01-21-20221
CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION
MINUTES
January 21, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bhakti Modi, Linda Haight, Dorina Tipton, Ruth Lunde, Lisa Lyon, Jim
Camarata.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Kibler, Jerry Cerchia.
STAFF PRESENT: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner, and Mary Blazanin, Senior Center
Coordinator.
GUESTS PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Camarata moved to approve the Agenda.
Commissioner Tipton seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Tipton moved to approve the minutes dated
November 19, 2021. Commissioner Haight seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion
carried.
UPDATE ON NEXT STEPS FROM “ADOPT A SENIOR” TASKFORCE:
Commissioner Tipton has attempted to contact CareNextion. The site is easy to navigate and
focuses on caregivers. Services are volunteer oriented. The goal is to combine the synergy of our
two organizations and offer our strengths to produce a combined greater effect.
Commissioner Modi provided a list of all resource categories offered by CareNextion.
CareNextion Resource Categories
• 24-hour Live-In Home Care
• Adult Day Programs
• Alert / Response Systems
• Bill Paying
• Caregiver Coaching Services
• Caregiver Support Groups / Education
• Caregiver Support Services
• Community Centers
• Companion Care
• Companionship
• Computer Help
• Congregate Dining
• Cultural-Specific Aging Support Services
• Disease-Specific Resources
• Downsizing & Selling Possessions
• Driver Assessment & Training
• Elder law Attorneys (Estate Planning)
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – November 19, 2021
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• Financial
• Financial Planning & Assistance
• Finding Senior Housing Options
• Fitness & Mobility
• Food
• Food Home Delivery
• Food Programs
• Foot Care
• General Transportation
• Health Care
• Health Care Directives
• Health Insurance Counseling
• Hearing
• Hoarding
• Home Care
• Home Maintenance
• Home Remodeling
• Hospice
• Hospice Care
• Housekeeping
• In Home Hair Care
• Inside Maintenance
• Legal
• Legal, Referral & Counseling
• Long Distance Caregiving
• Low-Income Programs
• Medical Equipment & Supplies
• Medicare Covered Home Care
• Mental Health / Chemical Dependency
• Moving
• Multicultural Services
• Outside Maintenance
• Representative Payee Services
• Residential Hospice Homes
• Respite
• Reverse Mortgage
• Safety & Home Modification
• Senior Housing Help
• Social
• Tax Preparation
• Technology Based Services
• Translation Services
• Transportation
• Veteran's Services
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – November 19, 2021
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• Vision
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Wheelchair Capable Transportation
The Subcommittee will schedule a follow up meeting (Commissioners Lunde, Camarata and
Tipton). Mary Blazanin provided the name of Kristal Wielbusch as a contact person at CareNextion
(612)770-7005.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS RELATING TO AGING ADULTS TECHNOLOGY:
The commission discussed what is pertinent to the aging population and how to reach them. Mary
Blazanin reported that 20+% of Senior Center event attendees register online. The rest show up in
person or send their information through the mail. They struggle with registration online,
navigating codes, etc. Commissioners Modi, Camarata and Lunde will work educational materials.
4TH OF JULY FUNDRAISING CHARITY: The Senior Commission discussed promoting the
event, soliciting businesses for donations, streamlining letters that will be sent to businesses.
Language such as “Play Bingo-Support our Veterans”. They requested an expanded list of new
businesses in Chanhassen.
Adding whiteboards at the corners of the tent will help participants with the numbers.
Mary Blazanin suggested punch cards to the Rec Center and bonus admission to Senior Center
events be added as prizes to the Bingo Event.
SENIOR COMMISSION TERMS: There are three commissioners with terms that will expire on
April 1, 2022. They are Commissioners Modi, Lyon and Lunde. Commissioner Lyon expressed
her appreciation to having been able to serve on the Senior Commission but have chosen not to
reapply. The Senior Commission thanked her for her dedication and three years of service and
commitment to the commission and community.
SENIOR COMMISSION COMMENTS: The commission will participate in the 3rd of July
Business Expo.
The city website is being updated and development will start this spring. Meetings will be
scheduled with commissioners to get feedback.
Commissioner Camarata spoke of the different beneficial features on his Apple watch which he
acquired after attending the Aging in Place sessions at the Senior Center.
ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Camara moved to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Modi
seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff