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11-21-2025 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, November 21, 2025 The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Commissioner Camarata. MEMBERS’ PRESENT: Jim Camarata, Gwen Block, Jane Bender, Phyllis Mobley, Barbara Solum, Janet Dean MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Monn, Beth Mason GUESTS PRESENT: Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging. Linnea Fonnest, Adult Services Librarian, Carver County Library. Lee Ann Eiden, MSW, SCS Senior Outreach and Caregiver Services. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Commissioner Camarata. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was reviewed. Commissioner Mobley made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 17, 2025, minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Dean made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Mobley seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. GENERAL BUSINESS: Commissioner Check-In on Areas of Interest/Focus Projects. Commissioner Mobley shared that she was able to help with scheduling a community presentation by Janie Horn on March 10, from 3-4 p.m., on brain health and memory. It will be open to the public and held at the Senior Center. Commissioner Dean has been in contact with Ridgeview, who has agreed to do an Advance Directive and Health Care Plan training for the commissioners sometime early next year. A recommendation was made to open this training up for all Carver County Commission on Aging and Advisory Councils. Kara Cassidy offered to request SHIP funds to cover food/beverages for attendees. Mary will follow up with Dean and Cassidy to coordinate and schedule this event at the Chanhassen Senior Center. Commissioner Monn was absent; Commissioner Camarata shared that, on his behalf, Commissioner Monn was able to attend an informational presentation by SouthWest Transit. Commissioner Monn is interested in setting up a field trip for local seniors to help them learn how the program works and see the facilities. He will work with SW Transit and the Senior Center to coordinate this event sometime in late spring of 2026. Senior Center Housewarming and Open House Recap with Mary Blazanin. Mary said that the Housewarming Celebration was well received and well attended. The Senior Center greeted an estimated 150-175 walk ins. Tours were given by Commissioners Mason and Solum. Coffee and cake were served by Park and Recreation staff. Mary is seeing many more residents finding their way to the Senior Center now that it is open in the new building. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging, Kara Cassidy. Kara spoke about the Car Fit event she will be hosting on June 10. This event is for Seniors to come through with their vehicles and check that their cars are set up correctly for them. In January, AARP will be coming to Norwood Young America to do a decluttering event. Kara extended an invitation to the Commissioners. Kara shared vaccination and local disease spread statistics, as well as information on drug disposal kits being placed in local public spaces. Chanhassen Senior Center Upcoming Programs, Mary Blazanin. Mary shared on upcoming programming for the Senior Center, including the Annual Holiday Party slated for December 12, 11:30 a.m.-1:30pm, hosted at the Recreation Center and sponsored by Nicolet Bank and Landmark Tours. This will be a “working” meeting for Commissioners as they help set up and serve that day but also stay to enjoy lunch and music. Senior Community Services Updates, LeeAnn Eiden LeeAnn shared updates on Caregiver and Tech Help services, as well as upcoming events by Senior Community Services, including a Dementia Friends workshop at the Library in January. There have been some budget cuts, so they are working around that and looking for resources. Chanhassen Library, Linnea Fonnest. Linnea shared an overview of programming for December at the Chanhassen Library and handed out flyers and program brochures for 2026. DISCUSSION Commissioners discussed the need for more education and information to seniors about local senior housing options. A suggestion was made to invite local facilities to the Senior Center to present their information to patrons and help answer questions. Mary shared about similar past events at the Senior Center related to this idea. She will investigate these program options for 2026 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Mobley made a motion to approve the adjournment. Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:23 a.m. Submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator