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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In late December, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) passed a regulation that might affect you. It allows employers to spend more on benefits for retirees under 65 than those over 65 -- people who are eligible for Medicare can have their benefits cut or reduced and the employer would not be breaking age discrimination laws. This USA Today article provides some perspective on the pros and cons.


We all know our medical needs change as we get older. But, while we can't trade in our genes or lower our age, we can decide what tests to take -- and to skip. This Newsweek article provides a clear cut break-down of priorities for each age and urges us to be proactive. Fifty-somethings, for example, will want to get a yearly flu shot and have periodic colonoscopies. By sixty-five, a woman should know about her bone density, but can slack off on mammograms. One of the many benefits of getting older!


What has Florence Henderson been up to lately? She's hoping you tune into her new show on Retirement Living TV to find out... and spend some time with other celebrities you miss like Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dom DeLuise. Retirement Living TV (RLTV), launched in 2006, informs, involves and inspires (We're into assonance) people 55+. Its original programming features celebrities and journalists addressing health, lifestyle, finance and politics.


Older adults, low income, and homeless residents of Philadelphia can receive free legal advice, referrals and representation from experienced attorneys on January 21, 2008 from 9-11:30 am at Germantown High School. These services are being provided by the SeniorLAW Center, Homeless Advocacy Project and Philadelphia Law Works, a project of Philadelphia VIP. To learn about the legal matters covered and workshops being offered, Read More.




  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:




A Rocky Mountain "High" can be yours. Consider this meaningful opportunity... two AmeriCorps*VISTAs are needed to strengthen Boulder's RSVP's (that great Coming of Age partner formerly known as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Companionship Services and assist in developing a Volunteer Transportation program. RSVP's mission is to provide older adults with the opportunity to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways by volunteering and promoting the independence and comfort of older people with disabilities. RSVP provides Carry-Out Caravan (grocery shopping and delivery), Fix-It (minor home repair), Fraud Prevention, and Companionship Services for older adults with disabilities. Read More.


The Volunteer English Program In Chester County will sponsor a three-session, nine-hour, training workshop for those who want to teach English as a second language to an adult immigrant or refugee. The workshop will be held at Kesher Israel Congregation, 1000 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, on Thursday, January 24; Monday, January 28; and Thursday, January 31, from 6:00-9:00 pm. For more information about this rewarding opportunity or to register, contact (610) 918-8222 or visit the website.


First Staters wanted! The Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club serves more than 3,000 children in after-school and weekend programs. Lots of opportunities are available to interact with a group in art, sports, or aquatic activities. Tutors and mentors work one-to-one with children. Help make the Greater Newark Boys and Girls Club the positive place for kids! Call Leslie McGowan at (302) 836-6464, ext.11 to get involved.




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 James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA
Revisit the Saturday Evening Post covers you loved when you were growing up (or that you saw in your library's archives!) Norman Rockwell, one of America's most prolific and popular illustrators, was very active in the 1940's, creating 71 covers that chronicled the impact of social and political events during World War II . Forty of these original covers are featured in this exhibition. Call (215) 862-7633 to order tickets ($6 for those 65+).


11:00 am at City Fitness, 200 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia
How are you doing on your "diet, exercise, shape up" New Year's resolutions? If you need a reminder and encouragement, plan on attending this health fair for some healthy fun and instruction. Massages, cooking demos, health screenings, cardio and yoga demonstrations, and nutritious, but delicious, snacks from Whole Foods, await you. The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive as well. So put down the Milky Way... and make your way to the fair.


1:30 pm at Commonwealth Plaza Stage, Kimmel Center, 260 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Join the Kimmel Center and the African Cultural Alliance of North America for a FREE AT THE KIMMEL event to showcase the best African musicians in the region. The African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. is a nonprofit that helps immigrants in the Philadelphia area adapt to their new environment and become productive members of the community.


11:00 am at African American Museum, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Honor and recognize Dr. Martin Luther King's achievements and struggles with a free event at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. A historical re-enactor will portray Dr. King and music and dance groups will perform throughout the day. Among the local talent are the Mount Carmel Youth Orchestra, UCC Praise Dancers, Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble, and the Clef Club Youth Jazz Ensemble. Don't miss this special celebration.


6:00 pm at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Room 102 A-B, Philadelphia
Share your vision for "America's Next Great City" with Philadelphia's City Planning Commission. Let them know how you imagine Philadelphia's neighborhoods, skyline, parks, and business districts in 2035. A series of sessions throughout the city are being held to elicit broad public input. To learn about other dates and venues for these meetings, click here.


7:30 pm at Philadelphia Community Acupuncture, Firehouse Bldg, 50th St. and Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia
Can we change health care in America? Paul Glover, Philadelphia community organizer, has some remedies. He founded the Ithaca Health Alliance (IHA), a nonprofit co-op that insures 700 member. Glover wants to bring this program to Philadelphia and will present the blueprint for PhilaHealthia, a local co-op that charges $100 for coverage that includes ambulance rides, emergency stitches, broken bones and minor surgeries. The goal is to close the gap for the city's uninsured and provide a more personal alternative to for-profit care.


10:00 pm at U.S. Small Business Administration, 900 Market St.,5th Floor, Philadelphia
If you are thinking of starting a small business or have taken the leap already, you probably have lots of questions about insurance, legal issues, setting up your finances, and planning for the future. Bring your questions to a free panel discussion of experts being sponsored by SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Business. RSVP to (215) 580-2712.


7:00 pm at University of Pennsylvania Book Store, 3601 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

Come listen to Penn Political Science professor John DiIulio, Jr. present his book, Godly Republic: A Centrist Blueprint for America's Faith-Based Future. Formerly head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, DiIulio leaps into the ongoing debate over whether America is Christian or secular and to what degree church-state separation is compelled by the Constitution. Free. No reservations or tickets required.

6:00 pm at Bubble House, 3404 Sansom St., Philadelphia
Dr. Benjamin Horton, director of the Sea Level Research Lab at Penn, tackles the hard questions about global warming and climate change and discusses the future of temperature fluctuations, droughts, ice melts, global sea levels and other environmental issues. Come to Penn's Science Cafe for this interesting lecture, and a bite to eat. Free. For information, contact Jordan Reese at (215) 573-6604.


6:30 pm at Ritz-Carlton, Ten Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia
Calling all Executive Women... and men, too... to taste interesting dishes, wines, chocolates, desserts -- all heart-healthy -- to benefit the Sister to Sister Heart Disease Foundation. Local celebrity chefs will prove that what you put in your tummy can be both yummy and healthy at the Philadelphia's Executive Women's Heart Healthy Tasting event. Contact (610) 540-0184 x18 for questions and tickets.


10:00 am at Philadelphia Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Watch Losang Samten, a Buddhist monk from Tibet, create a work of prayer known as a Mandala, a circular 8-foot-diameter sand painting, a process developed in the 12th century. The sand will be sculpted into a colorful, intricate diagram representing life events and the cosmos. The Mandala will be the centerpiece of the Philadelphia Cathedral’s Pilgrimage for Peace held in association with the Call by the Religious Leaders’ Council to Stop Violence in our City.





For You and Those You Care For


Medicare Strives to Help You Stay Healthy – Immunizations Don’t let the flu interrupt your plans for fun winter activities. If you have Medicare, you should know that it covers many preventive services including flu shots. Nobody wants a fever, chills, headache, dry cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, and muscle aches that come with the flu. Yuck! Isn't the quickly fleeting sting of one quick flu shot better than being sick with the flu for a week? We think so. Read More.

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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."