03-18-20221
CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 18, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bhakti Modi, Linda Haight, Dorina Tipton, Ruth Lunde, Jim Camarata,
Susan Kibler, Jerry Cerchia.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lisa Lyon.
STAFF PRESENT: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner, and Mary Blazanin, Senior Center
Coordinator.
GUESTS PRESENT: Dawn Plumer, Public Health Program Specialist.
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 Lunde moved to approve the minutes dated
February 18, 2022. Commissioner Camarata seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the
motion carried.
REVIEW OF ANNUAL GOALS: The commission updated the annual goals. All new
information is highlighted below in green.
1. CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLAN STRATEGIC AREA: HOUSING
Goal: Expand connections to the Senior Housing Community and promote the options
available for older adults in Chanhassen.
Ongoing/Long Term Objectives
Description Partners Accountability Status
Commission members will
continue to be informed about
housing needs and preferences
of those aged 55 and over in
Chanhassen. They will provide
educational resources.
Commission members will
advocate for and educate
community members regarding
All Commission
Members
All Commission
Members
Sharmeen Al-Jaff
Ongoing
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – March 18, 2022
2
future market rate and
affordable housing needs
Update the Chanhassen
Resource Guide
Stay Connected with the
Management of the Senior
Housing Community via
monthly meetings.
Offer educational classes on
renovating homes and
providing services to age in
place.
AARP, Carver
County, Neighboring
Cities, Carver County
CDA, Habitat for
Humanity.
Mary Blazanin
Ruth Lunde
Ongoing
2018-2022 Objectives
Information through an easy to
follow website
Bhakti Modi
Linda Haight
Mary Blazanin
Sharmeen Al-Jaff
Ongoing
STRATEGIC AREA: TRANSPORTATION
AND MOBILITY
Goal: Create a higher quality of life in Chanhassen by increasing and enhancing the mobility
options for older adults.
Ongoing/Long Term Objectives
Description Partners Accountability Status
Monitor, enhance, and promote
existing resources that facilitate
mobility within the community.
All Commission
Members
2013 -2022 Objectives
1. Host an informational
Session for all
Southwest Transit
Mary Blazanin
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – March 18, 2022
3
transportation options for
Seniors. The session will
provide information on
enrollment and the types of
services they provide.
2. Accessibility (sidewalks,
street crossings, highway
crossings, bike crossings)
3. Advertise and promote the
available transit options
through the Chanhassen
Connection and the City
Website.
Prime & Prime
MD
WeCAB
Carver County
Public Health,
MNDOT,
Chanhassen
Public Works staff
Mary Blazanin
Sharmeen Al-Jaff
Ongoing
Ongoing
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – March 18, 2022
4
STRATEGIC AREA: INFORMATION,
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Goal: Maximize the use of local media, networks and other systems to inform people about
the resources that are available to them to support health and wellbeing of older adults by
providing relevant programs through the Senior and Recreational Center . Monitor the long-
term demographic changes that may affect the quality of life in Chanhassen.
+
Ongoing/Long Term Objectives
Description Partners Accountability Status
Commission members will
support and participate in
activities that foster greater
understanding and interaction on
various relevant topics; promote
different generational cohorts.
Schools and
Senior Center
All Commission
members
Ongoing
Objectives 2022
1. Proactively participate and
support appropriate
programs that provide
relevant information to
seniors.
2. Continue working with
Schools and have Senior
Commissioners participate
as needed.
3. Promote and increase
number of teens
participating in the
Carving workshop at the
Senior Center.
4. Commission members will
participate in the Strive
program as available and
needed.
5. Promote Senior Center
intergenerational programs
(e.g. Grandparent and Me,
Senior center,
Community
Education, Home
School Coops,
Recreational
Center.
Dorina
Jerry
Mary Blazanin
Sharmeen Al-Jaff
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – March 18, 2022
5
Technology assistance)
events.
1. Update the Chanhassen
Website to allow access to
senior related services
within three clicks.
City Admin
Bhakti Modi
Linda Haight
Mary Blazanin
Sharmeen Al-Jaff
Ongoing as
development
continues in
the City
STRATEGIC AREA: OPPORTUNITIES
FOR PEOPLE TO INTERACT
Goal: Improve overall mental and physical health, quality of life, and reduce isolation of
older adults in (community)
Ongoing/Long Term Objectives
Description Partners Accountability Status
Commission members will
collaborate with other
community organizations to
expand, enhance, and promote
opportunities for older adults
and their caregivers in
Chanhassen to interact, connect
and be fully engaged in the
community
Schools
Senior Center
Recreational Center
Feed My Starving
Children
WeCab
Faith Communities
All Senior
Commissioners
Ongoing
2022 Objectives
Add possible objective here – such as:
1. Offer and participate in programs to enhance overall mental and physical health
for seniors.
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Meditation, mindfulness
- Financial assistance
- Caregiver support
- Memory Cafe
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – March 18, 2022
6
STRATEGIC AREA: MAINTAIN AND
FOSTER A SENSE OF SAFETY AND
SECURITY FOR SENIORS
Goal: Safety and Security.
Ongoing/Long Term Objectives
Description Partners Accountability Status
Commission members will
collaborate with other community
organizations to expand, enhance,
and promote opportunities for
older adults in Chanhassen to
interact and be fully engaged in
the community
All Commission
Members
Ongoing
2022 Objectives
The Senior Center offers regular
safety and education seminars on:
1. General Senior Safety
2. Scams/Internet Safety
3. Dementia Care
4. Financial Issues
5. Driving Safety
6. Home Safety
City Council
Mayor
Other City
Commissions
Carver County
Deputies
Fire Department
MN Safety Council
Senior Corps
All Commission
Members
Ongoing
SENIOR COMMISSION COMMENTS: Chairman Cerchia reminded the Commission that next
meeting will focus on housekeeping items.
Commissioner Camarata thanked Mary Blazanin for the e-mail blast that she sends out. He
described it as informative and educational.
Dawn Plumer presented the following information which was praised by the commission.
Office of Aging Support in COVID Response
March -July 2020: Supplying Personal Protective Equipment for Assisted Living facilities,
Health Care Systems, and Child Care Providers.
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – March 18, 2022
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July –December 2020: Contact Tracing and Investigation calls for those with a positive
COVID test.
March -July 2021: COVID Vaccine role out for the 65+ population mass clinics
99% of Carver County population 65+ is fully vaccinated.
April 2021 –Present: Strike Team to Senior Living Buildings, in the community, and
homebound; First, Second, Booster; 300 + people served .
October 2021-March 2022: Free Community Saliva Testing Site at Waconia Event Center
Over 7,000 people tested
January –March 2022: Home test kits and Masks from the federal government distribution
Three Phases: 7,000 home tests, 5,000 masks.
ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Camara moved to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Haight
seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff