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June 21 to June 27

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.


Inside:

What's New
Coming Soon
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Make-A-Difference Calendar
Past Issues


 
What's New

Keep your brain cells sizzling this summer by taking a mind-expanding course(s) online. SeniorNet's first 6-week online summer session starts June 18 but you can enroll for another week. Or sign up for their July or August sessions. The courses are enticing, and include: "Photographing People with Your Digital Camera,""Beginning Conversational French,""Luscious, Low-Fat, Lightening-Quick Meals,""Music Made Easy,"and "Building Wealth."SeniorNet members get a deep discount. To learn how to become a member and register for courses, click here.


As summer temperatures creep into the 90s, the danger of you or someone you love experiencing a heat-related illness is dramatically increased. In the event of a heat-related emergency, call 9-1-1 right away. If you’re worried about your or a loved one’s ability to cope with the heat this summer, here are some folks that can help (click here).


Non-profit organizations will want to get a copy of, Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow, a step-by-step guide on engaging Boomers as volunteers. The authors offer a new framework that non-profits can use to capitalize on the vast skills and resources of the 78.2 million Boomers eager to connect and contribute. The book contains research applicable to volunteer engagement, worksheets and templates, and a proven process for building organizational capacity. For a preview, click here.


Alice Dustin is flying high. This 66-year-old grandma, author, artist, and French teacher, never met a challenge that didn't fascinate her... and spur her to great feats. On turning 50, Alice took a stand against old age by learning to ride a unicycle. In her mid-50s, she became serious about judo, often sparring and training with young athletes in their 20s and competing in tournaments. At 60, she took up juggling... and then decided to try the trapeze after being captivated by a photo of a trapeze artist. Read about this remarkable woman whose next achievement... is still up in the air.




 
Coming Soon

Is your non-profit organization extraordinary? If so, now is the time to reap the benefits of your good work and apply for a Champions in Action award. These $25,000 prizes and other goodies, are being offered by Citizens Bank, in partnership with NBC10, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, philly.com and Greater Philadelphia Cares for organizations working in community healthcare. The winners receive media coverage, public relations and promotional support, and volunteer help from the prize sponsors. Deadline: July 18, 2008. Contact: (215) 564-4544. To apply... Read More.


Share your theatrical talents... or try out your skills for the first time at the Drama Group's Play Reading Party on June 28, 7: 30 pm, at Pilling Hall, 6023 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia. Those participating will be immersed in Agatha Christie's murder mystery, "The Mousetrap."There are lots of parts ... which will be switched often. If reading is not your thing, your role as an "audience member"is to encourage the actors and keep count of the bodies! Contact: (215) 844-0724 or e-mail.




 
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
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:




The Amachi mentoring initiative was developed to find mentors for children who have a parent in jail -- a single risk factor that significantly increases the likelihood that a child will be incarcerated at some point in his or her life. Amachi is a collaborative effort between Big Brothers Big Sisters, Public Private Ventures, the Corporation for National &Community Service, local churches, local schools, and the Center for Research on Religion in Urban Civil Society at the University of Pennsylvania. The initiative is seeking VISTA members who will work in a number of different program areas to help these children. To find out more about Amachi's opportunities, Read More.


The Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) works with adults and their families in Delaware County to help them gain literacy and communication skills. DCLC is seeking a paid, part-time Volunteer Coordinator to make a real impact on achieving those goals. Responsibilities include recruiting and screening potential volunteers, arranging tutor trainings, tracking volunteer activities and representing DCLC at community events. Strong interpersonal skills and some computer literacy are needed. To learn more about this 20-hour-a-week opportunity, click here.


Are you at 55 or older, enjoy working with older adults, a good listener, and compassionate? Then, here's a great opportunity for you! Journey's Way, a program of Coming of Age partner Intercommunity Action, Inc., is looking for folks interested in leading discussion groups with retirees at community senior centers on health, wellness, life changes, and retirement. There are six training sessions, once a week (lunch is included). The time commitment is about four hours/week for four months. To learn about the application process, call Aviva Perlo at (215) 487-1296 or e-mail.


Clowns wanted... honk your nose if you are interested! RSVP of Montgomery County, PA utilizes the skills and passions (and playfulness!) of county residents 55+ in a variety of community serttings. A group of volunteer clowns do face-painting, magic,and ballooning at special events -- parades, expos, malls, and fund-raising activities. All new "clown"recruits are asked to commit for one year and attend a 20-hour free training session over a 10-week period. Clowns develop a persona and their own costumes. To join the troupe, contact Tina Weaver at (610-834-1040, ext. 23).




Make-a-Difference Calendar
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!

Saturday, June 21

9: 00 am at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
United Way of America will kick-off its Live United campaign with a National Day of Action. In our region, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania will launch "Stuff the Bus!", an annual effort to pack buses with school supplies for children in homeless shelters and distribute them to more than 1,500 kids throughout the Delaware Valley. As a first step, volunteers will meet at the United Way building then distribute information throughout the city on how to donate to "Stuff the Bus" during the summer. If you are interested in participating, call Emily RosenBerg at (215) 665-2509.


10: 00 am at Arch Street Meeting House, 4th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA
In celebration of World Refugee Day 2008, the Nationalities Service Center will join with the Iraqi Refugee Advisory Committee to welcome Iraqi families living in Southeastern Pennsylvania and celebrate their culture. One in five Iraqis has been displaced from their homes, making it the largest refugee crisis in the Middle East since 1948. Learn more about their lives and the war first-hand, and the organizations that are helping them resettle. FREE.


1: 00 pm at Holy Redeemer Church, 915 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) will host its annual Quality of Life Fair, and you are invited. This community-based activity will feature adult and youth financial seminars. Representatives from more 15 businesses and community organizations will be present to answer questions and offer insight on ways to improve your everyday life! Refreshments. FREE. Contact: Wendy Lee, (215) 922-2156.

Sunday, June 22

9: 00 am at Shambala Center, 2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Those who meditate find the practice relaxing and mind-clearing. It's a practice that can energize you, provide a fresh approach on life, and as the Shambhala Center espouses, help you "discover your inherent sanity, gentleness, and humor."The Center is offering a beginners session, from 9: 15 am - 4: 00 pm to develop understanding of the practice of meditation and how to integrate it into one’s life. Lunch is included. Cost is $35; $15 for seniors. Call (215) 568-6070 to register.

Monday, June 23

6: 30 pm at National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street, Independence Mall
Join journalist and historian Richard Brookhiser for a conversation about America’s first president. As the country now is in the throes of scutinizing the major party candidates to determine who should lead the nation, author Brookhiser argues in his book, George Washington on Leadership, that our first leader was this country's strongest -- and discusses how one man's struggles and successes over 200 years ago can be a model for leaders today. FREE. Reservations required. For more information, call (215) 409-6600.

Tuesday, June 24

7: 00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Plan to hear Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, University of Pennsylvania Professor and Director of its Annenberg Public Policy Center, offer a compelling analysis of the conservative media establishment, from talk radio to Fox News to the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal. In her new book, Echo Chamber: Rush Limbaugh and the Conservative Media Establishment, Jamieson tells the story of the growth of conservative media and how it has fundamentally changed American politics. FREE. No reservations. Contact: (215) 567-4341.

Wednesday, June 25

5: 30 pm at White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Water trumps gasoline as our most precious fluid. Learn some simple steps you can take to conserve water resources and improve stormwater management in your home and community, and creatively reuse waste water. An expert discussion will be followed by a Q and A session where you can share your experiences about homewater conservation and reuse, and bring your questions to a roomful of answers. $40 includes presentation followed by 2-course dinner (including water!), tax and tip. Call White Dog Cafe at (215) 386-9224 to reserve space.

Thursday, June 26

5: 30 pm at WHYY Technology Center, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
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.


7: 30 pm at Indenhofen Barn, Evansburg Rd. and Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA
City folk will learn that barns don't have to be red! Discover the distinguishing characteristics of barns from the early 18th century through the early 20th century in southeastern Pennsylvania and the variety of methods being used to preserve these rural gems. Jeffrey Marshall will use his highly illustrated book, Barns of Bucks County, to explain the building techniques that created these castles in the fields. FREE. Call (610) 584-1166.

Friday, June 27

10: 00 am at Morris Arboretum, 100 Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia
Take a virtual trip around the world at the the Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill! The ever-popular Garden Railway features Architectural Wonders of the World with miniature replicas of the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, the Eiffel Tower, and many more. With 92 acres of lush, colorful gardens, and a world class Rose Garden, the Arboretum, we think is close to being a Wonder of ther World itself. Visitors will find it hard to believe they haven’t left the city... and may think they've actually reached Nirvana! FREE. Admission: $10, Seniors, $8. Contact: (215) 247-5777.





This Week's Medicare Tip
For You and Those You Care For


More than three million Americans rely on services provided by a nursing home at some point during the year. To make sure that they are receiving quality care, the Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon launch a ground-breaking ranking system of America’s nursing homes, giving each a “star” rating. CMS is requesting comments on the system designed to provide patients and their families an easy-to-understand assessment of nursing home quality. A sample screen shot of the proposed star ratings is available by clicking here. Read More.
Brought to you by
Coming of Age
a partnership of:

The Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning
WHYY Wider Horizons
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
AARP Pennsylvania






Boomervision! Explore Next Steps with Smart Women

Gail Rentsch Photo

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.



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."