Charlestown Pet Group Meeting Minutes October 28, 2025

David Elder opened the meeting at 11:00 AM. 13 members were in attendance. Minutes from the September meeting were approved.

Old Business

  • It is imperative that all pet owners read and follow the rules as stated in the Resident’s Handbook Appendix E. or we could lose the privilege of having a pet. The book 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.” Please remember that some residents have a fear of dogs or allergies to cats and be considerate.
  • 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 Date: There are no scheduled visits from Dr. Nesbitt. 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.

New Business

  • Lisa Roeder, Resident Services Manager for Independent Living, discussed aspects of pet ownership at Charlestown. See the attached file for the information Lisa presented. We appreciate Lisa’s time. It was a very informative discussion.
  • Hope Tillman, webmaster, gave an overview of Pet Group information to be found on org.
  • Pet information can be accessed either via the CLUBS/PET GROUP page, or directly via the PETS-AT-CHARLESTOWN icon from the resident website homepage.  As this is an open site, phone numbers and addresses are not shown. The information that can be found on the Pet page:
    • Appendix F
    • Pet Registration Form
    • Local Pet Resources – list of vets, boarding places, walkers, resident helpers, etc.
    • Building Representatives
    • Suggested additions – Baltimore County License Application, add “Resident, Staff, Memoriam” to the title of the Pet Gallery.
  • Jane Finneseth used Thrive Urgent Care in Catonsville to take care of her deceased cat. She was pleased with their service.
  • A resident’s indoor cat had fleas. She visited Dr. Nesbitt for treatment. It was suggested that if anyone has this happen to contact General Services for fumigation.
  • David Elder and Hope Tillman have created a google Chat group for communication between members. The location is pets-at-charleston@googlegroups.com . Emails in the group will go to all group members.
    • To subscribe, send an email to either Hope or Betty Elder that you want to be invited.

The group has 235 residents in 170 apartments with 202 pets: 115 cats, 85 dogs and 2 birds.
Meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM.

NEXT MEETING –   Tuesday, November 25 in Brookside Classroom 2.  Meetings are always on the 4th Tuesday at 11AM.
(No meeting in July, August, and December). February and March meetings will be in Charlestown Square Room 116. All others will be in Brookside Classroom #2.