for CC activities and card players. Jennifer Tillett’s August “Arts Aliveat Charlestown” newsletter is now available on My Erickson under Resident Resources. Upcoming events are a Midsummer Noon Tea on July 31st, and a Paint Night on August 27th in the Conference Center. Sandy Mack will lead the latter event, providing supplies for a fee to accommodate up to fifty people. Finally, the CGO Expo is scheduled for September 12th.

Res. Life: Farewell to Karen Leighton! Thank you for your dedication to service for us! The Tapestry events are being planned for October 7 and 15th in the Atrium Restaurant. Marie Skane leads the monthly Dine Together Program for new residents, and 27 residents were present on 7/7. The next will be Monday, Aug. 4 at 5:15 PM. Cathy Stevens, Dining Ambassador Chair, reported that she has eighteen new Ambassadors. On September 21st, there will be a presentation by the Blind Rehabilitation Group in the auditorium. The Low Vision Group is planning to host a “Tapestry Like” series of resident discussions beginning on October 9th in the Chesapeake Restaurant. This will involve small group discussions on topics relevant to visually impaired persons. The first topic will be “Meeting your Low Vision Neighbors”. Bill Jones reported on the Transportation Sustainability Subcommittee and noted that they are examining both the Senior Lyft and Freedom Car Programs. The Accessibility and Inclusion Group has invited Custom Interiors to attend the next subcommittee meeting on September 9th at 11:00 AM in the Chesapeake Card Room.

  1. Medical Center: A Mask may be required at the Medical Center if a resident is symptomatic. Stay healthy by washing hands—keep others healthy by not going out if sick. Call the medical center if you are not feeling well. Those who have Primary Care Physicians at the Medical Center are encouraged to sign up for the new Medicare APCM initiative. Also, 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 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. Audiology is remaining in place, as is.
  1. The Move-out Process at the End-of-Life helpful article has been updated on our website in the Blog area with the name of the coordinator, Trina Butler. The Article was posted in the July 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. Call Casey Bassler, Coordinator – 410-737-8892.
  1. Housekeeping special: Cost $350, ends September 26th, 2025. “ADDED BONUS” Included two rooms of carpet shampooed. Michele is working on an Electronics Recycling event in the future. Beginning Monday, the complimentary exterior window washing is scheduled for of 2 months. Stay tuned for your Building schedules. The Committee asks if you see something that needs clean-up attention, say something, please!
  1. Home Care: Updated Home Care info is listed on our website, showing Kayla Myers as the Home Care Clinical Manager.

Extras: Welcome to the new Catering Mgr., Jennifer Hatis, and the Asst. Dining Mgr., Rick Hayes. Brittany is looking for backup Birthday Angels in all the buildings and volunteers to color birthday cards. Archives can use help on various tasks, contact John Yoder. The Medication Disposal events are on Aug. 25 and Nov. 24 from 1-3 pm in Cross Creek and Fireside Lobbies. Michael Rogan will replace Kate Hausner as the head of the Dietary Focus Group. Jane Amtmann, Film Library Chair, requires a projectionist for the Saturday Movies; training is provided.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Charlie Eichenlaub
Communications Committee