TMCC EPIC

National Trails Day is this Saturday, June 6 and to celebrate, the TMCC EPIC (Educational Programs Inspiring the Community) team had the opportunity to join KOLO 8 News Now Morning Break to highlight our new Trail Fundamentals Certificate: Essentials of Trail Maintenance, part of the TMCC EPIC Trail Skills Project.

Led by EPIC instructor Jeff Bryant and offered in partnership with Sky Tavern and Executive Director Chris "Toph" Brown, this hands-on course introduces the fundamentals of trail maintenance, including safety, tool use, and sustainable techniques used to preserve and improve existing trails.

Taking place Friday, June 12, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., this certification is ideal for volunteers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring a future in trail and recreation work. Plus, thanks to the generosity of the Greg Nelson Trust, 100% scholarships are available.

A special thank you to KOLO Rebecca Kitchen, KOLO Katey Roshetko and the KOLO Morning Break team for the opportunity to share information about the class this morning and for their continued support of lifelong learning in our community.

To learn more about the class, available scholarships, and to register, visit epic.tmcc.edu or call 775-829-9010.

Join EPIC Instructor Irene for our Wire-Wrapped Jewelry series. In these beginner-friendly classes, you'll learn step-by-step techniques, how to handle tools and shape copper wire. Upon completion of class, you'll leave with a beautiful piece of unique jewelry!

Our first class is Simple 9-Bead Wire-Wrap Bracelet on Tuesday, June 16, 5:30 – 9 p.m. at the TMCC Meadowood Center. Register at epic.tmcc.edu or 775-829-9010.

TMCC EPIC is your source for lifelong learning and personal enrichment, and, at the heart of the program is our instructors. From experts in the field to passionate hobbyists, EPIC instructors are changing the lives of students in our community by sharing their knowledge with others! Featured on the cover of our Summer 2026 course guide, we’re pleased to highlight Mitch Nguyen.

Drawing from his Thai heritage, EPIC Instructor Mitch Nguyen blends flavor and passion, reminding students to “smile before you eat,” as it conveys a feeling of appreciation, not just for the food on your plate, but also the people you share it with.

A graduate of CIA (The Culinary Institute of America) in New York, Mitch spent two decades as a personal chef and restaurant owner/operator. Driven by his desire to promote health through clean eating, Mitch now serves as the Director of Food and Beverage for a local senior-living facility, fondly sharing that “every day, they show me their life story.”

This summer season, Mitch will be teaching High-End Chinese Cuisine and Thai Grande Cuisine in EPIC’s new teaching kitchen located at the TMCC Meadowood Center. To learn more, or to register for one of EPIC’s 160+ classes, visit epic.tmcc.edu or call (775)829-9010.

Looking for new wines to enjoy this summer? In this tasting class, join Certified Sommelier Rebecca Davidson and explore lesser-known varieties from around the world, from crisp whites to refreshing reds. Discover unique flavors and expand your palate while finding new favorites perfect for the beach, backyard barbecues, or relaxing evenings on the patio.

Limited spaces available! Register today at epic.tmcc.edu or 775-829-9010.

Offered in partnership with Professional Dog Mom, join EPIC for Dogs 101: Canine Basics on Saturday, June 13, 1 – 4 p.m.

Learn the fundamentals of canine behavior, communication, and obedience with an emphasis on safety for both dogs and people. Ideal for dog owners and pet professionals seeking practical guidance, this workshop covers preventing unwanted behaviors, encouraging positive socialization, and creating safer daily interactions.

This summer edition also includes essential warm-weather care: recognizing signs of overheating, preventing heat-related illness, adjusting exercise routines, and implementing cooling strategies at home and on the go.

Leave with practical tools to keep training safe, successful, and enjoyable all season long. Register today at epic.tmcc.edu or call 775-829-9010.

Thinking about launching a small business? This practical, no-hype course helps you understand the realities before investing significant time or money. Learn how to evaluate whether your idea is truly viable, clarify your product and ideal customer, and define an effective go-to-market approach. Explore common areas where new founders underestimate the effort involved and gain tools to make informed, aligned decisions. Whether you move forward or choose not to proceed, you’ll leave with clarity and confidence, before risking more than you should or "losing your shirt"!

Tuesdays, June 9 – 23, 6 – 8 p.m. at the TMCC Meadowood Center.

Register today at epic.tmcc.edu or 775-829-9010.

Bring landscapes to life through a creative blend of paint and thread in EPIC's Watercolor & Embroidery. In this mixed-media workshop, you’ll use a landscape photo as inspiration to create a watercolor painting on durable duck canvas fabric. Once your painting is complete, you’ll enhance it with hand embroidery, adding texture, dimension, and fine detail through simple stitching techniques.

Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, this class covers foundational watercolor application, basic embroidery stitches, and thoughtful ways to combine the two mediums into a cohesive, expressive piece.

Learn more and register at epic.tmcc.edu or call 775-829-9010.

Did you know that some EPIC classes include field trips? Check out these photos from our recent Wildlife Photography class! Students enjoyed a classroom portion of the course at the TMCC Meadowood Center before taking their skills outdoors for a field shoot at Animal Ark!

Today we pause to Remember, Honor and Reflect.

In observance of Memorial Day, all TMCC sites are closed Monday, May 25, 2026.

Turn raw wood into elegant, handcrafted flowers with EPIC's Wood Turned Flowers class, Friday, June 12 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.!

In this introduction to woodturning, you’ll learn safety protocols, proper use of tools, and how to shape, sand, and finish wooden blooms. Through demonstration and guided practice, explore wood grain, form, and approach as you craft a beautiful keepsake. Perfect for beginners, just bring your curiosity and creativity.

Register today at epic.tmcc.edu or 775-829-9010!