09-19-2025 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, September 19, 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, Bill Monn, Beth
Mason
MEMBERS ABSENT: Janet Dean,
GUESTS PRESENT: Patrick Gavin, Chanhassen Communications Manager. Linnea Fonnest,
Chanhassen Library. Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging.
CALL TO ORDER: Jim Camarata, Chair
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The agenda was reviewed, one correction was made related to guest attendance. Commissioner
Mobley made a motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Mason seconded. All members
voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
August 15, 2025, minutes were reviewed. It was noted that Senior Community Service staff were
unable to attend. Commissioner Block 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 Bender has been
working with Patrick Gavin to create a way to push communication on senior programming,
working on an inclusive way to share the resources with all seniors, but possibly focusing on 40–
50-year-olds with parents in the community. Patrick shared the current avenues being used by the
City of Chanhassen and was able to share a few suggestions for starting points in reaching that
age group. Patrick will assist in developing a plan with Mary and Commissioner Bender.
Commissioner Mobley reported that her initiative to promote wellness programming will begin
in partnership with the Senior Center after the first of the year, 2026. She is reaching out to
resources to provide presentations and trainings on various issues.
Commissioner Monn discussed his initiative to gather information on the City’s transportation
options for seniors. He will be meeting with one of our council members as well as SW Transit
staff to learn more and will share that information with the Commissioners.
Commissioner Camarata further discussed the idea of putting out a survey to seniors in
Chanhassen.
Fall 55+ Health and Wellness. The Fall 55+ Health and Wellness Expo will be held on
Wednesday, October 8th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Chanhassen Recreation Center.
This event highlights local nonprofit programs and organizations and connects seniors with
important resources. Commissioners volunteered their time to attend and assist that day.
Mayor’s Luncheon. Mary shared details on the Mayor’s Luncheon happening on Tuesday,
October 7, 2025, starting at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 1:00 p.m. Registration is required.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging. Kara thanked
the commission for attending her County wide Senior Commssion event at the Arboretum and
shared that it went well. She also brought along some information on vaccinations, emergency
preparedness initiatives, and shared State and County resource ideas with the commissioners.
Chanhassen Senior Center Upcoming Programs. Mary shared with the commission some of
the upcoming Senior Center programs. There is a lot on the agenda for this fall season, mostly
trips as we transition to the new building, and she sees that it is reaching a very large range of
age groups.
Chanhassen Library. Linnea Fonnest summarized fall programming for the Chanhassen
Library. More information on this can be found in the library brochure.
DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Mobley 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