June 6 - June 12
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
This Week's Medicare Tip
Past Issues
What's New
Science is now backing up what women have long claimed: Memory and learning take a hit during menopause. Research published in the May 26 issue of Neurology finds that women do not learn as well during early and late perimenopause, when periods are irregular but have not disappeared altogether. But the changes were subtle... and the deficits, if they can be called that, were temporary. A woman's learning capacity bounces back once postmenopause has begun.
Pennsylvania has extended the deadline for senior citizens and other eligible residents to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program until Dec. 31. If you, or someone you know, is a senior citizen 65 or older, a widow or widower 50 or older, or disabled and 18 or older, you may qualify for a rebate on last year's property taxes or rent. Rebates of up to $650 are available, and some homeowners may even be eligible for an extra amount. Continue Reading
Need help finding services in Montgomery County? Families, seniors, youth and everyone in-between, can use this up-to-date directory of health and human resources. You can search by zip code and by city, by topic and by keyword, and save the services you find for later reference. Click Start a Search to enter the site.
Coming Soon
Rachel Carson wanted to endow every child with "a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life." Inspired by her example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the Rachel Carson intergenerational "Sense of Wonder" contest that invites elders and members of younger generations to submit creative projects in poetry, photography, essays and other artistic creations that express their connections with the natural world. Entry deadline is June 10, 2009. Click here to learn more.
Dr. Martin Seligman, University of Pennsylvania Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology and Dr. Philip Zimbardo, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Stanford University, will discuss their groundbreaking research on how the science of positive psychology is changing the way we live our lives. New approaches to the age-old quest for the good life and ideas for increasing happiness will be shared. Thursday, June 18th, 6 pm at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center, 17th & Race Street, Philadelphia. Cost: $75. To register, click here.
If you are unemployed, worried about losing your job, or a retiree planning to re-enter the job market and are interested in joining a job search support group, this workshop is for you! The Philadelphia Chapter of The Transition Network has asked two career experts to conduct a session to help you learn how to market yourself and reach your goals. The group, limited to 20 people, will meet from 6:30-8:30 pm, Tuesday, June 23 at Whole Foods Market, 20th and Callowhill Sts. To register and learn more, click here.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
The National Constitution Center is seeking a Public Programs Training Manager who can provide outstanding training and leadership to produce a positive historic learning experience for visitors. This person will develop, deliver and evaluate training programs for staff and is directly responsible for supervising and training the Public Programs Demonstrators. A Bachelor in Arts in history, education, or other related disciplines is required. To learn more and to apply online, click here.
Cozen O'Connor, an international law firm based in Philadelphia, is looking for volunteers to serve as mock jurors for its Trial Academy program, June 8th and 12th, at the University of Pennsylvania. Your assistance is needed for one or both dates. Lunch and transportation to and from the Philadelphia Senior Center (509 S. Broad Street) will be provided. Advance registration is required. Contact Helen Sunga or call (215) 546-5879 ext. 241.
Championed by Pennsylvania State Representative Dwight Evans and guided by researcher and author of Murder is No Accident Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia initiative is a ten year violence reduction plan, funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, aimed at ending youth violence in the city. Click here to learn about the many opportunities available to get involved. Take control. Take a role!
Laurel House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency located in Montgomery County, PA, is seeking male volunteers to help them create and develop a "Men Against Domestic Violence Campaign" as part of a Coming of Age "Make a Big Difference Team" grant. Volunteers will be responsible for putting into practice meaningful ways to raise public awareness about domestic violence and advocate for social change. Flexible hours. To learn more and volunteer, contact Tina Reynolds at (610) 277-1860 ext. 108 or by e-mail.
Make-a-Difference Calendar
Saturday, June 6
11:00 am at Lambertville, New Jersey
William Way Community Center is sponsoring a bike ride from Lambertville, NJ, to Neshanic Station, NJ. Enjoy the exercise and camaraderie of this 40 mile ride along the Raritan River through historic towns. The PhilaVentures program is an outdoor club of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community (LGBT) in the Philadelphia area. Open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or place of residence. Contact Jim Gerhard for more information and to sign up, call (215) 625-0521.
Monday, June 8
6:00 pm at Bossone Auditorium, Drexel University, 3120 Market St, Philadelphia
Join the tribute to Thomas Paine, one of America's Founding Fathers (and of the first Philebrities!) This national holiday will be celebrated with an open discussion by three noted Paine historians -- Eric Foner, Jack Fruchtman, Jr. and Harvey J. Kaye about Paine's life and influence. FREE. Reception to follow. Event sponsored by Moonstone Inc. and Drexel University.
Wednesday, June 10
6:00 pm at Haverford Branch, 5543 Haverford Ave., Philadelphia
Kim S. Cooper of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley is presenting a five part financial workshop series for women. The topic for this week, the second in the series, is Budgeting for the Successful Woman. The remaining topics are Basic Savings and Investing for Women, A Woman and Her Credit, and Protecting a Woman’s Worth. Check with the library for dates and times by calling (215) 685-1964.
6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Join a conversation about Kelo v. City of New London, a highly charged 5-4 Supreme Court decision in favor of the government’s right to seize private property from one citizen and give it to another capable of generating higher tax revenues. Since the 2005 decision, 40 states have passed legislation limiting the state government’s power of eminent domain, but issues continue to arise. Three speakers will discuss this controversial topic. FREE. Reservations required. Call (215) 409-6700.
Thursday, June 11
5:30 pm at WHYY, 150 N. Sixth Street, Philadelphia
It's all hands on deck as people age 50+ who have enjoyed careers in the sciences, technology, engineering and math related fields are invited to a PA STEM "Science, Technology, Engineering, Math" networking event. Plan on attending this fun-filled evening to learn about local and regional STEM-related programs and the various ways you can support education and learning in these career areas. FREE. To RSVP, click here.
Friday, June 12
6:00 pm at Linden Hill Farms, 8230 Easton Road (Route 611), Ottsville, PA
Plan on visiting Linden Hill Gardens for their new Friday evening Farmers' Market in a quintessential Bucks County setting. There will be local seasonal produce, baked goods, organic ice cream, eggs, honey, artisanal crafts, and special events. If it is true that you are what you eat, Linden Hill and other local farmer's markets offer quality foods to help keep you healthy and active.
This Week's Medicare Tip
A Medigap policy is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare Plan coverage. Medigap policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn’t cover. If you are in the Original Medicare Plan and have a Medigap policy, then Medicare and your Medigap policy will pay both their shares of covered health care costs. Continue Reading
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Coming of Age Radio Portraits, produced by WHYY, feature age 50+ Philadelphia-area people who have made exciting life transitions. Click here to see and hear their wonderful stories and to submit your story!
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Read the latest post on the blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg 
