Happy New Year Charlestown! It is hard to believe that a new year is upon us. My mom was correct is telling me when I was a young boy to stop wishing my life away, because your life will go by quick enough. The start of a new year holds significant importance as it symbolizes renewal, fresh beginnings, and an opportunity for reflection and goal setting.

For Charlestown residents, the New Year carries special significance as it symbolizes renewal, connection, and well-being. It is a time for residents to reflect on cherished memories, set personal goals, and participate in meaningful activities that foster a sense of purpose and joy.

For the Administration, the New Year is an opportunity to evaluate and improve services, introduce programs, and build stronger bonds within the community. Overall, the new year represents a chance for the Administration to assess the past year while looking forward to fostering residents’ satisfaction in 2025.

So let us look at what are some of the 2024 Council activities and achievements:
• Meet with Charlestown Board of Directors quarterly
• Administration quarterly meetings
• Quarterly Tech Bar
• My E-Preferred program
• “The Nature Trail, 2024” presentation on maintaining and improving a Charlestown treasurer
• Designing and implementing erosion controls for the Nature Trail by an Eagle Scout candidate.
• Developed new capital expenditure process for residents
• Instrumental in reducing campus deer population
• Quarterly prescription medication disposal
• Grab bars public bathrooms inventory
• Residents’ participation in Housekeeping Department building survey
• Created resident design review teams
• Hosted 972 interviews of candidates running for U.S. Senate election
• Meet and greet our representatives to Annapolis
• Attend legislative hearing in Annapolis
• Removal of carpet and additional lighting for the stairs near the Terrace Cafe
• Expansion of the Tapestry Program not now includes Chatty Benches
• Dine together program for new residents
• Created a weekly electronic news called Charlestown Newcomers Weekly
• FBI presentation on alerting seniors about current scams
• Risk assessment of the campus to include the rails-to-trails extension

What does the Council have planned for 2025? While some of the above efforts will continue in 2025 here are initiatives we want to begin:
• Bridging the gap between independent and continuing care by holding some committee meetings there.
• Tracking the satisfaction survey results and the Administration Actions Plans.
• Re-engaging the sustainability working groups on grounds, dining, and transportation.
• Tracking the hydro racking of the Lake and the grounds around the lake.
• Partnering with the Philanthropy Department to developed innovative ideas for Benevolent Care funding.
• Sunflower Layard Project, which identifies those with hidden disabilities.
• Tracking apartment pipe support project.
• Activating the Council’s Nominating and Election Committee for 2025.

Hopefully, this gives you an idea of Council activities and how these activities are for the betterment of the Charlestown community. Join any one of the 12 Council Committees or attend the Residents Council meeting the first Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium. See ccicharlestown.org for Council information.