November 7 - November 13
Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in their communities, in the world, and in their lives.
A Thought for the Day
The best way to ensure your happiness is to assist others in experiencing their own.
Inside:
What's New
Coming Soon
Info4Orgs
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
This Week's Medicare Tip
Past Issues
What's New
Do you have permission to "divorce" a parent when they make your life miserable? It is a tough call, but there are times when trying to make a bad situation better just doesn't work. Separating yourself from the anguish, anxiety, and abuse that a parent can create may be the only way to go. But it's hard. Research on early attachment, both in humans and in primates, shows that we are hard-wired for bonding — even to those who aren’t very nice to us.
Seeing the photos of 80 of the most distinguished people in America (who happen to be 80 and older), gives "ageism" a really bad name. Barbara Walters, Bob Barker, Joe Paterno... the list is a "who's who" of celebrities, authors, great thinkers, and long-lived achievers who continue to play an important role in our society. Who says being 80 is too old to be powerful? Not this crowd.
The messages in this article are that it is better to get our vitamins from foods rather than a bottle, more is NOT better and some vitamins can actually be harmful. It is also important to know that certain medications can affect the body’s ability to absorb or utilize vitamins (or minerals). To make sure you are getting what you need to stay healthy, the author has provided a listing of 13 essential vitamins and the foods that are rich in each.
Redistricting is an important part of the democratic process. Every ten years, following the national census, the boundaries of federal, state, and local election districts by which members of legislative bodies are chosen must be redrawn to reflect population shifts. To learn more about this procedure and the effect it will have on Philadelphia, check out this new website.
Coming Soon
Join Coming of Age on November 10th at WHYY for a wonderful evening to celebrate "The Legacy of African Musicians" hosted by WRTI's Bob Perkins (the "BP with the GM"). Guests will perform and regale us with stories of the past -- you'll hear Odean Pope, father of jazz saxophone; Frank Bey, master of the blues; Rev. Joe Williams, former member of the Dixie Hummingbirds; Blanche Burton-Lyles, concert pianist; and Bonita Glenn, renowned soprano. To register, click here.
The Sharon Baptist Church (3955 Conshohocken Ave., Philadelphia) will be launching its PEACE (Physically Enabled And Cognitively Empowered) initiative with a symposium entitled “Bridging the Gap” on November 7th, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. to enhance the spiritual and community experience of people with physical, sensory or mental challenges. Exhibits and displays will focus on resources for the disabled. Sign interpreters, guides, wheelchair access, free off-street parking provided. For more information, contact Angela V. Lundy, at (215) 324-2539.
Renowned American artist, Barkley L. Hendricks’s celebrated work is currently being shown at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA). The artist, a Philadelphia native and PAFA alumnus, has received acclaim for his striking and provocative life-size portraits of everyday African-American people from the urban environment. Visit the exhibit on Sunday, November 8th and let your creativity be your guide in a free workshop to learn how to draw your own self portrait.
As Congress and the Obama administration struggle to agree on a healthcare bill, the National Constitution Center hosts a moderated discussion with former Senators Rick Santorum and Harris Wofford on November 9th, 6:30 p.m. They bring deep knowledge about healthcare reform and share a desire for a civil conversation on this important subject. Mark Preston, CNN’s political editor, is the moderator. Free; reservations required. Call (215) 409-6700 or get tickets online.
Info4Orgs
Plan on attending a free social media workshop on November 18th for employees and volunteers of nonprofits to provide an overview of popular social media tactics such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Presented by The Young Women's Initiative of Women’s Way and Philadelphia's Young Nonprofit Leaders, participants will learn how these tools have been used successfully with limited resources... and will have a chance to ask questions. To learn more and to register, click here.
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Over the years, SOWN (Supportive Older Women's Network) has championed older women's issues and found creative ways to enhance people’s ability to function independently. There is an opening for a Social Worker who will provide outreach, case management and follow-up consultation for the diverse women needing services. A master's degree in social work and knowledge of aging and children service networks in Philadelphia and surrounding areas required. Send resumes by e-mail or fax (215) 487-3111 by November 11, 2009.
Don't miss this opportunity to work with elders from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America as part of a multicultural team being organized by Project SHINE, a program of Temple University's Intergenerational Center (a Coming of Age founding partner.) This is a part-time, paid Americorps opening in which older adults will tutor immigrants, share cultural traditions, and help conduct health workshops at one of 20 sites in Philadelphia. For information, e-mail, or call (215) 204-3675.
Community College of Philadelphia is seeking an Adult Student Outreach Coordinator to develop and implement strategies that will help bridge future adult students' academic needs and goals with available programs. The Coordinator will speak to small groups, attend education fairs and meet with potential students individually. Comprehensive benefits package offered. To learn more and to apply, click here.
Surrey Services is looking for "a few good pricers" -- people with flea market and/or thrift store experience who can competitively price items for their Broomall-based Thrift Shop. As a retail associate, you would process sales and wrap items, as well as greet shoppers. Flexible shifts, including Saturdays! If you love beautiful items and meeting new people, this could be real fun. Call Linda DiMaggio at (610) 647-6404.
This Week's Medicare Tip
Most Medicare beneficiaries will not see a Part B monthly premium increase as a result of a “hold harmless” provision in the current law. This allows for 73 percent of beneficiaries to be protected from an increase raising the 2010 Part B monthly premiums from $96.40 to $110.50. The Administration continues to urge Congressional action that would protect all beneficiaries from higher Part B premiums and eliminate the inequity of a high premium for the remaining 27 percent of beneficiaries.
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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!
Coming of Age Blog
Read the latest post on the blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg: Full Circle
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Read the latest post on the blog by Coming of Age Director Dick Goldberg: Full Circle
