05-16-25 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, May 16, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Commissioner Camarata.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gwen Block, Jane Bender, Jim Camarata, Janet Dean, Beth Mason, Phyllis Mobley, Barbara
Solum, Becky Lundgren
MEMBERS ABSENT:
GUESTS PRESENT: Allison Strich, Carver County CDA; Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen
Library; Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services – Office of Aging.
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The agenda was reviewed as submitted. Commissioner Block made a motion to approve the
agenda. Commissioner Mobley seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 18, 2025, minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve the
minutes. Commissioner Dean seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Allison Streich, Executive Director, Carver County CDA, Trails Edge Discussion and
Commission Input
Allison Strich shared with the commissioners that Carver County is trying for their fourth time to
secure funding for the Trails Edge 55 and a better community. She presented this project to the
commission in 2024, and unfortunately the state did not have the funds at that time for this
project, she is once again looking for insight from the Commission on Aging regarding any
changes that could be done to this proposed property to help make it more accessible to the 55+
crowd. This property will have 43 units, and 7 of those units will be held for homeless Veterans.
Suggested like solid carpeting for Seniors will balance and address eyesight issues, as well as
adding a second elevator was made by the commission.
4th of July Letter for Donations – Next Steps
Letters asking for donations for the 4th of July Bingo have been sent out to local businesses. The
commissioners are now able to take second copies of these letters to the businesses in person,
asking for donations for the event. Funds earned will be going to Community Services Tech Help
for Seniors this year.
Memorial Day Brief Update
Everything is set for this event, which will be hosted at Lake Ann Klingelhutz Pavilion. The
Commission on Aging will host a table at this event with a pop-up tent collecting donations for
the nonprofit they are sponsoring.
Civic Campus Update
Mary reported that she was able to tour the new Civic Campus and is impressed with the way it
is coming along – walls and floors have been completed. The move will begin in mid-August,
with staff moving in shifts to accommodate the amount of technology being moved. The Senior
Center will move in early September. City Offices will be hosting an Open House for the
community to explore the new building in mid-September. Mary will also be hosting a Grand
Opening for the new Senior Center in early October.
Commissioner Discussion – Areas of Interest / Focus Projects
Commissioners discussed their various interests and the positive changes they want to help make
while serving on the Commission on Aging.
Commission Sub-Committee Report
Commissioners received copies of the Senior Resource Guide draft as crafted by Commissioner
Mason. Discussions revolved around how to best communicate to the public about all the
available resources for seniors and their families. Commissioners were asked to send edits,
additions or corrections of the document to Mary Blazanin, who will work with the City
Communications Team on finishing up the document for both paper copies and online
distribution.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging
Kara shared that May is Older People Month! In Minnesota, there are more people over the age
of 65 than school children. Her public health announcement is that ticks are out in full force. She
also brought along a newspaper called Senior Perspective, which is in 5 different areas of the
state, unfortunately, not in the metro area. Kara also shared that CAP TEL (closed caption
telephones) are available in the county for free for individuals over the age of 65.
Senior Community Services
LeeAnn shared information on several support groups and memory care cafés happening within
the area in the coming weeks. She shared that turnout for all these events has been very good.
Chanhassen Library
Linnea informed commissioners that although a majority of summer programming is focused on
the children who are out of school, the library is encouraging intergenerational connections to be
made. On June 29, there will be a games and puzzles event as well as an adult book bingo, both
great events for adults to attend.
Chanhassen Senior Center
Mary is working hard on putting together some great fall and winter programs. Some great trips
are coming up shortly as the Senior Center winds down for the summer season. Mary was also
able to share with the commission the names for the new Senior Center rooms.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Mobley made a motion to approve adjournment. Commissioner Block seconded.
All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 am.
Submitted by Mary Blazanin
Senior Center Coordinator