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. For additional ongoing events listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
The Mack's Super Retriever Series, field trial will be hosted by Great Country Farms in Bluemont April 7-9. The field trial portion of the competition has a full field of 75 competitors with dogs/handler teams coming from as far away as Texas and Michigan. The event will be aired nationally on ESPN2. Competition begins at 7 a.m. Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m. on Saturday and is free to spectators. There is a $10 fee for parking. Visit www.greatcountryfarms.com.
Posters depicting more than three decades of the old-fashioned fun of Loudoun County's country fairs are on display in the first-floor gallery and the Lovettsville Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St., S.E. in Leesburg.
The exhibit includes posters dating back to 1970 representing the Bluemont Fair, which will be celebrating its 36th year in September; the Lucketts Fair, celebrating its 33rd year in August, and the Waterford Fair, which is presenting its 62nd Annual Waterford Homes Tour and
Crafts Exhibition in October.
All posters were designed by local Loudoun artists and were either selected for the fairs through an annual contest or donated by the artists.
For more information about the exhibit, which will be on display through April, contact Sally Keefer at skeefer@loudoun.gov or 703-777-0204.
River Bend Middle School presents its third annual musical production, "Hello, Dolly!" Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29; Saturday, April 30; and Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7. An afternoon matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1.
Ticket order forms are available at the River Bend main office. The cost is $5 each, and seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited tickets may be available at the door on performance days. River Bend Middle School is located at 46240 Algonkian Parkway in Potomac Falls. Visit http://www.loudoun.k12.va.us/schools/rbms/.
The Loudoun Arts CouncilÕs 2005 Designer Showhouse will be open to the public April 25 -May 15, with 19 designers selected to decorate the house. The furniture, accessories and artwork displayed in the Showhouse will be available to purchase and the house will be offered for sale through an open bidding process.
The house was recently built by Van Metre Homes and is located in the Lansdowne on the Potomac community at 43368 Vestals Place. Showhouse proceeds will benefit the Loudoun Arts Council and its education, outreach and artistic programs.
Hours are Mondays-Fridays, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursdays until 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays, from noon-5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15 or reserved in advance. Contact the Loudoun Arts Council at 703-777-7838 or info@loudounarts.org.
In March the Loudoun Hospital volunteers donated almost $30,000 to various departments throughout Loudoun Healthcare Inc., the result of a year's worth of fund-raising efforts. Hoping to top that amount next March, the volunteers have already begun scheduling small and large vendors for the next 12 months. Fund-raising events for May include:
* May 5, Mother's Day sale, featuring plants, cosmetics, and hand-made jewelry and embroidered items.
* May 10 at Lansdowne, a medical uniform sale.
* May 11 in Leesburg, a medical uniform sale.
* May 11, in conjunction with the hospital's celebration of National Hospital Week, there will be a variety of Loudoun's best food vendors for tastings and products to buy.
* May 12 at Lansdowne, "In The Bag" will be selling authentic brand-name and designer handbags at 40 percent to 70 percent off department and discount store prices. The company also carries luggage, briefcases and small leather goods.
* May 13 in Leesburg, "In The Bag" will be selling authentic brand-name and designer handbags at 40 percent to 70 percent off department and discount store prices. The company also carries luggage, briefcases and small leather goods.
* May 25, a summer kickoff sale, which will include jewelry, fresh-made salsa, children's tutus, painted boxes, hand-made note cards, jewelry, and sushi sets.
Hours for all sales are from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and are held in the atrium of the hospital at Lansdowne, or, if specifically noted, just inside the South Entrance of the facility in Leesburg. The public is always welcome to attend. A portion of all sales goes to the hospital. Visit the volunteers' calendar page on the hospital's Web site: http://www.loudounhospital.org.
As part of the Art in the Library program at the Loudoun County Public Library, photographers Linda Conti and Linda Holtslander have a photography exhibit on display at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, during the month of April titled "Women Making Pictures."
The Briar Patch Park yard sales in Sterling Park have been relocated to the Sterling Community Center at 120 Enterprise St. The first sale of the season will be April 16, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Space is limited. Call 703-430-9480. Registration by Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m. The yard sales will be held on the third Saturday of the month through August.
The Sterling Playmakers' present Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," April 8 and 9, 8 p.m.; and April 10, 2 p.m., at Sterling Middle School, 201 W. Holly Ave., Sterling. Tickets $10, with group rates available. Call 703-729-8901 or www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
This spring, the Loudoun Museum launches Centuries of Change: 2005-2007, the first in a three-year series of exhibitions that commemorate important dates in LoudounÕs history. On April 8, the museum will open its 2005 exhibition Centuries of Change: BraddockÕs March and the French & Indian War, which examines the warÕs origins, outcome and the effect on the development of Loudoun County. As each exhibit opens, the museum will design a companion suite of educational events for different audiences. Call the museum at 703-777-7427.
Curves of Sterling will be hosting an Usborne Books book fair to benefit the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter (LAWS), from Monday, April 11-Thursday, April 14, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 4-8 p.m. The fair will close Thursday at noon. Curves of Sterling is located at 21475 Ridgetop Circle, #110, Sterling in the Arthritis and Sports Building. Contact Karen or Teresa at 571-434-2999.
Aurora Studio Theatre Inc. presents the musical, "Pajama Game," April 1-17, at Hillsboro's Old Stone School Theatre. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors; or at the door for $15 and $12. Contains adult language. Visit www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. From April 1-16, audience members who bring a donation for the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter will receive a ticket for a chance to win a door prize to be drawn at the "Pajama Party" April 16 after the show. Door-prize tickets given to anyone who donates $25 or more to the shelter; brings gift certificates from Target, Wal Mart or a local grocery store; brings new women's or children's pajamas; or on April 16 only, wears pajamas to the show. The party includes refreshments, music, dancing door prizes and an auction of selected items for a direct donation to the shelter.
"Discover Loudoun's Young Artists," the Loudoun County Public Schools student art show, hosted by The George Washington University Virginia Campus. The spring exhibit will feature two-dimensional, mixed-media works by approximately 50 student artists from Horizon Elementary School and Potomac Falls High School. Exhibit on display through April 21; gallery hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays, at the George Washington University Virginia Campus, Gallery Lounge, 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. RSVP for the reception by Friday, March 4, via e-mail to kellyll@va.gwu.edu or by telephone at 703-726-3654.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program coordinated by the IRS and sponsored locally by the Area Agency on Aging announces that once again IRS-certified volunteers will be preparing both federal and state income tax forms through April 12. This assistance is available at no charge for anyone 55 years of age or older and persons of any age with disabilities or low income for the tax year. The tax preparation sites are Purcellville Library, South Riding Town Hall, Leesburg Senior Center, Ashburn Library and Sterling Eastern Regional Library. Anyone who meets the above criteria and whose tax preparation needs are not complex may arrange to have their taxes prepared at no charge by calling 703-737-8037.
All Northern Virginia locations of Glory Days Grill will host a fund-raiser for Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia, donating 10 percent of the guests total bill to SCAN. Through April 30, Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-close; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-close at Glory Days Grill locations in Burke, Centreville, Fairfax, Gainesville, Manassas, Reston, Sterling and Woodbridge. Guests must ask server for a copy of their guest check and then drop off or send to SCAN. Visit SCAN's Web site www.scanva.org.
Celebrate National Poetry Month by writing poems about the library. From April 1-30, submit entries to the staff at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, youth services desk for display during the month of May. For ages 12 and under. Call 703-737-8100.
"Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature," a traveling exhibit that encourages audience to examine the intent of Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" and to discuss Shelley's and their own views about personal and societal responsibility as it related to science and other areas of life, is coming to the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, April 27-June 10. Beginning in May, the library will host a variety of interpretive and educational programs that support the theme. Call 703-444-3228.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, will host a reading incentive for teens ages 12-17, through June 20. Every teen who reads three books and writes three reviews will earn a new book. There will be a teen review form to fill out and return to the information desk. Reviews will be kept in a binder in the YP section to aid in making selections. recommended for ages 12-17. Free. Call 703-737-8100.
"Spring Hues," featuring fused art glass sculptures by David Barnes of Sterling and watercolors by Shirley Hales of Lorton will be on display through May 2, at the Artist's Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., Occoquan. The gallery is open Mondays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 703-494-0584.
The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum features the temporary
exhibit "Peeps" through May 29. Watch chicks hatch and grow. SOL-based classes and programs available for schools and groups. 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; as well as Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 703-421-5322.
The Loudoun County Senior Trips Programs is traveling to Memphis and Tunica, from Sunday-Saturday, May 15-21. Cost is $450 for members and $480 for nonmembers, plus an additional $180 charge for single occupancy. The trip is open to individuals 55 years and older or any adult accompanied by a senior.
While in Mississippi, stay at the Gold Strike Casino Hotel for four nights, which includes a hot breakfast buffet each morning. Trip includes guided tour of Memphis, tour of Graceland, a visit to the Pink Palace Mansion and Museum, visit to the National Civil Museum and the trip home will include a stop at the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville.
The cost includes motor coach transportation, six-nights lodging, six breakfasts, four dinners and tours. Call Mark Humphrey, Senior Center at Cascades, 703-430-2397.
The Loudoun County Senior Trips Programs is traveling to Ottawa, Canada, and to Thousand Islands from July 5-11 with a second trip Aug. 23-29. Cost is $684 for members and $714 for nonmembers, plus an additional $270 charge for single occupancy. The trip is open to individuals 55 years and older or any adult accompanied by a senior.
While in Ottawa, stay at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel and Casino for three nights, which includes continental breakfast each morning. Trip includes guided tour of Ottawa, guided tour of Parliament Hill, explore the Bayward Market, visit the Museum of Civilization, cruise the St. Lawrence River and visit Thousand Islands.
The cost includes motor coach transportation, six-nights lodging, six breakfasts, four dinners and tours. Call Mark Humphrey, Senior Center at Cascades, 703-430-2397.
Read three books, write three reviews and earn a new book from the Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., through June 20. Pick up a teen review form to participate. Return completed forms to the information desk. Reviews will be kept in a binder in the YP section to help with book selections. For ages 12-17. Call 703-430-9500.
"Valley Apples," for all ages, at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane in Sterling. Call 703- 421-5322 for details. Museum admission $5/adults, $4/seniors, $3/ages 2-12. Tuesdays-Saturdays through July 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oatlands Plantation will hold its annual "Four Seasons of Oatlands" art show and sale July 10-Aug. 21, in the Carriage House. Free admission. Includes images of the Mosby Heritage area, which encompasses Clarke, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Warren counties and Jefferson County in West Virginia. The art show and gift shop are open Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Oatlands Inc., a nonprofit organization, which maintains the property, located at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
Artwork created by Loudoun County students will be on display as part of the 2004-05 Loudoun Healthcare Art Exhibit Program through Sept. 30. The artwork can be found in the main hallway of the second floor and in the hallway of the post surgical unit, also on the second floor of the Loudoun Hospital in Lansdowne.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, has the following ongoing story times: Mother Goose Nursery Time, ages 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.; Toddler Story Time, 2 year olds, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Preschool Story Time, ages 3-5 years olds, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.; Wonderful Wednesday Stories, ages 3-5 years old, Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.; Pajama Story Time, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Call 703-737-8100.
The Eastern Loudoun Regional Library 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, hosts the following ongoing story times: Lapsits for 2s, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.; Infant Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, ages 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.; Pajama Story Time, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Story Time for 3s, 4s, and 5s, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Terrific 3s, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Call 703-444-3228.
The Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., has the following ongoing story times: Preschool Story Times, for 2-3 years old, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; for 4s and 5s, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Call 703-430-9500.
Leesburg Animal Park. Hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mondays except holidays. Admission is $5.95 for children 2-12 and senior citizens, 55 and older. Adults are $7.95 each. Children under 2 are free. The park is closed from mid November-mid March. Call 703-433-0002 or visit www.leesburganimalpark.com. Located two miles south of Route 7 on Route 15 at 19270 James Monroe Highway in Leesburg.
Leesburg First Fridays and First Fridays Jr. Galleries and shops open their doors on the first Friday of each month with special events, refreshments and entertainment, from 6-9 p.m. There is no First Friday in January. Free. Call 800-752-6118. Visit www.leesburgfirstfriday.com.
Loudoun Bluegrass Association. Weekly acoustic jam session held every Tuesday night, 7-9 p.m., at the Morningside House Retirement Center, 316 Harrison St. in Leesburg. All bluegrass/country musicians, singers and spectators are welcome. Free. Call Randy Kenyon
703-777-9865, home.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; as well as Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. On permanent display is "The Country People" where visitors travel through time and experience the past 300 years of agricultural history through 10 generations of Loudoun County residents. The Claude Moore children's Farm is an interactive exhibit area for children and their families. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 703-421-5322.
Nature Birthday Party for ages 4 and up. Celebrate birthdays with nature at Claude Moore Park, 21544 old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. A member of the naturalist staff will take children and parents on a guided nature hike and to visit Frogshackle Cabin Nature Center. Parents may provide and serve cake and ice cream afterwards in a space reserved by the park. Program lasts 1 1/2 hours, with a maximum of 15 children and five adults. Call 703-444-1275. Fees for the party are $67.50.
The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum offers two party programs, Mad FarmerÕs Tea Party and birthdays. Includes hot tea, coffee and appetizers while your child explores the childrenÕs hands-on play area, watches a farm film and discovers the Waxpool General Store or plan a fun filled educational birthday celebration. Teas and birthdays are catered to parents and young children and are held for groups with reservations only. Teas are free with the price of admission Ñ $5 for adults; $4 for seniors over age 55; $3 for children ages 2-12; children under age 2 are admitted free Ñ for groups of five ore more. Birthday parties cost $5 per person and include a museum program and historical gift. Cabin rental is $13 an hour, two-hour minimum.
The feature farm film is courtesy of the Sterling Library, and were selected by The Sterling Library Teen Club, where local teens reviewed and selected films appropriate for young children. "CharlotteÕs Web," "Home on the Range," "Babe" and "Chicken Run" were the clubÕs top choices.
Call 703- 421-5322. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum located at Claude Moore Park 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling.
Guided Nature or History Hikes for all ages at Claude Moore park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Nature hikes, Frogshackle Cabin Nature Center, history hikes and special request programs for school groups, scouts, community organizations, adults and families are available on a variety of topics throughout the year. Programs designed to foster an appreciation of Loudoun County's natural and cultural resources in a fun and informative way. Cost is $3.50 per person, with a minimum charge of $35. Call 703-444-1275 for reservations.
Historic Plantation. Oatlands, a 330-acre co-stewardship property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is located six miles south of Leesburg on Route 15. Tours start each hour between 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for students 6-16, and free for children under 5. Plantation closed from Dec. 31 through late March/early April. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.