8-19-20221
CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES
August 19, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Cerchia, Ruth Lunde, Linda Haight, Jim Camarata, Kara Cassidy.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Kibler, Bhakti Modi.
STAFF PRESENT: Sharmeen Al-Jaff.
GUESTS PRESENT: Dawn Plumer, Linnéa Fonnest.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Camarata moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Cassidy seconded the
motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES DATED JUNE 17, 2022:
Commissioner Cassidy pointed out corrections under Memorial Day Fundraising and 4th of July
Bingo Event. Linnéa Fonnest requested the addition of the library program under the
Generations category. Commissioner Camarata moved to approve the minutes with the noted
corrections. Commissioner Lunde seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
SENIOR EXPO
The commission discussed the length of time of the event which will take place on
September 29, 2022 10:30 am – 2:30 pm. The question was asked if the event should have
been longer. Staff assured the commissioners that all previous expos that the city offered
were similar in length of time to this event. If additional time was needed, and if the City
offers the expo again, they will lengthen the time.
The commission made comments and requested edits to the brochure.
Commissioner Camarata will have a table at the expo addressing housing.
Chairman Cerchia reminded the commissioners to make themselves available to assist on
the day of the Expo.
SENIOR CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The commission asked if Mayor Ryan will be at the event. All commissioners were
encouraged to attend the event.
UPDATE ON SHIP GRANT INFORMATION
This is a statewide program. Carver County is investigating the option of partnering with
Wright County. One of the programs will involve a home assessment for individuals
reporting repeated falls.
4TH OF JULY BINGO EVENT:
The Senior Commission raised a total of $680.00 for Project Delta. The funds were turned
over to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon who in turn sent it to Project Delta.
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – August 19, 2022
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ACT ON ALZHIEMER’S UPDATE:
In November, the Senior Commission will have a table at the Library. Educational information will
be available. Commissioner Lunde asked if someone should be available at the table. There will be
multiple events at the Senior Center addressing Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
RENAMING THE MEMORY CAFÉ TO “TIPTON MEMORY CAFÉ”
The Senior Commission discussed the name and voted to change the name to “Dorina’s Memory
Café”. Commissioner Camarata moved to adopt the name “Dorina’s Memory Café”.
Commissioner Cassidy seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Library Adult Programs
Linnéa Fonnest informed the commission about the three intergenerational senior and teen
programs held in partnership with the Chanhassen Senior Center this summer July’s virtual
program of an Adulting 101 program for teens had 38 live views and an additional 178 views the
first week the recording was posted on the library’s social media channels. All three programs
were successful for those who participated, though attendance was low in June and August. The
August program, which paired teens and seniors for informal conversations, made first page of
the Villager.
September 12-17 is Grandparents Week and the library will offer a fund activities art activity for
grandparents and grandchildren.
The Library is offering multiple arts and crafts programs this fall, including intergenerational
programs. Authors Beth Dooley (cookbook) and author Danny Spewak (veterans) will be at the
Chanhassen Library. Most Thursdays through mid-November, Fall Walking & Booktalking
connects a librarian with readers to discuss a book while going for a leisurely hour walk. The fall
library brochure contains details on these and many more free programs of interest to seniors.
Also go to carverlib.org for details on events.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Cerchia called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Camarata moved to adjourn;
Commissioner Haight seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner