President Stephanie Leddy called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council [the Council] to order at 3:00 pm on Tuesday August 4, 2026.  Sixty-eight (68) residents attended in addition to Don Grove, Executive Director; Laura Rye, Associate Executive Director; Paul Edelman, Director Dining Services; David Schneyer, Finance Director; Jason Dennis, General Services Director; Jill Clippinger, Resident Life 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 July 7, 2026 meeting of the Residents’ Council meeting were approved.

Mission Moment

Honoree: David Walther
Honored By:  Ron Glatzel

Ron celebrates David Walther for inviting him to dinner with five other guests, and quote, making me feel welcome as I met new residents who have lived here longer than I. He included me in conversation with the others, allowing me to make new friends. Ron enjoyed the time with everyone and looks forward to seeing them again. Thank you, David. And I believe David is here. Am I correct in that? No. All right. Well, thank Ron for bringing up David and encourage other people to do that. And remember, you can be a dining ambassador.

Honoree: Paula Ray
Honored by: Rosemary Eck

Rosemary honors Paula Ray as she retires after 10 years of capable leadership, two as president of the chapel concert series and eight as the sole concert coordinator.  Paula has been responsible for seeking, auditioning, contracting, and scheduling musicians for more than 125 concerts in our beautiful chapel over the last nine seasons. Rosemary explains using her experience, tact, and understanding, Paula crafted a role of talent scout, negotiator, paymaster, and friend to many musicians who trust and appreciate her. And because Paula’s goal has been to bring splendid music, well played, to Charlestown, grateful residents, friends, and strangers have packed the chapel to hear a full range of music in richly varied concerts. Celebrating Paula for living the Erikson values of excellence, teamwork, diversity, responsibility, and enthusiasm.

Executive Team Reports

Stephanie Leddy President

Stephanie Letty introduced herself as the president of the resident council for the next six days.  She thanked all who have faithfully attended the monthly meetings and those of you who view it on 972 or on your phone. She stated it is a great feeling to look out on residents taking in the activity and hearing from each committee.  She appreciated all the relevant questions and feedback from people who watched elsewhere. People will come up and tell me about it afterwards. She was very proud of all the things we accomplished this year alongside the administration

Jerry Donaldson, Treasurer

Balance – June 23, 2026                                              $8,479.62

Income                                                                                $00.00

Expenses                                                                        $500.00

Balance – June 23, 2026                                              $7,979.62

Expenses

Refreshments for Annual Meeting                             est       $300.00

Badges for New Elected Council Members               est       $200.00

Committee Reports

Benevolent Care, Sandy Mack, Chair

• Planned Giving – 1 New Gift Received
• Benevolent Care Month is August

Philanthropy Fridays on Channel 972

Resident Ambassadors will be at lobby tables throughout the campaign to answer questions

August 19th – Legacy Society Brunch 11am Conference Ctr Invitation only

August 26th – Paint Day 1pm  Conference Center

• Upcoming Event –

Financial Planning/Planned Giving Seminar- 9/10 1pm Auditorium

NO MEETING IN AUGUST – next – Meeting Wednesday, 9/23, 2:30 CTS 116

Communications, Betty Elder and Hope Tillman, Co-Chairs

Mary Evans / Community Resources

• Updates – Grandcamp 2026 has been cancelled. Lessons learned – need to schedule that event  for next year’s summer camp much earlier – i.e., in March or April when parents/grandparents begin planning for summer camp activities for children.
• Planning is underway for the CGO Expo which will be held on September 18 from 11 – 2 pm.

Gregory Johnson / General Services

• A new initiative for Assisted Living began July 27. Residents can  check out pendants at their lobby desks for residents living there who are visiting in Independent Living.
• Personal Carts – 17 carts have been sold and sale is ongoing. Residents can call Greg at General Services to order. Greg will announce the next cart sale when it has been planned with Peg Buehlmann.

Zach Parks/IT  

IT Support Update –

• Resident ERCS Work Orders: 389 completed | Average TTC: 2.95 days
• Employee Tickets: 187 completed | Average TTC: 1.68 days

Connect 3 Upgrade

• Completed in Independent Living and finalizing Continuing Care this week and final apartment repairs will be completed over the next week.
• Investigation of reported landline issues found no connection to the Connect 3 upgrade. Most reported issues originated from buildings using dedicated copper-line infrastructure rather than the upgraded ONT network.

Online Dining Reservation Changes

• Onsite IT staff have been trained on the new system and are prepared to assist residents.
• Residents needing assistance are encouraged to attend the August 19^th Tech Bar.

Independent Living Mobile Phone Upgrade

• Cabling installation continues while the project awaits DAS radio and head-end equipment delivery.

Spam & Security Trends

• 3 resident incidents reported:
  • 1 confirmed compromise involving a malicious Google advertisement.
  • 2 incidents successfully avoided through resident reporting and IT intervention before compromise occurred. Scammers were using false calendar invites via email in a phishing attempt

Upcoming Tech Bars

• Q3: August 19, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Refectory
  • We are addressing the misprint that was made last week in the newsletter.
• Q4 (Tentative): December 1, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Wilton Overlook Meeting Hall

Other Topics

• CCICharlestown.org – possibility of doing away with pull down menus on the main pages. The same information is on the title at the top of each page. There seem to be many things there. We will alert residents about this in the September Sunburst issue.
• The Signage Subcommittee finished going through the Charlestown Square signs on both floors. For a few signs that were omitted from the package, such as those between CTS216 and the side door, we included pictures of those signs. We are looking at the Evacuation Route sign package.
• Outside map – John Arnold submitted a new map with a few updates, and it will be put up on CCICharlestown.org under Campus Maps.

Election for Residents’ Council will be tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5th at each resident’s dining area. See the election information for more details.

Annual Residents’ Association meeting will be August 10 at 7:00 pm in the Conference Center

Our next Communications Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28 @ 2:00 PM. by Zoom, preceded by Website Committee at 1:30

The Conservation Committee, Jack Flood & Gary Rogers, Co-Chairs

• Electric Conservation

Electric conservation is one of the drivers of our conservation committee. It’s one of the two driving forces in here. The cost. We’ve had a slide up on my Erickson prior to the water slide conservation, and it will be coming back up.

• Plastic Bag pickup in Laundry Rooms

Residents are picking up the plastic bags in the laundry rooms, and taking them to Giant, and Giant processes them. We hope to have that totally operational again in the next month or two.

• Aluminum Cans

Charles Robinson heads this up and It’s working very well. The last collection of cans netted us about $130 for the Benevolent Fund. We have dedicated people to go around every recycling day, picking up the cans. Hopefully, you’re not mixing them in with the regular recycling. Please put them in a separate bag so that people can pick them up easily..

• Solar

There’s a lot going on with solar right now. We have in Capex going through the approval process up to $50,000 to do a study on Charlestown and how solar can benefit us. We have a subcommittee here led by Brian McGill working on solar possibilities throughout the community.

• Food Scraps

Met with Laura Rye and two other officials here to talk about the food scraps. We’ve gotten the approval to proceed. CCI Charlestown will soon have documentation on food scrap recycling. Currently at Ryderwood, they have 500 of their 2,200 residents weekly that turn in food scraps. We’re going to do it here on Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 at the various restaurants then have it collected by Veterans Compost twice a week. Bags will be initially provided

• Hybrid Vehicles

We only have two in our fleet, both in the security fleet. I’ve inquired as to future hybrid here in our fleet, and currently we’re going to be getting two new vehicles next year. They will not be hybrid. I don’t think it’s something that I feel very good about that there’s not looking at adding some hybrid vehicles to our fleet. I think we should be making better effort on that.

• NO AUGUST MEETING

   Next meeting: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – 2PM – Br1 

Dining Services, Cathy Stevens, Chair.

• New Reservation system began 7/27-7 minute video explains it
• Terrace opened August 3rd. Pagers given reach to Bill’s Place
• Fireside Carryout will be M-F 1-5. Limited menus
• Lactose-free milk is back
• To be cautious, all lettuce is washed twice
• Next Crab Feast – October 13th
• Fireside Carry-out M-F 1-5 Crab & Go. Crab Cakes every day

Restaurant Sub-Committee Reports

• My Nutrition – not enough food items listed
• Dietary Focus – fall ELLIC presentation on tip sheet
• NO AUGUST MEETING

    Next Meeting – Monday, August 17,  2026 in CTS 116

Finance, Art Johnson, Chair

• Edgewood Staircase (CapEx Project) needs a warning sign at top of stairs

The packet that those proposals have not yet been approved, but planning has started on that project, that particular project.

• June Report – 98.2% occupancy YTD 95.8% Continuing Care YTD

The bottom line is that Charlestown is in good financial position compared to the budget laid out for this year? They’re pretty much on target, and that’s been the case throughout my reports to you this year. But at the end of June, we were at 98.2 percent occupancy for independent living, and 95.8 percent for continuing care. So we’re pretty filled up, and that’s always good news. Benevolent Care Fund. There were 16 residents, 12 in continuing care for an independent living, unbenevolent care, at a total expense for June of $121,442.

• 17 of 49 health care positions open
• NO MEETING IN AUGUST

 Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 29th, 9 a.m. Brookside 1

Grounds, Dick Voelkel, Chair

• All outdoor Projects are underway and on schedule.
• Parking lot & walkways lighting will have new wiring & conduit installed
• Covering for the Square entrance has been installed to shade benches. Windproof up to 90 MPH. All hardware is heavy duty. Removed in winter
• HR Stream work has started
• Brookside benches are being replaced with chairs and tables with umbrellas.
• Lighting problem at Brookside with new lights being on all night -need a timer
• NO AUGUST MEETING

Next Meeting: will be Tuesday, September 29th in BR 1 at 11AM 

Health and Wellness, Marty White, Co-Chair

• Continuing Care Updates

There is increased need for Memory Care beds (currently Wilton Overlook 4).  There is concern that as more individuals with cognitive deficits are being admitted to Independent Living, they may take priority over IL residents that are waiting for WO4 beds.

The Committee discussed the importance of writing down individual preferences well before even considering moving to Continuing Care so that these preferences may be known before dementia obscures the ability to advocate for needs.

The Caton Woods Assisted Living Open House is tomorrow- Island Vibes.  It is full but Laura Selvage – Caton Woods Sales Coordinator suggests leaving her a message if interested in a future event.

• Parkinsons’ Group Activities

The Parkinson’s group continues its many activities including movement class, support groups for both individuals and their caregivers, education, and relearning bridge. It is noted that there is a lack of movement disorder specialists in the country, as well as a need for earlier identification from primary care providers.

• Falls Prevention

There’s a U of MD falls presentation that my co-Chair Marty White is looking into. There will be more information at a future date and the Health Committee will coordinate with Safety and Security Committee

• Infectious Disease Update

Respiratory viruses are low everywhere.  Cyclospora- found from contaminated head lettuce – has been reported in Maryland and there were recently 2 deaths in Michigan.    It is a nasty illness.

• NO MEETING IN AUGUST

The Medication Take-Back is Monday August 17, 2026 from 1-3 pm at Cross Creek Lobby and Fireside.

Next meeting: Tuesday, September 8th 11 am BR1 

Housekeeping, Pat Whittier, Chair

• Shout out to the Housekeeping Staff and those on the Housekeeping Committee
• The Housekeeping staff has increased with five new employees – 3 housekeepers and one driver. To assist the Utility Workers assigned in each building, the goal is to have a Team Lead assigned to four building groups. Interviews continue for these proposed team leaders. These employees will be focusing on their specific area, performing 20 inspections weekly to help facilitate a quicker response to issues that might arise in each building.
• Building inspections volunteers needed

We still need more residents who are willing to walk the halls of their buildings to help report needs they see. By accompanying staff on the building inspections, we can help identify areas of need from a resident perspective. This means we need more resident volunteers to fill this role.  If we all work together, we can help provide more immediate attention to accidental spills and stains as well as recurring problems.

• Ehrlich inspectors

The Ehrlich Preventative Maintenance Inspections have been taking place in June and July. Each resident apartment is issued a bar code at the time of that inspection. The apartment bar code is placed in an inconspicuous location that you won’t even notice. This bar code will allow for digital recording of issues that arise, steps taken and follow up.  Along with the indoor efforts to help prevent mice entering the apartments, outdoor mouse traps have been placed around campus. Every effort is being made to solve the rodent problem. Please continue to use the plastic trash cans provided free of charge, placing a tied trash bag inside. It does help!

• Carpet issues

One problem that the housekeepers deal with consistently is carpet stains. You can help reduce this problem by putting lids tightly on cups and being careful to avoid spills. If a spill occurs, please contact Housekeeping so that they can address the problem as soon as possible. If it remains it may take 24-48 hours for resolution

Next meeting August 17th at 10:00 AM In BR 1 

Legislative/Political, Richard Lee, Chair

• There was no July meeting

Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 9th at 10 AM in BR1 

Maintenance and Engineering, Brian McGill, Chair

• Survey of apartment shut off valves continues to year’s end

water leaks in apartments are a factor of life. There is a survey of the Department of Water showed us that looking. through the end of the year. They’re going to happen, but the idea is to limit the damage they do by knowing how to quickly turn off the water flow in that building.

• Herbert’s Run external door to be repaired

The parts needed for that are on order, but have not yet been received. But it is it will be repaired. The inner door is fully functional.

• Terrace restrooms are open – Men’s room still needs some work.
• Renewable Energy Update – 2 alternatives being studied

We’ve looked at two alternative. We being the committee of residents. There’s seven of us, and I’m very grateful for their participation. They’ve been wonderful. We’ve looked at two alternative solutions. One would be solar carports over 120 parking spaces behind the Wilton Overlook, at an estimated cost of 3.8 million dollars. Our conclusion as a group is that that’s no longer something we want to look into. It’s it’s too disruptive. It’s too expensive, and it would only solve like two or 3% of our energy needs. The other alternative is called a power purchase agreement, and basically, you buy into a project that is that is off-site somewhere in Maryland, somewhere in the BGE area of support or service, and you basically, we Charlestown would not have to put up any money for that project. It’s a little bit complicated, and our team of volunteers is learning a lot about this, but that particular alternative looks particularly promising at this point.

• Major emphasis for remainder of 2026

Safety of Edgewood staircase- renovation moved to 2026 – project is currently at Erickson Senior Living Design Team. It is imperative that the residents remain involved in understanding what that design is going to be and working with the administration to make a successful project.

• NO AUGUST MEETING

    Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 29th @ 2 PM in BR1

Resident Life, Bill Jones, Co-Chairs

• The Tapestry Planning Committee has set their fall sessions for Thursday, October 1st and Monday, October 5th in the Chesapeake and Terrace Restaurants, respectively. The topic for these sessions will be “Change Happens – How do I deal with it” More information on registration will be distributed after September 1st.
• The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee is working with Channel 972 and the Little Theatre Company to film a video addressing the topic of EMV courtesy. The video will cover how both EMV users and other residents can be helpful when using elevators and around the campus. The taping of the video is scheduled for August 24th.
• The Low Vision Group has begun to investigate potential ways that UMBC students could become involved with low vision issues at Charlestown. It is hoped that some students could be helpful in developing new projects on this campus that will continue to improve conditions for low vision persons.
• The Friendly Visitors Program has recruited several new visitors to welcome new residents and the orientation packets for new residents have been updated. After much discussion it has been decided this group will pursue a similar program at the Continuing Care buildings and a steering committee is being formed to develop the program.
• The Resident Life Committee has sadly accepted the resignation of Margaret Vincent as our Weekly Newsletter editor. However, we are pleased that Desmond Young has stepped up and taken over this very valuable project. Initially he plans to publish the newsletter bi-weekly with an eventual return to a weekly schedule.
• A new Speed Friending event was held on July 9th and was very successful with thirty people participating. The format is like a speed dating event but where newer residents get to meet others in a rapid exchange of information. The demand to participate was so large that another event is now scheduled for Thursday, August 6th at 2:00 PM at Bill’s Place.
• NO MEETING IN AUGUST

    Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 16th at 2pm in BR2

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

• The Security Department along with vendors, maintenance and other staff are completing life-safety checks and testing which include apartment safety inspections, replacement of older smoke detectors and elevator inspections. Some recent elevator outages prompted Security response to assist residents. I’m told that a vehicle damaged the parking lot bollards at Parkview, and they have been re-set in cement.
• Craig Nelson, Security Department Manager and Charlestown employee over 30 years has resigned due to health, and a replacement search is underway. Remember when summoning Security that their primary job is emergency response and the officers are assigned accordingly. Some residents call security for services that are not related to their mission.
• Safety Presentations on You Tube

ESL VP Wendy Harris’ Scams Prevention video & handout

Better Safe Than Sorry video – falls, scams, home & away safety video & handout

• Summer weather brings heat and storms. We should take care when going outside in the heat, stay hydrated and avoid overheating.  Lately, heavy thunderstorms are also a reason to take care.  Luckily, on a scorching hot day, only one individual resident was recently reported as requiring Security’s emergency response with CPR outside, and that person has recovered.
• Unfortunately, despite new signs and reminders, we still have vehicles speeding and going through stop signs on campus. Be careful when walking the campus.
• This is my last Residents’ Council meeting as a member and Co-Chair of the Safety-Security Committee. I want to thank Craig Nelson, Bre Jones and the whole Security team here at Charlestown, Mike Fischer and the security professionals at ESL for their services, which I believe are outstanding. Because of the leadership and responsiveness of Don Grove, Leslie Johnson, Laura Rye and General Services Director Jason Dennis, the Security Department and the security officers under Craig and Bre have the support that they need to keep us all safe and sound. Don and his team review every security report. They make safety and security of residents their highest priority. I’d also like to thank Patti Ormiston for her very helpful service as co-chair this year. As a nurse, she is ideally suited to helping residents prevent falls, a risk for us all.

Next meeting: August 20th with staff at 11am in Wilton Overlook

Nominating, John Arnold, Co-Chair

• Election Day is Tomorrow, August 5th
• Your Polling Place is determined by where you live in our community
• Polling Places and Times below
• (PLEASE HAVE YOUR IDENTITY BADGE WITH YOU)

Buildings	Polling place	Voting Hours
1, 2, 4, & 5	Terrace Cafe	11:00-2:00
	Bills Place	3:00-6:30
EW, 7, 8 & 9	Terrace Cafe	11:00 AM-2:00 PM
		3:00-6:30 PM
CR, CC, PV & HV	Fireside Lounge	11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
		3:00 PM-6:00 PM
ST	Atrium Lounge	3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
BR & HR	Shortline Lounge	11AM-2:00PM
	Chesapeake	3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

 

Administration Update

Don Grove, Executive Director

Don gave project updates, Crab and Go and Terrace Café are open.

The Fireside renovation is underway.  The lower level of Charlestown Square (sales, fitness, and the lobby areas )will be begun later.

The front lawn was delayed by the rains but will still be open before the end of August.

Don thanked each member of the Resident Council by name and pointed our points of appreciation to every one for their work this year.

Questions

What’s the date for the fall festival?  Friday October 16, 2026.

Don Krebs – SC 319 asked If we would take a grant for solar energy, would that have any effect on the nonprofit status of Charlestown.  Don replied that we obviously would have to be very conscious of our nonprofit status and can’t disturb that.

Next meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 3 PM in the auditorium