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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It began in the fall, 2007, when Coming of Age gave a “call out” to readers in Inspiring Opportunities to join the "Make a Big Difference" Team (MABDT) to help connect lower income families to the tax credits and public benefits for which they might be eligible. Coming of Age volunteers went through training and were matched with clients at Philadelphia-area organizations. We think the results are impressive: 41 people from the community applied; their refunds and credits total almost $90,000! The "Make a Big Difference" Team has well...we think, made a big difference. Find out about its committed, satisfied team members …and think about adding your name to the roster of future MABD teams. Read More.


College students graduate and then... go live with their grandparents?? It seems to be a growing trend; the census reports that more than 6 million grandparents were living with grandchildren in 2000. The 20-something grandchildren are graduating into a slumping economy and don't have funds for independent living. The grandparents welcome the support. It can be a win-win, but this CNN article suggests establishing ground rules before the stereo gets unpacked.


The news from the health care front is disturbing. Millions of Boomers are about to enter a health care system sorely lacking in skilled, knowledgeable medical staff who can provide quality care for their more complex health needs as they get older. A recent study cites a shortage of specialists, low reimbursement rates from Medicare, and underpaid doctors. To address this impending crisis, Coming of Age founding partner AARP is calling for immediate action to improve and strengthen the health-care and long-term care workforce. Contact AARP to find out how to get involved.




 
In Philadelphia, no one has to go more than a mile to enjoy a park-- Fairmount Park in our case. (Not very many other big cities can make a boast like that!) The 9,200 acres of interconnected community parks run from the Northeast to South Philadelphia and everywhere in between. Show your appreciation for this city treasure by joining a city-wide spring cleaning and greening on May 17. This year, to celebrate 20 years of citizens' commitment to the park system, trees are being donated to every participating park. The park needs you to plant and beautify! Register online or call (215) 564-4544 for more information.




  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:




Coming of Age partner, the Philadelphia Senior Center, an organization that is transforming itself into one that includes older adults servicing the community, is looking for an energetic, organized individual, with skills in marketing and communications, who wants to dedicate one year to being a VISTA. Help the Center, which is also one of America's oldest and largest, build a new public relations program, from the ground up.... in a leading media market (that would be Philly!)... and benefit 10,000 members and clients. Read More.


The Tender Bridge, a non-profit organization that reaches out to "at-risk children" has recently opened a new chapter in West Philadelphia and is looking for some skilled volunteer help: an accountant, web designer, and baseball coach. Forming partnerships with existing community programs, Tender Bridge focuses on sports activities that can build children's confidence, leadership skills, and physical ability... and can lead to school success and the ability to overcome challenges. If you are interested, contact Leonard at (215) 667-8419.


Community Accountants (CA) needs volunteers to provide accounting-related services to help nonprofits become self-sufficient. This group, founded in 1974, trains other organizations to keep their records and reports accurately. The services are provided pro bono, so CA is currently looking for Volunteer CPA's to help these nonprofits succeed. If you have accounting skills...and an interest in sharing your financial know-how, please contact CA at (215) 951-0330 x 2125 and check out their website to learn more.


Fresh for All, Philabundance's newest program, is recruiting volunteers with a fresh outlook to help the fight against hunger! The Fresh For All program puts donated quality, fresh produce directly into the hands of those who need it, delivering foods to selected sites for distribution to needy individuals. Volunteers work in two-hour shifts on registration and table set-up. Sites are located throughout the Delaware Valley. To learn more and/or to volunteer, contact Tunisia Garnett at (215) 339-0900, ext 238 or by e-mail.




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 Cherry Hill Family History Center, 252 E. Evesham Road, Cherry Hill, NJ
African Americans have a rich heritage, full of many fascinating individuals and stories to discover and share with future generations. A gathering of nationally-known specialists will share the wealth of resources and techniques available for African American genealogical research at this all-day event. A light lunch, will be provided at noon. $10 registration fee; register online or call (856) 468-7564.


11:00 am at University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology,3260 South Street, Philadelphia
The Penn Museum invites you on a journey of self-discovery, through Surviving: The Body of Evidence, an interactive, multimedia exhibition that starts, and ends, with you. Plan on attending the opening celebration, featuring curators’ talks, films, and family activities. Visitors will have an opportunity to engage with multi-media programs that explore our remarkable human traits and our imperfections. More to explore on the interactive website. Call (215) 898-4000 for info.


1:00 pm at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Montgomery Drive and Belmont Ave., Philadelphia
One of the premier events of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, or Sakura Matsuri as it is known in Japanese, is the Nodate Tea Ceremony on the Shofuso Japanese House veranda in Fairmount Park. This annual festival encourages a better understanding of the cultural, social, and educational customs of Japan. $28 for non-members of Shofuso. Space is limited. Call (215) 878-5097 for a reservation.


11:00 am at Schuylkill Canal Park, 400 Towpath Road, Mont Clare, PA
The Schuylkill Canal Association (SCA) is hosting Loop Fest 2008, an event to highlight the restoration of a section of the Schuylkill canal adjacent to Phoenixville, and make it into a state "heritage corridor." Events include a guided five-mile paddle of the river and canal, a lunch-time cook-out, an opening of Lock 60--the only restored and operational lock system within the Schuylkill River Valley--and tours of the historic Locktender's House. Bring your own canoe or kayak. For more information (including boat rental) or directions, call SCA at (610) 917-0021.


6:30 pm at Free Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
This class will help you master the basics of creating, formatting, and saving documents in Microsoft Word, finding quality information on the Internet, and using e-mail. Class size is limited. Free tickets are available at the Free Library lobby desk 30 minutes before class begins. Remember to bring your library card!


6:00 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia
Join the National Constitution Center this Earth Day for a program in the Red, White, Blue and Green series, featuring leading economist Jeffrey D. Sachs, author of the the forthcoming book, Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet. Considered one of the world’s greatest economists, Sachs provides an assessment of the factors that threaten global prosperity and a practical set of economic solutions. Bill Blakemore of ABC News will moderate. $15 non-members. To register, call (215) 409-6700.


8:00 pm at Free Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Cokie Roberts has written, Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation, a book that pays homage to the women who helped move our young nation forward. How fitting that we discuss this work, and gain some insight about the role of women in our history, as a woman is running for President. Ms. Roberts is an author, a senior news analyst for NPR and a commentator for ABC News, covering politics, Congress, and public policy. Tickets, $14. Call (215) 686-5322 or buy tickets online.


12:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Peabody and Emmy Award-winner Roger Mudd, joined CBS in 1961, and as a Congressional correspondent became a household name covering the historic Senate debate over the 1964 Civil Rights Act. In his book, The Place to Be, Mudd describes the CBS news bureau of that era---the rivalries, egos, and frustrations involved in conveying world events in 30 minutes. FREE. No tickets required. For information, call: (215) 567-4341.


6:00 pm at Sheep Barn, Fairmount Park, 2020 Chamounix Dr., Philadelphia
Join this 4-session hands-on workshop offered by the Preservation Alliance and learn from preservation professionals, including architects and contractors, how to restore and maintain your older or historic home. These workshops have been very well received, with over 1,000 people having participated in these free programs since they started being offered in 2006. Topics include using epoxy, porch repairs, exterior masonry, and paints. Registration is required. Course meets every Wednesday until May 14. Call (215) 546-1146.


7:00 pm at Free Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Get the good news about brain health. Like vintage wine, our brains can improve with age. Learn techniques to supercharge your brain cells, enhance memory and improve creativity. Psychologist Dr. Anna Tobia, nutritionist Allison P. Lubert, and therapist Peggy Herzog will update you on ways to keep your brain alive and well. Call (215) 686-5414 for more information.


9:00 am at Chestnut Hill College, 9601 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
Center in the Park’s Senior Environment Corps invites all interested volunteers to participate in the Watershed Snapshot 2008 event, a state-wide survey of Pennsylvania’s water bodies and watersheds. The survey will be held along the Wissahickon Creek. Participants will perform chemical tests, observe and identify organisms that live in the creek, assess the condition of the stream bank and take note of the plants in the area. To find out more about the Center in the Park Senior Environment Corps or the Snapshot event, call Fred Lewis at (215) 848-7722.


10:00 pm at Norristown Public Library, 1001 Powell Street, Norristown, PA
You've been meaning to get more environmentally-conscious... and this is a good first step to get on the "green" path. A speaker from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Waste Management Program will explain what happens to your trash and talk about the proper way to dispose of and recycle household waste. A Q&A session will follow. FREE. Registration is not required. For more information, call (610) 278-5100 ext. 0.


9:00 am at Temple University, Student Activity Center, 13th St. between Montgomery and Cecil B. Moore Sts., Philadelphia
"Broad Street and Beyond: A Celebration of Community-Based Learning" is being held by Temple University to bring together students, faculty, community leaders and residents to build university-community collaborations. Participants will share current and previous projects and brainstorm ideas for the future. Read about Open Borders, a Temple/ community reading and writing project that will be discussed during this day-long event. FREE. Contact: (215) 204-1820 or e-mail.





For You and Those You Care For


Our friends at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have provided a very helpful list of phone numbers, web addresses, and helpful resources for you to contact to get the answers you need about Medicare and Social Security. Keep a copy of this list handy ... and don't hesitate to use it! Read More.

Mark April 30 on your calendar to participate in an exciting BoomerVision! session, 50+: The Age of Creativity -- Finding Your Story, brought to you by Coming of Age at WHYY, co-sponsored by First Person Arts, and underwritten by AARP. Create a personal narrative ... and discover new things about yourself. Marsha Gildin will lead the workshop. Call (215) 351-0511 to register. Learn 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."