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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According to a survey, "Boomers Ready to Launch," by MetLife Mature Market Institute (based on conversations with 1,000 folks born in 1946), Boomers who turn 62 this year look more like the "Silent Generation" that preceded them than the hippies of the 60's. Despite the turbulence of their youth, these leading edge Boomers have established very traditional lifestyles-- married once, two children and looking forward to retirement. The majority report, however, that they have not lost their connection to the youth culture they ignited. Read more about the survey.


Florence Brodman and four compatriots at the Villages at Pine Valley in Northeast Philadelphia, a 55 plus community, were all veteran recyclers and outraged when they moved into their new apartments and found no place to toss paper and plastic but into the trash. So they took it upon themselves to start a program for the four-story building's 89 units, one that not only helps the environment but puts the facility in compliance with recycling regulations. After a year, they're still going strong, totally committed to making an impact in their community and working toward sustainability. What a great example of civic engagement! Read The Philadelphia Inquirer story about this project, including what Coming of Age had to say about it.



If you started receiving Social Security checks before full retirement age and now want to find ways to boost your income, you can actually go back to Social Security and reapply. There is a catch, though. You must repay every dime you've received in past benefits. But because Social Security charges no interest, reapplying could turn out to be a good deal. It represents a way to buy an inflation-adjusted annuity for a price that beats anything offered by the financial-services industry. Check it out.




  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 Layton Boulevard West neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is an urban community undergoing innovative change. The neighborhood boasts beautiful homes that feature unique architectural detail. Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Inc. (LBWN), a nonprofit community development corporation, seeks to fill an Americorps VISTA position, Community Outreach Liaison, who will work closely with staff to infuse Healthy Neighborhood strategies to promote this community as a place to raise a family, work and play. VISTA members will work with renters, homeowners, and local businesses to revitalize the neighborhood. Read More.


Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware (along the Brandywine River), is a unique collection that catalogues the history of American enterprise. The museum needs Volunteer Interpreters (docents) to host a one-day training on March 4 or 8. As a docent, you will be trained to interpret the family life of nineteenth-century mill workers; demonstrate cooking on a wood-burning stove; “teach” school using slate boards and quill pens; or operate nineteenth-century machinery. No experience necessary.To learn more about this life-long learning opportunity, go their website or call Angela Williamson at 658-2400 ext. 257.


Looking for a rewarding experience to make a difference? Visit the JCCs Stiffel Senior Center at 604 Porter Street, Philadelphia, for a free 2-part session on how to get the most out of connecting and contributing. Tom Shea, Manager of Training & Staff Development for the Philadelphia Corporation of Aging, a Coming of Age partner, is the presenter (We've been in Tom's trainings; they're excellent!). Sessions are March 5 & 12 at 10:30am. Call Susan at (215) 468-3500 to register.


The Sister Study is the only long-term study of women ages 35 to 74 whose sister(s) had breast cancer. The study's goal is to learn how environment and genes affect the chances of getting breast cancer. At least 50,000 women are needed to join the effort. Sister Study is almost there, but they still need more women from the following populations: African Americans, Latinas, other ethnic minorities, high school education or less, or women between the ages of 65-74. To learn how to get involved, click on this website.


Just retired? Looking for a change? Now is a great time to join the Peace Corps. Find out more about their diverse programs and hear first-hand accounts of life abroad from former Peace Corps volunteers, including Reading Mayor Tom McMahon. Mark your calendar: Monday, March 3rd, 6:00 pm at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Seven Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (between 17th and 18th Streets). For inquiries about the Peace Corps, call: (212) 352-5463.




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!


9:30 am at Roberto P. Hernandez Theater, 2557 N. 5th St., Philadelphia
In the early 1900s, Puerto-Rican born Arturo Alfonso Schomburg began studying the history and accomplishments of Black Latinos and later, of Black people throughout the world. Taller Puertorriqueño celebrates his legacy through its annual symposium. This year's topic is “Racism in Latin America: Historical Perspectives, Policies, Notions, and Practice." This full-day program will focus on how racism has affected societies descended from Latin American slaves. Audience participation encouraged. $25, ($20 in advance) includes continental breakfast and lunch. Contact: Francisco Sandoval, (215) 423-6320 or e-mail fsandoval@tallerpr.org.


1:00 pm at African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
At the Wall is a film by Warren Bass and Zilan Munas that documents a “people’s history” of the protestors who struggled against racial injustice and clashed daily with Frank Rizzo’s Philadelphia police force in an important milestone of the Civil Rights Movement –– the battle to integrate Girard College. The filmmakers and some of the Girard freedom fighters will be present. Free with Museum Admission ($8, $6 for 55+)


8:00 pm at Forrest Theater, 1114 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
Be there when dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet join forces for Shut Up & Dance -– a one-night-only benefit performance for MANNA -– the nonprofit organization that delivers nourishment for people living with a life-threatening illness in the Delaware Valley. In the event's 16th year, dancers will create and perform original works in their uniquely spirited, funky and enthusiastic style. Shut Up & Dance is hosted by 88.5 WXPN Morning Show Personality Michaela Majoun. Ticket prices from $35-$175. Call (215) 496-2662 x138 to order.


11:00 am at Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Here's another great event in February's celebration of Black History... "Buffalo Soldiers: Pride of Black Philadelphia." Not only did our Black community provide the largest number of Black regiments for the Union Army during the Civil War, it also was the primary recruiting source for Black men to serve as members of the U.S. Army’s premier combat units during the last half of the nineteenth century -- the Buffalo Soldiers. Hear about this brave group from Joe Certaine, Historian of African-American Civil War soldiers and veterans. FREE


9:30 am at The National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Since the oft-dubbed “great American sport” first took shape in this country, baseball and America have mirrored the same values, responded to the same events, and grappled with the same social and economic issues. Discover how the game has unified the nation and is a catalyst for change. The National Constitution Center will host Baseball As America through May 11th. This is the first time the treasures of the Hall of Fame have left their legendary home to tour the country. Batter up!


12:00 pm at Ballard Spahr, 1735 Market St., Philadelphia
Attention civic-minded attorneys! Thousands of grandparents in Philadelphia are raising their grandchildren and need legal representation to make critical decisions on the grandchildren's behalf. Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of two generations. No prior experience necessary. (2 CLE credits for those who handle a SeniorLAW Center grandparent custody case within six months following the training). Lunch provided. FREE. Call (215) 988-1244 or e-mail ncobb@seniorlawcenter


6:30 pm at The Black Box at the Prince Music Theatre, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Dust off that masterpiece for a film debut! This hands-on workshop will train participants in the art of pitching screenplays. Attendees may bring their own work (limited to a logline and half-page synopsis) or simply observe the pitching process. Sample pitches will be critiqued following small-group activities and individual coaching. FREE, but requires pre-registration. E-mail joanb@film.org. This event is sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office.


5:30 pm at Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia
Evolutionary developmental biologist Dr. Scott Gilbert and "Team Turtle" at Swarthmore have been studying this evolutionary novelty and have recently published the first comprehensive hypothesis for how the turtle shell forms. Dr. Gilbert's illustrated presentation will explain how the turtle's skeleton is unique among vertebrates and describe the principles of "evo devo" biology. Get out of your shell and expand your knowledge. FREE


7:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
The toll of innocent Darfurians murdered in Sudan continues to rise. With villages destroyed, millions are forced from their homes into refugee camps. Each day, in the camps, women and young girls going out to collect firewood are attacked and raped. How can we help stop the terror and the genocide? Join the discussion as first-person witnesses, observers and survivors discuss what’s happening in Sudan today. FREE


1:00 pm at Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark "Kerner Commission Report." The report assessed the causes of the dozens of race riots that occurred in the 1960s. In a joint project, the Annenberg School and the Center for Africana Studies at Penn, and the Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies (IFAJS) at North Carolina A&T State University, are determining how this nation has responded to the Commission's recommendations. Hear their findings in a two-day symposium. FREE. Attendees must register. Call (215) 898-4965 or register online.


8:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Robin Wright, a foreign correspondent, will discuss her new book, Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East. Wright covers U.S. foreign policy for the Washington Post and is a MacArthur Foundation grant recipient. Commenting on this book, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright writes, "full of mesmerizing detail and large truths." General admission, $14. Call (800) 595-4TIX


2:00 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences, 19th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Did you know that every year more than 300 volunteers contribute 25,000 hours of work to The Academy of Natural Sciences? At its Open House, you can find out about the ways these folks support the museum as exhibit guides, informal teachers, and "behind-the-scenes" office or curatorial workers. See first-hand the role you might play -- meet and talk with volunteers and staff. To sign up for the Open House, contact Lois Kuter, (215) 299-1029 or e-mail kuter@ansp.org.





For You and Those You Care For


The projected cost of providing Medicare beneficiaries with a prescription drug benefit through private health plans has come down again, according to FY 2009 budget documents that will be released next week. The overall projected cost of the drug benefit is $117 billion lower over the next ten years than was estimated last summer due to the slowing of drug cost trends, lower estimates of plan spending and higher rebates from drug manufacturers. 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."