New Public TV Initiative Seeks To Corner Boomer Market

Some time ago we mentioned Retirement Living TV, a channel targeting people 50+. It looks like the idea is catching on. PBS has just announced that they will soon launch "Next Avenue," a multi-platform initiative designed to be "a virtual life coach for baby boomers." It is hoped that the project will "challenge them to see the opportunities that life holds after 45." A national effort based in the Twin Cities, Next Avenue will feature a website, e-newsletter, local special events and TV series, specials and interstitials.

Is it just me or does this sound a lot like Coming of Age?

Referred to by some as a "Sesame Street for grownups," PBS hopes that this "audience-centered" initiative will achieve the same level of loyalty from boomers that its daytime educational programming has gotten from children.  

It sounds very exciting to this boomer. 

Demystifying Reflexology

Boomer Bob, Bogart and Bus at Buena Vista

If you didn't attend RSVP's very successful "Living A Well Seasoned Life" event at Buena Vista you missed meeting a truly remarkable person. Bob Votruba, the day's keynote speaker, spoke movingly about how he was shaken to the core by the tragedies of 9/11, Katrina and the Virginia Tech shootings. He decided that living life as usual was no longer an option. So he sold his business, his house and gave away most of his possessions. He then bought an old school bus off Craigslist and set out on a 10 year journey with his dog Bogart to encourage Americans, particularly young people, to commit one million acts of kindness during their lifetimes. Bob's three kids were supportive, but his friends thought he was crazy. It's not easy living in a 7' by 12' bus and showering where you can. But Bob's step of faith is already producing results. Thousands of young people have taken the pledge and downloaded certificates from his website. His hometown, Cleveland, will soon proclaim itself the "City of Kindness." And his kids are getting their own kindness buses.

Bob begins every day with this simple prayer: "may I use my heart, mouth and mind to spread only kindness today."

You can follow Bob on his tour and read this thoughts about visiting Delaware by clicking here. 

Out and About in Delaware - October

There's a lot to do in October. Here's just a sampling:

• October 1-3, 2010.  Slave Narratives Revisted: Celebration of Freedom. Fringe Wilmington Festival. Christina Cultural Arts Center, Wilmington. Characters from Joan of Arc through Nelson Mandella who have held on to their humanity in spite of intolerance. More information. 
• October 1-9, 2010. 100 Years of Broadway III. ClearSpace Theatre Company. Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts, Rehoboth. Musical revue of standards from the Great White Way. More information.
• October 2, 2010, 6:00 pm. The Ultimate Discussion with Charles Dickens. Delmarva Discussions. McGynn's Pub, Dover. Noted Dickens impersonator and a Victorian feast. More information.
• October 7, 2010, 12:30 pm. Delaware Steel - Thursday Noontime Concerts. First and Central Presbyterian Church, Wilmington. U. of D. steel drum band. More information.
• October 9, 2010, 8:00 pm. OH BOY! A Tribute to Buddy Holly. Milton Theatre, Milton. Tribute band and stage show. More information.
• October 16-17, 10:00 am. Hagley Craft Fair. Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Too early for holiday shopping? More information.
• October 23, 2010, 6:00 pm. Melomanie: Concert, Wine Tasting and Party. Blue Ball Barn at Alapocas Run. Classical music, food and wine. More information.
• October 29, 2010, 8:30 pm. The Night of All Nights: Delaware Symphony Orchestra Gala. Chase Center on the Riverfront. Music from the symphony and jaw dropping aerial feats and contortions from Cirque Dreams. More information.

Parent Educator

Part-time, evening hours teaching parenting skills to parents/caregivers at various community sites. Must have education and/or experience in the fields of child development, psychology, behavioral science or a related field. Classroom experience or prior group facilitation required. Bilingual skills helpful. Apply in writing by sending letter/resume to Deborah Palmer-Sutter, HR, CHILD, Inc., 507 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE, 19809, or dpalmer-sutter@childinc.com, or fax 302-762-8983.

Freelance Writer - Spirituality and Religion

Seeking ministers, religious teachers, freethinkers, or others who have in-depth knowledge of a particular religion or spirituality-related subject to write authoritatively about it on Examiner.com.  Examiners are passionate local insiders who come from all backgrounds but have two main things in common:  they have a lot of knowledge about a specific topic AND they are solid writers.  If you have a passion for your beliefs, a thirst for getting involved, and a desire to share what you know with others, answer your calling and join us. 

Apply online at http://www.examiner.com/wilmington.

Matter of Balance Instructor

A Matter of Balance is a proven program designed to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity. Participation in this program has had a very positive impact on the quality of life of the attendees. The program is led by trained volunteers and is conducted in 8 two hour sessions. RSVP needs coaches to present this program at senior centers, retirement communities and other community centers. Coaches need good communication skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of adults. Coaches are asked to try to teach two series in a calendar year. RSVP will be holding a coach training series on October 12 & 19 9:30 AM – 2 PM in the Charles Debnam Building, 1901 N. Dupont Hwy. New Castle. Please call Debby at 255-9878 to register.

Tree Planter

Since 1992, thousands of volunteers have planted more than 35,000 trees and shrubs and 20,000 tree seeds on 70 acres of abandoned farm fields in New Castle Country’s 850-acre Middle Run Natural Area. This year, we have 1,000 trees to plant on each planting day!!!! Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather, wear long pants, gloves, and sturdy shoes, bring a shovel and a gallon milk jug of water for the first planted tree. There is no experience necessary – planting instructions and refreshments will be provided and, of course, have fun making a positive contribution to our local environment.

Volunteers will be asked to register with our Reforestation Coordinator, Derek Stoner, at Derek@delawarenaturesociety.org or call 302-239-2334 ext. 106 for more details regarding location and sign-up.

• Saturday, October 23rd 9:00am-Noon – Middle Run Tree Planting
• Sunday, November 14th 2:00pm-5:00pm – Middle Run Tree Planting