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July 19 to July 25

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.


Inside:

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


 
What's New

Hope you are enjoying the summer. Any interesting stories to share? Are you connecting? Contributing? Making a difference? Send me a note at mprowler@comingofage.org and we'll let others know what you have been up to... our next issue will be hitting the press on August 15th. Till then...


If you are the caretaker for an aging loved one, you can receive $275 for using a new Family Caregiver Support program and completing four online surveys. You are eligible if the relative or friend that you care for has an advanced illness or needs assistance with daily tasks like bathing, eating, dressing, walking, etc. and you have an e-mail address and access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. For more about this National Institute on Health study, go to Caregiver's Support Research Project.


Entrepreneurs who are laid-back, interested in turning hobbies into small businesses, want to make a little money, and don't care if their ventures fail--not exactly the Wall Street model. Who are these people? They are part of the first wave of America’s 76 million baby boomers who are taking early retirement and turning their pasttimes into small businesses. What drives them is pursuing their passion. Read more...


Read what other 50+ers are thinking... and put your two cents in... at this site featuring the Top 100 Senior Blogs and Websites compiled by SeniorsForLiving.com. The topics cover the gamut: humor; socializing, dating and sex, alternative lifestyles, the war in Iraq, beauty, and money and retirement (to name a few.) Funny, fascinating, and full of good information!


Coming of Age's Director, Dick Goldberg, "tells all"about our initiative in this interview on WWFM's public affairs show, Views and Voices, with Rachel Katz. Dick provides some history about how our initiative came to be... and talks about the exciting projects we are working on today and about our national outreach, made possible by Atlantic Philanthropies. Hear the whole story by clicking.




 
Coming Soon

The Montgomery County Foundation has received a grant from Atlantic Philanthropies to create a civic engagement movement for those 55 and older in the county. You are invited to add your brainpower to the "Think Tank"that will meet on July 30th at the foundation's office, 2 West Lafayette Street, Norristown, PA, from 9-10: 30 am. Interested individuals and local community, nonprofit, business, and government leaders will discuss achievable goals and hear a presentation by Coming of Age about using the expertise of older adults to meet compelling needs in the community. RSVP to (610) 313-9386 or staff@mcfoundationinc.org.


The Franklin Institute is hosting an international conference on October 17-21, 2008 and is looking for enthusiastic volunteers. How about you? The Association of Science-Technology Centers organizes this annual event, hosting more than 1,900 science center and museum professionals for workshops and special presentations to further the public's understanding of science. The Franklin Institute has a list of volunteer opportunities and a sign-up sheet. Go to: website or call (215) 448-1163.




 
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
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:




WANTED: Someone with passion, heart, fire in the belly and a strong desire to make a difference in greater Boston's immigrant communities. The Asian American Civic Association in Boston, MA is seeking an AmeriCorps*VISTA to take part in its work of providing immigrant adults with language and jobs skills needed for economic and social self-sufficiency. The VISTA would have the major responsibility for developing volunteer services. Read More.


The Peace Corps is looking for aged 50+ volunteers. No kidding! The organization, created during President Kennedy's tenure, recognizes the skills, experience, and maturity that older adults can bring to the mission and have created a tantalizing website that allows you to listen to the stories of those who have joined the Peace Corps and find answers to the many questions that come to mind. Check it out... this could be the answer to the question, "What am I going to do next?"


Preciouslyfe Ministries,Inc is a non-profit organization that helps women who have dealt with domestic violence get their lives in order. Consider being a volunteer -- present openings include coordinating volunteer programs in churches and faith-based organizations; assisting with their HOPELINE telephone program; working with community and school partnerships; supporting women transitioning from prison; and updating and editing the program's website. To learn more, contact Shawnette at 1-(888)-889-3125.


Socialize and lead activities with the Senior Social Club at The Watermark, a residential care facility. The Club meets on a weekly basis (Tuesdays, 6: 45 pm, at their Center City site.) As a volunteer, you will play bingo, read aloud, enjoy music or just chat and share stories with this eager group of people. Your involvement can be flexible and geared to fit your schedule. This facility is wheelchair accessible. To sign up, contact Rebecca Blough, (310) 562-7813.




Make-a-Difference Calendar
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!

Saturday, July 19

8: 30 am at Weaver's Way Coop, 559 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia
Get your riding togs together for a bike ride to visit six community gardens and farms in the city. The ride starts at Weavers Way Coop Farm in East Mt. Airy, moves on to Mill Creek Farm and ends up at the Philadelphia Brewing Company in Kensington. The ride is 25 miles, and all levels of riders are welcome. It's a great way to get in shape, meet people (about 50 riders usually join) and learn about urban agriculture first-hand from the farmers themselves. For more details, go to the Weavers Way website; to sign up, contact Chris Hill.
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Sunday, July 20

1: 00 pm at Mill at Anselma, 1730 Conestoga Road, Chester Springs, PA
Delicious fresh and organic vegetables and fruits, educational programs and hands-on activities about sustainable agriculture, and information about good nutrition await you at the historic Mill at Anselma's Farmer's Market. The mill has teamed up with Maysie’s Farm Conservation Center and the Anselma Farmers and Artisan Market Association to create a terrific resource to find and learn about healthy foods. Admission, $5, $4 (60+). Call (610) 827-1906 for information.
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2: 00 pm at Carriage House, University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St., Philadelphia
Stop by this support group meeting for parents, families, and friends of the LGBTQ community sponsored by PFLAG. These monthly gatherings focus on ways to cope with discrimination, methods to educate others, and strategies to advocate for equality. FREE. Contact: (215) 898-5044.
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Monday, July 21

1: 00 pm at Wellness Community of Philadelphia, 1 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia
Cancer patients and their caregivers are encouraged to join this Open Studio led by Caroline Peterson to learn how to explore their creativity and enjoy art... and meet others who share some of the same life issues. No art experience required. The class meets every Monday afternoon (except for the last two weeks in August.) FREE. To learn more and register, call (215) 879-7733.
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7: 00 pm at Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia
Did you know that the sun releases more energy per second than has been consumed by mankind in our entire history? Learn how to incorporate the sun's rays in your home through this workshop with Harold Finegan that explains how solar heating works and ways you can cut your home heating costs and impact positively on the environment by decreasing carbon emissions. FREE. For more information, call (215) 685-2093.
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Tuesday, July 22

6: 00 pm at White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
If you are concerned about the treatment of farm animals, you will want to hear Farm Sanctuary president/co-founder Gene Baur read from his new book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food. Gene has been challenging factory farming for two decades and working to change society's views about farm animals. The discussion and 3-course vegetarian dinner costs $36/person (including tax and tip). $20 for discussion only. Call (215) 386-9224 for reservations.
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Wednesday, July 23

6: 30 pm at People's Light and Theater, Malvern, PA
How do we make the most of our incredible arts and cultural resources when too many lack needed funding? The Big Canvas, organized by Great Expectations, an initiative of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the University of Pennsylvania’s Project on Civic Engagement, is asking the region's citizens to weigh in on how they use these "treasures"and what it will take to preserve and pay for them. Two citizen forums are being held this week: July 23 at People's Light and Theater in Malvern; July 24 at Villanova University. Visit the Great Expectations website for more info. and to register. Don't miss this opportunity to be heard!
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Thursday, July 24

7: 00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Authors Edward Dolnick and Peter Schjeldahl immerse you in the art world... in unique ways. Dolnick's work, The Forger's Spell, tells the true story of the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and a no-name painter whose forged paintings passed as Vermeer originals (see one on the left), duping buyers out of millions of dollars. Schjedahl, nationally-acclaimed art critic for the New Yorker magazine, covers a broad canvas of art history in his book of essays, Let's See. FREE.
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Friday, July 25

11: 00 am at Independence Living History Center, 115 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Experience the tension and excitement of the early days of our country. July 1, 1776: Congress is debating the Declaration. In Philadelphia, rumors fly. Walk with Historic Philadelphia and encounter 18th century townspeople with strong feelings on both sides of the debate. Loyalist or Patriot? Whose side will YOU be on? A Colonial guide escorts you to some of Philadelphia’s historic treasures, meeting Colonials who make this thrilling time come alive. $20, $18 Seniors. Call (215) 629-4026 or go to the website.
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This Week's Medicare Tip
For You and Those You Care For


When you need help with Medicare... Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) * Get answers to your Medicare questions. * Order quality and other information on Medicare health plans. * Listen to recorded questions and answers on topics such as Medicare health plan choices. * Order Medicare publications. (Some are available in large print, Spanish, audio-tape, and Braille.) Read More.
Brought to you by
Coming of Age
a partnership of:

The Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning
WHYY Wider Horizons
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
AARP Pennsylvania










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."


Coming of Age
Temple University Center for Intergenerational Learning
1601 N. Broad Street, Room 206, Philadelphia, PA 19122
phone (215) 204-8585 •fax (215) 204-3195
inspiring@comingofage.org