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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For Philadelphia-area residents in need of counseling, food assistance and other social services, help is now just a click away. A website connecting people to more than 12,000 social-service organizations in southeastern Pennsylvania is accessible at CONNECT211.org. The system provides contact information... a link to each organization's website... and, when available, a map. CONNECT211.org is a collaboration of the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children and six United Ways serving southeastern Pennsylvania. For those without Internet access, the Free Library of Philadelphia will soon offer access at its 56 branches.


As you near your next phase, it may be time to consider how to make your home a "better fit" for your changing needs. Accessibility, safety, and financial considerations are key factors according to this article in The Philadelphia Inquirer. The most requested features for ease and comfort are walk-in showers and tubs, master bedrooms and laundry facilities on the first floor, and elevators for those in high rises. No matter what you decide, experts say there is no reason to forgo style!


Farmers’ Markets are springing up all over the Delaware Valley. Farm fresh vegetables are a great way to eat healthy and support sustainable agriculture in our communities. Use this 2008 guide, compiled by phillyhealthinfo.org, to find a market near you. Some tips: Get there early, bring cash, and take along your re-usable shopping bag. Read More.


Special Equestrians of Bucks County has galloped off with a handsome award given by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Bucks County to recruit Boomer volunteers to get involved with this therapeutic horseback-riding program for adults and children. To learn about volunteer opportunities through RSVP and the work of Special Equestrians, Read More.




 
House Divided, a play written by Philadelphian Larry Loebell, takes on the one family's struggle to deal with opposing religious and political beliefs and familial conflicts in the context of two generations. We were intrigued by the play's mix of spiritual, social/civic engagement and intergenerational issues... since those matters touch on what so much of Coming of Age is about. Previews begin on May 23; the play runs from May 28- June 22. Go to InterAct Theater's website for tickets.




  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:




Four colleges in Maryland are eager to find VISTAs who are interested in encouraging college students to get involved in service learning projects to benefit people in neighboring communities. Takoma Park (Montgomery College) in Takoma Park, MD; Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD; Towson University in Towson, MD; and Villa Julie College in Baltimore, MD each have interesting programs with stipends and benefits for a VISTA who enjoys being a part of campus life and supporting students in meaningful activities. Read More.


Pitman Manor, a program of United Methodist Homes, provides LifeChoices, a wellness initiative through which its residents can be actively engaged in a stimulating environment. To help provide that lifestyle at this South Jersey setting, volunteers are needed to lead activities, share their skills (music, art, etc.), read aloud or lead/assist with a book club, help residents write memoirs or use the computer, and provide program and event support to staff. To volunteer, contact Sharon Butler at (856) 589-7800, ext. 1476 or send her an e-mail.


If you have an inquiring mind, like making connections, and are detail-oriented, the Multiple Sclerosis Society has just the assignment for you. "Resource Detectives" use their skills and ingenuity to seek out agencies and organizations that can assist the multiple sclerosis community and be included in the organization's toll-free Helpline. Some office and computer skills needed. The MS National Headquarters in located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. To learn more about this opportunity, click here.


Consider volunteering with the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity in Northeast Philadelphia. This religious order has a number of sites with a variety of opportunities. Older Sisters at the Motherhouse need help getting to medical appointments, someone to read to them, entertainers, and activity planners; the Mother Boniface Spirituality Center and Volunteer Office have openings for those with an interest in garden projects, publication design, and special projects. For more information, call Sister Helen Scanlon at (267) 350-1811 or 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 Various parks throughout the city; call phone number below
In Philadelphia, no one has to go more than a mile to enjoy Fairmount Park. Join in a city-wide spring cleaning and greening with hundreds of volunteers who will be planting flowers, removing vines, and sweeping up winter debris. And, the Fairmount Park Commission is donating a new tree to every participating park! Find out what you can do to help! Call (215) 564-4544 for more information.


10:00 am at Free Library of Philadelphia, 19th and Vine St., Philadelphia
More than 60 of the nation's top writers, including celebrity author Barbara Walters, will gather in Philadelphia for the second Philadelphia Book Festival, the Free Library's annual celebration of reading and literacy, that connects book lovers throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The festival-- held May 17 and 18-- combines stimulating book talks with eclectic music and children's entertainment. FREE.


10:40 am at 8th and Market Sts., Philadelphia
Tie up your sneakers for this PhilaVentures' walk across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It's great exercise (at a leisurely pace) with time for conversation and lots of fresh air, a view of the skyline from the bridge, an afternoon at the N.J. Aquarium or tour of Battleship New Jersey, a ferryboat ride at 4:30 pm, and dinner! PhilaVentures is an outdoor club of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community (LGBT) in the Philadelphia area. Participation is open to everyone. Contact Bert at (215)-479-2599 or by e-mail to sign up.


11:00 am at Franklin Square Park, 6th and Race Sts., Philadelphia
Don't miss this celebration in honor of Asian American Heritage Month that will feature a feast of rich cultural performances and exquisite ethnic varieties of food, showcasing the diversity within Asian American cultures. Cultural groups represented include: Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and many more. This free event is hosted by PA Governor Rendell's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs.


8:00 am at Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Grab your mat and offer your best "Salute to the Sun" as breast cancer survivors and supporters gather on the Philadelphia Museum of Art's steps for the 6th Annual Yoga Unites for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an outdoor yoga class and Healthy Living Expo. The event will raise funds for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national education and support organization whose goal is to empower women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life. Cost:$10 -$35. Contact Lisa Black at lisa@lbbc.org to be involved.


1:30 pm at Masjid Muhammad, 414 East Penn St. at Belfield Ave., Philadelphia
The 5th Annual Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation invites everyone to join a Spiritual Journey for Peace in our hearts, in the streets of Philadelphia, and in the world. This march features prayers, music, and teachings, and includes stops at Masjid Muhammad, First Presbyterian Church, Unitarian Society of Germantown, and Mishkan Shalom. Shuttle buses are available at all stops and at the end. Please wear white as an expression of unity. FREE. To learn more, call (267) 266-0842.


7:30 pm at Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Experience Jewish music that reflects the American experience with The Yavneh Ensemble, conducted by Robert A.M. Ross, and with guest soloist Hazzan Howard K. Glantz. Hear Sephardic chants from colonial synagogues, the varied musical manifestations of the great wave of Eastern European immigration, and songs from the Yiddish theater, Yiddish radio and clashing cantors. Order tickets online (go to the website to hear beautiful music!) or call (215) 849-4129.


8:30 am at African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Caregivers should not miss this day of recognition, education and advice that will generate positive energy and help them realize that they are not alone. The conference celebrates caregivers in an upbeat forum featuring speakers, films, vendors, and resources -- and was supported by Raymond J. Holman, Jr., noted Philadelphia photographer, in his father's memory. An exhibit of Holman's, Jr.'s work is presently at the museum. FREE.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Or better yet, come to this event and do just that! Reserve a spot to hear Howard Fineman, a keen observer of the American political landscape and Newsweek’s chief political correspondent, discuss his new work of American history, journalism, and analysis called The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates that Inspire and Define Our Country. In his book, Fineman writes that every debate we have had in the political arena from our founding to today has evolved from one of these arguments. $15. For reservations, call (215) 409-6700.


9:00 am at United Way, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
JEVS Career Solutions for 55+, a Coming of Age partner, invites you to participate in a seminar to help you piece together some of the issues facing you in the second half of life. Experts will discuss social security, your credit, employment discrimination, wills, and estate planning. Call Judy Cherry at (215) 560-5465 x 268 to register.


7:30 pm at Merion Friends Meeting, 615 Montgomery Avenue, Merion, PA
So spake Lydia in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. If you would like to learn to dance in the style that runs through Jane Austen's writings, then sashay over to this dance workshop run by Germantown Country Dancers, featuring live music, skilled teaching, and friendly dancers. Newcomers are welcome! No partners needed and flat shoes recommended. Free to first-time dancers.


7:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 19th and Vine St., Philadelphia
Plan to attend E. J. Dionne Jr.'s talk about his latest book, Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics after the Religious Right, a reflection on the history, recent issues, and prospects of American liberalism. Dionne is a political correspondent for the Washington Post and regular commentator on NPR, as well as a senior fellow in government studies at the Brookings Institute. FREE.


10:00 am at Temple University, Broad and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia
Join Art Sanctuary on Memorial Day weekend for the 24th Annual Celebration of Black Writing Festival! This year’s theme is Black Family Values: Our Village, Our Writing, Our Future, and features panels and discussions with authors whose work, from the light-hearted to the most serious, focuses on the black community. These three days of mostly free literary events are open to the public as black family values and culture are honored and reading and literacy are promoted.





For You and Those You Care For


Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) were established to help healthcare consumers receive quality services... and have a way to report problems they are experiencing. These organizations work under the direction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A sampling of issues that QIO's deal are medication errors, unnecessary or inappropriate surgery, and hospital discharge too soon after surgery. Other health concerns, like issues with hospital conditions, incompetent doctors, or Medicare fraud are handled by other agencies. To find out about services in your area, what they deal with, and how to reach them, 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."