April 18 to April 24
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
This Week's Medicare Tip
Past Issues
What's New
With more people facing retirement in this unstable economy and their savings, home value, and incomes declining, there is more talk about reverse mortgages as a way around the continuing credit crunch. A growing number of homeowners who are 62 and older are exploring reverse mortgages that allow them to borrow against their equity. Coming of Age founding partner, AARP, provides a calculator to give you an idea of the cash you might get with two federally-insured reversed mortgages. Read this New York Times article to learn more about the pros and cons of this method of maintaining your equity.
Is your nonprofit tapping the talent of adults over 50 to help drive your mission? Do you know other organizations - nonprofit or public sector - that are using innovative strategies to attract and retain experienced adults --perhaps yourself? MetLife Foundation/ Civic Ventures have opened the Encore Opportunity Awards to recognize organizations that are effectively tapping the passion and experience of people over 50 to improve society. Winners receive $2,500. Completion of a Letter of Intent is due by May 1, 2009, and the Nomination Form by June 1, 2009. Click here to learn more and nominate a worthy nonprofit.
If anxiety about layoffs is stopping you from booking a trip to Europe or buying a new car, would you be more inclined to spend the money if you knew that you could get a refund if you lost your job? That's what companies such as General Motors, Ford Motor, JetBlue and Hyundai are betting on. They're trying to woo customers by offering special breaks and refunds on big-ticket items. Is this marketing technique working?
WHYY has launched an exciting new series, Coming of Age Radio Stories, that will feature 26 audio and web portraits of Philadelphia-area people 50+ who have made compelling and meaningful life transitions. Produced by nationally-acclaimed WHYY radio producer Elisabeth Perez-Luna, the series focuses on people who are using their experience, knowledge, and passion to enrich their communities. Listen to WHYY (90.9) on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm (during NPR program, "Here and Now") and don't miss the audio/video presentation on WHYY's website. If you want to tell your story--or know someone whose story should be told -- click here.
Coming Soon Perhaps you are at the place in your career and professional life when you are ready to look beyond the bottom line for ways to enrich your life and leave a legacy. Social entrepreneurship allows you to pursue your business agenda while achieving social goals and "doing good." Whether you're
taking stock or looking ahead, learn from a panel of
experts who went into business to make it, and who have made a difference. Date: Monday, May 4th, 2009
at Coming of Age founding partner, WHYY's Technology Center: 6:30pm (reception);
7:00pm (program). Click to learn more and register.
Suzanne Braun Levine, author of “Fifty is the New Fifty: 10 Life Lessons for Women” has found that life after 50 is the best yet. What is great about being over fifty is that it is not about feeling or looking younger than you are ... it is about the richness of life right now. Join Coming of Age partner, The Transition Network-Philadelphia, on Thursday, May 7th at 7 pm to hear Braun Levine at The Ethical Society.
FREE to members; non-members: $15. Light refreshments. To register, (TTN members too), click here. RSVP by May 5th.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You! The Philadelphia-based Rock School for Dance Education, a pre-professional dance training institution with a $4.5 million budget and two schools, is seeking a Controller. This person oversees finance and accounting activities, and ensures that all accounting transactions are properly authorized, and financial reporting is timely and accurate.
A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and five years experience in a finance position are required. Prior experience with fund accounting and nonprofits preferred. To apply or learn more, click here.
Jane Addams Place, a shelter for up to 30 moms and 70 kids, from infants to 18 years old, is looking for volunteers interested in organizing children’s activities, helping with homework, and mentoring. Help is needed during the summer; supervision is provided and a member of the staff will be with the volunteer at all times. A creative background would be appreciated, as well as great patience and understanding, and a willingness to "go with the flow." To learn more, contact Jacqueline Berry at (215) 425-8610.
The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is recruiting a part-time Director of Admissions. The school's spacious campus in Mount Airy has five kindergarten/nursery programs, eight grades, and many special offerings. The Admissions Director conducts school tours; coordinates marketing efforts; administers
the tuition assistance process, guides families through the application
process, and more. Experience in admissions, teaching or administration preferably in a lower
school environment, preferred. Salaried position, 20 hours/week. To learn more, click.
Drueding Center/Project Rainbow, a unique transitional housing program for homeless women with children, operates a child care facility across the street from its residential building. Drueding needs volunteers (both morning and afternoon hours) to photograph a special Mother's Day "Hearts & Crafts" event on May 1st, and to work with the children on their projects. Contact Sarai Perkowski, Volunteer Coordinator, at (215) 787-3269 if you are interested.
Make-a-Difference Calendar Saturday, April 18
9:00 am at area locations Earth Day was launched on April 22, 1970. That first Earth Day marked the beginning of the modern
environmental movement. Approximately 20 million Americans
participated, with a goal of a healthy, sustainable environment. This year's Earth Day continues to inspire awareness and appreciation for the planet with a full slate of community activities going on from nature hikes to recycling drop offs to 5K runs in the Philadelphia area. Click here for a list compiled by phillyhealthinfo.org
1:00 pm at
Naval Business Center, 5100 S. Broad Street, Building #3, Philadelphia In the 1780's, Philadelphia was the capital of the United States as well as the artistic center of the New Republic. Hear the stories of liberty, adventure, fortune and family as told by the 2009 Philadelphia Antiques Show loan exhibition curators, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Katharine Booth. They will discuss the prominence of Philadelphia as the center of trade and the birthplace of liberty. FREE with general admission.
5:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia Not to be missed! This weekend, First Person Arts and the Free Library of Philadelphia will partner to bring you a first-of-its-kind StorySlam in Philadelphia. A team of five storytellers from the ranks of the best to grace First Person Arts’ stage will face an able team of storytellers hailing from Chicago’s Windy City group. The theme is "Mortified." FREE. For a preview of this unique competition, click here.
Tuesday, April 21
2:00 pm at Center for Architecture,
1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia Join local philanthropists, grantmakers, as well as nonprofit and civic leaders, for a special briefing on the needs of those most affected by the economic downturn. Responding to the rising costs in food, heat, shelter, and transportation, The Philadelphia Foundation created the Basic Human Needs Fund to serve the immediate needs of our region’s most vulnerable populations. Learn how local philanthropists have impacted the region's most vulnerable populations. FREE. Click to register.
6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia In preparation for Earth Day, plan on being at the National Constitution Center for a discussion about climate change and the impact of carbon emissions on our oceans. This program, featuring the documentary, A Sea Change, the producers, and a legal expert, will examine the little-known issue of ocean acidification and address the larger question of whether we have a constitutional right to a clean, healthy environment. $9 for members, $15 for non-members; reservations required. Call (215) 409-6700 or buy tickets online.
Thursday, April 23
12:00 pm at online site Incontinence (loss of bladder control) is not an easy topic to discuss... but it is a common, and distressing problem, that affects women twice as often as men. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, as well as the structure of the female urinary tract, can contribute to this condition. Dr. Holzberg, Co-Division Head, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at Cooper University Hospital will answer your questions and discuss evaluation and treatment options. Click for information about this live chat.
5:30 pm at Urban League of Philadelphia, 121 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia Plan to be at the Urban League of Philadelphia for a presentation on E-mc2, a Temple University program that is training mathematics and science professionals to be middle-grade teachers and help fill Pennsylvania’s critical need for math and science instructors. E=mc2 provides an accelerated path to Pennsylvania teaching certification, allowing professionals to begin the program while maintaining their current jobs, and then helping with job placement. Reserve a spot for this program by calling 215-985-3220, ext. 210.
This Week's Medicare Tip It is good to know that you have the right to appeal any decision about your Medicare services. This is true whether you are in the Original Medicare Plan, a Medicare managed care plan, or a Medicare prescription drug plan. If Medicare does not pay for an item or service you have been given, or if you are not given an item or service you think you should get, consider the appeal process.
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