TU Osher News & Notes

A cure for what ails you

Most people won’t admit to it, but let’s be honest, we’ve all bought something that we thought would be a magic cure to one of our ills. I personally own a lot of things that were simply “too good to be true”, but I handed over my money thinking it was worth a shot to test the accuracy of the glowing product testimonials. Let me just say that snake oil doesn’t always come in liquid form. Sure, I have elixirs and tonics, but I also have balms, powders, gadgets, pillows, and items made of constricting spandex. Will it make my lips look bigger? Bought it! Will it make my thighs look smaller? Bought it! Can it hide fine lines? Bought it! Does it promise a good night’s sleep? Bought it! As cynical as I can be, I’m also susceptible to wild claims and short cuts. We all remember the “I Love Lucy” episode where Lucy sneaks her way on to Ricky’s show as the Vitameatavegamin girl. It was clear with each take of the commercial that Lucy was quickly becoming drunk from the concoction. With each sip, she became more intoxicated and within minutes, “Are you tired, run down, listless? Do you poop out at parties? Are you unpopular?” became “Are you tired, run down, listless? Do you pop out at parties? Are you unpoopular?” I laughed and laughed. Of course, the answer to all our problems isn’t Vitameatavegamin. For one thing, it isn’t a real product. But if it was real…

Stay safe and healthy,

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Tracy Jacobs

Friendship blossoms at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

In 1963, Jacqui Hedberg was Pam Brown's 10th grade teacher at Hereford High School in Parkton, Maryland. Hedberg had recently graduated college with a passion for world history and Brown was inspired by her style of teaching.

After she graduated, Brown lost touch with Hedberg, but as fate would have it, 55 years later they were reunited at an event hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at TU.

Free Webinars

Estate Planning for Every Stage of Life

Are you one of the millions of Americans who have put off estate planning? (If so, you’re in good company. An estimated 67% don’t have plans in place.) Don’t let procrastination, misconceptions, and lack of knowledge cost you and your loved ones’ peace of mind—or more. Whether you’re 22 or 102, you need a will (and/or a trust, as well as other financial- and health-related documents). Join us for five free, expert-led webinars during National Estate Planning Awareness Week, October 21–25, 2024.

  • 10/21: Estate Planning Basics
  • 10/22: First-Time Planning
  • 10/23: Assessing Your Needs
  • 10/24: Family Discussions
  • 10/25: LGBTQ Planning

You’ll discover the importance of:

  • Ensuring your wishes are carried out: Clearly outline how your assets will be distributed and who will care for your loved ones if you’re unable to.
  • Avoiding family disputes: Minimize the potential for conflicts by communicating openly and clearly.
  • Providing for your loved ones: Ensure your family’s financial security and peace of mind by planning for their future.
  • Appointing a financial and healthcare proxy: Put measures in place to allow someone to make financial and medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so.
  • Addressing special situations: Plan for unique circumstances, such as minor children, beneficiaries with special needs, LGBTQ couples, or blended families.

Join experts for daily sessions from 12–1 p.m. Eastern. Live sessions will be recorded and made available to everyone who registers. Questions? Contact Ann Kolakowski at akolakowski@usmd.edu

Haunted History:
Maryland’s Witches and Ghosts

Tuesday, October 29

5–6 p.m. Happy Hour Reception, 6–8 p.m. Program
Towson University – University Union
$20/ includes parking and beer, wine, heavy appetizers

Presenters: Jennifer Liles, Meg Fielding, and Amanda Hughes

Maryland has a rich and storied history—and so do its ghosts and witches! Learn about the spookier side of Maryland as we step back into history and hear true tales and folklore from across the state. Find out what Maryland was really like for those accused of witchcraft as Amanda Hughes takes us on a wild ride through Maryland’s witchy past. Meg Fielding will tell us the story behind Marcia Crocker Noyes, the resident ghost living in the Maryland State Medical Society’s building in Baltimore’s Midtown-Belvedere neighborhood. The creepiness continues as Jennifer Liles unwraps the mystique surrounding the funerary sculpture known as Black Aggie. Join us for a night of ghost stories and witches’ tales.

Edenwald Expansion Info Session

Wednesday, October 23 at 12:15 p.m.

Edenwald is evolving. So can you! Join us between classes on Wednesday, October 23rd at 12:15 p.m. for an informative luncheon where we will share details about our expansion, as well as Edenwald’s exciting transition into a University Retirement Community™ (URC) through our partnership with Goucher College. We’ll bring the lunch, you bring the questions. Learn more about the spacious and stylish residences we’re planning, and get the inside scoop on the expansive amenities and social spaces. Your opportunities for co-generational learning and personal growth are endless! RSVP to info@edenwald.org or (410) 823-1349.

Osher Poetry Group

Fall 2024 Anthology

Read the latest anthology of poems from the Osher Poetry Group. This group meets every Friday at 1 p.m. on Zoom. If you would like to get involved, please email Brenda Baer at brenda.stevens@live.com

Ageism Awareness Day

Wednesday, October 9

Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It exists in many forms, influencing everything from personal interactions to public policy, and impacts us at every age.

We want to hear from you!

A new school year doesn’t just mean hitting the books. It’s also time to enjoy extracurricular activities. Osher volunteers lead book clubs and writing groups that meet outside of classes. They are a great way to meet other Osher members and explore your interests. We want to hear what types of special interest groups you’d like to see at Osher.

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Give to Osher at Towson University

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.

Resources

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Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson MD 21252

osher@towson.edu | 410-704-3535

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