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Four Years
In four years, someone can earn their college degree or serve a term as President of the United States of America. In some ways, four years seems like an extraordinary amount of time and in other ways, it’s like the blink of an eye. Four years ago, we were thrown into a frenzy over a new virus that would take on epic proportions. On March 10, 2020, I was sitting in on one of the Osher classes when I could see my phone lighting up with alerts. Towson University had just announced it would be closed starting the following day through the planned spring break. In just another day, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 was a pandemic. None of us knew how long it would last or what the effects would be. Would we be working from home for a couple of weeks? A couple of months? Nobody knew. Each day, there were local, state, and national news conferences detailing new aspects of the pandemic and new protocols. In early March, we were crafting face masks out of t-shirts and trying to stock up on hand sanitizer and toilet paper, all while the number of positive cases ticked up. Convention centers were turned into testing sites. Everyone stood six feet apart from each other—at least. Everything was canceled. All the new precautions and inconveniences were in response to a very scary virus. People got sick and many died. Four years later, vaccines have helped to subdue the pandemic. Cases are still apparent, but there is much less fanfare. Vaccines and boosters have helped to limit the spread and severity of illness, though we must remind ourselves that even the common cold or the flu can be dangerous for some. Each of us has a different story about how these four years have affected us. We may have transitioned from pandemic to endemic, but four years later, it’s still a good idea to frequently wash your hands while singing “Happy Birthday”.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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Making It Up as You Go: The Importance of Improv
Thursday, April 11
Towson University—University Union
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Happy Hour Reception
6:30-8:00 p.m.: Moderated Discussion
$20/per person (includes parking and reception)
Join other Osher members and members of the community for this “edutainment” event. Steven Gimbel and Michelle Faulkner-Forson pull back the curtain to show us how improvisation has become not just an entertaining comedic form, but a requirement for adapting to the curves everyday life throws at us. Get insight into the tenets, the philosophy, and the history of improv comedy while also having a good laugh. This event promises both levity and learning as the conversation homes in on what makes us laugh and why. Enjoy a special appearance from Towson University’s own improv comedy group, ImprompTU. Kick back and enjoy!
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Studies show that affirming a person’s pronouns (and thus their identity) can positively impact their well-being. Accurate pronoun use is essential for modern communication, but like any new habit, it can take practice to implement. Here are four tips for getting it right, plus a new campus platform supporting pronoun preferences.
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Osher at Towson University relies on volunteers to help in different areas. We could use your help, so please consider volunteering. Not only is volunteering at Osher a terrific way to contribute your talents, but it’s also a great way to meet other Osher members.
Membership Engagement Committee
As part of this new committee, you will help create opportunities that deepen the sense of community in our Osher program. Members of this committee will serve as program ambassadors who welcome new members, assist in planning social events, and help forge a greater sense of community among members of the Osher program. If you are interested in participating in the Membership Engagement committee, please contact Jessica Tye at jtye@towson.edu. Please provide your name and contact information. Jessica will follow up with more information about meeting.
Curriculum Committee
Members of the Curriculum Committee assist the director in assessing course proposals for upcoming courses and lectures. The Curriculum Committee reviews proposals, discusses course evaluations, and suggests course topics and instructors for the program. We aim for balance and variety in the curriculum and welcome some new voices to this committee. If you are interested in being part of the Curriculum Committee, contact Tracy Jacobs at tjacobs@towson.edu. Please provide your name, contact information, a brief bio, and reasons why you are interested in participating in this committee.
Day Trip Coordinators
If you are detail-oriented and enjoy planning trips, we would like your help planning Osher day trips with another day trip coordinator. Day trips can range from interesting local excursions to trips in the region. Day trip coordinators attend curriculum committee meetings to learn about upcoming offerings that may tie in well with a day trip. If you are interested in being a day trip coordinator, please contact Tracy Jacobs at tjacobs@towson.edu with your name, contact information, brief bio, and reasons why you would like to serve as a day trip coordinator. Training for day trip coordinators will be provided.
Classroom Facilitation
The classroom facilitation volunteers are critical to the success of the classes. As a classroom facilitator, you will help instructors with the audio/visuals, set out and collect attendance sheets, and deliver announcements at the beginning of classes. This role is best for someone who is friendly, outgoing, and willing to learn how to assist the instructors. If you are interested in assisting in the classroom as a classroom facilitator, please contact Ilene Lewandowski at ilenecares@hotmail.com. Let Ilene know your name, contact information, and she will contact you with additional information. Training is provided for classroom facilitators.
Advisory Council—APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Osher Advisory Council would like to add a couple more members. The Advisory Council members serve as a sounding board for Osher staff. Meetings occur every other month with some additional meetings scheduled as necessary. For more information on how to nominate yourself or another Osher member, please find information at the link below. Please apply by March 22.
OSHER ADVISORY COUNCIL NOMINATION FORM
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American Red Cross Home Fire Safety Campaign Event:
Sound The Alarm in Baltimore, MD
Saturday, April 13
Locations:
Baltimore – East Side (parking at Biddle Street Garage)
Baltimore – West Side (parking at Pimlico Race Course)
Shifts (available at both locations):
8 a.m.–12 p.m.
12–4 p.m.
Dress for the day’s weather with comfortable walking shoes.
Training and all supplies provided.
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People seldom have the chance to become a charter member of an organization celebrating its one hundredth birthday. This is that unusual opportunity. The International Association of Torch Clubs, of which there are now 50 clubs in the U.S. and Canada, offers professionals opportunities to exchange ideas. A new Torch Club is being formed in Towson. For more information, please email Ann Dahl at annwellerdahl@gmail.com.
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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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In this section of our newsletter, 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.
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