84 Year Old Bikes for MS in Dress and High Heels!

For the past 26 years Lan Yin "Eiko" Tsai has participated in a 150 mile bike-a-thon for MS. If that isn't remarkable enough, she competes on an old, one speed bike while wearing a dress and high heels. Why? That's how she bikes to church each Sunday. It's just her way.

Read more about this remarkable women here. Oh, by the way, so what is your excuse for not volunteering?!

Delaware's Volunteers & National Purpose Prize Winners Recognized

In October two volunteer recognition events took place that may be of interest to readers of this newsletter.

On October 29, 2009, in Dover, Governor Jack Markell presented "Outstanding Volunteer Awards" to 22 individuals and 10 groups in the First State. As usual, people 50+ were well represented among the awardees. This being Delaware, there is a pretty good chance you know one of them. Click on "Continue Reading" below to find out.

Just 2 days later out in San Francisco 10 people 60+ received Purpose Prize awards of between $50,000 and $100,000 for their social innovation during an encore career. Sponsored by Civic Ventures, the Purpose Prize Awards highlights social entrepreneurs who are using this new stage of life to do extraordinary things to improve the lives of others. The five receiving the $100,000 awards included:

• A former telecom executive who helped wire an Appalachian county and brought laid-off factory workers back to profitable farming.
• A professor who invented a way to transform toxic fly ash into green bricks.
• A psychiatrist who helps saves soldiers' lives by offering free mental health treatment.
• A former NASA exec who works to treat alcoholism in Native American communities by reviving old customs and traditions.
• A couple who honor their son, killed on 9/11, by helping to bring mental health services to countries ravaged by terrorism, violence and war.

Click here to view short videos about the Purpose Prize recipients.

Questions to Help You Find Your Calling In Life

Your calling in life, says Frederick Buechner, is "that place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

Rev. Sam Shafter in this article from www.encore.org offers three, thought provoking questions to help you discover your calling.

The Joy of a Healthy Brain - November

A Musical About Boomers!

Project Consultants for Nonprofits

Interested in a short-term project that utilizes your professional skills? 

Enjoy helping nonprofits to build organizational capacity?

Miss working with other professionals to achieve meaningful goals?

Then Project Consultants for Nonprofits just might be the organization for you. We are a self-managing team of experienced people 50+ who provide consulting and short-term assistance to help nonprofits get things done. You can join the PCN management team or just register your skills with us and volunteer when an opportunity of interest comes up. Our past projects have included facilitating a retreat, writing an annual report, developing a marketing plan, revising a training curriculum, conducting focus groups, designing a survey and more. Individuals wanting to become consultants or organizations seeking assistance can go to our website or contact Jessica Snow at jsnow@newarkseniorcenter.com.

Women's Shelter Assistant

The Ministry of Caring Inc., a  non-profit agency serving the ongoing needs of the poor and homeless in Wilmington, Delaware, is seeking a Weekend Shelter Staff person for Mary Mother of Hope House I, a short-term shelter serving homeless women.  This position requires an individual to work 2-12 hour shifts every weekend. (24 hours every weekend)  The individual is responsible for assisting the residents and assuring the smooth operation of the shelter while on their shift.   

Interested parties should fax their resumes to Rhonda Miller at (302) 428-3655. 

Client Interviewer - Faith Center

Do you feel drawn to reach out to the poor and disadvantaged? The Faith Center needs volunteers to interview clients requesting financial assistance for paying bills, loans, rent or utilities. Volunteers determine the clients' needs, eligibility and assist them with filling out the necessary paperwork. Appointments are scheduled for clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact Susan Fox of RSVP at 302-255-9690 or email susan.fox@state.de.us.