It is hard to believe that the fall season is upon us. This year has gone by very quick. I remember when I was a kid my parents would tell me to stop wishing my life away. All I wanted was to be 16 so I could get a driver’s license. To every young person a driver’s license is often associated with independence. It also represents a significant milestone in a person’s life.

October carries a unique message in the year, symbolizing transition, reflection, and preparation as it bridges the warmth of summer with the coolness of winter. October is a time of visible transformation in nature, with trees shedding their leaves and temperatures dropping. It reminds us that change is inevitable, encouraging us to embrace life’s transitions—whether personal, professional, or emotional—with acceptance and grace. As the tenth month of the year, October invites reflection. It is a moment to look back on the past months and assess what we have achieved, what we have learned, and where we still need to focus. It gives us space to contemplate how far we have come and what adjustments we need to make before the year ends.

October is also the month when Charlestown residents reflect on life at Charlestown. The resident satisfaction survey (Holleran Survey) will be out by the time you read this article. This survey, like all other surveys, is used to gather feedback on various aspects of community life. This is your chance to be heard. Here are some of the reasons why you should take the time to complete the satisfaction survey:

1. Improved residents’ satisfaction: This is your opportunity to share your opinions, concerns, and suggestions. Such information is used by the Administration to develop action plans. Remember you are not evaluating Erickson Senior Living. The scores you provide should reflect your satisfaction of the Administration’s performance.
2. Enhanced Quality of Care and Services: Your feedback provides the barometer on the services provided at The Administration uses this feedback to improve these programs.
3. Identification of Issues and Areas for Improvement: This is a perfect opportunity to let the Administration know your concerns about grounds, maintenance, and safety. Your verbatim is key in developing action plans for improvement.
4. Improving Facilities: Feedback (scores and verbatim) from this survey can help identify which facilities, such as public areas, fitness centers, or transportation services, need upgrades or additional resources. This can enhance your overall living experience.

The Administration always responds to these surveys in a positive way. Last year there was an outcry about Charlestown transportation service cost. That outcry was the reason for the sedan services cost reduction from $6 a mile to $4.50 a mile for medical trips. It was also the reason transportation added the Maiden Choice Medical Center as a regular bus stop. These are a couple of examples the benefit in completing the survey.

The Council members will be active in helping residents with the survey and answering questions they may have. The Administration is kicking off the survey month with breakfast on October 2^nd and 3^rd. Council members will be there to help answer questions on the survey. Week 2 will include Council and Administration door knocking to make sure every resident has a copy of the survey, and again answering any questions the resident may have. The 3^rd week Council members along with Committee members will be helping the residents at Continuing Care to fill out the survey. The last week of the survey the Council will have tables at the restaurants to help those residents who have not completed the survey a chance to do so. As you can tell, your Council is investing time and effort in getting residents to complete the survey.

Hopefully, you will take time to do so. It is important.

I would be remiss if I did not also mention the fall season gathering of Charlestown residents, staff, and family members. This year’s Fall Fun Festival will be held on October 11^th from 3 to 6:30 PM. There will be music and other entertainment for the kids and plenty of food during the event. Again, this year there will be a Chili Cook-Off Contest featuring teams from each restaurant.

Come out and enjoy the event with your friends, and neighbors.

Submitted by Joe Carrick, Residents’ Council President