Charlestown Celebrates “Ruby” 40th Anniversary

Charlestown, Erickson Senior Living’s flagship community in Baltimore County, Maryland, is proud to celebrate its fortieth anniversary this year. The very first residents moved into apartment homes developed on the campus of a former seminary in Catonsville back in 1983.  Since then, the community has grown and evolved considerably, and today, it remains a leader in vibrant retirement living for Baltimore-area seniors. 

At the time, the concept of a community for independent, active adults was still fairly new. By providing maintenance-free apartment homes and convenient access to on-site health care, Charlestown helped to usher in a new way of living for retirees. Without the burdens of home ownership, residents are free to pursue their passions among peers, participate in new and favorite daily activities, and enjoy a vibrant community life. Today, Charlestown continues to offer its nearly 2,000 residents an engaged retirement lifestyle, supported by 1,000 employees, multiple on-campus dining venues, a wide array of activities and amenities, and a full range of continuing care healthcare services.

To honor this year’s milestone anniversary, the community hosted a series of special events. The festivities kicked off on Friday, May 19 with a Ruby Celebration in the Fountain Hill Courtyard on Charlestown’s 110-acre campus. Residents, staff, and families were invited to enjoy live music, face painting and caricaturists, a petting zoo and pony rides, crab soup cook-off, magic show with balloon art, special appearances from the Charlestown Cheers group and the Baltimore Oriole Bird, and multiple food trucks. The event culminated with a Fireworks Extravaganza.

“This year is all about celebration!” said Charlestown executive director Don Grove. “As I reflect on this special anniversary, I am filled with pride for the work that residents and team members have done to serve and care for one another, and excited about all we will accomplish together in the future. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make our 40th year one to remember, and who continue to make Charlestown a great place to live and work!”

Other celebrations included a “Meet the Founder” Q&A with John Erickson, the founder of Charlestown and Erickson Retirement Communities, a presentation and reception in recognition of residents and staff who have been with Charlestown for 25 years or more, and a commemorative archives display. Each month throughout the year, the community is spotlighting a resident club or group that was established more than 35 years ago.  

On Tuesday, May 23, Charlestown’s multiple on-site restaurants offered the entire community a 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, featuring ruby cocktails and surf and turf specials, followed by a dessert social with live entertainment.

Now is the time to benefit from four decades of experience redefining retirement. Request more information about vibrant, engaged living at Charlestown today.