Transitioning To Retirement: Part 1

Many people look forward to the day they will retire with much anticipation. This is especially true for those of us with jobs which pay the bills but don't engage us, challenge us or feed our souls. Much of this anticipation revolves around getting away from the stress and other issues involved with our jobs; but do we really know what retirement will look like on a day-to-day basis once we get there?

In a series of three articles, we will look at the transition from full-time work to being a retiree, and some of the issues and feelings that this transition often raises.

To Drive Or Not To Drive

We Americans love our cars. They are expressions of our personal identities and, depending where you live, practical necessities. So how do you know when it is time for you or a loved one to give up the car keys? In this article by Jean Williams, the former Director of the Newark Senior Center and a leader with Coming of Age: Delaware, find out about some resources that will help you to make this difficult decision.

Out and About in Delaware: May

Here are more fun things to do mostly outside of the usual venues.

• April 30 - May 2. Dover Days. City of Dover. Family fun on Legislative Mall and throughout the city's historic district. Tons of activities including an energy village, Amish quilt auction, steam cars, Native American dancing and a high tea. More information.
• First Fridays, May through October, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Labyrinth Walks. Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Learn about and actually try out this ancient centering exercise. More information.
• May 13, 6:30 p.m. Howard Pyle and the Pirates. South Coastal Library, Bethany Beach. Learn how Howard Pyle invented the pirate as we known him: head scraf, sash, loop earrings and all. More information.
• May 14-23. Doubt: A Parable. Reedy Point Players at the Delaware City Community Center, Delaware City. Play telling the story made famous by the hit movie, "Doubt." More information.
• May 15, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bellefonte Arts Festival. 800 block of Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington. Annual arts festival showcasing local talent. More information.
• May 15, 8:00 p.m. Freedom is Coming. The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware at First and Central Presbyterian Church, Wilmington. Inspirational African music by Delaware's LGBT choir featuring the Sankofa African Dance and Drum Company. Also presented on May 22 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach. More information.
• May 16, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 4th Annual Photography Show and Contest. Millsboro Art League, Millsboro. Photography exhibition with cash prizes for exhibiters. More information.
• May 22, 6:00 p.m. Mystery Dinner Theatre: "Cashinbanca." Foot Light Productions at the Smyrna Opera House, Smyrna. Parody/murder mystery based on the classic movie Casablanca. More information.

The Joy of a Healthy Brain: May

Boomerang Kids

How to Learn Just about Anything Online...for Free!

Would you be interested in learning from professors at Harvard or MIT all without moving from your living room? Well, you can with the growing amount of free educational media on the web. According to Dan Colman of Stanford University, “I think we’re entering an era where lifelong learners will have access to limitless amounts of free, noncommercial educational opportunities. Arguably, we’re already there.”

This article from the AARP Bulletin proves all the technical know-how and resources you need to get started.

Be a Career Mystery Guest

Remember the old television show, "What's My Line?" Schools now use this format to provide career awareness to young students. Volunteers representing various careers visit schools as mystery guests. They are with a group of students for 30 minutes. Students have 10 minutes to guess the person's occupation by asking questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no" responses. If, after 10 minutes, they have not guessed the occupation, it is revealed. A panel of students then conducts a 20-minute interview with the guest. For more information click here or call the Delaware BIE Alliance at 739-2209 (Kent) or 368-4371 (New Castle).

Visitors Service Manager, Old Swedes Historic Site

Old Swedes Historic Site is looking for a part-time, weekend visitor services manager, 2-3 days per month. Responsibilities include management of the historic site on Saturdays. This includes greeting visitors, overseeing gift shop, giving tours of two 17th century buildings, and managing volunteers. Historic site is located in the city of Wilmington, DE. Must be interested in history and have a minimum of Bachelor of Arts degree in American History, Museum Studies, or Art History. To apply please email or fax a letter of application, resume, and references. Fax Number 302-652-8615. For more information call 302-652-5629

Delaware Hospice Volunteer Coordinator

Full-time position responsible for the overall management, coordination and implementation of volunteer services. Functions as member of interdisciplinary team and as liaison for volunteers to provide quality hospice services to patients and families.

Excellent organization and communication skills. Ability to relate well with all people. High School diploma, minimum requirement. Prior experience working with volunteers. Training and/or skills in Human Relations, Management, Supervision, Sales, Promotion, Public Speaking. More information.

Winterthur Point-to-Point Volunteer

Winterthur needs your help at Point to Point on May 2, 2010. Volunteer for a few hours and then enjoy the festivities with family and friends. Enjoy the steeplechase races, parade of antique carriages, tailgate competition, bagpipers, Canine Capers, Stick Horse Races, and much more. As a volunteer, you will receive an admission wristband and special parking pass. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful day and support a major fund-raising event for Winterthur. Please contact Ellen Hughes at 302.888.4871 or eshughes@winterthur.org.

Meet and Greet at the Delaware Center for Horticulture

Delaware Center for Horticulture needs receptionists to greet and guide visitors and callers. Duties include greeting walk-in visitors, answering phones, transferring calls to appropriate staff, and receiving and preparing mail. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Benefits include an invitation to the DCH annual “thank you” event and staff price for any DCH event. Please call Susan Fox of RSVP at 255-9690 to volunteer.