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Scary, isn’t it?
I’m not sure when it started but I know it’s been decades and it continues to this day. A dear family friend who is also the pillar of the community where I grew up has been uttering the same sentence, “Scary, isn’t it?” so often that it has become a catch phrase. It may be a peculiar verbal tic—we all have them—but his comes out as a rhetorical question that only has one answer really: “yes”. Yes, whatever “it” is, it is scary. It’s Halloween season and people all over the country are looking to get spooked by watching horror films, eating candy corn, dressing up as witches, goblins, black cats, and the occasional sexy nurse. We may not crave Mary Janes (worst Halloween candy ever), but we crave the adrenaline rush that occurs when we experience fear. Spooky movies, haunted houses, and creepy costumes are all ways we manufacture fright within the confines of an underlying safety that we often take for granted. I know a lot of people who have stopped watching the news because of the real-life terror that happens every day. War, crimes of hate, random violence, mass shootings, environmental despair. These are the scary things that we can’t imagine and can’t control. It’s terrifying, but we can’t always look away even when we feel helpless ourselves. I don’t know the answers to all the world’s ills, but I do know that it’s okay to want escapism in the form of Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers. I was always afraid of that lady down the street who gave out pennies gathered in Saran wrap instead of candy, but as it turns out, there are much scarier things out there.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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In January and February, Osher will have some great options for you to enjoy through the winter months. As usual, we will have several individual lectures on different topics scheduled throughout January and February. The Winter Lectures are free and open to both Osher members and non-members.
We are also excited to announce that Osher at Towson University members will have an opportunity to enroll in 6-week online courses through Osher Online, online courses run by the National Resource Center for Osher Institutes. Membership is required to participate in the Osher Online courses.
Keep an eye out for both the Winter Lecture schedule and the Osher Online winter courses—both coming out soon!
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“I am thrilled to join the Towson University community and work in close collaboration with the faculty, staff and students, alumni, and friends of the university as well as the University System of Maryland as we together lift TU to ‘greater greatness’ as an ‘engine of opportunity’ in its next era.”
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Mr. Thank You (Arigato-san), 1936
Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
Towson University Center for the Arts, Room 2032
A friendly young bus driver transports passengers from rural Japan to Tokyo while traveling along winding mountain roads. This comedy-drama directed and written by Hiroshi Shimizu was filmed on location and is based on a short story by Nobel Prize winner Yasunari Kawabata. One of the best films from the first humanist era of Japanese film. Each film begins with Reed Hessler, well-known Baltimore radio personality and Japanese film buff, making brief comments to give viewers cultural background along with fascinating tidbits on Japanese directors and actors. Following the film, he will be available for a Q&A.
The Japan Film Program is organized by the Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC) in partnership with Towson University College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) and Associate Dean, Greg Faller, along with the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University and Director, Joanna Pecore.
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In partnership with the TU Alumni Association
The Charm of the Amalfi Coast
June 12–20, 2024
Imagine a land where rugged coastlines melt into butter-soft sands and sinuous cobblestones lead to dreamy vistas. Where the remnants of ancient civilizations hum with history and villages are graced with artistic inspiration. From your base in Vietri sul Mare, treat yourself to the indelible spirit of the Amalfi Coast. Amid soothing, lemon-scented breezes, you'll fall into a relaxed rhythm, filling your days with archeological treasures, authentic Italian cuisine and the region's unforgettable wonders. On the Amalfi Coast, the possibilities are endless!
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Osher at Towson University was at the Baltimore County Department of Aging’s 36th annual Power of Age Expo last week. If you are looking for services, programs and connections to resources for Baltimore County seniors and their families, visit the Department of Aging website.
Special thanks to Osher volunteers Ilene Lewandowski, Colleen Lamont, Pam Windsor, Jim Fish, and Sherrye Walker!
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Osher members who are interested in learning more about MEMORI Corps can join a special information session online on Wednesday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m. To register, please contact Jessica Herpst at jlherpst@alz.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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It’s come to our attention that while some of you are on our mailing lists, you have not been getting our newsletters and other communications. After you confirm that you are on our mailing list, we encourage you to check your spam folder and check that your email security settings allow you to get mail from @towson.edu. If you continue to experience problems and are not able to rectify it with your email provider, we strongly recommend that you check our website regularly for links to our newsletters, membership payment, registration, and other important information.
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