President Stephanie Leddy called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday September 2, 2025. 87 residents attended in addition to Don Grove, Charlestown Executive Director; Leslie Johnson, Associate Executive Director; Jill Clippinger, Assistant Finance Director; and Paul Edelman, Dining Services Director.

Moment of Silence
The Council observed a moment of silence for those who have passed away.  We specifically honored Paulette Hammond for her excellent work with the legislative and political action committee.

Minutes
Minutes of the August 5, 2025 meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved.

Mission Moment
Ed Appel celebrated Ann McKay, the chair of the accessibility and inclusion committee. She is a true leader who has worked tirelessly to help Charlestown residents with disabilities or in need of assistance to experience a safer, easier and more fulfilling time in their apartments and throughout the community.  She works on issues common to resident life, health and security, as well as maintenance and engineering.  Her efforts have brought about numerous changes and improvements creating additional opportunities for custom interior options, community restroom improvements and updates for safety and convenience.  Ann also follows up on the implementation of suggested improvements, providing insightful feedback about accessibility issues to those overseeing these renovations. Most importantly, she has changed the way both administration and residents think about measures to help our community age more safely, comfortably and healthily. Her consistent advocacy for residents with disability has been an inspiration to the administration, Residents Council, and of course, her own committee, Ann clearly demonstrates the Erickson values of caring, diversity, responsibility, excellence and teamwork.

Executive Team Reports

Stephanie Leddy President
Many thanks to Joe Carrick for steering us through a very successful year and making it look easy.  Working with the resident council as a mascot during the 2024 25 year was Tucker, Joe’s cute dog. Tucker has retired along with Joe, and this year we are going to have multiple mascots, my three cats, Tiff, Tiger and Pixie.

This spring, the Harmonizers concert, “Unity through Music” really struck a chord with me. I think it was one of the best by the group, both musically and philosophically. And it was one of my reasons to choose unity as our 2025/26 theme. For although we are a diverse group – 1,900 different opinions, our unifying force is Charlestown, our home. People with different political viewpoints work side by side for our staff appreciation, our student scholars and, of course, benevolent care working to keep our home alive. This volunteering for our common good is a prime example of unity. Another one is the Resident Council itself. Over my two years, I’ve seen everyone work together in a most congenial manner, and I know that the united approach will continue this year as we work to move our agenda forward for the good of all.

Jerry Donaldson, Treasurer

Balance – July 31, 2025                      $7,575.48
Expenses                                              ($   495.91)
Deposit from Dues Collection             $    23.00
Balance – July 29, 2025                     $ 7,102.57

July Expenses Details:
Secretary:                 $   177.91
Hospitality:             $   318.00
Total                                $  495.91

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Sandy Mack, Chair

• Rachel Susio, Philanthropy Manager was still collecting data from the Benevolent Care campaign so, unfortunately, I was not able to report any totals.
• This past year, 37% of Charlestown households answered the call, demonstrating their compassion by donating to the Benevolent Care Fund. In the coming year, we will aspire to build on this spirit of generosity, working together to expand resident participation in supporting the benevolent care fund.
• In 2026, we will launch an initiative to inform residents about planned giving, ensuring the long-term stability of our home for life and the Benevolent Care Fund. We will also encourage residents to learn how to become a valued member of the Legacy Society. A strong August performance with 7 new planned gifts has raised our annual total to 17.
• I had a conversation with Rachel recently. She informed me that one of the ways she is working to enhance Benevolent Care giving, is she is actively fostering vendor and community partnerships to boost donations.

Next meeting: Wednesday, September 24 at 2:30pm in Charlestown Square RM-116.

Communications, Hope Tillman, Chair
The Communications Committee looks at all modes of communications to the residents. Community Resources provides updates each month about

• needed updates on MyErickson, changes we see that are needed and improvements we want.
• They have been working on the Clubs and Groups guide and are close to finishing this years’ version trying to get the last few clubs’ edits finalized. We sync that content on CCICharlestown giving clubs a place they can put their monthly flyer and other information online
• Community Resources has been working on adding the capability to register for community events via the MyErickson Activities page, and trying to figure out payment processing.
• They are our committee conduit with Channel 972.

General Services Communications Update.
Gregory Johnson, GS Communications Manager, updates us on Amazon delivery and missing shopping carts available. His office put air tags on all the shopping carts to be able to track them but still need our help to return them

IT Tech Support Update.

• The Tech Bar was held on August 13, and 88 residents made use of it. The next one is Dec. 10.
• IT has posted a device standards list onto MyErickson under the User Guide section labeled “IT”.
• IT is working on the telephone capabilities in Continuing Care, and plans to do Independent Living next year. They also are our conduit for information about the ConnectConnect or Charlestown or Erickson Connect Network is the name for the local telephone and Wi-Fi system at Charlestown. READ MORE network which supports Internet throughout Charlestown, including our apartments.
• Windows 11 Compatibility – Windows 10 end of life is October 14. IT has been running check-in locations for residents to test their computer’s capacity to run Windows 11. There will be a September 23rd compatibility test table at Shortline
• Charlestown Resident Hub is a resident-run mailing GooglePaLM is an advanced technology created by Google that help computers understand and generate text. PaLM (Pathways Language Model) is a powerful program that helps computers do complex tasks involving language. It can:
  • Translate languages: It can help translate one language to another, lik... READ MORE group where residents can ask questions and get answers from fellow residents. You can request access through Hope or Betty or fill in the form on CCICharlestown.org. If you have a GooglePaLM is an advanced technology created by Google that help computers understand and generate text. PaLM (Pathways Language Model) is a powerful program that helps computers do complex tasks involving language. It can:
  • Translate languages: It can help translate one language to another, lik... READ MORE account, it is easiest to use that one.

The Communications Committee meets via 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 as the attendees have continued to vote for that each year, but we hope to have at least one meeting in Continuing Care this year. The Council funds the CCICharlestown.org website and has done so since 2011, and its website group reports to the Communications Committee.

The next Communications Committee meetings will be held 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 on Monday September 22nd, @ 2:00 PM, preceded by the Website Subcommittee meeting at 1:30 pm. 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, email hope@hopetillman.com

The Conservation Committee, Charles Robinson, Chair
The Conservation Committee did not meet in August. Our goals for this year:

• Update recyclable display chart with new information. Charts will be placed at various dining rooms.
• Throughout the year, we will continue to collect and smash aluminum cans. More volunteers are needed.
• Sustainable practice will be updated. This will be led by John Flood, the chairman of the sustainability subcommittee

Next meeting: Tuesday, September 16 at 2:00 pm in BR1.

Dining Services, Stephanie Leddy reported for Cathy Stevens, Chair

• The cafe on Main is coming along, and they’ve been working on menus. I can’t give you an opening date sometime in September. They’re working on menus and actually gave a little preview for some of us from the dining committee of potential foods they will be serving. People particularly are interested in the Make your own sandwich and make your own salads. There were also breakfast sandwiches.
• When Cafe on Main opens, it will be primarily breakfast and lunch from 9AM to 2PM. When the Terrace is closed, they will add dining so people in that area will be able to have dinner.

Next Meeting, Sept 15 at 1:30 in CTS 116

Finance, Art Johnson, Chair

• The Finance Committee did not meet officially in August. However, the Committee did meet informally to discuss strategies for better informing residents about Charlestown’s budget process for 2027. This goal came about from a suggestion made by the Board of Directors at a recent meeting with the Residents’ Council and Board. The Finance Director and Executive Director were in attendance at the Board meeting and the Committee’s informal August meeting. More information will be forthcoming.

Next meeting of the Finance Committee Tuesday, September 30, 9AM  BR 1

Grounds, Dick Voelkel, Chair

• The erosion project at the Herbert’s Run/St. Charles bridge walkway is supposedly still on schedule to begin in September.
• The construction company plans to park vehicles on the Butterfly garden. Yesterday I saw almost a dozen monarch butterfly caterpillars on milkweed there. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is moving monarchs to protected status. What penalties for destroying protected species habitat? Tell the company to park on the street!
• Hydro Raking Project at the lake is still expected this year.
• Brookside/Cross Creek gutter/downspout maintenance is required.
• Dead trees near the Bocce Ball Court will be removed during ‘front yard renovations’.
• Deer continue to jump the fence into the gardens. Culling of the herd will continue by the bow hunters after Labor Day.

Next Meeting will be September 23rd in BR 1 at 11 am.

Health Services, Marty White and Lois Eldred, Co-Chairs
Good afternoon.   I’m Marty White and I co-chair the health services committee with Lois Eldred.  We had no August meeting, so I’ll  highlight our activities of 2025 and our plans for 2026.

• Over the last year we have seen the interactions between Independent Living and Continuing Care grow under the stewardship of Pat Kasuda and Louise Dempsey. There has been increased participation in the Friendly Visitors and Pet Volunteer programs, including presentations by our Ballroom dancers under the direction of our Treasurer, Jerry Donaldson.  After many years, Louise Dempsey has stepped down from her role as a liaison, and we welcome Carol Benner, who has joined Pat Kasuda as our new liaison.
• We have several initiatives planned for the 2025-26 year: We’ve just formed a new substance abuse subcommittee and plan a series of lectures on how the brain works, and how various drugs, medications, and social dynamics affect brain function.  The first lecture will be in the Auditorium, or possibly Gallery, on October 6 and will be a general overview of how the brain works, entitled Tripping Thru the Brain, so put on your thinking caps and come join us.
• We are also hoping to bring in an expert to offer training on CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver. In addition, our committee is sponsoring a  lecture by a guest Orthopedic Surgeon on November 17 on the risks and consequences to Seniors of falling, and how to prevent falls.
• We continue our quarterly Medication Disposal events at the Fireside and Cross Creek, and are grateful to Craig Nelson and his team as well as the Baltimore County Police Department for their assistance. The pills that we collect in each location consistently fill a large recycle trash can.  Our next medication takeback event will be on November 24.

Our next committee meeting will be September 9, 2025 at 11 am. BR 1.

Legislative/Political, Richard Lee, Chair

The Committee did not meet in August.

• Activities planned for the upcoming year include the following:
• Meet and greet in December with legislators from the 44th district to review their agenda for the 2026 legislative session.
• MaCCRA DAY trip to Annapolis to meet with legislators during the legislative session.
• Legislative Wrap up with legislators to discuss the results of the legislative session.
• Candidates forum and taping for contenders for Baltimore County Executive.

Next meeting is September 10, 2025, at 10:00 am in BR 1. All are welcome.

Housekeeping, John Arnold, Chair
I first want to thank Jean Williamson for the fine work she has done as the outgoing housekeeping chair and express my appreciation for her continued support of the committee.
I hope I can live up to her high standard.

• Maintain and support the current committee members
• We are blessed with a strong committee that Jean assembled and I hope everyone will continue to support us.
• Continue working together to keep our home safe, healthy, clean and attractive
• Our goal is expressed here – let’s do everything we can to identify and report issues in a timely but friendly manner.
• Working together with maintenance and general services
• We cannot do this job without the outstanding staff we have to support us. I see my role as being the council member who expresses our appreciation for the job they do and supports them in accomplishing their goals as a team.
• Find natural solutions to the campus mouse problem
• I commend the previous council for the efforts to better manage how we put trash out and hope we can find new ways to further reduce the problem of mice roaming our environs.

Next Meeting: September 15th @ 10 am in BR 1 – thanks in advance to Jean for filling in for me at this meeting while I am in Colorado on vacation.

Maintenance and Engineering, Brian McGill, Chair

• Chairman Brian McGill thanked Rob Vickerman for his service as previous Committee Chair and welcomed Stephen Miller, Wil Chadderton and Brian Lutz to the General Services team.
• The Arborside elevator modernization was reported to be underway and the annual recertification inspections of all campus elevators completed.
• Low vision reported initiatives included, floor number colors revised to be more visible, mirrors placed in elevators to improve safety while electric vehicles are backing out of elevators and yellow striping on external steps has been completed.
• In 2026 new trees will be planted near the Herbert’s Run loading dock to improve residents’ view and buffer sounds coming from the dock.

Next meeting: Wednesday, September 23, at 2:00 in the General Service conference room.

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

• The Tapestry Programs next scheduled events will be held on October 7th and October 15th in the Atrium Restaurant. The theme for the sessions is “Living in Community-How’s That Going for You?” reflecting on our experience of living in community here at Charlestown. Table Host training will take place on September 15th. Sign up opportunities for the Tapestry event will be happening in the near future.
• The Accessibility and Inclusion group will meet on September 9th at 11:00 AM in the Chesapeake Card Room. The Custom Interiors staff will be present to discuss current accessibility efforts and issues. The recent installation of grab bars in the public restrooms will be a topic.
• The Low Vision Program will sponsor a presentation by the Maryland State Dept of Rehabilitation Services on September 22nd at 1:00 PM in the auditorium focusing on living safely and comfortably at Charlestown. They will also hold a “Meet & Greet” session on October 9th from 10:00-11:30 in the Chesapeake Restaurant. Conversations between people, with low vision issues and how they deal with them, will be the focus of the event. More information will be forthcoming.
• The Dine Together Program continues to have good attendance each month and we are appreciative of the support the Shortline staff gives to this effort. Our Chairperson, Marie Skane, is awaiting the opening of the Café on Main to eventually start a comparable program at that site. The next Dine Together is next Monday, September 8th, at 5:00 PM in the Shortline Craft Room.
• Margaret Vincent is continuing to publish the New Resident Newsletter each Sunday, for approximately 100 residents, and is still looking for a few volunteers to act as “cub” reporters to provide her with information on club activity. Margaret recently published an update to the Campus Map which includes recent changes in the Historic District.
• The Transportation Sustainability group has been given information on the Senior Lyft, Freedom Car and Go Go Grannies Programs that could benefit residents. Feedback from residents, who use these services, has shown them to be very reliable and would save money over having a car on campus. We are in the process of developing an informational sheet to distribute.

The next meeting of the Resident Life Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 2025 at 2:00 PM at Brookside Classroom 2.

Safety and Security, Ed Appel, Chair
Welcome to Patti Ormiston, joining as Co-Chair of the Safety and Security Committee.

• Security continues to enforce traffic safety. The committee is composing a list of suggestions for added signage to enhance the effort to get drivers on campus to reduce speed and not pass stop signs.  Please report unsafe situations to Security, with all details possible.  The newly-installed front gates are working well.  New card readers to open outside doors will be installed in the next few months starting on the Cross Creek side of campus, followed by remaining buildings in 2026 and 2027.  Keys will still work while the new systems are broken in. Installation will be announced.
• The committee is producing short videos on fall prevention and safe use of walkers and EVs. Remember that falls are a major cause of serious injuries.  Who hasn’t fallen?  Seniors must take care and focus to avoid falls.
• Recently, as you may have heard, Security had assistance from Baltimore County PD in citing trespassers fishing on the lake. In another incident, we all were alerted when Security searched and found a resident who wandered outside in the middle of the night.  Security also assisted BCPD in addressing a situation in the neighborhood across the street, in which police vehicles were parked on campus.  As Don Grove said in a message to the community, another tragic event, a suicide-homicide, resulted in the death of a very dear Charlestown employee.  Please pray for her and her family.
• As you probably know, the administration evaluates incidents for danger to residents and handles them to minimize disruption. Security keeps in close contact with Baltimore County Police Wilkens District and along with administration monitors potential impacts to Charlestown.  Administration notifies us when there is anything we need to know.
• The committee is in the initial stages of planning another annual thank-you to fire and police personnel who often come to campus, and help keep us safe and healthy. All suggestions are welcome.
• Since Covid has visited the campus recently, we should all stay home if we feel sick, quarantine if infected and take advantage of Charlestown’s flu and Covid vaccination clinics.
• The committee discussed a variety of safety hazards in apartments and on campus.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2025, from 11 am to noon in Charlestown Square classroom 116.  Patti Ormiston will chair the meeting, in Ed’s absence.

Executive Director Don Grove’s Remarks and Responses to Questions

• Responding to concerns about the tragic death of Chantel Shareiff, Wellness  Manager for Assisted Living at Carton Woods, and her daughter Kimana, Don said that staff members are providing grief support as needed to fellow staff members and residents at Caton Woods.
• Regarding the sprinkler head that went off on Labor Day in the Chesapeake and Shortline kitchen forcing evacuation of those two dining areas, repairs have been made, and staff will follow up with team members on the process and procedures for evacuation if and when needed.
• Jill Clippinger, who is currently serving as Assistant Finance Director, has been appointed as new Resident Life Director and will be transitioning over to her new responsibilities within the next several months. A new Assistant Finance Director will be appointed as soon as possible.
• Hydro raking of Lake Charles is still scheduled for this year.
• Administration is working on locating a replacement for Sr. Facilities Manager Kevin Crawford.
• New Handicapped Parking signs displaying a 24-hour parking limit have been ordered and it’s expected they will be in place in September.

Submitted by John Arnold, Secretary