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 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.
Loudoun Cancer Care Center, 14 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 130, Sterling, will introduce the Reiki program and other energy medicines, Thursday, March 24, April 28 and May 26, from 6:30-8 p.m. Registration required and classes are free. Introduction to Chakras, which focuses on the bodyÕs energy centers called chakras, takes place March 24. The April 28 class will be Tuning Your Own Energies, which teach participants to clear and strengthen their energy systems. On May 26 is the Chakra Meditation class, which stresses the power of group, special music, guidance and energy assistance. Contact Karen Archer, 703-444-440 or e-mail karcher@lh.org.
New dance classes start Thursday, March 24, at the Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg. A swing Ñ single Lindy/jitterbug Ñ workshop at 7 p.m.; "Big Band" era level 1, featuring fox-trot, waltz, rumba and swing at 8 p.m. Each program runs four weeks. "Early bird" fee $30 per person per program, if registered by March 14. Late fees apply afterwards. Call Pierre 703-406-7894.
Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, offers naturalist-led programs that meet most Scout badge requirements. An adult must accompany scouts. Call 703-444-1275 for reservations. $3.50 per scout per session.
* Brownies - Earth And Sky Try-It. Saturday, March 12, from 10-11:30 a.m. or Monday, March 14, from 3:30-5 p.m.
* Junior Girl Scout - Finding Your Way. Saturday, March 12, from 12:30-2 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m.
* Brownies - Eco-Explorer Try-It. Monday, April 4, at 3:30-5 p.m. or Saturday, April 9, at 10-11:30 a.m.
* Webelos - Naturalist Badge. Saturday, April 9, at either 12:30-2 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m.
* Brownies - Water Everywhere Try-It. Saturday, May 14, from 10-11:30 a.m.
* Webelos - Forester Badge. Saturday, May 14, from either 12:30-2 p.m. or 2:30-4 p.m.
* Brownies- Listening To The Past. A self-guided opportunity for Scouts to complete badge requirements while participating in the 250th Commemoration of the French and Indian War. Leaders/parents, who must accompany scouts, will be given a check list of requirements fulfilled. Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Scouts must preregister for this event by calling 703-444-1275. $2 per scout.
* Junior Girl Scout - Local Lore Badge. A self-guided opportunity for scouts to complete badge requirements while participating in the 250th Commemoration of the French and Indian War. Leaders/parents, who must accompany scouts, will be given a check list of requirements fulfilled. Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Scouts must preregister for this event by calling 703-444-1275. $2 per scout.
* Webelos - Citizens Badge. A self-guided opportunity for scouts to complete badge requirements while participating in the 250th Commemoration of the French and Indian War. Leaders/parents, who must accompany scouts, will be given a check list of requirements fulfilled. Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Scouts must preregister by calling 703-444-1275. $2 per scout.
* Boy Scouts - American Heritage Badge. A self-guided opportunity for scouts to complete badge requirements while participating in the 250th Commemoration of the French and Indian War. Leaders/parents, who must accompany scouts, will be given a check list of requirements fulfilled. Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Scouts must preregister by calling 703-444-1275. $2 per scout.
Infant Massage classes will be held Fridays in March, 10:30-11:45 a.m., at the Mother-Baby-Connection in Ashburn, 20604 Gordon Park Square. Cost is $90 for three sessions. Preregistration required. Visit www.mother-babyconnection.com or call 703-726-3030.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department has scheduled an aerial driver operator course at the Loudoun County Training Division, March 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26, week nights 7-10 p.m., weekends 8-4 p.m. Registration due by March 11. Prerequisites are FF 1 and EVOC 3. This will be a four-module course Ñ part of the driver operator curriculum Ñ that will detail instruction on the operation, maintenance and design of aerial ladder apparatus. Also, this course will go over strategy and tactics of aerial apparatus positioning. Contact Lt. Ken Snowden 703-777-0333 or via e-mail at ksnowden@loudoun.gov.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department has scheduled an VDFP confined space rescue course at the Loudoun County Training Division, April 2 and 3, weekends 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration due by March 28. Prerequisites are FF 1 and must be 18 years old. A course designed to examine hazard recognition along with victim access and stabilization and retrieval. Practical and classroom sessions focus on the three primary hazards associated with confined space entry: physical, atmospheric and physiological. A concentrated effort is devoted towards realistic training evolutions using the latest equipment and techniques which will help to assure retention of the material. Contact Lt. Ken Snowden 703-777-0333 or via e-mail at ksnowden@loudoun.gov.
Gentle Yoga, Tuesdays, through March 22, and then again from April 5-June 21, from 6:30-7:45 p.m., the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. $103.50 for members, $115.50 for non-members for 12 sessions. Instructor Lin Wagener. Call 703-430-2397.
Preschool yoga classes are now being offered at the Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St. Classes are available on Wednesdays from 10-10:45 a.m. for 4- to 6-year-olds through April. The class will combine simple yoga poses with songs, stories and games. Fee: $30. A parent-child class for 2-4 year olds using simple animated poses, games, and music will be held on Wednesdays from 11-11:30 a.m.ÊFee:Ê$25.ÊFor more information, call 703-430-9480 or register on-line at www.loudoun.gov/prcs.
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. Classes are taught every Friday, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Yoga Center, 6 Export Drive, Suite A, Sterling. Call Darshan Kaur 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.
'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 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.
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 to register 703-430-9480.
English as a Second Language (ESL) 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.
The Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road in Sterling, is offering the following fitness classes. Call 703-430-6673 for more information.
* Beginner Weight Training, Mondays and Wednesdays, from noon-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Includes an expert to guide participants through a comprehensive strength-training routine and uses a combination of machines and free weights.
* Yoga for Women, Tuesdays, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
* Power Kids, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4-5 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Includes a fitness professional to work with children to set up an individualized weight control/reduction nutrition program and fitness routine.
The Douglass Community Center's preschool program has a limited number of openings for children ages 3 to pre-kindergarten. Both morning and afternoon classes are offered. For more information, contact Jon Mattia at 703-771-5913.
Free English as a Second Language (ESL) 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 Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, offers "Basic Training Fitness" classes for adults Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Cost $75 per 12 sessions. Baby or toddler welcome. Call 703-435-4757 to register.
The Response to Emergencies and Disasters Institute (READI) is holding a series of classes at various locations around Northern Virginia. The training is free and is for emergency response and medical personnel, with the agency's approval to attend. Contact Ronda Strumfeld at 703-726-3716.
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 13-18 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 cope 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.