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.



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


 
Since many of our readers take time off in the summer, Inspiring Opportunities will not be appearing weekly for the next two months. We will publish on July 18th and August 15th to fill you in on What's New, Opportunities, and Calendar Events. Have a great summer!... (Stay active, but don't forget your sun tan lotion and hat.)



The news that as many as 25% of Americans 45 to 64 years and older are raiding or compromising their 401(k) accounts, shirking monthly payments and skipping regular medications and doctor visits to stay financially afloat paints a grim picture, according to a recent study by AARP (a Coming of Age founding partner). These steps can negatively affect your financial future and jeopardize your health as you age. The answer may lie in reconsidering your age of retirement. Check out this MSN article.


More reasons to stay on the job... a recent research study concludes that working another two or three years after you can retire would have a surprisingly powerful impact on the living standards of millions of boomers and on the economy. A big obstacle to this scenario is that many companies are reluctant to retain or hire older workers. Something's got to give. This New York Times article fleshes out the possible solutions.


So now that you've read about the positives of staying employed a bit longer, here are some resources to help you find an interesting, position in a nonprofit. For those looking for opportunities to combine meaningful work with an income, visit Bridgestar and Idealist, two sites that offer job posting and search advice on nonprofit-sector jobs and Common Good Careers, which focuses on jobs in social entrepreneurship. And don't forget to check the opportunities featured each week in Inspiring Opportunities.




  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:




In response to severe flooding in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, the federal AmeriCorps VISTA program is making 230 positions immediately available to assist in flood recovery efforts. Can you help? The VISTA members will recruit and manage volunteers and provide coordination and leadership to assist low-income individuals and communities in recovering from the severe flooding that struck Linn and Johnson Counties. Read More.


Coming of Age partner Mid County Senior Services presently has three paid staff openings that need to be filled. At Mid-County Senior Services, men and women aged 60+ find opportunities and services that help them stay healthy and enjoy life. The openings include: Havertown Center Director (full-time); Havertown Nutrition Coordinator (part-time) and an Activities Specialist (full-time) in Lawrence Park. To learn about job responsibilities and how to apply, Read More.


Coming of Age partner Center in the Park is a nonprofit in Northwest Philadelphia that provides opportunities for older adults to participate in social, recreational, health and fitness, arts, and lifelong learning activities. The Center has a full-time, paid job opening for a Housing Counselor who will provide direct service to clients 50+ who are facing relocation, mortgage default, and other housing concerns and need information and resources to deal with their problems. Send resume and cover letter to mmccoy@centerinthepark.org


Put your time, talents, and enthusiasm to work at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. Volunteerism is a tradition at John Heinz; indeed it was a small group of dedicated volunteers who saved this refuge. Among the positions currently open are a volunteer naturalist to take visitors on guided walks through the refuge, pointing out birds, flowers, and all things "natural"; someone to greet people at the front desk; and a person with retail experience to maintain the gift shop. For more information, contact Gary Stolz at (215) 365-3118 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!


1: 30 pm at Fox Chase Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia, 501 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia
You'll be a much-appreciated community member when you follow Eva Monheim's helpful tips on how to mix flowers and plants in a beautiful border garden. This free session is part of the City Gardening Series, presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and generously supported through a collaborative partnership with Chanticleer... A Pleasure Garden, in Wayne, PA. (a great place to visit!) FREE. To register, call (215) 685-0547.


2: 00 pm at Church of Philadelphia, 17th Street and Snyder Avenue
Join the Mural Arts Program and artist Jon Laidacker for a community paint day. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Prison System, this new work reflects the theme of offender re-entry into society. Among the collaborators are local churches, including the Church of Philadelphia; offenders at the Philadelphia Prison System, who helped design and will help paint the mural; and the Kingdom Care Re-entry Network. For more information, contact Robyn Buseman, Director of Prison Programming, at (215) 685-0756 or e-mail.



3: 00 pm at Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
The Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (NPIHN) is sponsoring a benefit performance of Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite,"performed by Stagecrafters Theater, to raise money and motivate volunteers to meet the needs of homeless families for temporary shelter, encouragement, and support. Enjoy a fun night of theater and help a worthy cause. Tickets for the benefit are $20. For more information, call (215) 247-4663, ext 137.


7: 00 pm at 12th Air Command, 254 S. 12th St., Philadelphia
Celebrate the individuals, businesses, and groups in the Philadelphia area who have shown a real commitment to the local LGBTQ community and take part in a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment at the Philadelphia Rainbow Awards. Cost: $5. Call (267) 850-7641 for more information.


10: 00 am at Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, Drexel University, 33rd and Market Streets, Nesbitt Hall, Philadelphia
"BITMAP: as good as it gets" is a group exhibition for those who are computer savvy... and the rest of us... that celebrates the history of the digital image, the aesthetics of early computing, and early video-game consoles. BITMAP, recently featured at the Museum of Modern Art, highlights old-school CRT monitors, pixels, and 8 bit sound, including pioneers of digital art and emerging media artists. (You will enjoy even if you have no idea what CRT monitors, pixels and 8 bit sound are!) FREE. Contact: (215) 895-2548.


9: 30 am at The Franklin, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia
Check out the "Real Pirates" exhibit of more than 150 artifacts from a brand new National Geographic Exhibition -- or walk the gangplank! "Real Pirates" tells the story of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod more than 250 years ago. Revel in the treasure chests of jewelry; coins; and gold weaponry such as cannons, pistols, and knives; and ahoy!-- behold a full size replica of the actual ship itself! Exhibit open until November 2. Contact: (215) 448-1200.


7: 00 pm at Harvest Book Company, 9 E. State Street, Media, PA
Join the monthly Critique Circle presented by The Mad Poets Society, a non-profit, arts organization that has more than 100 members in six states who get together for camaraderie, to celebrate the creative soul, and promote the literary arts. Bring 10 copies of one of your poems for a roundtable discussion and feedback. Small donation requested. E-mail to learn more.


6: 00 pm at Congregation Mikveh Israel, 44 N. 4th St., Philadelphia
Every four years, the Electoral College is a topic that engenders much heat... but not much light! Mark Rahdert, Temple professor of Constitutional Law, will speak on the pros and cons of the Electoral College's existence and offer suggestions for reform. Don't miss this opportunity to join the discussion. FREE. Contact: (215) 832-0597.


7: 00 pm at Swarthmore Borough Hall, 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA
You might think you are up-to-speed on all those who've cast their hats in the ring to be the President of the United States. But, you are probably missing quite a few; more than 50 candidates through the years have vied for this position! Harold Stassen, to the right, was a perennial candidate from 1948-1992. Learn about Stassen and others at this event to honor the plight of the indie candidate. FREE. For information, call (610) 328 - POET.


12: 00 pm at Philadelphia and surrounding counties
Enjoy the July 4th festivities throughout the Philadelphia region! This day celebrates our independence and the country's commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can take pride in the fact that many of the decisions that shaped our nation were made in Philadelphia. Let freedom ring ... and the barbecues sizzle!





For You and Those You Care For


Some health plans, prescription drug plans, and health care providers do a better job than others taking care of the people they serve. Medicare has information about the quality of care and services given by health plans and health care providers nationwide. Take time to compare. Visit www.medicare.gov on the web and choose the plan or provider that’s best for you. 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."