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March 15, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Baumtrog, Gwen Block, Jim Camarata, Bhakti Modi, Beth Mason, Kara
Cassidy, Ruth Lunde, Ruth Slivken
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator
GUESTS PRESENT: Linnea Fonnest, Adult Services Librarian, Gary Spears, Senior Community
Services, Barb Solum, Lisa Anderson, Bill Maloney
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Camarata made the motion to approve the agenda.
Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor and the motion carried. Agenda was
approved.
COMMISSION ON AGING MINUTES February 16, 2024. A correction request was made stating
Linnea Fonnest, Adult Services Librarian presented the update on Bridging Book Club in the absence
of Commissioner Slivken at the February 16, 2024 meeting. The correction was noted and accepted.
Commissioner Cassidy made the motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Baumtrog seconded.
All members voted in favor and the motion carried. Minutes were approved.
Visitor Presentations
Carver County Health Updates
No in person update was given.
Senior Community Services Updates
Gary Spears, Senior Community Services (SCS), gave a presentation about the services they
provide. Their goal is to empower seniors to stay in their houses through offering their Home Help
Services. As part of that initiative, Seniors can sign up for one-on-one technology sessions for
assistance with phones, laptops, and other personal technology issues. Assisting with access,
devices, and usage are the three components of Senior Community Services’ technology help.
Senior Community Services’ grants and services mainly reach Hennepin County residents, but is
now creating more resources for Carver County.
SCS Home Services has three main initiatives
• The Interior Home group focuses on inside repairs, technology assistance, and house
cleaning.
• The Exterior Home group focuses on outdoor lawn care and shoveling. Exterior is not yet
in Carver due to State Funding, but discussions are being held to get funding for Carver
County.
• Outreach and Support for Caregivers, for example Chanhassen hosts a caregiver support
group on the first Thursday of every month.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the next big step in technology. Chat GPT was discussed as a
possible educational session that could be presented to local seniors.
Chanhassen Library Update
Linnea Fonnest, Adult Services Librarian, discussed the library having material about consumer
information and how to avoid fraud and learn about budgets. There is a seed library again for a
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third year. People can take seed packets to plant seeds. They have a puzzle swap event at the
library and there is an ongoing puzzle “swap shelf” at the senior center. Chanhassen Library is
working with the county career force on the fourth Tuesday of the month for seniors needing jobs
Chan-o-laires will be performing on Saturday, May 4 at the library. The book sale will be the third
week in April.
Senior Center Updates
Mary Blazanin, Senor Center Coordinator
The city will be closing off the two parking lots at the Senior Center starting after Memorial Day
due to new construction. They will be unavailable and closed for about a year and a half. During
construction, the Senior Center programs will move to the Recreation Center. All library parking
will be on the west side of the city hall building. Mary will have a temporary office at the
Recreation Center. The Commission on Aging can meet at the location of their choice.
Goals and Strategic Plans
Motion was made by Commissioner Cassidy, seconded by Commissioner Baumtrog, Strategic
Plan was passed.
Discussion Items
4th of July Bingo and Information Table Preparation
Mary Blazanin will be managing the Bingo and will provide commissioners with lists of the businesses
to contact for donations. The July 4th Expo will need volunteers. More Bingo cards were needed last
year. Discussion was had for what organization to choose for donating to.
Arbor Day
There is a group at the High School that would like to partner and assist with Arbor Day. The
Environmental Commission is in charge of Arbor Day. The Commission on Aging usually sends a
representative to the event.
Memorial Day Table for Veterans Project
Commissioners need to make a decision on which organization will receive donations collected at this
event.
Commission Presentations
Discussion: Senior Center Web Page Project
Commissioner Modi is working with Ari Lyksett to get to the final publishing and going live.
Looking to a going live date of April/May.
Chanhassen Villager Articles Update
Commissioner Camarata gave an update that they still haven’t heard back from anyone at the Villager.
Ms. Blazanin had been trying to contact someone at the paper and she and Commissioner Camarata will
be working together to get a contact.
Bridging Book Club, Ruth Slivken
Commissioner Slivken reported that the bridging book club is up and running and they are going
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to try to continue over the summer. She will be sharing the book list with the Commission. The
students that are doing the bridging book club are interested in helping in other ways. They want
to work with the Environment and Park & Recreation Commissions on a variety of other project
ideas. They are also interested in making greeting cards for people in nursing homes.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Cassidy called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Camarata seconded the motion.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:24 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Jenny Potter, Senior Administrative Assistant
Minutes Submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator