Being a caregiver is a 24-hour job... and the Philadelphia Veteran's Administration Medical Center (PVAMC) is looking for energetic, compassionate, and friendly volunteers to give these committed care providers a break. The VA social work staff provide training for volunteers who will visit the patients at home and read to them, write letters, watch movies, and listen to their stories. Pairs of volunteers are welcomed. To apply, call Melissa Heinlein at (215) 823-5868.

The Health Federation of Philadelphia represents a consortium of community health centers that work to identify unmet needs of vulnerable populations in Philadelphia's low-income neighborhoods. An Aftercare Coordinator is needed to do intensive case management for children of women discharged from residential substance abuse treatment. Responsibilities include: child and family assessments, relapse prevention plans, coordination of services, and home visits. A master's degree in social work, counseling, or related field preferred. Spanish speaker desired. To learn more, e-mail or call (215) 567-8001.

The Center for Autism, the oldest specialized autism treatment and evaluation center in the nation, is seeking a part-time Grant/Research Writer. Responsibilities include gathering information about program needs, identifying and researching funding sources, writing and editing all grant applications, and supplying progress reports to funders. Must have strong communications skills, computer proficiency, research experience, and flexibility. To learn more about this position, e-mail or click here.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania are looking for some volunteers (Girl Scout alums especially!) to run their retail shops for Girl Scout Leadership Experience materials that are located in Philadelphia, Lafayette Hills, Valley Forge, Allentown, Delaware County and Lehigh County. Help is needed to share Girl Scout program materials, wearables, and fun items with leaders and girls. Retail experience would be great, but not necessary. Call (215) 564-4657 for information.

9:00 am at Germantown Friends School, 31 W. Coulter Street, Philadelphia

The Preservation Alliance has created the Old House Fair to address an unmet need for the special expertise, goods and services that local homeowners need to meet the challenges of maintaining an old house. The Fair features over 70 vendor booths and an array of learning opportunities for owners of older houses to better maintain and restore their homes, including demonstrations, expert panels and other “hands on” assistance. $10. Call (215) 546-1146 x7 for tickets.

12:00 pm at James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA

Soldiers on the front lines in WWI and WWII often spent their idle time creating artistic creations from fighting materiel...beauty amidst destruction. This exhibition is a comprehensive survey of this remarkable art form often described as ''trench art.'' These soldier artists found an abundance of workable material littering the landscape, including artillery shells, bullets, shrapnel, and miscellaneous scrap metal. From Swords to Plowshares includes more than 300 pieces of unique, handmade trench art. $6.50 admission.

7:30 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Don't miss the opportunity to hear Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel speak about his latest work, A Mad Desire to Dance. This novel profiles a life shaped by the worst horrors of the 20th-century and one man's attempt to reclaim happiness despite his overwhelming loss. Wiesel served as the Chairman of the President's Commission on the Holocaust until 1986 and shortly thereafter, established the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. This prolific author has written more than 40 books. Cost:$14. To buy tickets, click here.

1:30 pm at Ralston Center, 3615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

This 8-week series is open to adults, age 55 and over, who live independently and are interested in learning about how food helps prevent and manage the ailments that affect us as we age. The course ends on April 28th. Contact the Ralston Center at (215) 386-2984 for more information. Make sure to register; the instructor prepares healthy treats for the class! Cost: $5 per session.

7:30 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

In The Bin Ladens, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Steve Coll provides a history of the bin Laden clan, paying special attention to its two most emblematic members: Muhammad, the family patriarch and self-made millionaire, and Osama, the world’s most notorious terrorist. Coll’s “psychologically detailed portrait of the brutal 9/11 mastermind,” reveals the role his extended family—and their relationship with the royal house of Saud—played in shaping his ambitions, and tactics. FREE. No tickets required.

4:30 pm at Harrison Auditorium, Penn Museum, 3260 South St., Philadelphia

This year's featured speaker for Penn's annual Levin Family Dean's Forum is Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Named a MacArthur Fellow in 1981 and one of Time magazine's "25 Most Influential Americans" in 1997, Dr. Gates is also the writer and presenter of the recently aired PBS documentary film Looking for Lincoln. His latest book, In Search of Our Roots, combines rigorous historical research with DNA analysis to recreate the family trees of 19 notable African Americans. No RSVP required.

6:30 pm at WHYY Technology Center, 150 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia

The first of the baby boomers are now entering their 60s, and uncharted territory lies ahead. What will the generation that has redefined every life stage create now and how will Judaism play a role? Join Coming of Age's founding partner, WHYY, and Hiddur: The Center for Aging and Judaism for a compelling conversation with accomplished Jewish boomers as they explore meaning and new possibilities for themselves and the community. Moderated by Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, Director, Hiddur. Kosher reception. FREE. Click to register.

7:00 pm at Carriage House, Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia

Wondering how you can affordably and easily incorporate “green” practices into your everyday life? Cliveden, a National Trust Historic Site, is holding its 20th Annual Institute on April 3rd and 4th called Going Green: Environmental Stewardship for Preservation and Profit. Participants will hear a variety of perspectives on local “green” issues presented by scholars and environmental leaders, including “green” lawn care, historical environmental issues and the true characteristics of eco-living. Click here to register, or call (215) 848-1777.

New Feature! Coming of Age "Blog"
Read our new Blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg
“What I’m Hearing... Coming of Age on the Road.”