03-21-2025 COA Agenda1.10:00 A.M. - CALL TO ORDER
2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.A Approval of Minutes dated February 21, 2025
4.GENERAL BUSINESS
4.A Senior Center Name Change
4.B City Council Interviews: New Commissioners Update
4.C July 4 Bingo Planning: Donations, Letters, Sponsors
4.D Memorial Day Event: Donations, Volunteers
4.E Committee Updates: Communications - Camarata, Mason, Modi
5.VISITOR PRESENTATION
5.A Carver County Health and Human Services
5.B Chanhassen Library
5.C Senior Community Services
6.DISCUSSION
6.A Honoring Choices Advance Car Planning Navigator Training
6.B Senior Center Programs and New Facility Updates
7.ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN COMMISSION ON AGING
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025
CHAN REC CENTER, 2310 COULTER BLVD
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Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Approval of Minutes dated February 21, 2025
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
Commission on Aging February 21, 2025
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Chanhassen Commission on Aging, February 21, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 10:01 a.m. by Commissioner Cassidy.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gwen Block, Jim Camarata, Kara Cassidy, Ruth Lunde, Beth Mason, Bhakti Modi, Phyllis
Mobley
MEMBERS ABSENT:
GUESTS PRESENT: Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library; Danielle Schmidt, Senior
Community Services; Wendy Abbey, Age Well Discussion Group
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The agenda was reviewed as submitted. Commissioner Camarata made a motion to approve the
agenda. Commissioner Mobley seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
January 17, 2025, Minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve the
minutes. Commissioner Camarata seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
COMMITTEE UPDATES.
Commissioner Camarata provided an update regarding two articles that have been submitted to
Carver County Local News.
Commissioner Mason shared an update on the Chanhassen Senior Resource Guide, which is
intended to be shared at the Memorial Day Ceremony and 4th of July Bingo events – the guide is
nearing completion, and the commission will work with Patrick Gavin (Chanhassen
Communications Manager) to create a cover letter for this guide.
Commissioner Block introduced Wendy Abbey, who provided an update on the Age Well
Discussion Group. The Age Well Discussion Group plans to meet at 10 a.m. on the 2nd Friday of
every month at the Chanhassen Recreation Center. Their goal is to be a positive, interactive,
solution-based group that helps seniors meet new people. The Commission discussed ways to
promote the group and wondered if an item could be included in the Chanhassen Connection.
COMMISSION APPLICANTS UPDATE.
Commissioner Cassidy provided an update that Commissioner Modi has reapplied for the
Commission on Aging, but neither Commissioner Cassidy nor Commissioner Lunde have
reapplied. She noted that a new Commissioner may or may not fill the position vacated by
former Commissioner Ruth Slivken, as it is not a requirement to have it filled.
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SENIOR CENTER ST. PAT’S DAY LUNCHEON.
Volunteers needed: Commissioner Block volunteered to help run the check-in table.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
CARVER COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES.
65+ and 85+ are the fastest growing groups in Carver County. Covid and Influenza numbers are
up, RSV numbers are down, many inquiries about bird flu (which is extremely low risk to
people.)
CHANHASSEN LIBRARY.
Linnea Fonnest provided an update on many programs they are running this spring.
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES.
There was no new update to give outside of the regular caregiver support groups that are going
on within the community.
DISCUSSION
4TH OF JULY BINGO EVENT UPDATES.
Charity groups must be chosen to support – there was discussion on supporting the Tech Help
group or the Martha Walker Memorial Fund. There was interest in supporting both.
Commissioners were interested in considering at least two more options, and some information
on each option before the next meeting, where they want to discuss and choose. Letters are ready
as soon as the charity is chosen and will be sent out at the end of March. Each Commissioner
will receive their list of businesses to follow up with. There was discussion amongst the
commissioners regarding providing “I Support Seniors” posters or stickers to give businesses
that donate to the 4th of July Bingo.
OTHER; SENIOR CENTER NAME CHANGE.
Priya Wall, Chanhassen Recreation Manager, shared the name change survey results from Patrick
Gavin. The commissioners reviewed the results and would like to see the final survey
information before the next meeting, when they want to discuss the results.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve adjournment, Commissioner Block seconded.
All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:57 a.m.
Minutes compiled by Priya Wall, Chanhassen Recreation Manager
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Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Senior Center Name Change
Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
Name Change Discussion City Council 2-24-25
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Discuss Senior Center
Name Change
City Council February 24, 2025
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Background
•City is researching renaming the Senior Center to better reflect its
mission, services, and community identity as a Community for Life
•This initiative first introduced at the Commission on Aging (COA) in
November 2024
•COA Commission members expressed interest in exploring a name that
better reflects the lifestyles and interests of current and future users of
the Center, and one that embraces a new and updated view of aging in
general.
•Because of the new City Campus build, it seemed timely to have this
possible name change conversation prior to moving senior programs
back into a new space.
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Public Outreach/Community
Feedback
•COA started conversation, creating an initial list of potential new names
•Developed a plan of action for gathering community feedback and then presenting the idea to City
Council.
•Distributed a survey to an email list of over 5,700 individuals who receive regular
Senior Center updates and postings.
•In addition, the survey was posted on the City’s social media platforms (7,200+
reach),listed in two “Chan Happenings”emails (6,270 subscribers) and two "Chan
Check-In" videos to reach a broader audience (5,000 reel plays).
•City Council and City staff were also encouraged to reply to the survey and offer
input on a possible name change.
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Survey Questions
Public Poll opened on February 10
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Survey Questions
Public Poll opened on February 10
Names included in the Survey:
•Market Street Commons
•Parkside Center
•The Porch (or the Porch on Market)
•Best Gen Den
•The PromenAge
•Harbor 55
•EverGen
•Harvest Place (Health & Recreation inVestment)
•City Center Terrace
•Corner 55
•The Chanhassen Senior Center
Total votes received after two weeks: 321
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Survey Results: Most Liked
Top 5 Survey Names With The Most "This One I Like Best" and "This One Has Promise" cumulative votes (aka the best scores):
1."Chanhassen Senior Center (aka keep as is) (87)
2."Market Street Commons" (74)
3."City Center Terrace" (62)
4."The Porch" or "The Porch on Market" (58)
5."Parkside Center" (56)
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Survey Results: Least Liked
Top 5 Survey Names With The Most "My Least Favorite" and "It's A Little Better" cumulative votes (aka the worst scores):
1.“The Promenage” (127)
2.“Best Gen Den” (122)
3.“EverGen (122)
4.“Harvest Place (Health & Recreation inVestment)” (107)
5.“Harbor 55” (101)
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Survey Feedback: "Senior"
The survey allowed for residents to submit their own feedback and over 120 people in the survey either
suggested new names or provided feedback on the names provided.
There were some themes that generated a lot of commentary. One main theme related to the use of
the word "senior":
•I think the name must have the word "senior" in it for searching.
•Being a senior isn't negative, should be embraced
•Needs to have “senior” “adult” “over 55”, etc., so all seniors will know at a glance.
•Signs should help people easily know what's what. Keep the "Senior Center" --it's respectful and clearly identifies the
space. The other choices are clever but sound like restaurants or other misleading organizations. The clever names
listed could be used inside the Senior Center for specific areas/rooms.
•I believe that Senior needs to be in the name so people know immediately what it is. All the other names are not
immediately understandable as to what this place is, they require more information.
•IF the name is changed to one of the above options, every time the phone is answered the name will have to be
explained and clarified (that) it is a senior center for 55 and older (this comment was voiced several times in similar
ways)
•I don’t like any of these because they are either too quirky or don’t describe the senior center at all. It’s a senior
center, so have that in the name so seniors know what it is!
•What is wrong with Senior Center?
•Keep it Chanhassen Senior Center. Let’s not get cutesy with a name. No matter which of the suggested options you
pick, you will still have 90% or more who don’t like it.“
•Silly! Playing word games. We are seniors. It is the place for seniors.
•How about adding Senior Center to the options?
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Survey Feedback: New Ideas
The survey allowed for residents to submit their own ideas:
•The Golden Oar
•City Center Commons
•FiftyFiveThrive
•The Spry Society
•Silver Leaf Center
•The Maple Center
•Maple Place
•Golden Maple Center
•The Collective
•The STAGE
(Seniors Thriving,
Active,Growing, Engaging)
•Club Chan
•Great Age Center
•The Connection Point
•Thrive 55+
•The Summit Club
•The Village at
Chanhassen
•Connections 55 & Up
•Meeting Spot
•The Gathering Place
•The Golden Maple
•Perennials at City
Center Park
•The Seasoned Circle
•Golden Patio & Activity
Center (gPAC)
•The Den
•The Grove
•The Arbor
•The Enclave
•The Roost (the place where
wise owls hang out)
•The Owl's Nest
•Sunset Commons
•Parkside
•Park Point Senior Center
•ChanRichment Center
•NexStAGE Senior Center
•The Hub
•The Corner or Corner Place
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Next Steps
•Council doesn’t need to make decision tonight
•Council Feedback: Does Council have name suggestions, or like any names suggested so far?
•Determine if the COA should continue to pursue a name change at this time.
•Refine name options based on discussion.
•Return to Council at a future meeting with a formal recommendation from the COA related to a Senior Center name.
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Questions?
Thank you for your time.
Please let us know if you have questions or further
comments for discussion.
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Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject City Council Interviews: New Commissioners Update
Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
17
Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject July 4 Bingo Planning: Donations, Letters, Sponsors
Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
New Letter Requesting Donations 2025
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May 1, 2025
«Name»
«Restaurant_Address»
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Re: 2025 July 4th Charity Fundraising Event
During the 4th of July festivities the Chanhassen Commission on Aging, in partnership with a
local non-profit, raises funds for the non-profit to benefit low-income seniors in our
community. Funds are raised through citizen participation in a game of community Bingo on the
morning of July 4.
This year’s chosen charity is _______________ The focus of (the chosen charity) is to enrich the
lives of local senior citizens, especially those on limited, fixed incomes by providing
________________________. (More details here about the chosen charity, its goals, outreach
and impact for Chanhassen residents.)
The Chanhassen Commission on Aging is seeking donations from local businesses to be given as
prizes during Bingo play. We would greatly appreciate any donation «Name» could provide,
especially gift cards, merchandise, or coupons/discounts. Prize donations appeal to residents
and encourage participation in this fun event, as well as increase giving to the selected non-
profit. All contributing businesses who offer a donation for Bingo prizes will be recognized on
the Chanhassen 4th of July Bingo poster and acknowledged during the event. The City of
Chanhassen distinguishes «Name» as a significant member of our community and hope you will
choose to participate this year.
One of our Commissioners may be reaching out to you personally to answer your questions or
may stop in your establishment to meet you as well! To donate to this worthy event, you may
mail your contribution to the address on this letter, Attn. Mary Blazanin, drop it off at City Hall
Administration, or email Commissioner «2024Cmsr» at «CmsrEmail» for pick-up.
Every year this Bingo event draws over 500 participants and is one of the most popular events
on the morning of July 4. In the event of a weather cancellation, we will reschedule another
Community Bingo event in coordination with Chanhassen’s Community Day on August 16,
2025. The donations you gave would be given out as part of that makeup event. We sincerely
hope you will consider a contribution to make this year’s 4th of July Bingo tent a success.
Thank you for your consideration,
City of Chanhassen Commission on Aging
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Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Memorial Day Event: Donations, Volunteers
Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
20
Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Committee Updates: Communications - Camarata, Mason, Modi
Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
21
Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Carver County Health and Human Services
Section VISITOR PRESENTATION
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
22
Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Chanhassen Library
Section VISITOR PRESENTATION
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
23
Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Senior Community Services
Section VISITOR PRESENTATION
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
24
Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Honoring Choices Advance Car Planning Navigator Training
Section DISCUSSION
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
25
Commission on Aging Item
March 21, 2025
Subject Senior Center Programs and New Facility Updates
Section DISCUSSION
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist
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