Inspiring Opportunities is a weekly email 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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What's New
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
This Week


 
Work in "Retirement"
This is one hot topic lately. BOOMERVISION!^® will be tackling it on June 11 (see right column). A recent article in the LA Times explained how after falling for 100 years, Americans' retirement age is edging up again and what that means. And check out retirement stories at RetirementJob.com for some inspiring vignettes and ideas. .

Boomers Night Out!
6pm at various locations in Delaware County
Coming of Age, the County Office for Services for the Aging, and the Delaware County Community Foundation are proud to sponsor six simultaneous eye-opening conversations for boomers and others 55+ on the topic of how to enrich Delaware County communities.


How Would You Spend Five Million Dollars?
American Express is holding a contest where cardholders contribute ideas for how they would use five million dollars to make the world a better place. The winning idea will get funded. If you contribute an idea, send it to us, and we will help you promote it.


Preparing for the Age Wave
A Blue Print for Action, a comprehensive report has just been released about how communities can deal with an aging population. Here's a press release about the report. And here's the report.


Boomers without Borders?
We've all heard about Doctors without Borders. Well, Roger Carr, of the philanthropy blog EverydayGiving.com, has created a "lens" where he sets out to find all the "without Border" organizations. He has found over 50 so far, including Mothers without Borders, Magicians without Borders and Wrestlers without Borders.


Sunday in the Park with Garbage?
"Families need to be able to have picnics without broken glass and tires," said Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. "Far too many [parks] are unstable, unsafe. We all agree this is a disgrace to our city."


In Historic First , More People on the Planet are Living in Urban than in Rural Areas.
In addition, "according to Worldwatch, 1 billion urbanites -- or approximately one sixth of the world's total population -- currently live in 'slums,' defined as areas where people cannot secure key necessities such as clean water, a nearby toilet, or durable housing. An estimated 1.6 million urbanites die each year due to the lack of clean water and sanitation."





Inspiring Story: Author, 90, Volunteers Love at Hospice
Read about Mary Rose Nuse, who has volunteered one day a week for the past five years at Keystone Hospice, offering comfort to residents and learning how to deal with her own mortality.



  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, email details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




This Week's VISTA Opportunity
Spend a year in service as part of Generations Incorporated in Boston. Benefits and stipend provided. Learn more and watch a video.


Think You Can Dance?
Two local dance enthusiasts Joyce Burd and Jane Brooks plan to inspire Philadelphia 5th graders in a 10-week ballroom dancing program this fall: Dancing with the Star(ters)! The program includes stipended opportunities for "teaching artists" with dancing and acting experience. For more info, contact Joyce or Jane.


Enjoy Classic Cars?
Volunteer at a classic car show that benefits the residents of the Pitman Manor, a senior care community in Pitman New Jersey. There are shifts available to assist with set up, clean up, escorting the residents of the Manor outside to the event, assisting with lunch for residents and guests. For additional information contact Sharon Butler, (856) 589-7800 ext. 1476 or sbutler@pm-umh.org


Creative Specialists Needed to Work with Youth
Do you write poetry? Make music? Act? Paint? Take photographs? Sew your own clothes? Know how to build things? The Friends Neighborhood Guild needs volunteers for all of these things and more! Use your imagination and skills to brighten the lives of youth in need. For more information click here or call (215) 923-1544.


Deliver meals to homebound people living with HIV and AIDS for Manna
Deliveries occur once a day, Monday-Friday 11am and 3pm. Each driver gets one route that, depending on the area, may take 1-2 hours to complete. Manna tries to accommodate driver preference to different areas in and around Philadelphia. They also encourage groups to deliver. You must have a car and a valid driver's license. For more information click here or call Sue Aistrop at (215) 496-2662 x120.



  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.




John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Discuss the Environment
7pm in Center City at the Central Library
The power couple will discuss their book This Moment on Earth: Today's New Environmentalists and Their Vision for the Future.

Up on the Roof for a Cause
7pm in West Chester on the roof of the Bicentennial Garage
A fundraiser to promote the beautification of downtown West Chester. Entertainment, appetizers and desserts from local restaurants.

Axis of Evil Comedy Tour
8pm in University City
This show features three comedians of Middle Eastern descent. "But they're all Americans too, and their comedy encompasses all sorts of topics from politics to dating to deer."



Interfaith Peace Walk
1pm in Northwest Philadelphia
Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus and others will gather in Northwest Philadelphia to call for peace in our world and on our streets.



Turn the Page for Change
4:30pm in Center City at University of the Arts
The annual celebration benefiting the Philadelphia Public School Notebook, an independent voice for parents, teachers and students.

A Special Performance of "Hair" and Environmental Awareness
7pm in Center City at the Prince Music Theatre
Four local environmental groups will be sharing their work with the audience. Part of the ticket price will go to environmental education.




Green Drinks
6pm in Northern Liberties at Standard Tap
Green Drinks invites anyone interested in or curious about green, ecological, environmental, organic, renewable, regenerative, or restorative issues for drinks and "conservation conversation" with like-minded individuals in their community.



Boomers Night Out!
6pm at various locations in Delaware County
Coming of Age, the County Office for Services for the Aging, and the Delaware County Community Foundation are proud to sponsor six simultaneous eye-opening conversations for boomers and others 55+ on the topic of how to enrich Delaware County communities.

Screening of Thirst
7pm in Center City at the Friends Center
This event will feature a video screening of the remarkable film THIRST, followed by a discussion with special guests on global water issues.

Summer Diversity Circle
7pm in Center City at the Shambhala Meditation Center
Explore the complexities of racial intolerance in the U.S. at this discussion and screening of "Crash."



Emergency Fund Award Luncheon
11:30am in Center City
Hosted by NBC-10’s Edie Huggins, the event features a silent auction to benefit older adults and will honor four Philadelphia organizations for their commitment to protecting seniors.



June 11 BOOMERVISION!^® The New Revolutionaries

MORE ON BOOMERVISION!^® 2007


The New Revolutionaries
5:30pm
Monday, June 11
With so many people 50+ fueled by passion, purpose, and a penchant for improving the world, what kind of work will they do? Hear Marc Freedman, widely regarded as the guru of the 50+ civic engagement movement, and Wilson Goode, former Philadelphia mayor and Director of Amachi. To register call (215) 351-0511.
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."