So, you are a new grandparent and can't wait to get your hands on that darling bundle lying in the crib. But, you notice that there aren't any bumpers in the crib, the baby is wrapped like a mummy and is on her back. What's going on? Well, some baby care issues have changed and this interview on NPR will fill you in on the latest thinking and the best approach to being the kind of grandparent who gets invited to check the new diapers that have a "pee" line. And there are classes for grandparents to give you the "cred" your children might require.

Intel is proud to announce that they are the first company to make Encore Fellowships at local nonprofits available to all of its eligible pre-retiree employees nationwide.  Encore Fellowships, created by Civic Ventures, are designed to provide a new source of experienced talent to organizations solving critical social problems, while offering those who have finished midlife careers the chance to transition to encore careers in the nonprofit sector for 6 to 12 months, full or part-time, with a $25,000 stipend. To learn more about this unique program, click here.

In the 1960s and 70s, living on a commune was a cool thing to do...for awhile. By the 80s, most had moved out of these "intentional communities" -- artists' collectives, religious communes, or self-help oriented communes -- got jobs and started anew. This Atlantic Monthly article follows one woman back to The Farm in Tennessee where she gave birth to her first child at 16 and is finalizing her return to the place she has always considered home. She is among a number of "hippies" taking the road back to a community that meets their needs again at this later stage in their lives.

Just before Thanksgiving, New York Times columnist David Brooks asked readers in their 70s to send him their thoughts about their lives...the good, the bad, and what happened in between. Among the extracted life lessons that Brooks shares are the positives of dividing your life into chapters, the negatives of rumination and self-obsession, and the realization that you can't control other people. This article is fascinating for readers of every age -- providing insights about life and lessons learned that might resonate for you.

Watermark at Logan Square in Philadelphia opens its doors to the community for FREE classes that will keep you engaged from December 15 through May, 2012. Among the offerings are a weekly memoir-writing workshop that encourages a flow of ideas as you record personal stories; painting classes with a professional artist who provides techniques and tips on how to express your "inner Monet," and a weekly Tai Chi class--a gentle workout, that promotes balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. To learn more and sign up, call (215) 240-8915.

In a time when journalists routinely travel the globe to report on wars, revolutions and economic chaos, Robin Black reports on what's closest to home--the human heart. She shares her thoughts about marriage, family life, and love in her first story collection, If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This. For those who write short stories, or hope to do so in the future, plan on meeting this award-winning author on December 21 at 11 a.m. at the Free Library, 1901 Vine Street, Rm. 108. FREE. No reservations needed. For more information, call (215) 686-5331.

Anyone interested in women...with an entrepreneurial flair...here is a prize for you! The Turning Point Prize is seed money given annually to an emerging “social innovator” (men are welcome) who develops a creative and entrepreneurial solution to a difficult problem affecting a segment of women, girls, and families. Women for Social Innovation is accepting applications for this $15,000 award that will be announced on May 10, 2012 at the annual Women's Way Powerful Voice Awards Dinner. The final completed application must be received by 5 p.m. on December 28th. For more information, click here.

New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor will be speaking at the National Constitution Center about her new book, The Obamas, on January 18th at 6:30 p.m. The book provides an insider’s perspective on Barack and Michelle Obamas' experiences as president and first lady, raising children, maintaining friendships and being the first African-American “first couple” to occupy the White House. The author has covered the family since 2007. For tickets and more information, click here.

The Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute has extended the application deadline for its Ascending Leadership Certificate program until December 15th, 2011. Mid-level nonprofit managers are encouraged to apply for the certificate program that begins in January and provides six days of training seminars in leadership styles, team building, managing organizational change, financial management, measuring results, and career development. To register, click here.

The Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center (PAHRC) is currently seeking library and genealogy volunteers. This Center was created in 1989 to collect, preserve, and make available historical sources illuminating the growth of Catholicism in the United States. Library volunteers will enter information into the Center's database, re-house archival materials, inventory collections and perform other tasks. Genealogy volunteers will work with genealogy-related collections to help improve the searchability of records for those conducting family research. To learn more, click here.

The Laurel House has a part-time position (about 24 per week) as a Domestic Abuse Response Team Advocate in Montgomery County, PA. The team provides immediate crisis and safety counseling to victims (directly and/or through the use of volunteers) when contacted by Montgomery County area police departments and hospitals. The advocate would assist with court accompaniment as needed and provide follow-up calls with victims to make referrals, provide information, and/or offer services. To learn more about this position, click here.

Council for Relationships, a pre-eminent non-profit counseling, education, and research center, provides services for individuals, couples, children and families There is a part-time position at the Council for Relationships' office in University City to provide support to the Director of Development in an effort to increase financial support for the organization's work in achieving its mission. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Associate will interact with board members, donors, foundations, staff, vendors and alumni.

The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service on January 16th is the largest King Day event in the nation. Each year, hundreds of organizations across our region seek volunteers to assist with service projects. This year more volunteers than ever are needed. To sign up, just visit www.mlkdayofservice.org and click on the “Register” button under the heading “Volunteers” at the top left-hand side of the website. Once you’ve created an account, you can search for a service project in your area that meets your interests. If you need help or have other questions, call (215) 665-2475.