03-21-25 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, March 21, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 10:02 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; LeeAnn Eiden, Senior Community
Services; Incoming Commissioners on Aging Jane Bender, Janet Dean, and Barbara Solum.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The agenda was reviewed as submitted. Commissioner Mobley made a motion to approve the
agenda. Commissioner Camarata seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
February 21, 2025, minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Block made a motion to approve the
minutes. Commissioner Mason seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Three newly appointed commissioners, Jane Bender, Janet Dean, and Barbara Solum introduced
themselves and expressed excitement for their new roles on the commission.
SENIOR CENTER NAME CHANGE.
Mary presented the slideshow that was shown to the City Council along with data collected via
the community survey. City Council recommending keeping the Senior Center name as is, as it is
respectful and identifies the space. There may be future opportunities to revisit this, or to create
room names in the new space to reflect the Center’s personality and structure, including a space
in memory of long time Dementia Friends advocate and former Commissioner, Dorina Tipton.
CITY COUNCIL INTERVIEWS: NEW COMMISSIONERS UPDATE.
Commissioner Cassidy, current chair, shared some final words of farewell with the commission.
Mary said that there were many new, highly qualified applicants this year. Commissioners
Cassidy, Modi, and Lunde will be leaving the commission. The commission will be welcoming
new commissioners Jane Bender, Janet Dean, and Barbara Solum. There is one more position
that has yet to be appointed, but the decision will be made by Monday, February 24, 2025
JULY 4TH BINGO PLANNING: DONATIONS, LETTERS, SPONSORS.
Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, is compiling a list of local businesses that the commission can
can also use. The commission selected Senior Community Services – Technology Assistance
Program as the charity they will donate to for 2025. Commissioner Camarata motioned;
Commissioner Lunde seconded. All members voted in favor, and the motion carried.
MEMORIAL DAY EVENT: DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERS.
After considering many options, the commission selected Revitalizing Veterans’ Dreams as the
local charity they will collect donations for in 2025. Commissioner Camarata made a motion;
Commissioner Block seconded the motion. Commissioner Mobely opposed.
COMMITTEE UPDATES: COMMUNICATIONS.
Commissioner Camarata shared that the Carver County Online Local News has published three
articles that he has submitted, and he is working on more to submit. Commissioner Mason shared
the progress on the Chanhassen Senior Guide, modeled after a booklet Victoria has shared.
Commissioner Modi answered several questions related to the Carver County Online Local
News group, and explained how to subscribe and how to submit events and articles.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
CARVER COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES. Kara Cassidy reported that winter
illnesses were decreasing. She announced there will be a County wide Commissioners on Aging
Meeting on September 5 at the Arboretum. More information will be forthcoming.
CHANHASSEN LIBRARY.
Linnea Fonnest provided an update on many programs they are running this spring and into the
summer, as well as information related to programs with Communities of Belonging in
Chanhassen.
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES.
LeeAnn Eiden provided an update on the regular caregiver support groups that are going on
within the community and her upcoming Dementia Friends workshops.
DISCUSSION
HONORING CHOICES ADVANCE CARE PLANNING NAVIGATOR TRAINING.
Honoring Choices reached out to Mary, looking to create a partnership with the Commission on
Aging and Chanhassen Senior Center. They provided many options for what this partnership
could look like, the commissioners expressed excitement over this opportunity. This partnership
would begin once the Senior Center has moved to its new home in the new Civic Campus.
SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS AND NEW FACILITY UPDATES.
Mary shared the Center’s Quarterly Report that she will be presenting to the Park and Recreation
Commission next month. There was a brief overview of events and what to expect this summer.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve adjournment. Commissioner Camarata
seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:57 a.m.
Submitted by Mary Blazanin
Senior Center Coordinator