To have class announcements listed free in the Loudoun Connection, mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to Loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before class date. Photos/artwork encouraged. Questions? Call Lauren Warchol at 703-917-6449.
"Box Car Bonanza" Preschool Activity for ages 3-4 on May 14 from 10-11 a.m. Come build a cardboard box vehicle then drive the new car in a game of red light/green Light with friends. Parents will need to assist child in painting and assembling their vehicle. Children will take their car home with them at the end of the activity. Cost is $6 per child. For more information, contact the Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market Street, Leesburg at 703-771-5913 or dcc@loudoun.gov.
Allstar Legacy will be holding tryouts for their cheer squads May 15 and 16, with a parents' informational meeting on May 14. In its first year of competition, Legacy teams have brought home nearly 40 national titles. There are have teams at all levels and ages, and a Special Olympics team. Dance team tryouts will be June 5. For location, times and more information, see www.allstarlegacy.com or call 703-444-6002.
A class on illustrating children's books will be offered during the first six-week summer session at the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College beginning May 17. The class will be taught by Susan Weissman, head of the communications design program at the Loudoun Campus. Participants will create a mockup of a children's book for publication using their own illustrations.The class will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 703-257-6600 for more information, or access the Schedule of Classes online at http://www.nvcc.edu
Fine arts classes for children and adults. The Loudoun Academy of the Arts has made an arrangement with Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center to offer art classes for children and adults at the County’s Round Hill Center Facility this summer. Classes will meet weekly for five weeks, beginning the week of June 21.
Registration is open for the following classes:
Children's classes:
*Art History; Tues. June 22 – July 20, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
*Drawing & Sculpting; Weds. June 23 – July 21, 1–3 p.m.
Adult classes:
* Beg./Int. Watercolor; Weds. June 23 – July 21, 7– 9 p.m .
* Expressive Oil; Thurs. June 24 – July 22, 7 - 9 p.m.
For more information about class offerings, or to register for an art class, contact the Loudoun Academy of the Arts, 703-777-8043.
The 2004 Discover Loudoun - Student Series, which aims to educate emerging student leaders on government and civic issues, will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 21, 22 and 23. The program is targeted for students in grades seven through nine, and costs $35.00 per student.The deadline to register is Friday, June 11. For more information, contact Meghan Bowe at mbowe@loudoun.gov or by phone at 703-771-5839 or access the website at www.loudoun.gov/pio/discover.htm.
Dance classes start Thursday, May 27 at Douglass Community Center. Each program runs for 4 weeks. "Early Bird" fee is $30 per person, per program. Pre-registration required by Monday, May 17; late fees thereafter. For more information call Pierre at 703-406-7894.
* 7 p.m., "Latin Potpourri" for Level Two. More advanced steps in Salsa/Mambo, Merengue, Cha-Cha, and Tango.
* 8-9 p.m., "Triple-Swing" (aka SHAG). No previous dance experience required.
The Sheriff's Office's 21st Women's Self-Defense Workshop will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25 at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. The class is open to all female residents of Loudoun County and their daughters over the age of twelve. Participants will be taught basic self-defense techniques through instruction, demonstration and actual practice of the methods taught. The Loudoun County Victim Witness Program will have staff present at the workshop to provide information regarding available services for women who are victims of violence. The academy is located at 45299 Research Place in Ashburn. Participants are asked to wear gym style clothing and athletic shoes. If interested in participating in this workshop, contact Ginger Wines or Audra Vogel at the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office at 703-777-0407.
The Douglass Community Center Child Care Program is growing to meet community demand and now has availability for new children. The program operates daily from 7 a.m.-6:15 p.m. and serves children aged 2 1/2 through Pre-K. Children must be potty trained. For enrollment information, contact 703-771-5610 or email dcc@loudoun.gov.
Douglass Community Center invites 2 and 3 year olds to participate in Gym Jam. Parents and children will love this introduction to sports related activities. Group interaction and team play will be emphasized. Class will meet each Wednesday beginning May 19-June 9 from 8:30-9 a.m. Parent participation is required. The cost is $14; pre-register by calling 703-771-5913.
Douglass Community Center invites 3 and 4-year-old children to enjoy the spring weather by taking a walk outside to "smell the flowers." They will also take the time to create flower gardens of their own. Class meets Wednesday, May 19 from 10-11 a.m. The cost is $6 per child, and advance registration is required. Space is limited. For more information, contact Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail at dcc@loudoun.gov.
Next Level Community Tutoring Program will offer six separate tutoring workshops to take place on May 15 at the Capital Community Church in Ashburn. Workshops feature opportunities for middle and high school students to focus on four main areas: vocabulary, reading, grammar and mathematics. Deadline for registration is March 19. The cost for four, three-hour sessions is $99. Call 703-858-3864, ext. 356 to register.
Sterling Annex on West Church Road in Sterling is offering a two session basket workshop on Saturday, May 15, from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Participants will make the "largest market basket." This is narrow and tall plaited basket, ideal for carrying stacked items. It has start/stop sides and a lashed-on rim around a tall oak handle. The cost is $48 for Loudoun residents and $70 for non residents. A supply fee of $24 is paid by each participant to the instructor at the first session. Each participant must bring a large bucket, towel, utility scissors, an awl or ice pick, and spring type clothes pins. Call 703-430-6673.
The Sterling Annex on West Church Road in Sterling will begin a knitting for beginners class on Saturday, May 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. The cost for this 4 session class is $36 for Loudoun residents and $54 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required. Participants must bring worsted-weight yarn in their choice of color, size 8-14" long knitting needles, a metal or plastic yarn needle and scissors. Call 703-430-6673.
Oatlands is hosting a series of horticultural lectures and demonstrations to celebrate the Bicentennial year. Held under the Ginkgo tree, in front of the glasshouse, the series is open to the public. The classes are $15 per person, and $10 for Friends of Oatlands. The classes will begin at 10 a.m. and include discussion and hands-on demonstrations. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Oatlands at 703-777-3174. The series features local garden enthusiasts and experts demonstrating various arrangements, techniques and discussions, including:
* "Repotting Orchids" by Carol Sherman on Thursday, May 13.
* "Traditional Arrangements with Peonies" by Emma Kelly on Thursday, June 3.
* "Creative Container Plantings" by Jackie Ellis on Thursday, June 10.
* "Floral Design with Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables" by Linda Weiner on Thursday, June 24.
Award-winning nature photographer Mary Louise Ravese will teach two Flower Photography Workshops this spring at the Loudoun Academy of the Arts in Leesburg. The workshop will cover color theory, composition guidelines, and equipment, including macro lenses, extension tubes, and tripods. Students will practice flower photography at a local garden under the guidance of the instructor. Participants should bring a 35mm SLR camera with manual controls, camera manual, tripod, and ISO 200 slide or print film. Registration is now open for two workshop sessions. The next session will be held on Wednesday, May 19 from 6:30–9 p.m.; Saturday, May 29 from 9-11:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, June 9 from 6:30-9 p.m. The cost for each workshop is $75. To register for either or both of these special workshops, contact the Loudoun Academy of the Arts at 703-777-8043.
AARP's driver safety class will be offered at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace. This two-day class is a refresher course for seniors. Many insurance companies in Virginia offer a premium reduction to graduates of this program. Gene Schmidt will teach the class on Wednesday and Friday, May 26 and 28 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost for this class is $10 and is paid directly to AARP. The class is open to Senior Center members and other seniors, but the $1 daily drop-in applies to non-members.
Registration is required and participants must attend both sessions. Class size is limited to 30 seniors. Payment is required to confirm registration. Stop in at the Senior Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday or call 703-430-2397.
To reduce the incidence of foodborne illness, Loudoun Cooperative Extension is offering a ServSafe Sanitation Program to restaurant food managers or others involved in food handling and preparation. The Certification Course includes instruction on the microworld, contamination and foodborne illness, purchasing and receiving safe foods, food storage, protection food in preparation and service, employee sanitation training, organizing a cleaning program, pest control, accident prevention, and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). The course will be taught on June 10 and 17, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day at the Loudoun Extension Office in Leesburg. Cost for text, examination, and certification is $104. To register or for more information, call Beverly Samuel, Loudoun Cooperative Extension Office at 703-777-0373.
Kinderdance's educational dance and movement classes for 2-5 year olds will be open in the following locations:
* Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion. Classes on Thursday and Saturday mornings for stay-at-home or working parents.
* Broadlands Community Center. Classes on Monday mornings suited especially for preschoolers who stay at home with their caregivers.
* Belmont Country Club. Classes on Wednesday mornings brought to the residents of Belmont.
* Ashburn Ice House. Classes are beginning soon on Thursday mornings open to everyone including home school students.
* Loudoun County Parks and Recreation. Classes available on several different days and times offering convenience for all families.
For more information, email kindercorp@kinderdance.com or
visit www.kinderdance.com.
Counseling Programs. The following classes are offered by Northern Virginia Family Service:
Coping in Stressful Times. Learn how to develop practical skills for reducing stress, complete a personal plan and receive information about the warning signs of serious stress. Workshop for men and women. Mature teens are welcome to attend. Not a therapy group or intended as treatment for depression, anxiety or other disorders. Call Beth Spring at 703-533-2562.
Equipping Teens. Group therapy program for adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 who chronically get in trouble due to poor impulse control. Participants discuss video clips and try out new skills. Each session includes an opportunity for advice and feedback. Call Beth Spring at 703-533-2562.
Adult Group Psychotherapy. Individuals learn how to copy with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, sustaining relationships, family crises and other life transitions. Call Bill Gimblett at 703-533-2559.
Adult Anger Management. Adults will learn new skills in dealing with anger in an eight-week psycho-educational group. Call the Intake Line at 703-533-2563.
The Growing Stage Theatre Company. Classes and workshops for all ages. Visit www.growingstage.org, or call 540-338-5367.
NotJustShakespeare. NotJustShakespeare, an amateur theater group based in Leesburg, was founded for the purpose of "bringing the beauty and majesty of Shakespeare to audiences near and far, performed in an Elizabethan setting." Individuals are invited to attend workshops on any Saturday, from 10 a.m.-noon, or contact Tim Jon at 703-777-4747, ext. 24, or 703-777-1452; or Jeff Freeman at 202-268-2922 or 540-668-6967.
Weekly Salsa Lessons. Offered by Kinetic Arts, from 8-9 p.m. Cost is $10. Once a month, the group visits salsa clubs in the area. To learn more, visit Kinetic Arts in the Countryside Shopping Center, 36 Pigeon Hill Drive, Sterling, or call 703-444-0994.
Pregnancy Yoga. Feel more comfortable, while helping the mind and spirit to be "courageous, uplifted and self-confident," every Friday, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Yoga Center, 6 Export Drive, Suite A, Sterling. Call Darshan Kaur for more information and to register at 703-742-0711.
Prenatal Education. Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, presents workshops for expectant parents. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 703-779-2694.
La Leche League of Sterling. Meetings emphasize the rewards of breastfeeding while informing and encouraging mothers who wish to nurse their babies. Discussions include the latest medical research as well as mothers' personal experiences. The group meets on the third Friday of each month at 10:15 a.m. Mothers with their nursing babies and mothers-to-be are welcome. For directions to the meetings or for more information, call Elizabeth at 703-689-0811, Christine at 703-404-0121 or Meg at 703-467-8341.
'Handwriting without Tears.' The Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church 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 for fees and to register at 703-430-6673.
English as a Second Language. Classes are offered by Hogar Hispano of Catholic Charities at 24 sites around Northern Virginia. Cost is $35 per semester. Call 703-534-9805, Ext. 222. Se habla español.
Tiny Tots Classes for Twos. Katydid, Inc. at Ashburn Ice House. Activities, songs, crafts for 2-3 year-olds and their parents. Weekly themes. Choose Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, at 9:30 or 10:45 a.m. Call 703-481-9444 or e-mail KTdidInc@aol.com.
Seniors. Computer Classes are offered to individuals 55 and older at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace in Sterling. Call to confirm dates and times and register with payment at the Senior Center. Other classes at the Center include tai chi, gentle yoga, jazzercise lite and others. Call to register at 703-430-2397.
Classroom of Discovery. A new preschool program in Sterling that combines creative expression, imaginative play, storytelling and physical fitness. The core philosophy of the program is to "honor the creative genius in each child by providing a child-directed environment that enriches the whole child." The Classroom of Discovery offers a 2- or 3-day/week program for ages 2 1/2 to 5. A 1-day/week adult-child introductory program for ages 18-36 months is also available. The not-for-profit school meets at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. For more information, or to arrange a tour, call director Sheri Brown at 703-450-5456 or 703-927-3333.
Dance Aerobics. No experience is necessary. A new routine is added each week. Classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $55 for 12 sessions. Call Sterling Community Center at 703-430-9480 for more information and to register.