July 24 - July 30
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.
The summer schedule officially starts today for Inspiring Opportunities.
While we won't be publishing bi-weekly issues for a few weeks, please keep
an eye out for a "special blast edition" in August ...
and interesting, new information on the website.
Connect, contribute... enjoy!
Mady Prowler, Editor
Inside:
What's NewComing SoonInfo4OrgsHave We Got an Opportunity for You!Past Issues What's New The term "ageism" was coined in 1968 by Robert Butler, a gerontologist who wanted to call attention to the way society discriminates against the old. While he was a great example of the productivity, vigor, and intellectual curiosity of many older adults (working until 3 days before his death at 83), he would not have been a fan of those who think successful aging is acting 20 at the age of 65. This New York Times article questions whether being as active as you once were is the best measure of successful aging.
When you read the new blog, ElderChicks.org, the words "feisty", "funny", "smart", and "creative" will immediately come to mind to describe the women who are sharing their ideas and experiences. Created by two septuagenarians, this blog is a "virtual community of women living full lives and adapting to the rapid changes in the world, well past the time their parents would have imagined." Check it out... and join the conversation.
Sooner or later, adult children need to talk to their aging parents about their medical, financial and legal affairs. You are probably saying to yourself, "How about later?" While it may not be the easiest conversation, the inescapable truth is that the responsibility for parents' care, ensuring that their wishes are carried out, and the disposition of personal affairs will ultimately be yours. Before you choose to wait just a little longer, here are seven tips for successfully approaching these sensitive private matters
You know all about the health benefits of walking...gas prices keep rising...and what about that bike sitting in your basement? Isn't it time to give it a whirl? Coming of Age founding partner, AARP, is now offering the "The Getting Around Guide" to help you put your knowledge and good intentions to use by encouraging walking, biking, and taking public transportation -- with additional information on alternate methods of getting around. To order a copy, call 1-888-OUR-AARP or click here for an online copy.
Coming Soon Philadelphia Inquirer editor William Marimow, one of the most influential individuals in the region, will be speaking and answering questions about how the paper decides which news stories to pursue at the Central Senior Services section of the Free Library, 1901 Vine Street. Marimow won two Pulitzer Prizes as an Inquirer reporter for exposing police misconduct and has held key jobs at the Baltimore Sun and NPR. Talk to the editor on Wednesday, July 28, at 11 a.m. FREE. For more information, call (215) 686-5331.
Nicole Hollander’s wry and witty comic strip Sylvia appears in more than 80 newspapers nationwide, including the Boston Globe and the Los Angeles Times. Ms. Hollander, the author of Tales of Graceful Aging from the Planet Denial and Female Problems: An Unhelpful Guide, will talk about her latest work ( The Sylvia Chronicles), an acerbic take on contemporary politics, from Reagan to Palin and everything in between. Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 10th at 7:30 p.m. FREE. For information, call (215) 567-4341.
From the pivotal Constitutional Convention to the tragic yellow fever epidemic to unforgettable Live Aid concerts, summertime in Philadelphia has never been dull! On Saturday, August 14, visitors to the National Constitution Center can participate in a special interactive program at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. that explores why summer is such a riveting time in our city's history. There are tours of Signers' Hall for a look at how the delegates to the Constitutional Convention spent their long summer days in Philadelphia in 1787 and a chance for younger visitors to create crafts.
Info4Orgs Philadelphia Corporation for Aging often receives questions from the public and aging network about the kinds of aging services available to immigrants and refugees. A comprehensive document has been compiled to help these older adults access services. For further information on eligibility on these or other programs, contact the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or click here. Five dedicated foreign-language telephone lines are also available to serve limited-English speaking minority elders.
Nonprofit leaders will not be surprised by the findings of a study done by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Civil Society Studies: nearly 40 percent of nonprofit organizations currently lack adequate staff to deliver their programs and services. Almost a third of organizations reported reductions in their workforces from October 2009 to March 2010. Fortunately, there is some good news: 23 percent reported employment gains during the same period and another 46 percent reported no change, despite facing expanded needs. To learn more,
Continue ReadingHave We Got an Opportunity for You! The James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, an independent, non-profit cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of Bucks County, is seeking a part-time Membership Assistant. The responsibilities include data entry, word processing, preparing Excel reports and filing. Time commitment: 10 hours/week split between Tuesday and Thursday. Salary: $9 - $10 per hour, commensurate with experience. If interested, send letter and resume to this e-mail address.
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, a Coming of Age founding partner, needs bright, business-oriented, and engaged older adults to be Volunteer Executives. Volunteer Executives work 25-40 hours per week in temporary, seasonal positions assisting in the development and implementation of workplace fundraising. Through this role, volunteers attend training programs and workshops and become familiar with United Way's services, programs, and community roles. To learn more, e-mail
Sara.
Coming of Age founding partner, WHYY, is seeking a full-time Community Relations Coordinator with event and fundraising experience. As part of a three-person team, the Coordinator will be responsible for planning events that will showcase WHYY services to attract and retain members. Strong communication skills, experience working with children, grant writing or management experience, and knowledge of Excel and Convio needed. Interested applicants should e-mail a writing sample, resume, and cover letter or mail it to K. Peterson, 150 N. Sixth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) Philadelphia Schools are part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for college and life. Volunteers are needed, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, July 31 to take part in the second annual "Barn Raising" at two of the schools at 5900 Baltimore Avenue and one at 1209 Vine Street. The tasks will include painting, cleaning, and assembling furniture. Breakfast, lunch, and a snazzy t-shirt await you. E-mail Reina to sign up.
|
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!
|
