03-20-2026 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, March 20, 2026
Commissioner Mobley called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
MEMBERS’ PRESENT:
Vice Chair Phyllis Mobley, Chair Jim Camarata (remote), Gwen Block, Janet Dean, Beth Mason,
Bill Monn
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jane Bender, Barbara Solum,
GUESTS PRESENT: Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health Program Specialist, Office of
Aging.; Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The commissioners reviewed the agenda. Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve.
Commissioner Block made a second. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
February 20, 2026, minutes were reviewed by all commissioners. Commissioner Dean motioned
to approve the agenda. Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion
was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Commissioner Check-In and Sub-Committees
Commissioner Monn provided updates on the SW Transit tutorial field trip scheduled for June
11 . Patrons will meet at the Eden Prairie station for a tour and trial bus ride. Details will be
posted in the upcoming Summer Connection Brochure and on the Senior Center website. Monn
also reported on a bill introduced at the MN Legislature which would impact SW Transit services
in Carver County. Monn encouraged commissioners to learn more about this issue. He will
monitor the bill and keep the COA informed. He recommended inviting Jerry McDonald, of the
City Council and SW Transit Board of Directors, to the April meeting for further information and
updates. Mary Blazanin will schedule this with Council Member McDonald.
Commissioner Dean gave a recap of the March 19 Advanced Directives Training hosted by the
Commission. Carver County Office of Aging sponsored lunch and Ridgeview Medical’s Lesley
Young provided the training. 16 people were in attendance. The training was well received.
Commissioners provided their input about the training. Deen recommended keeping forms
available at the Senior Center, offering another workshop for the public with Lesley in the Fall,
and continue promoting educational sessions and support for this initiative.
Commissioner Mason shared information about an inclusive aging class at a large university
which is directed toward medical students. She noted the topics covered in the class are those
currently being addressed by the Chanhassen Commission on Aging. Mason commended the city
for keeping seniors’ interests and needs as a top priority.
Commissioner Mobley reported on the educational session held on March 10 at the Senior
Center called “Is it My Memory” with brain specialist Janie Horn. The turnout was excellent, and
participants provided positive feedback and requests for additional training in the future.
Commission Camarata updated members on recent articles submitted to the Online Carver
County Newspaper related to aging, housing and other areas of interest for local seniors.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging, Kara Cassidy
Cassidy announced the 2026 All County Commission Meeting is scheduled for September 10,
and will be held at Paradise Commons, Waconia. She reported on illness statistics in Carver
County, noting flu and covid19 cases seem to have peaked. She provided updates on senior
commission and advisory council work around the county.
Chanhassen Senior Center Upcoming Programs, Mary Blazanin
Blazanin provided 2026 1st Quarter Senior Center statistics for programs and participating
patrons served. She summarized program plans for summer and current projects she is managing.
She also noted that Carver County CDA will attend the COA meeting in April to update
Commissioners on its recent project approval.
Senior Community Services Update, LeeAnn Eiden, Social Worker
LeeAnn Eiden was not in attendance. Updated flyers for her programs were given out.
Chanhassen Library, Linnea Fonnest
Linnea provided an overview of current and upcoming programs, forums, and library events. She
shared the Friends of the Library Annual Report and discussed the upcoming Spring Book Sale
as well as an expanded Extended Access program for Carver County libraries.
OTHER DISCUSSION
Commissioners reviewed COA Goals and Objectives for the 2026-2027. A few changes and
additions were suggested. Blazanin will compile these and submit updated documents to the
Commissioners for approval at the April meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Dean made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Monn seconded. All members
voted in favor; the meeting was adjourned at 11:24am.
Submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator