04-15-20221
CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES
April 15, 2022
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Cerchia, Bhakti Modi, Ruth Lunde, Dorina Tipton, Linda Haight,
Jim Camarata, Susan Kibler, Kara Cassidy.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Mary Blazanin.
GUESTS PRESENT: Dawn Plumer, Linnéa Fonnest.
OATH OF OFFICE: The Senior Commission took the Oath of Office. Jean Steckling notarized
signatures of all commissioners.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Camarata moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Haight seconded the
motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES:
Commissioner Lunde moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner Tipton seconded the motion.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Commissioner Camarata nominated Chairman Cerchia as Chair. Commissioner Kibler seconded
the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Commissioner Tipton nominated Commissioner Lunde for Vice Chair; Chairman Cerchia seconded
the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
APPROVAL OF BY-LAWS:
Commissioner Tipton made a motion to approve the By-Laws, Commissioner Camarata seconded
the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE:
Chairman Cerchia appointed Commissioner Haight as the Advisory Board Representative. He also
thanked Commissioner Kibler for her service on the board last year..
4TH OF JULY BINGO EVENT:
The Senior Commission is continuing to contact businesses within the community and request gifts
for the 4th of July Bingo event. .
ACT ON ALZHIEMER’S UPDATE-JULY 3RD PROMOTIONAL TABLE: Staff reserved a
table. Commissioner Tipton volunteered to order additional handout materials. Commissioners will
be needed to staff the table on the day of the event.
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – April 15, 2022
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ADOPTION OF ONBOARDING DOCUMENT:
Chairman Cerchia provided overview on what is expected of the commission. The Commission
accepted the document as presented.
2022 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Commissioner Modi moved to approve the goals, Commissioner Cassidy seconded the motions.
All voted in favor.
ARBOR DAY:
The Environmental Commission issued an invitation to the Senior Commission to attend the
Arbor day event at Curry Farms Park on Saturday, May 7.
MEMORIAL DAY-MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021
The Commission will participate by raising funds for Veterans Court. Staff is finalizing the
posters and getting updated numbers on participants.
ADOPT A SENIOR: Commissioner Tipton stated that multiple organizations are working
independently. Some have stalled and now, Unite Us will bring them back together. This will be
an ongoing effort trying to include all service providers. Volunteers for services are needed.
SENIOR COMMISSION COMMENTS: Dawn Plumer provided the following:
April Vaccine Clinic Schedule – New Time!
Public Health is still here. Our dates, times and location for the April COVID-19 vaccine clinics
are ready to serve people 5+ who want to receive first or second dose, 1st boosters (age 12+), or
2nd booster (age 50+, 4 months since 1st booster). Carver County employees and their families
are welcome.
All clinics are held at Township Hall at the Government Center in Chaska from 4-6 p.m.
April 19: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us/appointment/en/reg/1560724901
April 26: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us/appointment/en/reg/1560724901
Public Health prefers pre-registration for these clinics, but walk-ins are allowed, dependent on
staffing levels for each clinic. Please call Public Health at (952) 361-1559 with any questions,
visit www.co.carver.mn.us/covid19vaccine to register for these clinics or find more information
on the vaccines.
Residents living in the Cities of Chaska, Chanhassen, Carver and Victoria that need
transportation to and from the Government Center for vaccine appointments can use SouthWest
Transit's Prime service for free. Call (952) 797-7463 to book a ride or visit www.swprime.org.
Public Health continues to serve residents with barriers to receiving the vaccine in a more
traditional clinic setting through our strike teams. Please call (952) 361-1559 or email Public
Health at public-health@co.carver.mn.us to arrange for a strike team to visit your community,
neighborhood, apartment building or home.
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – April 15, 2022
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Dawn also stated that when the commission starts work on Transportation and Mobility strategic
area #2 around accessibility, that the SHIP grant does provide active living funds. She offered to
set up a meeting with Patrick Stieg to see if any of the ideas can by funded.
Linnéa Fonnest informed the commission that the Library is offering a three part series under the
Generations category.
Show Me Something For example, teens could show seniors how to use technology to create art,
explain the appeal of manga/anime/cosplay, and more of what people 55-95 might be curious
about. Seniors could show teens how to make a positive first impression, non-tech games and
hobbies, and more. It’s up to you. Each person who signs up to Show Something will have a
table for demonstrations
Tell Me Something
Pairs of older adults (age 55+) and pairs of teens (ages 12-18) can sit together and chat using a
set of basic instructions and conversation starter cards. Every 10 minutes, a librarian will signal
the teens to move to another pair of seated seniors for a new conversation. Each person who
participates in at least 6 conversations will receive a certificate for Community Engagement
Hours.
Held outside on the plaza between the Chanhassen Library and the Senior Center or inside the
Senior Center in case of severe weather.
Presented in partnership with the Chanhassen Senior Center and funded by the Friends of the
Chanhassen Library.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Cerchia called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Camarata move to adjourn;
Commissioner Cassidy seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner