Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6459. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
<cal1>Languages
<cal2>English Classes. Free English classes for adults Saturdays from 5-6:30 p.m. Free testing to determine which level students should be in. Text is $20. Classes in Trailer Rooms 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B at Christ Church, 8285 Glen Eagles Lane, Fairfax Station. Contact debbie-tim-mccrory@cox.net.
Practice English. Kingstowne Library sponsors a conversation group for adults learning English. Classes take place on Wednesdays, at 10:15 a.m. Call 703-339-4610. Kingstowne Library is located at 6500 Landsdowne Centre.
Group English Practice. Adults practice English with group of others learning the language 3 p.m. every Monday at Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. 703-451-8055.
English Classes. Registration is in session for English classes for adult foreign nationals sponsored by ESL and Immigrant Ministries. The classes are offered in 16 locations in Northern Virginia. Childcare is available at some locations. $20 processing fee. Scholarships are available. Check www.eslim.org for class locations and schedules or call 703-841-0292 and leave a message. Calls will be returned in English, Spanish, Korean, or Vietnamese.
<cal1>Finance and Business
<cal2>Estate Planning. Attorney Bryan R. Bishop presents a free Estate Planning Seminar on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 8704 Lee Highway, Suite 201 in Fairfax. Reservations appreciated, but walk-ins welcomed. Call 703-641-0300.
The Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs conducts several classes at the Community Business Partnership, 7001 Loisdale Road, Suite C, Springfield. Limited scholarships available for all classes. For more, call 703-768-1440 or visit www.cbponline.org.
<cal1>Painting & Drawing
<cal2>Registration is ongoing for art classes for children and adults in drawing and watercolor painting at the Ponds Community Centre, 9837 Burke Pond Lane, Burke. Classes are Drawing Plus Color for 5-8-year-olds on Tuesdays or Saturdays, Art Lessons for Youth 8 and up on Tuesdays or Saturdays, Art Workshop and Chinese Brush Painting for teens/adults on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sessions 8-10 weeks. Call Carol Zeitlin at 703-250-6930 or see www.geocities.com/czeitlinschneier.
The Springfield Art Guild offers the following classes at Kings Park Community room at the Kings Park Shopping Center. Call 703-866-5254.
* Oil Painting Workshop. Every Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $15 per session. Drop in for professional instruction by Susan Norman. Students provide own supplies.
* Open Studio/Critique takes place the first and third Thursdays of the month from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Tables, chairs, water and spotlights available. Students bring own supplies. Call 703-493-7676.
Creative Classes. Gentle healing artist, educator and health professional Lynne Grossman, M. Ed. uses art, writing and musical techniques for innovative projects at her studio in Burke. $225/eight 90-minute sessions, most supplies provided. Ongoing enrollment. Inquire about discounts or private rates. Call 703-455-3878, visit www.ColourYourWorld.net for studio address.
* Over the Rainbow. Flexibly designed to embrace life, express hopes and dreams. Friendly, relaxing environment.
* Butterfly Wings. Free the inner spirit, awaken the artist within. No "talent" needed. Variety of media explored with individual interests highlighted.
* Serious Sketchers. Concentrate on the subject and/or media of choice such as pet portraits, landscapes, florals, color theory or design. Personalized critiques and demonstrations.
* Poetic Pathways. Explore new writing stepping stones such as terms and styles. No experience necessary. Journal, make cards, frame poems for the wall or publish a book.
Art Classes. Springfield Art Guild and Lorton Arts Foundation member Maureen Wolford teaches classes that focus on enhancing and refining basic drawing and painting techniques involving color, perspective and shading. Materials include watercolor, tempera, pastel, acrylic and oil; machine sewing, beginner needlepoint, architecture, art history and more also explored. Ages 8 to adult, flexible schedules. Call Maureen at 703-455-4473 or visit www.lifethroughart.com.
<cal1>Sports
<cal2>Skating Lessons. Skater's Quest of Fairfax gives free skate lessons with a qualified professional. Lessons take place at Dick's Sporting Goods, 12501 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax. To register or for more information, visit www.skatersquest.com or www.freeskatelesson.com.
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Northern Virginia offers golf clinics for girls throughout the Northern Virginia area. All girls rising grades 1 through 12 are invited. Parents and girls may register online at www.GirlsLoveGolf.com. For more, contact Elena Melchert at Elena@GirlsLoveGolf.com or 703-475-4163.
<cal1>Parenting
<cal2>MamaStroll stroller exercise classes at Springfield Mall. Mothers can work out with their babies Mondays and Wednesdays at 8 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. First class free. Meet at Macy’s Court. Visit www.mamastroll.com.
Mommy & Me. The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia offers Mommy & Me classes for children 3-months-old to 2-years-old. Circle time, singing, games, crafts, story time and more. Class locations include Fairfax and Springfield. For more information on times and locations, call Laurie Albert, JCCNV at 703-537-3064 or e-mail LaurieA@jccnv.org. Visit www.jccnv.org.
<cal1>Emergency Preparedness
<cal2>Emergency Preparedness Clinics. The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area's Fairfax/Falls Church Office and the Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council sponsor monthly Emergency Preparedness Clinics. Participants will learn how to make a kit to help through the first 72 hours of a local or regional emergency. To host a clinic or attend one, contact Jesse Viles, community outreach coordinator at 703-805-2332 or e-mail vilesj@redcrossnca.org.
<cal1>Computers
<cal2>Internet Training. Basic training for beginners who want to learn more about cataloging and the Internet at Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Adults only. Call 703-644-7333 for an appointment.
Internet Tutoring. Personalized Internet tutoring at Fairfax City Regional Library, 3915 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Adults only. Call 703-293-6227 for appointment.
<cal1>Dance
<cal2>Singles' Dance. Hearts in Motion School of Music & Dance hosts Don and Colleen's Singles' Dance the third Friday of each month, 8 p.m.-midnight. Dances include cha cha, waltz, swing, hustle, El Paso, slow dances and line dances. Cost is $12 ($20 for a couple). Light snacks are provided, soda and water are available for purchase. The school is located at 8600 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call Colleen at 703-437-1190.
Zumba Latin Aerobics classes are Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Green Acres Center, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax until Feb. 26. $60. Call 703-385-7858.
City of Fairfax offers Swing Performance Routine sessions each Tuesday from 8-9 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. For intermediate dancers. $72. Call 703-385-7858.
<cal1>Miscellaneous
<cal2>Colorful World, a small minority women-owned education consulting organization in Springfield providing diversity education consulting, training and resources, offers several classes at the center, 7001 Loisdale Road, Suite C-215, Springfield. For more, visit www.colorfulworld.com or call 703-778-9910.
Registration for Northern Virginia Community College’s fall semester is underway. Enroll online at www.nvcc.edu, by phone at 703-323-3770 or 703-330-3770, or in person at the Student Services Center on one of NOVA’s campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge. The 16-week fall semester begins Aug. 25. NOVA also offers two eight-week sessions, starting Aug. 25 and Oct. 22. Call 703-323-3000 or visit the College’s Web site at www.nvcc.edu.