02-21-25 COA MinutesChanhassen 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.
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