Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.
Japan: The Rising Sun class at the Douglass Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg. Ages 3-5. Extend the preschool day and learn about this country through stories, crafts and games. Bring a snack. Wednesday, March 29, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $8. Call 703-771-5913.
The Birthing Inn at Inova Loudoun Hospital is offering a free workshop providing expectant parents with information related to the birthing process. Includes educational programs covering everything from pediatrician-baby basics, cord blood, car-seat safety to relieving back pain. This interactive, educational workshop takes place April 1, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and is called "Let's Talk Babies."
At the conclusion of the workshop there will be a question-and-answer session followed by a tour of The Birthing Inn for the workshop attendees. There will also be door prizes and giveaways. This session is free but registration is required, call 703-779-2694.
Free sample yoga class, Saturday, April 1, 11 a.m.-noon, Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. New students only. Call to register, 703/771-0006 or www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
The Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Public Education Committee in conjunction with Stonewall Memorial Gardens brings Dignity Memorial Escape School program to Loudoun County.
This program, sponsored by the Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Public Education Committee, The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and The Loudoun Hospital Center, is delivered free of charge by trained Dignity Memorial funeral or cemetery care professionals. Offered in an entertaining and non-threatening manner, the program teaches children how to differentiate between good and bad strangers, the common lures abductors use, how to "get away, right away" and how to find help when needed. In addition to teaching key concepts, presenters engage children in demonstrations featuring several simple yet highly effective techniques for escaping dangerous situations.
The community is invited to attend at the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, 20688 Ashburn Road, April 2. Two sessions will be offered, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Each session lasts approximately one hour and will be followed by light refreshments. Registration required, call the Public Education hotline at 703-737-8093. Parents must attend with their children.
The Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) announces the spring 2006 offering the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program.
The CERT class, which is April 3-June 3, provides students with a positive and realistic approach to preparing for and responding to large-scale emergencies and disaster situations. Classes will be held April 3, 12, 21 and 29; May 3, 10, 17, 26; June 3. Weeknight classes 7-10 p.m., Saturday class, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. All classes will be conducted at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy, 16600 Courage Court, Leesburg. To register contact the Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management, 703-777-0333 or e-mail at Cwarren1@loudoun.gov.
Photo editing and restoration class, Tuesday, April 4, from 1-5 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Cost $29 for members, $30 for nonmembers. Registration required, call 703-430-2397.
Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market St., Leesburg is offering Lovely Ladybugs craft class, Tuesday, April 4, 10-10:45 a.m. For ages 3-5. Make a ladybug visor. $6. To register call the Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.
Fly a Kite at the Douglass Center. 407 E. Market St., Leesburg. Ages 3-5. Extend the preschool day. Students will make a kite and fly it in the park. Bring a snack. Wednesday, April 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $8. Call 703-771-5913.
Ceramics, Wednesday, April 5, from 1-3 p.m.; and Thursday, May 4, from 10:30 a.m.-noon, Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Cost $21 for members, $22 for nonmembers per session. Registration required, call 703-430-2397.
The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, is offering a ceramics class, Wednesday, April 5, from 1-3 p.m.; and Thursday, May 4, from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Cost $21 for members and $22 for nonmembers per session. Call 703-430-2397.
Hatha yoga class for adults, Thursdays, through April 6, from 7-8 p.m., at the Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road. Covers the fundamentals with an emphasis on strength, flexibility and stamina plus breathing techniques to reduce stress. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or blanket. Cost $48 for county residents, $72 for nonresidents. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673.
Chakra therapy weekend workshop, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 7-9, Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. $195, call for times and to register, 703-771-0006 or www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
Gentle yoga, Tuesdays, April 11-June 27, from 6:30-7:45 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Cost $103.50 for members, $115.50 for nonmembers for 12 sessions. Registration required, call 703-430-2397.
The Sheriff's Office is offering the 19th Citizen's Police Academy, beginning Wednesday, April 12.
The free sessions will be held one evening per week for 10-weeks, from 7-9:30 p.m., at the Sheriff's Office administration building in Leesburg with the exception of the firearms training session, which will be held at the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office firearm's range located off of Route 50, in the Chantilly area.
Sheriff's Office personnel will conduct the training classes, providing an overview of all the aspects of law enforcement within the agency. Members of the class may also have the option of participating in a ride-a-long with a deputy after completing the academy.
The classes are open to Loudoun County residents over the age of 18. Contact Ginger Wines or Bonnie Burke at the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office at 703-777-0407, during normal business hours of 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mis-Communication or Missed Communication? A communication strategies workshop with Gay Nagy and Bonnie O'Leary, of the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Learn tricks and strategies for better communication between persons with hearing loss. For adults. Advanced registration required by April 12, e-mail gnagy@nvrc.org, boleary@nvrc.org, or call 703-352-9055, 703-352-9056 (TTY).
Fishing class at Banshee Reeks. Meet at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg for some fishing. Bring a pole and a snack. Parents or children 16 years of age and older
must bring a valid fishing license. Class will meet Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $6 per child. Participants must be age 5 or older. Contact Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail at dcc@loudoun.gov.
Cuddle bugs play group at Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market Street, Leesburg. Meet other parents and encourage children to explore the world around them, develop motor skills, and socialize. Preregistration is required, call 703-771-5913 or e-mail at dcc@loudoun.gov. Classes are held Fridays, April 21, April 28, May 12, May 26, June 9. All classes are from 9:30-10:15 a.m., and cost $6.
Body rolling workshop, Saturday, April 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Combine yoga with deep-tissue massage through body rolling. Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. $30 for workshop, $25 additional for massage ball and pump. 703-771-0006 or www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
Couples/partners workshop, Saturday, April 29, 1-3 p.m., Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. $60 per couple. 703-771-0006 or www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
Douglass Community Center will be holding beginner swing dance classes starting Monday, May 1. Class will meet, from 7-8 p.m., every Monday through June 12, with no class May 29, at the center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg. Participants must be 14 years of age or older. Cost is $60 per person for six sessions. Contact Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.
Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market St., Leesburg is offering Mother's Day Surprise craft class, Thursday, May 11, 11-11:45 a.m. For ages 3-5. Make a special surprise form mom. $6. To register call the Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.
Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market St., Leesburg is offering Flag Day craft class, Tuesday, June 13, 10:30-11:15 a.m. For ages 3-4. $6. To register call the Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.
The Loudoun Cooperative Extension is offering a Virginia gardener short course, which will run throughout the year as a series of sessions in July 10, July 24, and Aug. 7; Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. The course will be held at the Extension Office, 30 B Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg, from 6-8 p.m., on those dates.
Participants can choose to attend one session or all eight. Cost is $10 per session or $65 to register to attend all eight sessions. Those who complete all eight sessions will receive a certificate of completion at the closing of the short course in November. A registration flyer can be downloaded from the Loudoun County Extension Web site http://www.loudoun.gov/services/agri.htm or it is also available at local libraries. Call or e-mail the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpline Office and ask to have a registration flyer mailed, 703-771-5150, Ext. 107mg@vt.edu.
The Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, is offering music classes for children 0-18 months to 3 years. Classes will be held Thursdays, staring at 9:45 a.m. and the fee is $120 for 12 weeks. Call 703-430-6673 or 703-297-2627 or visit www.kamstonkidsmusic.com for registration details.
Lunch Bunch Afternoons are being offered by the Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, featuring crafts, outdoor and indoor play and lunch for children. Bring bag lunch, no microwaveable or refrigerated foods. Classes follow the Loudoun County Public Schools' schedule and meet Wednesdays and Fridays, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Drop in fee $5 per hour. Call 703-430-6673.
On every first and third Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., offers ESL basic computer skills needed for Internet, e-mail and word processing. Recommended for speakers of English as a second language. Limit 10 students per session. Register by calling 703-430-9500 V/TYY.
Prenatal Education. Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, presents workshops for expectant parents. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 703-779-2694.
English classes Thursdays, from 7-9 p.m., at Purcellville Baptist Church. Five different leveled classes offered, including one for au pairs. One time $15 registration/book fee. Free child care and homework assistance for older children. Two days a week of English instruction offered for beginners class. Walk-ins welcome. For more information, leave your name and number at 540-338-6400.
Yoga for a Special Child, Thursdays, from 4-4:30 p.m. $5 per child or donation to UCP fund. Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. Call to register, 703-771-0006 or www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
'Handwriting without Tears.' The Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling, offers classes for children ages 4-6 to help them focus on the beginning techniques for handwriting in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Call 703-430-6673.
Tiny Tots Classes for Twos. Katydid Inc. at Ashburn Ice House. Activities, songs, crafts for 2- to 3-year-olds and their parents. Weekly themes. Choose Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, at 9:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Call 703-481-9444 or e-mail KTdidInc@aol.com.
English as a Second Language classes for adults are offered by Hogar Hispano of Catholic Charities in Falls Church, Reston and Sterling. Cost is $40 for seven weeks of classes. Call 703-534-9805 Ext. 222. Se habla espanol.
Free English as a Second Language courses will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. ESL courses are located 22066 Circle Drive, Sterling, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Growing Stage Theatre Company. Classes and workshops for all ages. Visit www.growingstage.org, or call 540-338-5367.
The firm of Rachel L. Virk Attorney and Counselor at Law/Certified Mediator holds free monthly informational seminars on family law every second Saturday of the month, 9-11:30 a.m., 21135 Whitfield Place, Suite 207, Sterling. Learn about non-adversarial confidential dispute resolution and how to craft detailed solutions to remain in control or learn about rights to offset costly contested litigation. Call 703-444-3355. Visit www.virk-law.com.
A Better Way to Fitness LLC offers a new, total-body fitness program designed to get moms and dads fit and toddlers play. Dance 'N Play classes will be offered at Douglass Community Center Thursdays, at 9:30 a.m., classes will last
approximately 45 minutes and include cardio segments done to children's music with intervals of strength training, using resistance tubing and the environment. Register by contacting Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913. Classes cost $10 per session and are charged on a monthly
basis.
Wacky Wednesdays, for children aged 3-6, at the Sterling Community Center, from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Includes crafts, sports, story time, yoga, and more. The cost of the program is $50 for four Wednesdays. To register, call the Sterling Community Center at 703-430-9480.
Wendy Lane, flutist, will offer a flute class for beginners at her Sterling music studio, Mondays, from 7-8 p.m. for the remainder of the summer. No charge. E-mail Blane4@verizon.net or 703-404-3103. Instruments may be provided by the teacher. Beginners only but other lessons are given privately.