"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.
Loudoun Academy of the Arts. The next session of art classes offered by the Loudoun Academy of the Arts begins April 28 and includes many new classes. Children’s art classes include drawing, sculpting, art for children, fine art for crafty kids, cartooning and clay. Adult classes include calligraphy, tile making, drawing, landscape painting, pastels, watercolor, oils and acrylics, still life painting, sculpture, photography. All classes are all taught by professional artists including Connie Canby, Carmen Howell, Fred Hetzel, Stilson Greene, Libby Stevens, Dell Keathley, Pat Blair, Bobbie Skerrett, Philip Ulanowsky, Mary Alice Coussoulos, Liddy Glass, Ria de Wit, and Kurt Schwarz. The school is located at 222 South King St. in Leesburg, next to the bike path. To register or for information about art classes, call 703-777-8043.
Classes for Seniors.
Computer Classes are being offered to individuals 55 and older at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace. Register with payment at the Senior Center. Also available, tai chi, ceramics, belly dancing, pool and others. Call 703-430-2397 for a complete list of classes.
Tai Chi Class. Sterling Annex Community Center, on Mondays, through June 9, at 6 p.m. Learn the beautiful way to be fit, relaxed and strong. The program is uniquely designed for the general public and taught at an educational pace. Instructor: David Chen, Ph.D. Cost is $150 for 10 sessions. Senior discounts available. E-mail class@ctaichi.com, call 571-426-4206 or visit www.ctaichi.com.
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.
Readers’ Theater for Youth. Children ages 8-12 may attend a program offered on Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m. at Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, through April 16. Children will receive a script, pick out an acting role and read in front of other participants in a non-threatening atmosphere. Backdrops, costumes and props will be used. A new play will be performed each week. Advance registration required. Call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
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.
Homeowner Workshops. Loudoun County Housing Services will be providing Homeownership Educational Workshops to assist potential first time homebuyers in understanding the entire home buying process. The six-hour workshop will cover a number of topics relating to homeownership, including budgeting, credit, working with Realtors, the mortgage process and what to expect at settlement. Persons with questions, or who are interested in registering for this workshop, can contact Chris Vogel or Stuart Shatz, Housing Services at 703-777-0389.
Counseling Programs. The following classes are offered by Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS):
Coping in Stressful Times. The holiday season and winter season can bring on stress for some people. 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.
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.
The Growing Stage Theatre Company. Classes and workshops for all ages. For children, there are several summer performing arts workshops for ages 6-13; a $100 deposit will hold a spot. Visit www.growingstage.org, or call 540-338-5367.
Theater Group. 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 either of the following two people to discuss possibilities for participation: 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 educational workshops for expectant parents. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 703-779-2694.