Charlestown Pet Group Meeting Minutes January 27. 2026

 David Elder opened the meeting at 11:02 a.m.. 28 members were in attendance. Minutes from the November meeting were approved.

Hope Tillman gave a demo of Pet Group information on the ccicharlestown.org website. She will add meeting minutes. If you would like to add your pet’s picture to the Pet Gallery, send a picture with information to Hope Tillman. If you need help, contact either Hope or Betty Elder. They will even take pictures of your pet.

Hope also showed the new Pet Group Google mail group. You will receive messages in your regular email and can answer from there. If you delete messages, they will be retained in the group if you need them later. You can join by sending an email to pets-at-charlestown-subscribe@googlegroups.com.  If you have either AOL or Verizon, check you spam folder for the response. Hope can work with you to get access. Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson.

Old Business

  • It is imperative that all pet owners read and follow the rules as stated in the Resident’s Handbook Appendix F. The handbook clearly says, “Pets must be on a leash or in a cage at all times when outside your apartment and should never be allowed to run free.”  When walking your pet, use the closest outside door.
  • If your pet has an accident outside your apartment, please clean up and notify General Services (Housekeeping).
  • Items are collected for donation to the MDSPCA. If you have any items for donation, bring them to the meeting or contact Elsie Kemp, Otto Greul or Carolyn Troy. Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson. If you need any items, let us know and we can check the storage bin.
  • Cat Clinic information  We currently have no schedule. Call Dr Nesbitt directly (410-869-0800) for an appointment. If you are looking for a cat vet and can transport your cat, Dr. Nesbitt’s office is on Rt 40 near the Double T Diner.
  • The updated Resource List is now up on the Pet Group web page: Pet Group | Charlestown Retirement Community Residents
  • We don’t get timely notice of new residents with pets. If you see someone with a pet and no magnet on the door, or know of a new resident with a pet, contact Otto or David. Also, if you or someone you know loses a pet.

New Business

A request was made for the Building Reps to get the list of pets and owners electronically. David will send that out as it is updated.

For the safety of your pet, there are 2 important things you must have in place. Someone should be authorized to get into your apartment, and you should have a LOCAL emergency contact who has access to your apartment and can take care of your pet in the event you cannot. The Pet Group members do NOT have access to your apartment.

If you use Charlestown housekeepers, remind them that you have a pet.  There have been issues when a different housekeeper comes to the apartment and is unaware of the pet.

Grounds is using a magnesium formulation of ice melt. Adam will look into the cost of getting a more friendly option. Several owners reported that the size of the pellets is the problem. They get stuck in the dog’s toes, particularly small dogs. It was also suggested that some grass spots could be shoveled near entrances for the dogs to use.  We will pass this on to Adam.

Donna Seely has a rug shampooer – Shark Stain Striker, PX202BRN, unused, still in box, that she would like to sell for $50.

An owner needs to rehome a terrier off campus. If you know of anyone who might be interested, let David know.

The group has 243 residents with 207 pets: 115 cats, 90 dogs, 2 birds

NEXT MEETING –   February 24, 2026, 11am, in Cross Creek Lobby Café . Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM (no meetings in July, August and December). February and March meetings will be in Cross Creek Lobby Café. All others will be in Brookside Classroom 2.