Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.



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Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
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We all know the drill. On New Year's Eve we earnestly resolve to make some real changes in our lifestyle, habits or activities... and within weeks we've fallen off the wagon and are back to our old ways. What happened to the diet, exercise, and pledge to connect and contribute? Researchers at the University of Washington have some good ideas for how we can make good on our resolutions and make real progress this year. We're counting on you to keep that goal of reaching out and making a difference....and we can help you make that happen.


You don't have to give up your outdoor exercise activities or stop going places when it's cold if you follow a few simple steps on ways to keep warm during the chilliest weather. Contrary to what your mother or father told you, brief exposure to cold — after a good warm-up — stimulates the immune system and produces endorphins that will boost your mood. So, don't hibernate; get out there and stay committed to your outside interests! It's good for you (in moderation).


Philadelphia Inquirer readers were recently asked about the type of community service they are planning in the new year and why this involvement is important to them. You'll see their responses in this article. How would you answer that question? We'd love to know about community activities that have been meaningful to you and projects you would like to pursue in the coming year. Please take a moment to jot down your thoughts and send them to Mady Prowler (MProwler@ComingofAge.org), our editor. We're looking forward to sharing these stories with you.


Encore Nation is a movement of people who are exploring how to make the second half of their lives interesting, compelling, and geared to their passions and skills. They aren't interested in getting away from work but are looking for work that fits into their present lifestyle, on their own terms. Read about this "movement" and discover kindred spirits who are living out their dreams... and making a difference. You'll want to bookmark this website.




  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, e-mail details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




The Sponsoring organization for this project is Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Center for Community Involvement (CCI). CCI is responsible for all service-learning and America Reads activities at MDC’s seven campuses. This particular project will focus on the College’s Medical Center Campus. The Medical Center Campus is one of MDC’s seven campuses and is a national leader in nursing, allied health education, and service-learning. This VISTA project will help increase the quality and quantity of service-learning on the Medical Center Campus and will help create an off-site health clinic at a nearby homeless shelter (the Miami Rescue Mission). To learn more about the project and requirements... Read More.


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that a person was measured by his or her commitment to making life better for all. To celebrate his accomplishments and his memory, Greater Philadelphia Cares invites us to participate in their Day of Reflection, Lifetime of Action. A variety of service-learning opportunities will be offered over the week-end of January 19-20th to inspire a life-long commitment to volunteerism. Sign up by calling (215) 564-4566 or e-mail: volunteer@gpcares.com. Another great way to honor Dr. King's memory is to participate in Coming of Age founding partner's United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Day of Service.



SHARE (Self Help and Resource Exchange) provides a package of food at a significantly reduced cost to those who volunteer for two hours of community service. Anyone who wants to participate is invited to package and bag food at the SHARE warehouse in East Falls on Saturday, January 12th, 9 am to 12 pm. It is a great way to "shop" for a bag of good food and help your neighbors. Contact Angela Stokes at (215) 424-1755 to sign up.


Calling all science mavens! Greater Philadelphia Cares is looking for volunteers to make a difference in a child's life. One of their longest-running programs, Discovery, is a fun academic enrichment program that offers hands-on science learning to 3rd and 4th graders at the Sheppard Elementary School in North Philadelphia on Saturday mornings. Contact Linda Watson-Patterson at (215) 635-5590 or lwatsonpatterson@aol.com




We list events and opportunities here we think will interest people 50+ who want to make a difference. If you know of such events, please send us information. If you attended an event you learned about here, please send us a review.

And don't forget to check out our website Community Calendar too!


10:00 am at Comfort Suites Hotel, 120 W. 3rd Street, Bethlehem
A great way to close out the holiday season and celebrate cultural diversity! The South Bethlehem Historical Society’s 16th Annual EthnicTree Exhibit features fifteen trees decorated by ethnic churches and organizations from all over Bethlehem. Discover the community's multicultural heritage as you stroll through a forest of holiday cheer at this free annual event. For more information, call (610) 882-9700.


10:30 am at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, 1 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphi
People with cancer and their loved ones will learn about their personal deam symbolism and how dreams can foster healing and enhance quality of life. Free. To register, call (215) 879-7733.


9:30 am at The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia
What makes you YOU? Identity: An Exhibition of You explores the physical, psychological and social elements in your life that make you tick. It’s an interactive look at how genetics shapes each of us. Learn about new studies showing that there is no biological basis for race or perceived differences in men and women. Cost:$10.00 Call (215) 448-1254 for tickets.


4:30 pm at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
Brandywine Peace Community is hosting a lecture by Dr. Walter Tsou, former president of the American Public Health Association and former Philadelphia Health Commissioner. Dr. Tsou will discuss the fight for National Health Insurance. Bring a homemade dish for the potluck dinner. Free. To register, call (610) 544-1818.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Lewis, author of the classic Gideon’s Trumpet, shares some of the ideas from his latest work, Freedom for the Thought That We Hate, a book that addresses the importance of freedom of expression. Tickets: $6-$15. Call (215) 409-6700 to order.


10:00 am at University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia
Lewis and Clark Revisited: A Trail in Modern Day is a traveling exhibition of 60 black and white photographs taken by professional photographer Greg Mac Gregor while he retraced Lewis and Clark’s legendary journey. Lewis and Clark Revisited speaks to the legacy of the early explorers who opened up the American west. The exhibit also provides a rich visual commentary on contemporary American life. Admission for seniors $5.


7:00 pm at Media Borough Hall, 301 N. Jackson St., Media
This live presentation of the slide show, An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It, is being presented by Richard Whiteford, certified by Al Gore, Nobel Prize winner and Oscar-winning writer of this eye-opening documentary. Call (484) 674-5809 with questions. Free. This event is sponsored by The Climate Project & The Clean Energy Communities Campaign.


7:00 pm at Free Library, Logan Square, Philadelphia
Come hear Daniel Schorr, the last of Edward R. Murrow’s CBS team still fully active in the media, speak about his latest book, Come to Think of It. This award-winning, veteran reporter is now NPR’s senior news analyst. His career spans six decades and 12 presidential administrations. Come to Think of It is a selection of his observations on politics and American life. Free. No tickets required. For information, call (215) 567-4341.


9:00 am at Franklin Hall, 427 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Thirty-five years ago, Title IX was introduced providing equal opportunities for women not only in athletics but also in math and science. Centuries earlier, Benjamin Franklin, always a trend-setter, encouraged and mentored women in these academic pursuits. This year's Celebration of Benjamin Franklin includes a seminar and the awarding of the prestigious Franklin Founder Bowl to distinguished women scientists. The free seminar will be held from 9 am - 10:30 at Franklin Hall. Register here for this celebratory event.


6:30 pm at Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Plenty of us are looking for ways to avoid using fossil fuels. Bike Share Philadelphia is is holding a forum to discuss bringing public-use bicycle programs, (bike sharing a la Amsterdam and Paris) to Philly. The meeting, sponsored by Urban Sustainability Forums, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, will feature speakers who have made bike sharing a reality where they live. Free. RSVP: rwall@ansp.org or (215) 299-1108.



1:00 pm at Temple University, Health Sciences Center, 4th floor, 3401 N. Broad St., Philadelphia
Dr. Frederick Hartman, M.D.,Temple alum, international health expert and author speaks about the dangers, triumphs and tragedies he and his wife encountered in post-Taliban Afghanistan. They were there undertaking the monumental effort of rebuilding a health care system destroyed by 23 years of war. Free lecture and reception. Complimentary parking. To register, e-mail kathleen.harmer@temple.edu or call (215) 707-8965.





For You and Those You Care For


Medicare Pays for Colorectal Screening Tests to Help You Stay Healthy A Healthier US Starts Here. Take 30-minutes to get screened for colon cancer. It can save your life. “Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms,” says Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Office of Clinical Standards & Quality Barry M. Straube, MD. “That is why it is so important for people age 50 and older to be screened.” Getting screened for colorectal cancer is one of the smartest things you can do for your health Read More.

SPONSOR:




VISTA is looking for experienced, energetic individuals who want to make a full-time, year-long commitment to fight poverty. If you’re retiring soon, already there or want to take a year off for a year of service, VISTA may be for you. Living allowances and other benefits are provided. More About VISTA

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."