Send announcements or events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail <a href="mailto:loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com">loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com</a>. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call 703-917-6454.
The veterinary technology program at the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week with a free open house, Oct. 15, from 6-8 p.m., 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway, LD Building, Sterling. Attendees can tour the veterinary hospital and enjoy children’s activities. NOVA students and faculty will provide information about the profession and programs of study. Food and drinks will be available. Free.
Celebration Preschool, 20962 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, will hold its second annual fall festival, Saturday, Oct. 18, 3–7 p.m. The event will feature carnival games, face painting, a moon bounce, a giant slide, food, silent auction items, home-based business/craft sales and more. Call 703-729-1224.
Congregation Sha'are Shalom is offering preschoolers the opportunity to receive a Jewish education in a developmentally appropriate early childhood setting. The Rosie Uran Jewish Education Center is now registering students for the 2008–2009 school year. Information is available at the synagogue Web site: http://www.sha-areshalom.org/edu_rujec.php. Participatory visits by parents and prospective students are welcome. Call 703-737-0686 to speak with Sheri Brown, director.
The Douglass Community Center, 405 East Market St., Leesburg, has an open gym every Tuesday. Includes scooters, balls, the balance beam, tunnels and much more. For children ages 2-5. Program is 3:30-4:30 p.m. costs $1 per child. To register, contact the Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail at dcc@loudoun.gov.
The Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg, has openings in its child-care program for children ages 3-5. Full time, part time and drop-in care offered. Program hours are Mondays-Fridays, 7 a.m.-6:15 p.m. Call 703-771-5910.
The Claude Moore Community Center is offering Fun at Preschool, a class that introduces basic preschool skills each week around a central theme through stories, art, creative movement and play. This class is for 3 1/2-4 1/2 year olds and is on going and will end in June. Call 571-258-3500 for dates, times and fees.