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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A parent's death may free an adult child to pursue personal goals, feel liberated, and do things they never dared when his/her parent was alive. Even those with close, loving relationships report having time for personal growth and renewal after grieving their loss. This MSNBC article includes steps on how to begin the process of transformation after the death of a parent.


Not only is it fun to participate in theater, write poetry, paint, make jewelry, or sing, research is finding that being involved in creative pursuits is also good for your health. A study cited in this Washington Post article compares two groups of folks 60+ --one active in arts activities and one not -- and found that those in the arts group had better overall physical health, better scores on depression and loneliness scales, increased independence, and a heightened sense of control and social engagement, both of which may boost the immune system. Sounds like it's time to get busy expressing your creative self.


Many of today's older Americans are adamant in their desire to avoid nursing homes or assisted living. In fact, a 2006 AARP study found that 90% of adults 60 and older say they want to stay in their home or community rather than be uprooted late in life. As reported in the Los Angeles Times, there is a movement to back them up called "aging in place." The formation of community associations makes this possible. Learn more about this new option...




 
Mayor Nutter is committed to making Philadelphia one of the cleanest cities in America and is organizing an all-city kick-off event on Saturday, April 5th called Philly Spring Cleanup to launch this effort. Thousands of people are being recruited to help clean major sections of the city, raise awareness about litter prevention, and instill neighborhood pride and civic responsibility. There are lots of different roles to play to make this a one-day event a success. If you are interested, e-mail Carlton or call (215) 686-5470.




  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:




AFC Mentoring, a Boston-based program that empowers foster and adopted youth to flourish through committed mentoring relationships, is seeking a VISTA/Americorps worker who will focus on increasing and diversifying the organization's fund-raising capacity. AFC Mentors provide one-to-one mentoring, matching adult volunteer mentors with youth in care who are between the ages of 7 and 17. The youth being served are among the highest risk identifiable group for future poverty, but also have great potential. Read More.


Coming of Age has a job opening that might be of interest to you. A full-time Assistant Director is being sought to involve more Philadelphia-area people 50+ in the initiative. This person will work with many civic, community, and professional groups to make them aware of Coming of Age and involve their membership in compelling paid and unpaid opportunities to connect and contribute to the community. A special focus is reaching out to individuals and organizations in diverse communities, including developing and managing a public awareness campaign. Read More.


More than 21 million children and adults living with diabetes in the U.S. want you to step up and volunteer! You are needed to represent the American Diabetes Association (ADA) at health fairs in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. At each health fair you attend, you will be making a difference by providing diabetes education to those that need it most and spreading the word about events and programs aimed at preventing and curing the disease. Health fairs vary in time and location. Contact Sandy at (610) 828-5003 to learn more.


Share your skills, your talents, and yourself as a Girl Scout Volunteer! Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania is looking for people who want to change the way a girl views herself and her future, by volunteering to help with programs, mentoring and planning. The Girl Scouts offer opportunities that will fit your schedule and your interests and provide ongoing training, enhancement of skills, and support. Tell them what you like to do and they will help you find the right fit. Call (215) 564-4657.




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 Philadelphia University,
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is hosting the second annual Green Building Conference as part of its Green Affordable Philadelphia demonstration project of building seven environmentally-friendly and affordable homes in the East Parkside section of the City. Plan to attend workshops to learn more about sustainable design at Philadelphia University on Saturday, March 15, and tour sites on Sunday, March 16. For more information, contact (215) 765-6000. Click here to register.


11:00 am at Old Pine Community Center, 401 Lombard Street, Philadephia
Using plastic or paper shopping bags is becoming an ecological "no no". Learn how to stitch and silk screen your own Earth-friendly bag at this 3-hour class organized by the Philadelphia Sewing Collective. While sewing machines will be used, no skills are required. Be in the forefront of recycling... with style. $35. Registration required. Call Megan at (215) 405-6390.


1:00 pm at Belmont Mansion,2000 Belmont Mansion Drive, Philadelphia
In 1986, the American Women’s Heritage Society (AWHS) rescued Belmont Mansion from impending demolition with a mission to preserve and restore the historic site and present its unique Underground Railroad history to the public. Discover women who are making a difference with guide, Audrey Johnson-Thornton, the founder and President of AWHS. $7.


10:00 am at 3721 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia
A few good volunteers are needed to assist with removing invasive plants, planting trees and shrubs, rescuing trees from vines, and performing trail maintenance in Wissahickon Park. You will be working with Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers, a member-supported, volunteer-driven non-profit that actively protects and improves the 2,000-acre urban park. All tools, gloves, and other equipment are provided. Call Ron Ayres at (215) 653-0421 or (215) 483-4348 to get involved.


2:00 pm at Carriage House, University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce Street, Philadelphia
Attorney William Torchia will discuss legal issues important to the LGBTQ community and their loved ones. Meeting sponsored by PFLAG, a non-profit organization for Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, that promotes the health and well-being of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals and those that care about them. FREE. Contact number: (215) 898-5044.


12:30 pm at Mercer Museum, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA
Celebrate Women's History Month with this lecture sponsored by the Bucks County Historical Society about women in history who have masqueraded as men for various reasons. And make sure to leave time to tour the fascinating Mercer Museum that boasts more than 40,000 objects of daily life in early America and Fonthill mansion filled with extraordinary antiques and decorative tiles. For information, call (215)345-0210, ext.132


11:00 am at Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, 680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA
A representative from the Public Protection Division of the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General will show a film and lead a discussion that will focus on crime targeting older adults today. She will explain how to distinguish legitimate opportunities from fraudulent ones and how to prevent identity theft. Refreshments provided. Open to the public. FREE. Call (215) 788-7891 ext.5 to reserve a seat.


6:00 pm at 3616 South Galloway Street, Philadelphia
Join Philabundance, the Delaware Valley's hunger relief organization, at their Food Bank to sort and repackage food for local pantries. Philabundance, was founded in 1984 and has provided food for more than 60 million meals! The organization collects donated surplus food and distributes it to organizations serving people in need. If you're concerned about our hungry neighbors, this is your chance to help. Contact Bob at (215) 231-1444.


6:00 pm at WHYY Civic Space, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
Have you ever wondered why Americans are so overweight? Or why certain foods are so cheap? Two college friends set out to find the answers... and were surprised by what they discovered. Their film, King Corn, follows a crop of corn from seed to your dinner plate. Public health experts will discuss the connection between corn overproduction and your health and provide tips to help you navigate supermarket aisles for the right foods. WHYY, Coming of Age partner, and The Independent Television Service will present this advance screening. FREE. Call (215) 351-0511 for information.


6:30 pm at Grand Hall Overlook, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia
Join the National Constitution Center for an event featuring Newt Gingrich and three executives engaged in the business of going green, in the first program of the Center's Red, White, Blue and Green series. How can government and industry address the environmental challenges of the 21st century? Gingrich argues that technologically savvy environmental entrepreneurs can and should be the cornerstone of environmental solutions. Members: $12, Non-members:$15 For reservations, call: (215) 409-6700.


10:00 am at University of Pennsylvania Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia
View vivid color photographs featuring Papua New Guinea natives, many of them close-ups of men, women and children in elaborate costume, face and body decorations, are the subjects in Counterpoint: Anthropology and Photography in New Guinea. An accompanying written commentary offers insights into the island’s many cultures and invites the viewer to consider how the photographs tell us something about our own search for the “exotic.”





For You and Those You Care For


The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working aggressively to promote the use of technology to improve patient safety and to allow quick, reliable and secure access to information that promotes the best possible care across the health care system. A key part of this broad effort is developing a nationwide health information network to enable clinicians to access an always-up-to-date Electronic Health Record (EHR) for a patient who has authorized it, regardless of when and where the patient receives care. 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."