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 you noticed the number of spicy sauces, barbecue toppings, and "rubs" filling the shelves in supermarkets today? Maybe you figured these tongue-tingling condiments are the result of Food Network's popularity or our youth-oriented love of "hot hot hot." This Boston Globe article has another theory: as Boomers age, their olfactory nerves degenerate, leading to a diminished sense of taste. Many turn to the bolder and spicier to overcome dulled senses... and with 78,000,000 Boomers, some have the adventuresome palates and spending power to make an impact on food choices. Read on to get the full flavor of this phenomenon.


For many gay and lesbian older adults, moving to a senior community or assisted living facility is a step backwards in their ability to live openly and express their sexual orientation. There are few institutions that specifically serve the LGBT community. Like many others who are aging, gays and lesbians are looking for community and support, like-minded friends, and, at the very least, places to live where they feel welcome and accepted. The Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons, (GLARP), a newly created organization, seeks help in facilitating the development of gay and lesbian retirement facilities. To find more about GLARP, click here.


Were you yearning for someone to add you to the their Facebook? Now, you can have your own "place" to communicate with people who enjoy being active, connecting, and exploring the next phase in their lives. Bolder Broadcasting Inc., the world's leading producer of active-lifestyle content, has launched GrowingBolder.com, an online community for men and women, 45+, that describes itself as a comfortable place to share ideas and interests and includes videos, blogs, and features about smashing stereotypes, overcoming obstacles, and reinventing yourself. Take that first bold step and check it out!


In this rare area appearance, Debbie Ford will talk about her latest book, Why Good People Do Bad Things: How to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy. In her most provocative work to date, Debbie boldly unmasks the forces that drive people to sabotage their own best efforts--sometimes even destroying all they have worked so hard to build. Debbie will discuss her book and offer spiritual solutions to a very human dilemma. Mark your calendar for this event: Tuesday, March 11th, 7:30 pm, Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Cherry Hill. For more information and to register, click on the Transformations website or call (856) 470-1399.




  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:




There’s a way to make a lasting impact on the lives of others that’s unlike any other-- spending a year in National Service. Use your skills and experience to help improve lives and serve your country. This VISTA opportunity is with the Michigan Campus Compact, a state-level nonprofit that promotes the education and commitment of Michigan college students to be civically-engaged. As an Americorps*VISTA, you will help connect higher education institutions and their surrounding communities. Read More.


The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County needs your help to make it possible for older adults to remain independent and stay in their homes longer! Join the new Neighbor to Neighbor program in providing yard work, doing household chores and making minor home repairs for older adults in the greater Norristown Area. Whatever your skill level... whatever your time availability, you can make a difference by getting involved. To volunteer or for more information call Susan Edgren at (610) 275-1960.


Living in poverty can mean no books, shoes that don't fit, a worn-out winter coat, and more. Cradles to Crayons (CTC), a Horsham-based, nonprofit, accepts donations for needy children and is recruiting people to sort books, test games, organize clothes, and fix toys. These items reach thousands of children each month through CTC's partnership with hospitals, health centers, shelters, schools, and others. Join the Cradles to Crayons crew. Call Brian Kindle at (215) 836-0958 X202 for hours and directions.


While some of us try to stay warm, about 100 intrepid swimmers will take The Philadelphia Polar Bear Plunge into the Schuylkill River to promote awareness and raise money for The Alzheimer's Association. This skin-tingling event is March 9 at 10 am, Lloyd Hall, Boathouse Row. There are still openings for participants! If interested, call Dan Citrenbaum (610) 256-1328. Can't make it to The Plunge but want to donate? Send a tax-deductible donation payable to The Alzheimer's Association to Coming of Age "Explore Your Future" guides, Chris and John (two who shall plunge) c/o Career Resources Management LLC, 1616 Walnut Street, Suite 1105, Philadelphia, PA 19103.


The Center for Literacy is looking for committed tutors for its adult students. The Center is the nation's largest community-based nonprofit literacy agency, offering a range services, including reading, writing, math, life and work skills. A three-part training is required; tutoring sessions are 2-3 hours a week. The Center has branches thoughout the city. To sign up for the March 11 session at 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1500, call Melissa at (215) 351-1670.




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 pm at African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Immerse yourself in the work of local artists who present their explorations of identity within and beyond the African American community. Through paintings, drawings and mixed media, this group of artists make “Statements” that demonstrate and celebrate a myriad of life’s experiences -- historical, political, social and familial.


11:00 am at Gershman Jewish Community Center, 401 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
The Joseph P. Sobo Sunday Brunch Series at Gershman Y is featuring a talk by Damon Linker, the author of The Theocons. The book is a history of the influential people who have spearheaded the movement to erode the wall separating church and state. Linker discusses the threats posed to the Jewish community and American secular culture by the desire for a more religious government. Tickets: $15 advance/$20 door, includes brunch. Call (215) 446-3020.


6:00 pm at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Seven Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (between 17th and 18th Streets).
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 at this evening meeting. For inquiries about the Peace Corps, call: (212) 352-5463.


7:30 pm at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr
Trudy Rubin, Foreign Affairs Columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, has made nine trips to Iraq in the past four years. She will talk about the war's impact on the Mideast at this Community Forum, and share her thoughts about what lies ahead. FREE. No reservations needed. Questions? Call (610) 525-2821.


7:00 pm at Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia
Author Diane MacEachern feels that we can all make a difference in saving our environment by... going shopping! With some changes. Her book, Big Green Purse, describes her "One in a Million" campaign that aims to get 1 million women to use $1,000 of money already being spent on the household, to buy "green" each year. (She targets women because women currently spend 85 cents of every dollar in the marketplace!). MacEachern is eager to show you how to put this plan into action. FREE. Contact (215) 844-1870.


7:30 pm at Jewish Family and Children's Service, 2100 Arch St., Philadelphia
Are you caring for an aging parent who is ill? Joining a Support Group can help you cope with the pressures, stresses and challenges. Jewish Family and Children's Service invites you to join a weekly group that meets on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. Open to anyone interested. FREE. Call (215) 496-9700.


12:00 pm at Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Dr. Dan Gottlieb, host of "Voices in the Family" — an award-winning mental health call-in radio show on WHYY, a founding Coming of Age partner — will speak at the Free Library about his new book, Learning from the Heart: Lessons on Living, Loving, and Listening. Dr. Gottlieb will examine what divides and unites us all, including the problems of family life. FREE. For information, call (215) 567-4341.


6:30 pm at Walk Auditorium, Temple University, Montgomery Ave. & Park Mall, Philadelphia
Plan to attend this forum, presented by the ACLU, that will address U.S. funding priorities for HIV prevention and effective strategies for promoting safer sexual practices. Political events that lead to current U.S. policies will be discussed, and the policies' constitutional implications addressed. The forum is free and open to the public. A question and answer session will follow. Contact number: (215) 592-1513


10:00 am at Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia
If the Flower Show is here... can spring be far behind? We hope not. Revel in the beauty of New Orleans' French Quarter as the 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show promises to "Jazz it Up." Gardening exhibitors will strut their stuff with pumped-up versions of the "Big Easy's" walled courtyards, cast iron balconies, fountains and canals. There also will be the toe-tapping sounds of great Jazz legends. Plus: learn ways to beautify your surroundings and connect with nature. For information, click here.


10:00 am at Italian Market, 9th and Wharton St., Philadelphia
You can't claim to be a true Philadelphia aficionado without having taken the Italian Market Tour given by Celeste A. Morello, the Market's historian and author of The Philadelphia Italian Market Cookbook. Visit the historical and cultural sites in "Little Italy," see food-making demonstrations, attend a program on cooking and food preparation and taste imported or homemade products sold only at Philadelphia's "9th Street" Market! Call (215) 334-6008 for details.





For You and Those You Care For


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have implemented a new regulation that aims to allow more Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources to remain in the Medicare prescription drug plan in which they are enrolled without having to pay a premium. Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources, and those who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, may qualify for extra help paying for their Part D premium and cost-sharing through the low-income subsidy (LIS), provided by Medicare. 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."