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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A pilot program at American Express gives soon-to-be retirees less work and more time to pass along their expertise to younger generations. The company's realization that a huge number of its employees become eligible for retirement in the next five to 10 years -- many of whom possess critical know-how that if lost, would be costly, if not impossible, for the company to replace -- spurred them on to create a phased-retirement program. Check out the video and BusinessWeek article.


You've probably thought that volunteering is doing a good deed for someone else. That's true, but research suggests that the 65.4 million Americans who volunteer--42% of whom are over age 55-- reap substantial benefits. "Volunteering keeps people mentally active; it keeps their weight in check, their heart healthy, and their memory sharp,"says a doctor quoted in this Prevention magazine article. All the more reason to connect and contribute!


The author of this very interesting article at eatingwell.com started with his 90-year-old great-grandmother to find out her secret to a long and healthy life. Her answer: "I always make sure to eat the fat and gristle off meat."After a few laughs, he continued his quest for THE ANSWER. This article offers research studies, first-person interviews, diet plans, and more. What he concluded was that the way to the "fountain of youth"(Lucas Cranach the Elder's depiction on left!) has a number of paths, but that important "intangibles"may trump them all.


Maybe you don't need a fancy study to tell you that a satisfying sex life is possible as you age into your 70s and 80s. But, the University of Chicago has collected the data to make it official: in a study that included information from 1,550 women and 1,455 men between the ages of 57 and 85, 68 percent of men and 42 percent of women reported having sex last year. So what about those active 90-year-olds?





 
The election is coming... and the Committee of Seventy Election Day program would like you to join them on Tuesday, November 4th to volunteer for their Voter Protection Program. Experienced volunteers are also needed to conduct trainings and be team leaders. To register for these terrific civic engagement opportunities, call (215) 557-3600, ext. 110 or e-mail for more information.


Philadelphia City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown is seeking nominations of outstanding grandparents for recognition at the First Annual Celebration of Grandparents Brunch to be held at the Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing on Sunday, October 5th. Nominators are asked to write an essay about an outstanding grandparent (perhaps yourself!) -- someone who is making a difference in the family or community -- in less than 150 words, to be submitted by Friday, September 19th. E-mail submissions to Jason Lewis or mail to City Hall, Room 581, Philadelphia, PA 19107.




  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:




Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia is a rapidly growing chapter of a national non-profit that provides homeless and low-income children with the everyday supplies they need to be safe, warm, ready to learn and feel valued. The organization encourages social change through meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities for thousands of adults and children each year. As a VISTA, you will help Cradles to Crayons become better known and enhance its community outreach efforts. Read More.


Grandma's Kids, a kinship support program for caregivers who are raising children (mostly grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles), runs an after-school program. This Temple University, Center for Intergenerational Learning program, is looking for two part-time employees, a Coordinator and an Assistant, who will work with children from first-8th grades, 3-5: 30 pm each school day. It is a 10-month position. Please send a cover letter and resume to Shanelle.


Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Camden County, Inc. is looking for committed adults to be the voice for children in the court system. CASA is an independent, non-profit organization that advocates for the best interest of children in out-of-home-placement under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Family Court. In order to do this, the CASA must investigate the facts of the case, recommend a course of action, and monitor progress. If you are interested, Read More.


The South Philadelphia Literacy Partnership (United Communities of Southeast Philadelphia, JUNTOS, an immigrants rights group, and the Khmer Humanitarian Association) is recruiting volunteers to teach English as a Second Language classes for immigrants. The most important qualification is that a volunteer wants to help. The instructor does not need to speak either Khmer or Spanish. There are opportunities to teach with someone else and classes are held during the day and at night. To learn more and sign-up, please contact Frank Karl at (215) 913-3509.




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 Clark Park, 43rd and Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia
Clark Park has hosted a Farmer's Market for ten years and there is a celebration to mark this anniversary -- and encourage friends and neighbors to continue to support local food and farmers -- and enjoy the benefits of eating fresh, organic produce. In addition to delicious fruits and vegetables, music and cultural events will round out this special occasion. FREE.
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10: 00 am at Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut Sts., Philadelphia
The fourth annual "Carnivale of the Dogs"is being held at Rittenhouse Square to give dog lovers and folks in the neighborhood a chance to adopt a pet from the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, as well as learn health and training tips from specialists at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine. Much research shows the positive health benefits of caring for a pet... perhaps you're ready to meet your new best friend! For information, call (215) 456-1655.
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11: 00 am at The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia
Ask your grandchildren to be your guides at The Franklin Institute's celebration of Grandparents' Heart Health Day. You will create stethoscopes to listen to your heartbeats, receive information from the American Heart Association, the Komen Fund, and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging; witness a live animal heart dissection, and lots more. Grandparents admitted free; children $11.50. Contact: (215) 448-1200.
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3: 00 pm at Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Cacti first bloom at fifty, fallen trees resurrect, a kid shouts, “I’m seven and three quarters!” This intergenerational company of children, adolescents, and adults -- members of the Hatch Dance Theater-- redefine modern dance as the Hatch kids choreograph their grown-up colleagues. Improvisation, words, and humor combine to ask the question, “Are we old yet?” This Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe performance is FREE.
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2: 30 pm at Scott Arboretum, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA
Curator Andrew Bunting of the Scott Arboretum is leading of tour of the arboretum's botanical collections and gardens. The plants and trees represent the horticultural diversity of the Delaware Valley and serve as a living museum for homeowners seeking ideas for their gardens and for community groups interested in beautifying their neighborhoods. FREE. Call (610) 328-8025 to register.
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7: 00 pm at Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 801 S. 48th Street, Philadelphia
Are you planning to purchase and restore an older home? Are you in the midst of home renovation and looking for great how-to information? The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia invites you to attend a series of free workshops in West Philadelphia and Queen Village to learn best practices for the restoration and maintenance of older and historic homes. West Philadelphia topic: Masonry and Pointing; Queen Village: Energy Efficiency in Older Homes, September 10, 7 pm. Contact Patrick at (215) 546-1146 x4 or by e-mail to register and for information.
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6: 30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
“Can Perestroika Survive?” is a conversation about the changing political and cultural reforms in Russia from Gorbachev to Putin, featuring former U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Jack Matlock, Jr., Russian studies scholar Leon Aron, and moderated by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Trudy Rubin. Reservations are needed. Please call (215) 409-6700.
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6: 00 pm at African American Museum, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Dont' miss the latest installment of this lecture series that examines powerful political rivalries in black history. This lecture explores the ideas of Marcus Garvey (photo of Marcus Garvey on the left) and those of Frederick Douglass and their influence of the political ideologies of Malcolm X and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. FREE with admission. Contact number: (215) 574-0380.
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7: 30 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
The subprime mortgage crisis has visited ruin on millions of people and continues to threaten the health of the U.S. and global economies. Hear market expert, Yale professor, and author, Dr. Robert J. Shiller, discuss the need for the aggressive restructuring of financial institutions to restore market confidence and protect consumers from future market bubbles and busts. His latest book is The Subprime Solution: How Today's Global Financial Crisis Happened, and What to Do About It. FREE. No tickets required. For information, call (215) 567-4341.
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10: 00 am at American Philosophical Society, 104 S. Fifth Street, Philadelphia
Learn what it takes to be an explorer from five intrepid individuals who shared a sense of adventure and the courage to explore the unknown: David Rittenhouse in the 18th century, John James Audubon, Titian Ramsay Peale, and Elisha Kent Kane in the 19th century, and Ruth Patrick who bridges the 20th and 21st centuries. Each of these explorers has a Philadelphia connection and all have wonderful stories to tell. Visit the American Philosophical Society Museum for this extraordinary exhibition. Donations requested.
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6: 30 pm at William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia
The Transgender Program Committee at William Way Community Center invites transgender women to its casual social group meetings, every Friday at 6: 30 pm. It's a great way to meet new people and get involved in activities and projects. FREE. Call (215) 732-2220 for information.
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For You and Those You Care For


The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period is nearly here, and in preparation for this year’s open enrollment, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid wanted to update you on several important items and deadlines ... 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

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."