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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The decision to add 20 million older adults to the ranks of Americans receiving a tax rebate (President Bush's stimulus package) ended up easy to make. Receiving the checks, however, may not be so easy. Anyone seeking a rebate under the program must file a 2007 federal tax return, preferably by April 15, to receive the money by May or June. For those who file after April 15, a check won't arrive until December or later. And, for some 12 million low-income people 65+ who typically don't have to file tax returns, the filing requirement could cause complications and expense. Read on to find out how to get the check that will be... "in the mail."


Athletes, take note! If you want to stay in the game or get into a new game, getting older shouldn't stop you. New research reported in the New York Times shows that you can maintain your muscles as you age... and can even start serious training and become competitive for the first time in your 60's and beyond. But you have to know how to train, and do the right sort of exercise, and -- you must keep at it! We suggest that at that point you challenge your grandchildren to a race!


In looking at happiness over a lifetime, researchers collected data on 2,000,000 people from around the world and determined that the average "earthlings" happiness chart was U shaped, with the middle years being the lowest and most difficult time and the two upswings coming in the 20's and the 70's. The author of this New York Times Modern Love article spoke to older couples to find out how they reached their "peak of joy." Happiness is knowing that the best is yet to be...




  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 Habitat for Humanity (locally, a Coming of Age partner) VISTA program provides opportunities for developing new and creative efforts that focus on permanent, long-range solutions to the problems of poverty rather than on short-term approaches for handling emergency needs. The VISTAs provide critical capacity-building support to growing Habitat for Humanity affiliates in local communities across the country. VISTA positions are open in their Southern and Pacific States Clusters, as well as in the Ohio program. States with available positions include FL, AL, MS, SC, NC, GA, KY, VA, WV, MD, DE, OH, AK, CA, HI, ID, MO, NV, OR, UT, WA, and WY. Read More.


RSVP will give you ways to do good that will make you and lots of others feel good, too. This volunteer organization for people 55 and older has many opportunities for you to make a real difference. Available jobs include tutoring children, delivering food to the homebound, serving as a museum guide, being a friendly visitor in hospitals/nursing homes, helping to build a home, teaching computer skills, advocating for victims... the possibilities are endless! To get involved, call (267) 345-7787.


Keep vital history alive by recording the stories of local war veterans for the Library of Congress's Veteran's History Project. Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz is sponsoring two workshops to provide information on how you, your family, and others can become volunteers. This training will provide the basics of interviewing, audio and video documentation, and project guidelines. To find out about training dates and locations, Read More.


Travelers Aid Philadelphia is enlisting energetic, outgoing, people-oriented volunteers to provide information and assistance to passengers and visitors at the 30th Street Train Station. You will staff the Travelers Aid Passengers Assistance Booth and serve as the city’s emissary-- welcoming travelers and newcomers, providing city information and offering general and emergency assistance. Volunteers fill 2 to 4-hour shifts, weekdays and week-ends. There is a volunteer orientation and ongoing training. Contact Travelers Aid at (215) 471-9475 ext.110.


The New Horizons Senior Glee Club, based in Lower Merion, needs your help to get some bookings... the 35-member group recently launched an intergenerational-interactive music program to be presented in area schools entitled “Kids On Stage.” The older singers share a musical experience with children that is fun, entertaining and engaging. Their repertoire includes music from popular Broadway hits. (We've been to their concerts and they're great!) Contact Selma Savitz at (610) 664-2458 for information and to offer leads for future concerts.




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 White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
What is the path to energy independence and a lower carbon footprint? Energy conservation and solar hot water are two immediate, cost-effective choices that are time-tested and affordable... and options you might want to explore. Two speakers will answer your questions about how to make your home more energy-efficient. The $30 fee includes a two-hour presentation and two-course lunch with tax and tip. To reserve a space, call the White Dog Cafe at (215) 386-9224.


1:30 pm at Kimmel Center, Commonwealth Plaza Stage, 300 S.Broad Street, Philadelphia
Take the time to nurture yourself musically! Philadelphia's newest chamber choir, the Eakins Vocal Consort, is comprised of eighteen young musical, literary and artistic scholars dedicated to the energetic performance of the best early and modern music for mixed a cappella chorus. The singers combine a high level of choral experience with professional expertise in the arts and humanities. FREE.


11:00 am at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia
Don't miss the Black History Showcase -- a special event created to promote a greater awareness and appreciation of African American history. It features educational exhibits and activities that use real people, artifacts and stories to present the extraordinary achievements and events in African American history. For information, call (215) 418-4700. FREE.


11:00 am at Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Mark President's Day by celebrating some of our Presidents' contributions to natural science. View some rarely seen presidential artifacts that are part of the Academy's world-renowned collections, including Thomas Jefferson's fossils (one in photo). Many Presidents were conservationists, naturalists and explorers; some were members of the Academy. Naturalist presentations at 11 am and 2:30 pm.


10:00 am at Joan Shepp Store, 1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Women of Faith and Hope, Inc., a breast cancer self-help support group for low-income African-American women, invites you to visit women's fashion retailer, Joan Shepp, for the store's annual “Celebrating Women of Substance and Style" event. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the support group. Shopping hours are 10 am to 7:30 pm. Free reception will begin at 5 pm and include info about the organization. Contact: Novella Lyons at (215) 849-7004.


4:00 pm at Lincoln Financial Mural Arts Center at the Thomas Eakins House, 1727-29 Mt. Vernon St., Philadelphia
The Mural Arts Program invites you to attend a panel discussion on prisoner re-entry into society. This vital issue affects everyone in the area. The panelists will focus on what is happening, what works, and what can be done in the future. Those on the panel include Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Harriett Spencer, Mayor’s Office of Re-entry. FREE. For more information, e-mail Robyn Buseman or call her at (215) 685-0756.


6:30 pm at Whole Foods Market, 929 South Street, Philadelphia
Do you describe yourself as "hormonally challenged?" Are you dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, trouble sleeping, depression? Help is on the way. Dr. Ralph DeMarino from The Foundation of Wellness will be discussing these problems and more at Whole Foods. FREE. Class size is limited. Register in advance at Customer Service or by e-mailing Brett Mapp.


5:00 pm at University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia
Find out why obesity is on the rise and learn about the diseases associated with it at this lecture by Penn endocrinologist Rexford Ahima. FREE.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelpia
Attend the Philadelphia premiere of Iron Ladies of Liberia, an intimate documentary that goes behind the scenes with Africa’s first freely-elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia. A discussion about the history of Liberia and its current policy aimed at preventing a descent into civil war will follow the screening. In our global world, what happens in Africa matters to all of us. FREE. Reserve seats by calling (215) 409-6700.


8:00 pm at The Franklin Institute, 20th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Have the best view in town of a rare LUNAR ECLIPSE! The Franklin Institute is opening its observatory and rooftop observation deck for this special sky-gazing event. The festivities feature Planetarium shows and other out-of-this-world activities. Telescopes will be available to gaze at the moon! And, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and snacks! Cost: $5; Free for members. Call (215) 448-1254 to pre-register.


8:00 am at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
A sobering fact: One in four women in the United States dies of heart disease. To help the women of Philadelphia confront this health problem, Sister to Sister Foundation, a national organization founded to prevent heart disease, is holding a Women's Heart Health Fair. Free counseling sessions, fitness programs, medical seminars, nutrition workshops, and screening to learn how you to protect your ticker. FREE. For more information, call (610) 540-0184, ext.14.


5:30 pm at White Rock Baptist Church, 5240 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Be in the loop about SEPTA's operations. Coming soon, (the weekend of March 7), El shutdowns will resume. Attend this information session to learn how often it will happen and how SEPTA construction in 2008 will affect you and your community. FREE. For information, call (215) 580-6484.


9:00 am at Longwood Gardens, Rte. 1 and 52, Kennett Square, PA
Take the time to behold true beauty! Nurture your spirit to fuel your commitment to connection and contribution! The divas of the plant world put on an unforgettable show throughout the Conservatory with thousands of orchid blooms and the award-winning Living Wall of Orchids. Colorful orchid illustrations from the 18th and 19th centuries are on display. These historical prints showcase the beauty of orchids as they appeared in nature - untouched by human hands. $14 (62+) Contact: (610) 388-1000





For You and Those You Care For


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 your 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."