President Joe Carrick called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday May 6, 2025. 76 residents attended including Residents’ Council members minus two.  Jay Spivey, General Services Director, represented the administration.

Moment of Silence

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

Previously distributed minutes of the April 1, 2025 meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved as presented.

Mission Moment

Connie Andrews celebrates Bob Nitsch and the Charlestown Sluggers, The Charlestown Cheers, Bob Larson, Ed Appel, and Larry Taylor for showcasing multiple Erickson values during the October 30 2024 softball game with Riderwood. Connie recalls, “Bob Nitsch worked with Riderwood to schedule a date for the game. When Riderwood could not field a team, Bob volunteered to fill empty spots on the Riderwood team so that the game could take place.”

The Charlestown Cheers modified the words of their cheers so they were generic, cheering just as loud for Riderwood as for Charlestown. Bob Larson, the Charlestown pitcher, made sure that a Riderwood player who was celebrating his 99^th birthday got a hit. When he did, both teams went crazy cheering for him. The Charlestown Cheers even sang “Happy Birthday” for him as he left the field.

When “the 99-year-old gentleman had difficulty pushing his rollator up the hill to the parking lot, Larry Taylor and Ed Appel ran to help him. They made certain he got to his ride safely.

Connie congratulates these wonderful residents for their inspiring commitment to harmonious living, not just within the boundaries of Charlestown, but also when interfacing with our sister communities.

Executive Team Reports

Joe Carrick President

“Good afternoon Charlestown!” Thank you for being here today and for your continued dedication and support to the Residents’ Council. I’m pleased to welcome both familiar faces and new members. (Is anyone here for the first time, raise your hand) The monthly Residents’ Council meeting are an important opportunity to reflect on our progress which you will hear in the Committee reports; discuss current initiatives such as bridging the gap between independent living and continuing care or finding new ways to ensure every resident has a reserve parking spot if they want one; and planning for the months ahead such as the plans for the CRTT expansion we heard this morning, or the resident design review teams that give residents a say in the selection of material for when their building is being refreshed, or raising concerns regarding the IT infrastructure. All these activities require your engagement and ideas which are vital to our collective success. So, it is my hope that you set an hour or two each month to attend a committee meeting where you will be able to find the latest information on security, dining, housekeeping, as well as other important topics.

Connie Cooney, Treasurer

Balance – March 31, 2025                   $  7,733.84

Expenses                                                ($     855.68)

Deposit from Dues Collection             $   1,318.00

Balance – April 30, 2025                      $   8.196.16

March Expenses 2025 Details

— Treasurer:  Bank Services               $   17.00

Bank Service Charges

— Legislative & Political                     $ 130.38

May Legislative Wrap-up

— Reserve Memorial BCF                  $ 200.00

Past Council Presidents

— Comms Committee                        $ 508.30

Licenses

Total                                                       $  855.68

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Virginia Antevil, Chair

The committee continues to focus on planned giving, with participation in “Neighborhood Chats” as well as individual discussions with residents. The current focus is education about the importance of planned giving to strengthen Charlestown’s “HOME FOR LIFE”. The committee is setting goals for planned giving that are measurable and data-driven and working toward actualization of those goals through continued participation in “Neighborhood Chats” as well as planning for smaller group sessions such as roundtables and focus groups.

Next meeting: Wednesday, May 28 at 2:30 in Charlestown Square Room 116.

Communications, Larry Taylor, Chair

• MyErickson Directory Updates – Our committee would like to thank Community Resources and our Administration for getting their staff photos, email addresses and phone numbers added to MyErickson. This will help all our resident see the Staff they are working with and talking to.
• General Service updates – Gregory Johnson mentioned again the updated Xfinity/Comcast script when contacting ComcastThe Charlestown Comcast bulk service contract provides basic HD television in the apartments. Address your concerns to General Services. See more information about apartment television and television connections. READ MORE Bulk Services, he emphasizes the importance of having both your ComcastThe Charlestown Comcast bulk service contract provides basic HD television in the apartments. Address your concerns to General Services. See more information about apartment television and television connections. READ MORE account number and your billing address when calling ComcastThe Charlestown Comcast bulk service contract provides basic HD television in the apartments. Address your concerns to General Services. See more information about apartment television and television connections. READ MORE. This new script is in our lobbies and on both MyErickson and cci-charlestown.org.
  Be aware of these Xfinity Scams which read: Please Update Your Account Information or Payment Update Required.  Do not reply to any of these texts or emails, just delete them.
  He discussed the parking incentive and the addition of new parking spaces, which have been well received by residents.
  Also, he mentioned the implementation of badge entry into Cross Creek Station, Brookside, Herberts Run and St Charles buildings, the start date of this project has yet to be determined.
• IT Department
• IT is working with General Services to find alternative mounting brackets for both Herberts Run and maybe Brookside’s Shuttle Tracker iPads.
• Gen 2 tablets for restaurants are now expected in 2026, but no specific date has been set.
• There were 175 Work Orders that were completed in March and an average close time was 1.39 days.
• The Refectory Access Points for WIFI calling should be installed shortly, this was due to the high ceilings in that area.
• The Mobile Phone System for Continuing Care is still scheduled for this year.
• We are still requesting a procedure for installing Printers (Process) for each of the 3 main brands to our Enterprise NetworkA network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. See also... READ MORE.
• We also have asked again for the status on Ask IT or “Tech Time” on channel 972.
• FYI – Microsoft Windows 10 will reach End-of-Support on Oct. 14, 2025.
• Reminder that the 2^nd Quarter Technology Assistance Day (Tech Bar) is on June 4, 10 AM to 12 PM at the Chesapeake Restaurant. This is a FREE event. Also, onsite service calls can be booked at this event, and they are also FREE!
• CapEx submissions for 2026 – Our three CapEx submissions (Mobile Phone Renovation, NetworkA network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams. See also... READ MORE Infrastructure and Auditorium Renovation). The Auditorium Renovation was a joint submission with Resident’s Life Committee. And all three are moving forward.

Next Communications Committee meetings will be held on Tuesday May 27, at 2:00 PM. The Website Committee will precede the Communication meeting at 1:30 PM.  Both meetings will be by ZoomAI Companion is a generative AI-powered assistant from Zoom (for those with the paid version). It uses large language models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta, and has also trained itself by listening in on thousands of meetings between Zoom employees.  Some of its uses include:
• Summarizing... READ MORE.  If you need the ZoomAI Companion is a generative AI-powered assistant from Zoom (for those with the paid version). It uses large language models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta, and has also trained itself by listening in on thousands of meetings between Zoom employees.  Some of its uses include:
• Summarizing... READ MORE link, contact me at cherokee405@verizon.net.

Conservation Committee, Mark Buehlman & Charles Robinson, Co-chairs

Good afternoon. My name is Mark Buehlman, and I am co-chair, along with Charles Robinson, of the Conservation Committee. We continue to concentrate on sustainable practices, environmental preservation, and community engagement, and we are making significant progress in several areas.

At our April meeting, we received an update from our Recycling/Reuse Sub-Committee. Recycling efforts remain efficient. Marty Tewksbury, head of this Sub-Committee, clarified that the brown cardboard carryout containers with flaps can be recycled if they are clean. A query arose regarding the recycling of “junk mail.” Housekeeping assured us that the containers by the mailboxes are being properly recycled. We are actively seeking someone to work alongside Marty to learn his role and eventually assume the leadership position. Additionally, we seek a few individuals to collaborate with Janet Evans on reusing paper carryout bags.

A question was raised about potential odors from the sediment resulting from the hydro raking of the Lake. While there may be some initial odor, since it will be exposed to air and oxygenated, any odor is expected to dissipate quickly.

The Sustainable Dining Sub-Committee has achieved substantial progress within a short time frame. Following some preliminary training, the composting of kitchen scraps is proceeding smoothly, and the bars are now recycling empty bottles. The team is currently developing information tables at various restaurants to focus on reducing the use of takeout containers and paper bags.

The Nature Festival, held last Thursday, featured our display focusing on non-traditional recycling items such as aluminum cans, textiles, and printer ink cartridges. There was considerable engagement, and several questions were addressed.

During our April meeting, we initiated a series of presentations and discussions on environmental ethics. In April, we introduced the topic. In May, we will explore key theories in the field. Each topic is independent, so attendance in future months is encouraged even if you missed the April session.

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 20, at 2:00 pm in BR1.

Dining Services, Stephanie Leddy and Cathy Stevens, Co-Chairs

The following are Paul Edleman’s administrative Updates:

The Bar Recycling Program is active now. All bars and catering have recycling bins bottles and cans. Catering which uses more cans will deliver those to the Residents’ recycling cans program that benefits Benevolent Care.

Children’s Menus are now in effect in all dining rooms. Children 6 and under are free; those between 7 and 12 will cost $12. Children do not have to eat the Children’s menu.

Chair slides have been installed in all restaurants and the those in the Atrium’s have been corrected.

Café on Main/ Terrace/Fireside updates- Construction has started on Café on Main with an August goal for completion. The Fireside will have a shorter time out- the dessert area is being moved out and additional seating added. Take out will still be available from the Fireside at that time. Then, the Terrace will be shut down with an estimated 6 months to completion

Outdoor Dining is coming back to the Atrium. I had friends who dined out two nights a week ago. You speak to the Desk person about doing so.

Employee Picnic/Summer Solstice, June 13 – The  Employee Picnic will be from 11:30-4.  For residents all restaurants will serve from 11-4 with a Luau Menu

Memorial Day – All restaurants have new outdoor grills

Chef’s Dinner- reservations were made April 30. The dinner is on May 14 and the Atrium chefs will be doing the dinner.

Hope Tillman will explain how to get Net Nutrition on your phones and computers at the next meeting.

Next meeting: Monday, May 19 at 1:30 at CS116.

Finance, Art Johnson, Chair

In reviewing the first quarter’s (January – March) financial results,  the Finance Director reported that Charlestown continues to  be in a strong financial position.

Occupancy rates remain near capacity.

Expended amounts for utilities, contract labor (snow removal and home care services), and supplies significantly exceeded their budgeted amounts for the first quarter.

Benevolent Care is supporting 14 residents

The time for the Finance Director to report and respond to questions was limited to 30 minutes to allow the Committee to review CapEx proposals. He will continue his report and answer questions at the committee’s May meeting.

The committee began its review of CapEX26 proposals and has ranked the ten proposals under consideration. It is scheduled to submit its report no later than June 1.  At that time, the committee will share its report with the Residents’ Council and the Charlestown community

Also, the Finance Department with Continuing Care staff will sponsor an information session on “Continuing Care and Financial Considerations.” It will take place Tuesday, May 13, 10:30-11:30, in the Conference Center. Such topics as  Continuing Care services, their financial impact, the transition from Independent Living to Continuing Care, financial assurances (such as spend down, Medicaid and Benevolent Care) and Continuing Care value for price paid will be discussed. Refreshments will be served

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 9:00 in Brookside 1.

Grounds, Dick Voelkel Chair

Lake hydro raking locations for sediment placement are finalized and permits have supposedly been requested.

Outside lighting problems in Edgewood Courtyard were discussed and a curb was recommended to prevent vehicles from running over buried wires.

Non-conforming resident tree planting was discussed and some options reviewed.

Access to enter Edgewood building at loading dock is broken and needs repair, even though the sign says, “Not an Entrance.”

A lively discussion was held on grounds sustainability and what we are doing about it. A copy of the short list of the recommendations was sent to members to be discussed further at our next meeting.

Next meeting: Tuesday May 27 at 11am in BR1.

Health Services, Marty White and Lois Eldred, Co-Chairs

Good afternoon.   I’m Marty White, co-chair of the Health Services Committee with Lois Eldred.  Our committee met on April 8 in Caton Woods, and we had 4 residents from Caton Woods attending.

Dr Joseph Natale Gagliardi gave a lecture on alcohol abuse in the over 60 population.  Alcohol tolerance decreases after 60 years of age due to a combination of medications and age-related physical and cognitive changes. Two thirds of senior alcoholism begin before the age of 60, especially in men, while women are more likely to have onset after the age of 60, often associated with a major stress. There was lively discussion, and it was noted that recognition and treatment is best with a team approach.

Pat Kasuda reported that Continuing Care menu options have expanded to include a variety of salads and fresh fruit. Programs this month included local restaurant outings, a baseball game, cooking lessons, and the Treasure Sale. The companion dog, CC was reintroduced to the residents.

Dr Pelczar reported via email that infectious diseases are decreasing, except for measles, which continues to spread and has claimed 3 lives, 2 in unvaccinated otherwise healthy children.  There was discussion of Murine Disease, which is contracted by cats infected by rodent-exposed fleas. Infected humans experience severe flu-like symptoms lasting about a week.

The Medical Center held a well-attended COVID clinic on April 23.

The grab bar placed in the Chesapeake Women’s public restroom was well received.  Plans are to place grab bars in all public restrooms.

Our committee is co-sponsoring an ELLIC class on May 19 given by Charlestown Occupational Therapists on physical assistive devices of use to residents.

The next Medication Disposal event will also be on May 19 from 1-3 at the Cross Creek and Fireside lobbies.

Next meeting will be held in conjunction with the Continuing Care Seminar on May 13 in the Conference Center at 10:30 AM.

Housekeeping, Jean Williamson, Chair

My name is Jean Williamson, and I chair of the Housekeeping Committee.

I want to emphasize the importance of working together as we seek to improve, even more, any areas of concern to keep our home here at Charlestown the best it can be – healthy, safe, attractive, and clean! Last year I received an email from Jannette Baugher, stating concerns of mice sightings she had observed since moving in. We then met with Housekeeping, General Services, Orkin, and Administration to share the information. This led to the development and distribution of Flyers, advising residents not to put plastic bags of trash out on the carpet and now, apartment inspections around Campus by Orkin, General Services and Housekeeping to check for any mice droppings, as well as ensure there are no openings behind appliances or sinks. Truly, the effort to make a difference requires everyone working together; however, here again, it started with one person speaking up. So, thank you Jeannette!

We remind residents not to fill bird feeders which overspill and draw mice and rodents. Also please do not place plastic bags of trash around the trash cans outside of buildings; place trash  bags in plastic trash cans rather than on the carpet; and not share or place unwrapped food on shelves or on tables in the lobbies. Unwrapped food, whether candy, brownies, cake…whatever, not only draws mice, but potentially has a harmful effect on an individual as they are touched by many…or a resident just may not know the ingredients. As far as plastic trash cans Housekeeping will provide these if residents give them a call.

Last week, as I was walking the halls in Chapel Court as a follow up inspection, I saw a large plastic bag on the carpet. We often talk about how plastic bags on the carpet have the potential of drawing mice. I was taken back, as the bag had been shredded or chewed in the corner by a mouse. So, it happens!

As the distribution continues, we have now placed Flyers in Parkview, Greentree and Chapel Court, Harbor View, Caton Ridge, and St. Charles. We are working our way around campus to ensure we have enough cans to deliver…so, one building at a time.

Finally, I also wanted to share that I believe the efforts to reach out to residents is making a difference – so we thank you!

Next meeting: Monday, April 19 at 10:00 in BR 1.

Legislative/Political, Paulette Hammond and Richard Lee, Co-Chairs

• Legislative Wrap up with our elected officials to be held on May 13 in the auditorium.
• We have confirmation from Delegates Eric Ebersole, Sheila Ruth and Alicia McGaskill. Senator Charles Sydnor has also confirmed his presence. Councilman Pat Young will be unable to attend due to planned surgical procedure.
• Baltimore County is in the process of approving a redistricting plan based on the most recent census. There have been a series of public hearings around the county offering citizens and opportunity to comment on the proposed maps. The plan must be approved by October 1.
• We are presenting a Redistricting Forum, Wednesday, May 14, at 10:00 am in the Conference Center during the regular monthly meeting of this committee.
• Meet with Councilman Pat Young to get his view on the upcoming redistricting process.

Next meeting is Mat 14, 2025 at 10:00 in the Conference Center.

Maintenance and Engineering, Rob Vickerman, Chair

1. The Brookside parking area lights are being destroyed by trucks running over them. We were told by the General Service representative that engineering was looking into a fix for that problem. The fix was to remove the Charlestown trucks. That hasn’t happened yet. Maybe soon.
2. Low vision group still would like black stripes on the exterior stair treads (not necessary on the risers – only treads) at and around the Chapel.  The group has received mixed messaging about who can or will authorize this work.  Low vision group repeated the request for contrasting numbers in elevators – CTS elevator is of particular concern. Low vision asked about status of CTS stairwell between classrooms 216 and 116.  Maintenance said the new light fixtures were ordered and received but are awaiting approval from Jay Spivey to install.  Additionally, they asked about the carpet on the steps. Joe Carrick said the carpet was new, only a year or so old so it would not be replaced.  There was discussion about a different method to make it easier for low vision residents.  Maybe a plastic strip could be installed on the edges of the steps over the carpet? The General Service person was asked to have Chris find out why approval is needed to put in the lights since it was approved to also be approved to have them installed. It was asked if the approval was for a contractor to put in the lights.
3. Yellow paint markings on the exterior are disappearing – told there would be annual inspection with no date specified. The GS person was asked to have Chris get back to me on the date of the annual inspection. We learned that it is the grounds department that does the yellow strips so Joe said he would pass to the Grounds Committee Chair to check when they will start redoing the yellow strips.
4. George Banville requested a wall railing in Arborside. They have a wall with no railing (like most all hallways have) to assist those who need to take a break and hang-on but also to preserve the wall from the big bins used for trash and recycling. George Banville also mentioned that he has sent emails to Chris Revel in General Services since the last meeting but never gets a response.

Next meeting: Wednesday, May 27, at 2:00 in BR1. This is a change since we will no longer hold meetings in the General Service Conference room.

Nominating and Elections Committee, Nancy Meier and Connie Cooney, Co-Chairs

Our roster of candidates is complete with 12 good candidates for the Residents’ Council. They will be introduced next month at the June meeting. Over next few months become familiar with them as the election will be on August 6  and we will be electing 7 members to the Council.

Resident Life, Bill Jones and Fred Sadler, Co-Chairs

• The Tapestry Leadership team has completed their spring sessions and will have their Fall Planning meeting on June 2 to discuss topics and location for the sessions. Consideration is being given to moving the event to the Atrium from the Chesapeake Restaurant, but this is early in the planning. Thanks to Moffett Churn, John Remias and the whole team.
• The Ageism and Ableism group has been extremely successful in their meetings with the Administration and is beginning to affect changes in how apartments are made more accessible. Enhancements for new residents’ apartments will be made available so their new homes will be safer and friendlier to specific needs.
• The Dine Together Program saw 24 people participate in April and met yesterday with 28 persons participating. It was noted that some of the new residents were making follow-up dates with new friends for dinner or shows. This is seen as the purpose of the program.
• The Dining Ambassador Program is welcoming Cathy Stevens as its new coordinator. We look forward to working with Cathy to expand new resident dining opportunities.
• The Low Vision Program has been in contact with other Erickson sites to compare ways to make the campus more user friendly for people with vision issues. The possibility of Readers, near the mailboxes, is a project that is being considered. Some of these Readers are already present on campus and can possibly be set up soon.
• The Transportation Sustainability group continues to work with the Security Department on parking issues which are being addressed by the Administration. Much progress is being made in making parking for residents an easier task including the car buying program, relocation of contractor vehicles and addition of more reserved resident parking spots. The group is looking at scheduling a presentation by Uber and Lyft representatives to acquaint more residents with these services.

Next meeting: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 2:00 at Caton Woods.

Safety and Security, Ed Appel, Chair

Charlestown Security responds to incidents quickly, averaging 2.9 minutes, while 911 responders arrive in about 9 minutes. Time is of the essence, as someone could die within 4 minutes not breathing, but Security saves people practically every day.  Remember to wear pendants to call for Security in your apartment or outside, not just for yourself but for any emergency.  Last month there were 458 Security responses, including transport of patients either to the medical center or hospital, and including escort to return home.

The new Leave of Absence form says when we intend to return.  At midnight on the day of return, Security sets the door latch about 2 am.  That means if you return home after noon, you may find a notice that Security entered your apartment for a welfare check.  Security checks the latches every noontime.  Don’t list your return date on the day after you actually return home.  Notify Security if you return early or will return later than expected, using the online form.

Scams continue to victimize Charlestown residents.  Do not respond to calls, texts, emails or any unexpected contacts, even if they seem legitimate.  Many are frauds.  When you contact a merchant, government agency, bank or anyone else, use a trusted phone number, email address or text message, not one that pops up.  So recent examples are EZ pass, bank/credit, Amazon, and delivery services.  The committee is working on a 972 briefing video.

BCPD reports declining crime in zip code 21228 in the first two months of 2025, but car thefts are still occurring.

The committee is asking anyone who sees the need for Safety signage and mirrors, for example in elevators or at hallway intersections to notify the Safety-Security or Communications Committee, who are working together to identify where they are needed.

The Catonsville Rails to Trails presentation today is available by 972 channel video.  There are no security issues foreseen.  Construction of the expanded trail behind Cross Creek fence is expected to start in 2026.

Next meeting: Thursday, June 12 at 1:00 in CTS 116

Update from Jay Spivey

My name is Jay Spivey, the director of General Services. The presentation today for Rails to trail was really good. Not only did they give a little history about the rails to trails, paths. But also, what’s going to be happening next year, early next year. It will be on 972 so if you get a couple moments, take a look at it. It’s very good. I do have a few updates. Dom And Leslie are off site at a meeting, so they asked me to step up.

So, a short historic updates. Everybody knows we’re right in the midst of our historic renovations. I’ll give you a few dates here, but please don’t hold me to the exact day. Things do change a little bit here and there, but we are on track still for June completion of Bill’s Place, the salon, the new security suite, the mail area, and a lot of corridor area. And on track, again, a June completion on that but again, a lot of stuff. You’re going to see. So please, if you don’t write it down here, you’ll get additional notices about this. I think Don had mentioned that in new Carroll courtyard we’re going to have to remove some trees from that courtyard. Those trees are coming up into their life or near the end. So, we’re going need to remove some of those, but then replant similar trees in that area that’ll probably start early June 2 and be completed before the end of the month of June. Work on the dental suite started yesterday, May 5, and is expected to complete on the end of May. So that’s great. The medical specialty suites expecting that completion June 6. June is going to be a popular month for opening different things up, that whole reception seating area that will start in June and hopefully be done before the end of July.

The next phase of what we’re looking at, for those who live in the Saint Charles, the phase two life cycle. We selected a contractor for that, and they have ordered material. So, I’m thinking, we don’t have an exact start date yet, but it will be June. A couple of other things. There’ll be additional general services updates, as well as historic updates. On Monday May 12, we will have a general services resident town hall in the refectory at 11am for those who like to join us there, but that will also be recorded on 972 talk a little about the parking program. I appreciate the comments I heard. Yes, I think it’s going very well. Kind of phase one of it? We do have a few other steps that we’re working toward. So far we have 30 residents who have taken advantage of the incentive program. So that’s wonderful. The program is officially over as of the end of last month, but I will say that if you’re still interested, please talk to Greg and general services. I’m sure we might be able to do something, especially in areas that we’re trying to free up additional parking spots.

The last thing that I have is to say goodbye. Unfortunately, this will be my last resident council meeting here in Charlestown. You know, I really can’t express enough the incredible experience for me to work with this resident Council group. This partnership, in my opinion, has been the best I’ve seen at all the Erickson Communities, and really should be a template of how we do things going forward. So, thank you. I appreciate

Respectively submitted,
Nancy Meier, Residents’ Council Secretary