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 50+ crowd has clout, energy, skills, and the belief that they can retire ... or choose to stay in the labor market... depending on their life plan. But, unfortunately, that's not the case. Many who want to keep working are finding it hard to get hired. How do we convince employers that an experienced, savvy 50 pluser will add experience and a great work ethic to their workplace? This article in the Boston Globe takes a sobering look at this issue... and highlights the need to push for change.


Boomers hired in large numbers during a huge expansion in higher education in the ’70s are being replaced by younger professors. The consensus of the nearly 50 academics interviewed by The New York Times is that the "newbies"are different from their predecessors — less ideologically polarized and more politically moderate. As the older set is graying and starting retirement, the intense passions and polemics that roiled campuses during the past couple of decades have begun to fade. Does that mean we are heading back to the Eisenhower days?


The Guides on the Coming of Age website like hearing from our readers (you can reach them by clicking ) ... and people have been writing, asking about volunteering, caregiving, exploring your future, and more and more... about work. One recent Q &A (The Q from a site visitor; the A from “Work in Retirement” Guide Beth Wilson, pictured on the left) proved unusually helpful to the woman posing it. We thought the answer was such a resource-rich one that it might prove helpful to others. Read More.


Are you familiar with "blogs?"This online phenomenon is the latest way that people with something to share communicate through the Internet. Blogging has come a long way from its modest beginnings. These days, there is money to be made, fame to be earned and influence to be gained. A group of women got together at the fourth annual BlogHer Convention to discuss the possibilities. You can try a little blogging by sharing your thoughts about what you've read in Inspiring Opportunities ... and we will pass them along.




 
If you love to learn and enjoy stimulating discussions with other 50 plusers who are intellectually curious, plan on attending the Open House for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (formerly Temple's Association for Retired Persons) at Temple University, Center City, September 3rd or 4th, 10 am-2 pm. More than 60 daytime courses are offered, covering an array of topics, and taught by people who are experts in their subjects. For more information, call (215) 204-1505 or go to the website.


The 3rd Annual GreenFest Philly is less than a month away! Take part in this event as a volunteer or attendee... and learn sustainable living tips, enjoy local produce and delicious desserts, and find out more about water quality and your role in conservation. The event is Sunday, September 7 from 11 am to 6 pm at 2nd and South Streets in Philadelphia. To receive information about volunteering, send an e-mail.


Celebrate Constitution Day with the National Constitution Center throughout the week of September 14-17. Among the interesting and exciting events are a reading of the Constitution, speaking engagements by Senator Arlen Specter and Elizabeth Edwards, a naturalization ceremony and the opening of the White House Exhibit. Learn more about this historic week and plan to engage in this civic event.




  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:




TriCounty Community Network is searching for an experienced grant writer, 10-15 hours a week, to help this non-profit pursue diverse funding for addressing domestic violence education, youth empowerment, and preventative health issues. The Network builds relationships among organizations, community members and businesses in western Montgomery, southern Berks and northern Chester counties. If interested, contact Mandy German at (610) 705-3301.


The Volunteer English Program in Chester County will sponsor a three-session, nine-hour, training workshop for those interested in tutoring an adult immigrant or refugee in English as a second language. The workshop will be held at Kesher Israel Congregation, 1000 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, on Thursday, September 18; Monday, September 22; and Thursday, September 25, from 6: 00-9: 00 p.m. For more information about this rewarding volunteer opportunity or to register for the workshop, contact (610) 918-8222 or volunteerenglish.


The Center for Positive Aging Senior Activity Center in Lower Merion, PA has a job opening for a part-time social worker who has previous experience working with older adults. Applicants for this position must have knowledge of the aging process; be familiar with age-related programming, benefits and entitlements; be computer literate in MS office and the Internet; and be comfortable relating to older people. E-mail a cover letter and resume or send a fax to (610) 642-8873.


Rebuilding Together Philadelphia (RTP) is looking for a full-time Executive Director to head up the organization's work of repairing homes for low-income homeowners. The repairs are done by skilled volunteers. RTP is celebrating 20 years of service and is seeking a new leader to spur the organization forward while continuing to provide this much needed, quality program. To learn more about this position, Read More.




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 Fairmount Park, Valley Green entrance, Philadelphia
Join the "Tao Brothers", aka Michael Clark and Accem Scott, for an hour walk to learn how to relieve stress and stimulate the body's healing abilities through breath, movement, and meditation. A fun way to get some exercise and come home refreshed and ready to share this experience with others. FREE. Call (404) 431-1798 for more information.
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1: 00 pm at Pottsgrove Manor, 100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA
How did colonists express their grief after the loss of a loved one? Is it much different from the way mourning is done today? Come hear Nancy Webster speak about funeral customs in the 18th century. Topics include mourning jewelry and foods. This event is FREE but reservations are required. Call (610) 326-4014.
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9: 00 am at Walnut Plaza, Columbus Blvd. (adjacent to Penn's Landing), Philadelphia
The Feel Great in ’08! Fitness Series is a new addition to the Penn's Landing Summer Program Season that you shouldn't miss. This series, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, is free to all. This week's session focuses on fitness; upcoming Sundays feature bike riding and maintaining your goals with fitness. Being physically active helps keep those extra pounds off and your mental and emotional health in tune.
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5: 30 pm at Women's Business Development Center, 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1124, Philadelphia
The Women's Business Development Center is offering a workshop for women poised to start their own businesses. It is designed to help participants assess their risks, understand financial issues, evaluate their potential as entrepreneurs, and analyze their business skills and business ideas. Cost is $35 and pre-registration is required. For further information, call (215) 790-9232.
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6: 30 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Take your basic skills one step further with this 90-minute class that will teach you how to create word processing documents, edit and format text, save, and print. You will also learn how to use the Free Library's website and catalog and get started using e-mail. Space is limited (12 patrons with library cards): Free tickets will be available 30 minutes before class at the lobby desk on a first-come first-served basis. Contact: (215) 686-5322.
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7: 00 pm at Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
Join members of the Society for Industrial Archaeology, the American Society for Civil Engineers and descendants of bridge construction workers as they discuss the safety of Walnut Lane Bridge on its 100th birthday. Learn what the experts think about the bridge and how it has held up for the past century. What needs to be done to preserve this historic landmark? $5 admission fee. Call (215) 848-1777 to reserve your seat today!
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5: 30 pm at Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia
Author Donald Scott, author of Camp William Penn, will discuss his book that explores the story of the camp near Cheltenham, PA., where 11,000 African Americans, many ex-slaves, were trained as Union soldiers. Their role was vital: they helped capture Lincoln's assassins, corner General Robert E. Lee, and lead Lincoln's funeral. Many went on to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor. The camp was also instrumental in the Underground Railroad. Call (215) 546-3181 for more information. FREE.
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1: 00 pm at Northeast Community Center for Mental Health and Mental Retardation, 4641 Roosevelt Blvd. Philadelphia
If you are caring for a mentally ill family member or loved one and feel the need for some support and a place to vent, meet others, and share your experience, plan on attending this weekly meeting. FREE. Contact: (215) 831-2800.
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7: 30 pm at Matheson Hall, Drexel University, 32nd and Market Sts., Philadelphia
Are you ready to make a difference in the education of our children? The Pennsylvania Association of Charter Schools is hosting this workshop for all community members interested in getting involved in the school system and creating quality charter school programs. For more information, call (484) 356-0191.
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10: 30 am at Plain and Fancy Farm, Route 340, Bird in Hand, PA
Take advantage of this unique bus tour that gives you a glimpse into the day-to-day life of our Amish neighbors. The tour goes beyond baked goods and quilts and invites you into Amish culture at home, at work and on the farm. There are stops at a weaving business, a dairy farm, and a cottage manufacturer. A second 2 and 1/2 hour tour begins at 1: 45 pm. Cost for bus trip: $28.95. Call (717) 768-3600 for more information.
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For You and Those You Care For


On July 15, 2008, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 was enacted, making changes to the Medicare program. Information about some of the changes is outlined below. Providers have received detailed instructions. To learn how these changes affect you and your doctors, Read More.

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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