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The Great Escape
With everything happening a mile a minute these days, I’m recognizing the very real need that people have for escapism. Escapism is a coping mechanism that allows us to distract ourselves long enough to gain some much-needed mental relief. Let’s face it, sometimes the real world can be overwhelming. When that’s the case, it can be helpful to briefly escape the chaos of everyday life. Go to the movies and immerse yourself in the spectacle on the big screen or binge watch “Ted Lasso” or some other feel-good series. When I was in my 20s, I had a particularly rough spell—my mother was sick with cancer, I hated my job, and I desperately needed to break up with my boyfriend. It seemed like every aspect of my life was in chaos. In the midst of it all, I got called for jury duty. Lo and behold I got picked to be on a jury. The case was only supposed to last a few days, but it lasted six altogether and let me tell you, it was just the escapism that I needed. Nowadays, I don’t look at jury duty as such a joyous occasion, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do! If you ever need a temporary break from the world outside, I hope you don’t rely on jury duty for escapism. Instead, try getting lost in a riveting book or film. Use all your senses and let your imagination go wild before it’s time to return to reality—and be thankful for that little respite you gave yourself.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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Important Resources
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For the past six years, Tracy Miller has partnered with Towson University to host a Super Bowl party fundraiser to help remember her son, Marine Cpl. Nick Ziolkowski, who was killed in active duty in 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Most of the proceeds go to the Nick Ziolkowski Scholarship Endowment, which Miller began in 2005 to provide support for TU students who are either veterans or currently serving in the military.
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Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m.
TU Arena
Get ready for an exhilarating evening of camaraderie and college basketball at OSHER Night at TU Arena! Join fellow Osher Lifelong Learning Institute members as the Towson Tigers take on the William and Mary Tribe in a thrilling matchup you won't want to miss. Cheer on the Tigers and enjoy an atmosphere filled with energy, excitement, and plenty of team spirit. As a special perk for Osher members, you can receive up to 4 complimentary tickets to this action-packed event. Plus, if you're looking to bring along more friends or family, additional tickets are available at a special discounted rate of just $5. GOH Tigers!
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Build Health and Resilience with CHRP
Enrollment is now open for the Community Health & Resilience in Parkinson’s (CHRP) program at TU’s College of Health Professions’ Institute for Well-Being. Led by Lauren Zahner, MS, OTR/L, an experienced occupational therapist and Clinical Assistant Professor, this evidence-based program supports individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Weekly sessions include:
- Full-body movement activities like Tai Chi and Golf
- Social and emotional support
- Daily life skills training for greater independence
- Client and care partner education
Spring Sessions: Wednesdays, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Discover a welcoming community, gain valuable tools to maintain health, and participate in activities designed to promote resilience.
Contact Dan Hollern, OT Center Director to enroll. Email iwb@towson.edu or call 410-704-7300. Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!
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Maryland Humanities and Towson University’s Albert S. Cook Library invite you to serve as a judge in Baltimore County as students showcase their History Day projects focused on the theme of Rights and Responsibilities in History.
Each year more than 25,000 middle and high school students in classrooms throughout Maryland immerse themselves in in-depth research and create original documentaries, exhibits, performances, research papers, or websites exploring a breadth of historical topics within the annual theme. As they progress through competitions at the school, district, state, and national levels, students rely on volunteers like you to evaluate their projects and help them improve skills they have developed throughout the process.
This year, the Baltimore County contest will be held in-person at Towson University’s College of Liberal Arts Building on the morning of Saturday, March 1, 2025. (Contest Held Virtually on Saturday, March 8 if a Weather Event Occurs). Free parking is available in the nearby Towsontown Garage.
After you sign up to judge, you will receive an automatic confirmation of your registration by email from Zfairs.com which may land in your spam folder. TU Librarian Joyce Garczynski will be in touch in late February leading up to the contest with training information and logistics.
Thank you for considering judging in 2025; this contest is only possible because of people like you who generously give their time and talents. If you have any questions, please let Joyce know at jgarczynski@towson.edu.
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Over history, and notwithstanding many shortcomings, democratic systems of governance have successfully delivered peace and prosperity around the world. However, recently they have come under pressure and attack from various forces and regimes, which seek to undermine their integrity by offering dubious authoritarian alternatives often thinly disguised as 'pseudo-democracy' or 'anocracy.' For a true democracy to function sustainably in the best interests of all its citizens, it must be continually strengthened and guided by the principles of good governance. There is an urgent need to promote and restore the core principles of good governance to strengthen democracy and secure a peaceful and prosperous future in a rapidly changing and highly volatile world.
Speaker: Roman Pryjomko, United Nations advisor and published author.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Nebraska-Lincoln is sharing this webinar recording with other Osher members who may be interested.
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Are you interested in participating in Osher's new Membership Engagement Committee? The Membership Engagement Committee will focus on ways to bolster a sense of community among Osher members through a variety of activities and events. Participants will work with Osher staff to decide on activities and events and will help plan and implement them. To express interest and to learn more, please contact osher@towson.edu.
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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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