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 listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 24
<cal2>Girl Scouts. All girls ages 5-18 interested in Daisies, Brownies or Girl Scouts are invited to attend a registration open house, 6-8 p.m., River Bend Middle School cafeteria, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Registration is $10 a year. E-mail Laura Garrett at schlpng@yahoo.com or call 703-404-3636.
Frogshackle Open House. All ages. 1 p.m. Enjoy a hands-on experience exploring artifacts from the natural world. See and touch feathers, nests, shells, fossils, rocks and more from animals and plants that live and grow near and far. Monthly themes: August-ponds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Contact 703-444-1275.
What History Happened Here? All ages. Discover park happening's of long ago. A guided family hike along park trails and tour of a 1770's house will bring to life stories and artifacts of American Indians, soldiers of 1755 and 1863, famous Americans and local families of the past. Children 4 and older will receive a stamped Time Travelers Passport. Space is limited; call 703-444-1275 to register. From 10-11:30 a.m. The cost is $3.50 per person. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Contact 703-444-1275.
Casino Trip. Enjoy slots and simulcast horse racing with the Loudoun County Senior Center. $7 for members, $9 for nonmembers. Lunch not provided. Price includes transportation and $5 cash back (subject to change). Minimal walking. Depart from the Senior Center at 9: 45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. from Wal-Mart in Sterling, 10:30 a.m. from Waterford Shell. Returns 3:45 p.m. to Waterford Shell, 4 p.m. to Wal-Mart and $4:30 p.m. to the Senior Center. Ages 55 and older. Call 703-430-2397 to register.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 25
<cal2>Backpack And Snack. Ages 3-6, hike the wilds of the park to look for and learn about birds, bugs, mammals, and more. Listen to a nature story sitting among the trees. Bring water and a simple snack to eat on the trail. Two classes are available either 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m. The cost of this program is $10.25 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Contact 703-444-1275.
Preschool Orientation. Ages 2 and up. Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School St. in Purcellville. Parents can learn about the inner workings of preschool, while their children watch a Disney movie. Teachers will be on hand to meet with parents and answer questions. Make other arrangements for children under 2 years of age. Call 540-338-4122. Free admission. 7-8:30 p.m.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 26
<cal2>Improv Show. Off The Cuff (OTC), a Sterling-based troupe of young actors, will showcase their improvisational and sketch talents at the Sterling Annex, at 8 p.m., for a night of comedy. Admission cost of $7 per person. There are no age restrictions. The show is a non-smoking, drug- and alcohol-free event. Visit the Web site www.OTCProductions.com or call OTC at 703-444-2660.
Play Auditions. The Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) invites anyone interested to audition in its fall 2005 production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Auditions are open to all community members as well as students, faculty and staff. From 7-9 p.m., at the Waddell Theater on the Loudoun Campus. Callbacks will be Aug. 28, from 12-2 p.m., also at Waddell Theater. The production runs Oct. 26-30 and Nov. 4-6. Call Natalie Safley at 703-948-7701 or e-mail nsafley@nvcc.edu.
Teen Book Discussion. The Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, will host a book discussion for teens ages 14-17, at 1 p.m. Participants will receive lunch and an opportunity to win prizes including the grand prize of a $100 gift certificate to Dulles Town Center and will get to keep a copy of the book being read, "Rebecca." Register prior to the program by calling 703-737-8100.
Music Together. The Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, will host Music Together with Music Together director Maddy O'Neill-Dean, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Ages newborn to 5. Tickets required and available one half hour before the program begins. Call 703-444-3228.
Teen Center. The Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, offers an after-hours teen center every Friday, from 7-10 p.m., alternating weeks between grades six-eight and grades nine-12. 7:30 p.m., Fred Michael Beam-Sign and Story in American Sign Language for grades six-eight.
End of Summer Campfire. All ages. Enjoy nature stories, games and activities, then toast marshmallows the park provides. At 7:30 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, preregistration required. Rain cancels. The cost is $3.50 per person. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Contact 703-444-1275.
Psychiatry Speaker. The Loudoun County Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, will host Dr. Page Fletcher from Loudoun Hospital to discuss "Geriatric Psychiatry," 10:30 a.m. Free. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 27
<cal2>Silent Auction. Dulles Town Center, and other local businesses, will hold a silent auction, from 8-11 p.m., at the Ashburn Ice House, to raise money for a reward fund to assist in solving the 2002 murder of Ashburn resident Erica Heather Smith. All of the proceeds will go to the fund. Donated items include Redskins tickets, jewelry, memorabilia from the Redskins, gift baskets, airline tickets and more. Cost to attend $10, includes auction number, rental skates, food and entertainment; tickets available at the Dulles Town Center management office or by calling 240-393-3151.
Play Auditions. The Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) invites anyone interested to audition in its fall 2005 production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Auditions are open to all community members as well as students, faculty and staff. From 12-2 p.m., at the Waddell Theater on the Loudoun Campus. Callbacks will be Aug. 28, from 12-2 p.m., also at Waddell Theater. The production runs Oct. 26-30 and Nov. 4-6. Call Natalie Safley at 703-948-7701 or e-mail nsafley@nvcc.edu.
Family Fest. At the Dulles Town Center, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free to the public. Features hands-on interactive stations, exhibits, demonstrations, back-to-school fashion shows coordinated by John Robert Powers Modeling & Acting, a guest personality appearance by Marilyn Thompson of MIX 107.3 and live stage entertainment provided by Kids Parties, Inc. The event will focus on family oriented sports and fitness, family health and safety, education, community awareness, nutrition. Children will have the opportunity to be entertained by various artists including the Magic of Lewis Meyer and Balloon Artistry of Simply Shonna. Contact Johnson Promotions & Events at 703-777-8577.
Ice Cream Social. David Poisson, a candidate for the 32nd District seat of House of Delegates, is holding a back-to-school ice-cream social, 3-5 p.m., at Ashburn Park, a.k.a. Dinosaur Park, 43645 Partlow Road, Ashburn. RSVP by sending an e-mail to info@poisson4delegate.com or call 703-421-1947.
Birding the Blue Ridge Center. On the fourth Saturday of each month the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy leads a bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES), located on Harpers Ferry Road, Route 671, in northwestern Loudoun County. Meet at the Neersville Volunteer Fire Station on Route 671, at 8 a.m. Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Scrapbook Day. The Michaels Arts & Crafts Store, 46301 Potomac Run Plaza in Sterling, will hold a scrapbook discovery day, from 1-5 p.m. The four-hour interactive event is for beginner scrapbookers and card makers. It includes free activities such as four separate make-it, take-it activities; five demonstrations; drawing for a gift basket. Visit www.michaels.com.
World Music Series. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 6-9 p.m. Share music and wine by Tarara's lake. Bring a picnic, taste wine and enjoy classic stylings of world music by regional artists. Rain or shine. Cost adults $10, under 12 free; tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Evening of Broadway. "The Phantom Takes Loudoun," an evening with Broadway legend, Cris Groenendaal. 8 p.m., Waddell Theater, Northern Virginia Community College Campus, Sterling. Tickets $25 adults, $21 seniors, subscribers get a reduced rate. Includes songs from the many productions in which Groenendaal has starred on Broadway including, Phantom of the Opera, Sweeny Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.
Lanesville Open House. All ages. 9:30 a.m. The Lanesville House was built in stages between the 1770s and early 1900s. Enjoy a guided tour to check out the progress of the research into and restoration of this National Register of Historic Places listed property. Learn the United States history witnessed by the previous owners. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required, free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Contact 703-444-1275.
The Lucketts Fair. All ages. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Now into its 33rd year, the Lucketts Fair is a family affair with something for everyone. Features juried crafts, antiques, children's games and entertainment, a petting zoo, great food and Bluegrass music all day long. Call 703-771-5281. Event admission: $5 per person; free for ages 5 and under. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 28
<cal2>Music Fest. Eddie Money, at the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn. An opening act takes the stage at 6:15 p.m. with the main act following at 7:30 p.m. Food and beverages are available on site. Benefits the Loudoun Community Free Clinic, the Good Shepherd Alliance and Special Love. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door; and are available at www.liveatbelmont.com or by calling 703-726-8867.
The Lucketts Fair. All ages. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Now into its 33rd year, the Lucketts Fair is a family affair with something for everyone. Features juried crafts, antiques, children's games and entertainment, a petting zoo, great food and Bluegrass music all day long. Call 703-771-5281. Event admission: $5 per person; free for ages 5 and under. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 29
<cal2>Charity Golf. The Good Shepherd Alliance Inc., a faith-based, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization, which has operated emergency homeless shelters in Loudoun County for more than 20 years is hosting its 4th Annual Golf Tournament at the Brambleton Golf Course in Ashburn. The entry fee is $100 per player. Make checks payable to Good Shepherd Alliance Inc., Attn: Golf Tournament, P.O. Box 650399, Sterling VA 20165. Contact Bob Beech at e-mail operations@loudounhomeless.org or visit the Web site www.loudounhomeless.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 30
<cal2>Resource Center Open House. The Loudoun Workforce Resource Center will hold an open house at the center's new location, 102 Heritage Way, N.E., Leesburg, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Begins with ribbon-cutting ceremony. The center provides employment resources to businesses and individuals. Learn about the free services offered. Visit www.loudoun.gov/services/career.htm or call 703-777-0150.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 31
<cal2>Jeopardy. The Loudoun County Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, continues Senior Jeopardy, 11 a.m. Open to everyone. Free. Come test your skills and win some great prizes. Come with your team of four or come individually and be placed on a team. Call 703-430-2397.
Redskins Luncheon. The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and the Redskins Alumni Association will host the annual Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner. Limited tickets are available for $175. Corporate sponsorship packages are available. Call 703-726-7111 or visit www.REDSKINS.com and click on community.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 1
<cal2>Anniversary. Fit Moms LLC is celebrating its one year anniversary with a free workout at 9:15 a.m., Trailside Park in Ashburn. The workout will be followed by a social with food, drinks and prize drawings. The anniversary workout and social is open to anyone. Visit www.thefitmoms.com.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 2
<cal2>Writers First Friday. Northern Virginia Writers First Friday, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market St.,
Leesburg. "Cross-Training Your Writing," using techniques from other genres can enhance own writing. Richard McCann will talk about how to bring new life to writing by exploring other styles. His latest book, "Mother of Sorrows," will be available for purchase and signing. The program is followed by refreshments and networking. The cost is $4 for Leesburg residents and members of the Writer's Center; $6 for the general public. Visit www.writer.org, call 301-654-8664 or e-mail nvw@writer.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 3
<cal2>World Music Series. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 6-9 p.m. Share music and wine by Tarara's lake. Bring a picnic, taste wine and enjoy classic stylings of world music by regional artists. Rain or shine. Cost adults $10, under 12 free; tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 4
<cal2>Classic Car Show. The 15th annual Sterling classic car show to benefit muscular dystrophy, gates open 10 a.m., patriotic opening ceremony 11 a.m., show vehicle check-in 7 a.m.-12 p.m., award ceremony 3 p.m. Northern Virginia Community College, Sterling. Top 50 receive trophies for best paint, best engine, best interior, people's choice, best of show and Dave's choice. Preregister for $15 before Aug. 25, at gate $20. Spectator fee $3. Food, vendors, music, attractions. All ages. Visit www.sterlingclassiccarshow.org or call 703-430-9188.
<cal1>Monday/ Sept. 5
<cal2>Labor Day Celebration. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 6-9 p.m. Bring business card for a free tour and tasting and be entered into a drawing for Tarara gifts. Labor Day wine specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 8
<cal2>Frogshackle Open House. All ages. 2:30 p.m. Enjoy a hands-on experience exploring artifacts from the natural world. See and touch feathers, nests, shells, fossils, rocks and more from animals and plants that live and grow near and far. Monthly themes: September, turtles; October, trees; and November, squirrels. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Contact 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 9
<cal2>Nature Buddies. Age 2. This introduction to nature for toddlers with an adult will use the child's senses to explore nature, indoors and out. No unregistered siblings. Topics: Sept. 9, turtles; Sept. 23, seeds; Oct. 7, trees; Oct. 21, squirrels; Nov. 4, fur and feathers. Classes are available from 10-10:30 a.m. The cost of this program is $3.50 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
Nature Explorers. Ages 3-4. Explore different nature themes while participating in stories, games, crafts and a hike or other outdoor activities. No unregistered siblings. Topics: Sept. 9, turtles; Sept. 23, seeds; Oct. 7, trees; Oct. 21, squirrels; Nov. 4, fur and feathers. Classes are available from 11 a.m.-noon. The cost of this program is $6.75 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
Cookout. The Loudoun County Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, will hold its 6th annual end of summer cookout with a pig roast with pork barbecue, chicken, beans, cole slaw, rolls and drinks, 4:30-7 p.m. Particpants are asked to bring a dessert to share. $7 for members in advance (through Sept. 8) and $9 for nonmembers and at the door. Open to the public. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 10
<cal2>Family Picnic. The Loudoun County Tri Delta alumnae chapter will be holding a welcome back family picnic, beginning at 11 a.m., at Ida Lee Park, Leesburg. The picnic kicks off the chapter's fall season of events. New and returning Tri Delta alumnae welcome. Contact Joanna Finkelstein at joanna@orioninformationsystems.com.
Country Picnic. Citizens for Property Rights will be holding a
fall country festival, from 2-5 p.m., at the Shockey's Farm on Racefield Lane. Includes a variety of picnic and barbecue food. Events include fishing, panning for "gold" for children, pony rides, singing cowboys, hay wagon rides, country auction at 3 p.m. and a silent auction throughout the day. 703-327-4300.
Oral Histories. Join the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, located in Claude Moore Park, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, from 3-5 p.m., in celebration of the release of "Rockin with Porch Memories," a compilation of oral histories collected by students of Loudoun Valley High School. This event will feature readings from the book, a book signing and the opportunity to meet the authors. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the student scholarship fund. The reception will be sponsored by Farm Credit. Tickets are $5 adults, $4 seniors and $3 children. Registration for the Porches reception is required. RSVP by Friday, Sept. 9 by calling 703-421-5322.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 11
<cal2>Seconds of Silence. Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will host the 4th Annual "Seconds of Silence," in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, from 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. As in previous years, this particular event represents a time for participants to reflect, meditate and remember in silence without formal presentations or ceremonies. Banshee Reeks is located at 21085 The Woods Road in Leesburg. Call 703-669-0136. Free event is open to the public.
Ballet Auditions. Loudoun Ballet Company will hold auditions for it's annual production of the "Nutcracker" at Harper Park Middle School, 701 Potomac Station Drive, N.E., Leesburg. Call the Loudoun Ballet Company office at 703-771-1522 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 12
<cal2>Hawks: The Big Birds. Ages 3-5. Explore the feathers, flying and eyesight of these powerful birds. Children will experience these big birds through play, stories, art, singing and exploring the outdoors. These are drop-off classes. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. The cost for this program is $10.25 per child. Claude Moore park, 21544 old Vestals Gap, Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Tuesday/Sept. 13
<cal2>Magnificent Monarchs. Ages 6-8. Where do butterflies sleep? What do they eat? How long can they stay in the air? Investigate the life and travels of everyone's favorite butterfly. Children will explore these colorful creatures up close. 3:30-5 p.m. The cost of this program is $10.25 per child. Claude Moore park, 21544 old Vestals Gap, Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 14
<cal2>Charity Golf Tournament. AH&T charity golf tournament to benefit Loudoun Interfaith Relief, at Bull Run Golf Club, Haymarket. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., box lunch at 12 p.m., Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Players may enter as a team or individually. $175 per person. To register call 703-669-1128 or e-mail lgiersher@ahtins.com.
Scarf Painting. "Paint Your Own Scarf with Mary," an art therapist who works with fiber and jewelry. 1:30 p.m., Senior Activity Center at Leesburg, 215 Depot Court, first floor. The scarf is 100 percent silk. Cost, an 8 inch by 54 inch scarf, $5; a 15 inch by 60 inch scarf is $10, includes materials and payable to the instructor. Register before Sept. 10 by calling 703-737-8039.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 15
<cal2>Hawks: The Big Birds. Ages 3-5. Explore the feathers, flying and eyesight of these powerful birds. Children will experience these big birds through play, stories, art, singing and exploring the outdoors. These are drop-off classes. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. The cost for this program is $10.25 per child. Claude Moore park, 21544 old Vestals Gap, Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
River Cruise. Travel by motor coach to Tappahannock for a 20-mile narrated Rappahannock River Cruise with the Loudoun County Senior Center. Tour, wine tasting and lunch at Ingleside Plantation and Winery. Dinner at fast food restaurant not provided. $66 for members, $68 for nonmembers includes transportation, cruise, lunch, tax and tip. Moderate walking. Departs 5:30 a.m. from Loudoun Valley Community Center, 6 a.m. from Sterling Wal-Mart and 6:30 a.m. from Senior Center. Returns to the Senior Center at 7:45 p.m., 8:15 to Wal-Mart and 8:45 to the Community Center.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 16
<cal2>Nature Adventurers. Ages 2-3. Explore different nature themes while enjoying stories, games, crafts, and a hike or other outdoor activities. No unregistered siblings. Topics: Sept. 16, flowers; Sept. 30, birds; Oct. 14, fall changes; Oct. 28, pumpkins; Nov. 18, turkeys. Classes are available from 10-11 a.m. The cost of this program is $6.75 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Call 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 17
<cal2>World Music Series. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 6-9 p.m. Share music and wine by Tarara's lake. Bring a picnic, taste wine and enjoy classic stylings of world music by regional artists. Rain or shine. Cost adults $10, under 12 free; tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Education Day. The National Capital Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will host the fall 2005 Loudoun County Education Day, from 12:30-2 p.m. Jane Johnston, a post-rehab conditioning specialist, registered yoga teacher, and a certified Feldenkrais practitioner will discuss the benefits exercise may have on MS and lead participants in light stretching and strengthening exercises. This free event will be held at Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road in Leesburg. Registration is requested, contact the National Capital Chapter at 202-296-9891.