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10-18-24Chanhassen Commission on Aging, October 18, 2024 The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Commissioner Cassidy. MEMBERS PRESENT: Gwen Block, Jim Camarata, Kara Cassidy, Ruth Lunde, Beth Mason, Phyllis Mobley, Ruth Slivken, Bhakti Modi MEMBERS ABSENT: GUESTS PRESENT: LeeAnn Eiden, Senior Community Services, Samantha Downs, Carver County HHS, Shirley Spraguer, WeCAB program of WeCAN, Jodi Sarles, Chanhassen Recreation Center Manager. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was reviewed as submitted. Commissioner Camarata made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Mobley seconded the motion. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 20, 2024, Minutes were reviewed. Chair Cassidy made a correction to the minutes. Commissioner Block made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. GENERAL BUSINESS: VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: Shirley Spraguer, WeCAB Transportation Services. WeCAB is now under the umbrella of WeCAN of West Tonka. WeCAB is a volunteer-based service that offers door-to-door transportation to those unable to drive. They serve the communities of West Tonka and Carver County. Priorities are given to riders that need transportation to medical appointments or grocery stores. Riders register at www.wecab.org. Individuals must be ambulatory to participate. Approximately 40-60 rides are given by volunteers monthly, but WeCab is unable to meet all requests. WeCAB is seeking financial and volunteer support from the communities they serve. Samantha Downs, Carver County Public Health. Currently in the process of hiring new staff with potential to start December 2025.Potential grant opportunities include: - The Minnesota Healthy Brain Community Grant Program funds organizations to do the following community work: Educate communities about dementia risk reduction. Understand the importance of early detection and diagnosis. Provide support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. - Age Friendly Minnesota. A community grant that focuses on Connecting Community, Emergency Preparedness, Optimizing Health and Longevity, and Economic Vitality. Carver County is providing COVID and Flu Shot Clinics at the Government Center from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM on the following dates: November 5, 19 and December 3 and 17. Walk-ins are welcome. Friends & Co. (formerly Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly) has a chapter in Carver County. They address loneliness and isolation in the elderly. They have asked to connect with community agencies. Representatives from Chanhassen Library were unable to attend however they provided information on upcoming library events. Fall Author Talk, Scott Carpenter, October 21, 6;30pm. November 2024 Chanhassen Library Events (see attached). LeeAnn Eiden, Senior Community Services. LeeAnn shared information on upcoming events. - Screening & Panel Discussion of SPARK (Robin Williams and his battle with Lewy Body Dementia, October 22 from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Ridgedale Library. - A Zoom series for caregivers will be hosted on the second Tuesdays of winter months from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. November-Thriving Through the Holidays, December- Estate Planning, January- Pharmacy, February Caregiving. - Dementia Friends session will be held November 19from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at The Lodge in Chaska. LeeAnn will attend. Additional details may be found at www.seniorcommunity.org DISCUSSION Commissioner Modi updated Commission on Carver County Local News. The website is up and running, www.cclocalnews.org. Calendar submissions may be made online. Please share the site with the community. Commissioner Camarata met with a new employee of Summerwood. He suggested that they come to an upcoming meeting or that the Commission visit Summerwood for a meeting. Camarata reported there were residential openings at their facility. Volunteers are needed for upcoming Senior Center events. Please reach out to Mary if you can assist. - Octoberfest, October 24,11:30 AM-1:30 PM at Chanhassen Recreation Center - Veterans & Friends Pancake Breakfast, November 8, 9:00-11:00 AM at Chanhassen Recreation Center ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve adjournment, Commissioner Camarata seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Minutes compiled by Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager and substituting COA staff liaison.