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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The recent Boomervision! sessions of the Coming of Age lecture/community dialogue series proved among our best received. The First Arts Festival event "Life and Death Over Coffee" which the initiative co-sponsored, played to an enthusiastic sold-out crowd. And last Tuesday's "You are What You Create" drew comments like these from the audience: "I loved hearing the ideas about relationships," "I was moved to tears," I liked learning more about Islam," and "What I liked best? All of it!" Seen here panelist Storytelling Irma (Irma Gardner-Hammond). Watch for schedule of 2008 sessions that will continue this year's theme: "50+: The Age of Creativity"


Civic Ventures announced this week the opening of nominations for the 2008 Purpose Prize, a major initiative that invests in Americans over 60 who are leading a new age of social innovation. The prize provides five awards of $100,000 and ten awards of $10,000 to people over 60 with the passion and experience to discover opportunities, create innovative programs, and make lasting change. Nominees may include U.S. residents whose work is affecting people domestically or globally. Submit your nomination now at Purpose Prize. Nominations will close on March 1.


Is "going green" and making your home eco-friendy worth the extra green it will take in upgrades and enery-efficient changes? It's not PC to be anti-green, but will adding those eco-friendly touches make your home more valuable when it is time to sell? Interviewed by Newsweek, Sara Lamia, a home-building coach and author, talks about what being "green" means and where to invest money in your home for the best pay-back.


Almost 20% of boomers are childless. That becomes troublesome as these folks get older and worry about who will be there for them when they need help. Many care for their elderly parents and know the drill of doctor's appointment, making living arrangements, and being a companion for an ailing mother or father. There are ways to prepare for the future and resources out there to make sure you are not alone.


We have been told that the way to get the most out of Social Security is to wait as long as possible before claiming this hard-earned benefit. Since women live longer than men, this must mean that women should wait even longer than men. Not so, says Boston College's Center for Retirement Research. Their take is that most married couples will do better if the wife retires at 62 and the husband keeps toiling until at least 66. This win-win for wives has a few caveats, especially if husbands want out of the workforce ASAP.




  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:




For more than 30 years, Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) in 47 states have been dedicated to bridging the gaps between primary health care and the population. The Northeast Pennsylvania AHEC serves nine northeast Pennsylvania counties and works to increase access to primary health care services, promotes workforce diversity for health care professions, and advances community education and public health initiatives. This VISTA position will involve developing a training program to promote healthy behavior in children, encouraging good dental heath, good nutrition and physical activity, all cited as health issues for poor urban and rural populations. Required are a B.A. degree, good communication and computer skills, fund-raising ability and the ability to work with volunteers. Spanish is helpful, but not required. Contact Amy H. Rowe, NEPA AHEC, Keystone College Campus, One College Green, LaPlume, PA 18440 or e-mail her at amy.rowe@keystone.edu.


Philadelphia Senior Center (PSC) presents its Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Bazaar on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Volunteers are needed for this day-long celebration which includes more than 30 arts and crafts tables, a white elephant area, live entertainment, a holiday concert, and a community dinner. Volunteer shifts (3-4 hours each) run from 1-6 pm on Friday, December 7, 2007, and all day on Saturday, December 8, 2007, from 7am to 7pm. To learn more, please contact Kory Michael Aversa, at kaversa@philaseniorcenter.org or (215) 546-5879, ext. 277.


If you like writing stories, press releases, public service announcements and want to make a real impact on the lives of Delaware County people age 65+, this volunteer opportunity is for you. Chore Connection is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated person who has a passion for researching and sharing information as a Community Connector. Call (610) 353-6642 for more info.


Call early to take part in this very popular project. You will be helping to prepare and serve a special dinner on Sunday, November 25th, 5-7 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House to families whose children are being treated at nearby hospitals. Contact Susan Wallack at 215-885-7164 to volunteer.


Philadelphia public schools have a poor record with literacy. Join Reading STARS and work one-on-one with a child who needs help. This is a scripted program, and no tutoring experience is necessary. Only a fifth-grade reading level is required. Call Mary Ann at 215-564-4544 or e-mail maryann@gpcares.com.


Donating an hour of your time could be worth $5,000 to a family in need. Become a part of the "Coming of Age Make a BIG Difference Team," working with The Benefit Bank and connecting families to the benefits and tax credits for which they may be eligible. Team meetings will take place at the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, on Nov. 27, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm and Nov. 28, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. If you'd like to attend, please e-mail aketchum@temple.edu to say which meeting you'll be attending.





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!


2:00 pm at Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
Learn about advances in care and participate in a Q&A to discuss research, care and survivorship. Breast cancer experts will discuss 15 years of progress in breast cancer issues. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Heather Newcomb at Living Beyond Breast Cancer (215)-254-7112


2:00 pm at 400 Beverly Blvd, Upper Darby, PA
Get out those gardening gloves! Lend a hand for an afternoon of trail work and other environmental projects as this community garden in Upper Darby pursues its mission to promote constructive activities for all to enjoy. Contact Terry Baxter, 215-564-4544 or terry@gpcares.com


7:00 pm at Northern Home for Children, 5301 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
Spend time nurturing and playing one-on-one with infants and toddlers of young single mothers at the Northern Home for Children. Volunteers will provide structured play time while the mothers attend classes to develop their independent living and parenting skills. Contact Cara Tratner, (610) 896-0176 or cara832@gmail.com


6:00 pm at Philabundance Food Bank, 302 West Berks Street, Philadelphia
If you are concerned about hungry folks in the area, here is your chance to help! Join Philabundance at its Food Bank to sort and repackage food for local pantries. Contact Project Leader: Bob Quint, (215) 231-1444 or bob.quint@radian.biz


7:30 pm at 4722 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia
Books Through Bars, an agency that provides reading materials to inmates, could use your help reading letters from prisoners, looking for books they want to read, and packing the materials for shipment. Contact Denise Gant if interested: 215-769-1492 (home phone).


8:00 pm at Free Library, 1901 Vine Street
A pioneer in the world of genomic research, J. Craig Venter is one of the most controversial figures in science today. Working for the National Institutes of Health, he introduced novel techniques for rapid gene discovery. In 1991, he established his own non-profit genomics research center, where he sequenced the first genome in history and went on to successfully sequence the first human genome in 2001. Tickets available on-line. Cost: $14 General Admission, $7 Students


10:00 am at
Getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of becoming one of the 36,000 Americans who die from the flu every year. If you're looking for a flu shot in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County, look no further than PhillyHealthInfo.org. Availability differs by location.


11:00 am at thousands of homes and other places throughout the region
Be thankful. Are you making a difference? Then we're thankful.


8:00 am at Schuylkill Valley Nature Center, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, Philadelphia
Walk off some of that Thanksgiving dinner (Part of making a difference is keeping healthy) as you enjoy the sights and sounds of some of the many species of birds that make Philadelphia their home. No matter what your experience, you will enjoy the casual Friday morning birds walks and the beauty of the Center's grounds. Learn from seasoned birders. Good walking shoes, binoculars, and a water bottle are recommended. Fridays through November 30th. Free.

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."