Smart Start Rowan: Circle of Parents 

If you are looking for a friendly, supportive environment where parents share the challenges and successes of parenting, look no further. The Circle of Parents is a free parent group that meets every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at New Zion Missionary Church, 2785 Dunns Mountain Road. The group welcomes families with children ages birth to 5. Childcare is provided at no cost. With a 48 hour notice, transportation can also be arranged, if needed, and is also free of charge. The group starts Sept. 12, and aims to connect parents with other families who may know just how they’re feeling. Get together to discuss challenges, come up with solutions discover community resources available and have a good time.

Smart Start Rowan, a local nonprofit, provides services to children ages 0 -5 yrs. Visit www.rowan-smartstart.org to learn more about programs. Smart Start Rowan is a United Way member agency.

RCCC to offer sign language course

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is offering a course in American Sign Language.

Starting Monday, Sept. 12, the course will introduce the fundamental elements of American Sign Language within a cultural context.

“American Sign Language has a deep history and unique qualities,” said Tricia Staggers, lead program manager of training services at Rowan-Cabarrus. “During the course, emphasis will be placed on the development of basic expressive and receptive skills. It’s a great way to submerse yourself in this fascinating, expressive language.”

Upon completion of the eight-week class, students will be able to comprehend and respond with grammatical accuracy to expressive American Sign Language and demonstrate cultural awareness.

“This is a great opportunity for community members of all professions to learn a new skill,” said Staggers. “Past students have included health and law enforcement professionals, teachers, volunteers and more.”

The course will run Mondays from Sept. 12 through Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the college’s south campus in Concord.

Those interested should register as soon as possible, as there is a lot of interest and limited slots available.

In addition to American Sign Language, the college is offering an array of classes starting soon designed to pique your interests and help you meet your personal goals including fall and winter gardening, small engine repair, aromatherapy: essentials of oils, total body conditioning and more.

For more information about American Sign Language, including how to register, as well as other courses offered at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, please visit www.rccc.edu/enrichment  or call 704-216-RCCC (7222).

Read to Succeed

Registration for Read to Succeed, a free reading and literacy tutoring program, will open Sept. 20. The two, four week sessions are open to children in Kindergarten through fourth grade. Additional registration dates are Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Please come by Project Cover at ATC Ministries, 1915-1917 W. Innes St. Suite 103, between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to register. Completed registration forms can be sent to deelady01@gmail.com. Call 704-433-6662 or 704.633.7761 more information.