Brokaw's Documentary Leaves This Boomer Disappointed

I was looking forward to Tom Brokaw's 2-hour documentary on the boomers that aired earlier this month on CNBC. I was hoping that Brokaw would bring the same passion and appreciation to his exploration of my generation as he did when writing about my father's, the men and women he called "The Greatest Generation." But, I'm afraid, it wasn't to be. Throughout the program Brokaw seemed unimpressed and his presentation superficial. Maybe Brokaw wasn't the best person for the job. He's in his 70's after all, closer in age to the boomer's parents than the boomers themselves. And the boomer spokespersons he chose, Tom Hanks, for example, just didn't do it for me. There was way too much focus on Woodstock and nothing at all on feminism, the environmental movement and humanistic psychology. When the tables were turned on Brokaw and he was asked what he thought of the boomer legacy he responded with a one word answer, "unrealized."

If you missed the program you can still view it here. Come to your own decision. But if you ask me, "Tom Brokaw Reports: Bommer$" was...well...unrealized!

Out And About In Delaware

Here's our monthly sampler of interesting things to do and see mostly outside of the major venues in Delaware. For a more complete listing go to DelawareScene.com which is sponsored by the Delaware Division of the Arts.

• Through April 3, 2010. 10 Months: The Wilmington Voices Project, Delaware Theatre Company, Wilmington. Through drama and video this work explores how Wilmington has defined itself in three, 10-month time periods in its early history, during the occupation by the National Guard in 1968 and in the present day. Go here for more information.
• April 6, 2010, 6:30 p.m. Singing Workers: American Occupational Folk Songs, Kent County Library, Dover. Saul Broudy sings songs of railroad workers, coal miners, farmers and other workers and discusses the role of music in their lives. Go here for more information. Free.
• April 16, 7:00 p.m. Estamos Aqui, Milton Theatre, Milton. This film explores the changing landscape of Georgetown, Delaware which has become home to thousands of predominately Guatemalan immigrants fleeing war and poverty in their homeland. Go here for more information.
• April 22, 2010, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wilmington Earth Day Celebration, Rodney Square, Wilmington. Visitors will be welcomed with music, a free giveaway, and vendors offering advice that's good for the environment, and your wallet. Go here for more information.
• April 25, 2010, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 6th Annual Wildflower Celebration, Mt. Cuba Center, Greenville. Stroll the gardens, enjoy music, special presentations and activities for the grand kids. Go here for more information.

Could You Give Away Half Of What You Own?

Kevin and Hannah Salwen don't look all that different from you and me but what they and the rest of their family have done is quite extraordinary. Together, the family decided to sell their Atlanta mansion, move into a much smaller home and donate half of the savings - about $800,000 - to a village in Ghana through The Hunger Project. What's even more interesting is that the idea for the project came from Hannah, the family's then 14 year old daughter. Kevin, a journalist, and Hannah have now written a book about their experience entitled, The Power of Half.

Check out this short interview with Kevin Salwen from Encore.org. Some have criticized the Salwens saying that they could afford to lose the money or that they shouldn't have sent it overseas. What do you think?

The Joy of a Healthy Brain - April

Do I Take Social Security Now or Wait?

Coming of Age: A National Movement

Did you know that Coming of Age: Delaware is just one of several communities where the Philadelphia-based initiative has been replicated? Other Coming of Age communities include Delaware County, PA; Kansas City Metro Area; Central Pennsylvania; San Francisco Bay Area; and more are in the works.

The Coming of Age national office recently launched a website that reflects this new, national presence. The site also provides a wide range of resources of interest to people 50+ and the nonprofits seeking to engage them. Check it out at www.comingofage.org. 

Elder Buddy Volunteer Coordinator

The Elder Buddy Program provides community volunteers who make friendly visits to older adults in need of companionship who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Responsibilities include, recruiting, screening, matching appropriate volunteers for individual elders, training and retaining volunteers. Requires, patience, ability to work independently, good sense of humor and an appreciation of older adults and their needs. Experience working with older adults, a plus. Bachelor’s degree and one to two years related experience preferred. Strong written, verbal and organizational skills required. Part-time (20 hours a week) with some benefits. Send resumes to: Human Resources Children & Families First 2005 Baynard Blvd., Wilmington, Delaware, 19802. Email: jobs@cffde.org Fax: 302-652-3129

A Volunteer Fair Is Coming To Your County This April

Delaware's celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 18-24) will culminate with volunteer fairs in each county on April 24th. Discover the volunteer opportunities available in your local community and meet Delaware's First Lady, Carla Markell. Events are sponsored by the State Office of Volunteerism, RSVP and local partners. Limited display space is still available for nonprofits.

• New Castle County: Brandywine Hundred Branch Library, 1300 Foulk Road, Wilmington. April 24th, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Nonprofit Contact: Clare Garrison, 255-9899.
• Kent County: Dover Public Library, 45 South State Street, Dover. April 24th, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Nonprofit Contact: Carrie Hart, 857-5040.
• Sussex County: Ocean View Town Hall, 201 Central Avenue, Ocean View. Nonprofit Contact: April Willey, 856-5815.

Job Search and Fall Prevention Instructors Needed in Sussex County

Do you have training experience? If so, your skills are needed to address two particularly critical community problems: unemployment and fall prevention. "Bridge to a New Position" equips displaced workers and people seeking employment with the skills they need to successfully interview, prepare resumes and conduct job searches. "A Matter of Balance" helps older adults become more confident about managing falls through exercise, changing self-defeating thoughts, removing hazards and becoming more assertive. If you are interested in helping with either of these programs please call April Willey at 856-5815 or email April.Willey@state.de.us.