Tipp Monroe Community Services Updates

TMCS BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET

Public Invited to Attend Monthly Meeting

The Board of Trustees for Tipp Monroe Community Services will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m.

The board meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Tipp City Senior Center, 528 N. Hyatt St., Tipp City. Updates are available at tmcomservices.org. The public is welcome to attend.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR PARADE AND COSTUME CONTEST

Get ready for a frightfully fun night in Tipp City! TMCS will host its Annual Halloween Parade and Costume Judging on Monday, Oct. 19.

All ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses should gather at 5:30 p.m. at Broadway Elementary School on the Dow Street side. At 6:00 sharp, the parade will step off with the Tippecanoe High School band leading the way. The spirited procession will march to the Zion Lutheran Church parking lot, where the real fun begins with costume judging, photos, and games. Ranger Vic will join the parade and then wow the kids with balloon animals, flowers, and more!

Costumes will be judged by age group, so everyone has a chance to shine. Children of all ages are welcome to join in the Halloween fun.

If rain puts a spell on the parade, don’t worry! The costume judging will still happen at 6:30 p.m. in the Monroe Township basement at 4 E. Main Street, Tipp City.

BACKPACK PROGRAM

Weekend Meal Program for Children

TMCS will continue to team up with Tipp City Schools to provide weekend meals for students. The Backpack Program provides a weekend supply of nutritious food for children during weekends and extended school breaks. The program is open and available to any family in the Tipp City schools. Requests must be made through the school guidance counselor. There is no charge to participate in this program.

Each Friday bag contains enough nonperishable food for two breakfasts, two lunches, six snacks, and two dinners.

TMCS collects and bags the donated food items for each child. A representative from the school board office collects the bags and ensures that each child in the program receives one before leaving school on Fridays.

If you want to make a food or monetary donation, don't hesitate to contact TMCS at

937-667-8631.

BOO-TIFUL BITES

Halloween Cooking Class for Kids

TMCS is offering Boo-tiful Bites, a Halloween-themed cooking class for children ages 6-12, on Monday, Oct. 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Tipp City Global Methodist Church, 8 W. Main St., Tipp City.

This hands-on cooking class will give young chefs the chance to create fun, festive Halloween treats, including silly monster cupcakes and colorful jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers. Participants will enjoy an evening of cooking, creativity and Halloween fun while learning skills they can use at home.

The cost is $38 for Tipp City and Monroe Township residents and $40 for nonresidents.

Space is limited.

BUILDING BRAIN HEALTHY HABITS

Educational Program to Explore Ways to Support Memory and Thinking

TMCS, the Alzheimer’s Association and Otterbein SeniorLife are partnering to offer an educational program focused on protecting brain health on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Otterbein White House, 4375 S. County Road 25A, Tipp City.

The program will explore simple, research-backed lifestyle habits that may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support memory and thinking at every age. Participants will learn practical steps they can incorporate into their daily lives to support brain health.

This program offers practical information that can help participants better understand the connection between everyday habits and brain health.

The Alzheimer’s Association of Miami Co. will present the program. Otterbein SeniorLife will provide a light dinner.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Space is limited.

INTERMEDIATE WATERCOLOR CLASS

Explore New Techniques and Styles

TMCS will offer an intermediate-level watercolor painting class for ages 16 and older on Oct. 14 from 6-8 p.m.

Participants will complete an intermediate-level painting while exploring new techniques and styles. The cost is $35 for residents and $37 for nonresidents. All supplies are provided.

Artist Rusty Harden, owner of A Brush with Rusty, will teach the class at her studio, 259 N. Fourth St., Tipp City. Harden will demonstrate basic techniques in a hands-on learning environment.

Registration is required and can be completed online at tmcomservices.org.

ESSENTIAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Free Class on Legal and Medicaid Planning

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Find out what legal documents you need to create ahead of time to protect you and your loved ones. Sign up for a free Tipp Monroe Community Services class and learn more about what documents you need. The class will take place at the Tipp City Public Library on Oct. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m. The provider is Kathryn Huffman, a Dysinger & Patry, LLC attorney. There is no charge for this class but registration is required.

FREE BEGINNER PICKLEBALL CLASSES OFFERED IN TIPP CITY

Learn the Basics of One of America’s Fastest-Growing Sports

TMCS will offer beginner pickleball for ages 16 and older at the Kyle Park pickleball courts on Oct. 10 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. This program provides an in-depth overview of rules, court layout, equipment, strategy and gameplay, and is designed for those new to the game. The Miami County Pickleball Association provides instruction.

The program is free, but registration is required. Paddles will be available for participants to use during class.

DISCOVER THE HEALING BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY

Are you curious about reflexology and its potential to enhance your health and well-being? TMCS is excited to present Introduction to Reflexology, an engaging workshop designed for adults aged 18 and older on Oct. 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Tipp City Library. Attending costs $35 for Tipp City and Monroe Township residents and $37 for non-residents. For more information or to register, visit tmcomservices.org.

Whether you’re new to the practice or eager to deepen your understanding, this session is the perfect opportunity to explore the art and science of reflexology in a welcoming environment.

This program promises to be an enriching experience for all participants. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today to ensure you don’t miss this unique learning opportunity!

DOG EDUCATIONAL SERIES HELPS PET OWNERS BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR DOGS

TMCS will offer a new Dog Educational Series designed to help pet owners better understand dog behavior, training and communication.

Each class is $20 for Tipp City and Monroe Township residents and $22 for nonresidents.

The series includes four classes:

Understanding Anxiety and Fear in Dogs: Owners will learn to recognize signs of stress, fear and anxiety while exploring ways to build confidence through communication, environmental management, enrichment and training. Sessions held on Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Loose Leash Walking - Enjoy Every Walk: Explore why dogs pull on leash and how owners can teach calm, enjoyable walking through practical, positive reinforcement-based training techniques. Participants will learn strategies to reduce pulling and make walks more enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. Session held Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Understanding Reactivity: Why Dogs Bark, Lunge and Overreact: Participants will learn what reactivity is, why it develops and how to recognize early warning signs. The class will also cover practical strategies for helping dogs feel more successful in challenging situations. Session held Sept. 24 and Oct. 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact Tipp Monroe Community Services at 937-667-8631 or visit tmcomservices.org. For more information about Speaking Species, visit speakingspecies.com.

YOUTH RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL

Registration Ends Nov. 22

Registration is open for TMCS Recreational Basketball Program for students in grades 3 through 8. Registration ends Nov. 22. The cost for Tipp City and Monroe Township residents is $90 for the first child and $80 for each additional child. Non-residents are also welcome to participate at a fee of $110 per child. The season runs from Jan. 4 to March 13.

There will be no player evaluations and no special requests accepted, except for sibling placements.

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE

Free Class to Help You Navigate Healthcare

Medicare can often feel overwhelming, but local expert Kate Johnsen from the Medicare Resource Center is here to help. In a series of free educational classes offered by Tipp Monroe Community Services (TMCS) at the Tipp City Public Library, Johnsen will simplify the complexities of Medicare and provide strategies to help residents maximize their healthcare coverage while minimizing costs.

Medicare Changes for 2026, Oct. 15, 5-5:45 p.m.: Make sure your coverage is the right fit for you. Discover the latest trends and changes in Medicare.

The classes are free, but registration is required. Interested participants can sign up at tmcomservices.org.