Events

The Towson University Retired Faculty Association (TURFA) offers many events throughout the year for the enjoyment, engagement and continued edification of members. 

dan rodricks speaking
Dan Rodricks speaking at a TURFA Fall Forum event.

Event Information 

TURFA events are wide ranging and include such things as: timely talks on current affairs, social get-togethers, informative talks by invited speakers and by members on their areas of expertise, virtual and live tours of both on-campus and off-campus facilities, conversations with university administrators and project directors, film discussions, non-fiction book group discussions, bicycle rides and many other types of events.

Events are open to all members and typically are held all year long. Upcoming events are posted below. Event announcements and details are also sent to members via email. Frequently, members are invited to bring guests.

Both TURFA members and non-members interested in attending additional events on campus are encouraged to explore Calendars & Events,  Department of Music’s Events Calendar,  College of Liberal Arts Events and TU Today.

TURFA has a special relationship with the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at Towson. Osher offers discounted membership and tuition fees for TURFA members giving discounted access to classes, lectures, trips and special events.

Members are encouraged to make suggestions for events or to create interest groups. Have an idea for an event?  Email the TURFA President to share your suggestion.

Upcoming Events

The notable Daniel Levitin is the James McGill Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Music at McGill University, Montréal; a fellow of the AAAS and other scientific organizations; the author of This Is Your Brain on Music; a consultant to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; a musician himself, and a consultant and producer on numerous albums.

Its title is taken from a line of Leonard Cohen's now-classic song Hallelujah that alludes to King David of the Old Testament, slayer of Goliath, later King of Judah, and also a musician:
"Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord ..."

The book has received numerous accolades.  Here are a few from its Amazon website:

"In this fascinating book, a neuroscientist makes a strong case for the therapeutic force of music.  [Levitin] merges research, theory, and anecdotes about his interactions with musicians as well as patients as evidence of his contention that music not only functions as a temporary uplift or soothing balm in times of trouble, but possesses a much deeper restorative quality ... It will make you think more deeply about the healing properties of music, particularly for those who perform."
― The Observer [UK], The Observer UK

"Part memoir and part medical primer, I Heard There Was a Secret Chord showcases Daniel J. Levitin’s expertise in all genres of music as well as experimental neuroscience. No one else in the universe could have written this book."
― Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist

"Dan Levitin expertly highlights the latest trends and discoveries in arts and health, written in his always erudite yet concise and accessible style. We are so fortunate to have his keen mind leading this growing field and unlocking its mysteries for readers."
― Renée Fleming, world-renowned soprano and arts and health advocate

"Working as a cross-culture detective, Daniel J. Levitin opens the mysteries of how music heals us and fires our emotions, inspirations, and desires. Levitin cracks the case wide open while synthesizing his research and experience in a book that is an important addition to our understanding of the human experience."
― Michael Connelly, New York Times best-selling author of the Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer series

Join us for a discussion via zoom of this enlightening book.

ZOOM LINK:   https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/95048507116?pwd=S9gk01AKDw4kNgKbowlgx4ZbjzvfXN.1

If you have any questions or problems, contact book group coordinator Jo-Ann Pilardi, .

Come join fellow TURFA members and their significant others for libation and conversation.

Racer's Café had 20 beer brands on Tap!!   Lots of parking spaces are in the shopping center parking lot directly across the street from Racer's or in the lot behind Racer's (accessible from Taylor Ave, right before the light).

Contact Tom Maronick at maronick@verizon.net if you have questions.

Rustin focuses on the March on Washington of August, 1963 which brought 250,00 nonviolent civil rights protesters to the capital and was largely organized by Rustin.  This event was the setting for the “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King, Rustin’s friend and ally in the civil rights struggle.

A secondary theme of the film is Rustin’s homosexuality.  He was a gay man in an era when homosexual acts could be prosecuted as criminal.  The film shows him responding to attacks on his political activities and his sexuality.

Colman Domingo, who plays Bayard Rustin, was nominated for a best actor Academy Award.  George C. Wolfe, the director, has worked extensively as a writer, director, and producer for theater.  He has also directed several films including Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020), which the TURFA Film Group discussed a few years ago.

The film Rustin is available on Netflix with subscription.

Zoom Link: https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/96256079733?pwd=vFSY3fJUP6Ow6WX6hzm0b5BXrnHSbt.1

Meeting ID 962 5607 9733

Contact Peter Lev at if you have any questions.

Details to follow.

Additional Events Being Planned

  • Thirsty Thursdays
  • Discussion on topics of interest to members
  • Bicycle rides
  • Film group discussions
  • Non-fiction book group discussions

Recent Past Events

  • March 26, 7 p.m.: An Abundance of Resources, Ours to Explore!  A ZOOM Presentation for TURFA Members.
  • March 20, 2025, from 4 – 6 PM: TURFA Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour at Racer's Cafe, Harford Road and Taylor Avenue.
  • March 14, 2025, 3 p.m.: Special TURFA Tour of the New Health Science Building.
  • March 13, 2025, from 2 – 3:30 PM: Non‐fiction Book Group Virtual Discussion – “A Tale of Love and Darkness” a memoir by Amos Oz. (Pub. 2004).
  • February 26, 2025, from 3 – 4:30 PM: TURFA Film Club – Virtual discussion of the film “Masculine-Feminine” (France, 1966), directed by Jean-Luc Godard.
  • November 2, 2024, from 12 noon – 4 PM: Computer Workshop for Medicare Part D Prescription Plans at the Liberal Arts Building in Room 2329 on the Towson University Campus.
  • October 10, 2024, from 2 – 4 PM: TURFA Fall Forum: Making the Transition to Medicare Part D Prescription Plans for Maryland State Retirees, at the Towson University South Pavilion.

Groups

As the listing below shows, there are several active special interest groups.

TURFA Non-Fiction Reading Group

This group meets regularly each month. If you are interested in participating please contact the group facilitator, Jo-Ann Pilardi at .

TURFA Film Group

The film group has been meeting regularly. If you are interested in joining, please contact Peter Lev at .

TURFA Bicycling Group

The bicycling group plans short rides depending on the weather. If you want to get involved, contact Jim Paulsen at .

There are plenty of opportunities to take the lead and initiate a new group. Local theater, hikes, crafts, genealogy, etc., await a member with an interest to take the lead. TURFA will support your efforts and get the word out to members.