Its been a decade since the horror of 9/11. In the aftermath, many people pledged to make a commitment to strengthening our communities and pulling together as a nation. In commemoration of the 10th National Day of Service & Remembrance, you are invited  to join Philadelphia organizations, Global Citizen, Greater Philadelphia Cares, and SERVE Philadelphia for their 3rd Annual Civic Engagement Expo. Stop by Independence Mall on Sunday, September 11 from 2 - 5 p.m. to learn about volunteer opportunities with a diverse array of more than 100 nonprofit organizations. 

So where are boomers settling as they enter their golden years?  Are they moving to the bustling, arts and culture rich cities? Not according to this Forbes article that cites 2010 Census data about the whereabouts of those 55 to 64 year. If people are moving, it is to the low-density Sunbelt metros on this top ten list. But, by far the biggest trend among boomers at this age is not to move at all.  Maybe they are staying at home because many are still working full-time, the economy is unstable, and/or grown children are returning. Read the next article for what some in the older set are considering...

And if you are ready to move... this New York Times post highlights ElderSpirit, one of four existing examples in the country of a senior (not multi-generational)  "co-housing" or intentional community built exclusively for this use. An eclectic group of 44 older adults, hailing from 15 states, moved to Appalachia. The majority of residents are over 70. They see the community as a low-cost alternative where they can remain independent, share weekly meals with neighbors, and help each other. Most are thriving, but have been relatively free of critical health issues and dementia. Check out the fascinating videos by fellows at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism focused on the issues of aging. 
 

One of the hardest questions for many boomers to answer today is whether they will be retiring... and if so, what that will mean. Plan on joining the conversation at Boomervision! on September 27th at WHYY's Technology Center, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia at 5:30 p.m. Moderated by Nancy Henkin, Executive Director of The Intergenerational Center at Temple University, the panel includes Dr. Marilyn Gaston and Dr. Gayle Porter, Civic Ventures' Purpose Prize winners, Barbara Quaintance, AARP’s Vice President of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Involvement, and John Baker, a banker who realized his passion for music in an encore career. To learn more and to register, click here. 

You are invited to take part in POWER's founding convention where more than 35 congregations in Philadelphia will be convening to promote a bold vision for change in jobs, education, public safety, housing and health care in the city. This group, made up of all races, faith backgrounds and income levels, is seeking commitments from decision-makers to prioritize a policy agenda to connect 10,000 jobs to Philadelphians over the next 5 years. The meeting will be held on September 25th at 6 p.m., Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, 750-762 S. Broad Street. To learn more, click here.

Didn't make the invite list for the recent British nuptials?  No problem. You are now cordially invited to attend another "royal" event (minus plane fare!): the Duke of Edinburgh Program Awards.  The Program acknowledges the incredible work being done locally by young adults ages 14-25 participating in the program. The ceremony, to be held on September 22, 5-7 p.m. at the Philadelphia Foundation, honors educational and non-academic activities designed to build confidence, skills, and teamwork. Mentors are needed for the upcoming year. To attend, click here and please mention Coming of Age.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is looking for help restoring and caring for the local tree population and is offering its nine-hour Tree Tenders course for concerned residents on October 12, 19 and 26, from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m., at PHS, 100 N. 20th St., 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA  The Tree Tenders program is part of the "Plant One Million" multi-state tree campaign to replenish the tree population of 13 counties in the Philadelphia region, south New Jersey and Delaware. The hands-on course covers tree biology, tree identification, planting, pruning, urban stresses on trees, and root care. Fee: $25. Click here to register.

Hosting a Philly Fellow, a top college graduate from this region, is a great way for nonprofit organizations to gain a talented and motivated full-time staff person at a fraction of the typical salary. Fellows can help get new projects off the ground or add capacity to organizations and further their missions. Philly Fellows is a partner of the AmeriCorps*VISTA program and fellows receive their stipends, benefits, and education awards through VISTA. The deadline to submit a letter of intention to apply for a 2012-2013 fellos is September 30th, 2011. Click here to begin the process.

The Philadelphia Zoo is seeking a Vice President, Conservation and Education, who will be responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated conservation and education program to support the Zoo’s strategic plan and institutional mission. This person will serve as a prominent member of the senior leadership team at the Zoo and will oversee a staff that includes approximately 20 full-time positions. S/he will work collaboratively with the COO, CEO and other organizational leaders. Master's degree in education or conservation-related field needed. To learn more and to apply, 

Temple University's Gallery at Tyler School of Art has an opening for an Assistant Director who will plan, develop, implement and manage a range of research initiatives that complement the gallery's creative program. Among this person's responsibilties are to: act as the public face of the department’s many university initiatives, manage the day-to-day administration and operations of the Department of Exhibitions and Public Programs, and oversee the department's financial management and records. Bachelors degree in fine arts or art history required. To learn more, 

Project SHINE, a national service organization based at Temple University’s Intergenerational Center, is recuiting AmeriCorps Health Literacy Program members to tutor immigrant elders in English and health literacy and organize health promotion workshops and recreational activities. AmeriCorps members serve 9-10 hours per week, receive a $1,500 stipend and up to $1,132 as an education award (that can be transferred to family members). Those who are bilingual, bicultural or who have health or TESOL experience are encouraged to apply! Orientation will be held on October 1st and 2nd. Questions and application requests may be e-mailed to volunteer@templecil.org.

Getting to appointments can be a real challenge for cancer patients. Road to Recovery was created 20 years ago by the American Cancer Society to provide rides for those in need and is currently seeking volunteer drivers in the Philadelphia area. Road to Recovery is an excellent way to make a difference in someone's life, even if you can only provide one ride per week. Drivers with their own cars are needed during day-time hours, Monday through Friday. Mileage reimbursement may be provided. For more information, click here.

Those who receive Medicare should evaluate their choices each year and the Open Enrollment period is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits are available and make changes to their coverage. This year, the Open Enrollment period starts earlier--on October 15th--and lasts longer (7 full weeks.) Final selection for next year's coverage must by made by December 7th. To learn more about new Medicare benefits and to change options, click here.