Martial arts instructor teaches at after school program

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Neighbors | Submitted.Nathan Hupp, Gavin Seifert, David Burbage, Kennedy Cartwright, Celine Chammas and Bayley Leonard enjoying one of their five martial arts lessons by instructor Tom Richie.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Nathan Hupp, Gavin Seifert, David Burbage, Kennedy Cartwright, Celine Chammas and Bayley Leonard follow the instructions of Martial Arts Instructor Tom Richie.

Poland After School Program had a new visitor in October.

Tom Richie, an instructor at the Martial Arts Training Center in Poland, spent five days teaching different martial arts classes. He had the rapt attention of the students as he showed them many of the basic moves. For many of the childrens, it was their first exposure to the martial arts and the teachers could tell by the expressions on their faces that the children enjoyed it.

“There was a $10 fee for the sessions, but Instructor Richie donated the entire fee directly back to the after school program,” said Asst. Director Mary Beth Komsa. “The funds will be used to purchase gym equipment, games, puzzles and more to keep the kids minds and bodies moving.”

Poland After School currently has 120 pre-K through fifth-graders registered this year. The program is located at the former North Elementary building.