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 ongoing events listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
The new Loudoun County assessor, Todd Kaufman, and the manager of broadband services, Scott Bashore, are the guests on the new edition of "Inside Loudoun County."
"Inside Loudoun County" is a 30-minute cable television program airing Mondays and Fridays, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., on Adelphia's Government Access Channel 2. The show is hosted by Nancy McCormick of the Loudoun County Office of Public Information and is produced by Adelphia.
Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, is offering a variety of Valentine-related activities. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673.
* Friday, Feb. 10, Decorating Valentine Princess Cakes, from 4-4:45 p.m. Girls ages 8 and up. Cost $5.50 plus $4 supply fee. No food allergies.
* Monday, Feb. 13, Decorating Valentine Princess Cakes, from 4-4:45 p.m. Girls ages 4-7. Cost $5.50 plus $4 supply fee. No food allergies.
Kids R First Valentine gift wrap event will take place at the Appalachian Spring in the Reston Town Center. Cost is a donation to Kids R First, a nonprofit organization helping needy students in Fairfax and Loudoun county schools located in the Dulles corridor and a 2005 Best of Reston honoree. The wrapping schedule is Saturday, Feb. 11, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 12, noon-4 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 13, noon-6 p.m.; and Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, holds a potluck social the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Must register beforehand and bring a dish. Next social is Feb. 14. To participate in bingo afterwards, bring a gift. Call 703-430-2397.
The Sterling Playmakers, a nonprofit community theater group, in cooperation with LCPRCSÕ Sterling Community Center presents ÒIron sÕKILL-ITÓ, a murder mystery, dinner theater production. ÒIron sÕKILL-ITÓ is an original script by director Glen Bartram with a satirical spin on todayÕs cooking reality shows. Show dates and times are Feb. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, and include dinner and the show. All performances will be at the Senior Center at Cascades, located at 21060 Whitfield Place in Sterling. This show is rated PG for mild language and felonious situations. To order tickets or for more information, visit the Sterling Playmakers Web site at www.Sterlingplaymakers.com or call 703-729-8901.
The Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, is seeking submissions for the "I Love É" Photograph Exhibit, through Feb. 23. Residents are invited to complete the sentence I love É with a picture. Bring the picture to the library information desk, include name and phone number, to be included in the exhibit, which runs Feb. 24-26. Call 703-737-8100.
Not Just Shakespeare, Loudoun County's community-based classic theater company providing educational opportunities for all ages, announces its spring production of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park," directed by artistic director Tim Jon. Performances will be held Feb. 24, 25 and 26 and March 3, 4 and 5. Fridays and Saturdays the curtain will rise at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The play is produced in cooperation with and with the support of the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center. Performances will be at the Round Hill Center, 20 High St., Round Hill.
This production will feature two casts performing in repertory. An all-adult cast will perform Feb. 24, Feb. 26 and March 4. A youth cast will take the stage Feb. 25, March 3 and March 5.
To reserve seats, call the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center at 540-338-7973. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.
Contact Donna Dodderidge at 540-364-3344.
Lucketts bluegrass concerts at Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Refreshments will be available. Call 703-771-5281. Admission $12. Saturdays, through Feb. 25, 7-10:30 p.m.
"Showing Off Our Instructors," an exhibit of paintings, drawings and sculpture by fine art instructors at the Loudoun
Academy of the Arts, will be featured at Gallery 222, through Feb. 25. A reception to meet the artists will be held Feb. 3
during Leesburg's First Friday, from 6-9 p.m. The gallery is located at 222 South King St. Call 703-777-5498 or visit www.gallery222.com.
A group of local artists, affiliated with the Christian Artists Circle chapters in Loudoun and Fauquier counties and lead by Leesburg artist Catherine Fetterman, is organizing an overnight retreat for artists, which will begin Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m., and run until 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 15.
The program, ÒCreation & Inspiration: A Retreat for Christians in the Arts,Ó will take place at the Dominican Retreat, 7103 Old Dominion Drive in McLean. This event is open to visual, performing and literary artists from the greater Washington-metropolitan area.
The retreat offers artists an opportunity to meet and network, share their gifts of creativity, listen to a variety of inspiring presentations, participate in small group discussions and take advantage of quiet times for prayer and individual reflection. The cost of the program is $150 and includes single bedroom accommodations, breakfast, lunch and materials. Registrations received by Feb. 15 receive a 10 percent discount. Call Catherine Fetterman at 703-443-1143 or e-mail christianartistscircle@verizon.net.
Abstract artworks from three Loudoun artists are on display through March at the County Government Center. The works are from the county's permanent collection and can be viewed during business hours in the Gallery on the first floor, which is adjacent to the lobby area.
The exhibit features constructions by Julie Savage Lea of Waterford, paintings by Alfred McAdams who lives on Mt. Gilead and watercolors by Carol Staten who now lives in Columbus, Mo.
The exhibition was arranged by members of the Art Advisory Committee, which is responsible for maintaining and exhibiting the county's permanent art collection, including donated works and those on long- term loan. The entire collection of approximately 90 pieces includes three sculptures, which were placed in the Government Center gardens last August and nine portraits of former Loudoun County judges, which
are located in the Courthouse building.
The spring 2006 exhibit at The George Washington University Virginia Campus in Ashburn features two-dimensional, mixed-media works by 67 Loudoun County Public School students from Legacy Elementary School, Seneca Ridge Middle School, and Dominion High School.
The exhibit is open to the public through April 19, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn, Gallery Lounge, Room 121. Call 703-726-3650.
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.; 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 2-5 years old, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Call 703-430-9500.
ÒArt CoopÓ is display at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Featuring a changing exhibit of works by area artists. Juried by LHFM Art Advisory Sub-Committee. The museum 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.
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, 7-8:30 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.
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.
Morven Park, the historic home of Virginia Gov. Westmoreland Davis, located in Leesburg, is a 1,000-acre estate offering visitors a glimpse into Virginia country life during the early years of the 20th century is open to the public April-November, Fridays-Mondays and other times by appointment. Tours are offered at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The park closes at 6 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $1 for children. One price admits visitors to all museums and the grounds. Special group tours and ticket packages are also available. Special holiday tours offered in December. Call: group tours, 703-777-2414; educational programs, 703-777-6034; and equestrian center and events, 703-777-2890.
The Western Loudoun Artist Studio Tour takes place June 24-25 and features opportunities to visit the working studios of more than 20 artists. The tour is free to the public. It is presented in cooperation with the Franklin Park Arts Center, The Round Hill Arts Center and The Friends of Franklin Park Art Center. Each participating artist donates a piece to the tour gala, June 24, which helps fund future tours. Call Jeff Stern, 540-338-7973, or visit www.franklinparkartscenter.org.
Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, offers several Scout programs, Call 703-444-1275 for more information or to register.
* Older Girl Scout-IP Heritage. Investigate several architectural styles, explore the Lanesville community and historic road, learn research techniques, plan a service project and begin career exploration while hunting for the heritage of Eastern Loudoun.
* Bear Cub Scout-Achievement No. 3. Hike to the Civil War Signal Station, wave signal flags and tour the Lanesville house.
* Wolf Cub-Scout Achievement No. 4. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, hike the "mountain" used by American Indians and Civil War soldiers and discover the important roots of the community.
* Boy Scout-American Heritage Badge. Explore a National Register Site, compare 1779 and 1812 flags to the present flag, hike to a Civil War Signal Station and walk in the footsteps of past heroes while discovering American heritage. Registered badge counselor will lead program.
Virginia Apples For Flavor: The Story Of Hill High Orchards, a permanent exhibit at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21558 Heritage Farm Lane in Sterling has opened. Learn about the history of Hill High Orchards and come away with a greater appreciation of the apple. Sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum Inc. Call 703-421-5322. Museum admission $5/adults, $4/seniors, $3/ages 2-12.
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.; Terrific 2s, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Preschool Story Time, ages 3-5, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.; Wonderful Wednesday Stories, ages 3-5, 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, holds an after-hours teen center Friday nights, 7-10 p.m., for grades sixth-10th. Includes fun, films and food.