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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Put down that cheesesteak, toss the hoagie, and pour out the water ice while you're at it. Travel & Leisure says Philly has the least attractive people in the United States because we eat so much. Fatter than Phoenix? Yup. Dumpier than Dallas-Fort Worth? ‘Fraid so. But if there's an upside to the news, at least it might keep those people from Brooklyn away.


Schools all over the U.S. are cancelling class for fear of a new outbreak: Staph Infections that can't be treated with antibiotics. It's happening here, too. But do we need to worry as much as some seem to be? Read Philly Health Info for straight information on so-called "superbugs."


Readers of Inspiring Opportunities know that the workforce is changing as America gets older. But are employers changing their attitudes? After all, boomers continue to have trouble getting hired. And the older professional who wants a new job might be tempted to think: "Sure, I hear you about transforming the workplace and all. But when do I see results?" Soon, answers Liz Taylor of the Seattle Times. She writes that age bias will be overcome by the numbers; bosses will have to hire boomers when they realize there are few young workers to go around. (Plus: The Kansas City Star on how prepared we are for retirement, and The New York Times on paid volunteerism.)


Of all the big issues in the 2008 presidential race, the one we hear least about is close to age 50+ hearts: Long-term care. Many Americans don't have plans for their own care or for the care of an aging parent. That doesn't mean they don't want to hear any. In fact, a new survey finds that more than 80 percent of likely voters will consider a candidate's position on long-term care when casting their ballots. So come on, ye White Hourse contenders: Care about care.


While we're ragging on New York (which we admit we do often and in this issue in "Yo! We're Ugly" above): It's certainly taken Madison Avenue a long time to see 50+'ers as more than square and conservative parents. The New York Times says that trend is finally turning. Does that mean we'll eventually see boomers on the huge displays that advertise zest and vitality? Well, one shouldn't dream too big, but . . .




  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:




  Philadelphia has one of the biggest and oldest senior centers in the country. Its focus is the elders who need the most: immigrants, those with low income, those who live alone. But it needs help promoting its work. This is where you can help. A VISTA will build a new public relations campaign to spread the word in one of the nation's top media markets. The task involves writing press releases, publicizing events online, producing newsletters, and more. This is a full-time opportunity with living allowance and benefits. Some college is required. E-mail resume and cover letter to Kory Aversa at kaversa@philaseniorcenter.org, or call 215-546-5879 for more information.  


We're looking for a highly skilled Human Resources pro or pros to help Congreso de Latino Unidos, the nationally recognized organization that serves Eastern North Philly where the majority of the city's Latino population resides. We need one or more HR pros to help with three different projects: Career Path Progression, Performance Evaluation, and Internal Communication. If interested, please contact DGoldberg@ComingofAge.org.


Help fellow Philadelphians earn their right to gripe, make their wishes known, etc. America's oldest elections oversight group invites you to join citizen teams in the field, answering voter questions and resolving complicated problems on election day. In case you forgot, that's Tuesday, November 6. Call Nina Bloch at 215-557-3600 x124 or e-mail nbloch@seventy.org.


Contact Greater Philadelphia helps lonely, depressed, and anxious people. It needs a part-time site director for Montgomery County to make sure there's always a caring voice on the other end of the line. This director will recruit and manage volunteers, oversee daily operations, and write grants. Nonprofit experience required. Call 215-355-6611 or send resume to Lenore Sherman, Executive Director, Contact Greater Philadelphia P.O. Box 167 Richboro, Pa. 18954



The Metropolitan AIDS Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance prepares and delivers hot meals and other goodies for homebound people living with HIV/AIDS. Help cook up wonderful comfort food. Call Mandy Blumenthal at 610-667-0658 or 215-241-3391, or e-mail ajtrublu@msn.com.




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!


10:00 am at Malcolm X Park, S. 51st St. & Osage Avenue
Help plant 67 new trees in the Walnut Hill, Garden Court, and Cedar Park neighborhoods of West Philadelphia. For information, call Winnie Harris at 215-573-4684 or e-mail wharris@ucgreen.org.



12:00 pm at 38th and Spruce to 34th and Walnut
People around the country will hold massive demonstrations. Philadelphians can join the Human Chain, which goes from the VA Hospital on Woodland Ave. to Independence Mall, starting at 12:30 PM. Or join the big Rally and Concert on Independence Mall from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with speakers and entertainment.


5:30 pm at Rosenbach Museum, 2008-2010 DeLancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Approximately 300 people will walk through the Rittenhouse Square area with costumes and puppets, led by a 15-foot-high vampire head. People of all ages can gather at the museum to be outfitted in costumes and join in. We're not sure if this qualifies as "making a difference," but it sure sounds like a lot of fun. And it is a production of our town's renown Spiral Q Puppet Theater. Free.



8:45 am at Carousel House at Memorial Hall Loop in Fairmount Park, Belmont Avenue and Concourse Drive
This 5K Run and Walk will benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter. It is part of a nationwide series of events to fight lupus. Registration at 8:45 a.m.; 5K at 10 a.m.



11:00 am at University of Pennsylvania, Locust Walk
All proceeds go to the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the University of Pennsylvania. This 5K run begins at 37th and Locust Walk. Sponsored by the Panhellenic Council.


3:00 pm at The William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
For LGBT older folks. During the first half of the 20th century the immortal Cole Porter was the first gay songwriter in America. In the second half of it, he was succeeded by the great composer and lyricist Jerry Herman, whose song "I Am What I Am" is considered a gay anthem. This is a free one-hour concert of some of Herman's greatest hits. Light refreshments served. Free.


4:00 pm at University of Pennsylvania Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St - University Sq
Top environmental consultant Dr. Bruce Piasecki discusses his book World Inc. Piasecki explains how companies that excel at social response will be the business success stories of our time.


5:00 pm at University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall 102A, 3450 Hamilton Walk
Speaker: Attorney Sarah Paoletti, head up Penn's new Transnational Clinic where students explore the lawyer’s work in settings that cut across cultures, borders, languages and legal systems.


6:00 pm at Tabernacle United Church, 3700 Chestnut St
Banana farmers from Ecuador and Costa Rica, a pecan farmer from Georgia, and an apple grower from Pennsylvania will discuss the challenges they face, their experiences in the market, and the impact of consumer support for fair trade and family farms. Food tasting at 6; panel at 6:30. Free.



6:30 pm at 8480 Hagy's Mill Road Philadelphia, PA 19128
Mary Seton Corboy is an advocate for improving access to fresh food in low-income communities in Philadelphia. Hear her speak about the soil ecosystem that remains out of sight and why this tiny world has such a powerful impact on our lives.


11:00 am at Independence Visitor Center
Led by docents, these tours offer a "behind the scenes" look at how murals are made. Filled with anecdotes and stories, the tours leave people with an understanding of the complexities of mural making and an appreciation of Philadelphia as the world's largest outdoor art gallery. Last chance for October tours. Reservations recommended; call 215-685-0754. $24 adults, $21 for 65+


5:45 pm at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library, 100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
In this book discussion group, read and discuss works of fiction or non-fiction having to do with gardens, plants, or the land. Participants need to obtain books and read each monthly selection prior to the discussion. November selection: Selected essays by Loren Eisley. Contact Priscilla Becroft at mcleanlibrary@pennhort.org or 215-988-8772. Free.


2:00 pm at Liberty Resources, Inc., Second Floor, 714 Market
Take a Number is a combination of improv comedy, satire, and a one-act play. Created and performed by The Magee Players, directed by Barbara Gregson. Live music by Josh Robinson and Darleen Key. Part of the Festival of Disability Arts and Culture. Free.




9:00 am at locations throughout the region
Today's the day that Americans will demand real leadership on global warming. From coast to coast, they'll rally and invite politicians to join in. Let's see who rises to the occasion and who has a real plan to tackle the defining challenge of our time. One year before the election, help make sure the world witnesses our national call to action!

"You Are What You Create" moderator Chris Robertson
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:


"Life (Part 2): Is There Sex After 50?" Sex issues facing people 50+ are examined. Also: interviews with actor Elliott Gould and TV producer Larry Gelbart. Sunday, October 28, 10:30am and Monday, October 29, 3:00pm.

"The War" By September 1944, Allied success in Europe leads some to believe the war will soon end. Wednesday, October 31, 9:00pm