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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People readying to retire usually focus on making sure that their finances are in order. But what they will say when someone asks at a dinner party, "What do you do?" For many whose lives have been about their jobs, leaving the workplace means giving up structure, a sense of accomplishment, and a social outlet. This MSNBC article looks at the importance of meaningful activity in all phases of our lives... and provides examples of how some retirees have found satisfaction in exciting, new ways -- including work.


Are you among the more than half of all Americans who have trouble sleeping? Your problems are shared by many who struggle to work, maintain relationships, and drive safely without having had enough sleep. Others cope with life-threatening issues like sleep apnea, a condition associated with stroke and hypertension. Phillyhealthinfo.org offers listings of local health services and events that can provide some relief from this tiring, chronic condition.


As our country has become an "older" nation, reverse mortgages have grown into a $20-billion-a-year industry, reports this New York Times article. A reverse mortgage provides instant access to hundreds of thousands of dollars tied up in a home's value and is typically available only to homeowners in their 60s and older. Many say these mortgages have provided needed money; others have complained about unethical sales tactics and being tricked into unprofitable investments, while sales agents pocketed fat commissions. Read on to find out how to protect yourself.




 
It's time to get in touch with your artistic muse and find a young partner who loves nature and wants to work with you on a project for the second annual Rachel Carson Intergenerational Poetry, Essay and Photography competition. The competition honors Rachel Carson, celebrated writer of the Silent Spring, scientist, and ecologist. Entries must be joint projects involving a person under age 18 and a person age 50 or older and must be received by Friday, June 15, 2007. Check this website for updates.




  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:




Help change the lives of homeless families and individuals in Santa Cruz, California. Through this Americorps VISTA position, you will organize and coordinate the efforts of volunteers at the Rebele Family Shelter and other emergency and transitional programs. This Volunteer Coordinator opportunity also involves recruitment, training, recognition, and evaluation activities. You can develop a wide array of job and community service skills while earning Americorps education benefits along with basic compensation and health benefits. Read More.


Now it's your turn to be counted in this incredibly exciting primary season! The Committee of Seventy is looking for volunteers to help safeguard the integrity of the election for national, state, and local offices and ensure that all eligible citizens can freely exercise their right to VOTE in Pennsylvania's Primary on April 22. Among the positions available are citizen field volunteer and openings on the office staff and legal team. All volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session prior to Election Day. Contact Nina at (215) 557-3600, ext. 124 or register online.


Many of us can remember our mother, father or grandparent taking us shopping for new clothing when spring arrived. The thought of going shopping for a new outfit is a dream for many of the homeless children living at the Philadelphia Emergency Center (PEC). You can help make these kids’ dreams a reality by donating a new outfit for a child or two (there are presently 109 children at the facility) For more information about the types of clothing needed, stores that are easily accessible by public transportation, and sizes, please call Grace Hightower at(215) 382-7522 ext. 232 or contact her by e-mail.


The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania needs your help to keep in touch with clients as a Lifeline In-Touch Volunteer. The Red Cross has a 24-hour personalized home monitoring service that provides emergency assistance. You would be responsible for calling clients once or twice a week to check on their well-being and the status of their medical equipment. This position is available in both the city and suburbs. Contact Sharon Jefferson at (215) 299-4068.




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!


11:00 am at William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia
This information session and open house will discuss the restoration of Connecting Generations, a program that brings LGBTQ individuals of different generations together for friendship and support. FREE


12:00 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
When World War II threatened to shut down major league baseball in 1942, chewing gum mogul Philip K. Wrigley established a girl's baseball league. Over 50 years later, on International Women's Day, the National Constitution Center is celebrating the accomplishments of these women athletes and the All-American Girls Baseball league. Two former players will speak and there will be a screening of the A League of Our Own. You go, girls! Free with museum admission.


10:30 am at Lloyd Hall, #1 Boat House Row, Philadelphia
Be cool and take the Polar Bear Plunge to support the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter! Dive in or be a cheerleader... and bring your favorite kids for post-race warmth and lots of fun activities and food at Lloyd Hall. You'll feel the real warmth of giving by sending a tax-deductible donation to Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, c/o Rebecca Perkins, 19 Derwin Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Contact Rebecca at (610) 771-0133 to sign-up for the Plunge.


11:00 am at Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Take part in the discussion about the importance of human rights and nonviolence in moving from a society based on obtaining material possessions to one based on nurturing human beings. FREE. (215) 735-3456


2:00 pm at First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut Street, Philadelpha
Bob Edgar, CEO of Common Cause, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization, will speak on openness in government, election reforms, diversifying media and what ordinary citizens can do. Founded in 1970, Common Cause is a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process and hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest. FREE. (866) 468-7619.


6:00 pm at Seoul Garden Restaurant, 101 Washington Lane, Jenkintown
Asian women have some of the lowest breast cancer rates of any group in the world... until they migrate to the United States! The American Cancer Society, in partnership with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will host a special breast cancer education program for Korean women presented in Korean. Transportation is available. Mammograms will be scheduled free of charge to eligible women with no health insurance. For more information, contact Wan Ling Hung at (215) 985-5307.


6:30 pm at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, Philadelphia
Get ready for a sighting! The American Woodcock or Timberdoodle, an unusual night bird, lives in the woods around the Schuylkill Center. Join the Woodcock Walk to spot this elusive, nocturnal neighbor. Registration required. Call (215) 482-7300.


6:15 pm at College of Physicians of Philadelphia
This program explores the remarkable life of Dr. Albert C. Barnes both as a physician (and his role in the development of the antiseptic Argyrol) and as the art-lover responseible for assembling what is now one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings. Presented by William S. Tasman, MD, Former Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, Wills Eye Institute and Derek Gillman, Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation, FREE! Call (215) 563-3737 x304 to order tickets.


7:30 pm at Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Debbie Ford, a nationally-recognized author and lecturer, will discuss her latest book, Why Good People Do Bad Things: How to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy, at a presentation sponsored by Transformations. Ford unmasks the forces that drive people to sabotage their own best efforts--sometimes even destroying all they have worked so hard to build. Learn ways to appreciate yourself more and find spiritual solutions from a master teacher. For more information and to register, click on the Transformations website or call (856) 470-1399.


5:45 pm at Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
Join this in-depth discussion as experts explain the political and economic interests fueling the Sudanese conflict and the policies needed to bring an end to hostilities and relief to victims. This program is a part of One Book, One Philadelphia, a joint project of the Mayor's Office and the Free Library to promote reading and literacy throughout the Philadelphia region. The book featured this year is What is the What by Dave Eggers. Call (215) 561-4700 for reservations.


6:30 pm at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, Philadelphia
As the seasons change (which we expect they will do, but these days, who knows?), so do the needs of our animal neighbors. Help keep them safe and healthy this spring as a wildlife rehabilitator at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Attend this orientation to learn how the Center cares for its animals and the role you can play in doing that. Those interested must be willing to put in at least four hours a week and attend an hour-long orientation. Call Sara David, (215) 482-7300, ext. 139 or e-mail Sara.


1:00 am at Art Institute of Philadelphia, 1622 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Hurricane Katrina may no longer be in the news, but its effects still can be seen and felt in "The Big Easy." Take a moment to appreciate the work of Rick Smith, an Associated Press photographer and graduate of The Art Institute of Philadelphia, whose large-format portraits and landscapes, taken with an antique 8 x10 view camera, capture the unquenchable spirit of the city left behind when the waters receded. FREE


9:00 am at Temple University, 1510 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia
Temple University's Small Business Development Center is presenting "Grow Your Business," a day-long workshop that will help you plan for growth, identify the unique value of your business and how to maximize it, and develop strategies for products and services. Make your business work for you... check out this opportunity. To register, contact (215) 204-3856 or e-mail Temple.


9:00 am at Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, 1901 Vine Street
National Exhibits by Blind Artists (NEBA) presents the 2007-08 exhibition of work by artists who are legally blind. For thirty-three years, NEBA has offered the public the opportunity to view not only intriguing works of art, but works of the human spirit as well. In the West Wing Gallery of the Free Library.





For You and Those You Care For


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to transform health care to a patient-focused marketplace. Consumers expect a marketplace that takes full advantage of information technology to make health care safer, more efficient, and to provide them far more access to information on the quality and cost of health care. HHS is working to ensure that this transformation continues and becomes a reality for all Americans. Secretary Leavitt and other senior HHS officials are meeting directly with community leaders across America to implement this vision for Connecting to Better Health Care, which is built on the four cornerstones of value-driven health 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."