10-17-2025 COA Minutes (002)Chanhassen Commission on Aging, October 17, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Commissioner Mobley.
MEMBERS’ PRESENT:
Gwen Block, Jane Bender, Phyllis Mobley, Barbara Solum, Beth Mason, Janet Dean
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Camarata, Chair; Bill Monn
GUESTS PRESENT: Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of
Aging.
CALL TO ORDER: Phyllis Mobley, Vice Chair
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The agenda was reviewed. Commissioner Block made a motion to approve the agenda.
Commissioner Bender seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
September 19, 2025, minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Bender made a motion to approve
the minutes. Commissioner Mason seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was
carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Commissioner Check-In on Areas of Interest/Focus Projects.
Commissioner Mobley has reached out to a speaker for a brain health presentation but has not
received a response yet; she will continue to pursue it.
Commissioner Bender does not currently have updates on communications planning and
recommended watching to see how the new Senior Center opening affects this planning.
Commissioner Dean has been working on offering advanced directives/ health directives training
for commissioners or other volunteers. She has been in contact with two different people who
may be able to help with the training. Training may be scheduled after the new year, and then a
plan will be created for the next step needed to help seniors in this area of planning.
Commissioner Mason introduced the new Chanhassen Senior Life Guide, which is now available
in a digital format on the Senior Center website page with the City. Commissioner Mason was
commended for her work on spearheading this project and doing the initial edits.
Active Aging Week Recap with Mary Blazanin.
Mary provided a recap of the Active Aging Week, which was filled with fun activities and
programs. There were over 350+ people that filtered through the Recreation Center, attending
several speaker events and a Senior Expo event. It was a very successful week of activity.
Commissioners commented on the positive nature of the Expo, with quality vendors and
information. Some discussions focused on setting up a panel of experts to share downsizing and
financial planning for seniors. Mary will look into these future ideas.
Other COA Projects Discussion (as needed).
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging.
Kara touched on two programs she is working on offering in 2026: Car Fit, an AARP program
for seniors where trained experts teach how to adjust car features in order to improve safety and
comfort while driving. Kara highlighted a new Family Resource Center in Chaska. She is also
working on creating an interactive map of the county to showcase all the Senior programming
from each city.
Chanhassen Senior Center Upcoming Programs.
Mary shared the upcoming programming for the next three months; the Senior Center is going to
be packed with fun events.
Senior Community Services Updates. Not in attendance. No updates
Chanhassen Library. Not in attendance. No updates
DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve adjournment. Commissioner Solum seconded.
All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:33 am.
Submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator