Jacksonville Senior Center
3605A Sweet Air Road
Phoenix, MD 21131
Phone: 410-887-8208
Fax: 410-887-8209
E-mail: jacksonvillesc@baltimorecountymd.gov
Hours
Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Center Director: Barbara Franke
Welcome
Welcome to the Jacksonville Senior Center! Enjoy the “sweet air” and beautiful landscape of this neighborhood senior center located in northern Baltimore County. The center hosts a variety of activities for seniors age 60 and over and is open five days a week. There is a fitness studio, multipurpose room with kitchen, arts and crafts room, computer and games room, and staff and council offices. Visit us today to learn how you can benefit from becoming a member. There is no fee for membership, however, the fitness studio and some classes do charge fees to participate. Learn about Jacksonville's special programs and events by reading the "Senior Scoop" (PDF), a monthly newsletter which describes the activities of the month, as well as ongoing programs.
Offerings
Socialize and learn with your peers in a friendly environment! Our programs include stained glass, art, ceramics, wood carving, quilting, gardening, mah-jongg, book club, playing cards, dance, knitting/ crocheting, crafts, flea markets, yoga, foreign languages, travel, golf, basketball, writing and walking. A catered lunch is served each day. There are monthly blood pressure screenings, as well as other health screenings/ education on a regular basis. We have entertainment of all varieties, as well as speakers on many different topics. Bingo is offered on-site once a month, as well as hosted on Tuesdays at an area business. Our travel department offers day trips to casinos, musicals and other featured points of interest. Overnight trip destinations have included many east coast states. Our knitting/crocheting group makes baby hats and blankets, which are donated to newborns of local hospitals and other charitable organizations. In addition, this senior center is a link to the many services offered by the Department of Aging.
Volunteers
Volunteers help this senior center be what it is today. As the receptionist greets, other members are leading many classes, holding Board positions, monitoring the fitness room, advocating, and volunteering in their own way. Their efforts add up to one great senior center! Please call if you have an interest in volunteering.
History of the Jacksonville Senior Center
This center originally began as the Golden Age Leisure Activities club in 1973, sponsored by 29 individuals and five ministers. The first meeting was held on May 9, 1973 and met twice a month on Wednesdays at St. John’s Lutheran of Sweet Air and later in 1974 at the Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church for 15 years. In 1979, the membership of the Gala Club joined the Baltimore County Senior Center Program and on September 28, 1974, the Gala Club became the Jacksonville Senior Center. It was relocated to the former U.S. Army Nike Missile Base, at 3101 Papermill Road in Phoenix. What began as 29 members has blossomed to almost 1,500 members by 2011! The center was relocated to a new facility in Sweet Air Park in August of 2010.
Mission
The mission of the Jacksonville Senior Center and the Baltimore County Department of Aging is to develop and administer programs and activities that support Baltimore County senior citizens in their efforts to remain healthy, active and independent members of the community and to provide, coordinate, and advocate for services which ensure the highest quality of life for both active and health-impaired seniors, their families and caregivers.
Directions
Pass over the Dulaney Valley Road Bridge at the Loch Raven Reservoir. As the road splits, stay to the left, which becomes Jarrettsville Pike. Go to the third traffic light (Jarrettsville Pike, Sweet Air Road and Papermill Road intersection). Turn right onto Sweet Air Road and make another right into the parking lot at the Sweet Air Park sign. The center is directly in front of you, with the Community Center on the left.
Contact Us
Call 410-887-8208 or e-mail jacksonvillesc@baltimorecountymd.gov. We encourage you to take advantage of all of the opportunities of interest to you. Visit the aging calendar to find out about special programs and activities at other county senior centers.
Revised October 14, 2011
