Aging Advisory Board Minutes 021213

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ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes February 12, 2013 PRESENT: Leo Allison, Heather Altman, Virginia Brown, Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, Dan Hatley, Lorenzo Mejia, Donna Prather, Jeane Suddarth, Richard White EXCUSED: Ed Flowers GUESTS: Terri Buckner, Vicky Jamieson-Drake STAFF: Janice Tyler, Kathie Kearns, Mary Fraser The meeting was called to order at the Seymour Center by Chair Heather Altman. Following introductions, she recognized the newest member of the Advisory Board, Lorenzo Mejia, who was appointed at the January 24 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. The Chair announced that the printed agenda was being adjusted to allow the two invited guests to present at the beginning of the meeting. She invited Terri Buckner to update the Advisory Board on the progress of UNC GigU, the University’s project to offer much improved fiber optics which could enable tele-health service in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro community. The request for proposal process has been completed and UNC is now seeking volunteers to assist with vendor selection. Questions were raised about the availability of personal computers for use with the tele-health system, the cost of service hook-up and monthly service charge, and the motivation of the vendors to provide the service. The services installation would begin with the most-densely populated area – Carrboro. Ms. Buckner stated that the she envisioned three or four meetings to review the applications. Dan Hatley expressed the benefit that this service could be for the nursing and residential facilities. Lorenzo Mejia, Heather Altman, Dan Hatley, Alex Castro and Donna Prather volunteered to serve on the review committee. Ms. Buckner concluded by saying that the first meeting would be held within the next two weeks. Vicky Jamieson-Drake was introduced as a member of the Board of the Carolina Villages Project on behalf of The Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church. She stated that the organization is based upon the Beacon Hill model and had hired its first part-time Director that day. Membership is open to persons 62 years and older. The official launch is scheduled for June 3rd and a fundraising campaign is underway for $100,000, equivalent to one year’s operating expenses. Services will be available to those who want to age in their own homes, beginning with the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. Membership is $550/yr. for individuals or $820/yr. for couples. Alex Castro mentioned a “brushes with kindness” volunteer organization that could be a valuable contact. Jeane Suddarth added that Habitat is now working with