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.



What's New
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Make-A-Difference Calendar
Past Issues


 
Coming of Age is aware that many of the age 65+ members of our community are unsure which Medicare coverage would be best.  As the year and Medicare open enrollment period come to an end, we know that your need to make the right choice becomes increasingly important. We want, therefore, for you to know about a service that can help you make your choice. It is available to you without charge. You reach it by calling 1- (866) 579-0967. Read More.


Jane E. Brody is the voice of so many of us "50+ers" who have memory lapses, rely on post-its to know what to buy, and can't remember a friend's name for an introduction. Her reflections in The New York Times, are familiar and reassuring. We all experience senior moments and trips from room to room puzzling over what we are looking for...but, what really matters is how we devise creative ways to stay on track and make use of our coping skills and good humor to get things done with panache.

CBS News Sunday Morning provides a video glimpse into the changing picture of retirement. Rather than a sedentary or leisure village lifestyle, retirees, many of whom are in their fifties, are looking at a second chapter filled with purpose, and often, a paycheck. The by-word for those who have been successful in the business world is that they have done "well" -- now it is time to do "good." Those interviewed offer interesting ways to enter the "second act."


The Philadelphia area is a hotbed of continuing care facilities. From the first facility opened in 1967, there are now 76 in this region, and about 2200 nationwide. Today, a new generation of residents - healthier and intent on maintaining their lifestyles - have new expectations. Spacious rooms, first-class health clubs, choices of restaurants, even wine at dinner - are becoming the norm. And payment plans allow residents to pay for only what they need. The times -- and the facilities -- they are a changin'.


It's now hip to be a gamer! The over-sixty set has found Nintendo ...and their grandchildren can just watch as their elders compete. This video game system has become all the rage in senior centers and retirement communities as it takes the place of bridge and mahjong as a welcome reprieve from the same old...and boosts hand-eye coordination. What a great holiday gift for a friend...that is, if you don't fall in love with it first!




  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 Drive Coordinator is needed at Cradles to Crayons, a Philadelphia-based, non-profit organization that provides needed clothing, household, and other items to low-income families. The primary responsibility of this VISTA position is to be in charge of planning, logistics, and marketing of product drives and donations. The coordinator will: • Communicate with Cradles staff on an ongoing basis to see what products are most needed • Outreach to potential drive partners (community groups or other organizations) • Schedule and coordinate drives • Help to produce and circulate marketing materials (i.e. flyers and A-frames), and keep them up-to-date • Take part in some of the day-long drives. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with the Cradles to Crayons Youth Leadership and Service Learning program. This is a paid, one-year Americorps* VISTA opportunity. To learn more, e-mail Jennifer Case


Help make this day of live entertainment, food, prizes, arts, crafts and gifts a great time for all. Admission is free. Vendors will be selling delightful gift items and a spaghetti dinner and concert will be held from 2-6 pm. Volunteers are needed for the Bazaar set-up on Friday, December 7th and day of event activities on Saturday, December 8th (ticket takers, flea market, door prizes, dinner server, runners, cashier, decorating, load in, clean up, and more). White elephant donations are being sought. Call (215) 546-5879, ext. 276, to volunteer or donate items.


Philadelphia's Achieving Independence (AI) Center needs mentors for teens in foster care. This "one-stop" center is designed to help young people achieve their self-sufficiency goals. Services include education, life-skills training, employment, technology training, mentoring and other resources. Mentors provide support, encouragement, advice, and networking opportunities. To volunteer as a mentor, register by email or call (267) 514-3551.


Broad Street Ministry (BSM) has embarked on an exciting collaboration with Congregation Keneseth Israel to produce a MASSIVE HOLIDAY FEAST (free) on CHRISTMAS DAY, 2:30 to 4:30 pm at BSM, 315 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia to help bring cheer and a sense of community on this special day. Celebrate the holidays in a different way! Invite those who may not have plans. Volunteer to prepare, serve and share the meal. Contribute resources --music, flowers, food. Contact: (215) 735-4847 or BSM


Have you ever visited the Romanian Folk Art Museum at 1606 Spruce Street in Philadelphia? This gem keeps all things Romanian alive, but is facing hard times. To be able to continue providing exhibits, educational programs, festivals, and photographic histories to the public, the museum needs some serious Brotherly and Sisterly Love. If you can write grants, develop projects, or do national networking, please call (215) 732-6780 or e-mail: office@romanianculture.us




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 PSC Main Branch, 509 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Plan on attending this Bazaar to raise funds that will benefit the more than 10,000 people who receive help from the Philadelphia Senior Center. Lots to do, see and be a part of...entertainment, food, arts and crafts, a White Elephant, door prizes, and special holiday gifts for the first 200 people who attend. Admission free. Dinner and concert tickets are available. Contact PSC for more information.


12:00 pm at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia
CANCER ANSWERS is a FREE event for the public that will take place during Philadelphia's American Association for Cancer Research conference: Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research. Researchers will share their findings with the people affected most: cancer patients, families, caregivers, friends and everyone who is concerned about cancer. Admission is free! No registration required. Please contact James Marengo at (267) 646-0552 with questions.


11:00 am at Ethical Society, 1906 South Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Keith Pacheco from the Center for Nonviolent Communication will explain how to foster peaceful interaction. For too long, too many people have communicated competitively and judgmentally. Non-violent communication can teach us how to make non-judgmental observations, identify our feelings and needs, and make requests instead of demands. Free.


3:00 pm at Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 South Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Mill Creek Farm is celebrating its second season of making fresh, locally grown food available in West Philadelphia. Learn how the farm grows and distributes fresh food and educates the community about urban agriculture and sustainability. Activities include: light food and drinks, silent auction,and live music. Childcare is available. Buy tickets online or at the door ($20 in advance, $25 at the door).


10:00 am at St. Mary's Family Respite Center, 3115 Spring Garden Steet, Philadelphia
St. Mary's Family Respite Center is requesting donations of an unwrapped toy or an article of clothing for the children it serves, ages 5 months to 5 years. The Center works with children and families throughout Philadelphia living with HIV/AIDS. Donations can be brought to the Center until Christmas. For more information, contact the Center at (215) 387-7730 or online.


6:30 pm at Delegates Restaurant, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
The Cephalon Speaker Series for Science and the Constitution presents: “Regulating the Practice of Medicine,” a conversation about how business and government promote, regulate, pay for and prohibit products in the health care industry. Admission free. Reservations required. Call (215) 409-6700.


11:30 am at Settlement Music School, Field Hall, 416 Queen Street, Philadelphia
As part of Settlement's Free Lecture Series, Dr. Hilary Koprowski will speak on the many connections between science and music. Dr. Koprowski is a world-renowned biomedical researcher, as well as an accomplished pianist and composer. Among his many scientific breakthroughs were the creation of the live polio vaccine and the development of the rabies vaccine.


12:00 pm at Rosenbach Museum and Library, 2008 Delancey Place, Philadelphia
The first in a series of newly developed hands-on house tours offering a fresh and in-depth glimpse into the stories behind the collections at the Rosenbach, "Made in Philadelphia" focuses on decorative arts made here in Philadelphia between 1750 and 1850. Visitors can look closely and even handle selected pieces of furniture and silver as the tour explores issues of craftsmanship, style, and the changing world in which artisans and their patrons lived and worked.


9:00 am at University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, in collaboration with Penn's Cultural Heritage Center and Penn's Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, will engage participants in considering how the international debate over cultural heritage is reflected in Philadelphia's efforts to preserve its city's treasures. Registration fee: $189 for attorneys (continuing education credits); $125 for arts and culture professionals. To register, call (215) 545-3385 ext.2 or e-mail: kcarignan@pvla.org


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.


7:30 pm at Cheyney University's Center City Campus, 701 Market Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia
Now celebrating their 14th year, October Gallery, a leader in African-American art, encourages artists and educators to create and to teach through Panoramic Poetry, every 2nd and 3rd Friday. $7. Tickets can be purchased for $5 in advance using Paypal.




1:00 pm at Merriam Theater, 250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Plan to be there as "Mad Hot Ballroom" comes to Philly! You will be surrounded by the moves, the color, and the excitement of the tango, meringue, salsa, and more, as fifth graders from six schools (public, charter and Catholic) compete in the Colors of the Rainbow Team Match, the finals of the Dancing Classrooms Philly program. Based on the documentary, ''Mad Hot Ballroom,'' program co-creator and world famous ballroom dancer, Pierre Dulaine, will MC. Doors open at 12:30 pm and reserved seating is available until 12:45 pm. Free of charge.





For You and Those You Care For


If you have Medicare, three important steps can help put you on the road to better health: • STEP 1: Know your health history • STEP 2: Talk to your doctor about the Medicare preventive services that are right for you • STEP 3: Register for MyMedicare.gov on any computer These three easy steps can take you towards a healthier life. Being physically active, eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking all work to keep you healthy and help you live longer. But there is more you can do to protect your health and prevent disease. 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."