Coming of Age Philadelphia

May 23 to May 29

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

Brain Fitness Booming

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Whether you are an entrepreneur looking for the latest investment opportunity or someone 50+ wanting to stay alert as you age, you may be happy to learn that the fledgling discipline of brain health is gaining acceptance. With an emphasis on brain games and other ways to keep up cognitive skills, these activities are being actively promoted as a way to keep health care costs down... and people more "with it." Learn about this new field.

Older Adults On the Beat

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Police know that having the community's support is critical to their success. And they also know that older adults often have the pulse on a neighborhood, traditionally acting as the eyes and ears on the street. Learn about the Newark police department's innovative Senior Citizen Police Academy, that gives older community members an inside look at police work... and an appreciation of the challenges and contributions that, the police hope, these neighborhood leaders will share with others.

Chinese Elders Shine

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Students who are part of Project SHINE at Temple University's Center for Intergenerational Learning meet weekly with a group of Chinese elders ... practicing speaking their language and learning about Chinese culture from the "regulars" that meet at The Coffee Cup in Center City (a program of the Philadelphia Senior Center.) SHINE has traditionally used college students to help immigrants learn English. This year, these older adults have also been the teachers, sharing their knowledge and special skills.

Coming Soon

Boomervision Comes to Delaware County

 
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Boomervision!® is coming to Delaware County! The program, to be held on June 18th at the Delaware County Community College, will feature a panel of experts on employment, lifelong learning, volunteerism and lifestyle choices. Supporters for this debut gathering are the Delaware County Community Foundation (DCCF), Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), AARP PA, WHYY, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Crozer-Keystone Health System. Free to WHYY and AARP members; $10 for non-members. To learn more about this event, and to register, click here.

Have We Got an Opportunity for You!

National Constitution Center Wants a Civic Educator

Type: Paid
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If civic education excites you, then the position as the Director of Education at the National Constitution Center could be a good fit. The Education Director has overall responsibility for developing, implementing and evaluating an innovative curriculum-based program of civic education for students and teachers that capitalizes on the Center’s unique museum resources and its stature as a national civic forum. To learn more about this position, and to apply, click here.

Keep This Historic Arboretum Thriving

Type: Paid
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Awbury Arboretum has an opening for a Director of Development. The Arboretum is composed of a 55- acre historic house and landscape located on the border of Germantown and East Mount Airy. Duties include grant research and writing, individual donor cultivation, and publications. The successful candidate will be detailed-oriented, computer savvy, an excellent writer, and organized. To learn more about this position and to apply, contact Executive Director Gerry Kaufman at (215) 849-2855, ext. 17.

Animals in Need -- Need You

Type: Unpaid
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The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) has many volunteer opportunities for animal lovers. From walking dogs at the shelter, caring for cats and assisting with clerical work, to attending special events and handing out flyers across the city about the good work of PSPCA, there is a volunteer position for everyone. PSPCA also welcomes groups that are interested in working together to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. To learn more and to sign up, visit their website, or contact Stacey at (215) 426-6304, ext. 244 or by e-mail.

Touching Lives Over 55

Categories: Aging, Peer Counseling
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If you are at least 55 and like working with people, this is a great volunteer opportunity for you. Lead discussion groups with people 55+ about life stories, health, and finding meaning after retirement at Journey's Way, a nonprofit organization that offers resources and programs for older adults. Meet new people, learn new skills, and help others. Training is provided; applications are being accepted for the August session. Call Aviva at (215) 487-1296 or email.

Make-a-Difference Calendar
Saturday, May 23

Down and Dirty

9:30 am at The Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, Philadelphia
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Tis the season for getting your summer plantings in and tilling the soil in your "victory garden." But, how much do you know about the most basic part of the process -- the soil? Experts at The Schuylkill Center will help you explore the ecosystem beneath your feet. Learn ways to create healthy soil so that you can create a beautiful environment. Refreshments and soil provided! Pre-registration is required. Call (215) 482-7300 ext.110. $8 non-members.

Celebrate Black Writing

11:00 am at 13th and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Ritter Hall, Philadelphia
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Join the Celebration of Black Writing at its outdoor festival being held on the Temple University campus. Nationally-acclaimed authors, Terry McMillan (photo on left), Lorene Cary, Dr. Houston A. Baker, Jr., and many others will be there. Exhibitors, entertainment, a children's pavilion, and lots more await you. FREE.

Sunday, May 24

Play Ball!

10:00 am at Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia
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A new exhibit about the history of baseball, presented by the Philadelphia Phillies and Mitchell and Ness, examines the long and glorious tradition of the game in the City of Brotherly Love. It not only explores the history of the World Series winning Phillies, but looks at Philadelphia’s other historic teams, including the Philadelphia Athletics, the Philadelphia Pythians, (the first African American team in Philadelphia -- circa 1866), and the Philadelphia Stars, the Negro League team (circa 1933.) Exhibit FREE with admission.

Tuesday, May 26

Real Farmers, Real Food!

8:00 am at Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia
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Eating fresh and buying local are bywords of those who care about their health and want to be eco-friendly. You can take care of both at the Fair Food Farm Stand at Reading Terminal. The market features fresh fruits, vegetables, and more, grown by 90 local farmers. Farm Stand hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm; Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm. Closed on Monday. Check out this newsletter for the latest, freshest produce being sold. Parking available.

Wednesday, May 27

Health and Fitness Day Beckons

10:00 am at Independence Blue Cross, 1901 Market Street, Philadelphia
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On the same day across the U.S., 100,000+ older adults will participate in health promotion events at more than 1,000 local organizations as part of National Senior Health and Fitness Day. Health screenings, chair massages, food, drink, and entertainment await you locally at the Courtyard at Independence Blue Cross. FREE. For more information, call (215) 241-9417.

Discovering the Kimmel

1:00 pm at The Kimmel Center, 260 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
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Take this opportunity to really look at the Kimmel Center and learn more about this imposing building on Broad Street. As part of a free, one-hour tour, you will be told about the Center's history, see the architectural and construction highlights, and visit Commonwealth Plaza, Perelman Theater, Verizon Hall, Merck Arts Education Center, and the Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden. After your tour, you may want to inquire about becoming a volunteer guide yourself!

Thursday, May 28

White Supremacy's Hold in America

7:00 pm at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia
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Bill Ayers, professor and controversial ex-radical, and Bernadine Dohrn, veteran political activist, will discuss their new book, "Race Course Against White Supremacy," which examines white supremacy's enduring, and terrifying, hold on many Americans. FREE.

This Week's Medicare Tip

What are Long-Term Care Hospitals?

 
Most people who need inpatient hospital services are admitted to an "acute care" hospital for a relatively short stay. But some people may need a longer hospital stay. Long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) are certified as acute care hospitals, but LTCHs focus on patients who, on average, stay more than 25 days. Many of the patients in LTCHs are transferred there from an intensive or critical care unit. Continue Reading




Radio Portraits
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!



 Coming of Age blog
Dick Goldberg
Read the latest post on the Blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg
Guest Blog: Teach Our Children Well...


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