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 Friday, 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/Nov. 16
<cal2>Lifebooks Discussion. Adoptive mothers, Lorna Davis and Mary Coyle, will hold a discussion on Lifebooks at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, at 7 p.m. Lifebooks a teaching tool that tells an adopted or foster child's story from the day he/she was born to help both parent and child understand what it means to be adopted. Registration required, call 703-737-8105.
Senior Movie. "Bewitched," starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. Rated PG-13. 1:30 p.m., at the Senior Center at Cascades marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Admission $2, include popcorn and soda. 703-430-2397.
Puppet Show. Cinderella puppet show featuring Kaydee Puppets. For ages 2-10. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4 p.m. 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 17
<cal2>Put on Your Winter Coat. Ages 3-5. Scales, feathers and furs are some of animals' skin coverings. Discover how these protect them from the weather. Put on your own coat and participate in stories, singing and outdoor exploration. 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.
Guys Read. Book club for guys ages 8 and up. November's selection, "Worst Case Scenario Handbook," by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht. Free copies available upon sign up. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m. Advance registration required, call 703-737-8105.
Ola! Spanish Bilingual Story Time. With Barbara Davila, 4 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes stories, songs and activities in both Spanish and English. For ages 2-6. 703-444-3228.
Create Your Own Jewelry. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4:30 p.m. Make a key chain or bracelet using hemp and beads. Refreshments provided. For ages 12-18. Advanced registration required by Nov. 16, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 18
<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. Topic 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.
Outrageous Origami Club. For ages 8-11. Learn origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Advanced registration required, call 703-737-8105. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 3:30 p.m.
Teen Movie. "Sixteen Candles," rated PG, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Drinks provided, bring favorite snack. For ages 12-18. 703-737-8100.
Basket Bingo. Lucketts Elementary basket bingo fund-raiser. Doors open at 6 p.m., bingo Starts at 7:15 p.m. at the Lucketts Volunteer Fire Department, Route 15. Admission $20, additional books $5. Includes 28 games for filled Longaberger baskets; raffles and door prizes; refreshments. Children are welcome to participate and play bingo along side their parents at the same $20 admission fee. Or, child care is available at the neighboring Lucketts Community Center for ages 3-12 $10/child, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. by calling 703-771-5281 in advance. For more information regarding the bingo event, contact Angie Petty 703-737-0027 or visit www.luckettspta.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 19
<cal2>Bazaar. Christmas bazaar and indoor yard sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Heritage Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 122 Morven Park Road, N.W., Leesburg. Call 703-777-8700.
Author Discussion. Janet Bodnar, author of "Raising Money Smart Kids," will be at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, at 2 p.m. For aduls. Books will be availbale for purchase. Call 703-737-8100.
A Cappella Group. Exit 245, an-all male a cappella group from James Madison University will perform a family-friendly concert in the Potomac Falls High School theater, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling, at 7:30 p.m. Accompanying Exit 245 will be one of the other JMU a cappella groups. Each group will perform for 30-plus minutes, with a brief intermission in between. Refreshments and compact discs will be sold, and the audience will have a chance to meet and talk with the groups. The charge, all money goes to the groups, is $2 for adults; all students/children are free. Tickets are available only at the door.
Benefit Concert. Rust Nature Sanctuary presents an evening of music with rustic poet, contemporary songwriter and storyteller, Andrew McKnight, who lives in western Loudoun, at the manor house, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg, 7 p.m. Benefits the restoration of the sanctuary's historic home at the 68-acre Audubon Sanctuary. Tickets $20. Advance reservations are recommended by calling the sanctuary at 703-737-0021.
Fighting and Frolicking: The Civil War Comes to Morven Park. 2 p.m. Adults $5, children $3, purchase tickets at the Coach House Visitors Center. 703-777-6034. Visit replicas of log huts built by 17th Mississippi soldiers during the Civil War and learn of the story of their stay at Morven Park in the winter of 1861-62 following the nearby Battle at Ball's Bluff in October 1861 and the cavalry skirmish on the property at Mile Hill in September 1862.
Yard Sale. The Sully Elementary School PTO will be holding an indoor craft fair and yard sale Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at
Sully Elementary School, 300 Circle Drive. Open to the general public. Tables will be provided for all vendors. The price is $25 per table; $40 for two adjacent tables. Food and drink will be available. All proceeds will go toward supporting the Sully Science Park and Playground. Contact Valerie Petrey at 703-787-8931, vpetrey@aol.com or Peter Kronenberg at 703-444-9484, pak@carouselpuppets.com.
Gift Workshop and Book Swap. Ages 4-10. Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling. Get an early start by making some Christmas presents. A variety of projects will be offered. Also trade in adult and children's books. Call 703-430-6673. Workshop fee: $14 plus $6 supply fee. Book Swap admission is free. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Holiday Bazaar. All ages. Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville. Shop early for holiday gifts from crafters from the community and the region. Includes a light lunch of soup, sandwiches and fresh pies for a nominal fee. Pictures with Santa will be taken. Vendors call 540-822-5284 for registration. Free event. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Youth Orchestra. The Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra will offer a concert of "English Fare," at 4 p.m., at Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mill Road in Leesburg. The program of works by English composers and English themes, includes MatinŽes Musicales by Benjamin Britten, English Folk Song Suite by Vaughan-Williams, Suite No. 1 from
Handel's "Water Music," Haydn's Symphony No. 104 in D Major "London" and Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. Contact the Loudoun Symphony office at 703-771-8287, or e-mail LSYO@loudounsymphony.org.
Forum for Women. he Loudoun County Commission on Women will hold the commissionÕs first Fall Forum for Women at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, at 2 p.m. The library is located at 21030 Whitfield Place in Sterling. The focus will be on womenÕs health, with a panel moderated by Joy Corriher, RN, MSN, MPH, CNAA-BC, vice president of Patient Care Services of Inova Loudoun Hospital and a recipient of the LCCWÕs 2005 Outstanding Women of Loudoun County Award. Other members of the panel include Dr. Anne Brown, OB/GYN; Dr. Virginia Hackenburg, gynecologist; and Dr. Ginger Chiatella, breast specialist. Followed by afternoon tea and an exhibit of nonprofit organizations that serve LoudounÕs women. Free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Contact LCCW treasurer Carla Anderson at withac13@aol.com or by calling LCCW secretary Kathleen Hughes at 703-661-1511 by Nov. 7.
Bluegrass Concert. Lucketts Community Center will host The Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Band. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are sold at the door, 42361 Lucketts Road. Refreshments are available at the snack bar. Call 703-771-5281.
Loudoun Symphony. The Loudoun Symphony will present its annual Connoisseurs' Chamber Music Concert followed by a coffee and dessert reception at St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St., N.W., Leesburg, at 8 p.m. Features works by Johann Christian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Gabriel FaurŽ, Andreas Hammerschmidt, Sigfrid Karg-Elert, Camille Saint Saens and Georg Philipp Telemann. Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 in advance. Call 703-771-8287 or visit www.loudounsymphony.org.
Fruit Sale. The Ashburn Ruritan Club is holding its annual holiday citrus fruit sale, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Dulles Crossing Plaza in Sterling. Includes ruby red grapefruit and navel oranges from Indian River Growers in Florida. Prices are 2/5 bushel box of oranges or grapefruit, which weigh 20 pounds, $14; 2/5 bushel box of mixed fruit, $15; 4/5 bushel box of fruit weighing 40 pounds, $25. Money will go to the Ruritan Club scholarship fund to benefit students in the Ashburn/Sterling area.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 20
<cal2>Fighting and Frolicking: The Civil War Comes to Morven Park. 2 p.m. Adults $5, children $3, purchase tickets at the Coach House Visitors Center. 703-777-6034. Visit replicas of log huts built by 17th Mississippi soldiers during the Civil War and learn of the story of their stay at Morven Park in the winter of 1861-62 following the nearby Battle at Ball's Bluff in October 1861 and the cavalry skirmish on the property at Mile Hill in September 1862.
Open House. Shenandoah Sound Drum and Bugle Corps of Sterling will hold its first open house for the 2006 competitive season, from 1-5 p.m., at the Loudoun Elks Lodge, 23219 Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg. Shenandoah Sound competes on the field within the DCA South circuit, and is open to members of all ages. All are welcomed to attend. Contact Tom Ackman at 703-430-2753, or e-mail at tom.ackman@shenandoahsound.org. Visit the Web site at www.shenandoahsound.org.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 21
<cal2>Tricky Tracks. Ages 3-5. Be a nature detective. Follow tracks, find feathers and seek burrows to investigate animals of the park. Find proof that deer, fox, rabbits and other animals live here. 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. Call 703-444-1275.
Baby Lapsit. Children's story times at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, for ages 0-18 months. Advanced registration required, call 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 22
<cal2>Library Treasure Hunt. Play treasure hunt and discover all the library has to offer. Children learn how to find information using basic library skills including the Dewey Decimal System, online catalog and online databases. For ages 6 and up. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4 p.m. Advanced registration required by Nov. 18, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309. Space is limited.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 23
<cal2>Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, will be sponsoring a trip to the casino in Charles Town, W.Va. Enjoy slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Cost $7 for members, $9 for nonmembers; includes transportation and $5 cash back, which is subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for arrival/departure locations and times.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 24
<cal2>Thanksgiving Race. The 12th annual Ashburn Farm 10K, 5K and 2K Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m., at Crossroads United Methodist Church, corner of Crossroads Drive and Ashburn Farm Parkway in Ashburn Farm. Cash prizes for top male and female finishers in both the 10K and 5K and prizes for a random drawing. Registration is $23 for the 10K if postmarked by Nov. 14 and $30 after. The 5K is $20 before Nov. 14 and $25 after. The fun run is $15 and does not increase. Post-race foods and refreshments will also be served. All proceeds from this event benefit The Humble Place mission, an orphanage and school founded by Crossroads UMC in Lukojjo, Uganda. Call Crossroads UMC at 703-729-5100 or visit www.ecrossroadsumc.org. Online registration is available at www.active.com.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 25
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Habitat Benefit. The Capital Steps perform musical, political satire at this fund-raiser for The Loudoun Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, beginning at 8 p.m., at the Lansdowne Resort in Ashburn. All proceeds go to help build affordable housing for area needy. Visit www.loudounhabitat.org for ticket information or call 540-751-2244.
<cal1>Saturday/ Nov. 26
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 27
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 29
<cal2>Shopping Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, is sponsoring a trip to Potomac Mills, Occoquan. Lunch on own. Cost $7 for members, $9 nonmembers; includes transportation. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for arrival/departure locations and times.
Aviation Celebration. Celebrate national Aviation Month and learn about the world of aviation. make paper airplanes, get a "pilot's license." For ages 6-10. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 4 p.m. Advanced registration required by Nov. 28, call 703-737-8105.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 30
<cal2>Lifebooks Discussion. Adoptive mothers, Lorna Davis and Mary Coyle, will hold a discussion on Lifebooks at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, at 7 p.m. Lifebooks a teaching tool that tells an adopted or foster child's story from the day he/she was born to help both parent and child understand what it means to be adopted. Registration required, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
Senior Jeopardy. At 11 a.m., at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Open to everyone. Includes prizes. Free. 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 1
<cal2>Holiday Bazaar. Inova Loudoun Hospital Volunteers' Annual Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Atrium of the Hospital at Lansdowne. A portion of every sale goes to the hospital. Includes crafts, gifts, jewelry, raffle items, white elephant and used book sales, baked goods. Contact Joyce Sargent, ILH director of volunteer services, 703-858-6469 or Joyce@lh.org. Or visit the Web site www.loudounhospital.org, View Calendars, Volunteers.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 2
<cal2>Black Tie Gala. To kick-off the 26th annual production of "The Nutcracker," the Loudoun Ballet Company is hosting a black-tie gala at the renamed West Belmont Place at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne. Includes young and seasoned dancers performing vignettes from the classical Ivanov-Tchaikovsky ballet. Tickets for the gala are $250 per couple. Call Vicki Shea at 703-777-5347.
Swiss Stories, Cowbells and Yodeling. Listen to a reading of Selina Chonz's "A Bell for Ursli" and learn about Switzerland, decorate cowbells, eat Swiss Christmas cookies and learn to yodel. For ages 6-10. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 4 p.m. Advanced registration required by Dec. 1, call 703-737-8105.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 3
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring Gloria by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. 7:30 p.m., St. David's Episcopal Church in Ashburn. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.
Holiday in the Park. Enjoy the winter season at Claude Moore Park. Includes a performance by Chorus of the Old Dominion; candlelight tour of the Lanesville House; wagon ride; a visit to the Frogshackle Nature Center; roast marshmallows; enjoy hot cider and construct some holiday crafts. In lieu of admission, donations of new mittens, hats and scarves are welcome for the "Winter Warmth Tree." These donations will go to the Loudoun Holiday Coalition. Enter the park at Loudoun Park Lane; park at the museum and walk to the historic area. 3:30-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park/Lanesville Heritage Area, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road. Sterling. Free. 703-444-1275 or visit www.loudoun.gov/prcs/parks/claude.htm.
Clothing Drive. "Warm Clothes for Warm Hearts," performance and clothing drive, 10 a.m., at Tally Ho Theatre, 19 Market St., Leesburg. Features performances by gospel artist James Daniels, saxophonist Michael J. Girdy and Company and youth-theater troupe A New Voice Inc. Admission: donation of new hats, socks and gloves for men, women and children. Donations collected at performances, as well as Heritage Fellowship United Church of Christ, 2501 Fox Mill Road, Reston, between Nov. 6-Dec. 10; and distributed to shelters in the metropolitan-Washington, D.C., area. Twenty-five percent of financial and clothing donations will be given to the Salvation Army's Hurricane Relief Fund. Call 703-904-0359.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 4
<cal2>Woodwind Concert. Congregation ShaÕare Shalom will host the first musical program in its new synagogue at 19357 Evergreen Mills Road, at 3 p.m. The woodwind chamber group, Ensemble ˆ la Carte, will perform a work by local composer David Rubenstein along with works by Jacques Ibert, Georges Auric, and George Gershwin. ShaÕare Shalom Rabbi Neil will be a guest vocalist for a selection of traditional Hebrew songs. Rubenstein, who lives in Reston, will be attending to see the performance. Wine and cheese reception follows. The suggested donation is $10 each in advance or $15 at the door on the day of the performance. Tickets can be reserved by mailing checks to Congregation ShaÕare Shalom, P.O. Box 4518, Leesburg VA 20175. Tickets are also available at the synagogue. Hours are posted on the Web site, www.sha-areshalom.org or call 703-669-4588.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 5
<cal2>Baby Lapsit. Children's story times at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, for ages 0-18 months. Advanced registration required, call 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 6
<cal2>Holi-Daze Spectacular Science Show. Featuring Mad Science of Washington, 4 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Learn the science behind many of the traditions seen during the holidays including winter weather, candles, holiday lights, Santa's sleigh and how Santa fits through the chimney. Also sing holiday jingles. For ages 4-12. 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 7
<cal2>Knit-In. At the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, at 7 p.m., with instructor LaDonna Snellbaker of Broadlands Sit-n-Knit. Bring knitting needles, size 8, 5 mm and a skein of yarn, Lion Brand Wool-Ease and a current project, if have one. Bamboo needles and darker yarn are easier for beginners. For teens 12 through adult. Advanced registration required by the Wednesday prior to the session, call 703-737-8100.
Musical Adventure. With Maddy O'Neill, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., at Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Features singing , dancing, adventures and more. For ages 2-5. 703-430-9500.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 8
<cal2>Book It. Teen book group, 4:30 p.m., at Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes Japanese treats and refreshments, origami and discussion of "The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn," by Dorothy Hoobler. Free copies available at youth services desk after Nov. 7. For ages 12-18. Advanced registration required by Dec. 7, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 9
<cal2>ÁCelebremos! Celebrate Spain and recall the impossible dreams of Don Quixote and his faithful companion, Sancho Panza, with stories, a craft and a Spanish lesson. For ages 5 and up. Ashburn Library, 43312 Hay Road, 3:30 p.m. Advanced registration required by Dec. 2, call 703-737-8105.
Holiday Music Together. By Maddy O'Neill, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. features holiday/winter songs, rhythmic chants, movement and instrument play for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. For ages newborn-5 years. Tickets required and can be picked up one half hour before the program begins. Space limited. Call 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Saturday/ Dec. 10
<cal2>Holiday Jazz. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Jazz up the holidays at Tarara with the stylings of some of Virginia's finest musicians 12-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats along with wine and gift shop specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Yuletide. The Loudoun Museum invites children and families to experience historic Yuletide customs, Loudoun Museum Garden and Grounds, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. Holiday celebration with a Civil War Santa, make folk arts and crafts and try historic holiday games. Call 703-777-7427 or e-mail administrator@loudounmuseum.org.
Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring Gloria by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesburg. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.
Beginner Bird Walk. These one-hour walks are for bird watching beginners and are led by an experienced birder. Audubon Naturalist SocietyÕs Rust Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg, 8 a.m. Learn about what to look and listen for and tips on identification. Bring binoculars and field guide if have them; if not, some available to loan. Free. Call 703-669-0000 for registration.
Christmas Concert. The Master Singers of Virginia present A Re-Imagined Lessons and Carols, 8 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church, Leesburg, with a preconcert lecture beginning at 7:15 p.m. Features a candlelight processional, Urmas Sissak's "Magnificant," carols, and readings from the Bible. Tickets $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 2 and 7 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
Nutcracker at the Library. Students from the Ashburn Academy of Ballet present a synopsis of "The Nutcracker," 3:30 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. For all ages. 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 11
<cal2>Holiday Concert. The Loudoun Chorale, under the direction of R. William Propst, will hold its fall concert featuring Gloria by Vivaldi and a selection of holiday carols. 4 p.m., Bethany United Methodist Church in Purcellville. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for youth and free for under 12, and are available at the door. Visit www.loudounchorale.org or call 703-729-8972 or 540-554-8594.
Nutcracker. The Loudoun Ballet Company performs the annual holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at Briar Woods high School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, 4 p.m. Advanced tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $20 at the door. Call 703-771-8074 or www.loudounballet.org.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 12
<cal2>How to Write a College Essay. Robert Otten of Marymount University provides tips on how to write a successful personal essay for a college application. If have an essay drafted, bring it. For high-school juniors and seniors. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Advanced registration required by Dec. 11, call 703-737-8100, Ext. 4.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Nature for Toddlers. Ages 2 and 3 with an adult. Learn how to teach your child about nature. Each day read a story and investigate an animal that lives at the Audubon Naturalist SocietyÕs Rust Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg. A craft and a short hike will be included. If a toddler needs a ride during the hike, bring a baby carrier, strollers are not appropriate for the trails. Parents must accompany children. Registration is required, call 703-669-0000. Members: $7 per child and $5 for each additional sibling; nonmembers: $10 per child and $7 for each additional sibling. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Origami Ornaments. With instructor Selah Jun, 4 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Listen to stories and fold origami ornaments, including wreaths, candle flames and gift boxes. materials provided. For ages 7 and up. Advanced registration required by Dec. 9, call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
Movie Night. "Cinderella Man," rated PG, starring Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger. Bring a favorite snack, drinks provided. For adults. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 6:30 p.m. 703-737-8100.