President Anne Erfle called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 7:00 pm on September 3, 2019. The July 2, 2019 minutes were approved as distributed. The August 6, 2019 report in lieu of minutes was accepted as distributed, since no meeting was held because of the power outage. 77 association members attended. Visitors included residents Naomi McAfee, Charles Denton, and Karline Tierney, members of the Board of Directors; Clara Parker, Executive Director; and Heather Sheridan, Associate Executive Director. The Council observed a moment of silence for those who have passed away.

Anne introduced the members of the Council and then called on the following officers and committee chairs whose committees had met for reports; the text of those reports appears following the formal minutes:

• Walt Howe, Vice President
• Hope Tillman, Secretary
• Bill Tilles, Treasurer
• Jean Eichenlaub, Chair of the Benevolent Care Committee
• Dick Krebs and Ronny Burrell, Co-Chairs of the Communications Committee
• Anna Marie Ciarrocchi, Chair of the Conservation Committee
• Bob Caulfield, Chair of the Dining Committee and Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker (Asst. Chair)
• Joan Green and Pat Rudolph, Co-Chairs of the Finance Committee
• Eugenia High, Chair of the Grounds Committee
• Lois Kimber, Chair of the Health Services Committee
• Jane Amtmann, Committee Member, for Jim Stadter, Chair of the Housekeeping Committee
• Seldra Funk, Chair of the Legislative/Political Committee
• Jackie Graham, Chair of the Maintenance & Engineering Committee
• Sam Cushman, Chair of the Resident Life Committee
• Janet Allan, Chair of the Safety & Security Committee and Ken Jarboe (Asst. Chair)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

Special Dining Services Committee Report on 8/19/19 Management/Resident Meeting to discuss upcoming Refectory renovations presented by Bob Caulfield, Chair, Dining Services

An estimated 80-100 residents met with Charlestown senior staff to discuss the upcoming Refectory 2020 renovations. Staff reiterated there are currently no preconceived plans for the renovation. Improvements to storage, prep, and kitchen area layouts are being considered, for example having the kitchen on the same level. Being a historic building there are limitations as to what can be changed since any structural changes must be approved.

Residents want the Refectory to retain its historic elegance by keeping the chandeliers and large round tables with tablecloths. Recommendations include:

• a better location for the buffet service with action station space for two carvers and more hygienic layout and closer supervision for salad bar.
• improved traffic flow for diners and those passing through.
• Better ventilation around the dining tables near the entry to the bridge
• (front wheels on dining chairs for ease of movement, and
• layout space to accommodate varying sized private parties originating from the Chapel.

Clara Parker then presented “Words from Management” which appear below for those residents interested in reading the full text of the message.

Sam Cushman asked to be recognized to personally thank Wendell Thompson for his “fabulous” service as President of the Council.  His remarks were met with loud applause.

President Erfle adjourned the formal meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Hope Tillman, Residents’ Council Secretary
Ron DeAbreu, Residents’ Council Assistant Secretary

REPORTS—EXECUTIVE TEAM

ANNOUNCEMENTS/ PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Anne Erfle):
This report includes both August and September Mission Moments since the Residents’ Council did not meet in August.

Anthony Kowalski recognizes Don Salvucci for his services to Our Daily Bread. For the past 10 years, Don has led the effort at Charlestown to provide food regularly for the poor and needy in the Greater Baltimore area. He has encouraged new residents and guided them in the preparation of meals, placed freezers in the major laundry areas, and facilitated the regular delivery of foods to Baltimore. Under his leadership, residents of Charlestown now contribute between 80 and 100 meals monthly for our needy neighbors.

Nan Amann demonstrates enthusiasm, friendliness, caring and concern in the Charlestown community. When Pickleball could be played at the Arbutus Senior Center, Nan became a recruiter for new players and helped acquire the necessary equipment to get it going. Off campus she helped with voter registration for new citizens and helps sort and pack boxes at the Maryland Food Bank. Even when she realized she needed knee surgery, she established a puzzle table near the Caton Ridge third floor elevators.

Rick Jones works diligently with the Grounds and Security Departments to keep the Lake Charles area safe. He has assisted identifying and monitoring places that have been used to enter the lake area through the perimeter fencing. Recently, he saw a Great Blue Heron which had a fishing line wrapped around its neck. He reeled in the bird and found he had a hook in its mouth.  He cut the line and the heron flew away. Rick also serves as the Chair of the Tree Working Group, Co-chair of the Community Gardens and works with the Invasive Plants Crew.

Al Blackburn has transported residents needing special assistance to and from the Chesapeake dining room.  He dines with them, assuring that they understand the menu and have a nutritious meal, and socializes with them.  He also takes residents to the medical center for routine appointments.  Al is an example of neighbors helping neighbors and demonstrates respect, caring and friendliness.

One day at the garden plots, Naomi Benzil noticed that Janice Bloodworth was having difficulties.  With the assistance of fellow gardeners, Donna Ferrera and Tim Medicus, Janice was helped to sit down and given water to drink, and her emergency pendant was pushed.  The responding security officer recognized that Janice was overheated and dehydrated, and she was taken to her apartment.  Janice felt the effects of the hot day despite taking precautions by bringing water, a hat and her pendant to the garden.  The residents demonstrated the community values of concern, responsibility and teamwork.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Walt Howe):  
Walt Howe followed up on a Council Communications Form concerning parking, and the resident was pleased to say she had received her parking place and the issue was resolved.

The Council will be staffing a table at Fruits of Our Labors. Council members will be staffing the table, and we will be setting up next to the Residents’ Website Table, ccicharlestown.org.

SECRETARY’S REPORT (Hope Tillman):
At the Council Work Session on August 12, 2019, the Council Election for Executive Team officers was held, as the August Council Meeting was cancelled due to a power outage.  Elected were Anne Erfle as President, Walt Howe as Vice President, Hope Tillman as Secretary, and Bill Tilles as Treasurer.

Becky McNamara was recognized and thanked for her years of service as Council Parliamentarian from 2012-2019.

The Council agreed to make a $100 contribution to the Benevolent Care Fund to honor Wendel Thompson.

Bill Tilles’ presented a proposal to incorporate “advocacy” into the Residents’ Council Bylaws. There was a good discussion. The motion was tabled.  Bylaws and Policies and Procedure Committee will be brought up at the September meeting.

The agenda item to collect ideas for using the $25,000 for a new wellnesss project was deferred to a later Council Work Session.

Council members completed a firearms survey.

TREASURER’S REPORT (Bill Tilles):
The closing balance at the end of July 2019 was $5003.39. Dues in the amount of $31.00 were deposited in the month of August. The balance at the end of August was $5034.39.

REPORTS—COMMITTEES

The only committee that met in August is the Benevolent Care Committee.

Here are the dates and locations for the next meeting of the committees that did not meet:

BENEVOLENT CARE (Jean Eichenlaub, Chair):

The Philanthropy staff – Patti Santoni, Emily Fowler, Lisa Zehring presented the schedule for Benevolent Care Month in September:

• “Philanthropy Fridays” – a special show on 972 will air each Friday in September
• Donor reception on Wednesday, September 4^th. Donors will receive a special Charlestown cup. Rich Grove, Chair of the Board, will speak.
• Bead Boopers Jewelry sale on September 6^th in Cross Creek lobby.
• BCF table at Fruits of our Labor on September 13^th
• Ladies Coat Sale in Cross Creek lobby on September 20^th
• Patti will lead the ELLIC presentation on “Facts/Myths of Benevolent Care on September 24^th in the Auditorium.
• GALA “A Magical Evening” on Friday, September 27^th. 150 seats are already reserved so be sure to remind your friends and neighbors to respond ASAP!
• Financial Assurance presentation by philanthropy and Finance on October 3^rd at 11am in the Auditorium.
• Ladies Boutique Fashion Show on October 4^th

An information/prize wheel table will be set up during September in the various dining rooms with questions about BCF (spin and win).

The Treasure Sale made $36,366. The sale at Renaissance Gardens netted more than $5,500 (100% of RG sale benefits BCF).

The ability to give donations to BCF online was discussed.  A link in MyErickson for both residents and the general to make a donation has an expected roll-out date of December 3^rd, which is also “Giving Tuesday” nationwide.  Remind your friends to choose Charlestown Community, Inc. as the beneficiary on Amazon Smile when they shop!  Smile can now also be accessed through the mobile app on Android and iPhones.

Members and volunteers then quickly assembled the Treat of the Quarter gifts.

Next meeting is September 25^th CTS 116 2:00PM