President, Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker, called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:02 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2923. 99 association members attended including Council members, Pat Kasuda and Naomi McAfee, members of the Board of Directors. Don Grove, Associate Executive Director, and Jason Spivey, General Service Director, Pauline Fraser, Continuing Care Director, Leslie Johnson, Director of Nursing, Patti Santoni, Philanthropy Director, Karen Leighton, Resident Life Director and Paulette Tansill, Human Resource Director, Ken Zahn, Dining Services Director, and Gladstone James.

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

Previously distributed minutes of the December meeting of the Residents’ Council were approved as presented.
Mission Moment:
Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker read the following Mission Moment submitted by Phyl Lansing: Honoree, Anne Kredell, Year-round Garden

A resident who travels the bridge connecting the Refectory to Continuing Care invites others of us to enjoy one of Anne Kredell’s loves. With her weekly plant grooming, repotting, fertilizing, and watering, she has developed an indoor garden to be enjoyed by all who travel this walkway,

Alone, Anne has done this for years. Seldom is she seen as she does this secretly in early morning hours. We need to thank Anne for this beautiful walkway. Anne shows Vision, Excellence and Responsibility as she takes on this work to provide beauty for others.

If you are aware of other residents who spend their time helping one person or others in the community, please let Phyl Lansing of the Mission Moment Committee know.

Commitment to the values of respect and caring, diversity, integrity, friendliness and enthusiasm, responsibility, excellence, and teamwork make Charlestown a great place to live. If you are aware of any of these Mission Moment values in action, please let the Mission Moment Committee know. You can enrich others’ lives by sharing the good news. Send your observations to Phyl Lansing.

Old Business
None

EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS
Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker, President

Happy New Year everyone. I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and that 2023 will be one full of healthy living and active participation in all the activities that you enjoy.

Many of you know that Peg Buehlman has resigned from the Residents’ Council due to health reasons. Peg has contributed tremendously to the work of the Council in the short time she served as Co-Chair of the Resident Life Committee. Though this is sad news, I respect her decision and wish her health and happiness. Peg will continue to contribute her talents to the community in other venues as her health allows. THANK YOU, PEG!

The Nominations & Elections Committee Co-Chairs, John Yoder and Sebastian Petix are busy gathering committee members as recruitment for the 23-24 Residents’ Council begins this month. If you know of someone who would be a great candidate for the Council, or if you yourself are interested, please let John and Sebastian know.

I will be presenting an ELLIC class “Residents’ Council 101” in March to which all interested in running for the Council should attend to familiarize themselves with the work we do and the fun we have.

The 3:00 pm time for the Council will be re-evaluated after the February meeting. Though the Administration had requested the time change to encourage more resident participation, many residents had also requested the time change. We need your feedback whether to change the time permanently or to go back to the 7 pm time.

John Remias, Vice President
No Report

Diana Dunaway, Secretary
No report

Mimi O’Donnell, Treasurer
The Council’s account balance at the end of November was $4941.16. There was no revenue during the month of December. The Council had expenses in the amount of $583.05. The account balance as of December 31, 2022, was $4358.11.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Benevolent Care, Carol Kefford
Hi, I’m Carol Kefford. And I’m the chair of the Benevolent Fund Committee. We did not meet in December, but we will meet on the 25th of January at two o’clock in CTS 216. 2023 is a big year, the 40th anniversary of Charlestown. We want to do some new things to celebrate and get to more people involved. So I encourage you to consider coming to our next meeting. We’ll be setting up some goals and be talking about some of the events that are coming up this quarter, like the Treasure Sale and Winter Putterland. So if you’re interested please let me know we’d love to have some more people with some new ideas. Thank you There was no meeting in December. Plans for 2023 are:

• Consider the Benevolent Care Fund in your yearend giving plans
• Treasure Sale first week of February (2-4)
• Winter Putterland – Feb 20–24, 2023
• 40th Anniversary – Possible Gala in September

The next meeting is Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 2:00 pm in CTS 216

Communications, Larry Taylor, Co-Chair
While NO Communications Committee meeting was held in December, there WAS considerable activity on the MyErickson front, with scheduled updates causing system instability and connectivity issues. Erickson IT Managers will make a formal presentation to residents to address common/recurring Wi-FiWi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are commonly used for wireless networking and allow nearby devices to exchange data by radio waves. Wireless local area networks (WLAN) are widely used in the world to link laptop computers, tablet co... READ MORE issues and updates on January 15, 2023, in the auditorium.

Other Communication committee updates are as follows:

• Evergreen Topics [Charlie Eichenlaub] Topics have been added to the
• Next monthly meeting of the Charlestown Communications Chat Zoom Session will be on Wednesday January 18 at 10 AM by ZOOM. For the link to ZOOM or more information contact: David Elder at 410 314-1739 or thephonebarn@gmail.com
• Residents should include their photo in the MyErickson Resident
• The Communications Committee plans to begin providing Hybrid in-person/ZOOM meetings in 2023
• The Communications committee requests that interested residents join the CCI- Communications@googlegroups.com. This is a Communications Committee venue for constructive discussion and to share current news with fellow residents. It is helpful in communicating late breaking developments from IT and other ESL Departments directly to interested residents. Residents can sign up to join this group by contacting Hope Tillman with the email they wish to use. Her contact information is on the Resident

The next Communications Committee meeting is Monday, January 23, 2023 @ 2:00 PM via ZOOM preceded by Website subcommittee via ZOOM @ 1:00 PM

Conservation, Mark Buehlman Chair
Good afternoon, my name is Mark Buehlman and I am Chair of the Conservation Committee. We didn’t meet in December, but are looking forward to a busy and productive new year:

We will continue to bring in outside presenters to share about either their group or role at Charlestown. In January we will have Cortney Baker, the new Grounds Supervisor or Kevin Crawford, the Maintenance & Engineering Manager, to speak on long range landscaping plans, especially projects involving sustainable horticulture, and erosion control.

Recycling, through our new subcommittee, continues to be a major focus. Educating the Community on recycling and reuse is a priority, and we hope to offer a Fall 2023 ELLIC Class on Sustainability and Recycling at Charlestown, with a follow-up tour of the Baltimore County Recycling Facility.

Our committee will be supporting the upcoming Resident Advisory Council Annual Regional Retreat, whose theme is “Empowering Erickson Residents to Shape the Future of the Planet and their Communities” and will be moderating the morning panel discussion on sustainability.

The new legislative session for Maryland begins January 11^th. As a committee we follow, track and if appropriate comment on, proposed environmental legislation.

The draft Engineering Study of water problems and erosion on the Nature Trail, is out for comment, and we will submit the final report to management early next week.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 2:00 pm in BR1. Everyone is welcome.

Dining Services, Mary Lee Seaman, Chairman
Dining Services did not meet in December. Our focus for 2023 will be to continue accepting compliments and concerns from residents. We will also look at the structure of the committee to see how we can better serve you.
Next meeting: Monday, January 16, 2023, at 1:30 PM Charlestown Square RM 116

Finance Committee, John Yoder, Chair
There was no meeting in December.

Year-to-date billed occupancy through November was 92.7% for independent living and 94.1% for Continuing Care as compared to the previous month of 92.6% and 93.8%.

Settlements year-to-date through November was 184, up 14 from the previous month. Releases year-to-date through November was 154.

Next meeting is Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 9:00 am in Brookside, Classroom 1.

Grounds Committee, Mike Rose, Chair
The Grounds Committee did not meet in December. However, I received Mark Buehlman’s excellent report on improving the Nature Trail and have brought copies if anyone would like to read it.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 28th at 11 AM in Brookside 1.

Health Services, James Fitzsimmons, Co-Chair
While the meeting was lightly attended because of the holiday season, our members provided updates on Home Health. Carol Jones reported that a new manager and a new clinical manager began this summer

The Medication Disposal Program continues to progress in coordination with Charlestown Security, Community Resources, and Baltimore County Police District 1. The dates are Mondays at Cross Creek Lobby and Fireside Lobby Jan. 23, Apr.10 and July 17 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Only medications can be turned in. No needles, sharpies, or other metallic or plastic materials.

The next meeting is January 10^that 11:00 in BR-1.

Housekeeping, Sebastian Petix, Chair
There was no meeting in December, however Individual members submitted reports to Housekeeping. Future goals and plans:

• Sunburst article in February
• Encourage all residents to use CCIWORKORDERS@Erickson.com to report housekeeping issues
• Recruit new committee members to fill vacancies

Next meeting is Monday, January 16, 2023, at 10:00 amin Brookside Classroom 1

Legislative/Political, Pat Payne, Chair
The Legislative/Political Committee met on Wednesday, December 8, 2022. Key issues of concern included the status of the water line installation on Maiden Choice Lane, sewage spills along the wooded walking path at Charlestown and the need to get to know our local elected officials, especially those who are new to us due to redistricting. In addition, the Committee will be tracking the work of the Maryland General Assembly which goes into session on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Steps taken to address these matters are shown below:

Maiden Choice Lane Water Line and Charlestown Sewage Spills: On January 6, 2023, Pat Payne, Bill Miller, and Ken Parezo will meet with 1^st District County Councilman Pat Young to discuss: (1) The status of the contract to install a water line at Maiden Choice Lane and (2) sewage spills that have occurred at Charlestown. Staff from the County Department of Public Works and the County Executive’s Office are expected to attend.

Meet & Greet – Local Elected Officials Representing Charlestown in the Maryland General Assembly and on the Baltimore County Council- On January 10, 2023, a local elected officials “Meet & Greet” will take place on Zoom at 7:00 pm. The following elected officials will be present:

• Senator Charles Sydnor, Legislative District 44

• Delegate Eric Ebersole, Legislative District 44A
• Delegate-Elect Aletheia McCaskill, Legislative District 44B
• Delegate Sheila Ruth, Legislative District 44B
• County Council Member Pat Young, District 1

Delegate Ebersole and his staff helped coordinate the meeting, including suggesting that the Delegates from the neighboring Legislative District (44B) be invited since they are geographically close to us. As Senator, Charles Sydnor represents both districts.

General Assembly Session 2023 – The Committee will continue to track legislation of interest to Charlestown before the General Assembly. Charlestown residents and organizations should let the Committee know of any special concerns they have regarding legislation or budget requests before General Assembly so we can monitor them on your behalf.

The next meeting of the Legislative/Political Committee will take place on January 11, 2023, at 10:00 am in Brookside Classroom #1.

Maintenance/Engineering, Gordon Piche’
There was no meeting in December. The following issues were addressed:

• Water leakage issues during the freezing holiday temperatures have been fixed:
• St. Charles fire sprinkler system leaked in the glassed-in entrance on Level 1 down through the floor and ceiling to T-level and the Black Swan. Cleanup continues.
• Across from BR T21, outside Community Resources, pipe leaked through the ceiling.
• Across from the Card Room in the G-level hallway a pipe leak from the ceiling.
• The BR Mail area had a leak above a window down to the carpet on the ceiling. 
• Many A/C-Heating bridge units are still not working. 
• Interior signage updating is not progressing well. 
• Gutter downspout leakage at Charles continues.
•  

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 2 pm in the General Services Conference Room

Resident Life, Joe Carrick, Committee Co-Chair
The Resident Life Committee did not meet in December. The 2022 Committee highlights are:

The Resident Life Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) subcommittee sponsored the Tapestry event on December 6^th and 7^th. The event was held in the Conference Center and about 140 residents participated. The theme of the event was sharing our life stories that shape us. Since this event was so well received, the DIB Subcommittee is considering holding such events in the spring and fall of 2023.
The DIB subcommittee has been working with the Charlestown Administration to form the first Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging combined Charlestown Resident and Staff Council. The Council has been formed and 6 residents are on the They are Phil Benzil, Moffett Churn, Jack Day, Millie Finck, Audrey Trapp, and John Remias. Their first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24^th.

The 2023 Birthday Angels subcommittee will be making a few changes to include replacing the balloon with a birthday ribbon and the birthday card will have the Charlestown 40^th Anniversary logo on it. The Resident Life Committee along with Safety & Security committees have been working with Don Grove and his team to provide residents with an updated information magnet, which will include some department names and phone numbers and one that provides Fire Prevention information. The magnets should be available early 2023.

Upcoming Meetings:

• January meeting will focus on Fall Prevention. We are fortunate to have two residents (Bill Miller and Janet Allan) with experience in this field. Before his retirement, Bill served as a member of the Maryland Department on Aging’s Fall Prevention Task Janet is Dean Emeritus of the University of Maryland School of Nursing and a former chairperson of the Residents’ Council’s Security Committee where she made fall prevention a priority.
• The February meeting focus is on transportation options away from the Charlestown campus and their cost. We will have the General Manager of the Baltimore County Ride program. We are also hoping to have someone from the State Mobility Ride program. These two programs provide residents, especially those who do not drive, transportation options to appointments away from the Charlestown campus.
• The March meeting will focus on volunteering at Charlestown as well as any updates on celebrating Charlestown’s 40th Anniversary.

Our Next Meeting is January 18, 2023, at 2 pm in BR-2

Safety and Security, Justine Parezo, Chair
There was no meeting in December.
A new topic we will be taking up at our next meeting is the use of lithium-ion batteries in EMVs (scooters). It is not a widespread problem, and there have been no known incidents here, but there have been reports of EMVs catching on fire while being charged. The advice that we can share with you at this time is to be sure to charge such vehicles during the day, while someone would be around if there were an incident. Also, never block a pathway with a charging vehicle or park one in front of an exit door.

We will share with you what we learn as we continue to investigate this topic

We will be picking back-up with our pendant campaign. Keep an eye on 972 for those skits we had talked about. The media department is now ready to work with us on those.

Scams continue to be an ongoing problem. Keep an eye on the Residents’ website for information on what to look for.

Management and Corporate will introduce a new Emergency Preparedness and Response plan in January.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 1:00 pm in Brookside Classroom 1

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS AND GUESTS:
Merci introduced Don Grove, Associate Executive Director who gave an administration update,

Don thanked the council for moving the meeting from Tuesday evening to 3:00 pm Tuesday afternoon at the request of Chandra Kumar, Executive Director and thanked the residents for their attendance. The council agreed to the move the meeting for January and February after which a vote will be made to determine if the move will be permanent. From the management standpoint, it allows administration to work it into our workday and have several members of the exec team here,

Christmas day a water pipe broke on the first floor of the St Charles that flooded the Black Swan club. Several members of administration were called in to deal with the problem. A com[any named PDI has been hired to do most of the work to dry out the club and an updated report will be available when the work is finished.

As of today, there are 23 residents across campus who are positive for COVID: 17 in independent living and six in continuing care. There are also 12 employees, seven in independent living and five in continuing care. The numbers are staying down but are being watched.

There continues to be a lot of IT questions raised by residents. To address these issues, the leaders of the IT program have scheduled a meeting for residents on January 13^th at 10:00 am in the auditorium to provide an update on where things stand and take questions.

We ended the year in sales with 194 settlements. That is the most settlements in independent living since 2014. Continuing care is full at all levels of care. Don thanked the sale staff and resident ambassadors for a job well done. All that helps the viability of our campus long term.

Some other campus updates:

• The Fireside restaurant walk-in freezer purchased in the 90ties is being replaced. This is about a two-month A temporary freezer has been placed at the end of the Park View parking lot during the transition.
• The Brookside project is near The pictures should be coming in soon and there is still some furniture that is due.

• We are getting an estimate to start on the lifecycle upgrades for Herbert’s Run.
• Later this year we will start looking at upgrades for Charles
• We are going to get the Caton Ridge project done as soon as possible. The contractor discovered some objects deep underground they couldn’t get through without special equipment. The are pack in action as of today.
• We continue to plan the updates to the historic area project. We are working towards getting approvals and getting the plans out for residents to see in the coming weeks and
• Someone spoke of the magnet with the key phone numbers is now available. They will be given out to all new residents when they move in.
• Charleston’s 40^th anniversary is this year. Residence Life has all sorts of stuff in the works. We might see some fireworks and some different festivals that we will enjoy with family and employees.
• Some activities are being planned to honor some of the resident groups such as the Birthday Angles who have been around for a long Balloons are being replaced by new ribbons for birthdays,

Don then opened the meeting for questions.

Mimi O’Donnell asked if there would be an opportunity for residents to give feedback on the plans for the historic district.

Don shared he was really pleased that the architects have made every effort to include the resident’s input previously received and that there would be multiple opportunities for further feedback

Veronica Coleman said she had previously reported a problem with the north entrance of the St, Charles. She said the door was not shutting firmly and she did not believe it has been fixed yet,

Don referred the question to Jason Spivey, General Services Director who was at the meeting. He said he would follow up on the issue,

Rick Jones asked: ”since you brought up the historic district, how do we go about getting our windows replaced? We’ve been trying and they were supposed to get replaced before winter hit and we really don’t want them replaced right at the moment.

Don replied that replacement windows are on the list of projects and the timeline is being developed

Ronald Hendricksen suggested that the magnets that are going to be available soon be placed in residents’ cubby holes so that everyone gets one.

Don said he would have to see about the supply of magnets but they want to give them to people who will use them.

Sondra Tucker asked why the coat rack outside the Atrium had been removed and wanted to know if we can have them back.

Don said he would take responsibility for removing the coat racks because they looked messy but that he would see that one is put back in place.

Rick Jones asked, “Who paid for the cookies today?”

Don said it was Chandra’s idea. Someone told her we used to have cookies, so now there will be cookies at the meeting.

Larry Taylor wanted to know the status on HD for 972.

Don said. “They are actually running the fiber cable this today right now in the studio.

Paul Grabelle said around 6:15 at the Chesapeake last night he asked for coffee, but the server told him they didn’t have any because it had been thrown out. He said that was not the first time this has happened and wondered why they are getting rid of food while people are still in the restaurant.

Don pointed out that Ken Zahn, Director of Dining was here at the meeting and could follow up.

Nancy Meier asked, “…now that they’ve taken all those trees down outside of Herbert’s run, what are the plans for that area?”

Don said for projects, the board has prioritized outside amenities on the campus and that that is one area that is being looked at.

Deborah Richards and Mimi O’Donnell asked That the occupancy percentages on 972 be updated.

Don said he would have Karen Leighton, Resident Life Director, who was at the meeting, see that the numbers are accurate.

As there were no further questions, President Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker adjourned the meeting at 8:13 pm

Respectfully submitted, Diana Dunaway
Residents’ Council Secretary