Learning the ropes

I want to tell you the uplifting story about how when I was in elementary school, my gym teacher, Mr. Bolesh, told the class that each and every one of us had to climb the rope that was hanging in the middle of the gym. “Nobody will be allowed to leave this gym until everyone climbs the rope up to the top!” he declared. One by one, we all took turns climbing up the rope. For some it was no big deal as they pulled themselves up the rope effortlessly. There were others who struggled until they finally made their way up. A few got so excited by their accomplishment that they gave little consideration to how they were going to get back down. They winced in pain as they slid swiftly down the rope toward the mat on the gym floor. When it was my turn to go up the rope, I climbed an inch or two, more or less. I did my best to just hang on, let alone to propel myself upward. How awful that we would all have to stay in gym class for the rest of our lives because I have no upper body strength! But then, something truly amazing happened. The bell signaling the end of class rang and my classmates and I were dismissed so that we could go to our next class. What did we learn in gym class that day? Some learned about persistence and overcoming their fears. Some learned that what goes up must come down, even if painful rope burn is involved. I learned two lessons: 1) sometimes you just have to hang in there; and 2) they can’t keep you in gym class forever.

Stay safe and healthy,

Tracy Jacobs

Beginning in July, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will host another Zoom into Summer online lecture series. Join us Wednesday mornings in July and August for engaging presentations on diverse topics. Stay tuned for complete details. In the meantime, take some time to view recent lectures.

Please help us update our records by letting us know if you have moved recently. Email us at osher@towson.edu to let us know your new address.

Towson University Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education presents

Virtual Pottery & Art Sale

Now through July 31

Although TU isn't hosting its traditional Pottery & Art Sale this spring, they've gathered links to student, alumni, and faculty online shops. Please consider supporting our local artists—100% of sales benefit artists.

BTU and TU Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity presents

Black Butterfly: A Conversation with Dr. Lawrence Brown
Community engagement, strengthening Black neighborhoods, and the role of higher education

On May 4, 2021, BTU and the Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity invited Dr. Lawrence Brown, author of "The Black Butterfly," to hold a conversation on racial equity in Baltimore City and to understand the role everyone has to play in making a real difference and strengthening Black neighborhoods. This presentation was moderated by Dr. Matthew Durington, director of community engagement and partnerships.

The Return of Brood X: The Mysterious Magicicada

Jane Wolfson, Ph.D.

Periodical Cicadas, Magicicada spp, remain a mystery to biologists. The public becomes aware of their existence only when vast numbers emerge from the ground synchronously, every 13 or 17 years. While their presence is hard to ignore when they are out and about, what they are doing the rest of their lives and why they are doing it is only partially understood. Emerging broods consist of more than one species and different broods are emerging in different regions of North American almost every year. Discover what we know about Periodical Cicadas, their development, how they sing, their impact on wildlife, and the threats that they face so that you will better be able to appreciate Brood X when it appears in May.

Related links mentioned in the lecture:

• Use your smartphone and join Cicada Safari to help map the 2021 emergence of the periodical cicada Brood X.
• Looking for a culinary adventure? Check out CICADA-LICIOUS: Cooking and Enjoying Periodical Cicadas