Inspiring Opportunities is an email 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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Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
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Each day we hear the same sirens; each night we see the same lights flashing as we fall asleep. Our kids end up paralyzed or dead. But what can we do about it in Philadelphia? Here’s the police commissioner’s idea: Head to the Liacourus Center at Temple University at noon on Sunday. Sign up to be one of 10,000 men to patrol the streets. Is it a dangerous way to make a difference? You decide.


First there's that scratchy feeling in your throat. Then you're slow getting out of bed, stuffing tissues in your pocket before the commute, anxious when you get to work. No mistaking it: This is flu season. Do us a favor and get the shot first.


The folks at Drexel now run the Internet Public Library, a large, free compilation of data and online book sites that first saw the light of day at the University of Michican. If that doesn’t mean much to you, check out the reading room’s subject index: Anyone up for Herodotus’s Inquiries, Sioux myths, or cowboy poetry?


Workers of different generations are sharing cubicles! 50+'er's listen to iPods! Young people watch PBS! Retirement as we know is biting the dust! What will become of us all in the workplace? . . . Um, maybe a better workforce?

When boomers shop for new homes, many often want the same things: one-story houses, locations near community rec spots, and good views. Here’s an account from Florida, the Southern hub of retirees on how, and where, many 50+ people say they want to live.




 

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




The greater Philly area has 1.5 million people over 50. As they move into the next phase of life (or just start thinking about it), Coming of Age is here to help. We promote age 50+ civic engagement, life-long learning and community leadership. We hold events that get people excited about life, and work with nonprofits on how to come up with paid and unpaid opportunities that boomers and others 50+ will find meaningful. Our VISTA memeber will help get Coming of Age in the news, assist with this weekly e-mail blast, produce advertisements, and write reports to promote our work in diverse communities. This is a full-time opportunity with benefits and living allowance. It requires a Bachelor's degree. Send resumes and cover letters to Dick Goldberg, dgoldberg@comingofage.org.


All kinds of people will be in town to tell their stories at the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Arts next month. If you wish to meet artists or want a chance to see their work without paying, come volunteer for a four-hour shift. Volunteers will work such jobs as pre- and post-production crew, box office, festival logistics, and artist hospitality. You'll get $15 event credit for helping. E-mail Alexandra at volunteer@firstpersonarts.org.


The Georgia E. Gregory Interdenominational School Of Music's after-school program seeks volunteers to aid teachers, watch children in hallways, tutor math and reading, and distribute snacks. The program is at 1628 West Allegheny Avenue and starts October 29. Call Joyce Drayton at (215) 430-0435 or e-mail GEGISOM@aol.com.


At Project MEDS, volunteers talk to senior groups about why it's necessary to follow the doctor's orders when taking medication. This Bucks County program has been going for 20 years and has received a presidential award. Volunteer training provided; mileage paid. Call Brooke Moran at 215-348-0510 (ext 1248) or e-mail mbmoran@co.bucks.pa.us.


When the world looks dark, people turn to New Directions, a support and education group for those with depression or bipolar disorder. You can help this group chase the blues away. they especially need somoen to write grants. Call Ruth Z. Deming at 215-659-2366 or e-mail ruthdeming@comcast.net.




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!


12:00 pm at International House, 3701 Chestnut Street
African People's Solidarity Day" will bring together African revolutionaries from South Africa, Sierra Leone, and the U.S. to discuss a multitude of issues and offer proposals for positive action. Guest speakers will be Mfanelo Skwatsha (PAC of Azania), Chernoh Alpha Bab (Africanist Movement, West Africa), Omali Yeshitela Uhuru Movement). Donations of $10-$25 suggested daily that will benefit the African Sustainable. Please call for more information 215-387-0919


9:00 am at Philadelphia Art Museum
More than 30,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in the Philadelphia region and many need assistance. Walk along the river by the Art Museum, raise funds, and help them out. To register online go to www.aidswalkphilly.org/Registration.aspx.


9:30 am at Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurffville Cross Keys Road Sewell NJ
The South Jersey Lupus Foundation will hold its “13th Annual Walk for Lupus." Participants can register at 9:30AM and will begin the walk at 10:30AM. For more information call (856) 424-0255.


4:00 pm at Collingswood Manor, 460 Haddon Avenue in Collingswood, NJ
The Delaware Valley chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association hosts monthly support group meetings. The meetings are for family members dealing with loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The one-hour sessions are held on the 4th Monday of every month at 4pm. For more information call (856)854-4331, or email mfein@cm-umh.org


10:30 am at Free Library Torresdale Branch, 3079 Holme Avenue, Philadelphia
An informational seminar sponsored by Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.


5:00 pm at Rainey Auditorium, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, West Philadelphia

Anthropologist Randall White explores the origin of symbolic representation–art–and its significance for human history. In Europe between 50,000 and 30,000 years ago, an explosion of symbol-making took place: the invention of material forms of representation such as painting, engraving, sculpture, and personal ornament. Event free and open to the public. Registration required. Call (215) 573-8280.

6:30 pm at Independence Mall, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Historian Stacy Cordery discusses her new biography Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, from White House Princess to Washington Power Broker and the uniquely American institution of the “first family.” With her new book, Cordery goes beyond the witticisms and gossip and places Alice in her central role in American society and politics. Free to the public. For more info: (215) 409-6700.


12:00 pm at Free Library, 1901 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA
Michael Korda is the former editor in chief of Simon and Schuster, where he worked with David McCullough, Henry Kissinger, and Mary Higgins Clark. Korda’s biography of Dwight David Eisenhower presents details and anecdotes drawn from personal correspondence, diaries, and historical documents, providing an analysis of the character and personality of our 34th president.


7:00 pm at Brendan Byrne State Forest Campground, New Lisbon, NJ
8-10 miles, fast pace. The ongoing, every Friday night, all year round, Friday night fitness hike. Work up a sweat exploring the sand roads and trails of Brendan Byrne State Forest. Be prepared to walk at an average of 4 MPH, 15 minutes per mile pace with few breaks. Bring water and wear well broken in boots, shoes, or sneakers (sneakers are adequate in dry conditions). Socks are also important foot gear; synthetics and wool being better at preventing blisters (avoid cotton socks). Meet at Brendan Byrne State Forest Campground.

Author Michael Gates Gill
Is 50+ the Age of Creativity? We think so. Which is why we're launching our year-long Boomervision! lecture/community dialogue series next month with an incredible tale of re-invention and an evening about how to enrich your life -- and your community-- by becoming more creative. Learn More.



SPONSOR:




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."







Of Interest on WHYY
Coming of Age founding partner WHYY has some programs coming up that may interest you:


Mysterious Human Heart--The Silent Killer
Monday, October 22, 9:00pm

The series concludes with an examination of atherosclerosis. Included: contributing factors; the experiences of two patients.

Frontline: Showdown With Iran
Tuesday, October 23, 10:00pm

The post-9/11 history of U.S.-Iran relations is chronicled. Included: Iran's initial help in Afghanista, nuclear ambitions amd threats to the U. S. more