A Mission for Mom Time

Notebooks are packed, lunches are made and backpacks are ready. The beginning of a new school year quietly closes the door on summer. As the kids venture back to academia, the end of one season may suddenly open a new window of opportunity for you. Why not use this precious time to focus on something for yourself? From creative ventures to educational classes, we have a list of some of the best activities in the Cincinnati area to help you pursue an interest of your own.

CREATIVE ENDEAVORS

Work with flowers

Stop and cut the roses at this introductory flower design class and learn how to arrange flowers and create centerpieces and corsages. This class is perfect for those wanting to learn a practical and beautiful skill. Classes are offered Mondays or Wednesdays at either the Scarlet Oaks Campus or Live Oaks Campus. Register at www.greatoaks.net.

Connect at a solder class

Join fellow metal enthusiasts for an introductory class on soldering. Interested in stained glass or electronics? This class is an excellent (and free) way to learn more about working with metal. As part of the Makers Event Series, this solder session will be offered at the Main Public Library on August 20 at 4:00 pm. To learn more, visit www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Join an art club

For those hoping to cultivate their creative abilities, the Cincinnati Art Club offers a variety of opportunities for blossoming artists. Membership includes two sessions of drawing per week, monthly dinner meetings with lectures, two critique sessions per month, weekend workshops and fellowship with other art-lovers. A membership application can be downloaded at www.cincinnatiartclub.com.

EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS

Learn how to groom Fido

The art of dog grooming is a skill that requires patience, dexterity and an overall love for animals. Whether you want to get your own dog looking his best or have an interest in becoming a professional groomer, this class is a great place to start. Get the basics of proper pet primping by viewing the class schedule at www.greatoaks.net.

Quilt something beautiful

Join other patchwork aficionados for a Quilting Basics Class at Cincinnati’s Main Public Library. Part of the Maker Event Programs, this quilting class demonstrates how to create a log cabin block pattern. Students can bring their own fabrics or use some of the solid quilting fabric provided. Quilters meet every Monday in August at 10 am. Find more information at www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Become pin-teresting

Plunge into the world of Pinterest and learn about the benefits of using this trending site to promote a small business or blog. The Pinterest Class takes place at Scarlet Oaks, which also teaches a Twitter Class as well. To register, www.greatoaks.net

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Attend a ballet class

Want to perfect your plié? The Cincinnati Ballet Academy offers adult ballet classes for women starting from basic classes to intermediate instruction.  Not only is ballet a terrific form of exercise, but it also helps to build tone, flexibility and strength. Interested ballerinas can check out www.cballet.org for more info.

Strap on your skates

If dancing on ice sounds nice, then the Figure Skating Club of Cincinnati is the perfect place to practice your lutz and axel. With a wide variety of programs, the FSCC supports figure skaters of all ages and ability levels. Members enjoy group skating lessons, free social skating sessions, as well as testing and competition privileges. To become a member, visit www.skatecincinnati.org.

Take a hike

Nothing beats the great outdoors! Join fellow nature enthusiasts with the Tri-State Hiking Club and enjoy trails throughout Cincinnati and surrounding areas. This non-profit group is devoted to building a hiking community that appreciates the beauty of nature. The Hiking Club meets weekly, hiking in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Both beginners and experienced hikers are welcome. To learn more, check out www.Meetup.com/Hike-Cincinnati.

VOLUNTEER UNDERTAKINGS

Give back to your community

The Exchange Club of Northwest Cincinnati is an all-volunteer organization of people wanting to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships. If you’re interested in sharing your time and talents within their own neighborhood, go to www.northwestexchangecincinnati.org to learn more.

Find your perfect (volunteer) match

With so many worthwhile organizations out there, choosing the place that best suits your interests and abilities can be a challenge. Try visiting www.volunteermatch.org

to help you narrow down a list of opportunities right here in Indy that may be right for you.

A new school year can be a new beginning for you too. Show the kids that learning is a lifelong pursuit by expanding your horizons with a new activity that piques your curiosity! 

 

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