<i> Send announcements to The Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, send an e-mail to herndon@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. Call Jean Card at 703-917-6437, with questions.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. </i>
This summer, The Reston Community Center's Senior Academy will take the mystery out of computers with five classes that will teach computer basics and more.
* Basic Computer Skills. Learn the basic operations of a computer in this two-session class. The course includes an overview of Windows and basic computer terminology, Windows Explorer and file management, mouse techniques, menus, toolbars and Word pad/note pad. This class is required for anyone interested in pursuing any additional advanced computer instruction at RCC. The class fee is $30 for people who live or work in Reston and $60 for all others. The class will be held twice during the summer, Tuesday and Thursday June 14 and 16, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and on Tuesday and Thursday July 12 and 14, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
* Beginning Word Processing. Create documents; use templates, apply formatting, edit and correct documents. The Basic Computer Skills class is a prerequisite. The fee is $30 for people who live or work in Reston and $60 for all others. Beginning Word Processing will be held twice during the summer, Tuesday and Thursday June 21 and 23, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday July 19 and 21, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
* Intermediate Word Processing. Learn to insert graphics and digital pictures into text, use word art and the drawing toolbar, prepare tables and attach documents. The Beginning Word Processing class is a prerequisite. The class fee is $30 for people who live or work in Reston and $60 for all others. The class will be held twice during the summer, Tuesday and Thursday June 28 and 30, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday July 26 and 28, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
* Computer Maintenance and Housekeeping. Keep the computer running smoothly by learning to use system tools, utility programs, firewalls and virus protection. Trouble-shoot a computer crash, decipher error messages, archive and delete files, plus keep your computer updated automatically. Basic Computer Skills is recommended because this class is not intended for beginners. The class fee is $40 for people who live or work in Reston and $80 for all others. The class meets on Monday and Wednesday, July 18 and 20 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
* Introduction to the Internet. Learn to use the Internet Explorer browser program to obtain information from the World Wide Web. Introduction to the Internet gives an overview of two search engines and presents tips on how to organize favorite Web pages. The Basic Computer Skills class is a prerequisite. The fee is $30 for people who live or work in Reston and $60 for all others. The class meets on Wednesday and Friday, June 15 and 17, and is repeated on Wednesday and Friday, July 13 and 15. Both sessions meet from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
All senior computer classes are for people age 55 and older. All classes meet in the RCC Computer Center, which is located in our Hunters Woods Facility. Register either in person or by faxing a completed RCC registration form to 703-476-8617.
For information, directions, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500, 703-476-1514 (TTY) or visit the Web site at
http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com. The Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, is located in the lower level of the Hunters Woods Shopping Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. The Reston Community Center is completely accessible to persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Fairfax County offices of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (CBRB) offer free weekly career seminars for those interested in learning more about a career in real estate. Information about the residential real estate profession and the opportunities available are among the topics to be discussed. The seminar is appropriate for those interested in starting a new career as well as for experienced sales associates looking to work with the "Company of Choice in the Mid-Atlantic region." To register, call Mark Pergerson at 703-476-8440.
Sahaja Yoga free meditation class, each Tuesday, to reduce stress and improve health. 7:15-8:15 p.m., at the Reston Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Contact Navneet Agarwal, 703-793-6556.
Reston Community Center offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for adults with beginning to intermediate levels of proficiency in English. The courses will cover basic grammar, conversation, pronunciation and writing. Classes are targeted to people age 16 and older. Students are required to take a free assessment test before they can attend a class. The fee is $20 for Reston residents and $60 for all others. Call 703-476-4500.
Reston resident Carol Berman will help students learn pastel drawing and improve drawing skills on Thursday mornings, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at her Reston studio. Cost is $15 per session. Call 703-437-9068.
SOAR, or "Scouts Obtain Achievements and Recognition," teams Scouts with Reston Community Center Youth Department staff members, who assist the youth in
earning merit badges and completing projects in the areas where they have resources and special expertise such as photo developing, cooking and crafts. Scouts can register for one-day, hands-on workshops on Mondays
and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Call Julie Windsor, youth director, at 703-390-6163 to schedule a workshop. The cost of the workshops is $6 for Reston residents and $9 for all others.
Candlelight beginner yoga classes at Brown's Chapel include gentle stretching, breathing and deep relaxation/guided meditation. Mondays 7:30-9 p.m., Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. Call 703-476-2827.
Crossroads School of the Arts, located in Herndon, offers classes in dance, drama and art for preschoolers through teens, as well as workshops for adults. Call 703-404-2977 or visit www.crossroadsarts.info.
Pilates is a new exercise class that will help a person achieve a higher level of physical fitness with reduced soreness and fewer injuries. Pilates improves posture, strength and flexibility. RCC's new Pilates class will be held Tuesday nights, from 7:30-8:40 p.m., at the Lake Anne RCC. The class will run from June 21-Aug. 9. The course fee is $55 for people who live or work in Reston and $70 for all others. Course listings and registration forms can also be found on RCC's Web site, http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
The YMCA Fairfax County Reston announces the start of a new session of swim lessons for ages 6 months to adult. Lessons are divided by age group. Lesson time and days vary depending on level. Contact the YMCA for a complete schedule. YMCA Fairfax County Reston, 12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston. Cost:
* Parent/Child & Preschool Swim Lessons
YMCA Member: $50; YMCA Program Member: $90.*
* School Age Swim Lessons
YMCA Member: $55; YMCA Program Member: $100*
* Youth Stroke Development & Adult Swim Lessons
YMCA Member: $60; YMCA Program Member: $110*
* A program membership is required to participate in YMCA activities for nonmembers. Annual Program Membership: $35/Child or $70/Family. Visit the YMCA or call 703-742-8800.
Wee Play is a weekly activity class for parents or caregivers and their 2- or 3-year-olds, held in the Classical Ballet Academy in the Reston/Herndon Industrial Park.
Registration now open for the summer session. Program meets once a week for four weeks. May 25-June 17. Classes held Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., or 10:45-11:45 a.m. $50. Call Kathy to register 703-403-8699. Next session begins in September. Visit http://weeplayinfo.tripod.com.
Tiny Dancers is now available at the Reston YMCA preschool. This dance education program emphasizes technical excellence and self-expression through the use of well-known stories and hundreds of costumes and props. Young dancers gain confidence and self-esteem through positive reinforcement in a creative and nurturing environment.
Voted 'Best Dance Studio' by readers of Families Magazine, Tiny Dancers offers ballet, tap and hip-hop classes specifically tailored to young dancers. In addition to the varied programs offered at the main studio in Fairfax, Tiny Dancers is the area's premier provider of satellite dance programs. Visit www.tinydancers.com or call the studio at 703-385-5580.
Free ESL classes are being offered at Dranesville United Methodist Church. Various levels of instruction are available for beginning to advanced students. Registration and classes Thursday mornings, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., until the semester ends May 19. New students are welcome at any time. Free child care provided during class time for children 2 years and older. Dranesville United Methodist Church, 1089 Liberty Meeting Court, Herndon. Call the church office at 703-430-3137 during the day, or Sharon Harroun at 703-860-9417 in the evenings.
Angela’s Happy Stamper offers free Learn at Lunch programs every Tuesday, from 12–2 p.m., free make and take opportunities and many new classes. Currently, Happy Stamper customers are creating and donating all kinds of stationery for the charity, Support Our Troops. In Iraq, stationery is in short supply for those wishing to send mail home. Call 703-435-0051 or visit www.ahappystamper.com.
Practice Your English, for beginning- and intermediate-level conversation groups for adults learning English. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Call 703-689-2700.
Individual Internet training for adults at Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. One-hour sessions with a technology volunteers. Call 703-689-2700.
Vajrayogini Buddhist Center offers classes in Buddhist meditation, which is open to the public. The classes are Tuesdays of each month, 7-8: 30 p.m., in the "cry" room next to the chapel at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 1700 Wainright Drive, Reston. Visit the Web site www.meditation-dc.org or call 202-331-2122.
Gentle Hatha Yoga. Group sessions for beginners and those who would prefer to remain at a gentle level are offered Saturdays, 12-1:30 p.m., at Brown's Chapel, 11300 Baron Cameron Ave, Reston. Suggested donation is $50 for five classes; $12 for drop in. Weekday, daytime and evening classes are available in private studio in Reston. Call 703-787-0268.