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February 16, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Baumtrog, Gwen Block, Jim Camarata, Bhakti Modi, Beth Mason, Kara
Cassidy,
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ruth Lunde, Ruth Slivken
STAFF PRESENT: Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator
GUESTS PRESENT: Linnea Fonnest, Adult Services Librarian, Allison Streich, Carver County
CDA, Steve Dunbar, Carver County, Samantha Downs Community Health and Promotion
Supervisor, Carver County Public Health
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Block made the motion to approve the agenda.
Commissioner Mason seconded. All members voted in favor and the motion carried. Agenda was
approved.
COMMISSION ON AGING MINUTES January 19, 2024. Commissioner Mason made the motion
to approve the minutes. Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor and the motion
carried. Minutes were approved.
Visitor Presentations
Presentation: Trail's Edge Senior Housing Project, Allision Streich, Carver County CDA
Allison Streich and Steve Dunbar came to discuss Trail’s Edge Senior housing. Ms. Streich reported
that the last presentation she gave for the Commission on Aging was for Carver Oaks, a 43-unit senior
housing development in Carver. That was approved for funding and ground-breaking should be in
September or October of 2024. Trails Edge Senior housing did not get funded last year, and they are
hoping it will be funded this year. Ms. Streich gave an overview of all the amenities that Trail’s Edge
Senior for the Commission on Aging to give input. Trail’s Edge is proposed to be 76 units for age 55
and better. Commissioners asked about microwave placement, crosswalks, connections to trails, trail
railings, community gardens, community room for books, and accessibility for wheelchairs. Ms. Streich
will be coming back to show any items that they will incorporate from the Commissioners suggestions.
Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library
Ms. Fonnest supplied handouts for programs at the Library and an overview of several of the
programs was given. Winer Reads is a program for adults. Doug Ohman will be speaking for
Women’s Herstory Month. There will be a seed program starting in March.
Carver County Health Updates
Samantha Downs Community Health and Promotion Supervisor, Carver County Public Health
talked about completing the County working on the community health assessment. The health
needs of the community will be focused on setting priorities for the next five years. Vaccine
clinics are still being held for COVID and Flu vaccines.
Senior Community Services Updates No representative and no updates provided
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Senior Center Updates
Mary Blazanin, Senor Center Coordinator gave an overview of some programs that they have been
doing. Waconia teamed with Chanhassen to do a day trip to the Swedish Institute. There have also
been a lot of people bringing friends and there has been an influx of seniors to the community. The
65–75-year age group grew by 150% from 2019-2022. The Valentine's Day party had 56 people
attend. Senior Center programs are most likely being moved to the Chanhassen Recreation Center
during construction of the Civic Campus.
Goals and Strategic Plans
Motion was made by Commissioner Cassidy, seconded by Commissioner Baumtrog, Strategic
Plan was passed.
Commission Presentations
Bridging Book Club, Ruth Slivken
Commission Slivken was not able to attend to give an update.
Discussion: Senior Center Web Page Project
Commissioner Modi needs to meet with Ari Lyksett to review next steps for the website. She will
have more updates soon.
Chanhassen Villager Articles Update
Commissioner Camarata met with Commissioner Modi to discuss using the Villager to help
communicate something like a Senior Corner. Ms. Blazanin said that she has tried to reach out to the
Villager to help them communicate the activities of the Senior Center. They are looking to get these
articles started next year. The articles would also be published on the website.
Discussion Items
4th of July Bingo and Information Table Preparation
Tabled until next meeting.
Memorial Day Table for Veterans Project
Tabled until next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Cassidy called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Baumtrog seconded the motion.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25a.m.
Minutes prepared by Jenny Potter, Senior Administrative Assistant
Minutes Submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator