Get on your cultural attire or go semi-formal to the AARP Multicultural Ball being held tonight at The Shops at Liberty Place, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. It will be an action-packed evening of cultural performances, singing, dancing, and food from around the world. As part of Drive to End Hunger, AARP Foundation's multi-year commitment to solve the problem of hunger among older Americans, bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank. Tickets are $10 and need to be picked up by 4 p.m. Call (267) 825-9923 for details.

The "village" concept is a growing movement among older adults determined to stay in their homes. The idea of "aging in place" is not new, but what the 65 active villages offer are the perks that residents of retirement and assisted-living communities receive primarily from volunteers. Rides to the doctor or grocery store, someone to do repairs, personal care, and more. The downsides include keeping them financially viable and serving those outside cities. Philadelphia's villages are: Penn's Village (pennsvillage.org) in Center City and East Falls Village (215-438-7479). They'd be happy to share what it takes to be a "village!"

It seems that doting grandparents and those who are health care providers are being urged to get the T.D.A.P. vaccine, short for tetanus, diptheria and acellular pertussis, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is usually family members that pass these diseases on to very young children (under a year old), particularly pertussis (aka whooping cough) that effects people of any age. The cost of the vaccine is around $35 plus the cost of the injection and the only side effect is a sore arm. 

 The present political situation has made it impossible for many in the "silent generation", those 66-83, to be silent.  A report from the Pew Research Center cites the anger felt by over 30% in this age range as they worry about the economy and how it will affect their finances in retirement. Others are annoyed by the lack of cooperation between the parties. While the majority identify with the Republicans, the wild cards are Social Security and Medicare and those issues might trump party loyalty. This group may come to be known as the "What About Me?" voters. 

Marc Vetri, one of the hottest chefs in Philadelphia and a nationally-recognized restaurateur, will be sharing his delicious Italian recipes and talking about his new book, Rustic Italian Food, at the Free Library on Tuesday, November 22nd, at 7:30 p.m. Vetri is a South Philadelphia native who has created three local restaurants, been nominated for the 2008 James Beard Best New Restaurant award, and has created a foundation to promote healthy eating and lifestyle choices for at-risk youth. Food writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Ashley Primus, will guide the conversation. For information, call (215) 567-4341. FREE.

The Philadelphia Center for Architecture at 1218 Arch St., celebrates the design achievements of the region and provides a forum for professionals and citizens to talk about quality design, public spaces, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Exhibits are open to the public and the most popular one is returning for its third year on November 25th. It is about the history of your favorite toys, from Lincoln Logs to Legos, Erector Sets to K'Nex. Discover famous local buildings in miniature and learn how structures stay up. Stop in and don't forget to bring your creativity so you can show off your building skills in their popular Hands-On carts!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching and the holiday season sneaking in quickly behind, there is much to do that makes people anxious. Because stress can negatively affect one's health and anxiety and depression peak for many during this time, Jefferson University is offering a free lunchtime session that will introduce strategies, tips, and skills to help women deal more effectively with stressful experiences and the "winter blues." This session will be held on November 30 from noon to 1 p.m. at 1100 Walnut Street, 3rd floor conference room, Philadelphia. To register, call 1-800 JEFF NOW or complete this form.

Call for nominations for Opportunity Knocks 5th Annual Best Nonprofits to Work For Awards! Winners will be selected by Opportunity Knocks, a national online job site and career development organization, based on a brief essay from emplyees on why they consider their organization the best place to work. The essay should consider work/life balance, the organization's adherence to its mission, camaraderie of employees, unique benefits, training and mentoring programs and more. Fifteen winners will be chosen. The Philadelphia-based Special People in the Northeast (SPIN) and RSVP of Montgomery County are former winners. For more information, click here. 

Don't miss the upcoming workshop, Do More with Less:Running Your Non-Profit Like a High Performance Business!  Sponsored by RSVP of Montgomery County and Community Accountants, this session will provide strategies for how to use a business model to achieve more with your present budget. The session will be held at Community College of Philadelphia on November 30th, from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cost: $25 (discounts for multiple attendees from the same organization.) To register or get additional information, click here. 

Experience Corps is seeking a part-time School Liaison to manage a team of 7-10 tutors at two elementary school sites in Philadelphia.. The School Liaison facilitates and coordinates Experience Corps members' activities, creates schedules, meets with classroom teachers, and performs administrative tasks. A B. A. and background in early childhood education and/or literacy are preferred; volunteer management experience would be helpful. The weekly time commitment is 8-10 hours through May. Target start date: January 2012. To find out more and to apply, please call (215) 563-1638. 

The National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the world devoted to the preservation, interpretation and celebration of Jews in America. There is presently a position for a Museum Educator whose responsibilities would include writing tour outlines and curricula, training docents, creating events for teachers, and developing website resources for teachers. An M.A. in education, Jewish studies, art history, or a related field is required. Knowledge of Philadelphia public school system and the Jewish Day School community is a plus. 

The Career Wardrobe is the nation’s largest community-based nonprofit organization that assists low-income women transition to work by providing professional clothing, career skills and networking opportunities. The program, based in Center City, Philadelphia, needs an Education and Outreach Manager who would be responsible for networking events, success seminars, and job skills workshops, as well as an education curriculum and outreach to volunteers. To learn more about this position and how to apply,

And another Experience Corps opportunity... retired individuals (55+) are needed as stipended volunteers in K-3 to provide literacy and mentoring support to students in the Stephen Girard Elementary School (located near 18th and Snyder Streets) until May, 2012. Volunteers who qualify must be available 3 days/5 hours for a total of 15 hours per week and are not required to have a background in education. Experience Corps staff will provide training and support throughout the year. You may qualify to receive an education award at the end of your service. For more information, contact the Experience Corps office at (215) 563-1638.