On the Rebound

I’ve mentioned it before in past newsletters but it’s worth repeating that our Osher community and the world at large has had some crazy things thrown our way in the past several months. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I envy your oblivion. But, most likely, you are aware—well aware—of how we each have had to make adjustments and sacrifices due to the pandemic. Several months ago, the coronavirus was indeed novel. Now, we’re all tired. We want to move on, already! Let’s get back to life as we once knew it. If this is your sentiment, I couldn’t agree more. But, I’m afraid we’re in it. So, I’d like to virtually pat you on the back for taking it all in stride—at least most of the time! Having to be resilient, as you have had to do countless times before, helps when you can see the positives. I know you have a list going, so here’s mine: (1) the murder hornets have kept their distance; (2) we managed to get through the spring and summer without a single snow day; (3) we have been able to question the validity of pants with our own personal case studies; (4) even if we are wearing pants, we have been able to challenge ourselves by getting out of our comfort zones—by trying new things such as Zoom meetings and lectures. I know we’re tired of all these character building experiences. We have plenty of character, thank you very much, but at least we have all proven that we are able to be resilient when we have to be!

Stay safe and healthy,

Tracy Jacobs

The Osher News & Notes e-newsletter will be moving to a bi-weekly schedule for the summer in preparation for our Zoom into Summer program and the Fall Semester.

Please continue to check your email for updates from Osher staff in between newsletters.

Membership fees directly impact our ability to provide excellent programming and an excellent value to our participants. The 2020–21 membership fee remains at $50 per person and includes participation in Zoom Into Summer, our summer program, at no additional fee. Contact osher@towson.edu with any questions.

Join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted, June 30–August 13. Explore a wide range of topics in 14 lectures. Nearly all will be delivered live with time for Q&A. A few will be pre-recorded with complementary ancillary materials to enhance your experience. VIEW LECTURE DESCRIPTIONS (PDF)

Registration

This year's summer session is offered at no additional cost to current Osher members. If you haven't yet renewed your 2020–2021 membership, CLICK HERE TO RENEW today.

Please Note: Members will receive notification on how to access the weekly lectures at the beginning of the week. Membership data is not immediately available, so thank you for your patience if you have just renewed.

The History of Gentrification in Baltimore City

Tuesday, July 14, 12–1 p.m.

This lecture requires advance registration.

Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Towson University Alumni Relations for A Brief History of Gentrification in Baltimore City with Matthew Durington.

During this co-sponsored event, Dr. Durington will use his research in the South Baltimore community of Sharp Leadenhall to walk attendees through the history of blockbusting, redlining and other historic urban renewal processes that set the stage for gentrification in Baltimore City in the 21st century. While development and change can be a welcome addition to a city that suffers from a variety of socioeconomic issues, gentrification can also be a process of exclusion and marginalization of historic residents. This gets particularly problematic when gentrification follows the contours of racial and class displacement.  

Matthew Durington is a professor of anthropology at Towson University. Alongside his students and colleagues, he has studied processes of gentrification and other urban issues in Baltimore and abroad over the last 20-plus years. He is the author of numerous articles on housing and race in addition to the book "Networked Anthropology" with co-author Samuel Gerald Collins. 

A link to the WebEx session will be emailed to all registrants before the event.

Osher Director Tracy Jacobs was recently interviewed by University Marketing & Communications for a newsroom story on how our community of lifelong learners has adapted and reconnected through online lectures, meetings, and other opportunities since the pandemic began.