There’s Lots of Recreational Facilities and Activities at Bykota
Join a club or sign up for an activity of your interest. With the exception of the fitness center they are free of charge to Bykota membership.
Woodshop
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 examples of work from the woodshop on the Gallery page.
Play Pool
We have three regulation pool tables available during the day. No sign-up is necessary. Enjoy a game with friends!
Basketball Court
Our basketball court is open to all registered members.We have recreational basket
ball which must be scheduled at the front desk in advance, and/or team basketball which is scheduled for Monday,Wednesday and Friday of each week. Ask the Front Desk for information.
Play Card and Board Games
In addition to the regularly-scheduled classes of bridge, you can form or join a group for Canasta, Hand & Foot, Mahjongg, Hearts, Scrabble, Chess etc. See the “classes” section of the Bykota Buzz for times and locations of regularly scheduled games.
Fitness Center
Join us at the Fitness Center. We have treadmills, weight machines and more! Fitness center is available for a fee. The Front Desk has membership forms and sign-up schedule for orientation. See the Fitness Center page for more info.
Lounge
Our lounge has a large TV, comfortable couches chairs and tables. Great for casual meeting with friends or relaxing.
Cafe’
The Cafe’ hosts the Eating Together program for lunches , McDonoughs Cafe’ for morning coffee and donuts, and Bingo on Wednesday afternoons. Enjoy a tasty lunch sponsored by the Baltimore County Department of Aging ( reservation only) Monday, Wednesday, Friday starting at 12:00 noon. See Eating Together Page for detailed information. On Wednesdays, immediately after lunch, join us in Bingo starting about 12:30.
McDonoghs Cafe’ has coffee and donuts 8:30-10:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a small fee . No reservations needed. A self serve morning coffee and hot water urn is also available M-F for small change. The Cafe’ area is open during the entire day during center hours for members’ use.
Arts and Crafts Rooms
As part of membership benefits you can use our facilities for sawing, sanding, carving. You may also join our craft groups lead by volunteers that meet in the arts and crafts rooms including: wood carving group, knitting and crochet group, quilting , and stained glass. Some paid classes also meet in the arts room. Check the bykota buzz for classes.
Buy/Borrow Books/ Book Club
You can borrow a book from the second floor library, located ahead just as you get off the elevator. There is also a book sales table on the first floor where you can make a purchase for a small amount of money. You can join the book club which meets on Tuesdays. The BCPL also comes on Tuesdays where you can borrow a book with a library card. See details in the Bykota Buzz.
Gift Shop
Grab a sweet or salty snack or just look around for an interesting purchase. The shop has nearly new items such as handbags, cards, jewelry or home decor items for a reasonable price.
Gym/ Stage/Participate in Stage Productions
Do you have some talent? Join Bykota on Stage and sing, dance and act a little. Bykota On Stage is a drama group sponsored by the Senior Center Council. They are a non profit organization. They give performances at Bykota several times a year. Visit the website BykotaOnStage.org For more information.
Dances in the Gym
Ballroom, Be-bop, Line Dancing take your pick. Dances are held several times a month in the gym. Check the Bykota Buzz for more information.
