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.
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 third annual Equine Event East, March 17-19, at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, an all/breed, all/discipline show featuring close to 400 exhibitors. There will be demonstrations and free clinics, children's activities and prizes. Admission is $12 for adults; $8 for children, children under 6 are free. Admission is available to anyone who volunteers to work or to put up posters. Tickets for Pony Clubbers and 4-H members are half price, $4.
Show hours Friday, noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact: Janice at 1-877-HORSEVA. Web site: www.blueribbonshows.com.
Rust Library will hold the nine-part viewing and discussion series, The Civil War, which will feature the award-winning documentaries directed by Ken Burns. The series will be facilitated by historian and scholar Harry Butowsky and will be presented Sundays, March 19; April 2, 9 and 30; May 7, 14 and 21, the program begins at 2 p.m. This series will trace the course of the U.S Civil War from the abolitionist movement to the death of President Lincoln and the beginnings of Reconstruction. Call 703-777-0541 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
The Easter bunny will be at the Dulles Town Center, at the intersection of Routes 7 and 28, from March 23-April 15. 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.; and Sundays, 12-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Photos available with children or entire families and on April 2 and April, from 7-9 p.m., leashed pets.
Oatlands Plantation, 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. Opens Monday, March 27. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
During the month of April, the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, will be celebrating families reading together and is looking for photographs of families reading to be displayed. Both prints Ñ 5 inches by 7 inches color or black and white Ñ or digital images Ñ 4 inches by 6 inches jpg or tif format, 300 dpi Ñ will be accepted through March 31. There will be a prize drawing at the end of April. All submissions should be labeled with name, phone number and address. Images will not be returned. Call 703-737-8100.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, is looking for young poets. Through March 31, young authors are encouraged to submit their own poetry to the staff at the youth services desk to be displayed in April in honor of National Poetry Month. For ages 12-18. Participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes at the end of April. Call 703-737-8100.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, will hold a reading incentive for teens ages 12-18, through March 31. Every teen who reads three books and writes three reviews will earn a new book of their choice. Free. Call 703-737-8114.
"Nature and the Landscape-Two Views" is on display at Gallery 222 in Leesburg. The exhibit features the work of painters Don Black and Ed Cooper and their personal perspectives, which range from the abstract to the representational.
Black is an abstract painter whose inspiration comes from the
outdoors. Cooper paints the landscape and outdoor scenes in oil.
The exhibit continues through April 1. Gallery 222 is located at 222 South King St., on the edge of historic Leesburg. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enter the National Library Week contest at Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., April 1-8, for a chance to win a $50 Borders gift certificate. Fill out a comment card at the branch. All ages. Call 703-430-9500.
"Through a Window-the Amaquilco Farm, El Salvador," by photographer Linda Holtslander will be on display through April 3, at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn.
Oatlands Plantation, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, will be holding "For Season Teas" throughout the year. Includes Easter teas, Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15; Mother's Day teas, Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13; artists' tea, Sunday, July 30; school days teas, Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9; autumn leaf teas, Thursday, Oct. 19 and Friday, Oct. 20; teddy bear tea, Sunday, Dec. 17. Cost $24.95 plus tax per person; children 8 and under are $15.95 plus tax. Seating at 1 p.m.
Fall teas are served Thursdays-Saturdays, from Nov. 9-30, except Thanksgiving Day. Holiday teas are served Thursdays-Saturdays, from Dec. 1-29, except Dec. 24. Cost $21.95 plus tax per person; children 8 and under are $12,95 plus tax. Seating are at 1 p.m.
Reservations required for all the teas, call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
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.
Celebrate TV Turn Off Week, April 24-27, 4-5:30 p.m., at Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Includes stories and songs. Ages 3-6. Call 703-444-3228.
The After Hours Teen Center at the Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, takes place Fridays, through April 28, from 7-10 p.m. For teens in grades sixth-12th. Includes movies and games, pizza and other refreshments provided. Call 703-444-3228.
Zoning in Loudoun County and the Loudoun Youth Initiative are featured on the new edition of "Inside Loudoun County."
The first segment of the show features Zoning Administrator Melinda Artman and Zoning Enforcement Manager Keith Fairfax discussing a broad range of issues, including the ongoing Rural Policy Area remapping project; the county's residential occupancy ordinances; what people should do if they think someone is in violation of the Zoning Ordinance; and the duties of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Loudoun Youth Initiative Director Tim Chesnutt is the guest during the second segment of the show and discusses several aspects of the Loudoun Youth Initiative. They include the program's goals of addressing the needs of Loudoun County's young people; the challenges faced by Loudoun's youth with respect to the issues of substance abuse and bullying; and the work the county is doing with business, community, educational, faith-based and youth organizations.
"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.
The Loudoun Museum will be featuring an exhibition, A Ladies Night Out in Loudoun: Formal Wear from the Loudoun Museum Collection. The items on display come from the museumÕs large and unique collection of textiles. Most of these objects are on display for the first time.
The exhibition will cover formal wear from the early Victorian period to the 1950s. The exhibit also includes hair combs, shoes, boots, hand bags, hat, stockings and collars from the Victorian period to the mid-20th century. In addition, the exhibit includes a rare Martha Washington ChildrenÕs Corset from the early 1900s and the directions on how it should be used to shape the waist of young ladies.
Visit the Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., in historic downtown Leesburg, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults; $1 for seniors, teachers, students and children 4-17 years old; children 3 years old and under, museum members and military families are free. Call Eric Larson, 703-777-7427 or e-mail elarson@loudoumuseum.org.
Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, will hold ÒTeen Machine Team,Ó a monthly gathering of young Òtime travelersÓ for fun, hands-on activities and book talks every first Wednesday at 7 p.m. Collect clues, discover the past and travel back in time through activity centers, book talks and creative projects. Recommended for ages 9-11. Register prior to program date by calling 703-771-5624.
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.
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.
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: Baby lapsit, ages 0-18 months. Mondays, 10 a.m.; Mother Goose nursery time, 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursday, 10 a.m.; Terrific 2s, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Preschool story time, 3-5 years, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 a.m.; Wonderful Wednesdays, 3-5 years, Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.; and Pajama story time, 3-5 years, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Call 703-737-8100.
The Cascades Library 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, hosts the following ongoing story times: Lapsits for 2s, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.; Mother Goose nursery time, 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.; and 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.
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.
Oatlands Plantation, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, will hold its annual "Four Seasons of Oatlands" art show and sale, July 9-Aug. 20, at the Carriage House to benefit the nonprofit Oatlands Inc., which maintains, exhibits and interprets the cultural and historic significance of the property. Admission free to see the art. Includes images of the Mosby Heritage area, which encompasses Clarke, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and warren counties in Virginia 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. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.