04-18-25 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, April 18, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. by Commissioner Camarata.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gwen Block, Jane Bender, Jim Camarata, Janet Dean, Beth Mason, Phyllis Mobley, Barbara
Solum
MEMBERS ABSENT: Becky Lundgren
GUESTS PRESENT: Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library; Danielle Schmit, Senior
Community Services; Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services – Office of
Aging
CALL TO ORDER
COMMISSION ON AGING APPOINTMENTS & OATH OF OFFICE
Jenny Potter, City Clerk, performed the oath of office on Commissioner Solum, Commissioner
Dean, and Commissioner Bender.
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:
March 21, 2025, minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Mobley made a motion to approve the
minutes. Commissioner Mason seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
The Commission on Aging took a moment to introduce themselves to one another with the
addition of the new commissioners.
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
Commissioner Camarata expressed interest in taking on the role of Chair. A motion was made by
Commissioner Mason, Commissioner Mobley seconded this motion. All members voted in favor.
Commissioner Mobley expressed interest in taking on the role of Vice Chair. A motion was made
by Commissioner Dean, Commissioner Mason seconded this motion. All members voted in
favor.
REVIEW COMMISSION ON AGING BYLAWS
Mary explained a few small changes she had made to the bylaws. Commissioner Bender made a
motion to approve the bylaws. Commissioner Mobley seconded. All members voted in favor; the
motion carried.
APPROVAL OF 2025-2026 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Mary reviewed the goals and objectives for the 2025-2026 planning year and answered any
questions brought up by the commissioners. A motion was made by Commissioner Dean to
approve the 2025-2026 Goals and Objectives. Commissioner Mason seconded. All members
voted in favor; the motion carried.
4TH OF JULY BINGO AND MEMORIAL DAY
Mary gave a brief overview of the July 4th and Memorial Day expectations and what is needed
from the commissioners. She confirmed that WDGY Radio Host, Dave Ryan will MC the Bingo
games. She has also communicated with the chosen charities for each event and they will provide
a volunteer as well. Commissioners were invited to help with both events. Commissioners
Mason, Mobley and Solum volunteered to assist for Memorial Day event. Commissioners were
asked to let Mary know soon if they were available to help during the 4th of July Bingo event.
HONORING CHOICES
Honoring Choices is a nonprofit organization that helps seniors prepare essential paperwork such
as health directives and wills, they help make this paperwork accessible for individuals as well.
Kara Cassidy is working with Honoring Choices to have them attend the annual Commission on
Aging meeting next fall and spoke a little of the trainings they offer. Mary is hoping to partner
with them as well at the Senior Center
FALL SENIOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO
Mary has partnered with Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager, to host a Health and Wellness
Expo in the fall. It will be a free event with plenty to do for all. This expo will be held on
October 8, 2025, at the Chanhassen Recreation Center in the morning.
LIONS CLUB ANNUAL SENIOR PICNIC AT LAKE ANN
This year's Annual Senior Picnic will be held on June 24, 2025, at 11:30 am. Every year
Chanhassen Lions Club sponsors and hosts this great, free event at Lake Ann. Mary encouraged
commissioners to join in on the fun.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
CARVER COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES. Kara Cassidy reported that the All-
Senior Commissions Conference will be held on Friday, September 5, at the Arboretum from
10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This year's theme will be Emergency Preparedness, and they already have
some great speakers lined up.
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES.
Danielle Schmit quickly introduced herself to the group. She shared that there will be another
caregiver support group starting May 7 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, running on the first Wednesday
of every month. Chanhassen Senior Center will also be hosting another Dementia Friends
Education class on June 3. This is a free workshop sponsored by Riley Crossing Senior Living
and taught by social workers from Senior Community Services.
CHANHASSEN LIBRARY.
Linnea Fonnest provided commissioners with a Library program that details all the upcoming
events happening at the Library this spring and summer. She noted that adult programing will be
cut back as summer approaches and they start to focus more on the children out of school. She
shared information about the ongoing success of Communities of Belonging gatherings, and
mentioned the free Master Gardeners Help Desk will be open this spring and summer.
CHANHASSEN SENIOR CENTER
Mary shared the upcoming senior trips which the center has planned and programs to look
forward to. She encouraged Commissioners to join in on some of these to build connections to
the patrons she serves and listen to their input.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Mobley made a motion to approve adjournment. Commissioner Block seconded.
All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:54 am.
Submitted by Mary Blazanin
Senior Center Coordinator