HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2012-08-06 Cooking Up Books
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
Cooking Up Books Education Studio Celebrates Grand Opening
of New Leesburg Learning Center on August 11, 2012
Leesburg, VA (August 6, 2012) – On Saturday
August 11, 2012, Cooking Up Books Education
Studio will celebrate their grand opening with
a ribbon cutting and open house. The ribbon
cutting will be officiated by Leesburg Mayor
Kristen Umstattd at 1:30 p.m. Cooking Up
Books is located at 521C East Market Street, in
the Bellewood Commons shopping center.
Cooking Up Books has created a fresh approach to learning by integrating cooking with other
curriculum such as math, science and other areas of education while creating a fun hands-on
experience. Their core programs are morning, afternoon and after-school academies for
students ages 5-12 and small-group tutoring in reading, writing and mathematics. Cooking Up
Books also offers cooking classes for all ages, classes for home-school students and birthday
parties.
Founder and owner Vanessa Peoples Newby has over 30 years experience as an educator. She
holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology and a Master’s Degree in Special
Education, and is in the process of completing her Doctoral Degree in Education Leadership.
Through her career, Ms. Newby has been a teacher, school administrator, university professor,
education diagnostician, and international speaker. Joining her as managing partners at
Cooking Up Books are members of her immediate family.
“I remember when educators had more opportunity to allow children to explore, experiment
and practice new skills through hands-on activities,” explained Ms. Newby. “Times have
changed. I started Cooking Up Books as a way to partner with the schools to extend student
learning beyond the classroom.”
“In addition to being an educator, I have always loved to cook and entertain,” she continued.
“Combining my love of cooking with the love of learning seemed like a natural fit. Cooking Up
Books is not your cookie cutter learning center. Instead, we use that cookie cutter to educate
your children!”
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TOL PR 2012-08-06 Cooking Up Books ribbon cutting
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“Vanessa’s broad experience in the field of education and her passion for an integrated
approach to learning offers families of school-age children a wonderful option to enrich their
education,” commented Marantha Edwards, Leesburg’s Economic Development Manager.
“Her unique business will be a great addition to Leesburg’s business community.”
The Cooking Up Books open house will be from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, on Saturday, August 11,
2012. Families can receive a 50% discount on registration fees and 10% off the first month’s
tuition if they register during the open house. In addition, Rachel Renée Russell, author and
illustrator of the best-selling “Dork Diaries” book series, will be on hand at the open house from
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit www.cookingupbooks.com or contact Bryan
Newby at 703-771-2665.
Contact:
Debi Parry
Business Retention Coordinator
dparry@leesburgva.gov
703-737-7023
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