Charlestown's Friends of UMBC Group Hosts Social and Educational Events

Eleven years ago, Pat Bettridge and her late husband Bill sold their house in Catonsville, Md., and moved just a hop, skip, and jump away to Charlestown, the Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville. 

Not only does Pat have longstanding ties to "Music City, Maryland," she's also quite familiar with University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)--located two miles from Charlestown. 

When UMBC opened on the former 425-acre tract of land operated by Spring Grove State Hospital in September 1966, it had 750 students, 3 buildings, 45 faculty members, and 35 support staff. Bill was among them. A new Ph.D. student from Ohio State, Bill applied to be an English professor in March of that year. 

Bill loved UMBC and his students' enthusiasm so much that he spent his entire thirty-year career there, retiring from the college in 1996. Now, to carry on the university's legacy in honor of Bill, Pat is a member of the Friends of UMBC at Charlestown--a group of UMBC faculty, alumni, family, and friends.

"It's a great group of people! Believe it or not, we all have a lot in common," jokes Pat. "I enjoy making new friends and renewing old friendships. I like reminiscing about our time at UMBC and discussing how we can strengthen the alliance between the two campuses in the future." 

Strong connection

Art Johnson, leader of the Friends of UMBC, taught in the university's political science department from 1980 until his retirement in 2017. From 1998 through 2008, he also served as Provost. Now, he is Provost Emeritus. 

"My wife and I moved to Charlestown in 2023. Friends of UMBC has really taken off since then," he says. "We provide a way for those at Charlestown with UMBC connections to meet and socialize by hosting a variety of events--from lectures and poetry readings to concerts and day trips. We try to have something for everyone."

The relationship is proving fruitful. An introduction between Charlestown's Jazz Club and UMBC's Jazz Ensemble resulted in monthly jazz concerts attracting hundreds of residents. 

Another event invited the editors of the book This Belongs to Us: Stories From UMBC's Founding Four Classes to discuss the collection of memories from UMBC's first four graduating classes. Among the residents who attended was a couple who met at UMBC, married, and later moved to Charlestown. 

"The alumni who showed up at that event were very excited and engaged because they could directly relate to the program. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie among them," says Art.

Bridging generations

Building a bridge between Charlestown and UMBC has provided lots of educational opportunities as well. 

"Some members participate in a lifelong learning program at Charlestown, where they give lectures on topics like galaxies, history, and the upcoming elections," says Art. "Others coach student servers who work in our restaurants on how to apply for scholarships through Charlestown's Scholarship Program. Volunteers provide applicants with advice on the writing and speaking portions of the application process, as well as general encouragement and advice throughout the process."

He continues, "We have several staff members here at Charlestown who are earning their degree from UMBC's Erickson School of Aging Studies. We would love to have these graduate students perform some of their work here and then go on to enjoy a career with Erickson Senior Living." 

John Erickson, the founder of Erickson Senior Living communities, collaborated with UMBC in 2004 to open the Erickson School of Aging Studies on the university's campus. The school offers bachelor's and master's degrees in management of aging services, a unique program combining management, public policy, and aging studies.

'Natural affinity'

The Friends have also received generous support from UMBC's Alumni Association, the Office of Institutional Advancement, and the Wisdom Institute, an organization for UMBC's retired faculty and staff. 

Pat, who taught high school in the area, has run into many former students who graduated from UMBC and are now employed at the community. 

"It's amazing how many people here have ties to UMBC!" says Pat. "There is a natural affinity, and we can really benefit each other."

The Friends of UMBC is just one of 300 resident-run clubs and groups at Charlestown--many with ties to the local community, including the Knights of Columbus, Seton High School Alumnae, and Westinghouse/Northrop Grumman Fellowship.

Getting involved

In addition to the Friends of UMBC, Art enjoys using the community's on-site fitness center, plays bocce, and is cochair of the Legislative and Political Committee for Charlestown's Resident Advisory Council. 

"There are so many opportunities here if you want to be involved," he says.

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Charlestown, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.