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.



What's New
Coming Soon
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Make-A-Difference Calendar
Past Issues


 
Perhaps you are in the market for a new job and think it might just be the time to explore the nonprofit arena and a position that lets you focus on a cause or a passion that excites you. Before making the leap, this article suggests that you do a self-assessment to figure out what really interests you (the arts, environmental concerns, poverty issues) while keeping in mind work hours, flexibility, salary and benefits available. And remember, having 50+ years of wisdom and experience are a real asset when making your decision and applying for this new adventure.


With financial worries all around us and the holidays fast approaching, now is a good time to find ways to be generous with your gifts, but frugal with their cost. Judith Zausner, a Coming of Age consultant, shares some creative, imaginative ideas of how to continue to give in the way you always have, without feeling impoverished. Your thoughtfulness, and lots of colorful tissues and ribbons to make the gift look fabulous, will go a long way in making your recipient feel valued and special. Read More.


Boomervision! is back! "Starting Your Own Business in Today's Economy" is the upcoming event on November 17, 2008, 6:30 pm at WHYY's Technology Center. Hear a panel of entrepreneurs discuss how to figure out when it's the right time to start or buy a business, if you can predict success or failure, the nuts and bolts of starting a business, how to get funding, and more. Coming of Age presents Boomervision! with special support from AARP. To register and learn more about this exciting presentation, read more.




 
Sign up to attend an information session to learn about the free resources available from JEVS Career Solutions for 55+, an employment program that helps Philadelphia residents who are 55 and older learn new skills, find new jobs, and improve their lives. The session will be held on Monday, November 10th at 1 pm. at PA CareerLink, 990 W. Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia. Seats are limited; registration required. FREE. Call (215) 560-5464, ext. 268.




  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:




Bike &Build is a national non-profit organization that raises money for and awareness of affordable housing efforts by organizing cross-country bicycle events for students and young adults interested in making a difference. The Philadelphia chapter is in need of a volunteer accountant/bookkeeper who can help them keep track of their finances and educate the staff about setting up accounting systems. Flexible hours; a minimum of 4 hours per week. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Rosemary at (267) 331-8488.


Center in the Park (CIP) is looking for "Gallery Sitters."CIP, a community based, multi-purpose Senior Center, and Coming of Age partner, provides educational, recreational and social activities for older adults... including art classes. Each year the Center showcases older artists’ work at the Art Without Boundaries exhibit at October Gallery’s Philadelphia International Expo. Gallery sitters are needed to be a "presence"at the Center's booth at Temple's Liacouras Center, November 7-9th, day and evening hours. Show admission is waived for volunteers. Call (215) 848-7722 or visit this website.


The Franklin Institute is currently seeking energetic individuals to join its team as part-time staff for the temporary traveling exhibit, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition."The exhibit will make its east coast debut on November 28, 2008 and runs through April 19, 2009. Dynamic individuals are needed to assist guests with their ticket purchases and provide excellent customer service. Interested applicants should be available to work various shifts including weekends, evenings and holidays through April. Please click to e-mail your resume and cover letter.




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 Bucks County Free Library, 150 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA
SEPTA has been holding meetings throughout the five-county Philadelphia area to get the public's input on the transportation agency's five-year strategic plan. Topics being covered include customer service, safety and security, and ridership growth. The final public meeting will be in Bucks County. If you cannot attend this hearing and want to provide your feedback, go to SEPTA's website to weigh in on your ideas for the future.


7:00 am at voting sites throughout the Delaware Valley
The Presidential election has finally arrived! After all the months of keeping up with the campaigns, listening to debates, and receiving media messages, it is our turn to be counted as we select local and national leaders. If you have any questions about where you vote or want to file a report about your voting experience, contact the Committee of Seventy by clicking here.


10:00 am at Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
"Black Hands, Blue Seas: The Untold Maritime Stories of African Americans," is a compelling exhibit that brings together art, artifacts, memorabilia, music, video (produced by Coming of Age partner, WHYY), and literature to trace the rich maritime heritage of African Americans, from inventors and abolitionists to naval heroes and explorers. This is a Philadelphia premier. $10. Call (215) 413-8655 to order tickets.


12:00 pm at Jefferson's Women's Health Source, 925 Chestnut Street, 2nd floor, Philadelphia
Many of us put off thinking about future health issues and what kind of treatment we want for ourselves and our loved ones as health decisions arise. This program, presented by a nurse and an attorney, will explain what an Advanced Directive is and how you can get one for yourself or for a family member. This is a good opportunity to learn what you need to know about this important health topic. FREE. Light food and refreshments available. To register, call 1-800-JEFF-NOW.


7:30 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
One of the pioneers of the graphic novel genre, Art Spiegelman, will appear with other graphic artists, for a panel discussion. Spiegelman is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Maus, a narrative memoir of the Holocaust that portrays Jews as mice and Nazis as cats. He was named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People. Others on the panel include Chip Kidd, art director at Alfred A. Knopf and editor-at-large for Pantheon; Jessica Abel, cartoonist and writer; Charles Burns, a renowned Philadelphian comic illustrator; and David Heatley, author of the Deadpan comic series. FREE.


9:00 am at Lutheran Settlement Senior Center, 1320 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
Lutheran Settlement House’s Senior Center will host a free Senior Health Fair to give older adults the opportunity to learn about topics that are of interest to them and to learn how best to use the health care system. Older adults and their families can take advantage of a free health screenings, receive flu shots and pneumonia shots, and take part in educational workshops. FREE. Questions? Call (215) 426-8610, ext. 208.


5:30 pm at Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Inspired by the Asian Arts Initiative's own recent experience of moving multiple times, "Transplants"examines the life-changing journeys made by artists and communities 'transplanted' from one place to another-whether physical or conceptual-revealing the critical and creative roles that culture, immigration, exile, and home play in our ideas of ourselves and our world. Opening reception. FREE (donations accepted.)





For You and Those You Care For


Flu season will soon be upon us, and Medicare wants you to know more about the flu and its symptoms... and to make sure that you understand your coverage for a flu shot. Shots are paid for by Medicare, for those with Medicare Part B, once a year, in the fall or winter. This is free of charge. To learn more about how to prevent and treat the disease, Read 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."