Arts and Rec: TMCS offers a variety of classes
TMCS offers a variety of classes for youth, adults, and seniors
From yoga and Pilates to cooking, wine and self-defense, Tipp Monroe Community Services (TMCS) offers classes for residents of all ages and skill levels, featuring an ever-changing line-up of topics and instructors.
“There’s something for everyone,” Program Coordinator Kristina O’Meara said. “It’s a combination of health, wellness, and education.”
“We have classes here, at the Tipp City library, the Tipp Center, the Monroe Township Building basement and the Global Methodist Church,” she said. “We try to have a good combination of youth and adult.”
Fall and winter classes are enrolling now, O’Meara said, and Tipp City residents will receive a printed flyer in the mail featuring classes and other events. More information can also be found online at www.tmcomservices.recdesk.com.
Upcoming offerings include long-running health and wellness classes like Pilates and yoga, as well as educational topics including ACT preparation for teens and Elder Law or Medicare for seniors.
“We have our standing classes, which include tennis, Taekwondo and Pilates,” O’Meara said. “We also have ACT prep for the teens, which is very beneficial.”
TMCS’ newest classes include wine tastings, a new educational series focused on dogs, women’s defense, and youth cooking programs presented by Eat Pretty Darling owner Katie Blauser.
“The kids really enjoy cooking with her,” O’Meara said. “She does different themes, like after-school snacks, Boo-tiful Bites for Halloween, or cookies and cocoa; she’s very creative in thinking of classes.”
TMCS is also collaborating with the Tipp City Police Department to offer a new women’s self-defense program.
“A couple of the officers feel very passionate about women’s defense and self-care, so we’re going to have a workshop,” O’Meara said. “It’s two sessions, and totally free; they do have to go through a background check, but it’s a very well-developed curriculum about how to be more aware to prevent crimes.”
“We’re really excited about it,” she said.
Denise Campbell will lead new youth Yoga classes, O’Meara said, and TMCS is also offering a new dog educational series with instructor Medardo Hernandez, and a series of art classes led by local artist Rusty Hardin.
“Rusty Hardin has three classes this year,” O’Meara said. “She likes to do one called Doodle Art, which is kind of new.”
In October, TMCS will also offer a special educational program on Building Healthy Brain Habits, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of Miami County and Otterbein SeniorLife. A light dinner will be provided during the program, which is free and open to the public, although space is limited. Registration is required.
Registration for classes is available online, through the TMCS website, or in person at the TMCS offices.
“We register online, or they can come in, but we only take check or cash,” O’Meara said. “They can do credit cards online.”
Many TMCS classes are free, and those that do charge have a minimal fee. Classes are also supported through the generosity of several local businesses and organizations, who offer space or other support.
“Matt Buehrer tends to do a class each season,” O’Meara said. “Matt supports us well.”
“We should give a special thanks to the Monroe Township Building. They support us a lot with their kitchen space, and they do not charge,” she said. “The Global Methodist Church, they also support us a lot in the classes, too.”
Class offerings are different each season, and TMCS staff are always on the lookout for new class ideas.
“We’re always looking,” O’Meara said. “Sometimes we see what’s trending; often, as a team, we brainstorm.”
“We would love to have new ideas and classes,” she said. “We’re always interested; please reach out to us with new class ideas.”
TMCS is also always seeking new instructors to lead classes.
“You don’t have to be certified,” O’Meara said. “You don’t have to be an expert to teach.”
“We are looking now for instructors and new class ideas for winter/spring,” she said.
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