Pat Nicholson will lead a workshop in Burlingame, Calif.

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There are plenty of chances to learn more about encore careers in coming weeks, whether it's listening to a speaker or diving into the nitty-gritty of what's involved in finding your own purpose-driven job.

Here are some upcoming events that offer an opportunity to learn more. You can also visit Encore.org's Events Calendar.

CALIFORNIA

Burlingame

Wednesdays, October 28-December 9 (omit November 11), 7:30-9 p.m., Burlingame Recreation Center 850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame. Encore.org member Pat Nicholson, formerly of Stanford University, helps individuals at midlife find new meaning and growth in a workshop called "Renew Your Life at Midlife (45+)." This workshop will help participants make choices leading to the exercise of their passions. The format will be guided discussion and readings, with curriculum prompted by the Life Options Planning Network (Life's Third Chapter initiative, Civic Ventures). Cost $49 to $72, depending on age and residency. For more information, call the Burlingame Recreation Center at (650) 558-7300.

CONNECTICUT

Westport

Wednesday, November 18, 7-9 p.m., Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, Conn. The Connecticut Chapter of The Transition Network presents "Smart Women Don't Retire - They Break Free" with Gail Rentsch, cofounder of TTN, who has been traveling the country, listening to women's stories and writing a book. Joining her will be TTN cofounder Christine Millen. See TTN's Web site for details.

FLORIDA

St. Petersburg

Sunday-Monday, December 6-7, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue S., St. Peterburg. Second Life Planning Pre-Conference. Sponsored by the Life Planning Network (LPN), this gathering is dedicated to advancing the new field of holistic later-life planning and expanding LPN. Cost is $100 before November 15 and $125 after. (LPN members: 20 percent off.) Visit the Eckerd College site for details and to register.

Monday-Wednesday, December 7-9, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue S., St. Peterburg. National Conference on Positive Aging, sponsored by AARP, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Elderhotel and Life Planning Network. "Wave of the Future" will be a highly interactive gathering attended by diverse national leaders who are shaping a dynamic future for older adults. Cost is $250 before November 15 and $300 after. Visit the Eckerd College site for details and to register.

NEW YORK

Hempstead

September 30-December 9, Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. "Nonprofit Employment and Volunteerism" is a 25-hour, 10-week course for individuals seeking greater purpose and meaning in their lives. The course features guest speakers, site visits and other activities. The course instructor is Paul Arfin, who has more than 45 years of experience managing nonprofit organization. For more information and to register, visit Hofstra's Web site.

OREGON

Portland

Last Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Portland Community College, CPWTC, 1626 SE Water Ave. (across the street from OMSI), Portland. Life by Design NW invites you to "Coffee and Conversation Networking," a monthly get-together for mid-career professionals and anyone in transition who is interested in meaningful work to discuss a topical theme, brainstorm ideas, network with peers and share resources. Free ($5 donation suggested). For more information, visit Life by Design NW's Web site

Every Friday (except holidays), noon-2 p.m., Capitol Hill Library, 10723 S.W. Capitol Hwy., Portland. Job Finders support group.

October 5-November 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Portland Community College Community Education, PCC Central, 1626 SE Water St. Room 304, Portland. "Connect Passion, Purpose and Paycheck: The Nonprofit Career." Do you long to connect your passion and purpose with meaningful work in a nonprofit career? Learn to frame and focus your personal pitch, create intentional relationships and identify career paths that fit for you. This six-week course is taught by Steven Joiner from Idealist.org. Cost: $95. For more information, visit Life by Design NW's Web site

To suggest an event listing, contact Terry Nagel at tnagel[at]civicventures.org.