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Just One Thin Mint
“I don't want to belong to any club that will have me as a member.” This line was famously uttered by legendary comic actor, Groucho Marx. Even though I wasn't aware of that quote as a girl, it somehow became my doctrine when I joined the Girl Scouts. I was a Girl Scout for two days—although they weren’t consecutive days. In my first stint as a Girl Scout, I went to the Girl Scout day camp with one of my friends. We were quickly separated, and I found myself among a group of girls that I didn’t know. I was a very shy kid and despite learning a new song about making new friends and keeping the old, one is silver and the other gold, I didn’t do so well at making new friends that day. The camp director, Mrs. Bush, complained loudly to my mother about my shyness. “Well, Mrs. Bud...” my mother started to say. She was swiftly corrected, “It’s Mrs. BUSH!” Mrs. Bush’s temper flared, and I didn’t go back. Phew! A few years later, I had come out of my shell enough to give Girl Scouts another try. This time, I went to a scout meeting with my friend, Heather, and her mom who was the troop leader. It was a much better experience. I sewed an apron by hand. I still remember the calico fabric that I chose even though I have long since lost the apron. Nonetheless that was it for me and the Girl Scouts. I ended my tenure on a high note. It just wasn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong—I think the Girl Scouts provides meaningful experiences for countless girls and young women. I wasn't a joiner. I’ve found other ways to show my appreciation. For one, I buy Girl Scout cookies whenever they are for sale. And, once in a while, I find myself humming, “make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” Solid advice even for a nonconformist like me.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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Last week we hosted Making it Up as You Go: The Importance of Improv. The event featured a happy hour, moderated discussion, and performance by TU’s improvisational comedy troupe, ImprompTU. “When we were putting this together, we were thinking about how improv affects our lives. We all do improv. Whether it’s cooking or say navigating a worldwide pandemic. We’ve all had to improvise. We do it all the time, but maybe we just don’t call it that.”
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This glimpse into life in our region was pieced together by Katherine Sterner, Ph.D., and TU archaeology students. Working side by side this spring, they excavated more than 300 pieces of debris and a dozen stone tools from what is now known as Herring Run Park in northeast Baltimore. The dig is the latest project for the Baltimore Community Archaeology Lab (BCAL), a TU program that pairs archaeology students with community partners to document and preserve cultural resources across the region.
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Putin’s Russia: Two Years into the War
Wednesday, May 8 at 5 p.m. ET
Free Online Lecture
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin unleashed a war on the neighboring country of Ukraine, which has resulted in mounting military casualties on both sides and a civilian tragedy on the Ukranian side. Nearly two years later, the war still rages despite the continuing pressure on Russia from the West and the resulting economic hardships. We will examine why Putin is still in power and why Russia is still at war. Using a wide range of sources in Russian, Ukrainian, and English, we will investigate just how broad the popular support for Putin and his policies is in Russia and, most importantly, why. The answers may surprise you. With rapidly changing events, the lecture will be news-oriented and will cover the latest developments.
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For their December issue on aging, Baltimore Magazine is seeking a few extraordinary Baltimoreans who prove that age is just a number. Do you know someone 68 and older who has gone back to school to pursue a degree or who is still going strong in their chosen profession? Maybe this person runs marathons, climbs mountains, is in a rock band, or has become a fashion model in their 70s or 80s. Maybe this person started a new business or nonprofit. Does this sound like you or someone you know?
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Helping others is a great way to give back to causes that are important to you. Studies show that as a volunteer, you benefit by increasing your happiness and sense of connection which in turn can improve your mental and physical health.
We want to give a huge THANK YOU to our Osher volunteers! Thank you to members who donate their time on different committees and as facilitators for book clubs and other interest groups.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Osher, contact Jessica Tye at jtye@towson.edu We are seeking volunteers to participate on the curriculum, day trips, membership engagement, and classroom facilitation committees. As an Osher volunteer, you will be making a great impact on our program's success!
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Support Osher at Towson University. Your tax-deductible contribution helps to provide a rich experience for our members and a vibrant, affordable program for years to come.
Donate online through the link below. If you prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to “Towson University Foundation, Inc.” and note Osher fund in the memo line. Mail to: Towson University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 17165, Baltimore, MD 21297-0219.
If you would like to honor a friend or loved one with a donation in their memory, please consider supporting Osher at Towson University with a gift to the Osher Excellence Fund.
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