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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Eye-opening research conducted at the University of Chicago shows that the happiest Americans are the oldest...and that older adults are more socially active than the stereotype of the lonely senior suggests! The two go hand-in-hand -- being social can help keep away the blues. Getting older can include aches, pains and deaths of loved ones and friends, but the study found that mature adults generally have learned to be more content with what they have, perhaps because they have learned to change their expectations and accept their achievements. Boomers still have a way to go to reach this enlightened state...


Speaking of death is not a comfortable topic for many people. Yet careful estate planning is not about planning to die, but planning to live! Your spouse, children, or other relatives should be informed about your desires as well as practical information to assure their futures. This article has a good suggestion that you might want to consider: begin a notebook of financial records, contact numbers, insurance policies, and other important information. By leaving a plan, you leave a legacy of love and caring.


Mainstream doctors are prescribing hormones and anti-oxidants to keep patients young? Now, that's news. Doctors who once wanted nothing to do with naturopaths, osteopaths and others who first promoted alternative medicine are signing up for “certification” to become anti-aging practitioners and are offering patients the promise of youth and rejuvenation through hormones, testosterone, special diets, antioxidants, and hundreds of other supplements. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) now numbers 20,000 certified doctors around the world... and is growing. So, what's up, doc?


John P. Creveling, a career and leadership development coach and virtual career guide for Coming of Age, has written an essay that we think may tickle and delight you. It's about his experience with George, his eight-year-old neighbor, who has taught him about the power of reaching out and litereally touching someone as the way to bring people together in friendship and peace. Talk about making connections... by George, we hope "Gimme Five" becomes a global movement! Read More.




 
Healthy brain aging is the topic for the upcoming Sylvan M. Cohen Annual Retreat, with Poster Session on Aging, that will take place on May 6. Sponsored by Penn Medicine's Institute for Aging, this conference includes prominent speakers in the field who will serve as a "Healthy Brain Aging Team" to provoke and enrich discussion on this critical topic. Do come to the Coming of Age poster session if you go! To check out the agenda and register (registration is still open!), go to this website or call (215) 898-3163.


Volunteers are needed to join in a project that is making a real difference for older adults and families in West Philadelphia -- the West Shore Neighborhood Revitalization Project. On May 8, staff from AARP (a Coming of Age founding partner) and volunteers-- in collaboration with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia-- will participate in a Day of Service, in recognition of AARP's 50th Anniversary, in the West Shore community. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. RSVP: 1-(877)-926-8300.


Register now for a Philadelphia Department of Public Health Town Hall Meeting to talk about inequalities in health care. Watch clips from the recent PBS series, Unnatural Causes-- a very powerful documentary-- then discuss ways to build support for initiatives that will improve neighborhood conditions throughout Philadelphia to pormote improved health. Express your ideas for how we can all work together to face this challenge on Thursday, May 22, 2008, 12:30-4:30 pm, College of Physicians of Philadelphia. To register, e-mail or call (215) 563-3737, ext. 263.

  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 are a number of different and interesting VISTA openings in Maryland, all focusing on projects in Higher Education. This week, we highlight three at: The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; McDaniel College, Westminster, MD; and Montgomery College, Rockville, MD. To learn about each, including job responsibilities, reimbursement, and contact information, please Read More.


Coming of Age partner, the Delaware County Community Foundation (DCCF) has an opening for a full-time executive director with responsibility for fund-raising and general administration. The ideal candidate is a resident of the county who has been active in some aspect of community service as a volunteer, board or committee member, or manager or director. To learn more about the position and DCCF, Read More.


The YWCA of Bucks County has a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities awaiting an enthusiastic volunteer. You might want to • Read to a child • Help a child with homework • Teach a job skill or hobby • Share your skills, talents, life experiences • Give a tour of your workplace • Conduct a Food Drive • Help at the YWCA office • Help organize donations • Serve on a fund-raising committee. If any of these ways of connecting and contributing appeals to you, call Joan Marie at (215) 953-7793, ext. 115, or e-mail.


The Journey's Way Senior Center in Roxborough is hosting a special spring workday on Saturday, April 26, to assist older homeowners in the community... and needs some helping hands. Tasks include light yard work, home-safety assessments, smoke detector checks. Gather at the Journey's Way Center, 6012 Ridge Ave., at 9 am, to get a brief training on home safety, and be provided with clipboards, batteries, and hand-outs. To sign up, e-mail Jim Remsen. (Note:This organization has attracted more volunteers than almost any other through its listings in Inspiring Opportunities!)




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 Neshaminy State Park, 3401 State Road, Bensalem, PA
Relive the “The Campaign of Spring 1863" and experience, first-hand, a major Civil War battle and life during wartime. More than 1,000 Civil War re-enactors will converge on Neshaminy State Park for this two-day event featuring authentic battle re-enactments, camp life scenarios and military and civilian life demonstrations. The event is presented by the 28th Pennsylvania Historical Society. FREE. Call (215) 639-4538 for information.


2:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
On his way back to the office one day, a haunting melody stopped former Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Steve Lopez in his tracks—a melody coaxed out of a battered, two-stringed violin by a homeless man. Nathaniel Ayers, once a promising classical bassist at Julliard, had landed destitute on the streets, suffering from schizophrenia. Helping this man reclaim his life became a consuming passion for Lopez. Don't miss this event where Larry Platt, editor-in-chief of Philadelphia Magazine, will interview Lopez. FREE. For tickets, call (215) 567-4341.


9:00 am at BAPS Charities, 1561 Woodbourne Road, Levittown, PA
BAPS Charities is offering free medical screenings and a community health awareness fair, from 9 am to 2 pm, at its offices in Levittown. Blood pressure, diabetes, and body mass index (BMI) tests will be offered, as well as presentations by area doctors. FREE. To pre-register, call (215) 760-0261.


11:00 am at Gershman Y, Jewish Community Center, 401 Broad Street, Philadelphia
In the context of a loss as profound and devastating as the Holocaust, how can Jews understand so-called "ordinary" personal loss – that of a parent, child, spouse, friend? Laura Levitt, Director of Jewish Studies at Temple University, weaves together her own family stories as a way to examine private, personal loss in relation to public, community loss. $15, $20 with brunch. To make a reservation, call (215) 446-3027.


11:00 am at Ethical Humanist Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Dave Davies, Daily News Senior Writer and fill-in host for NPR's Fresh Air, will examine issues raised by media coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign, with reflections on his own 20 years of covering politics and government. FREE.


6:00 am at White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom St., Philadelphia
Katherine Newman, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs at Princeton University, will discuss her ground-breaking study exposing the unique struggles of 57 million Americans who earn above the minimum wage but can barely make ends meet. Her book, The Missing Class, delves into the life issues of this often overlooked group who are sorely in need of more safety nets. Three-course dinner at 6 pm ($36 includes tax and tip); speaker at 7:30 pm. FREE. Call (215) 386-9224 for reservations.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
America has always struggled to live up to ideals of the founding fathers. Nowhere has this idea played out more so than on the baseball field where players have fought to cross racial, cultural, and gender barriers for the equal opportunity to be in the game. “Baseball: The Melting Pot,” is a conversation that examines these social tensions and ideals. Jayson Stark, ESPN baseball writer, will moderate a distinguished panel. FREE. For reservations, call (215) 409-6700.


11:00 am at Art Institute of Philadelphia, 1622 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
The late, great internationally-celebrated artist Sam Maitin was a Philadelphia icon known for his distinctive style – bursts of color, organic shapes, and the innovative use of handwriting. The energy of his work helped define the visual landscape of our city from his ground-breaking bus posters to his Vietnam era “peace prints.” “Color, Spirit, Innovation” is a showcase of 27 pieces from 50 years of Maitin's work


10:00 am at Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE
Plan on attending the 4th Annual 50+ Expo that features 50 exhibitors (including Coming of Age!) and an interesting selection of workshops. Among the topics are Pets and People: Therapeutic Magic, Learning How to Care for Yourself and Others, Protecting Your Legacy, and Finding a New Interest: Regenerating Your Life. Snacks and beverages will be served. FREE. To pre-register or to get a schedule of workshops: go to this website or call (215) 968-4593.


5:30 pm at WHYY Technology Center, 150 North 6th Street, Philadelphia
Get ready for an incredible experience (sponsored by Coming of Age founding partner AARP and co-sponsored by Coming of Age partner First Person Arts! BoomerVision! 50+: The Age of Creativity -- Finding Your Story, welcomes Marsha Gilden, Program Director of New York-based Elders Share the Arts, for a presentation on how you can become more creative, followed by a workshop that will ask you to put together a personal narrative... and discover new things about yourself. Reception at 5:30 pm; program at 6:00 pm. Call (215) 351-0511 to register.


9:00 am at Bryn Athyn Cathedral, 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA
Step back in time as you visit Bryn Athyn, a picturesque 16th-century European town that is located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Participants will tour Glencairn, the former castle-like home of Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn, which is a marvelous Romanesque structure that showcases a world-class private collection of medieval art. While in Bryn Athyn, participants will also visit the Cathedral, a masterwork of architectural art that evokes the Middle Ages. Lunch will be served. $80. Call (215) 947-0266.


7:00 pm at Ethical Humanist Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
This introduction to Buddhist psychology is presented by the Mentha Buddhist Center every Thursday evening. Classes are based on books by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and include guided meditation, a talk, discussion and questions. Call (215) 735-3456 for more information.


9:00 am at Temple University’s Student Activity Center, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia
You are invited to show off your "chess chops" at the PECO-After School Activities Partnerships (ASAP) 24-Hour Chess Challenge -- Anti-Violence Marathon. This event is an opportunity for ASAP’s Chess Challenge kids to raise money for their individual chess clubs while spotlighting the importance of chess as an anti-violence activity. Bring your chessboard and come out and play with the ASAP Chess Challenge kids any time during the 24-hour period. To register, contact Windsor Jordan at (215) 545-2727 ext 18.


6:00 pm at Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive, Philadelphia
We're convinced: the more you know about Philadelphia, the more you will love it and want to get involved! Enjoy a new perspective on Philadelphia’s most famous esplanade, Boathouse Row. The Park House Guides of the Philadelphia Museum of Art will present an in-depth tour of the Water Works as a marvel of 1815 architecture and technology, and the impressive boathouses along the Schuylkill River. Your stroll will also feature a tour inside one of the historic private boathouses that adorn the Schuylkill River. $20. To register, call (215) 684-7863.





For You and Those You Care For


Medicare is announcing a change as to where you fill your prescriptions for supplies and equipment, including wheelchairs, oxygen machines, and diabetic supplies. The new policy will require you to get equipment or supplies from a Medicare-contracted supplier to make sure that these items will be paid for by Medicare. A limited number of locations throughout the country will be affected by this new policy starting in July.
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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."