April 25 - May 1
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.
Quote for the week: If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.-- An African Proverb
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 If you were asked what the most powerful weapons are to help fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life, you might include drugs, self-help books or herbal supplements on your list. Would you believe that it is actually our connection with friends? Researchers are starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health and psychological well-being. So, how do friends improve your life?
Continue ReadingWhile companies might not have predicted this, many are finding that their best customers during this recessionary time are consumers age 50 and older. Among those aiming more at the older demographic are giants like Chrysler, Kraft Foods, L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble and Target. The interest has also been a boon to media outlets that appeal to older viewers. What are the reasons for this 50-centric trend? Read on.
Philadelphia is hosting Museum Week -- from April 27th -- May 3rd, with more than 50 of its world-class museums open to visitors and proudly showing their wares. Museum lovers from all around the world will converge on Philadelphia to revel in the big-name collections and the hidden jewels alike. Many discounts and special offers are available. For the full listing of Museum Week specials, check this out.
Coming Soon
How can early childhood improve the educational success rate of children in Philadelphia? And how does the relationship between the school district, city services, and the university create positive change for our children? On April 30th, 3 pm at The Inn at Penn, Dr. John Fantuzzo of Penn's Graduate School of Education will share findings from his research on third grade public school students. Philadelphia School Superintendent, Dr. Arlene Ackerman, and Dr. Donald Schwarz, the City's Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity, will discuss implications of these findings. FREE. RSVP immediately to Carrie Stemrich at (215) 746-5437 or e-mail.
Did you know that there is an urban farm in East Germantown? On May 2, 2009 at 10 am you are invited to spend the day with Global Citizen working on the Weavers Way Farm at the Awbury Arboretum. The farm exists to serve as a model of local, sustainable food production in an urban setting. Its goal is to produce healthy and unique produce for Weavers Way Co-op and other outlets in Philadelphia while teaching the community about urban farming. To sign up, click here.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You! The Franklin Institute is looking for a full-time Project Associate who can contribute to the development and sustainability of ongoing
grant-funded initiatives; develop science curricular
materials and web-based resources that target children and families; and coordinate regional events, meetings,
and workshops, among other tasks. Bilingual skills in Spanish or Asian languages preferred; travel in the Philadelphia area required. To learn more, click here.
The University of Pennsylvania Law School’s Interdisciplinary Child Advocacy Clinic seeks an experienced, dedicated, child welfare social work supervisor for a part-time position beginning no later than August 1, 2009. Collaboration with a clinical law professor and a pediatrician in case supervision and seminar teaching for social work, law and medical students/residents appointed as child advocates and guardians ad litem. 15-20 hours per week with flexibility and some evening hours.
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RSVP of Montgomery County is seeking computer knowledge volunteers to assist small to mid-sized nonprofits in the Delaware Valley.
Volunteers should feel comfortable with common software applications and/or hardware maintenance and be able to explain technical issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Prospective volunteers must complete a Skills Inventory and be interviewed by the Program Administrator. There are monthly trainings/meetings held at RSVP’s Blue Bell, PA offices. To learn more, email Elaine Gershenson or call (610) 834-1040.
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America's first school of fine arts and museum. The Academy is seeking a Tour and Docent Program Coordinator. This person is responsible for coordination of the docent program, school (K-12) tours, and adult tours. Ongoing communication and promotion of these programs is required. This is a part-time position;approximately 26 hours per week.
Continue Reading Make-a-Difference Calendar Sunday, April 26
9:00 am at Loew's Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia The 17th Annual Food and Health Expo features expert speakers, food prep demos, free samples and over 50 exhibitors emphasizing the value of whole foods, whole food supplements, and other healthy lifestyle basics. Sponsored by the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education, this expo includes four speakers in the fields of nutrition, medicine, herbal remedies, and cancer education. To reserve tickets, call (610) 624-4810 or buy them online.
9:00 am at Mountain Street (South Philadelphia) The Battle of Puebla is celebrated by Mexicans who, while outnumbered, defeated a French army in 1862. You can take part in the annual Carnaval de Puebla, a colorful tradition that features dancers (carnavaleros) symbolizing the different groups that fought in the battle brandishing newly-chiseled muskets and authentic Mexican food. This South Philadelphia-based event, organized by San Mateo Carnavalero, kicks off at Mountain Street at 9 am., proceeds to Seventh St., on to Washington Ave., and ends at Sacks Park.
Monday, April 27
6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia Since Franklin Delano Roosevelt guided fifteen pieces of legislation through Congress in the first three months of his administration, expectations have risen for the first 100 days of every presidential administration. With the nation embroiled in two wars and a deep recession, the public has high hopes for President Obama’s first 100 days. As this time period draws to a close, the Center welcomes historians and journalists to reflect on the policy decisions and political maneuvers of his new administration. FREE. Call (215) 409-6600 to reserve a seat.
Tuesday, April 28
7:30 am at Union League of Philadelphia, 140 South Broad Street,
Philadelphia
With the issues and challenges of urban centers now the subject of new federal attention, the 2009 Rethinking Philadelphia program will examine the effects that President Obama's urban policy plans will have on Greater Philadelphia and other metropolitan areas. Steve Wray, Economy League executive director and other regional thinkers will share their ideas. This program is produced by the Philadelphia Daily News and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
7:00 pm at Prince Music Theater,
1412 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia As part of the national and international GLBT civil rights event being held by Equality Forum, Rabbi Linda Holtzman, the Senior Rabbi of Mishkan Shalom, will discuss the relationship between religion and the LGBTQ community with The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. Gene Robinson was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003, making him the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. His ordination led to international debate about the inclusion of gay clergy in the church hierarchy. FREE.
Wednesday, April 29
12:00 pm at locations throughout the Philadelphia region Remember to pack your walking shoes when you head out to work. At lunchtime, gather some co-workers and get in on the healthy exercise and camaraderie that a brisk walk with friends offers during the region's second annual National Walk @ Lunch Day, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. Walking helps to decrease heart attacks, control weight, improve muscle tone, and reduce stress. Remember: one small step can lead to a healthy lifestyle!
This Week's Medicare Tip Some employer and union-provided health insurance policies can continue or switch over to provide coverage for you when you are 65 and retired. Contact your former employer or union for information on your plan.
Medicare has special rules that apply to beneficiaries who have group health plan coverage through their own or their spouse's current employment. Group health plans of employers with 20 or more employees must offer these people the same health insurance benefits under the same conditions that younger workers and spouses receive.
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Coming of Age "Blog"
Read the latest post on the Blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg
A Woman Named Glue
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Read the latest post on the Blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg 
