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

 

This is one of the most acclaimed films of the French New Wave, a movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s which revolutionized world filmmaking with a more personal, intimate and experimental style.  Truffaut, while still in his twenties, was widely accepted as one of the world’s great filmmakers for his first three films:  The 400 Blows (1959), Shoot the Piano Player (1960), and Jules and Jim (1962).

Jules and Jim is based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Henri-Pierre Roché, published when Roché was 74.  Set in France and Germany in the years before, during and after World War I, it tells the story of Jim (based on Roché), a French writer, Jules, a German writer, and Catherine, the woman who loves and is loved by them both.  It begins in a frenetic and carefree artistic environment, Paris before the war, but then briefly shows the horror of World War I before reaching a calmer, more adult but still nonconformist milieu after the war.  The two male leads, Henri Serre (Jim) and Oskar Werner (Jules) are excellent, but Jeanne Moreau as Catherine steals the show.  This is probably Moreau’s best performance in a long, distinguished career.

The film is full of plot twists and mood changes, both happy and sad.  Stephanie Zacharek, reviewing the DVD for the New York Times in 2005, said “How many films feel this fresh and free more than 40 years after their release?   Franҫois Truffaut’s story of love and indissoluble friendship … is infused with such delicacy of feeling that you can watch it five times, or 20, and still not feel you’ve fully plumbed it.”

Jules and Jim can be streamed for free on Kanopy-- from TU, Baltimore County Public Library, or Pratt.  There are 2 DVD copies at Pratt (Baltimore City).

Zoom Link: https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/94850705366?pwd=iSKuzFQ3YhZSjV4VeXE4tPdniTy7sH.1

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

  • November 14, 2024, from 2 – 3:30 PM: Non‐fiction Book Group Virtual Discussion – An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s”, by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
  • 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 30, 2024, from 3 – 4:30 PM: TURFA Film Club – Virtual discussion of the film “Origin” (United States, 2023) directed by Ava DuVernay.
  • October 17, 2024, from 4 – 6 PM: TURFA Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour at Eggspectation at 2235 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093.
  • 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.