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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Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's husband, who suffers from dementia, has found a "new love" in the assisted living facility where he resides. O'Connor is delighted that her husband of 55 years is happy. Her way of coping with the changes in her world and the reality of what love means as we age are the topic of a story in the The New York Times. Researchers who study emotions across the life span say old love is in many ways more satisfying than young love — even as it is also more complex.


Imagine living in a community for older adults where you pursue your love of the arts surrounded by other artists. Community members not only benefit from the studios, theaters, and classes in music, dance, and visual arts, but also enjoy all the amenities of the best in housing that takes their age and lifestyle into account. Stop imagining: this place exists... in Burbank, California... with the support of More Than Shelter For Seniors, a nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the lives of people 65+. Yo! What about a Philadelphia Older Adults Artists Colony? Why not start talking to our local developers and politicians about this great concept!?


Put your hand up if you have been given the wrong medicine at a pharmacy, been confused by the directions you've received, or actually been harmed by incorrect medication or dosage? Pharmacists admit that they have problems reading doctors' handwriting and are often distracted, trying to verify things in the middle of a "phone-ringing circus." Their suggestion: "Don't trust us... ask questions." Before you need meds to deal with this, find out how you can be proactive with both your doctor and pharmacist.


Robin Wolaner, the founder of Parenting Magazine, wanted to communicate with peers over 40, online, in a Fun, Easy, Smart, Safe, Us, Proud (FESSUP) way. Her answer: tbd (as in "to be determined")-- a site that takes on issues of interest to boomers. The site is only in its second month, and membership is already in the thousands! It's a place to share, learn, vent, realize how much we have in common and how much fun it is to "talk" to each other. Coming of Age applauds this notion and says, "Let the chatting continue!"




  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:




Philadelphia's To Our Children's Future With Health, Inc.’s youth programs provide opportunities for at-risk youth to build leadership skills and become powerful agents of change in their communities. As the Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator- AmeriCorps*VISTA you will create an infrastructure that will increase the number of youth enrolled in the programs supported by the agency. Duties include developing agency policy concerning outreach and recruitment, creating recruitment materials and publications, and identifying and implementing best practices. • Bachelor’s degree preferred. • Good writing and verbal skills. • Good computer skills. • Experience working with adolescents. • Experience with public speaking. Stipend, education award, and health benefits provided. Reply to: bmedley@tocfwh.org


As days grow colder, many men, women, and children in Greater Philadelphia worry about how they will stay warm this winter. Join Greater Philadelphia Cares (GPC) in its 12th Annual Winter Coat Drive and spread warmth throughout the city. Start a drive at your church, school, or office, or visit one of GPC's public drop-off sites between now and January 21. Call (215) 564-4544 or visit www.gpcares.com for more information.


Volunteered recently? Have an experience you'd like to share with the VolunteerMatch community? Tell them your story! They want to hear great volunteer stories and hope you will consider sharing your experiences to inspire others. Fill out this form and include a photo to get your story printed online.


Play a role in helping others curious about nonprofit “Jobs that Change the World” by becoming a Nonprofit Mentor with Opportunity Knocks’ new partner VocationVacations. The group offers their “vocationers" a hands-on, dream job immersion experience under the supervision of expert mentors who love what they do and enjoy sharing their work. E-mail lnorton@opportunityknocks.org to receive mentoring requirements.


Special Olympics Philadelphia (SOP) needs volunteers to join committees to help realize its goal of providing year-round sports training and competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with developmental disabilities. These activities give participants the opportunity to become physically fit, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and form friendships with other athletes and their families. Volunteers are asked to make a 10hr/month commitment. For more info, e-mail specialolympics.phila@gmail.com or call (215) 671-5069.




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 Rittenhouse Square West, (center of Square), Philadelphia
How can you help Philadelphia if you don't know about Philadelphia?  Learn about the many generations of high-rise apartment building architecture on Rittenhouse Square - representing every decade of the 20th century. Then learn about the smaller scale of the grand houses on nearby streets while walking past some of Philadelphia's most historic brownstones. Presented by Landmark Tours, $8-$10.


10:00 am at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia
Learn more about our town. Behind massive, castle-like stone walls of an abandoned prison in Philadelphia lies a lost world of crumbling cell blocks and abandoned towers. Once the most expensive building in America, famed around the world, the Eastern State Penitentiary is a mysterious, fascinating destination. Some of America's most notorious criminals were housed here, including Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton. Hours: 10 am - 5 pm. Cost: $4-$9


4:00 pm at Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
Learn about what's happening in the HIV/AIDS community from guest speakers, Elaine Pasqua, who will address "Living and Loving in a World with AIDS;" and Robb Reichard of the Philadelphia AIDS Fund. For more info, contact Lauren Trager at TragerL@arcadia.edu or at (215) 833-9995.


5:00 pm at University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia
Did desperate Etruscan housewives cause the collapse of a whole civilization? In 264 BC, a Roman army ''liberated'' the rich Etruscan city of Volsinii (modern Orvieto) imprisoned the men and forcibly married the defeated men's wives and daughters. This marked the beginning of the end of the Etruscans' luxurious society. Etruscan wives already had a reputation for wild orgies-- but, did their later antics actually destroy their extravagant, 1,000- year-old culture? Oh my. Rainey Auditorium talk, followed by gallery tour and refreshments. Free.


5:30 pm at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Donating an hour of your time could be worth $5,000 to a family in need. Become a part of the "Coming of Age Make a BIG Difference Team," working with The Benefit Bank and connecting families to the benefits and tax credits for which they may be eligible. For more info: call (215) 204-8585 or email aketchum@temple.edu.


2:00 pm at United Way of Southeast Pennsylvania, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Phiadelphia
If you can't attend Tuesday's early evening meeting (See above), come today! For more info: call (215) 204-8585 or email aketchum@temple.edu.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Tom Brokaw, best-selling author and veteran broadcaster, will discuss his new book Boom! Personal Reflections on the Sixties and Today. As he did with The Greatest Generation, Brokaw brings to life another pivotal time in American history: the 1960s. $12 members, $15 non-members.


7:00 pm at the Free Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
The Marshall Plan, conceived to aid the recovery of post-WWII Europe, has been called the world’s most successful program of international cooperation. Greg Behrman’s new study of the plan arrives at a time when issues of postwar reconstruction and American obligations are the stuff of current public debate. Free to the public. For information, call 215-567-4341.


11:00 am at Doubletree Hotel, 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
You are invited to the Simply Manischewitz Live Cook-off -- lots of cooking and fun and a FREE KOSHER LUNCH. This is part of a national cook-off sponsored by Manischewitz and GE, and the winner gets $25,000.00 and a GE Profile Kitchen. You do not need tickets (or to be Jewish); just come, eat, enjoy and be well! For more information, call (610) 664-6780.


6:00 pm at Hayes Manor Retirement Home, 2210 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia
The senior book club needs readers. Bring your favorite book and get right into the story as eager Hayes Manor residents who are no longer able to read themselves, listen. Contact Jodi Charles at jodi.l.charles@gsk.com to be one of the readers.


6:00 pm at The World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Lace up your sneakers for the inaugural Back on My Feet Bash. Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia's homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. You can help more people get back on their feet by enjoying an evening of food, drinks, live music, dancing, fun contests, inspiring speakers, and a great silent auction... all in your favorite pair of sneakers. Free parking. Contact anne@backonmyfeet.org for more info.


9:00 am at Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation, 4641 Roosevelt Blvd., Friends Hospital, Philadelphia
Join Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, representing Pennsylvania’s 13th District, as she talks about the accomplishments of the 110th Congress. She will discuss her efforts to fight for children’s health care, veterans’ benefits, energy conservation and renewable energy initiatives, retirement security, and federal fiscal responsibility. RSVP to Kate 215-790-9700 ext. 3


8:00 pm at Lucky Strikes Lanes, 1336 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
The Institute for the Study of Civic Values (ISCV) is sponsoring Bowling Against Bullets, an opportunity to support organizations fighting against gun violence. Proceeds will benefit the Institute's parent volunteer/welfare-to-work program and YouthRAP (the Youth Urban Renewal Arts) program, a youth-driven, after-school program focused on art therapy and civic education. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, call Audrey at 215-238-1434.




7:30 pm at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park
Acclaimed Yiddish poet, singer, and songwriter Beyle Schechter- Gottesman, 87, reflects on her journey in later life through song, poetry and conversation. This event is being presented by Hiddur: the Center for Aging and Judaism, and is co-sponsored by Coming of Age. "Autumn Song" is free, but reservations are recommended: e-mail hiddur@rrc.edu or call (215) 576-0800 ext. 152.





For You and Those You Care For


Campaign Features Major Outreach to Beneficiaries Eligible for Low Income Subsidies, Enhanced Publications and Online Tools

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that, beginning November 15th and running through December 31st, Medicare beneficiaries are able to make enrollment changes in their health and prescription drug coverage for 2008, if necessary.

In addition, for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans only, beneficiaries can make one change in enrollment - enrolling in a new plan, changing plans or canceling a plan - between January 1 and March 31, 2008. 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."