Last Updated on December 10, 2021

THE RECORD OF THE CHARLESTOWN RESIDENTS’ COUNCIL
(web version)

November 2, 2021
Residents’ Council Website: ccicharlestown.org

President Pat Rudolph called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 7:00 pm on Nov. 2, 2021. The following members of the Council were present: Anna Marie Ciarrocchi, Ron DeAbreu, Diana Dunaway, Rosemary Eck, David Elder, Betty Elder, Eugenie High, Walt Howe, Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker, Mimi O’Donnell, Justine Parezo, Pat Payne, Gordon Piché, John Remias, Mike Rose, Pat Rudolph, Mary Lee Seaman, John Yoder. Absent members were Dick Crebs, Carol Eshelman, and Sebastian Petix.

72 Association members attended. Visitors included residents, Pat Kasuda and Naomi McAfee, members of the Board of Directors, and Clara Parker, Executive Director.

The Council observed a moment of silence for those who have passed away.

Minutes for the October 5, 2021, Residents’ Council were approved as previously distributed.

President Rudolph presented the Mission Moments (Attached)

The Residents’ Council presented an Official Citation from the Maryland General Assembly to Clara Parker, the Administration and Staff of Charlestown Retirement Community in recognition of their extraordinary performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This was signed by the Baltimore County Delegation: Senator Lam and Delegates Ebersol, Feldmark, and Hill. A second award given to Clara was a Governor’s Citation presented to Charlestown for outstanding services to residents of the State. The Citation was signed by the Governor.

President Pat called on the following officers and committee chairs for reports; the text of those reports appears following the formal minutes:
● Pat Rudolph, President
● Mimi O’Donnell, Secretary
● Ron DeAbreu, Treasurer
● Eugenia High, Chair of the Benevolent Care Committee
● Dick Crebs, Co-Chair of the Communications Committee
● Anna Marie Ciarrocchi, Chair of the Conservation Committee
● Ron McNab, Co-Chair of the Dining Committee
● John Yoder, Chair of the Finance Committee
● Mike Rose, Chair of the Grounds Committee
● Carol Eshelman, Chair of the Health Services Committee
● Sebastian Petix, Chair of the Housekeeping Committee
● Pat Payne, Chair of the Legislative/Political Committee
● Gordon Piché, Chair of the Maintenance & Engineering Committee
● John Remias, Co-Chair of the Resident Life Committee
● Justine Parezo, Chair of the Safety & Security Committee
● Pat Payne, Chair of the Nominating & Elections Committee
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: None

WORDS FROM MANAGEMENT
Clara Parker presented “Words from Management” summarized below for those residents interested in reading the full text of the message.

ADJOURN
President Rudolph adjourned the formal meeting at 7:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Mimi O’Donnell
Residents’ Council Secretary

REPORTS—EXECUTIVE TEAM

MISSION MOMENTS
(This Mission Moment came from a Happy Shopper to nominate a resident who helped Ellie make it a pleasant, successful trip for all. The Helping Hands would rather not be identified. Anonymity doesn’t diminish the nomination or the good deed.)

SUNSHINE
Residents’ spirits were soaring high and the temperature was intensely hot. This was a trip chauffeured by our dependable and patient Ellie. Since it was the first trip to Walmart since yesteryear, seating capacity was at a maximum. We were instructed the return trip to Charlestown would be at 12:30pm. At 12:20pm Helping Hands began going from aisle to aisle reminding shoppers to go to “check out” because a line was forming at the shuttle. She also assisted those in need at the “check out,” helping residents with their walkers and heavy or bulky treasures. Thank you, HH, for volunteering to assist Ellie. You were the personification of Thomas Edison’s words of wisdom, “Success is 10% Inspiration and 90% Perspiration” Recommended by a Happy Shopper.
HH’s action showed Responsibility, Caring, and Friendliness.

A neighbor nominates Karen Burkindine for a Mission Moment for her thoughtful decoration of the elevator entry on the 5th floor of HV/CR. Shortly after Karen moved to Charlestown, she saw the need to decorate the space where 5th floor residents arrive and depart. There is also an alcove with a game table and chairs that she decorates.

Karen began her generous efforts at Christmas with decorations centered around a large live poinsettia. At Easter, her display included a beautiful ceramic bunny bowl. For the 4th of July she presented a collection of patriotic items, all red, white, and blue. Summer has given us two wonderful, bright bouquets. The game table is dressed in an embroidered runner that she made, and a second floral centerpiece. Karen’s efforts have lifted my spirits every time I pass by.

The Mission Moments Committee acknowledges other efforts around Charlestown to beautify lobbies or spaces near elevators. Sometimes it is done by an individual, other times through Teamwork. In either case, it encourages Friendliness and Enthusiasm.

Mission Moment recommendations are always welcome. If you see or hear about someone showing Erickson Values of Respect and Caring, Diversity, Friendliness and Enthusiasm, Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Vision or Teamwork send your recommendation to Phyllis Lansing, phyllansing@yahoo.com, CR403.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/ PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Pat Rudolph):
It is November 2nd! I can’t believe that it is November already! November is the month of Thanksgiving. This November I am going to try to make it a month of Thanksgiving and I hope you will as well. We have so much to be thankful for. I know, everything is not perfect or even normal. But we are here, we are vaccinated and boostered. We are in a community where we are safe as we can be. OK getting reservations is difficult and some find the food less than spectacular, but we certainly have enough to eat. No one has ever come to Charlestown and complained about losing weight. In your own life, I’m sure you could list many things to be thankful for, not the least of which are the administration and staff members who work hard under difficult conditions to continue to make our world run smoothly. Throughout this pandemic people have put up signs to thank “Our Heroes.” With the Staff Appreciation Fund campaign which runs from October 18th to November 12th, we can express our thanks in a monetary fashion. Last year we raised a record amount and this year I hope we can do even better. Mimi is going to talk about the nuts and bolts of the campaign. I want to urge you to be generous. We are all experiencing the difficulties that come with the labor shortage. We want to keep as many of our staff as possible here at Charlestown. This is our opportunity to make them feel appreciated.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker):
Wants to give a thank you to all residents. There are lots of committees and residents are welcome at all meetings.

TREASURER’S REPORT (Ron DeAbreu):
The Council’s account balance at the end of September was $3,992.51. The Council had no expenditures in October and received $5.00 in resident dues. Thus, the Council’s account balance at the end of October was $3,997.51.

SECRETARY’S REPORT (Mimi O’Donnell, Secretary):
I am reporting as the Chairman of the Staff Appreciation Committee which is an activity of the Residents’ Council and Charlestown Philanthropy. It is the one time per year where residents can show their gratitude and thanks for the fine work of the nearly 1000 staff who work so diligently for us. In addition to servers/hosts/cashiers/line cooks at the restaurants, the drivers and transportation staff, security guards, and housekeepers we see throughout the day. Others are working in ‘not-so-visible’ jobs. Maintenance and utility workers, administrative staff, chefs, dishwashers, receptionists, home support aides, care associates and geriatric nursing assistants all work to support and care for all of us

The campaign continues until November 12th. As of November 2, $140,000 has been contributed. This is from about 30% percent of the residents. My goal is for all residents to show their support with a contribution. Making the contribution is easy. Information was delivered to your cubbies, but if you need additional help, please see me after this meeting or stop by any reception desk. Thank you so much and thank you to our heroes!

REPORTS—COMMITTEES

BENEVOLENT CARE (Eugenia High, Chair):
Benevolent Care Committee members met with Philanthropy staff Patti Santoni, Emily Fowler and Lisa Zehring on October 20, 2021 in CTS room 116.

According to Patti, September 2021 was one of our best Benevolent Care Months. The Love Boat Telethon raised more than $124,000 which will benefit the Benevolent Care Fund. Overall, the Benevolent Care Month raised $184,225 which includes two individual $5,000 donations made during the telethon. Some monthly donors and 34 households increased their monthly donations. 100% of the Board of Directors contributed and were matching gift sponsors for the Telethon at $27,000. We also received support from staff who donated $2,050.

Other donations included realized planned gifts. Fifteen cars have been donated to the Cars for Care program producing $26,200. Shoppers spent about $55,000 through virtual sales, showcase sales, store sales, Pop-up Sales, a Side Walk, and Coat Sale. Expect more details in the January 2021 Annual Report.

Because Finance and Philanthropy work together, we agreed to invite the new Finance Director Gladstone James to a future meeting. Don Grove will also be invited.

There will be no Benevolent Care Fund Committee meetings in November and December. Our next meeting will be on January 26, 2022 at 2pm in CTS room 116.

COMMUNICATIONS (David Elder and Dick Crebs, Co-Chairs):
The committee meeting was held on October 25. Mary Evans was the staff in attendance.
15 members attending.

Charlie Eichenlaub provided an update on Evergreen topics.

A discussion was held about the Wi-Fi upgrade. As always residents are urged to call 1-800-677-0211 to report problems.

Campus Communications Strategy was discussed. Points were raised by Pat Rudolph and Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker.

We had a discussion about Emergency Communications for fast moving incidents at Charlestown.
It does not appear that all available means of communications are being used immediately, especially on Nights and Weekends. SwiftReach and the alert line were also discussed. It appears these services are also underutilized by Management.

Questions were raised as to the Manager on Duty’s access to all means of communications. Mary Evans shared that the MOD’s coordinated with the Security Office, which does have access to these means of communications.

Questions were raised about the Resident Directory and those who want to be included/excluded. Mary Evans and Wayne Smith provided some background.

An increase in Spam Calls was noted.

The Communications Committee will hold our next meeting on November 22 at 2 PM by Zoom,
Preceded by the Website Committee ZOOM MEETING at 1 PM.

CONSERVATION (Anna Marie Ciarrocchi, Chair):
The committee met with seven attendees.

Although we would like to address sustainability issues with Erickson leadership, the committee decided to postpone this discussion until after the current staffing issues are resolved. After discussing what more we can do regarding reducing energy costs, we learned that one member, Mark Buehlman, will be giving a presentation on this topic during the Spring ELLIC session. We encourage all to attend. He will find out more about CCBC campus’ installation of solar panels in their parking lot.

Soon there will be a recycling program on 972 to show what is/is not recyclable. The committee commends those who are part of the metal can collecting project who have contributed $120 to Benevolent Care for their efforts.

DINING SERVICES (Ronald MacNab and Mary Lee Seaman, Co-Chairs):
The Dining Services Committee met with the Dining Services Staff, Ken Zahn and Paul Edelman on October 18th.

Residents’ frustration with the reservation system was discussed. Residents at the Meet & Eat tables are lingering too long therefore not allowing turn over to other residents. Also, long waits for carry out orders at the Terrace Café came up.

Roberta Poulton noted that new members continue to join the Dietary Focus Group.
She also informed us that the government will be issuing new sodium guidelines.

Hope Tillman continues to monitor and work with Dining Services to update MyNutrition on the website.

Ken Zahn continues to actively recruit staff. For the first time ever, he is offering sign-on and referral bonuses. He has reached out to local guidance counselors.

The new resident volunteer initiative will be up and running soon. Stephanie Knowles, volunteer coordinator, will be organizing it. The volunteers will “man the phones” to take delivery orders; they will not be handling reservations.

Regarding the 10-meal plan option, Ken has taken it “up the ladder” and is waiting for an answer. He reminded all that the meal plan is part of the Care Agreement between Charlestown and Residents.

Ken will be out of the office for approximately six weeks following back and neck surgery. Paul Edelman will be stepping in to cover Ken’s responsibilities. Chef Paul Brewer will also be available.

Our next meeting is Monday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium

FINANCE (John Yoder, Chair):
The Finance Committee met on October 26, 2021 in Brookside Classroom 1 with Finance Director Gladstone James, Business Analyst Heather Reck, members of the committee and Council Executive.

The meeting was called to order at 9 AM.

Occupancy Data and Financial Package reports for September were presented by Gladstone James:

Independent Living occupancy remains slightly above 91%, about 1 1/2 percentage points below budget but is partly offset by above-budget occupancy in Assisted Living, at 95.3%, an increase over last month and well above budget.

For the month there were 15 settlements in independent living, offset by 15 releases. For the year, there have been 141 settlements, offset by 156 releases, resulting in a net change of -15. Nevertheless, settlements year-to-date are 20 above the budgeted amount of 121.

Operating expenses for September were just over $6.4 million versus the budget of just over $6.3 million. The above-budget expenses are still led primarily by labor costs due to COVID-19.

Investment Income, year-to-date, including Unrealized Gains, is $9,004,000, well above the budget of $2,135,000.

Restricted Fund activity highlights:

Benevolent Care Fund distributed $121,172 and incurred $10,000 in expenses, offset by inflow of $192,541 (including $25,000 from investments), a change of $61,369. YTD (Sept) began with a balance of $103,652. Inflow YTD is $1,114,128 and outflow is $1,112,949, leaving a balance of $105,431.

Scholars Fund added $740 and paid out $17,815 leaving a balance of $1,563,901.

Staff Appreciation Fund received $1,185 leaving a balance of $21,492.

The next meeting of the Finance Committee will be 9:00 AM on November 23, 2021 in Brookside Classroom 1.

GROUNDS (Mike Rose, Chair):
The meeting was cancelled due to the inability of Charlestown Staff to attend. The Grounds Committee asked the Staff to address 2 safety issues in advance of the next meeting – road striping of the whole perimeter road and re-trimming the tree at the cemetery that is blocking the street light.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 23, 2021 in BR 1 at 11AM.

HEALTH SERVICES (Carol Eshelman, Chair):
Statement read by Mary ODonnell
There were no updates from Leadership or Staff Liaisons. Additionally, there were no updates on Continuing Care and Independent Living or Home Health Advisory Council as both groups only meet quarterly.

Flu shots and COVID booster shots are being offered at Charlestown. Everyone should get their shots as soon as possible.

There was a discussion regarding continuing problems with Home Health Care with emphasis on a specific example observed by a health committee member. We will follow up.
We also discussed the next Medicine Take Back and the need to clarify with the police regarding collection of over-the-counter meds.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2021, at 11:00 in Brookside.

HOUSEKEEPING (Sebastian Petix, Chair):
The committee did not meet but inspection reports were sent via email by most members. We are still in need of inspectors for Maple Terrace. Issues addressed were forwarded to Michelle Finn and where appropriate to Gordon Piche if relevant to the Maintenance and Engineering Committee. Both committees work together to report issues found during inspections that are relevant to each other. All residents as well as committee members are encouraged to report housekeeping issues via CCIWorkOrders@erickson.com. The next inspection reports are due on the second Friday of November (11/12/2021).

The next in person quarterly meeting will be on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 10 AM in Brookside Classroom 1.

LEGISLATIVE/POLITICAL (Pat Payne, Chair):
The October 13, 2021 meeting of the Legislative/Political Committee was devoted to hearing Joe Nathanson, Urban Information Systems, give an overview of the 2020 Census data released to date and its implications for the 2022 elections. The key legislative/political significance of the 2020 census is that it provides the data for the redrawing of the boundary lines for Congressional, state and county election districts. Maryland will retain its eight congressional seats. However, the Congressional district boundaries will most likely change. State legislative districts will be divided into 47 Senate districts and 141 Delegate districts. Whether districts will have one, two, or three delegates is a decision to be made through the redistricting process. We currently are in District 12 with one Senator and three delegates. Both the Governor and the Legislature have appointed Redistricting Commissions both at work to advise them. However, the General Assembly has final approval of the redistricting maps. The maps must be redrawn and adopted by February 2022 if they are to apply to the 2022 elections.

The next meeting on November 10th in Brookside Classroom 1.

MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING (Gordon Piché, Chair):
The committee did not meet for the month of October. Many of the issues reported in September are still being addressed by the General Services Dept. and will be reported in detail at the November 23rd meeting.

General Services Updates: Projects scheduled this year 2021
Elevator Bldg. 7 – will finish in Dec.
Elevator Generator for St Charles – on order
AC for Maple Terrace – scheduled Sept/Oct
Scheduled Roof Replacements – No Contracts yet
Terrace level Awning replacements – Bldg. 7, 8 ,9, and Brookside
Projects for next year still on schedule [2022]
Brookside/Herbert’s Run Renovations – yes
Auditorium Stage renovations – not yet scheduled
No new info concerning the re-opening of the Refectory

Items from Previous Meeting:
Runoff from roof Cross Creek Station and gutters behind mailroom. Do not see any changes – gutter still leaking
Replace elevators – Charlestown Square, Chapel Court, Cross Creek Sta.
Center line striping on road near Chapel. All striping not replaced completion of construction
Outside door into reception area of Chapel before doors into Chapel

New Issues
Items lists forwarded from Housekeeping
Interior Signage needs updating and some corrections

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 30 at 2pm in the General Services Conference Room.

RESIDENT LIFE (Rosemary Eck and John Remias, Co-Chairs):
The Resident Life Committee met Wednesday, October 20, 2021, John Remias presiding; 18 residents and no visitors were there.

Pet Group: Otto Gruel talked about the Blessing of the Animals with Father Leo on October 4. Fifty residents attended, but the animals were in constant motion, about 30 were there. Otto shared news about regularly scheduled Cat and Dog Vet visits to Charlestown. Dates are posted in the Sunburst.

Friendly Visitors: Ellie DiPietro has a group of 40 volunteers to welcome new residents to CCI. Each building has a captain.

The first organizational meeting of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging [DIB] subcommittee met and will meet again on November 19 at 1:00 in BR Classroom 1.

Accessibility to the playing fields will be part of a future Grounds/Erickson strategic plan. The steepness of terrain precludes a Nature Trail exit at BR.

Medical shuttle transport is still available, but ER/overnight hospital visit returns are unavailable due to Covid. Commercial or private returns are recommended.

Resident re-emergence after Covid is still an active topic, as is a future yearbook. Watch for ideas in the December Sunburst.

Our next meeting is November 17 at 2:00 in BR Classroom 2.

SAFETY & SECURITY (Justine Parezo, Chair):
The last meeting of the Committee was on October 10 with 10 attendees including Shawn White from Security.

We are currently working on developing goals for a two-year period. We invite you to inform us of any issue regarding safety and security that concerns you.

Progress on two issues. One with a falls risk outside Brookside and long-abandoned vehicles.
Where a resident fell, new bricks were put in place as was a bush. Be mindful of your body in space and where you are walking. Owners of four abandoned vehicles have been notified to upgrade the vehicle within 30 days or it will be removed from campus.

At the last meeting a resident informed the committee that he had nearly been hit at a crosswalk near Brookside. Information has been passed onto Security.

All are encouraged to stop at all stop signs. This includes residents, visitors, delivery personnel, employees and anyone else driving on campus roads.

There was a discussion about pendants which work anywhere on campus including near the nature trail and pond. Security checks the viability of pendants regularly. These are to be used at any time a resident has a problem, such as a fall, medical emergency, etc.

All residents using walkers or EMV, please register with Security so that they will know how to best aid you in an emergency.

The next meeting will be November 9th at 1:00 pm in Brookside 1.

WORDS FROM MANAGEMENT (Clara Parker, Executive Director):
Clara Parker began her comments by thanking the Residents’ Council and residents for their support and the proclamations presented at the beginning of the meeting.

In October there were 18 new settlements and 17 reservations. Sales is continuing to bring new residents into Charlestown despite many obstacles. This success is key to our financial stability and the ability to invest in capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reservations for dining remain a concern. She and her team are working on improvements to the reservation system. This is not just a Charlestown concern but evident throughout all similar organizations. This is complicated by the labor issues that are plaguing everyone. However, there is an expansion of incentives to anyone who recommends a candidate for employment including residents.

Charlestown continues to work through water issues in Caton Woods. The State has asked us to rechlorinate which will mandate water restrictions for another 10 days. We are at the mercy of the State to return water to normal operations.

We received a five-star rating from CMS for the Erickson Advantage program. This is the highest rating possible. This evaluates quality outcomes, staffing ratios, and health care outcomes.

The fee increase notification was distributed today and the Board of Directors will be here on Monday, November 15th to explain the rationale for the increase and describe upcoming capital projects. She will meet with the Residents’ Council on December 15th to explain upcoming capital projects.

Clara announced that, because she came down with breakthrough COVID in October, she has been advised to take a leave of absence for 30 days beginning Nov. 3rd. The planned return to work in early December. The team in Administration is experienced and knowledgeable. Nathan Blumberg and Don Grove will take over during my absence.