September 13 - September 18
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.
Check out the latest blog, "Inspire Me," the first contribution from Coming of Age's new team member, Kevin McConnaughay.
Editor: Mady Prowler, mprowler@comingofage.org
Inside:
What's NewComing SoonInfo4OrgsHave We Got an Opportunity for You!Past Issues What's New Being on the cover of AARP magazine is nothing to scoff at. In fact, Bruce Springsteen, a spry 60, proudly announced from stage recently that he was featured in this magazine --- a publication that has the largest circulation of all magazines, distributing 24.4 million copies a month. AARP, a founding partner of Coming of Age, recognizes the Boomer generation's vigor and success, targeting 46 to 64 year olds with stories and ads that speak to the interests and needs of this primarily college educated, tech savvy, and healthy crowd. Read more in this New York Times article. A new study from the University of California, San Diego, concludes that older adults really are wiser than younger people-- in short, they have wisdom. In part, that's because older brains produce less dopamine so that elders are less impulsive and emotional. And unlike their children and grandchildren, they're more likely to think things through and quickly
bounce back from negative moods rather than dwell on
depression and anger. Now how can we proudly spread the word to young and old alike?
And yet another study...this one about the effect of brain exercises on delaying Alzheimer's raises a good news/bad news scenario. While staying mentally active in old age has been shown to slow down the onset of dementia, seniors who engage in brain "exercise" may actually have a faster rate of decline once Alzheimer's is diagnosed. This doesn't mean that a mentally stimulating lifestyle is a bad thing. But, it points to the "cost" of delaying Alzheimer's by keeping the mind active with hobbies, reading, and other stimulating activities. To learn more about this finding, click here.
Coming Soon In honor of National Employ Older Workers Week, September 20-24, JEVS is hosting a free orientation for unemployed or underemployed Philadelphians to learn how to update their job search skills, effectively market themselves, and find suitable job openings. The orientation will be held on Monday, September 20th, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania CareerLink office at 990 W. Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia. Pre-registration is required by calling JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ at (215) 560-5465 ext.268. Two weeks before the Supreme Court begins its new term, the National Constitution Center welcomes veteran Supreme Court correspondent Lyle Denniston to lead a discussion with Geoffrey R. Stone, the Center’s 2010-11 Visiting Scholar and Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School, and attorney Helgi Walker, partner at Wiley Rein LLP. The program, to be held on September 20th, 6:30 p.m., will address the major cases pending for the new term and the potential impact that newly confirmed Justice Elena Kagan will have on the dynamics of the Court. FREE. To register, call (215) 409-6700 or click here.
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County is offering builders and tinkerers a great opportunity to buy materials for all kinds of projects on the cheap at their ReStore. This newly created store is holding its Grand Opening on September 25th at 533 Foundry Road, West Norriton, PA, with a raffle, picnic, free giveaways, and lots of fun activities. The volunteer corps at Habitat's ReStore are members of a Coming of Age Make a Big Difference team. Support a great cause while getting your house in shape.
Plan on joining Patricia Gottlieb Shapiro, author of Coming Home to Yourself: 18 Wise Women Reflect on Their Journeys, and some special guests, at a Coming of Age Boomervision, Monday, September 27th at WHYY, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia. Her book explores the many meanings of home to
women as they age -- a physical place, an emotional space, an activity. Drawing on her own experience and
the stories of women she interviewed, Ms. Shapiro will discuss the paths that women pursue to find their true selves. To register, click here. $15. Free admission for WHYY, Transition Network, and AARP members.
Info4Orgs This website, IdeaEncore, is chock full of resources for nonprofits and is a place to share information. You can access files and presentations, upload free documents, buy ready-to-use templates...and connect with people working to resolve similar issues. Check it out!
Have We Got an Opportunity for You! The Franklin Institute needs a Science Festival Coordinator, a person with a passion for science, who has the skills and interest in supporting outreach efforts to schools, community groups, and cultural organizations throughout the region. This person will take the lead role in organizing and coordinating Festival-related tasks, including producing materials, developing events and activities, and following-up with exhibitors and partners. To learn more about this full-time position, click here.
Project SHINE, a program of Temple's Intergenerational Center, is accepting applications for AmeriCorps Health Literacy Coaches. These stipended Americorps members tutor Philadelphia-area older immigrants and refugees in English with a focus on health literacy and healthy aging activities. Applicants who are bilingual, bi-cultural, and/or have experience or an interest in health care are in high demand! The work schedule is 9-10 hours a week from October to June, 2011. An education award is offered upon completion. To learn more and apply, click here.
Election time is fast approaching and the Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia's civic watchdog, needs volunteers. Seventy’s volunteers spend Election Day visiting the polls and providing support for voters and election officers. It's a great (nonpartisan) way to be right in the thick of the action. You can sign up to be a Field Volunteer, the "eyes and ears" of the Voter Protection Program, or a Hotline Volunteer who answers the questions of voters, poll officials and Seventy's volunteers. Training is mandatory. Click here for information.
The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is the nation’s largest public art initiatives of its kind and has led Philadelphia to be recognized internationally as the “Mural Capital of the World.” Nearly 20,000 people go on tours each year. The Tour Coordinator, who is positioned at the Independence Visitors Center, generates interest in taking a mural tour by interacting with Center visitors, providing customer service, and booking tours. This position pays $9/hr for 20 hours per week, including weekends. (8:30 am – 1:30 pm.) To apply, click here.
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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!
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