|
The DWN HUB is frequently the site of informal discussions on topics of interest, facilitated by one of our community members. One recent conversation was "Global Opportunities for Volunteerism for Midlife and Older Adults" led by Harriet Epstein, a Newton resident with extensive experience in global relief work, who shared her insights on finding the right opportunity based on personal interests and needs. The information imparted during this discussion has been compiled in a new resource binder on Global Volunteerism and is now available at the HUB. MeetingUps get their start when a person with an interest in a particular subject decides to make it happen. If you would like to suggest a topic, we invite you to contact us at info@discoveringwhatsnext.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Seeking Balance Through Spiritual Fitness Discover Balance Meeting-Up Monday, June 14th, 2010 3:30 pm, Waban Library Center Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Maxine Lyons, M.S., Monday, June 14, 3:30pm, Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban, for the Discover Balance Meeting-Up, “Seeking Balance Through Spiritual Fitness.” This is the second program of our Mind, Body & Spirit series regarding how our spiritual fitness relates to and connects with our mind and body for a sense of wholeness and balance. Maxine will discuss how we can advance our spiritual fitness to move toward more personal growth as a balanced and more satisfied human being. While there are many ways to view spirituality, we have adopted this broad approach. “Spirituality can take three basic forms: an awareness and acceptance of the present; an effort to transcend or go beyond the personal self (ego); and a feeling or sense of connection with all aspects of life such as the natural world, the universe, or a supreme being”. (Robert Atchley, 2009) Just as one cannot become physically fit without regular, sustained effort and discipline, spiritual fitness also depends on and is nourished by practice. The practices that will be explored include meditation, mindfulness in one's everyday activities plus pursuing a relaxation exercise routine. This session will be interactive and experiential. Maxine Lyons, M.S., has been a community educator for over thirty years. She has created programs emphasizing the potential for positive change and growth as we age, hosted a cable television show on productive aging, and facilitated countless workshops on stress management, life reviews and finding meaning in the later years. She is author of “Elder Voices, Insights and Reflections.”
Kindly register for this free program by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419. Space will be limited. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PREVIOUS MEETING-UPS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Organized Paper = An Organized Life Discover Realities Meeting-Up Monday, May 24th, 2010 - 3:30 pm Waban Library Center Discovering What's Next® invites you to join MJ Rosenthal, of An Organized Life, CPO® Founder & Organizing Expert, Monday, May 24, 3:30pm, Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban, for the Discover Realities Meeting-Up, “Organized Paper = An Organized Life.”
If you seek answers to these questions and for practical solutions on getting control of the paper and mail in your home and office, join MJ for this presentation on creating organized paper so you can have an organized life. Kindly register for this free program by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
Financial Market Update Discover Realities Meeting Up Thursday, May 27th, 2010 - 6:30 pm Auburndale Community Library Trying to make sense of the current and future financial situation? Discovering What’s Next®, with the support of The Village Bank, invites you to the first in our Discover Realities Financial Market Update series Thursday, May 27, 6:30pm, Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale (www.auburndalelibrary.org). Join Jim Thompson, CFP of Village Financial Partners, for this information session and informal discussion of what is taking place in the US economy and capital markets. Register by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419. Balancing Mind, Body & Spirit: A Holistic Approach to Well Being Discover Balance Meeting-Up Monday, April 12th, 2010 - 3:30 pm Waban Library Center Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Mary Muir, M.Ed, and Wellness Practioner, Monday, April 12th, 3:30pm, Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban, for the Discover Balance Meeting-Up, “Balancing Mind, Body & Spirit: A Holistic Approach to Well Being.” Mary kicks off a series of Meetings-Up focusing on balancing mind, body and spirit to achieve well being, especially for people in the second half of life. She begins by discussing what is meant by the terms “mind”, “body” and “spirit” along with the effects each can have on overall wellness. Participate in interactive exercises designed to explore current experiences, strengths and challenges in each of the areas and discover ways to improve well being as a “whole person.” A combination of tools and strategies including centering breath techniques, music, exercise and movement, guided imagery and meditation, visual and creative arts and verbal and written expression will be used. Stay tuned for DWN follow-up sessions in the Mind, Body, Spirit series that will focus on specific strategies for each of the three areas that are of particular relevance to people over 50 including how body movement and spiritual practices positively affect brain functioning. Mary Muir has facilitated wholeness and wellness programs and seminars for 25 years and is currently Wellness Director and Expressive Arts Facilitator at the Lahey Clinic. Her areas of expertise also include Life Writing/Journaling, Stress and Relaxation, Caregiving, Reiki, Spirituality and Aging and Integrative Medicine for Whole Person Wellness. For more information about Mary, please click here. Kindly register for this free program by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
What's Next? Coping with Bereavement Discover Realities/Balance Meeting Up Thursday, April 15th, 2010 - 6:30 pm Auburndale Community Library Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Barbara Sternfield as she presents the Discover Realities/Discover Balance Meeting-Up, "What's Next? Coping with Bereavement", Thursday, April 15, 6:30pm, Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale. Understanding the basic grief process can help people know what to expect. Barbara will address the issues of loss, identity, emotional responses and day-to-day challenges. Join us for a conversation about how to navigate from devastation to possibility. Barbara Sternfield, MA, has facilitated groups for various area agencies for the past 30 years, specializing in grief and resilience after loss. Register by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
Caring for Your Elderly Family Member: Planning Ahead Discover Realities Meeting-Up Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 6:30 pm Auburndale Community Library
Discovering What’s Next® invites you to join Emily Saltz, LICSW, CMC and Director of Elder Resources in Newton, Thursday, March 18, 6:30pm, Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale (www.auburndalelibrary.org) for a Discover Realities Meeting-Up, “Caring for Your Elderly Family Member: Planning Ahead.” Explore the changing dynamic between elderly parents and their adult children during late life. Learn about the unique challenges faced by the “sandwich generation” in caring for an elderly family member. Participants will learn how to assess the needs of their elderly relative; how to communicate their concerns, and how to take action steps to resolve crises.
Register by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
Networking through Community Service: Giving Back, Expanding your Skills & Gaining Experience Discover Service-Discover Work Meeting-Up Monday, March 8, 2010 - 3:30 pm Waban Library Center Discovering What’s Next® invites you to join SOAR 55, Service Opportunities after Reaching 55, a program of the Newton Community Service Center, Monday, March 8, 3:30pm, Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban, for the Discover Service-Discover Work Meeting-Up, “Networking through Community Service: Giving Back, Expanding Your Skills and Gaining Experience.” Find out how SOAR 55 connects unemployed and underemployed adults 55 and over with community service opportunities and nonprofits in need. Learn how skills-based volunteering can connect you with others, forge a new career path, fill gaps in your resume, and make a difference. Hear from SOAR 55 volunteers who are doing interesting and exciting things in our community. SOAR 55 can assist in your search for the right volunteer opportunity. Karen Albert, SOAR 55 Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, will facilitate the discussion. SOAR 55 is part of a national network of volunteer agencies that connects individuals, age 55 and over, with volunteer opportunities in Newton and Metrowest. Through a generous grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation, SOAR 55 is targeting unemployed and underemployed adults who are then matched to community service opportunities that provide a myriad of benefits to both the volunteer and the nonprofits served. Kindly register for this free program by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419. Healthy Aging-How to Strengthen the Body, Maintain Balance and Avoid Falls Discover Realities Meeting-Up Monday, February 22, 2010 - 3:30 pm Waban Library Center As we age, many adults become increasingly concerned about maintaining activity by maximizing balance and reducing fall risk. Discovering What’s Next® invites you to join Theresa Jacobs, PT, DPT, GCS, Monday, February 22, 3:30pm, Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban, for a Discover Realities Meeting-Up, “Healthy Aging-How to Strengthen the Body, Maintain Balance and Avoid Falls.”
Dr. Jacobs is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Senior Physical Therapist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist. Register by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
Is It Time to Move? - The Decision and Planning Process Discover Realities Meeting-Up Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 6:30pm Auburndale Community Library Making the decision to move from your home of many years can be very difficult; it is important, therefore, to plan in advance and begin the thinking process well before it is necessary. Discovering What’s Next® invites you to join Harriet Diamond, Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Coldwell Banker broker, Thursday, February 25, 2010, 6:30pm, Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale for a Discover Realities Meeting-Up, Is It Time to Move?—The Decision & Planning Process. Harriet will provide you with an understanding of the steps necessary to make the decision to move as well as the process to plan a move. She will address relevant questions such as: When is it the right time to move? Where will I move to? What are options for my next residence (a smaller home, a condominium, an active or assisted living development, a long term care facility)? What is the process to look for a new living situation? What steps should be taken to prepare my home for sale? How will I pack up a lifetime of clothing and furniture? Understanding this process and the available options is important for adults contemplating leaving their primary residences as well as for care givers of aging parents. Minimizing the stress involved with this process is essential. Register by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
Understanding Long Term Care Discover Realities Meeting-Up Thursday, February 4, 2010, 6:30 pm Auburndale Community Library As we live longer, we recognize that all of our years may not be healthy ones. The possibility of needing long term care is very real. Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Stephen Epstein, Long Term Care Specialist for AARP, Thursday, February 4, 2010, 6:30pm, Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale for a Discover Realities Meeting-Up to learn about the options and other important considerations involved in this critically important issue.
A well thought-out plan for addressing the need for care is essential to the financial, emotional, and physical needs of you and your family. According to the non-profit National Alliance for Caregiving, almost one quarter of U.S. households--22 million people--are already involved in caring for a relative or a friend who is 50 or older. What is your plan?
Register by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419
Creative Approaches to Achieve Balance in Times of Transition Discover Balance Meeting-Up Monday, January 25, 2010, 3:30 pm Waban Library Center Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Sara Dickman, M.S, ATR-BC, and art therapist, Monday, January 25, 3:30pm, Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban, for the Discover Balance Meeting-Up,"Creative Approaches to Achieve Balance in Times of Transition"as she helps you focus on achieving balance in every day life through right-brain exploration of color, shape, line and texture. Sara will help you approach and accept "doing what's next" in a new and expressive way by utilizing hands on creative tools. Sara's early experiences working with Native American, non verbal children, led her to a degree in art therapy and the belief that a hands on, making or doing experience has the power to express issues and feelings words often cannot. "Expressive work keeps me in balance with the rest of life's demands." Sara was founding Executive Director of Gateways, a program enabling children with intensive disabilities to receive a Jewish education and a Faculty Member of the Cleveland Institute of Art. She consults with community groups and schools in the area and has a private practice in Newton. Areas of expertise include using art to facilitate growth with issues of transition, divorce, education, abuse, eating disorders, chronic illness, geriatric and special needs work. Sara has led art therapy workshops for over twenty-five years. Kindly register for this free program by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
New Paths Through Graduate Certificate Programs Discover Work Meeting-Up Monday, December 7, 2009, 3:30 pm Waban Library Center 1608 Beacon Street, Waban Are you deciding what your next career might be? Or looking to apply your skills to a new purpose? If so, earing a graduate certificate may be a step toward achieving your goal. Discovering What's Next® invites you to a Discover Work Meeting-Up with Adrienne Franciosi, Director of Graduate Admission, Lasell College, Newton, Monday, December 7, 3:30 pm, Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban. Adrienne will lead a discussion about the strategies that experienced people and working professionals can use to plan their next career (or life mission.) Topics will include: the process of getting started, how to choose a new field of study, the value of a graduate certificate, and the multiple ways that earning one can set you on the path right for you. Kindly register for this free program by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
It's Never Too Late to Meet Mr./Mrs. Right The Ins & Outs of OnLine Dating Discover Realities Meeting-Up Thursday, December 10, 2009, 6:30 pm Auburndale Community Library 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale Discovering What’s Next® invites you to join Dale Koppel, PhD, as she tells you everything women AND men need to know in order to succeed in the daunting area of online dating at the Discover Realities Meeting-Up, Thursday, December 10, 6:30pm, at the Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale. Just shy of turning 60 and after 25 years of marriage, she suddenly found herself single. Twelve days later, she joined an online dating service. As she made her way through thousands of profiles and met hundreds of men, she learned how to make the most out of online dating, achieve her goals and come out on top. She developed skills and strategies that really worked while having a good time. Her book, “THE INTELLIGENT WOMAN'S GUIDE TO ONLINE DATING: And She Lived Happily Ever After” is about her experiences. Register for this free program-email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com; phone 617-796-1419. The Couple's Retirement Puzzle: Getting to YES Together Discover Realities Meeting-Up Thursday, November 12, 2009, 6:30 pm Auburndale Community Library 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale Are you and your partner on the same page when it comes to retirement planning? Or…Are you like millions of couples avoiding conversations such as: when to retire; how much money is enough; how to balance work and leisure; what if we need to keep working or where to live? Discovering What’s Next® invites you to an interactive workshop, Thursday, November 12, 6:30pm, at the Auburndale Community Library, 375 Auburn Street, Auburndale, to learn about the “10 must-have conversations” that will help you begin to explore your vision for the second half of life. You will have the opportunity to take a brief self assessment, hear what your peers are saying and leave with resources and ideas about next steps. Individuals and couples approaching and/or in retirement transition are welcome. Workshop leaders, Roberta Taylor and Dori Mintzer, are experienced psychotherapists and coaches specializing in the 50+ population, individuals and couples who are reinventing their lives and their relationships. Their book, “The Couples Retirement Puzzle: 10 Must-Have Conversation for Transitioning to the Second Half of Life”, is due out spring, 2010. Click here for "Couples Retirement Puzzle Resources Bibliography." Click here for" Mini Assessment - Couples Retirement Puzzle."
Legal Complexities of Financial and Estate Planning for Ourselves and Our Parents Discover Realities Meeting-Up Thursday, October 29, 2009, 3:30 pm Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library We are all concerned about our financial health these days, and it is also important to be aware of the legal ramifications of our financial choices. Discovering What’s Next® invites you to join Attorney Stephen J. Spano, one of only 20 Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Massachusetts, on Thursday, October 29, 3:30pm, Druker Auditorium, who will speak about Legal Complexities of Financial and Estate Planning for Ourselves and Our Parents and will answer questions we might have.
Attorney Stephen J. Spano is Past President of The Massachusetts Chapter of The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Vice President of the National Elder Law Foundation and President-Elect of The National Life Care Planning Law Firms Association.
Whole-Hearted Care Giving: Balancing Giving & Living Discover Realities Meeting-Up Monday, October 5, 2009, 7:00pm Newton Free Library Are you struggling trying to balance care giving for a loved one with caring for other family members, self-care and/or career demands? Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Paula Solomon, psychotherapist, life coach and former EAP eldercare resource specialist, on Monday, October 5, 7:00pm, 3rd floor HUB, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton, MA, for a Discover Realities Meeting-Up “Whole-Hearted Care Giving: Balancing Giving and Living to be the Best for Your Loved One”. Learn important things to do as a caregiver to enable you to enjoy the relationship with your loved one with a whole heart, rather than with the half-hearted getting-through-the-to-do-list efforts that result from physical and emotional depletion. Paula knows what it is like to “hit a wall” as a long-term caregiver--to be so exhausted that it is nearly impossible to be patient and to be longing for some respite between crises. She will address feeling guilty about not doing more, no matter how much you are doing.
Be in Business for Yourself for Purpose and Profit Discover Work Meeting-Up Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 7:00pm Newton Free Library
Starting a business in the second half of life is becoming an attractive option. If you would like to follow your passion while making a profit, Discovering What’s Next invites you to join Amy Grossman, experienced business coach, for the Discover Work Meeting-Up, “Be In Business for Yourself—for Purpose and Profit”, Wednesday, September 30, 7:00pm, 3rd floor HUB, Newton Free Library. “Encore entrepreneurs” have many reasons for self-employment: to help others, continue learning while doing interesting work, express their creativity, stay connected, create a flexible work style as well as help meet financial needs. Learn how to create a stream of income while making a difference as an independent professional, solo-entrepreneur or small business owner. Amy, in addition to her coaching, leads the innovative Business Plan Action Group and created BoomerBusinessLauncher.com.
ABC’s of Downsizing to a Smaller Home Discover Realities Meeting-Up Thursday, September 24, 2009, 3:30pm Newton Free Library Discovering What's Next® invites you to join MJ Rosenthal, founder of An Organized Life, Professional Organizing Services for Home & Business, on Thursday, September 24, 3:30pm, 3rd floor HUB, Newton Free Library, as she discusses how to go through the downsizing process, decrease time and stress associated with moving, and the best way to settle into a new home quickly.
Looking at Transition by Telling Our Stories Discover Balance Meeting-Up Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 3:30pm Newton Free Library Discovering What’s Next is pleased to offer follow-up sessions to Maxine Lyons’ very successful “Telling Our Life Stories” Discover Balance Meeting-Up held in the spring. The first of three sessions will be Wednesday, September 16, 3:30pm, 3rd floor HUB, Newton Free Library. As we begin the process of life review, we examine where we have gone, what we have accomplished, tackle regrets as well as unfilled dreams and hopes. Maxine, retired community educator and author, will focus on new ways to understand the themes and messages of our life stories and transitions and guide us to understand how we can use them to move us in positive new directions. Sharing these themes in a group setting can enable participants to see commonalities and differences and help one another to write new chapters in our life stories by exploring other options.
Discover Balance Meeting-UpPrescription: Art Once a WeekWednesday, August 5, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Newton resident, Traute Marshall, as she discusses her book, Art Museums PLUS: Cultural Excursions in New England, Wednesday, August 5, 7:00 - 8:45 pm, DWN HUB, Newton Free Library. Discover Work Meeting-UpNegotiating a Part-Time Arrangementwith Your EmployerWednesday, July 29, 2009 - 7:00 p.m. Work is likely to be an essential part of midlife and later life transitions; but is it possible to continue at your current work with a reduced time commitment? Discovering What’s Next invites you to join Ron Ponte, LICSW, Director, Community Partnerships, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 7:00pm, Newton Free Library, 3rd floor HUB, as he shares personal experiences regarding negotiating a part-time work arrangement. Ron will share tips on how to approach this type of arrangement and how to make it happen for you.
Discover Realities Meeting-Up Update on the Financial Markets and the EconomyTuesday, July 21, 2009 - 7:00 p.m. Confused about the financial markets?
Discovering What’s Next invites you to an informal discussion of what is taking place in the US economy and capital markets, Tuesday, July 21, 7:00pm, 3rd floor HUB. Join Jim Thompson, CFP of Village Financial Partners and DWN Board member, for this informative session.
Discover Balance Meeting-Up An Introduction to the Enneagram: A New Resource for Navigating Transitions Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Newton Free Library - DWN HUB Discovering What's Next® invites you to an introduction to the Enneagram by Joan Rosenberg Ryan, JD, Wednesday, July 15, 3:30 pm, DWN HUB, Newton Free Library. Joan, a Newton native, is an attorney, executive coach and expert Enneagram teacher. "Each of us is telling the truth, and we each have a different story to tell. We view our marriage, a job, and our children from radically different angles, often without seeing a systematic bias." * *From Introduction, The Enneagram in Love and Work by Helen Palmer. Used with author's permission.
Discover Work Meeting-Up Taking the Edge Off Networking: Your Springboard to Connecting with Others Monday, June 29, 2009 7:00 pm - Newton Free Library - DWN HUB As you navigate Discovering WORK, this Meeting-Up is designed to help you get started in effectively communicating to others the kinds of information and assistance you need. You will practice identifying and articulating what you are looking for to those who can make suggestions to help create momentum in your search.
Citizen Schools – Volunteer Opportunity Discover Service Meeting-Up Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 3:30 pm Newton Free Library Discovering What’s Next® invites you to learn about a unique volunteer opportunity with the Citizen Schools on Tuesday, June 16, 3:30pm, Newton Free Library, 3rd floor HUB. Citizen Schools, a national nonprofit, provides hands-on, after-school education programs, preparing urban middle school students for achievement and leadership in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life. These programs blend rigorous academic support with real-world "apprenticeships”— fun, hands-on learning projects taught by business and community volunteers. Through apprenticeships, Citizen Schools students have designed solar cars, created public health websites, taught fellow students about the effects of drugs on the brain, studied aerodynamics, argued mock trials, published newspapers, programmed video games, and more. Melissa Rouette, Director of Volunteers for Citizen Schools Massachusetts, will share information about the Citizen Schools model, its impact on both students and volunteers and how to get involved with these extraordinary volunteer opportunities. For more information on Citizen Schools, visit their website at www.citizenschools.org
Understanding Long Term Care Discover Realities Meeting-Up Monday, June 22, 2009, 7:00 pm Newton Free Library As we live longer, we recognize that all of our years may not be healthy ones. The possibility of needing long term care is very real. DWN invites you to join Stephen Epstein, Long Term Care Specialist, Monday, June 22, 2009, 7:00pm, Newton Free Library, 3rd floor HUB, to learn about the options and other important considerations involved in this critically important issue. A well thought-out plan for addressing the need for care is essential to the financial, emotional, and physical needs of you and your family. According to the non-profit National Alliance for Caregiving, almost one quarter of U.S. households--22 million people--are already involved in caring for a relative or a friend who is 50 or older. What is your plan?
Discovering What's Next® is looking for a few more Transition Navigators® Wednesday, June 24, 2009 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Are you 50+? Newly retired or thinking about retirement? Searching for a volunteer opportunity that's enjoyable, involving, and gives back to your entire generation?
Transition Navigators® are a group of volunteers who staff the DWN HUB at the Newton Free Library. We contribute 4-6 hours a month, serving HUB visitors who come in search of information, inspiration, and involvement as they consider or embark upon Life Part II (nobody calls it retirement anymore). We are fully familiar with the resources in the Hub, throughout the library, on the internet, and within the community that can help people at midlife quite literally discover what's next for them.
If you like talking with people and would like to help them discover what interests them, if you enjoy exploring all the exciting opportunities out there for those of us at this new stage of life, this is a great volunteer opportunity!
Lenses Through Which We Look at Transition Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 3:30pm DWN HUB, 3rd Floor, Newton Free Library
Discovering What’s Next invites you to attend the free, interactive workshop, “Lenses Through Which We Look at Transition” at the Newton Free Library, Wednesday, May 13, 3:30pm, 3rd floor HUB. Transition of any sort is often unclear and difficult. Join Miriam Mazeh, experienced Israeli clinical health social worker, as she guides us with unique, imaginative and effective tools to discover the strength within ourselves. You will have the opportunity to adopt active and creative approaches to cope with life’s transitions. Telling Our Life Stories As we begin the process of life review, we examine where we have gone, what we have accomplished, tackle regrets as well as unfilled dreams and hopes. Discovering What's Next® invites you to join Maxine Lyons, M.S., retired community educator and author, on Wednesday, April 29, 3:30 pm, 3rd floor HUB, Newton Free Library, who will guide us in sharing our stories and understanding how stories validate the uniqueness of our life experiences. Learn how to record your stories and share them with family and friends; explore using your personal story for making new choices and for stimulating choices to move in very different directions. Networking through Community Service: Giving Back, Expanding your Skills & Gaining Experience Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 - 3:30 pm DWN HUB, 3rd Floor, Newton Free Library Discovering What’s Next invites you to join SOAR 55, Service Opportunities after Reaching 55, Wednesday, April 15, 3:30pm, 3rd floor HUB, Newton Free Library, and learn about SOAR 55’s initiative to connect unemployed and under-employed adults 55 and over with community service opportunities and nonprofits in need. Learn how skills-based volunteering can connect you with others, enrich your career exploration and job search, and enhance your personal sense of well-being. Find out how you and the community benefit. SOAR 55 can assist in your search for the right volunteer opportunity. Hear from SOAR 55 volunteers who are doing interesting and exciting things in our community. Karen Albert, SOAR 55 Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, will facilitate the discussion. Please register by email to info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or phone 617-796-1419.
Follow-Up on "Networking through Community Service: Giving Back, Expanding your Skills and Gaining Experience" Session led by Karen Albert, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, SOAR 55, Service Opportunities After Reaching 55, program of Newton Community Service Center and part of Corporation for National and Community Service. SOAR 55 meets critical community needs through volunteer service of adults 55 and over in Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Natick, Framingham, Wayland and Ashland. You do not need to live in one of these towns; however opportunities are within these communities. (Special thanks to the Massachusetts Service Alliance for generously supporting the Meeting-Up.)
Think about community service as a part or a piece of your overall approach to looking for a job or considering a career change. Apply a “whole person” or holistic perspective.
How does Community Service Benefit You? How does community service benefit you while unemployed, underemployed, making a career change or just re-entering the work force after a period of time?
How does the community/nonprofit benefit?
Currently:
SOAR 55 panel shares their volunteer experiences and what their outstanding talents have brought to the community:
Margot S. Lansing - SOAR 55 Nonprofit Management Consulting Group Spoke about previous careers and current volunteer work as part of the SOAR 55 Nonprofit Management Consulting Group. Spoke about the time span and flexibility of the position that allowed her to participate in the SOAR 55 training, her eventual return to professional work as her work grew substantially, and her return to SOAR 55 a year later when her work had slowed down; she was able to work on a variety of projects helping local nonprofits as part of SOAR 55’s NMCG. She talked about the wonderful friendships she made that developed into lasting relationships. Susan Ruder - Mentor, MCI Framingham Spoke about her work mentoring an MCI Framingham inmate who is enrolled at Boston University through the Partakers “College Behind Bars” program. Spoke about the mentoring team with whom she periodically meets to discuss curriculum, schedules and the woman they are mentoring. Spoke about the misconceptions about incarceration. Spoke about learning Art History--something she never thought she would experience through her mentees work. Dick Hanelin - Learning Partner Dick is passionate about teaching and children and described his work as a tutor at the Newton Community Service Center’s pre-school. He began working with 3-year olds, then 4-year olds, as well as with older students in Newton. He spoke about the richness of his life and that he has the time to volunteer, participate in his hobbies, sports and with his family.
Sample SOAR 55 Assignments
Next Steps
and mail to:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Aging in Place: Women in Suburbia – What’s Next?” Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 3:30 pm Newton Free Library “Aging in place” is often used to characterize the experience of older people who remain in their community and choose not to live in independent or assisted living facilities. Discovering What’s Next® invites you to join Marian L. Knapp, long-time Newton resident and aging-in-placer, Wednesday, March 25, 3:30pm, 3rd floor HUB, Newton Free Library, as she discusses her recently completed doctoral studies during which she examined the experiences of women who were “aging in place” in Newton. What does the environment look like? What are its features and characteristics? What, in particular, is it like for people who are “aging in place” in a suburb – a place that was built for families with young children. Come and hear what she found in her research, ask questions, and participate in a discussion about what “aging in place” means to you now and in the future. Follow-up on “Aging in Place in Suburbia” Marian Knapp’s presentation on March 28, 2009 elicited a number of important responses. People are interested in the topic of “aging in place” in general, but more specifically, want concrete information on finding resources in the community, housing options, and dealing with financial issues. Attendees suggested a follow-up session that would focus on these topics, as well as others related to the complexity of aging in place. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Getting Started with LinkedIn for Professional Networking Over 30 million professionals use LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) to exchange information, ideas and opportunities. Shouldn't you? Discovering What’s Next® in collaboration with Career Moves at JVS will show you the way to get started in this introductory hands-on workshop to be held at the Newton Free Library, Wednesday, January 21st from 3:30 – 5:00 pm, The workshop, led by George Zeller, Senior Employment Specialist at Career Moves at JVS, is aimed at individuals who want to learn how to use this web-based free service to enhance their professional and social networking skills. In this workshop, you will learn why you might want to use LinkedIn, how to post a profile and become comfortable using it to grow your network; learn about features that can help you find people, and discuss ways to control your professional identity online. This is a hands-on beginner workshop to be held in the library’s second-floor computer lab. Participants need to be computer literate and familiar with using a PC or Mac. Space is limited. Registration is required either at info@discoveringwhatsnext.com or by phone 617-796-1419
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Should I Wait or What?" FAQ's About Social Security - Answered
What Does Competition for Auto Insurance Mean for You! Estimating one's expenses is an important part of retirement financial preparation. Protecting one's assets, however, is just as important. The recent change in auto insurance regulations has opened up competition. There may be ways for you to save money but it is important for you to understand what the changes really mean for you. Join Steve Aronson, third generation owner of Aronson Insurance in Newton and Needham, and long time DWN community member, for a MeetingUp on April 1st from 3 - 4:30 pm to learn more. Steve will provide objective information on the new coverage available and give you tips on how to shop for the best coverage for you, how to choose an agent/broker and whether or not you should call 1-800-cheapinsurance. |
|
|