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.
Tuesdays, Feb. 1-22, from 1-2 p.m., life stories writing class, at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Free. Call 703-430-2397.
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 12-1:30 p.m., Angel Babies class for soon-to-be or new moms. How to find the spiritual strength that your new infant will require from you, and why your baby does some of the things he does. Babies welcome with parent(s). Lunch provided. Presented by Dr. Michele Reilly. Call to reserve a space 703-724-0267. To be held at 43343 Butterfield Court in Ashburn. Repeat date March 16. Free; donations requested.
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 4-6 year olds from March 8 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. Fee: $25. For more information, call 703-430-9480 or register on-line at www.loudoun.gov/prcs
Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road, is offering a plaited heart basket workshop Saturday, Feb. 19 and an elbow heart basket workshop Saturday, Feb. 26. Both will be from 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. The cost is $28 for county residents and $42 for nonresidents. Supply fees are $11 for each workshop. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673. For ages 16-adult.
Free sample yoga class, Saturday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-noon. Anahata Center for Yoga & Wellness, 112 South St., S.E., Leesburg. For students new to the yoga studio only. Call to register 703-771-0006 or www.experienceanahatayoga.com.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department has scheduled an VDFP trench rescue course at the Loudoun County Training Division, April 2 and 3, weekends 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration due by Feb. 28. Prerequisite is FF 1. A course designed to offer a combination of classroom and practical evolutions that allow the students to learn the proper techniques in making open trenches and excavations safe for victim removal. Time is spent on obtaining materials locally and gaining access to a local community resource list. This class is enhanced by actually sheeting and shoring “unsafe” trenches as well as developing skills in lifting practices within the trench environment. Contact Lt. Ken Snowden 703-777-0333 or via e-mail at ksnowden@loudoun.gov.
Adult language classes are being offered at the Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, Sterling. Classes in Beginning French, from 7:30-9 p.m., will run Mondays, Feb. 28-April 4. The cost is $63. Sign Language I will run Mondays, Feb. 28-April 18. Sign Language II runs Tuesdays, Feb. 29-May 19. The cost is $84, plus participants in either sign language class are required to bring the book "The Joy of Signing" with them. Each class is held from 7-8:30 p.m. Preregistration is required, call 703-430-6673.
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 - Listening To The Past. Saturday, March 5, from 10-11:30 a.m.
* Webelos - Citizen Badge. Saturday, March 5, from 12:30-2 p.m.
* 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 — part of the driver operator curriculum — 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.
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 Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department has scheduled Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC II & III) course at the Loudoun County Training Center. March 8, 10, and 12, week nights 5-10 p.m.; weekends 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration due by March 4 and must have a chief officer's signature. Prerequisites: Students should have some familiarity with driving the class vehicle they will be testing on. Students must have also completed a Loudoun County E.V.O.C. Pre-Course Student Driver Check off within their department. This 16-hour course is designed to inform the participant about driving techniques, braking techniques, vehicle maintenance, general vehicle operations and motor vehicle laws of Virginia as they apply to emergency vehicle operations. In addition to classroom lecture and a written test, this course will require participants to successfully complete a road test and driving obstacle course for certification. Participants must possess a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age. Contact
Lt. Ken Snowden 703-777-0333 or via e-mail at ksnowden@loudoun.gov.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department has scheduled vehicle rescue courses at the Loudoun County Training Division, from 7-10 p.m. week nights and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. The dates are Tuesday, Feb. 22; Thursday, Feb. 24; Saturday, Feb. 26; and Sunday, Feb. 27. Registration due by Feb. 18. Prerequisites are Firefighter 1 or EMT, and must be 18 years old. The course is designed for fire and rescue personnel with basic and intermediate experience in vehicle rescue. Contact Lt. Ken Snowden, 703-737-8243 or via e-mail at ksnowden@loudoun.gov.
The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department is offering a Spring 2005 Firefighter II Certification course, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with selected Sundays, March 15-June 18, at the Loudoun County Training Center. Weekday classes are from 7-10 p.m., and weekend courses are from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The course is designed for the firefighter looking to assume more of a leadership role. Deadline for registration and all necessary paperwork is Feb. 23. Contact Lt. William Bliss, 703-737-8732 or Wbliss@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.
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.
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.
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. 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 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.