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 following artists are featured, through Feb. 28, at the Loudoun County Public Library as part of the Art in the Library program: Betty Ganley, original watercolors and limited edition giclee prints, featured at the Ashburn Library; Steve Ember, "Top of the World" photography, featured at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library; Doris Weeks, oil paintings, featured at the Middleburg Library; and Cecily Corcoran, paintings, featured at the Rust Library.
The works of painter Don Black will be on exhibit at
Gallery 222 through Feb. 26. The exhibit, "Abstract Impressionism," is a collection of paintings that includes acrylics on canvas, panel, and paper and collage. A reception to meet the artist will be held during Leesburg's First Friday,
Feb. 4, from 6-9 p.m. Contact Gallery 222 at 703-777-5498. Gallery 222 is located at 222 South King St. in downtown Leesburg.
The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum presents "Barns and Farms of Loudoun County," through Feb. 27. The art show includes a look at the county's agricultural heritage through works by county artists. The museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children 2-12. Call 540-338-7973.
The Loudoun County Heritage Farm Museum holds a Mad Farmer's Tea Party, Thursdays through Feb. 28, from noon-2 p.m. Includes tea, coffee and snack; feature farm film; and a hands-on children's area. Free with museum admission. The museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children 2-12. Call 703-421-5322 for reservations.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, will host a book club for ages 8 and up Monday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. The Feb. 28 selection is Michael HoeyÕs ÒTime Stops for No Mouse.Ó Free copies given to participants. Advanced registration required, call 703-737-8105.
Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, will host a book club for ages 6-10 Thursday, Feb. 24, 4 p.m. February will feature ÒSo You Want to Be President,Ó by Judith St. George and ÒGeorge WashingtonÕs Teeth,Ó by Deborah Chandra. Advanced registration required, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
The Vinton L. Pickens retrospective on display at the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St., S.E. in Leesburg, has been extended through the end of February. The show features 21 works in various media, including oil, pen and ink, oil on linen, watercolor and charcoal.
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 Feb. 14-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.
Potomac Falls High School presents the classic "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with a new twist, a setting in the '60s. This 400-year-old romantic comedy centers on love, dreams and rebellion, values strikingly similar to those of 40 years ago. Performance dates are Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 24, 25 and 26, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m., at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Ticket prices are $5. Call 703-444-7542, Ext. 37.
Not Just Shakespeare Theater Company presents Neil SimonÕs ÒRumorsÓ and Robert HarlingÕs ÒSteel Magnolias,Ó featuring an all-teen cast, weekends from Feb. 25-March 12, at the Round Hill Center, 20 High St. Admission $10 per show for adults, $8 for seniors and students. Buy tickets for both shows and receive a $3 discount. Call 540-338-7973.
Rumors will be performed Saturday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 27, 3 p.m.; Friday, March 4, 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 5, 3 p.m.; and Sunday, March 12, 8 p.m.
Steel Magnolias will be performed Friday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 6, 3 p.m.; Friday, March 11, 8 p.m.; and Saturday, March 12, 3 p.m.
The Easter Bunny visits Dulles Towne Center, Thursday, March 3-Saturday, March 26. Pictures with the bunny are available. Hours are Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 3-5 p.m., and 6-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m., and 6-8 p.m.; Sundays, 12-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. A special continental breakfast with the Easter Bunny takes place Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 13, from 9-11 a.m., including food, entertainment and individual visits with the Easter Bunny. Advanced ticket purchase required, $10 Ñ cash only Ñ at the customer service center. Visit www.shopdullestownecenter.
The Sterling Playmakers presents its 2005 Ten-Minute One-Act Festival Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m., at the theater of the Sterling Middle School. This year's festival will present 15 original plays written by local writers covering a wide variety of topics and styles. Slices of family life, an unusual corporate takeover, a change in county growth and the trials of owning a special painting are just some of the offerings of the festival. Tickets available for one night of the festival for $5 or a Festival Package to see all the plays for $7. Tickets available at the door. Visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
The D.C. Big Flea Market will take place at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly March 5-6, including antiques from Sterling residents, Shelly and John DoyleÕs collection.
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.
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.
"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.
The Arts in Offices program partners businesses with area artists by placing artwork created by member artists in conference rooms, waiting rooms and other open areas in the offices of business members. The works are rotated quarterly through the participating businesses.
Show assignments through March include: Leesburg-
Sterling Family Practice, Ron Bracken and Peggy Brown; Deirdre Bird Kokel Family Dentistry, Jeanette Burkle and Judy Lillis; Xacta & Telos, Trisha Adams and Lavonne Donohue; NOVA Urgent Care, Sarah Huntington and Whit Williams; Greater Atlantic Bank, John Zoller and Sophia Spivey; and Loudoun Hospital Center, surgical waiting room, Betty Ganley and Kathy Kupka. Visit www.loudounarts.org or call the Loudoun Arts Council at 703-777-7838.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Read Around the World, for 2s and 3s, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; for 4s and 5s, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Call 703-430-9500.