STAY AT HOME ACTIVITIES

Connecting with Zoom- Classes and Meetings.

Our Bykota members are invited to weekly zoom meetings and classes. Connect with people you know with social meetings and class activities through the Opal Center.

See the Opal Center for Virtual Classes and offerings

Writing

Inspired by the poignant letters in the Maryland Historical Society collection documenting past adversities from the Spanish flu of 1918, to the Annapolis yellow fever epidemics of 1793 and 1800, MdHS is calling on Marylanders to send their personal stories of how the pandemic is impacting their lives.
Whether you are staying at home in self-quarantine or working through the crisis – your story is unique and important. Marylanders abroad and our healthcare workers are also encouraged to submit. Email submissions to lettersfromthehomefront@mdhs.org.
Here is an example by Bykota member Max Kagiso”https://bykota.org/pdf/Letters from the Homefront Max Kagiso.pdf”

If you have a peom or story you want to share for Byktota site, send byktota as a pdf.

Woodworking

In an article entitled “WOODWORKING FOR SENIORS?”, Robert Johnson writes that “woodworking is the perfect activity to pique the interest of the seniors, challenge their minds, strengthen their bodies, give opportunities for them to socialize, and even give them a sense of accomplishment and ownership for whatever wood piece they would create.”  Those of us who have taken advantage of Bykota’s woodshop facilities can certainly attest to that and to the fact that working with wood is a great hobby at any age. The feeling that comes with finishing a piece and knowing “I made this or that” can be exhilarating.  And sharing with others is, without a doubt, a very engaging activity, one for making a healthier and happier life.

In the Bykota woodshop some are interested in making bracelets, decorative boxes and bird houses while others enjoy making cabinets, tables and bookshelves.  The range of interests is varied as can be seen in the gallery of projects – all of which have been made in the shop.  For those interested in learning new skills, the woodshop attendees are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Perhaps the question “how did s/he do that?” will lead to discoveries about an activity that has interested millions throughout the ages. See the attached pdf about woodworking.

To see some of the woodworkers on the Gallery page. for more information contact: Fred Schock email: fschock@comast.net

Visual Arts

Making a project can give your experiences meaning. If you draw paint or sculpt, or make anything, your creations can be shared now through digital media or with others later when classes resume. The act of creating helps one to gain perspective create a point of sharing experiences. Suggested themes can be beauty of the moment, social distancing, or life at home. Some artwork is now on our Gallery page

.https://bykota.org/gallery-2/. The Gallery page features work by students of Bykota Teachers teaching zoom classes.

Art Contest Power of Age

Exhibit online with local galleries. Many galleries and arts organizations are going digital during this time. For a fee you can enter scanned or photographed artwork and be seen by many more people. Check individual organizations for entry requirements. Examples Below:

Towson Arts Collective accepts work in many media. Go to http://www.towsonartscollective.org/ to see an online exhibit and opportunities to exhibit including requirements for entry.

Baltimore County Arts Guild is asking for entries for an exhibit Transcending the Quarantine. https://www.bcartsguild.org/

Cooking

There is a new facebook live program called Cooking Live with Gosia. Here is a link to program through Seven Oaks Center. http://www.sevenoaksseniors.org/online-classes—programs.html

Sewing

If you enjoy sewing and have materials at home, sewing covid masks can be a positive activity to help others and provide needs for yourself, family and neighbors. Social media and the CDC website has lots of instructions for making masks. Good way to use up some material may you have at home as well.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Member Kim Field has made some masks and found a unique way to safely distribute them.

Useful Links

Here are some useful links for keeping up with things happening.