TU Osher News & Notes

Times two

My sister has six-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. It’s been a whole year since I last saw them, so I really can’t wait to see them later this summer. Ever since they were born, I’ve been amazed by how different each twin is from the other. The boy has dark hair and is introspective while the girl is blond, blue-eyed, and full of self-esteem. At age three, she went up to the lifeguard at the beach, held out her hand, and said, “Hi, I’m Lily!” fearing no rejection whatsoever. Where can I get that kind of confidence?! She has fashioned some unique styles—an off-the shoulder cropped top made from her brother’s underpants, a skirt made from the top portion of a Halloween costume, and a purse from a stuffed animal. Meanwhile, Jake seems to have popped out of the womb with the ability to create highly engineered figures and automobiles completely out of LEGOs. For a full year, Lily wore a sparkly unicorn horn, only taking it off for baths and to go swimming. Jake is currently in his medieval knight phase and wears a suit of armor, albeit made from metallic fabric instead of heavy metal. As of the last time I surveyed them, she wanted to be a veterinarian and he wanted to be Batman. Of course I’m biased, but trust me, they are both super smart, adorable, sweet, and funny. Even with all their differences, they share those traits. Twins have always fascinated me but these two really take the cake—only she’ll have chocolate and he’ll have vanilla.

Stay safe and healthy,

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Tracy Jacobs

GET READY FOR FALL REGISTRATION NOW!

Membership is required for enrollment in fall and spring courses. The 2024-25 Membership year runs from July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025. You may have received emails reminding you to renew your membership. Please follow the instructions in the email to renew. Registration will be simplified for you if you have already renewed or joined before the registration period starts.

SAVE THE DATES!

  • Monday, July 15—Osher Updates: Tune in to this video recording to learn more about what is new for Osher at Towson University.
  • Friday, August 2—Fall Catalog: We will post the fall 2024 online on the TU Osher website.
  • Monday, August 5—Preview of Fall Classes: Learn about the upcoming fall courses from the instructors themselves during the online preview launching 2 p.m. on August 5.
  • Tuesday, August 6—Registration Opens: Register for fall courses!

FALL 2024 AT-A-GLANCE

Find out what classes are coming up this fall. The full online catalog and online preview will be available in early August, but it's not too soon to plan ahead!

New trail aims to preserve local history

TU faculty and students are helping to create a three-mile, pedestrian 'Road to Freedom Trail' that connects the Historic East Towson community and 12 related landmarks to the Hampton Plantation where its ancestors were once enslaved.

Towson University launches Summer at the Center

June 13–30

College of Fine Arts & Communication (COFAC)

For the first time in nearly 20 years, 2024 heralds the revival of summer arts celebrations at the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) with the debut of the Summer at the Center festival.

This festival isn’t just a celebration of, but a tribute to, Baltimore's vibrant artistic tapestry and COFAC's long history as a part of it. Set against the backdrop of the Center for the Arts’ theaters, concert halls, classrooms and dance studios, the festival will showcase performances from both Towson University departments/student groups and the wider Baltimore professional arts community.

All ticketed events have a discount for TU OneCard holders!

Author! Author!

Congratulations to Osher instructor, Jack Burkert, on his new book, “Twentieth Century Baltimore: A Native Son’s Casual History of the City on the Patapsco”. Jack has taught several Osher courses about Baltimore history and perhaps you have wondered why he hasn’t written a book. Well, now he has!

PICKLEBALL AND PARKINSON’S STUDY

In partnership with TU Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science

Purpose: Towson University’s Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science Department is recruiting people with Parkinson’s Disease to play pickleball. Your participation will help our team examine if this fun sport could improve balance and reduce fear of falling.

Activities Include:

  • A 1-hour game of pickleball each week for 12 weeks
  • Connecting with peers experiencing similar symptoms
  • Free snacks after each game
  • Free parking

Do you qualify?

  • Age 50+
  • Mild to moderate Parkinson’s Disease (stage 1-2)
  • Be able to tolerate an hour of physical activity
  • Read/speak English, or provide a translator
  • Walk in the community without an assistive device
  • Have reliable transportation

Interested? Contact Dr. Allysin Bridges-German at abridges@towson.edu or 410-704-2381.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The Experience Corps program is a tutor-based program in Baltimore City that supports 1st-3rd graders in literacy.

AARP Foundation Experience Corps is a community-based volunteer program that empowers people over 50 to serve as tutors to help students become better readers by the end of third grade. It is a proven “triple win,” helping students succeed, older adults thrive, and communities grow stronger. The program ensures volunteer success through extensive training, peer networks, and ongoing evaluation. Experience Corps employs a structured, evidence-based model that improves the overall reading ability of students by building their fluency, accuracy, and comprehension skills.

We focus on outcomes, inspiring volunteers to disrupt the cycle of poverty by making a lasting difference in the lives of America’s most vulnerable children.

  1. Rosemont Elementary - 2777 Presstman St, Baltimore, MD 21216
  2. Walter P. Carter - 820 E 43rd St, Baltimore, MD 21212
  3. Johnston Square Elementary - 1101 Valley St, Baltimore, MD 21202
  4. Fort Worthington - 2710 E Hoffman St, Baltimore, MD

Interested in volunteering? Contact Shannon Kowal at shannonkowal@ymaryland.org

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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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