Inspiring Opportunities is an 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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Oh, those awful risk-taking teenagers - drinking and driving and popping out babies. Well, so goes the perception. But Mike Males opines in The New York Times that boomers have a worse record of bad decisions, drug addiction, and alcohol abuse than their offspring. Then Times readers sound off on whether he's right.


"There I was in Sears and I went up in flames," USA Today quotes a boomer describing hot flashes. For some people 50+, when age-related health problems strike, they may come as a jolt. Run for cover! Grab a pointy stick! That's the alarmed tone here. But all's not so bad. At least we're living longer. And when we need consolation, there's always Montaigne: "And therefore my opinion is, that when once 40 years, we should consider it as an age to which very few arrive."


Philadelphians old and young keep killing each other. Today's suspect is a 60-year-old man. We have got to find ways to make it stop.


Boomers can remember the Civil Rights Movement that brought down Jim Crow in the South. Segregation may have died then; racism didn't. Here's a local perspective and a local rally on the mess in Jena, La.


Fifty years after they left, the Dodgers haunt Flatbush. The Phillies may make us tremble with joy or cry buckets, but thank goodness, they're still here. Plus, we've got Segways. Read up on how our 50+ crowd shows marked preference for the what may be the ugliest device ever invented for outdoor fun.


One of our founding partners is now on the verge of becoming that magic age: 50+. Celebrate from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, September 29 at the WHYY Technology Center on Independence Mall, including everybody's hometown national radio talk show favorite, Terry Gross, pictured here. All she did was ask.




  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:





Help Low-Income Teens Become Entrepreneurs

Poor city neighborhoods need socially responsible entrepreneurs; that's where the ELITE Group comes in. It teaches high schoolers such concepts as financial literacy, philanthropy, and public speaking.

The VISTA will oversee curriculum development, market the program to high schools in Philly, coordinate business plan selection panels, oversee volunteer recruitment, coordinate a citywide youth event, and develop and run student business expo events.

This is a full-time opportunity with benefits and a living allowance. It requires a Bachelor's degree and skill in business, education, public speaking, recruitment, and writing. Applications accepted through Oct. 10. Send resume and cover letter to Lindsey Harris at lharris@empowerment-group.org. Call (215) 427-9245 for more information.


Center in the Park in Germantown needs a pro bono PR consultant. You can draft press releases, media alerts, letters, brochures and flyers. E-mail Christine Fisher at cfisher@centerinthepark.org.


Community Housing Services seeks someone to manage their volunteer base and be prepared when folks call in to offer help. Part-time or full time opportunity. Stipend may be available. Call Heather Lewis at 215-362-5250.


Within a hospice setting, volunteers make friendly visits, help with scrap-booking or journals, or work in the office. Those with pecial talents like Reiki or massage techniques are especially welcome and appreciated. Hospice locations throughout Montgomery County. E-mail Tina Weaver at tinaw@rsvpmc.org.


Help Senior Adults for Greater Education in the Bensalem and Bristol Township school districts. Work with students in classrooms, one-on-one, or in small groups. Call 215-357-2332 or email beasage03@aol.com


Donating an hour of your time could be worth $5,000 to a family in need. Become a part of the "Coming of Age Make a BIG Difference Team" working with The Benefit Bank and connect families to the benefits and tax credits for which they may be eligible.


Involved with a nonprofit that could use more 50+ people in compelling roles to further the group's mission? Here's info about an upcoming Coming of Age Learning Lab that will help such organizations do just that. Give your group a call or shoot 'em an e-mail with this link. When people 50+ talk, nonprofits listen.




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!


11:00 am at Various churches throughout the regionThe City of Philadelphia, the American Red Cross, and members of the Philadelphia faith community will hold a series of information sessions on preparedness at six area churches. Questions to be answered: What is Preparedness? How can I prepare? How can I help my family to prepare?


2:00 pm at 4261 Lancaster Avenue, West PhiladelphiaYouth explored different faith traditions to answer the question of why we pray. The latest addition to the Mural Arts Project's series of work along Lancaster Avenue. Join them to learn more about the process behind the project and honor those who participated. For additional information please contact Sherman Fleming, ArtWorks! Coordinator at 215-685-0752 or sherman.fleming@phila.gov


10:30 pm at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia (TWCP), Fairmount Park Groups for sharing information and experiences, open to adults with cancer and their loved ones. Call (215) 879-7733 to RSVP or to talk with a staff member. Remember to bring lunch.


9:30 am at Saint Joseph's University Finnesey Field, West PhiladelphiaA 5K Run/Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness. The run is in memory of Kristin Mitchell, a 2005 alumna of Saint Joseph's University who was murdered weeks after graduating from the University.


6:30 pm at Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, Kirby Auditorium, Independence MallThe National Constitution Center welcomes distinguished guests Larry J. Sabato, Michael Oreskes and Eric Lane to help determine whether our Constitution needs updating or greater fidelity to its guiding principles.
Free. Reservations required
For reservations please call: (215) 409-6700.
For more information please visit the website.


10:00 am at Torresdale Branch 3079 Holme Avenue, (Holme Ave. & Willits Rd.)Participate in a refresher course for drivers age 55 and up presented by AARP. To register, call John Deal, 215-328-9047.


6:00 pm at Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Center CityPart of the Library's series of job-hunting courses. Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Skyline Room.


10:00 am at The Camelot School - Excel Academy 6600 Bustleton Avenue, Northeast PhiladelphiaRepresentatives from various government agencies and public and private service providers will be available to discuss programs and services for older adults. Entertainment, free Health screenings, and exhibits. Senator Tartaglione’s District Office
(215) 533-0440


10:30 am at Philadelphia Senior Center, 509 South Broad Street, Center CityThis class is designed for beginners and those who want to brush up on basic techniques. Moves include shoulder and hip shimmies, hip drops and lifts, snake hips and figure-eights, rib circles and rib drops, as well as basic dance posture and arm placement. Wear comfortable clothing and slippers/dance shoes or bare feet. The cost is $3.00 per class. Shake it, Mama (or Papa).

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."