01-17-25 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, January 17, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 10:03am by Commissioner Cassidy.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gwen Block, Jim Camarata, Kara Cassidy, Ruth Lunde, Beth Mason, Bhakti Modi
MEMBERS ABSENT: Phyllis Mobley
GUESTS PRESENT:
Danielle Schmidt, Senior Community Services, Kara Cassidy, Carver County HHS, Linnea
Fonnest, Chanhassen Library, Mary Blazanin, Chanhassen Senior Center Manager.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The agenda was reviewed as submitted. Commissioner Camarata made a motion to approve the
agenda. Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
December 13, 2024 Minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve the
minutes. Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS: Communications Committee Updates:
Newspaper Articles: Commissioner Camarata reported Chanhassen Neighbors Magazine
published his article on transportation. Mary Blazanin reported an article on Helping Senior
Neighbors was to be published in The Sun Sailor in February. Camarata has been approved as an
official contributor to the Carver County Online Local News. He commended Commissioner
Modi for her co-leadership on the paper, as well as her ongoing volunteer work with its team of
editors. He recommended Commissioners subscribe to it. Commissioner Cassidy offered to assist
with submitting Senior Center events on the website.
Resource Guide: Commissioner Mason provided updates on the Chanhassen Senior
Resource Guide. She requested permission from Victoria to repurpose the guide with a
Chanhassen focus. Victoria agreed. Commissioners were asked to review and recommend
additions or edits. Linnea Fonnest offered to review. Mary noted that once all the information is
ready, the City’s Communications Team will format it for publication in Chanhassen. Mary
offered to find local sponsors to help with printing costs and will report back to the Commission
on progress.
Carver County Local News: Commissioner Modi gave an overview of the online newspaper
started and run by local volunteers as an unbiased, free news source to Carver County residents.
She explained the intake process for press releases, news tips, obituaries, story ideas, school
sports, and local events. The paper needs new submissions and is currently encouraging
Chanhassen organizations to participate more. The paper will be adding a “senior” category for
submitting programs and events, and adding an advertising, partners, and sponsor section. They
never allow pop-ups. She praised the leadership, ethics, professionalism and hard work of the
online team. New volunteers are welcome to join. The paper has over 1100 subscribers, with
over 3,000 regular views. Bhakti is willing to present to groups about utilizing the online paper.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Danielle Schmidt, Senior Community Services. Danielle provided as update on local
caregiver support services, including their online speaker presentations this winter. Senior
Community Services also offers many other resources for seniors. Call or go to their website for
more information.
Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library. Linnea provided updates on several Library
programs for adults, including Winter Reads, Book Bingo (a very successful program), Puzzle
Swaps, Author Interviews (hosted by Linnea), Craft Swap (May 17), and Communities of
Belonging gatherings. She highlighted many events with speakers and projects for older adults.
People can stop in, call or find more information on the library website
Kara Cassidy, Carver County Public Health and Office of Aging. Kara provided updates
on virus spread and noted most are at peak levels. RSV is still on the rise. Flu and Covid vaccine
clinics continue to run at Carver County Government Center. Contact them for dates and times.
She will be planning another Annual Conference for Aging Commissions in Carver County in
2025. She has been training as part of the Emergency Preparedness team. She will continue to
share ideas on senior related issues as she meets with other communities.
DISCUSSION
- Mary Blazanin updated the Commission on vacancies for 2025, including the application
process. There are four 3-year commissioner positions for 2025-2028, and one 1-year position
for 2025-2026.
- Commissioners were made aware that 4th of July Bingo planning starts soon. Mary will be
organizing volunteer tasks for that event, along with letters/lists for collecting prize donations.
- Updates to the Goals/Strategic Plan and the On-Boarding documents are being worked on for
April. These will be presented to the Commission for discussion and approval.
- Commissioners questioned parking space availability at the new City Center. Mary was
unable to confirm details. The current goal is to move into the new space late by summer, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Block made a motion to approve adjournment, Commissioner Camarata
seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:22am.
Minutes compiled by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Manager and COA Staff Liaison