06-18-20211
CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 18, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Cerchia, Bhakti Modi, Ruth Lunde, Lisa Lyon, Linda Haight, Jim
Camarata, Susan Kibler
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dorina Tipton
STAFF PRESENT : Senior Planner Sharmeen Al-Jaff, and Senior Center Coordinator Mary
Blazanin
GUESTS PRESENT: Dawn Plumer
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Lunde moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Lyon seconded the motion.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES:
Commissioner Modi moved to approve the minutes dated May 21, 2021. Commissioner Kibler
seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 5/21 TRANSPORTATION PRESENTATION:
The commission agreed that is community is very fortunate to have these services. More
communication is needed to promote the programs.
LAYING OUT AGING IN PLACE PLAN ROADMAP:
Commissioner Lunde addressed the following items:
1. Resources and Organizations to potentially partner with
1.1. MN Board on Aging https://mn.gov/senior-linkage-line/older-adults/housing/aging-
in-place/
1.2. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-
older -home
1.3. Carver County
1.4. AARP https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/learn/civic-community/info-12-
2012/the-center-for -aging-in-place-website.html
1.5. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s Age Well at Home program
https://home.tchabitat.org/age-well-at-home
1.6. Ridgeview and other healthcare organizations
1.7. Chanhassen Ace Hardware and other local stores
1.8. Local contractors
1.9. Technology organizations and those who might help with technology (e.g. those Mary
B has brought in)
1.10. Meals on Wheels and other food providers
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – June 18, 2021
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1.11. Transportation options (e.g. SW Transit, WeCAB, etc.)
1.12. Activities: Chanhassen Senior Center, Chanhassen Rec Center, Chaska, Facebook, etc.
1.13. Pharmacies and medication management. Options to manage medications
1.14. Churches and church related organizations to partner with
1.15. Pets for seniors
2. Thinking long term: Age in Place or another place at some point
2.1. What is important for the person long-term; timing of changes
2.2. Family or other caregivers. Difficult to find and keep good help. Paid or volunteer.
Respite for caregivers
2.3. Financial planning and options such as reverse mortgages, long term care insurance,
etc.
2.4. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s)
2.5. Wills, Healthcare Directive, Financial Power of Attorney, other legal documents
3. Possible help for seniors if they cannot afford to pay for needed changes to Age in Place
3.1. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s Age Well at Home program, if referred from Carver
County (Elderly Waiver) or a Healthcare organization (Alina, Ridgeview, etc.)
3.2. Carver County CDA Rehabilitation Loan Program for homeowners within the limits for
income ($21k for 1 person household, $24k for 2) and assets ($25k or less)
3.3. Rent part of their space or Home Sharing
4. Communication
4.1. Offer sessions at the Chanhassen Senior Center for learning and discussion
4.2. Chanhassen city website
4.3. Emails from Mary B
4.4. Chanhassen Villager newspaper, series of articles
4.5. Real life examples, people to share their experience
4.6. Resource document
4.7. Facebook group, Chanhassen Seniors
Mary Blazanin stated that she is working on scheduling classes pertaining to Aging in Place.
She has connected with the National Aging in Place Council. Classes will be offered during the
month of October.
JULY 3RD BUISINESS EXPO-ACT ON ALZHEIMER’S
Commissioners Modi and Lyon volunteered to staff the table.
MEMORIAL DAY UPDATE-MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021
Chairman Cerchia and Commissioner Kibler volunteer ed at the Memorial Day event. The
Commission raised $952.00 for the Veterans Court.
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KNOW THE VACCINIATION FACTS UPDATE MAY 27, PANEL DISCUSSION:
The attendance was very slim. The session was recorded. Commissioners Modi and Camarata
were part of the event and shared their experience.
WEDNESDAYS – COFFEE AND ROLLS ON THE PLAZA, 9-10 AM-HOSTS NEEDED:
Staff explained that volunteers were needed for the month of July. Most of the dates were filled by
members of the Senior Advisory Board and Commissioner Kibler.
SENIOR COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Lee Newcomb, who is a senior center attendee, donated prints of paintings he drew to raise funds
for the Senior Center.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Cerchia called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Camarata move to adjourn;
Commissioner Modi seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff