Age is just a word

This week I got older. If you’re reading this, I’m sure you did too but I did so officially with an actual birthday. It’s not that I didn’t reflect on age and aging before I worked at Osher, but I definitely do so now. I have to confess that I’d always been afraid of aging. Perhaps this comes from seeing my maternal grandmother naked from the waist up when I was a mere child, or noticing how my paternal grandmother had a permanent expression of worry (a.k.a. “the Jacobs Scowl”) carved between her brows. The pictures of their young selves belied those things and yet they were good lessons for me that gravity exists both literally and figuratively. From the first moment that I started meeting Osher members, I was ecstatic to see such happy, healthy, and vibrant examples of people living life to the fullest while—gasp—growing older! I know it’s not all rainbows and unicorns, but nonetheless, I want to thank the fabulous members of Osher for making aging look like a much sunnier proposition than I ever could have imagined. Oh sure, I’m still going to slather on moisturizer to stave off wrinkles and sagging. Heck, I think I even have a different moisturizing product for each zone of my face! But I have more confidence than ever before that age really is just a number. And for those of us who are bad with numbers, it’s also just a word!

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.

Dana Kollmann ’90, a clinical associate professor of anthropology at Towson University, has worked with students to locate evidence in cold cases and served as a last responder in New York City during the height of the novel coronavirus pandemic. But some of her most meaningful fieldwork, Kollmann says, is done on behalf of History Flight, a nonprofit dedicated to locating and identifying the remains of the more than 81,000 American service members still missing in action from past wars.

There are a couple of theories around why the insects developed such an oddly specific cycle. One is that, by becoming undetectable for nearly two decades, there are very few, if any, predators that can track the cicadas and depend on them as a food source. 

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.

We remember Osher members that have passed away recently. While we work hard to provide accurate updates, please let us know if you are aware of an Osher friend’s passing by contacting osher@towson.edu.

• Charles R. ‘Bob’ Mullauer