08-21-2020CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES
August 21, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT AT THE SENIOR CENTER: Jerry Cerchia, Mack
Titus, Linda Haight, David Crouch
MEMBERS PRESENT via ZOOM: Bhakti Modi, Ruth Lunde, Dorina Tipton,
Lisa Lyons.
MEMBERS ABSENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Mary Blazanin.
GUESTS via Zoom: Dawn Plummer
Approval of Agenda:
Commissioner Titus moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Haight seconded
the motion. All voted in favor to approving the agenda.
Senior Commission Minutes:
Commissioner Titus moved to approve the Minutes. Commissioner Lyon seconded the
motion. All voted in favor to approving the minutes.
Draft Onboarding Document:
Sharmeen Al-Jaff incorporated last month’s edits; any future changes can be made as
this is an organic document and conforms to what City Council expects of the Senior
Commission. Roll call to approve document. All voted in favor of approving the
Onboarding Document.
ACT on Alzheimer’s Update:
Commissioner Tipton updated the Senior Commission on her contacts with caretaker
attendees at The Maple Corner Café. Caregivers reported that they are doing ok with
help of family and friends. Commissioner Lunde initiated discussion with attendees
at the Chanhassen Rotary about potential Dementia/Alzheimer’s training. Rotary has
confirmed training for October. Commissioner Tipton will conduct the training. Date
and time in October yet to be determined.
Aging with Gusto introduction session:
Mary Blazanin connected with Aging with Gusto team. Three sessions have been
organized for Sept 18, Sept 25 and Oct 2 from 10 am to 11:30 am. Senior
Commissioners, Senior Center Advisory Board members and guests will be able to
participate in person or via Zoom. Mary B. needs confirmation of attendance no later
than Sept 11 as only 25 people will be accommodated at these sessions. Mary to
connect with Managers of senior housing to investigated their participation interest.
2020 Goals and Objectives/Joint Session with City Council:
Sr Commission will present 2019 accomplishments to City Council on September 28
at 5 pm.
Commission Task Force report on recommendations for driving the
“Information, Education and Outreach” goal.
Commissioner Crouch, Modi and Haight are continuing to formalize process and
content for presentation to city staff after the November election. The team plans to
present rough draft of recommendations to Sharmeen and Mary B. for review shortly.
Preparation for Aging in Place Planning:
Chairman Cerchia asked and encouraged the team to read the information on the six
websites listed in the Agenda and to identify what may be involved in the planning to
educate people on aging in place (i.e. remaining in their homes as long as possible as
they age)
Senior Commission Comments:
Commissioner Lunde stated that Chanhassen Mayor, Elise Ryan, spoke at recent
Rotary Club meeting and advocated for senior affordable housing.
Dawn Plummer provided information on her involvement with COVID 19 Response
Team (i.e. providing masks, sanitizers, etc) and has most recently moved to Contact
Tracing and documenting COVID 19 outbreaks in Carver County.
Mary Blazanin stated that the Senior Center has re-opened, but people have been
“slow” to return. Seniors are feeling the brunt of long-term isolation and are concerned
about entering winter with the start of the flu season and further isolation.
Mary B. also urged Senior Commissioners to attend and promote the Ice Cream Social
on Friday, Sept 11 from 12:30 to 2 pm at the Chanhassen Recreation Center Parking
Lot. Advanced reservations to be provided to Mary prior to date.
Mary B. stated that September 29 will be annual flu shot hosted by Cub Foods. Pre-
registration is required.
Chairman Cerchia suggested that the team revisit the “Checking in on vulnerable
seniors” strategy over the coming winter, anticipating a challenging season.
Mary Blazanin concurred. We will discuss the plan again at our October meeting.
Mary also advised that the most popular Senior Center program currently is “Make
your phone your friend” led by a senior from Eden Prairie High School.
Adjournment:
Chairman Cerchia called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Titus moved to
adjourn; Commissioner Haight seconded the motion. All voted in favor of adjounment.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff