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 film is an unusual love triangle set in the ancient medina (walled quarter) of Salé, a city in northwestern Morocco.  Halim (Saleh Bakri) and his wife Mina (Lubna Azabel) run a tailor shop specializing in fine silk caftans.  Their apprentice Youssef (Ayoub Missioui) quarrels with Mina but later they reconcile.  The silk fabrics are very sensual, and there is an amazingly sensual moment of peeling a tangerine.  One wonders how this relates to the sexuality of the characters.  The film is gentle and low-key, but eventually all is revealed. 

If you are a fan of the American film Casablanca (1943), set in the medina of that city, bear in mind that screenwriter Julius Epstein admitted that the film had nothing to do with the actual place.  The Blue Caftan, on the other hand, is filled with the sights, sounds and rhythms of the medina of Salé.

The Blue Caftan is available for free streaming on Kanopy from TU and Baltimore County Public Library.  It’s also available on Amazon Prime with subscription.

Zoom Link: https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/97323604754?pwd=FVJpErhqRnIn8ylLKiiKmnh35B9u26.1

Meeting ID 973 2360 4754    Passcode 80242605

Contact Peter Lev at if you have any questions.

Come join fellow TURFA members and their significant others as we as we enjoy the camaraderie and spirits.   Bring friends with you.

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

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

  • December 12, 2024, from 2 – 3:30 PM: Non‐fiction Book Group Virtual Discussion – “Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimagining Life”, by Louise Aronson.
  • December 6, 2024, from 3 – 4:30 PM: TURFA Film Club – Virtual discussion of the film “Jules and Jim” (France 1962), directed by Franҫois Truffaut.
  • 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 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.