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.
Ceramics, Thursday, May 12, from 1-3 p.m., at the Senior center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Cost for one session $21 for members, $22 for nonmembers. Instructors Bob Mayer, Pat Miller, Ethel Perkins and Frank Smith. Call 703-430-2397.
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-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.
The 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 food borne 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. The course is May 4 and 11, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., each day at the Loudoun Extension Office, 30 B Catoctin Circle, S.E.. Leesburg. Cost $104, and includes test, examination and certification. Call Beverly Samuel, 703-777-0373.
Active for Life is a motivational program for increasing physical activity. It is not an exercise class and is free to qualified applicants. It's a 21-week program starting at the Senior center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, Thursday, May 19, with a 10:30 a.m. information and registration meeting. Classes will start Thursday, May 26 and continuing through Sept. 29. The program is part of a national study developed by The Cooper Institute and Human Kinetics. Pick up an application at the center. Call 703-430-2397.
AARP driving safety class, Wednesday, May 25 and Friday, May 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Must attend both days to receive certificate. Cost $10 for members, nonmembers required to pay an additional $2 daily use fee. Registration required, call 703-430-2397.
Nature photography for children, ages 7-12. An introduction to nature photography with a discussion, game and picture taking. Parent must accompany child. Bring a camera and two rolls of 200 or 400 ASA color print film, 24 prints each, or two disposable cameras per child. Canceled by rain. This class runs Sunday, June 5, from 1-2:30 p.m., at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, and the cost to participate is $10.25 per child. Call Claude Moore Park at 703-444-1275 for more information.
Calligrapher, Pat Blair, will instruct an introductory course on the art of Italic calligraphy. Students will learn to compose individual letters for illustrating a poem or making a greeting card. The class meets on Wednesday evenings June 29-July 20, from 6:30-9 p.m. Cost $115 including supplies. Classes take place at the Loudoun Academy of the Arts. Call 703-777-8043.
Lunchtime yoga, Mondays, from 1:15-2 p.m. and Wednesdays, noon-12:45 p.m., through July. $13/class for session or $15 drop-in. Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. 703-771-0006 or www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
Gentle yoga, Tuesdays, July 12-Sept. 27, from 6:30-7:45 p.m., the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Cost for 12 sessions $103.50 for members, $115.50 for nonmembers. Instructor, Lin Wagener, R.Y.T. Call 703-430-2397.
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.
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.