What’s Cookin’ at the Kroc?

• January 4, 2024

Self-defense, soccer and family fun are all on the menu!

ASHLAND, Ohio – Whether your New Year’s resolution is to get fit, learn a new skill, tap into your creative side, help your kiddos develop their talents, spend more time together as a family, or throw the best birthday party or bridal/baby shower for your loved-one, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland is ready to help you achieve your goals in 2024.

“In keeping with the mission of The Salvation Army, and the wishes of benefactor Joan Kroc for the Kroc Center facilities to focus on recreation, education and the arts, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland provides opportunities that bridge the gap between potential and opportunity for children and adults,” explains says Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development. “Our programs and services are focused on a holistic approach to caring for individuals, strengthening families, and enriching the lives of seniors.”

To deliver on that commitment, The Ashland Kroc Center programming and recreation teams collaborate with local instructors and coaches to provide a variety of classes and events. A small sampling of some of the new and upcoming classes is outlined below. All activities are open to both members and nonmembers alike; however, individuals and families with a Kroc Center membership do receive a discount, and all the drop-in fitness classes are included with the membership fees.

New & Upcoming Fitness Classes

  • Adult Self Defense: Mondays, Jan. 8 – March 25 (no class Jan. 15 & Feb. 19) | 5:30-7 p.m. | Age: 16+ | Member Cost: $40 | Non-Member Cost: $52 | Instructor: Ted Weaver | Week by week, you’ll delve into a variety of self-defense strategies, from basic blocks and strikes to effective counterattacks. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll gain proficiency in situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and assertiveness training.
  • Youth Self Defense: Beginners: Thursdays, Feb. 1 to April 11 (no class April 4) | 5 to 6:30 p.m. | Age: 7 to 12 | Member Price: $40 | Non-Member Price: $52 | Intermediate: Thursdays, Feb. 1 to April 11 (no class April 4) | 6:30 to 8 p.m. | Age: 7 to 12 | Member Price: $45 | Non-Member Price: $70 | Instructor: Addison Sevin | Youth can train in ways to protect themselves using karate, arnis, kali and silat techniques with judo and hapkido throws and takedowns.
  • Youth Soccer Skills: Ages: 8-13: Fridays, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 15 & April 19 | 5 to 6 p.m. | Member Cost: Free; Non-Member Cost: $5 per person | Ages 14-18: Fridays, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 22 & April 26 | 5 to 6 p.m. | Non-Member Cost: $5 per person | Member Cost: Free | Instructor: Michele Lahmers | Experienced coach Michele Lahmers will guide youth through a series of exercises designed to improve kids’ control, balance, and speed on the ball. Open to beginners and seasoned players.
  • Buti Yoga: Tuesdays & Saturdays at 9 a.m. | Instructor: Jennifer Burdette | Buti Yoga is a soulful blend of power yoga, cardio-intensive tribal movement, conditioning, and deep abdominal toning. As a drop-in yoga class, Buti Yoga is FREE to members of the Kroc Center and is just $7 per person for non-members.
  • YogaFaith: Mondays at 9 a.m. & Saturdays at 8 a.m. | Instructor: Steph Beverly | Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll learn traditional yoga poses and breathing techniques aimed at enhancing flexibility, strength, and balance in a Christian environment. As a drop-in yoga class, YogaFaith is FREE to members of the Kroc Center and is just $7 per person for non-members.

Family Fun:

  • “Over the Moon” Father-Daughter Dance: Saturday, Feb. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ashland Kroc Center, featuring special guests Cinderella and Princess Jasmine. Kroc Center members are just $32 a father-daughter couple, and $5 for each additional daughter, and non-member couples are $38 and $6 for each additional daughter.
  • Bounce-N-Play: Fridays, Jan. 5 – April 29 | 9:30 to 11 a.m. | Age: 2 to 5 | Non-Members: $5 per child (adults are free); Kroc Members: Included with membership. | Get out of the house and enjoy some time playing in our bounce house!
  • Family Fun Night: First Friday of the Month: Jan. 5 & Feb. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. | Members: Free | Non-Members: $5 per person| Bring the whole family to the Kroc Center for a night of fun! A variety of activities will be offered each month which may include laser tag, bounce houses, roller skating, giant Jenga, and seasonal crafts.
  • Family Roller Skating: Third Friday of the Month: Jan. 19: Glow Night & Feb. 16: Sweetheart Night (wear red or pink) | 5 to 7 p.m. | Members: Free; Non-Members: $5 per person (includes skate rental) | Gather your family and join us in our gym to practice your skating skills! Whether you have your own skates or need to borrow a pair from us, everyone is welcome to participate in this classic family activity.

To see the full offering of classes and activities at the Ashland Kroc Center now through April, please go to their website and download a copy of the 2024 Winter Program Guide. Or stop by one of the Welcome Desks during regular business hours and pick up a hardcopy.

If you have any questions or would like to register for a class, please feel free to call the Ashland Kroc Center at (419) 281-8001. For more information on membership, please see https://krocsales.usaeast.org/#/ashland.

To stay up-to-date on the latest classes and events, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram.

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