Charlestown Retirement Community Residents > Council > Residents’ Councils by year > Council Members 2025-2026 > 20260203 Council Minutes

Last Updated on March 3, 2026

THE RECORD OF THE CHARLESTOWN RESIDENTS’ COUNCIL
(web version)

February 3 2026
Residents’ Council Website: ccicharlestown.org

President Stephanie Leddy called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday February 3, 2026.  60 residents attended in addition to Don Grove, Charlestown Executive Director; Leslie Johnson, Associate Executive Director; Jill Clippinger, Resident Life Director; David Schneyer, Finance Director; Nathan Taylor, Assistant Finance Director; Jason Dennis, General Services Director; and Stephen Miller, Assistant General Services Director.

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

Minutes
Minutes of the January 6, 2026 meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved.

Mission Moment

Honoree: Leon Crookshank
Nominated by John and Pat Remias
John and Pat Remias honor Leon Crookshank for his compassionate assistance at the time of John’s accident. Returning from dinner with his wife Pat, John fell down the Terrace Café steps. John’s friend Leon was nearby and immediately came to help. Security arrived in three minutes and called 911. Leon remained with them until the ambulance took them to St. Agnes. Leon gave Pat his phone number and told her to not hesitate to call at any hour. After John was treated, Pat called Leon at 1:30 am and asked if he could pick them up. Without a hesitation, Leon drove over to St Agnes and delivered them back home. This truly exemplifies how Charlestown residents are prepared to help each other no matter where or when. John & Pat thank Leon greatly for being a true friend and helper.

Honoree: Charlestown Staffs

Nominated by Stephanie Leddy
There is another very special Mission moment or should I say Stormy Snowy Week-end that I need to share.
The honorees are Don & Leslie, their Admin Teams, Paul & his chefs and staff, General Services, Housekeeping and Grounds staffs. Etc In other words Everyone who worked to keep us Safe, mostly warm and well fed who willingly gave up their warm beds and homes to be here for us. Added some humor as well. I express the utmost gratitude on behalf of the residents of CharlestownExecutive Team Reports

Stephanie Leddy President
What thing has brightened the lives of Charlestownians lately- Not the snow storm- Putterland
This creation, unique to our campus, kept people moving, laughing, sighing and even shouting “A Hole in One!” last week.
Under the leadership of Pat Kasuda with Teresa Reymann-Curran & Nancy Scoville, Putterland is another example of many behind the scenes volunteers as well as the on-the-spot ones. This miniature golf creation of our woodshop talents provided activities for a variety of groups from Tuesday am to Saturday pm. I, personally, would like to thank them for taking out the Windmill and replacing it with the Black Swan with a larger hole. Any agreement here??
The Tuesday Intercommunity Tournament found Charlestown victorious over Riderwood for the 1 st time in three years. The Open Play events on Wednesday & Thursday nights drew many people. Thirty-two Continuing Care residents accompanied by a resident volunteer or staff enjoyed their Thursday AM outing.
Friday was Intracommunity time with a variety of groups vying for the trophy. On the screen is the Resident Council team. The winning team was Jim & Rosemary Herman and Walter & Noveda Webster. Many people achieved a hole in one. Pat Whittier was the lucky draw to win the Hole in One trophy. Saturday’s Family Open Play had 115 golfers & spectators from 3 to seniors. There were basket raffles and a 50/50. All gathering over $11,000 for Benevolent Care.
Our partners from the Rotary Club of Catonsville hosted a family night on Tuesday and their major fund raiser, Frosty Golf on Saturday evening.
Other opportunities to volunteer will be available soon: Very soon is to bake some goodies for the Benevolent Care Committee’s Valentine Bake Sale-see flyers for details or to buy some of the goodies for your sweetie or grandkids.

How about running for a seat on the Residents’ Council. We need you.
Campaigning for a Resident’s seat on the Board of Directors. Pat Kasuda’s term in office ends in May. She will become an Emeritus member. You will hear more about these opportunities later in this month.

Jerry Donaldson, Treasurer

Balance – December 31,2025                         $ 5,741.76
Income                                                                          00.00
Expenses

Legislative & Political
Meet & Greet                             ($137.80)

Total Expenses:                                                  ($137.80)

Balance – January 31, 2026                              $5,603.96

Jerry stated that he will continue to carefully monitor the budget spend rate as the year goes on to determine as early as possible if and when and how we are going to have to collect dues this year.

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Sandy Mack, Chair

  • 2025 Benevolent Care Fund Summary

We finished the year with a total of $847,971 in donations to the Benevolent    Care Fund.

  • Upcoming Fundraising Events:

Valentine’s Day Bake Sale Friday Feb. 13 (10 AM – Noon) in front of the Fireplace at the Chesapeake Restaurant.

If you love to bake, please drop off your goodies on the morning of the sale between 8:30 and 10AM.

Paint Day – Due to the elevator maintenance at the conference center, the paint day that was to be held in the spring will be rescheduled for sometime this summer.

Name That Tune – Get ready for a ‘Name that Tune’ competition this fall! We are thrilled to announce that one of our talented residents’, Herb Magidson, has volunteered to play the piano for this event. More details to come at a later date.

  • Benevolent Care Committee

We’re looking for dedicated, community-minded neighbors to join our Benevolent Care Committee. If you have experience in, or a passion for, fundraising and event planning, we would love for you to bring your skills to the table. We’re seeking collaborative, results-oriented residents to turn our shared vision into reality. Join us every fourth Wednesday of the month at 2:30 pm in room 116 in Charlestown Square.

Next Meeting- Wednesday, February 25 at 2:30 in CTS 116

Communications, Hope Tillman, Co-Chair

Community Resources – Mary Evans

  • My Erickson – No dates to be added to documents in My Erickson – We had requested dates be put on documents in My Erickson, but when Brittany asked the Home Office said no, that Charlestown staff is expected to keep track and update the information as needed. We thanked Brittany for the improvement to My Erickson User Guide (the first button labeled Guide in My Erickson) who moved the Instructions for registering for Wi-Fi as a Resident so that it is now at the top level rather than under IT.
  • Streaming – Jill Clippinger shared that licensing for using commercial Streamed content in the Auditorium will be coming to Charlestown soon.

General Services

  • Carts – new ones have arrived, Larry reported that they have been distributed.

IT –  Zach Parks  

  • Spam trend report for January (since November) – no incidents reported
  • Erickson IT Support update for January – 190 resident work orders 1.5 days and 73 employee tickets 1.75 days; Service desk time to answer 47 seconds. 74% work orders were resolved by the Service Desk.
  • Status of IL mobile phone systems upgrade planning for 2026 is underway and is expected to begin the third week of February.
  • Planning for the Meraki Connect 3 system upgrade in 2026. Is still planned for early May for Independent Living and middle of June for Continuing Care
  • Next Tech Bar on February 18.
  • New Computer Setups – IT Team can do new computer first time setups rather than a resident paying the Geek Squad to do them. and their charge is marginally less than the Geek Squad. IT can help download any applications that you’re looking to download, help you get signed into all of your accounts and things like that. IT can pretty much do anything that you would probably have Best Buy do, when it comes to that, that new computer.

Other Topics

  • The Signage Subcommittee met in January. It will be meeting on the 2nd Thursday at 1 pm during odd months. They pointed out needed signs still in Historic District and Maple Terrace, evacuation signs by elevators, and more. Ann MacKay brought up the accessibility issues with the bulletin board signage in the recently refreshed St. Charles – the bulletin signs are both too high and there is poor lighting. The meeting report has been sent to Jason Dennis and Leslie Johnson.
  • Evergreen Topics – Charlie Eichenlaub’s monthly compilation of recurring topics continues to be valuable in pointing out highlights of what is going on at Charlestown each month.
  • Charlestown Resident Hub, our Google group, – this email list has been receiving more traffic. It is an additional communications vehicle for our committee and for residents to use to share information and ask fellow residents something.
  • CCICharlestown.org – Search functionality has been improved. Clubs can be found more easily through the search function.
  • Several committee members including Hope Tillman, Larry Taylor, Sara Nixon, and Ann MacKay met with the IT Home Office for a discussion of what we wanted to see in a future version of MyErickson.
  • Auditorium Refresh CapEx 2027 – The Communications Committee will submit the Auditorium CapEx 2026 for CapEx2027.

Our next Communications Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday February 23 at @ 2:00 PM – if you need the ZOOM link, contact hope@hopetillman.com

The Conservation Committee, Charles Robinson, Co-Chair

At our January meeting:

  • The planned presentation on the Ryderwood residential food scrap composting program was postponed and will be scheduled for a future date.
  • The committee discussed potential projects for inclusion in the 2027 capital budget. Potential projects will need to be written up and submitted to the committee for approval and ranking at our February meeting.
  • The committee discussed an in-depth educational campaign for electricity conservation since it has the most significant impact on our monthly service fee. The immediate plan is to develop a slide to be shown on My Erickson with tips on conserving electricity to be followed by a Sunburst article and a “Voices of the Council” interview on Channel 972.
  • We are still looking for residents to participate in the updating of “Eco-Charlestown”. Any resident with the interest and expertise in updating applicable parts of the document should contact Gary or Charles for more information.
  • Recycle informational posters are located in the Atrium during February.

        Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 17, 2026– 2PM Brookside Classroom 1

Dining Services, Cathy Stevens, Chair.

  • Dining Services will soon begin a new show on 972 where there be discussions of menu items, interviews with chefs, etc.
  • New servers have been hired and new tablets have been received.
  • Still working on coffee pots for tables and maybe additional teapots.
  • Restaurant reports:

Restaurant Reports

  • -Atrium – happy with new menu, liked the hot chocolate for brunch.
  • -Fireside – when closed for renovations, may not have carryout. New head chef Sean Reilly. Chef’s special will be available for lunch.
  • -Cafe on Main – new microwave, unhappy about no sandwiches at brunch. Can’t get small/half portions at meals.
  • Dietary Focus Group – sharing our tip sheet with Ashby Ponds. Considering a survey to see if residents’ dietary needs are being met. Concerned that menus are just rotated, not very different from prior menus, and about calorie count for on desserts.

Next meeting is Friday, February 20th at 1:30 in CST 116

Finance, Art Johnson, Chair

  • The Special Committee on Auditorium Renovation, created by the Residents’ Council to provide input to Charlestown Administration for the Auditorium’s renovation, reports monthly to the Finance Committee. Members of the special committee recently traveled to Oak Crest to visit and review that community’s renovated auditorium. The trip proved very useful to our members.
  • The Special Committee also held a meeting to discuss its progress on developing input for the Charlestown management regarding specific renovation ideas/needs. The Special Committee reviewed its progress and goals at the meeting. Presentations by Hope Tillman and Brian McGill were very informative and helpful. The Special Committee hopes to have further proposals and the beginning of a draft report by the end of February.
  • Residents are reminded that those who wish to submit a proposal for a capital project for the 2027 budget must do so by early March. Proposals must be submitted via a Residents’ Council committee. Information (including the submission form) on the process can be found at cciCharlestown.org under the Finance Committee subheading.
  • The Finance Committee reviewed with the Finance Director the year-end eight-page 2025 financial report. Issues such as the budget setting process, detailed line items, and clarification of rate increases for Continuing Care were discussed as well as a broad ranging discussion of the 2025 budget and fiscal challenges for 2026.
  • Fifteen residents were reported to be on Benevolent Care in December 2025.

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9 AM in BR-1

Grounds, Dick Voelkel, Chair

First, a thank you to the box movers who spent 2 1/2 hours this morning moving boxes down to the Treasure Sale.

  • Herbert’s Run footer erosion project scheduled to begin in June/July 2026 and anticipated to take 8-12 weeks.
  • Deer Control – 5 deer have been harvested. No additional hunts planned.
  • Garden plots should be available fall of 2026.
  • Arborside sidewalk lights not working and additional lighting is needed in the Edgewood circle.
  • 50 new Eastern Red Cedar trees will be planted along maintenance yard fence. Probably in April, volunteers are needed.
  • Entrance areas of most buildings will have new and refreshed landscaping.
  • Rails to Trails fencing is in the Permit stage.

     Next Meeting: will be Tuesday, February 24 in BR 1 at 11AM

Health Services, Lois Eldred, Co-Chair

  • Infectious Disease Update.  Dr. Steven Schimpff presented an Infectious Disease Update.  He recently taped a video for 972.  Influenza is surging. There has been high uptake of the flu vaccine at Charlestown.  For those that haven’t received the vaccine it is still available at the Medical Center. People who are vaccinated may still become ill with flu but with fewer symptoms. There is also an uptick in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). There is no data currently about whether a booster for RVC should be given after initial vaccine; it is not recommended.
  • Continuing Care Update.  Masks are required for continuing care and there are few hotspots for influenza. Wilton Overlook had limited participation in the resident meeting due to influenza.    A Wellness Nurse has been hired for Caton Woods Floors 1 and 2.
  • Home Support Advisory.  Lory Stoner provided a detailed report of the quarterly meeting.  High scores on major measures in 11 of 13 measures.   Rehospitalization after initial hospitalization (a major indicator in quality assurance measures) was much better than the national average.
  • Alzheimer’s Support Group.  This group is working on a joint presentation for Resident Life and Security as to how to handle a medical emergency with dementia patients.
  • Parkinson’s Group.  Parkinsonics continue to meet monthly. It is live and also on Zoom.  They now include residents from Caton Woods.
  • Falls Committee.  Bill Miller sent info that there are more deaths from falling than car accidents.  (Confirmed: In 2023 data, Falls caused more death than motor vehicle accidents, marking a reversal from earlier years when motor vehicle accidents outnumbered falls 3-to-1. Falls now rank as the second-leading cause of preventable injury deaths overall).

The Dr. Kevin James Falls Presentation video is now available on 972

  • Grab Bars. While the grab bars have been installed in existing public restrooms there are no grab bars in the newly remodeled public bathrooms.  The newly remodeled Atrium restrooms do not have grab bars.  A message was sent to administration to suggest that specs be changed going forward so that grab bars are installed on all newly remodeled restrooms.
  • Substance Abuse Working Group. There will be a presentation, “Everything you wanted to ask about Sedatives, Hypnotics and Marijuana but were Afraid to Ask”.  Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Auditorium
  • Medication Disposal Events. February 16, 2026.  Cross Creek and Fireside Lobbies: 1-3 pm.  Subsequent Dates for 2026 are: May 18, August 17, November 15.  Residents volunteered at this meeting for this event.
  • Guns and Safety at Charlestown.  A new group has been formed under the aegis of the Resident Council Safety and Security Committee. Suicide risk among elderly men is high, with guns being their weapon of choice.  This group was involved in a detailed discussion about current Erickson Policy, and how Charlestown residents can help provide a safer environment regarding guns. (There was a previous group chaired by Bill Miller and Janet Allen and those recommendations have been reviewed).  There is concern about the “Don’t ask” policy upon arrival in independent living; it is noted that outside Home Health Agencies do ask about weapons when opening a home health case. (We do not know about the policy at Charlestown’s Home Health Group).  The group is interested in education of residents and assisting them in safe handling, and disposal if wanted.  There will be a presentation by Safety and Security at the next Health Committee meeting.

Next meeting: Tuesday, Tuesday, February 10th at 11:00 AM in BR-1

Housekeeping, Pat Whittier, Chair

  • I wish to begin today by thanking the housekeeping staff and residents on the Housekeeping Committee who work together to keep our home safe, clean, healthy and welcoming to residents and visitors. Any time there is a weather event, like a snow and ice storm, the job becomes more difficult. The salt applications help keep the walkways safer outside, but the housekeepers must work very hard to remove the salt tracked into every entrance. Thank you to all.
  • You may have noticed changes to your housekeeping staff; many housekeepers are now working in different buildings. I encourage you to meet your new housekeeper, welcome him and introduce yourself. A smile goes a long way!
  • Many residents are faithfully using the plastic trash cans, placing their trash bags inside so that we can avoid spills and leaks on the carpet and rodent issues. If you need one, please contact General Services and one will be delivered to you free of charge. I have been told that many are tired of hearing this plea, and frankly so am I. This is not going to solve the problems, but every action helps. I know we all have accidents and spills, particularly in the hallways and elevators, if this happens to you and you are unable to clean it up, please contact General Services and someone will be sent to clean it up as quickly as possible. If we each do our part, it will help our whole community be safe. I have also been told that someone has been placing larger pieces of bread outside of building entrances. I’m sure whoever is doing this is thinking of the extreme cold and is trying to help animals outside, but it provides a pathway for rodents to come inside where we don’t want them.
  • This leads to our next bullet point, Neighbors helping Neighbors. Several have noticed that where there is a resident with a helper, that helper may not know why we use trash cans. They are trying to speak with the helper so we are all working together. Another person commented that they procured the trash can for a neighbor who didn’t understand how to get one. Aren’t we fortunate to live in a loving and caring community?
  • We have resident housekeeping monitors who are observers in their home buildings. Most people assume responsibility for their own floor, walking their normal route, but being observant for stains or items that need to be removed. They report directly to General Services or to me about anything that housekeeping might need to address. This allows us to assist the housekeeping staff and make sure our home is as well maintained as possible. I’m happy to report that we have several new volunteers since our last meeting, but we need more. I am particularly looking for volunteers in Fountain Hill, Maple Terrace, New Carroll and Edgewood. If you might be interested in helping in one of these or in any other building, please let me know.
  • Tameria Willis has been named the new Team Lead for the Housekeeping Department. She will facilitate the walk-through inspections for each building. I, or a representative, will walk with her, the Housekeeper and any committee member who wishes to join the walk in their building.

Next Meeting: February 16, at 10 AM in BR-1

Legislative/Political, Richard Lee, Chair

  • Met with security to discuss procedures for inviting guests to participate in our meetings with legislators.
    • ○ Submit names to security in advance of the event.
  • LWV putting together a calendar of activities for the 2026 Gubernatorial and
    • ○ Congressional elections with the primary in June and general in November.
  • LWV will be scheduling voter registration and poll evaluation training with the Baltimore County Board of Elections.
  • Judy Plymyer has started a list of House and Senate Voting and Election Law Bills. Other Committee members may want to let us know what bills they are following.
  • MaCCRA visit to Annapolis during the legislative session scheduled for February 26th, persons planning on attending should contact Dave Schuch to arrange for transportation on the bus. A $10.00 charge for lunch at the Calvert House will be collected on the bus.
  • Legislative wrap up in late April or May.
  • Candidates’ forum for Baltimore County Executive and Council seat in May.
  • Senator Sydnor is hosting a District 44 Day in Annapolis is scheduled for February 16th from 6pm-9pm.
    • ○ Transportation will be provided. A bus will pick up at Charlestown at 4:30 pm.
    • ○ Food will be provided, then guests will be invited to the gallery to see your legislators at work.
    • ○ Contact Richard if interested.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 11th at 10 AM in BR1

Maintenance and Engineering, Brian McGill, Chair

  • Edgewood elevator #1 restoration rescheduled, date TBD
  • Main Street salon & laundry heating – Portable heaters are in use
  • Visit to Oak Crest’s auditorium
  • Main Line water leak repairs ongoing
  • Front Yard project scheduled to begin February 15th
  • Terrace Restaurant scheled “soft opening” late April

Design details have been requested

  • Use of Artificial Intelligence in proposal and contract reviews

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 24th @ 2 PM in BR1

Resident Life, Fred Sadler, Co-Chair

  • The Tapestry Program will be holding their next series of discussions on March 26th and 30th in the Atrium Restaurant from 10:00-11:30 AM each day. The theme of the discussions will be “The Power of Learning – A lifelong journey”. Information about the event will be distributed in early February through the normal Charlestown sites.
  • The Dine Together Program held its monthly dinner get together last night with 30 residents sharing their meals together. Beginning on March 9th the program will be expanded to include a once per month luncheon at the Café on Main. New residents will get their meals at the Café and meet with others at Bill’s Place for conversations from noon to 1:30 PM.
  • The Accessibility and Inclusion committee recently met with Custom Interiors staff and reviewed the Safety Items brochure that details upgrades available for residents’ apartments to enhance their mobility and safety. The committee has submitted a list of possible locations for new automatic door openers to Administration to improve resident access to the buildings.
  • The Low Vision group is investigating the possibility of providing orange color ribbons to residents to help identify that they have vision issues. This project will be advanced to Administration for approval once all the details are finalized.
  • The Dining Ambassadors program continues to receive lists of new residents to pair for dining. They are continuing to seek new ambassadors willing to have dinner with new residents.
  • The Transportation Sustainability group has made some final revisions to the Ride Share brochure and it has been approved by Administration. We will have the brochure printed and distributed to several campus sites soon.

       Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 2 PM in BR-2

Safety and Security, Ed Appel & Patti Omiston, Co-Chairs

  • The American Medical Supply Co. pays monthly visits to Charlestown. EV & rollator safety inspections are performed free. Both need brake, wheel and EVs need motor and battery inspections.  On the last visit, only four EV owners brought their vehicles in for inspection.  It is important to ensure that the brakes, batteries and mechanical parts are in good condition.
  • There will be a Safety Presentation Wed., May 20, 2026, from 1-2:30 pm in the auditorium. We will include topics on falls prevention, scams, safe use of rollators and EVs and more.
  • Continued efforts are being made by Security with committee support to increase campus pedestrian and traffic safety, and especially in this cold, icy winter to avoid falls. Security has had several responses to falls on the snow and ice, including by those trying to clear off cars and parking spaces.  Be careful!  Drive slowly on campus.  Help Security by reporting unsafe driving, and include license plate numbers or vehicle descriptions if possible.
  • Thank You visits to BCPD, BCFD, and Arbutus VFD will take place soon. They were delayed due to snow.
  • We continue to receive firearms and ammunition safety questions. The committee’s gun safety subcommittee and a separate, informal gun safety group have experts who can answer questions and assist residents in such things as disposal of a weapon by an executor of an estate, sales, safe storage and transport, periodic cleaning and safe use such as for target shooting.  Males over 85 who commit suicide most often use guns.  When a gun is in the home, it is the most likely method to be used to commit suicide.  Why maintain a firearm if it is never used?  Firearms should not be kept loaded or unlocked.  The subcommittee and gun safety group’s experts stand ready to assist any resident with questions about firearms.

Next Meeting: February 19th at 11am in CTS 116

Administration Update

Executive Director Don Grove

Don thanked the resident council and encouraged all attendees to consider running for the council this year. He gave an update o snow and ice removal and asked for patience and understanding.  He also recommended that no one try to clean their car off by themselves and stated that numerous falls had already happened as a result of unsafe excursions out onto the ice.

He reminded everyone of the General Services Town Hall scheduled for the next day.

In dining updates, he said placemats are on order for all the sit-down restaurants.  He said the Café on Main will be having a build your own Sundae Bar on Tuesday and Thursdays soon.

On continuing care, he stated that we have received a 5-star rating from CMS.  He also reminded everyone that respiratory ailments are currently high and to avoid visiting continuing care until the season has passed.

He introduced the new assistant finance director Nathan Taylor.

He stated that the community is in good shape financially.  We are currently at 98.4% occupancy.  The only available apartments are 14 one bedroom and 3 studio units.  He said offers will be made to individuals living in two-bedroom units to incentivize them to relocate if they are interested.

Questions

Rick Jones asked about the flags in front of the chapel and pointed out the poor condition of some of the flags out front.  Don said they will inspect the flags and that the pole at the chapel had needed a repair and he hoped it would be completed by spring.

John Remias asked about the new AV manager.  Don stated that Costas Vienna (?) has been hired. He is returning to Charlestown after relocating to Ashby Ponds.  He will be here later this month.

Rosemary Erdman asked that the construction people who are wetting the floors in the middle of the day be cognizant of the fall risk they are creating.  Don stated that they were working to mitigate the dust issue but that they were instructed to leave half the floor open for people to pass and said they would monitor the situation.

Barbara Sadler asked about overflowing gutters and ice damming.  Don stated that we have a contract with Rough Roofing to manage our gutters and they have scheduled maintenance windows.  He said he did not know the schedule for the gutters in question.

Marty White pointed out that large kitchen trash bags are being left in the outside trash cans at The St Charles and wondered what could be done.  Don stated that any resident can call housekeeping and they will come pick up a trash bag if you have that need between scheduled pick-ups.

Next meeting is March 3, 2026 at 3PM.