President John Remias called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday October 3, 2023. Attendance included 99 association members; all Residents’ Council members; Emeritus Board of Directors member, Naomi McAfee; Don Grove, Charlestown Executive Director; Gladstone James, Director of Finance; Jason Spivey, Director of General Services; and Karen Leighton, Director of Resident Life.

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

Previously distributed minutes of the September meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved as presented.

Mission Moment
This month’s Mission Moment recognizes Pat Bettridge who was instrumental in collecting birthday cards for Barbara Czapar’s 94th birthday. Pat’s goal was to collect and share with Barbara 94 cards to recognize her special day. In fact, a total of 115 cards were collected and given to her. Ironically, Barbara passed away just nine days later. Pat shared that Barbara “finally gained her independence from her earthly bonds on Independence Day. We’ll never know, but I prefer to think that we brightened her last days.” Thank you, Pat, for carrying out such a wonderful and thoughtful act of kindness for Barbara and for all the residents that responded.

If you are aware of residents helping other residents in a way that promotes Harmonious Community Living, let the Mission Moment Committee know. Just send your recommendation to Phyl Lansing.

Executive Team Reports

John Remias, President
You’ve already heard a lot about the annual Holleran survey. Please look at this as your own personal report card on the work done by Don, Leslie, Jay, Gladstone, Ken, Karen, Dr. Myla, Dean, Paulette, Pauline and Mohamed. We are evaluating the work done by our Executive Team and their staffs.

What period am I evaluating? My report card is to cover the last 3 semesters. Not the problem I had with last night’s dinner nor the issue I had with dog poop found at the entrance to my building. Please try to take the long view.

What should you say? As much or as little as you wish to say. It’s okay to say, “Thanks management for a job really well done” OR “I believe you’re working hard for us, BUT there’s this thing that still really needs a lot of help”.  And it’s okay to say nothing other than to choose your ratings for the twenty items from Very Poor to Very Good. But I suggest that if you rate something at Very Poor or Very Good, provide a comment supporting that rating.

How and when do you complete the survey? To save some trees, this week we are being asked to use the QR code on your phone or use your computer by typing in the link for the survey. Each of these can be found on the table tents on the dining area tables, many standing poster boards around campus, fliers on bulletin boards, on MyErickson, on ccicharlestown.org, and on the letter announcing the survey that we all got from Don. Next week, in addition to on-line submission, you can get paper copies of the survey from our lobby front desks. The survey runs through October 29.

A general suggestion overall – If you don’t have much to say, use your cell phone. IF you have a medium amount to say, use your computer. And if you have a lot to say, use the paper approach.

After all is said, please complete the Survey! The Executive Team, and their staffs, use this information, especially the comments, to develop Action Plans and then work to find ways to improve our way of life here. This is your way of being heard.

From October 16   through November 10, the Staff Appreciation fund drive will be in full swing. This is our time to really thank the 850, or so, ‘clock’ employees for their efforts here on our behalf. I am visualizing opening my virtual tip jar that I have been filling all year long and converting the contents of that jar to a check written out to the Staff Appreciation Fund. This way we thank them through our collective donations which translates to a dollars and cents tip, not just the verbal thanks at the dining table or to the campus driver as we step off the bus, but to all the good folks who work so hard for us all year long.

It is our way to thank not just the staff that we see every day, but also the staff that cleans the hallways at night, the staff that swabs the kitchens during the night, the security staff that helps keep us safe by manning the front gate all night long, and so many other back-room functions that are so vital for our good living here. As you will read in a letter that you will receive with the Staff Appreciation Fund announcement, this money is distributed to qualified staff based on service time and hours worked and some other factors. The distribution happens during the early part of December, just in time for the holidays. It is hugely appreciated by them, and it is our annual way of showing our appreciation to them since we are not allowed to give tips during the year.

At one of recent committee meetings, the subject of the Annual Wellness Visit was brought up and some of the attendees were not aware of it. So, I thought I would spend a minute or so on what it’s all about. I recently became familiar with a new term to me “HealthSpan”, which relates to extending the length of the good quality of life that I want to have. What can I do to increase my HealthSpan?

Quoting Dr. Myla Carpenter, our Medical Director, “the Annual Wellness Visit is different from the usual office visit as it focuses on the functional and psychosocial needs of the resident, unrelated to underlying medical problems. Medicare requires an assessment of our vital signs, hearing, mobility, cognition and evidence of depression. The resident is asked to complete a questionnaire called a Health Risk Assessment that is reviewed at the time of the visit and used to guide the visit. Typically, residents can expect to have a test of cognition and a gait assessment. The Medical Center often inquires about health goals and formulates a plan to reach the goals

Bottom line – this is a free service, and I would urge each and every one of us to call the Medical Center and make an appointment this week for our Annual Wellness Visit.

Diana Dunaway, Treasurer

September 01, 2023, Balance	$ 8,335.77
Revenue – from Dues Campaign	$          .00
Expenses September 30, Balance	$.00 $ 8,335.77

Steve Harder conducted the audit for the Residents’ Council’s bank account for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Carol Kefford
The Gala netted $150,000 including a $60,000 donation from the Board of Directors.  $98,000 came from the September Benevolent Care Campaign. The committee voiced appreciation for the Philanthropy Department’s hard work in putting on the Gala. In the future Galas likely will be held every 5 years.

The next “Get The Scoop” events to discuss planned giving will be held on October 4 and October 16.  Please register with the Philanthropy Department.

“Wreaths Across America “ is partnering with Charlestown to honor local heroes. Benevolent Care will receive $5.00 for each wreath ordered. Look for the flyers posted that have a QR code and/or a web address that includes a Maryland reference that identifies Charlestown.

Part of the 40th Anniversary celebration is honoring persons who donate $5000 to $10,000 with Red leaves on the Legacy Tree. There will be a ceremony early in 2024 to honor those who have given this year.

The next meeting: October 25 in room CTS116 at 2PM.

Communications, David Elder and Larry Taylor, Co-chairs
Evergreen Topics were distributed by email and posted to the CCICharlestown website. Topics discussed at the September 25 meeting include  Xfinity 972 ongoing problems, power outage, the status of Dining Services’ 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 tablets, and resident use of Voice-over Wi-Fi.

The first communications survey for Continuing Care took place at Caton Woods on Friday September 29 and the expected date for the next survey at Wilton Overlook is October 24.

Increasing the awareness of CCICharlestown.org is an on-going effort. Hope Tillman again discussed that our own Resident website does provides the most updated information for our Residents.

Promotion of CCI Communications Email Chat at cci-communications@googlegroups.com is on-going. If you would like to get access to the committee’s Communications google groups, please contact Hope Tillman. There should be a request form on cicharlestown.org in the future.

The next meeting of the Communications Committee: Monday October 23 at 2 PM via ZOOM,  but the Website Committee does not meet on even months.

Conservation, Mark Buehlman
At the last Resident Council meeting Mark introduced a proposed statement on sustainability to be formally included in the Residents’ Council’s Policy and Procedures Manual. The Council approved the statement at their August Working Session.
The Charlestown Senior Leadership Team agreed to create three Sustainability Working Teams, focusing on sustainable grounds, sustainable dining, and sustainable transportation at Charlestown. The committee is currently meeting with several Council Committees, familiarizing them with the Working Teams, and finalizing the Team membership. The Teams will be complete by the end of September and begin work in early October.

Marty Tewksbury, who heads our recycling sub-committee, and his team modified the recycling boards which will circulate among the dining venues and are currently outside the Shortline. The new boards were in response to residents’ requests for better explanations on why some items can be recycled, and others can’t.

The committee is working on a couple of presentations for Fall. On Tuesday, October 17, at 1:00 pm, in the Auditorium the Conservation Committee along with the Nature Trail Club, will make a presentation entitled “Erosion and Runoff Control at Charlestown, a Raindrops Journey to the Chesapeake Bay”.  On Wednesday, November 1, at 1:00 pm in the Auditorium there will be an ELLIC class titled “Sustainable Living and Recycling at Charlestown” presented by Marty Tewksbury and me. Mark will give a short introduction on sustainability and provide practical tips for residents and Marty will focus on the more problematic recycling items.

The next meeting: Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 2:00 pm in Brookside Classroom 1.

Dining , Peggy Carey and Stephanie Leddy, Co-Chairs
Ken Zhan, Director of Dining Services, announced that they have ordered new dining chair gliders that should arrive soon. This responds to residents’ requests to more easily move chairs. Executive Chef Vickie (Victoria) is on campus taking the place of Chef Thomas and is currently at the Chesapeake Restaurant.

On October 2 and 3, Dining is hosting a Surveying Breakfast Event. This is a complimentary breakfast where Residents’ Council members will assist residents with utilizing QR codes in filling out the Resident Satisfaction Survey and explaining on-line and paper options for the survey.

Of the 1,105 dining comments submitted in August 84% of dine-in diners reported a good or very good experience and 67% of carry out reported the same. There will be more focus on carry-out. More responses are needed though, because 1,105 responses were submitted out of 48,000 opportunities.

Dining services is starting a Service Star Award for those staff doing an excellent job. Restaurants will also have a poster designed to outline their accomplishments as a team. Staff will have opportunities to win gift cards

Mark Buehlman, Chairperson of the Conservation and Sustainability Committee made a presentation on Sustainability, and its impact on Charlestown. Deborah Beck volunteered to be the dining committee’s representative.

The next meeting: Monday, October 16, 2023 at 1:30pm in Charlestown Square 116.

Finance, John Yoder
Operating margins continue to be healthy with a Net Operating Income, YTD (August) of more than $2 million above budget.
The billed occupancy YTD as of August 31, 2023 was:
Independent Living 94.4% (Ticked up by one tenth of a percentage point)
Continuing Care 96.8%
There were 15 residents receiving Benevolent Care funds at the end of August.

Phase 1 historic district renovations are scheduled to begin March 2023 and continue through 2024. Phase 2 is scheduled for January 2025 to January 2026. Total costs for phases 1&2 are estimated at around $16M with financing to be staged and based on market conditions.

Development of the FY 2024 budget is underway. We expect the report and monthly fee increase in November.

There will be an overview of Estate Planning presentation hosted  by PNC and the Finance Committee on Friday October 27 from 10 – 11am in the auditorium.

The next meeting of Finance Committee: October 31, 9:00 AM in Brookside #1

Grounds, Dick Voelkel
At the October 26 Grounds Committee meeting, the committee discussed deer control and studies that found that lethal methods, aka hunting, was the only way to actually reduce the herds. The other invasive showing up at Charlestown is the spotted lantern fly, so if you see one, just stomp on it.

Most tripping hazards on our sidewalks have been removed. The committee viewed a short video of the contractor pumping concrete under the low sections to even them out.

The plan for Sustainability Working Teams was presented and John Lorenz volunteered for the Grounds Committee.

Other announcements include:

1. The nature trail partial closure and improvements are planned for early next year during and after the overhead bridge footings stabilization project.
2. Courtney Baker said many of the outside sitting benches have been leveled, with more to go.
3. Someone showed Kevin Crawford and Courtney a photo of another hole in the fence.

Dick commended the Erickson marketing team for their volunteer work helping  clean up the Shortline RR tracks with Catonsville Rails to Trails on Oct 3.

Next Grounds meeting: October 24 at 11am in Brookside classroom 1.

Health Services, Jean Tribulski and Connie Cooney, Co-Chairs
The Health Services Committee met on September 12 to set our goals for 2023-24. They decided to hold four Medication Disposal events over the next 12 months, the next one on October 16 from 1-3 at both Cross Creek and Fireside lobbies. Posters will be made for the collection tables to reinforce the no sharps policy. The committee will also continue their liaisons with Safety and Security Committee, Continuing Care and Independent Living, Home Health Advisory, and Falls Committee.oime

Jim Fitzsimmons will finish a booklet describing where one can obtain devices and services from the Ruth Houck for those needs.

Our guest speaker at the next meeting on Tuesday October 10 at 11:00 am in classroom BR 1, will be Leslie Johnson, Charlestown’s Associate Director, speaking on Fall Prevention.

Housekeeping, Sebastian Petix
In addition to five committee members, attendees at the September 18 meeting included John Remias, Melvin Bonaparte, housekeeping manager supervisor ,and Tiffany Fickling, new evening supervisor

Among various concerns discussed were ceiling tile replacement, light screen over apartment doors. Sebastian once again encouraged the use of cciworkorders@Erickson.com.

Volunteers are needed for  Edgewood, Fountain Hill /New Carroll, Herbert’s Run floors 1 and 2, Maple Terrace, and St. Charles floors 4,5, and 6.

Next meeting : November 20 at 10 AM in BR classroom 1.

Legislative/Political, Paulette Hammond and Art Johnson, Co-Chairs
The committee discussed and recommended that the committee’s budget for new year include support for MaCCRA and the League of Women Voters, among others.

There will be a meet and greet with our state and county representatives on Tuesday, November 7 from 7 – 8:30 in the Gallery. It is important that we have a very healthy turnout to reinforce our image as an informed and active citizenry.

Regarding the new Transportation Sustainability Working Team, Bill Miller will represent the Legislative and Political committee on the team.

Art updated the committee on the firearms safety proposal sent to the Residents’ Council in August. Of concern in discussion with Charlestown leadership, is how the existing policy is being communicated to potential and current residents. Art spoke to the committee about the state retirees’ loss of prescription drug benefits. The case appears to have been lost in court and does not have political support in General Assembly. The committee hopes to develop a means for discovering how many residents are state retirees.

Committee reminds residents of the continuing petition “Vote4More” to increase the number of Baltimore County council districts.

An on-going issue for Charlestown residents is the repaving of Maiden Choice Lane. According to the Office of Delegate Eric Ebersole, the Baltimore County Department of Public Works, in concert with Baltimore Gas and Electric, have agreed on a plan. BG&E will perform their scheduled maintenance in the area and, once that work is completed, the County will proceed with the paving of Maiden Choice Lane. The County currently anticipates repaving completion  in the summer of 2024.

Date of next meeting:  October 11, 2023 @ 10 a.m. in Brookside Classroom #1

Maintenance and Engineering, Jerry Donaldson
The ten Old Business Action Items from the August 22, 2023 meeting were addressed with the following actions:

1. Renovations for Herbert’s Run are progressing as scheduled and will finish by October of this year. This Action Item is complete.
2. Signs made for the interior signage updating project have some errors that are currently being corrected. This Action Item is complete with the understanding that Signage is an ongoing activity.
3. Work is continuing on the repair of the A/C units on the bridges connecting various buildings. This Action Item is complete.
4. Caton Ridge building renovations are progressing on schedule to be completed this fall. Need date from General Services.
5. A replacement elevator for Chapel Court will be done later this year. Need date from General Services.
6. The repair project for the ST Charles to Harborview Bridge support washout still awaits County approval. Need date from General Services for County approval.
7. The wooden bridge on the Nature Trail will be moved and rebuilt. Need date from General Services.
8. The roadway wood guard rails will be replaced this calendar year. Need date from General Services.
9. Still need to solve the high noise level for a HVAC unit at Chapel Court. The noisy A/C unit in Courtyard Crossing will have additional testing. Need date from General Services.
10. Dust in apartments and hallways from various renovations throughout the campus has become an issue several solutions have been identified, evaluated and will be implemented. This Action Item is COMPLETE.

As a result of the action taken with the Old Business Action Items and new issues, the following new Action Items were issued and accepted:

1. General Services will supply the dates identified in the Old Business discussions.
2. General Services will build and test a mock-up of the pipe restraining options for pipe separation issues in apartment HVAC water leaks. The M&E Committee will be briefed on or before the next Committee meeting on October 24, 2023.
3. General Services will present to the M&E Committee the results of the water leak response time on or before the next Committee meeting.
4. General Services will address the Charlestown clogged gutter issues and brief the Committee on or before the next meeting.
5. The M&E Committee will generate a calendar to track the Action Items dates.

The next meeting : October 24, 2023 in the General Services Conference Room at 2:00 PM

Resident Life, Nancy Fayer and Margaret Vincent, Co-Chairs
The September 20 meeting featured a presentation by Allison Chlada, who spoke about her volunteer projects on and off campus.

The Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) subcommittees reported:

1. Tapestry team will present a fall community build gathering on October 11, 10-11:30 in the Refectory. Contact Moffitt Churn for details.
2. The Ageism/Ableism team will present a program on Ableism on Tuesday, October 17 in the Gallery. Register on My EricksonMy Erickson is a resident portal. It is provided by Erickson Corporate and is managed by Charlestown staff, mainly Community Resources. See Portal. READ MORE or contact Ann MacKay.
3. DIB is also offering a unique opportunity to see a musical on race relationships, called Deeper than the Skin, on October 13 at Oakcrest.

The Residents’ Life Meeting included reports from three Council Partners:

1. Peg Buehlman. the Committee’s representative to the Sustainability Transportation working group, reported on their first meeting.
2. Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker demonstrated an example of Falls Prevention Education for our group.
3. Hope Tillman requested volunteers to assist with the Continuing Care Communications Survey in September.

If you would like more information about our activities we invite you to come to our next meeting. Teresa Reymann-Curran, CT Fitness and Aquatics Director, will be our featured presenter

Next meeting: October 18 at 2 p.m. in Brookside Classroom 2.

Safety and Security, Ed Appel
Several committee members indicated an interest in further pursuing gun issues, and a workgroup will be formed in a subsequent meeting.

Craig Nelson, Security Department Manager, reported that the video camera system is being upgraded, covering the gatehouse, loading docks and entrances.  A license plate reader is working at the gate. Security provided a pendant for a lottery at the Fruits of Our Labor fair, which (ironically) was won by John Remias, new Residents’ Council President.

The committee heard about several exceptional Security responses to medical and personal incidents, confirming that security pendants work well.  To best recognize outstanding security staff performance, send an email to Security managers.  Positive feedback gets to both the individual and staff, which is welcome.

In three known incidents, a speeding car at the pedestrian crossing between Parkview and St. Charles nearly hit residents.  We’re working on a recommendation for a new pedestrian crossing sign.  Though video cameras do not cover all crosswalks, roadways or parking lots, Security can identify cars by license number, partial plate or vehicle description.  We urge residents to report traffic safety incidents immediately to Security and BCPD, so offenders can be identified.

A resident had her 2013 KIA Sportage damaged in the CTS parking lot, apparently to steal the car.  Security and Baltimore County Police found no evidence to identify those responsible.  Kia and Hyundai vehicles are in Internet posts with instructions on how to steal them.  In its monthly Baltimore County Police-Community Relations meeting, police identified the biggest current problem is teens as young as 12 stealing Hyundais and Kias. Although police arrest juveniles responsible, under Maryland law, they are released and often become repeat offenders.

The Health Services committee will hold a Medications Disposal Event on October 16 in the Fireside and Cross Creek areas from 1-3 pm.  No sharps will be accepted.  Future dates will be scheduled soon. Additionally, Leslie Johnson has taken over the Fall Prevention program and both the Health Services and Resident Life Committees will work with the Board on the program.

Next meeting: Thursday, October 12, 2023, in Charlestown Square Classroom 116, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This is a permanent change for the committee.

Comments and questions from Residents and Guests
John Remias introduced Don Grove, Charlestown Executive Director, who gave an administration update. The goal is for 80% participation in the resident satisfaction survey. There will be meters in the lobbies as the administration tracks the input;  after this week residents can go online or use the paper copies from the front. If you’re taking the survey, you can get a golden ticket from the front desk and enter it in a drawing for a chef’s table and gift baskets.

Don then addressed an issue of major concern to him and his leadership team—plumbing. This is an extremely difficult project. They are working diligently on three fronts: prevention of future flooding; compassionate and responsive help to residents impacted by flooding; and procedures to assure quick response when there are plumbing failures.

Caton Ridge project – The latest estimated completion was for the end of October, but the current anticipated completion estimate for the underground work is now the end of January. When working underground there are going to be unknowns that slow-down work while the situation is analyzed. After that work is done, there is interior work, such as moving the Physical Therapy office, that will take until the end of March. The Board of Directors is very much involved in this project because of the cost and possible delays.

Notices went out regarding the upcoming Covid clinics on October 18 and 25. Please respond so that the medical center know how many people to expect.

Lastly, Don mentioned upcoming events: the Crab Feast on October 11 and the Fall Fest on the 13^th.

Respectively submitted,
Nancy Meier, Residents’ Council Secretary