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.



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More and more boomers want work that matters. And nonprofit organizations need talented employees. Sounds like the ingredients for a great partnership. The results of a survey of hundreds of employers conducted by MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures found that half of the nonprofits surveyed see encore employees as "highly appealing; "those who have recently hired these committed, experienced, and reliable employees are even more positive. To view the survey and its findings, click here.


The roller-coaster ride of our current stock market has many of us concerned about our retirement and financial security. AARP offers strategies to help investors protect their savings: dividend-paying stocks, treasury inflation-protected securities, re-balancing investments, and advice for homeowners. To learn what steps you can take to protect your "nest egg," Read More.


Whether it is paninis on the lunch menu, belly dancing lessons, or motorcycle clubs, the usual fare at senior centers is starting to change. The changes... in food choices, activities, and even the name ("community,"not senior center)... are among the many adjustments being made to balance the wishes the traditional senior center stalwarts with those of baby boomer newcomers. In next week's Inspiring Opportunities, you will learn about a Delaware Valley center that has embraced this innovative concept as it reaches out to the burgeoning boomer population.




 
For the second year, Coming of Age is creating a "Make a Big Difference"(MABD) Team of volunteers to help low-income families file their tax returns and apply for benefits for which they are eligible. Last year's volunteers helped more than 40 families submit online forms for approximately $90,000 in refunds and benefits by using a specialized computer program provided by Solutions for Progress. To join the "Team"and make a big difference, click here.




  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, e-mail details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic/Learning through Listening needs volunteers to help build awareness of the benefits of recorded textbooks for students who cannot read standard print because of visual, physical or learning disabilities. After training, volunteers can choose to conduct workshops in various locations: schools and colleges, community group meetings, or to the general public. Strong communications skills, enthusiasm, and a car are prerequisites. To contact the Philadelphia chapter, call (610) 265-8090.


DailySource.org, a nonprofit national online news source, is looking for an individual with a "nose for news"to help update its site with compelling content. Volunteering is via the computer so you can be anywhere to do the job. Their online software is easy to use and you will receive guidance from senior editors with national credentials. To learn more about the site and available positions, click here.


A Step Along the Way will train older adults to be mentors to ex-offenders and pen pals to persons currently incarcerated. This program, sponsored by the Philadelphia Senior Center, focuses on empowering those 50+ by providing pro-active opportunities to help reduce crime and improve our communities. Outreach for volunteers will begin on November 7th, but inquiries are welcome today. To learn more, contact Helen Sunga at (215) 546-5879, ext. 241.




We list events and opportunities here we think will interest people 50+ who want to make a difference. If you know of such events, please send us information. If you attended an event you learned about here, please send us a review.

And don't forget to check out our website Community Calendar too!


6:00 pm at Friend's Select School, 1651 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadadelphia
Join Mayor Michael Nutter for a panel discussion with guests Peter Harnik, Director of The Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land, Alexander Hoskins of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance and moderator Chris Satullo of the Daily News. Topics will focus on the upcoming referendum to reform the Philadelphia park system by merging the Fairmount Park Commission and the Recreation Department. For more information, call (215) 879-8159 or click.


6:00 pm at La Terrasse, 3432 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Don't miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Rogers Smith, professor of political science and chair of the Penn Program for Democracy, Citizenship, and Constitutionalism, who will discuss the 2008 presidential election and the role race plays in American politics. This talk, an offering of the Penn Science Cafe lecture series, is free and open to the public. RSVP by calling (215) 573-6604 or by e-mail.


7:30 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
A panelist on National Public Radio’s "Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me,"whose deadpan interjections frequently reduce his fellow panelists to tears of laughter, Roy Blount Jr. is a writer whose work entertains in print, on stage, over the air, and on television. He is—among other distinctions—the author of 20 books, the president of the Authors Guild, and a usage consultant to the American Heritage Dictionary. His latest work, "Alphabet Juice,"is Blount’s hilarious take on the English language. Reservations required. Cost: $14. Call, (215) 686-5322.


10:00 am at Philadelphia Senior Center, 509 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
Plan on attending a conversation about Women's Health and Aging. It will be held at the Philadelphia Senior Center by Drexel University College of Medicine's Institute for Women's Health and Leadership. This promises to be a lively discussion about taking charge of your mental and physical health as you age. Click to register or call (215) 255-7373. Refreshments will be served.


5:00 pm at Chestnut Hill College, 9601 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
The state of nuclear weapons in the world has not gotten a lot of attention during this presidential election. At this panel discussion presented by the Project for Nuclear Awareness, Hans Blix, former director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency and current chairman of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission will address the need to make nuclear disarmament a top priority. Blix will be joined by former U.S. Ambassador Thomas Graham who helped lead U. S. efforts in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. FREE. Registration required. Call (215) 546-3030.


7:00 pm at Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia
The inaugural Philadelphia Emerging Architecture Prize, presented by the Philadelphia Center for Architecture and the Philadelphia Art Alliance, showcases the talents and design work of emerging architects and architectural firms from the Philadelphia region. Selected firms present a lecture on their work at the Art Alliance, which is followed by a round table discussion including all winning firms. An exhibition of winning firms’ work is also displayed at the Center for Architecture and the Art Alliance.


6:00 pm at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Calling all women! Explore your future at The Transition Network's introductory Peer Group Meeting. It is a chance to meet other women who are considering next steps in their lives, seeking role models and support for upcoming transitions, and looking to meet other interesting women with whom to share this experience. Cost: $15. To register, click here.


12:00 pm at Lansdowne Public Library, 55 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Board Certified Breast Surgeon Dr. Linda Callans will lead a discussion on the Risk and Prevention of Breast Cancer.This presentation will include discussion of the incidence of breast cancer, who is at risk for developing breast cancer, and the management of high-risk individuals. Feel free to bring lunch; drinks and desserts will be provided by the library. Registration is required for this event. Call (610) 623-0239.


6:30 pm at Cedar Hollow Design Center, 2329 Yellow Springs Rd., Malvern, PA
AARP Pennsylvania, a Coming of Age founding partner, is presenting an evening of community networking and a cultural exchange as participants discuss the challenges that millions of families face with the rising cost of health care and financial security. Asian cuisine by Margaret Kuo of Margaret Kuo's Restaurants. FREE and open to the public. For information, call 1-(866)-389-5654.





For You and Those You Care For


Each year plans adjust what they cost and what they cover. Now is the time for people with Medicare to review the changes being made by your current plan and compare it to others to make sure it still meets your needs. Those who don't have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a drug plan during open enrollment. Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes—such as reduced coverage in the gap—if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009. Medicare encourages individual beneficiaries to review how their plans are changing and what other options are available. Read More.

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VISTA is looking for experienced, energetic individuals who want to make a full-time, year-long commitment to fight poverty. If you’re retiring soon, already there or want to take a year off for a year of service, VISTA may be for you. Living allowances and other benefits are provided. More About VISTA

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."