July 10 - July 16
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.
Thought for the Week:
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
-- The Dalai Lama
Inside:
What's NewComing SoonInfo4OrgsHave We Got an Opportunity for You!Past Issues What's New CNN is looking for "everyday people who are changing the world" to be recognized by its 2010 CNN Heroes award. People are asked to nominate someone they know who is doing something extraordinary to help others. The top 10 CNN Heroes, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel, will be honored at an All Star Tribute hosted by Anderson Cooper and introduced by a celebrity presenter. They will each receive $25,000, with $100,000 going to the winner. To learn about one of last year's winners, click here. Nominations must be submitted by August 1st.
More than 25% of Americans 50 years and older stay connected using sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, according to new research by AARP. And almost half of those 50 to 64 say that they feel very comfortable using the Internet. Social networking is "in" with the older set, especially boomers. But, some habits die hard. Print newspapers and magazines are still the preferred source for news for this population with only one percent reading blogs.
In this commentary in the New York Times, the author reflects on his interest in "late bloomers" whose creativity has peaked in their middle to late age. He offers a number of compelling examples: Filmmaker John Huston, Actor/Director Clint Eastwood, Senator Ted Kennedy, and author Joan Didion, to name a few. This homage to second-act aces inspires ... and confirms what we know about how experience, constant experimenting, and perserverance can help creativity emerge during all stages of life. Coming Soon The Institute for Advanced Instruction is presenting a series of free Health and Wellness Fairs that will let individuals experience various forms of holistic services from certified practitioners. The fair also has numerous, experienced health-conscious vendors. The first fair will be held at Yeadon Library, 809 Longacre Blvd, in Yeadon, PA on July 10, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and July 11, noon - 6 p.m. On July 17th, the fair will be at West Philadelphia Community Senior Center, 41st and Poplar St., Philadelphia. To learn more, click here.
On July 12, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will begin distribution of Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program produce vouchers as part of an annual program to encourage older adults to include fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. Those who are eligible and live in Philadelphia can receive the $20 worth of vouchers for use at certified Farmers’ Markets throughout the city. To learn more about eligibility and where to get the vouchers, click here or call the PCA Helpline, (215) 765-9040.
Join Second Circle Improv Players' introductory Improvisational Theater Class and release your inner actor! Enjoy learning theater games that build problem-solving skills, communication skills, collaboration, creativity, and self-confidence. Classes are Wednesday evenings from 7–9:30 p.m., July 14th - August 18th, at the Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia. $100 fee. No penalty for missing the first class. At the end of the training, participants can audition for Second Circle Improv Players troupe. To register and learn more, e-mail Ruthie Levikoff or call (215) 779-1943.
Military families are invited to get together and have fun at 850 Blue Star Museums this summer through Labor Day, admission free, compliments of the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Museums. Don't miss this opportunity to be spend time with family members and become a vulture for culture! To learn more about participating museums and see an interactive map listing by state, go to arts.gov.
Info4Orgs For more than three years, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) worked with nonprofits across the country to engage older adults in leadership and professional volunteer roles. NCOA's report, Boomer Solutions: Skilled Talent to Meet Nonprofit Needs, shares how nonprofits can best capitalize on the coming influx of Boomer talent into the volunteer workforce. To read the Executive Summary and download a full copy of the report, click here.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You! Eisenhower Fellowships, a private international nonprofit headquartered in Philadelphia, has an immediate opening for a full-time Program Associate to support its USA program and Alumni Network departments. Founded in 1953, Eisenhower Fellowships operates an exchange program which brings mid-career professionals from around the world to the U.S. annually for leadership development. The parallel USA program sends approximately one dozen high-achieving mid-career U.S. residents abroad for a similar experience. Application due by July 19th. To learn more and to apply, click here.
The John Bartram Association has an opening for a part-time seasonal educator (20 hrs./week) at historic Bartram's Garden to teach environmental science, history of natural science, gardening, and Colonial American history to a wide range of visitors, many of whom are Philadelphia school children, pre-K through 5th grade. Knowledge of environmental science and history and one to two years of teaching experience required. To learn more and apply, click here.
Give children with autism and other speech and language disorders a great place to play. Volunteer through Greater Philadelphia Cares to help build a playground at the TALK Institute and School, in Newtown Square, PA.
on Saturday, July 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Help assemble benches and playground components, paint murals, plant a garden, and register fellow volunteers. Breakfast, lunch and live music will be provided.
No experience necessary. Bring your family and friends! To sign up, e-mail or call (215) 564-4544.
Penn’s Village is an innovative, non-profit organization founded to enhance the lives of residents in Center City neighborhoods of Philadelphia as they grow older or have special needs. The program provides support, services, and programs that enable members to meaningful lives in their own homes. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available to suit different interests, skills, talents and schedules. There is no required time commitment. Penn's Village can also contact volunteers by telephone if e-mail is not an option. To volunteer, click here.
|
Coming of Age Radio Portraits, produced by WHYY, feature age 50+ Philadelphia-area people who have made exciting life transitions. Click here to see and hear their wonderful stories and to submit your story!
|
