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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Researchers haven't yet found a way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but they have uncovered plenty of defenses against the mental missteps many of us experience. Just a few simple tweaks, such as ordering the fish special at a restaurant or tidying up your house, can yield big results. Read this article from Prevention magazine to learn new strategies that can keep your brain nimble, your memory sharp, and your keys always where you left them.


It's not a full-fledged crisis, but there is a growing problem at many Meals on Wheels' programs in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Volunteers are having to curtail their trips to the homebound elderly due to increasing gas prices. In an informal survey of Philadelphia services, those that receive federal funding are not affected, but others that rely on volunteers making deliveries are beginning to cut down on services and finding their food costs increasing. If you have the time and can manage the gas bill, perhaps you could help out at local Meals on Wheels programs. Here is a contact list.


Cafe Baby Boomers is an online site that has some interesting information to share... and offers a blog to communicate with other Boomers. There is a topic for everyone, with features on health/fitness, travel/leisure, sports and recreation, finances, retirement, and relationships. Check it out... it's another resource to keep you "in the know"and "in the flow"(and perhaps even "on the go"). Click here.


We all know about the little old lady that lived in a shoe, but Georgia Kleinhenz is known as the Legendary Little Old Lady on a Bike. She got her name because of how many six-day bicycle tours she's done. Can you believe 28? Hearing the age 74 stops some people in their tracks, but in Georgia Kleinhenz's case, 28 is more amazing because that's how many Florida Bicycle Safari Rides she's completed--and each one takes six days. Hear Georgia speak about her trips and more in a radio interview with Growing Bolder.




 
Meet author Gail Rentsch (pictured here) and Christine Millen, President of The Transition Network, the women behind the book Smart Women Don't Retire— They Break Free. Boomer women have been trailblazers throughout their professional lives. Now they are ready to do for retirement what they did for the working world — redefine it! Hear inspiring stories rich in practical advice on how to navigate through this complex stage of life and create exciting new opportunities. More info? Click here. Ready to register? Click here.




  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:




One of our "own"is seeking a VISTA... and it's a great opportunity! Temple University's Center for Intergenerational Learning (CIL) -- a Coming of Age founding partner -- needs a Communications VISTA to help design and pilot a multi-faceted communications plan. For more than 28 years, CIL has worked to strengthen communities by mobilizing thousands of older adults and youth to serve as resources to each other and their communities. Join this exciting organization... and make a real difference!
Read More.


The Women’s Medical Fund (WMF) is a nonprofit organization that provides financial and related assistance to low-income women and teens in Southeastern Pennsylvania who want to terminate a pregnancy but lack the resources for a safe, legal abortion. WMF is seeking a part-time (20 hrs/wk) Development Manager to help implement its expanded fund-raising program. This is a challenging, paid opportunity for an experienced, energetic and organized person who wants flexibility in her/his work hours. To learn about this position, Read More.


WomenCare®, a community-based mentoring program of The Center Foundation, in Media, Pennsylvania, provides Delaware county women in transition with structured and supported mentoring relationships. The mentors are women who are more experienced in life and work. That's where you come in! Consider becoming a mentor in this program; receive training and support throughout the course of the mentoring relationship. To learn more and request an application, contact Jane Todd at (610) 565-6171.


There is now a wonderful use for your used cell phone. Through the Wireless Foundation's Call to Protect campaign, local Sprint PCS, Wireless Zone, and Verizon Wireless stores collect phones to help fund agencies that fight domestic violence and provide refurbished phones to be used by domestic violence survivors when they are faced with an emergency situation. (Photo shows Boy Scout JJ Palliser of Niles, IL who collected over 1,100 used wireless phones to benefit Call to Protect).




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!


10:00 am at Kitchens Lane and Scotforth Rd., Mt. Airy, Philadelphia
Wissahickon Park, a lush, peaceful oasis in our city, needs ongoing restoration to remain healthy and beautiful. Help the Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers remove invasive plants, plant trees and shrubs, and perform trail maintenance. All tools, gloves, etc. are provided. Find out about upcoming activities at their website. Contact: Ron Ayres at (215) 653-0421 or e-mail.


12:00 pm at Penn's Landing Great Plaza, 301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia
Learn about Islamic culture... or show your pride... at the Sixteenth Annual International Islamic Heritage Festival, part of PECO’s Multicultural Series. This FREE and unique event draws visitors, vendors, and Islamic scholars from all over the country. It will be a chance to experience authentic Islamic cuisine, music and entertainment along with learning about the rich Islamic heritage and history. For more information, call (610) 352-0424.


5:00 pm at The William Way Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia
Take part in a conversation about the politics of inclusion/exclusion of lesbians in the LGBT community, from a contemporary and "herstorical" perspective. Almost 40 years after the Stonewall riots, the LGBT community has achieved dramatic change in society as a whole. Yet, where is the "L" in the LGBT movement today? If you would like to attend, please bring a snack or some books or materials to share with the group. FREE.


12:30 am at Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia
How will legislators know what we want them to do unless we tell them? Learn how to practice democracy in action at this workshop where you will learn where to find addresses, how to ask the "big" questions, and become familiar with state political processes. It's time to be heard! FREE. For information, call (215) 844-1157.


10:00 am at REI , 200 W. Ridge Pike, Suite 115, Conshohocken, PA
Never get lost again! Let an REI Outdoor School Instructor lead you through the basics of GPS navigation and introduce you to some of the fun and practical applications of using a GPS unit in your outdoor activities. You will learn how to pinpoint your location, create routes, use online maps and transfer information to your unit. Then...you will test your skills in the great outdoors! Bring your GPS; some demo units are available. REI members: $35. Non-members: $55. Call (610) 940-0809 to register.


1:00 pm at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, 1 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia
This studio class, led by Caroline Peterson, helps cancer patients and their caregivers explore creativity and enjoy art. No experience necessary, just the desire to express yourself and meet other people living with cancer. FREE. Call (215) 879-7733 for information.


6:00 pm at White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Join this White Dog Table Talk that will address global food insecurity and the need for sustainable agricultural practices and local production to stem a crisis here and abroad. A panel representing organizations working on food security issues will talk about ways to address global warming, the nurtrient value of food, and famine prevention. 3-course dinner:$36 per person (65+, $30). Call (215) 386-9224 for reservations.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
The issue of health care, which has become a focal point of debate during the 2008 presidential election process, will be addressed by Secretary Tommy Thompson, (on left), former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, with a response from Senator Tom Daschle, former Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota. This is a great opportunity to learn more... and ask questions of those who've been on the frontline in Washington. FREE. Reservations needed. Contact:(215) 409-6700.


7:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
One of the most influential political thinkers of the progressive movement, George Lakoff, an advisor to the Democratic Party, will discuss his newest work, The Political Mind: Why You Can't Understand 21st-Century American Politics with an 18th-Century Brain. Lakoff explains how our brains really work, why language is so important, and how progressives can use this to their advantage to make strides in the coming elections. FREE. No tickets required. Contact:(215) 567-4341.


6:30 pm at Radnor Hotel, 591 E. Lancaster Avenue, Radnor, PA
The World Affairs Council invites you to attend a panel discussion about global shifts in political, economic and military influence and the future of America's global dominance. The speakers are Bill Emmott, former editor-in-chief of The Economist; Parag Khanna, author of The New York Times magazine cover story on rising powers; and Mona Sutphen, (seen here), managing director of Stonebridge International and co-author of The Next American Century. Reception and talk: $60 non-members. To register, call (215) 561-4700.


10:00 am at Civic Club, Stone Harbor, New Jersey
The Stone Harbor Garden Club and Philadelphia Horticultural Society proudly present horticulturalist and designer Michael Bowell,who will talk about the challenges and rewards of gardening at the shore. Learn timely tips on plants to use and how to tame the elements for a lovely seashore garden. Travel directions will be sent upon registration. For more information, contact Carol Dutill at (215) 988-9969. $8 PHS member; $12 non-members.


5:30 pm at Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust St., Philadelphia
Plan to attend Richard S. Newman's talk about his biography of Richard Allen, Freedom's Prophet: Bishop Richard Allen, the AME Church and the Black Founding Fathers. Richard Allen (1760–1831), founder of the first major African American church and the leading Black activist in the age of Washington and Jefferson, was a tireless abolitionist and reformer who influenced nearly every Black leader of the 19th century. This book firmly establishes Allen's historic importance. FREE. Space is limited. RSVP to (215) 546-3181 or e-mail.


7:30 pm at Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia, PA
Don't mess with grandmas! Joan Wile, founder/director of Grandmothers Against the War, the New York-based group which has been fighting agaist the war in Iraq for four and a half years, will read from her new book, Grandmothers Against the War: Getting Off Our Fannies and Standing Up for Peace. Philadelphia activist and Granny Peace Brigade member, Marlena Santoyo, will speak about local actions that grannies are taking against the war. FREE. Click here for future bookstore events.





For You and Those You Care For


Most Medicare payment errors are simple mistakes and are not the result of physicians, providers, or suppliers trying to take advantage of the Medicare system. If you have a question or concern regarding a Medicare claim submitted on your behalf, you should discuss it directly with your physician, provider, or supplier that provided the service. However, there are a few individuals who are intent on abusing or defrauding Medicare, cheating the program (and in some cases the people with Medicare who are liable for co-payments) out of millions of dollars annually. Medicare is taking strong action to combat fraud and abuse of the system in key areas. Read More.

Coming of Age's founding partner, the Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning, has made a major contribution to promoting 50+ civic engagemment. It's Capturing Experience, a free online interactive course filled with strategies to help capture the talent and expertise of people age 50+. Based on extensive research and field experience, Capturing Experience is designed to help non-profits take advantage of the energy, talent and skills of of people 50+ who are eager to connect and contribute to their communities.




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."