07-16-20211
CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES
Ju ly 16, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Cerchia, Bhakti Modi, Ruth Lunde, Lisa Lyon, Linda Haight, Jim
Camarata.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dorina Tipton, Susan Kibler.
STAFF PRESENT : Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner; and Mary Blazanin, Senior Center
Coordinator.
GUESTS PRESENT: Mayor Elise Ryan, City Manager Laurie Hokkanen, Assistant City Manager
Jake Foster, and Dawn Plumer , Carver County Public Health.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Lunde moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner
Camarata seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES DATED JUNE 18, 2021: Commissioner Lyon moved to
approve the minut es. Commissioner Lunde seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion
carried.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN S TRATIGIC PLAN: Elise, Laurie and Jake shared the new
strategic plan for the city with the commission. They have been visiting with all of the
commissions to present the plan which is the first strategic plan completed for the city in many
years. The reason the city did it was to get the Council, commissions and staff all on the same
page and confirm long-term goals for the city. The council did a strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats (SWOT ) analysis with a consultant firm during a two -day workshop in
February. The consultant wor ked with the council and department heads to develop the plan.
The plan can be found on the city’s website. There were two things that Laurie wanted to
highlight for the commission – the Vision, Mission and Values section and the Strategic
Priorities sec tion. Within the Vision section it was important to the council and staff to include
that Chanhassen is a ‘community for life,’ meaning that residents of all ages and stages should be
able to call Chanhassen home. Part of the Mission is to make sure all staff knows the ‘why’ of
what we do to serve the community and that sustainability is critical to all aspects of the city’s
work and responsibilities. Engagement is also a part of the Values and being sure that all
members of the community can feel engaged. The city will be using ‘FlashVote’ more to gauge
community values on different subjects. There are five strategic priorities with the council and
staff taking part in bringing them to fruition. The city will be implementing Envisio software to
provide benchmark and progress information. The Senior Commission addressed Aging in Place
and educating the community on the concept as a goal that will fit in with Community for Life.
JULY 3RD BUSINESS EXPO-ACT ON ALZHEIMER’S UPDATE: Commissioners Modi
and Lyon staffed the table. There were many interested individuals that had questions regarding
services and support groups.
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – July 16 , 2021
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REVIEW OF THE OCTOBER “AGING IN PLACE” MONTH CALENDAR - MARY
BLAZANIN: Mary Blazanin, Chanhassen Senior Center Coordinator, is working with the Twin
Cities Chapter.
Starting in October, the Senior Center will offer the following classes:
Age in Place Month, October 2021
• Tuesday, October 5, 3:30-4:30pm, “Basic Tech 101: How Technology Helps You Stay
Safe and Independent”
o Description: Geek Squad experts share their knowledge of technology currently
on the market along with new ideas on the horizon, which are designed to keep
you both independent and safe in your own home for longer than ever before.
Whether you are new to retirement, or working your way there, this class explores
simplified and interactive technology to help make aging well at home a stronger
reality.
Class held in lower level of Chanhassen City Hall
• Wednesdays, October 6, 13 and 20, “Aging with Gusto: Learning to Age Well
Independently”
o Description: Expand your positive view of aging and explore the values and key
contributors you want to emphasize which help you lead a meaningful and satisfying
life. This class is held in partnership with Chaska Lodge and Carver County SHIP
programs.
Class will be held at the Chaska Lodge
• Tuesday, October 12, 4-6:00pm. “Act III: Your Personal Plan for Aging in Place”
(Speaker + Light Meal)
o Description: Everyone ages, if they’re lucky! In order to successfully age and live
where you want to live (“age in place”), we strongly recommend some planning. This
class walks you through the essential concerns to sustain a safe and secure lifestyle in
your home. It includes a self-evaluation of key areas, such as housing , health,
finance, education, personal activity goals and more. You will leave with a plan for
Aging in Place, including your action steps going forward. You will also leave with
the booklet “The Cost of Aging” to help you continue your action plan.
Class taught by experts from the Minneappolis Chapter of the National
Aging in Place Council. Class held in Lower Level of City Hall. A light
meal will be served following the presentation
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – July 16 , 2021
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• Tuesday, October 19, 6-8:00pm. “Meet Trellis: Your 1-Stop Shop for Financial &
Aging Well Resources.”
o Description: Once you have your aging plan in place, you may be wondering how to
find the resources to make it happen. Trellis is your one stop shop for all things
relat ed to Medicare, Health Care, Financial Options, Referrals and so much more. A
branch of the MN Board on Aging, Trellis offers free, expert advice and information
to help you age well.
A light meal will be served at 6pm prior to the presentation. Class held in
the Lower level of Chanhassen City Hall
• Tuesday, October 26, 10:30am-noon, “Home Fit”
o Description: The AARP HomeFit Guide was created to help people stay in the homes
they love by turning where they live into a “lifelong home,” suitable for themselves
and anyone in their household. This presentation offers solutions that range from
simple do-it -yourself fixes to more involved projects. Presenter Gene Nicolelli is
an award-winning architect and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist with over 40
years expertise in universal design.
Class will be held in the lower level of Chanhassen City Hall. A light
lunch will be served following the session. Sponsored by Merlin’s Ace
Hardware (?)
In addition to these programs, the Senior Center will offer upcoming programs in November,
January and February on the topic of organization and empty nest planning.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Cerchia called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Camarata moved to adjourn;
Commissioner Modi seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff