April 11 - April 17
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.
A quote for the week: It's never too late to be what you might have been. -- George Eliot
Inside:
What's New
Coming Soon
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Make-A-Difference Calendar
This Week's Medicare Tip
Past Issues
What's New Younger adults who think of older people as helpless, feeble or forgetful are more likely to experience strokes, heart attacks and other health problems when they grow older themselves, researchers at Yale University report. This study, published in the March issue of Psychological Science, is the first to show that negative stereotypes of older people—developed early in life—have health consequences years later. Sounds like a powerful motivator for re-thinking aging! Read about this study in AARP's Bulletin Today story.
Within two days of President Obama’s Inaugural Address, online applications to the Peace Corps spiked as many Americans responded to the call to serve.
The President’s appeal resonated strongly with many people, including those 55 and older who are flocking to domestic and international volunteer programs. Some are motivated by a desire to do good, others by the weak job market and lagging business. Committing to a national service program is a great way to make contacts, learn skills and burnish a résumé during a career transition. Find out more about this trend.
Whether skipping meals or delaying a trip to the doctor, the current recession is affecting the health of Philadelphians. You might feel like your gym membership is a frill or healthy foods are too expensive. Worst of all, if you have lost your job or your health insurance, you are probably unsure of how to find affordable care. The PhillyHealthInfo.org Recession Healthcare Toolkit provides valuable information that can help you stay healthy.
Coming Soon The Free Library Festival —a burst of books, music, and inspiration on
the Parkway—will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19th.
Join book-lovers and others involved in Philadelphia-area culture on the Parkway for two days of stimulating
talks by award-winning writers, live music, children’s entertainment,
and a bustling literary marketplace. A fun, free way to spend the day, the Free Library
Festival connects booklovers from throughout the mid-Atlantic region
with literary "glitterati." For the schedule of events, click here.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You! On May 19th, Philadelphians will be voting for District Attorney, City Controller and several other important local offices, and the Committee of Seventy invites you to help protect our right to vote by participating in its Election Day Voter Protection program. Field Volunteers are needed to provide non-partisan assistance at polling places and as hotline volunteers to answer calls from concerned voters, volunteers, and poll workers. Volunteer shifts are 4 hours long and training will be provided.
To volunteer, visit this website or call Miguel Williams at (215) 557-3600, ext.109.
The Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC) is directly involved in connecting business, government, and community leaders to produce positive change in social policies and services. GPUAC is looking for a Communications Associate who will assist in communications, marketing and media relations for GPUAC and advance the goals of the organization. The position includes writing and editing press releases, newsletter articles, correspondence, e-mail marketing, and web copy; assisting in special event planning; and working with the media. To learn more and to apply, click here.
Mural Arts Program’s Mural Corps is a rigorous after-school mural painting and art education program for teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Art instructors are needed as mentors for youth designed murals and professional public projects. A degree in art or art education are required; instructors will share their training and experience with the youth (class ratio of 10 to 1) for an hourly salary. To learn details about the position and how to apply, click here.
The National Adoption Center is seeking a Youth Advocate/Adoption Coordinator to work directly with youth in foster care, providing adoption services and family recruitment through the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. The Coordinator advocates for and supports these youth by involving them directly in planning for their futures. A degree in social work or related human services field preferred. Vehicle needed for local travel. E-mail or fax (215) 735-9410
a cover letter, resume and salary requirements.
Make-a-Difference Calendar Tuesday, April 14
4:00 pm at Union League, 140 South Broad Street,
Philadelphia
Plan to attend Central Philadelphia Development Corporation's
Annual Meeting presented in partnership with KYW-AM Newsradio
for the release of
"State of Center City 2009."
The report will include an overview of the trends and investments that will
shape the downtown economy. KYW moderator Mike Dunn and a panel of local experts will diagnose the impact of the global economic crisis qne focus on the city's opportunities for the coming year. $35.
To register, click here.
5:15 pm at The Wellness Community, Chamounix Drive, West Fairmount Park,
Philadelphia The Wellness Community of Philadelphia, located at the historic Ridgeland Mansion in Fairmount Park, offers a wide menu of free support services to people with cancer and
their loved ones. Among the movement programs being provided are "Relax with Qigong," that incorporates slow, meditative movements with deep abdominal breathing to counteract the chronic stress and strain of daily life. To learn more about the many services offered by the Community, call (215) 879-7733.
Wednesday, April 15
6:00 pm at Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
1300 Locust Street,
Philadelphia Philadelphia has been a major manufacturer of creative neon signage since the 1930s. Len Davidson, curator of the Neon Museum of Philadelphia and author of Vintage Neon, has collected and/or preserved more than 200 vintage signs, including those from Reading Terminal Market, Pat’s Steaks, Levis Hotdog, and McGillin’s Old Ale House. Through slides and discussion, he will delve into the story of this electrifying folk art at the Philadelphia Historical Society. FREE.
6:00 pm at Claudia Cohen Hall,
249 South 36th St., Philadelphia
The 2008 documentary film BLAST! follows a team of scientists hoping to figure out how galaxies form by launching a revolutionary new telescope on a NASA high-altitude balloon. This screening will be followed by an audience Q&A with the film’s subject, Reese W. Flower Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Mark Devlin. Sponsored by Penn's School of Arts and Sciences and the Penn Science Cafe. FREE.
Thursday, April 16
4:00 pm at Paley Library Lecture Hall, 1210 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia Great tidbits of Philadelphia history have been unearthed from Temple University's Urban Archives' film collections to be shown on screen and to the public for one day only by the Secret Cinema. This program is presented by film curator and collector Jay Schwartz. Highlights include: 1968 footage from the original Electric Factory, footage from Connie Mack Stadium's closing day and much more. FREE. For more information, contact Nicole Restaino at (215) 204-2828 or e-mail.
Friday, April 17
2:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia Learn how to use a mouse and a keyboard, get started with Microsoft Word and familiar with the Internet in this free, 90-minute hands-on class. Space is limited to 12 people. Tickets will be available at the Parkway Central Library Main Lobby Desk 30 minutes before the class begins. A Free Library of Philadelphia library card is required to receive a ticket. For more information, call (215) 686-5392.
This Week's Medicare Tip An “Ombudsman” is a person who reviews issues and helps to resolve them; Congress requires that Medicare have a Beneficiary Ombudsman for Medicare recipients. The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman shares information with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Congress about what works well, and what doesn’t work well, to continuously improve the quality of the services and care you get through Medicare. How does the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman help you?
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