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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Older recruits have been valued in the Peace Corps for many years, but a new initiative has been launched to ensure that 15% of volunteers are at least 50 by 2009! Why not?...Older recruits are more than three times as likely to serve another tour than younger ones. And many of us are ready to share our advanced skills and knowledge as we leave careers and consider retirement, are we not?!



Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California, San Francisco will be live in the studios of Coming of Age founding partner WHYY to present a revolutionary new system he and his colleagues developed for strengthening the brain and making it perform with more agility, speed and comprehension as we age. Read More.


After Thanksgiving, the holiday season begins in earnest...and there is no turning back! As you make your lists, and think about all the things yet to do, check out these 20 quick tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center--they can help you be more organized and hassle free as you shop, cook, and decorate for the holiday season.


A group of heavy hitters in the nutrition field have compiled a list of eight daily "must-have" foods for those who want to maintain health and ward off illnesses, especially during this hustle bustle time of year. These foods boast positive health benefits, including cancer prevention, bone strength, and enhanced immunity. And, the good news is that they taste good!


On December 4, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the biennial update on workforce trends for 2006-2016. The previous report (2004-2014) showed that the growth in the percentage of older workers would outpace the increase among younger workers... a 42% growth at ages 55-64. And workers ages 65-plus? A 74% uptick! Sounds like lots of industrious older adults are still in the game.




  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:




Help To Our Children's Future with Help, Inc. by becoming its Youth Council Coordinator. In this role,you will set up youth leadership councils in after-school programs, help strengthen "youth voice," facilitate leadership development, and inspire youth to become agents of change in their communities. DUTIES: Create a recruitment and retention plan for agency councils; implement proper meeting protocol (i.e. Roberts Rule of Order); oversee the election of officers; conduct meetings between Youth Council officers and program staff; assist participants in planning events. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree preferred. • Good writing, verbal, and computer skills. • Experience working with adolescents. • Public speaking experience. This is a paid 1-year AmeriCorps* VISTA opportunity. Reply to: bmedley@tocfwh.org


Great minds will be gathering at the Great Expectations Citizens Convention on Sunday, December 2, noon-5 pm, Pennsylvania Convention Center, to help create the vision of Philadelphia as the next great city. Volunteers are needed for registration and to act as guides (and will receive lunch and parking). To volunteer, contact:Terry Baxter at (215) 564-4544 or e-mail terry@gpcares.com


Congreso de Latinos Unidos is a nationally-recognized, community-based nonprofit organization providing human services in our Latino community. It seeks supervisors to develop and implement lesson plans for high school youth on starting and operating a business. You will be responsible for conducting classes for 15 or so students, helping with curriculum as they create business plans to be presented to the local academic, business and investment communities. This part-time position is 5 days per week, 15 hours per week (3 pm to 6 pm). Post-secondary education required. Experience needed in developing and/or operating after school or summer programs for youth. Bilingual (Span/Eng) and background in entrepreneurship and/or business preferred. Contact Alfreda Novak at Novaka@congreso.net  


Volunteer with people of all ages to help Cradles to Crayons keep Philadelphia's homeless and low-income children safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. You are needed at its Giving Factory to inspect books, match clothing, sort and test toys, and do other fulfillment (and fulfilling!) activities. Volunteer hours are Tuesday-Friday:10:00 - 3:00 pm; 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month: 5-8 pm; or by appointment. Register online.

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!


9:00 am at The Roxborough Presbyterian Church, 8230 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
Help our furry friends by attending a craft festival to benefit The Schuylkill Center's Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. There will be crafts, a raffle, a white elephant table and refreshments. Enjoy a festive day supporting local crafters and the Clinic. A special treat: some animals will be paying visits during the day, as will a special visitor from the North Pole, from 12 pm-2 pm. It's a gr-r-r-r-r-reat cause!


9:00 am at Columbus Recreation Center, 13th St. & Reed St., Philadelphia
Help plant 87 new trees in and around the Passyunk Square neighborhood. This Community Tree Planting activity is being coordinated by the Passyunk Square Civic Association and South Philadelphia Tree Tenders, in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation and Columbus Recreation Center Advisory Board. For more information, contact treetopplanter@gmail.com


1:00 pm at Broad Street Ministry, 315 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
The AIDS Fund, the Sapphire Fund and Broad Street Ministry, in collaboration with 20 local organizations, will present artistic performances, visual art displays, and commemorative ceremonies with FREE HIV counseling and rapid tests. AND.... Panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, from 11 am-4 pm.


10:00 am at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Ask what you can do for your country? Visit the Constitution Center's exhibit, "Portrait of a Family," a never-before-displayed grouping of 27 photos of the Kennedy family taken by Richard Avedon just prior to JFK's inauguration. This is the last day to see these captivating photos. And while at the Center, don't forget to visit the collection of "First Ladies'" memorabilia.


12:00 pm at Pennsylvania Constitution Center, 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Join hundreds of fellow citizens in shaping the agenda for Philadelphia as the "next great city" a program being presented by the Great Expectations Project, a joint endeavor of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Project for Civic Engagement at Penn. Your comments and suggestions will be included in the final version to be presented to the Mayor and City Council. Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter, seen here, will keynote.


8:30 am at Philadelphia Children's Theater, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Children's Theatre is looking for positive and motivated volunteers to greet and seat children's groups and patrons during their December 3 - December 5, 2007 matinee shows of ~THE SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS ~ a hilarious and joyfully fun retelling of "A CHRISTMAS CAROL." Ushers and volunteers may work all hours listed or less, depending on scheduling needs. To sign up, contact volunteer information.


10:00 am at Sites throughout Fairmount Park
Learn more about our city! Take advantage of this unique glimpse into Philadelphia’s rich cultural history -- and see first-hand how your support of the Fairmount Park system allows others to appreciate these significant architectural examples of eighteenth-and early nineteenth-century homes. Tours run through December 10. Call (215) 684-7926 for more information and prices.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
StoryCorps founder, Dave Isay, will explain the largest and most ambitious oral history project in American history as described in his new book, "Listening Is an Act of Love." The book is a tapestry of the stories Americans have been sharing from their lives to leave behind. Admission: $12 for members, $15 for non-members, $6 for K-12 students and teachers. Reservations required. Want to know more? check out local memoirist Jerry Waxler's blog about both a recent Coming of Age Boomervision! session and StoryCorps!


5:00 pm at Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia
Take a break from holiday shopping and visit America’s first public library for an Open House. You are invited to delve into their incredible collection and test your American history trivia skills. Wander leisurely through intimate galleries and enjoy refreshments amid the stately portraits and leather bindings of the Library’s Logan Room.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
We all have a right to know. Find out what Pennsylvania's laws say about what citizens should be able to find out about our government at a forum co-hosted by the National Constitution Center and Philadelphia magazine. Free. For reservations, call (215) 409-6700.


5:00 pm at Fado Irish Pub,15th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia
Show up for Philadelphia Young Nonprofit Leaders' 6th Annual Toy Drive (and Holiday Happy Hour), add some age 50+ enthusiasm, and bring a new unwrapped toy to help make the holiday season a little brighter for children and families in need. Donated toys will go to Project H.O.M.E. and the Community Education Alliance of West Philadelphia. For more information, call Steven Fynes at (215) 563-5848 ext. 11.


5:45 pm at World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., Philadelphia
The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia will present its prestigious International Statesman Award to James A. Baker, III and Lee H. Hamilton, co-chairs of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. Cocktail and hors d'oeuvres photo reception and program: $195; Program only: $60. Reservations and business attire required. Call (215) 561-4700.


7:30 pm at Kimmel Center, Perelman Theater, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Come hear the winners of the Marian Anderson Prize for Emerging Classical Artists! These talented young vocalists sing your favorite art songs, opera arias, and ensembles. Presented by the Marian Anderson Award, in partnership with Astral Artistic Services, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Call (215) 735-6999 for your free tickets!




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


Medicare Wants You to Stay Healthy ... A Healthier US Starts Here Are you new to Medicare? Had a physical exam lately? Medicare welcomes people newly enrolled in Medicare with a “Welcome to Medicare” physical. Don’t miss out on this benefit! Make an appointment with your doctor right away. Medicare covers this exam within the first six months after the effective date of one’s first Medicare Part B coverage period. At the “Welcome to Medicare” visit, talk to your doctor about your family health history and how to stay healthy. Your doctor can make sure you are up-to-date on important screenings and shots. 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."