Erickson Living’s flagship community celebrates 35 years

Recently, community members and staff kicked off a yearlong celebration in honor of the 35^th anniversary of Charlestown, Erickson Living’s first continuing care retirement community.

“Our goal is to create a season of celebrating that honors Charlestown’s roots, paying tribute to the people who shaped our community,” says community resource manager Mary Evans. “Since our doors opened in 1983, Charlestown has empowered thousands of residents by providing numerous opportunities to live out the Erickson Living mission - sharing our gifts to create communities that celebrate life. In 35 years that mission has never changed. Our residents are responsible for creating the community and lifestyle that is enjoyed today.”

With Memorial Day as the backdrop to the week’s activities, community members kicked off the weekend enjoying a patriotic concert by the Shades of Blue Orchestra, distributing Buddy Poppies (the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States), and dining from a special holiday menu in each of the campus restaurants.

On the morning of May 25^th, residents woke to find that a flag in honor of fallen heroes, veterans, and those currently serving in the U.S. military, had been placed outside their doors.

“The unexpected gesture touched the hearts of many community members and staff,” says Evans.

The coupling of the community’s anniversary with Memorial Day is especially meaningful to community member John Strumskey who moved to Charlestown, with his wife Dawn, over Memorial Day weekend 2011. Since that time, he’s taken on the unofficial role of community historian, penning a thorough history of the Charlestown campus, once the home of St. Charles College and Seminary.

“Charlestown has a rich and vibrant history that is in many ways unique,” says Strumskey. “Our historic buildings, including our chapel, are more than 100 years old. Each are real treasures. My wife and I consider ourselves very fortunate to live at Charlestown. The community is safe, the staff is caring, and our 2,000 residents are happy and pleasant. It's a pleasure greeting people here every day.”

The Memorial Day/anniversary celebration concluded with a high-energy performance from Ain’t Misbeahavin Big Band and a Memorial Day remembrance service.

“We have so much to celebrate at Charlestown,” says Evans. “This is only the beginning. The most exciting part, as we look back on all that we’ve accomplished, is what lies ahead.”

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Photo: 35^th Charlestown logo