Do you know a Second-Half Champion? This is a person 50 plus who has made significant contributions to society or achieved remarkable personal goals -- whose second half of life has taken on a completely different purpose than the first.  If so, click here to fill out a nomination form. Up to 100 people will receive a $1,000 award and $500 goes to the people making the nomination. Second-Half Champions, sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors, seeks to inspire others by recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of those 50 and over.

Cami Walker who has multiple sclerosis was told by a health educator to give gifts to friends and family for 29 days as a way to deal with her pain and sadness. An interesting prescription! The gifts were simple -- making supportive phone calls or saving a piece of chocolate cake for her husband. And the effects were life-changing! Her new book, 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life, is about how giving to others can improve health, increase happiness, and create meaning and purpose. Read more.

Paraphrasing Boomer legend Bob Dylan, peoples' needs they are a-changin'. As more and more people reach their later years, communities are challenged to come up with ways to provide specialized medical care, accessible housing, modes of mobility, and social connection. Suburban and rural areas are highlighted in these articles as they consider ways to meet these pressing issues.

Take part in the Greater Philadelphia Cares 14th Annual Winter Coat Drive! Last year more than 130 businesses, civic groups and individuals collected 6,000 new and gently used coats that were distributed throughout the region. Start a drive at your office or place of worship, or visit a local public drop off site between November 1st and January 18th.

For the first time ever, the Pennsylvania Ballet presents an audio-described performance of its timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The performance on December 20th at 4:00 p.m is being offered at a discount (20% off tickets); to order, call (215) 587- 6921 or email and mention Promo Code "AD1220." To see a list of cultural events accessible to people with visual or hearing impairments, click here.

If donations to your nonprofit are down, you have lots of company. The Association of Fundraising Professionals has reported that more than half of the 1.2 million charities in the country have seen a decline in donations this year. While finances are tough right now, there is a bit of a silver lining. The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University studied the 1970's recession and concluded that since income is higher per capita now and more households support causes, the recovery will be faster when this recession ends.

The National Council on Aging's "Leading by Example" blog may be a helpful resource as you consider how best to use older volunteers to meet the mission of your nonprofit. The latest post talks about the broad range of skills that volunteers can provide to nonprofits, including  Strategic Planning, Financial Planning, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Planning, Information Technology, Emergency Planning, and Development and Fundraising. Share your thoughts and experiences with fellow nonprofit leaders...

Maternity Care Coalition is seeking a Male Involvement Coordinator (MIC) for its Early Head Start program that provides support and services to young children, infants through 3 year olds, and their families. The MIC will recruit fathers and significant others to become more involved in their child's development. Driver's license needed. Send cover letter, resume, three references and a writing sample to Cynthia Waters, Maternity Care Coalition, 2000 Hamilton Street, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA 19130. 

Do you like the smell of grease paint and the roar of the crowd? The Annenberg Center at the University of Pennsylvania is looking for entertainment-loving ushers who will be paid to take tickets, seat patrons, distribute programs, and provide excellent customer service to patrons attending its performances. Flexible, part-time schedule; week-days, evenings, and week-ends. For more information or to sign up, contact the Patrons Services Manager or call (215) 898-5292.

Project SHINE, a national service learning program at The Intergenerational Center at Temple University, is recruiting AmeriCorps members for a new Healthy Living Program. Join a team to promote a healthy community for elders from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and/or Latin America. Teach English, health literacy, health workshops, health screenings and/or various recreational activities. Part-time position (8-10 hours a week) for 9 months (January-August). $1,500 stipend and a $1,132 education award.  Contact: volunteer@templecil.org.

Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment occurs every year from November 15th – December 31st. It’s the one time every year when all people with Medicare can review their prescription drug and health plan options, and any changes in their current coverage, to make sure they have the coverage that best meets their needs. Those who do not have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a Part D plan during Open Enrollment.