A Day in The Life at Charlestown

When John and Pat Remias were exploring their senior living options, they were searching for an amenity-rich retirement community where they could enjoy a social, carefree lifestyle.

"I was also tired of working around the house and maintaining everything. I knew it was time for us to move," says John.

Charlestown, the Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., checked all their boxes. With maintenance-free apartment homes that eliminate the hassle of time-consuming repairs, residents have open schedules to take advantage of top-notch amenities and over 300 clubs. 

"We were active before we moved to Charlestown," he notes, "but there is so much going on here! The opportunity for activity is much greater, compared to if we had stayed in our house."

Active and engaged

Since moving from Arnold, Md., to their apartment home at Charlestown in 2020, John and Pat have enjoyed everything from club meetings and dinners with new friends to workouts in the fitness center. 

"Before we moved, I went to the gym every day," says Pat. "But I would have to jump in the car and drive 15 minutes there, and then drive back home afterwards. It took up a good chunk of my day. Now, I just walk down the hall to the fitness center to exercise." 

With her newfound free time, Pat was able to join the Harmonizers Choir and play with a resident recorder group weekly. The Harmonizers hold two concerts each year--in June and December--and perform a variety of musical genres including love songs, show tunes, and holiday favorites.

"We have about 50 auditioned singers, who are led by resident Linda Burgard. She is an excellent trained choral director," says Pat.

John is also very active. He likes to swim in the pool at the on-campus aquatics center and take walks on a nearby trail. "I serve as the president of Charlestown's Resident Advisory Council as well," says John. 

Together, they enjoy attending chapel concerts, volunteering with the community's Treasure Sale, and taking part in lifelong learning classes that cover an array of topics.   

"I have attended a few classes by myself, including talks by former Baltimore Orioles Rick Dempsey and Mike Bordick. Pat and I have also enjoyed presentations on Celtic and Japanese Koto music," says John.

So much to do

Allison Chlada, Charlestown's community resources coordinator, notes that there is always something going on around campus, making it easy for residents to enjoy an active, social lifestyle. 

"Charlestown is a community full of possibilities, no matter what your passions are," she says. "With over 300 groups, dozens of volunteer programs, live entertainment, and more, there is something happening all day, every day. Plus, residents are establishing new clubs regularly to capture emerging interests."

In addition to a robust list of clubs, Charlestown boasts an on-site bank, hair salon, library, and a medical center--all accessible via climate-controlled walkways. 

The couple especially appreciates the medical center. "We are incredibly grateful to have the medical center right here on campus," says John. 

Dining with friends

At the end of their busy days, John and Pat love meeting up with neighbors and friends at one of the six restaurants on campus, which serve up a variety of made-to-order meals. 

"I haven't cooked a meal since we moved to Charlestown!" says Pat. "I love that aspect of living here. I was so excited at the idea of not having to cook."

"Not having to worry about what we are going to make for dinner is wonderful. We have so many choices when it comes to dining. It's unreal!" says John, who appreciates having dinner five times a week with different people at the community's restaurants.

Although Pat wasn't interested in cooking, she's glad that she has the space to whip up a batch of cookies--when she finds time in her calendar, that is.

"I have a big kitchen counter for baking," notes Pat. "We were living in a 2,000 square foot house, but we really only used four rooms. Our apartment home is perfect for us."

'The best decision'

Recently celebrating their fourth year at Charlestown, John and Pat couldn't be happier with their social, carefree lifestyle.

"It's incredibly valuable to us, having so many opportunities that cater to our emotional, physical, and psychological well-being," says John. 

"Moving to Charlestown is the best decision we've made," adds Pat.

Invest in your future self at Charlestown. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!