Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, 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, contact Matthew Razak 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 11
<cal2>Theater Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Riverside Dinner Theatre in Fredericksburg, Va., to see "Bye Bye Birdie." Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations, and cost.
Film Screening. 7:30 p.m., Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia College, Waddell Theater, 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway, Sterling. The Documentary Club of the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, in conjunction with the Loudoun County Committee for a Sustainable Society, will sponsor a screening of Sony Classics film, "Who Killed the Electric Car." Free and open to the public. Visit http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/.
<cal1>Thursday/April 12
<cal2>Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Cost: $7 per member, $9 nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Fabulous Frogs. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Learn about frogs, toads and tadpoles. Cost: $10.50 per child. 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Friday/April 13
<cal2>Nature Treasure Hunt. 10-11:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. We'll use clues and maps as we follow the trail to these hidden treasures. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $4 per person. Call 571-258-3700 to register.
Garden Party. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Luncheon hosted by Junior Girl Scout Troop 4180, includes food, refreshments, music, entertainment and "springo." Cost: lunch donation; register on lunch sign-up sheet. Call 703-430-2397.
Dance. 8 p.m., Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. Jazz & Co. Dance, the contemporary performing company of The Loudoun School of Ballet, will present its annual concert of contemporary dance to benefit the Teri and Shari Malone Foundation. Admission: $5. Contact Sharon Mercke at 703-771-3200.
From Swann’s Castle to Governor’s Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Teen Reading Buddies. 2-4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Children ages 3-6 are invited to listen to stories read by the library’s teen reading buddies. Call the library at 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
Fold Me A Poem. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Certified origami instructor Selah Jun will be on hand to demonstrate. Recommended for children ages 7 and up. Call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Saturday/April 14
<cal2>Teen Reading Buddies. 1-4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Call 703-737-8100. See April 13 item for more information.
Saturday Music. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Celebrate Spring with some of the area's finest musicians and award-winning wines. Call 703-771-1000 or visit http://www.tarara.com.
Child Care and Resource Fair. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ida Lee Park Recreation Center in Leesburg. Focuses on helping parents find quality child care and family resources in the community. Includes activities for the children, including local entertainers. Contact the Loudoun Child Care Network, 703-771-5836 or Virginia Cooperative Extension, 703-777-0373.
Draw-In. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Naturalist Center, 741 Miller Drive, Leesburg. Artists and illustrators, 10 years of age or older, can draw objects from the specimens collection at the center; bring own art supplies. Call 703-779-9712.
Arbor Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road. Includes parade at 11 a.m., followed by a formal ceremony which will include Tree City USA acknowledgments, recognition of poster contest and photo winners and presentation of awards to students. Call the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District at 703-777-2075.
Spring Birding Basics. 10 a.m.-noon, Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 9-14. Hike through the park, discover the differences between various birds, identify common birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the park. Call 571-258-3700 to register. Cost: $4 per person.
Birding Banshee. 8 a.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk. Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Golf Tournament. 1 p.m. shotgun start, South Riding Golf Course. Golf tournament fund-raiser hosted by Operation Pinecone; proceeds assist in the shipment of care package to military overseas and support programs for military and their families at Walter Reed Army and Bethesda National Naval medical centers. $150 hole sponsorship; $125 per player. Registration deadline is April 5 visit www.operationpinecone.org or call Mary Hacker, president, 703-327-6628 or golf@operationpinecone.org.
Coffeehouse Series. 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg. The Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series, "The Art of Songwriting" concert and discussion featuring Eleni Kelakos, Pat Wictor and Dulcie Taylor. Tickets: $12. Call 703-737-7644.
Spring Concert. 7:30 p.m., at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. The Loudoun Symphonic Winds will perform "Tour of the National Moments" featuring Colossus of Columbia, Harlem by Night and Shenandoah. Visit www.lcbandinc.org or call Anne Hennessey at 703-777-7985. Cost: $5 donation per adult or $10 donation per family.
Flags, Flasks & Flu: My Experiences in Richmond." 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Explore the life and times of Marguerite Inman Davis, wife of World War I-era Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis. Adults $5, children $1. Call 703-777-6034. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center.
Keep Leesburg Beautiful Celebration. 9 a.m., Town Green in Leesburg's Historic District. Free entertainment with a variety of local entertainers including guitarist Stuart Martin. Visit www.leesburgva.gov or call 703-771-2700.
Bluegrass Concert. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music at 7 p.m., Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. The Scott Brannon Band and Carolina Road perform; refreshments available at snack bar. Cost: $12. Call 703-771-5281 or visit LuckettsCommunityCenter.org.
Million Cat Rescue. 1-5 p.m., Harris Teeter in Ashburn. Includes visit from Morris the Cat, interactive exhibits and cats from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter who are looking for homes. Visit http://www1.9lives.com/default.aspx?page=home&mn=4.
Jewelry Making. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling. Make a necklace or bracelet. Ages 5-8. Cost: $8 plus $6 supply fee. Preregistration is required, call 703-430-6673.
<cal1>Sunday/April 15
<cal2>5K Run. Start and finish at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds, benefits Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) by running in the organization’s 12th annual half-marathon and 5K. Early registration fees are $32 for the half-marathon, $22 for the 5K and $10 for the Kids Fun Run until April 7. Race entry fees after April 7 are $35 for the half-marathon and $25 for the 5K. Race day entry fees are $40 for the half-marathon and $30 for the 5K. Visit www.RunForTheShelter.org.
Point-to-Point Races. 12-5 p.m., Oatlands in Leesburg. The 41st running of the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point races. Cost: $5 per person and $50 per subscriber; advance tickets available at a discounted rate. Call Catherine Spicer at 703-729-2777. Contact Oatlands at 703-777-3174, Ext. 113.
Travel through Time in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Step It Up. 1:30 p.m., George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn. Step It Up 2007, a rally for a "national day of climate action;" includes speakers Morris Meyer, president of Surfworks, and Kara Ball, special assistant to the president of the National Wildlife Federation and a viewing of the film Tipping Point. Free. Registration required, visit www.gwvirginia.gwu.edu/climateproject.
<cal1>Monday/April 16
<cal2>Everlasting Sand Castles. 11-11:45 a.m., Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market St., Leesburg. Get some indoor exercise. Build sand castle without going to the beach. Ages 2-3. Cost: $4. Call 703-771-5913.
Musical Messages. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Use your ears to hear nature's music and figure out what there're saying; make your own musical message. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
Senior Movie. 1 p.m., Leesburg Senior Activity Center, 215 Depot Court, Leesburg. See "April in Paris," starring Doris Day, Ray Bolger and Eve Miller. Cost: $2.50. Call 703-737-8039.
From Swann’s Castle to Governor’s Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See April 13 listing for more information.
Story Time. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library. A special hippity-hoppity story time and movement activities. Recommended for ages 3-5. Register by calling 703-737-8105 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Kaleidoscope Children’s Performance. 10 a.m., Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. "Magic Pots and Recycled Bottles," by Kathleen Jacobs and Puppets, celebrates Earth Day by introducing a unique spin on recycling. Cost: advance tickets, $5 for each child; at the door, $8. Call 703-777-1368 or visit www.idalee.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 17
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, U.S. Botanical Gardens, Air and Space or African Art/Sackler/Freer/Hirshharn museums. Lunch on own. Cost: $8 per member, $10 nonmembers, includes transportation and free admission to art museum. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Hands-on Science. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Meet at the library to explore optical illusions. Recommended for ages 8-11. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Mad Science. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. See indoor fireworks, bubbling potions and amazing chemical reactions. Recommended for ages 6-10. Call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
Me and My World: Let’s Go Fly A Kite. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Learn about all the different kinds of kites and make a kite to take home. Recommended for ages 4-6. Register prior to the program, 703-771-5624 or www.lcpl.lib.va.us, go to calendar of events.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 18
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Brewmaster's Castle and Woodrow Wilson House. Lunch on own. Cost: $18 members, $20 nonmembers, includes transportation and admissions. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Senior Movie. 1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. See "Man of the Year," starring Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken and Jeff Goldblum; rated PG-13. Cost: $2, includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
Senior Trip. 1 p.m., Leesburg Senior Activity Center, 215 Depot Court, Leesburg. Take a bus ride through Paris, Va. Cost: $4. Call 703-737-8039.
Film Screening. 7-9 p.m., Dodona Manor, 217 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg. Marshall Plan Film Series screening of "Selling Democracy." These films provide an informative look at how the European Recovery Plan, popularly known as the Marshall Plan, was promoted to European audiences through propaganda films. Cost: $10 at the door. Members attend free.
<cal1>Thursday/April 19
<cal2>Musical Messages. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Use your ears to hear nature's music and figure out what there're saying; make your own musical message. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
Potluck Dinner. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Leesburg Senior Activity Center, 215 Depot Court, Leesburg. Bring a covered dish to share and a white elephant gift wrapped or placed in a gift bag. Free. Call 703-737-8039.
250th Anniversary Celebration. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. In celebration of Loudoun County's 250th birthday and National Library Week, the Loudoun Museum Heritage Players will re-enact some special events in the county's history. Recommended for the family. Call 703-771-5624.
<cal1>Friday/April 20
<cal2>Percussion Music. 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, 22135 Davis Drive, Sterling. Word-Beat, with percussion master Tom Teasley and vocalist Charles Williams, will perform a concert to benefit the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter. Cost: $10 at the door. Visit www.word-beat.com.
From Swann’s Castle to Governor’s Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Saturday/April 21
<cal2>Master Singers. 8 p.m., at St. James Episcopal, 14 Cornwall St., Leesburg. The Master Singers of Virginia perform Aaron Copland's "In the Beginning." Cost: $15 adults, $12 seniors/children. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Teen Read-a-Thon. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Teen read-a-thon to benefit the Loudoun Literacy Council. Each teen is being asked to raise $50. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Saturday Music. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Celebrate Spring with some of the area's finest musicians and award-winning wines. Call 703-771-1000 or visit http://www.tarara.com.
Canine Country Jamboree. 11-4 p.m., Leesburg Canine Country Club, 22025 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. This charity fund-raiser to end pet homelessness features bluegrass music, country cooking, animal adoptions, a charity auction and more. Leashed dogs welcome. Free. Call 703-554-2162 or visit http://www.leesburgcaninecountryclub.com.
Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace and the Leesburg Senior Activity Center, 215 Depot Court, will both be taking a trip to Harrisonburg, Va., to visit the Virginia Quilt Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Market and Patchwork Plus. Cost: $16 for members, $18 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission; lunch and dinner on own. Extensive walking. Call Senior Center at Cascades, 703-430-2397 or Leesburg Senior Activity Center, 703-737-8039, for departure/return times and locations.
Naturalist Center. 1-3:30 p.m., Naturalist Center of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Includes "hands-on science" about the fossils, minerals, birds, butterflies and bones you might find in your backyard. To register, contact Mimi Westervelt, at 703-779-9714.
Benefit Concert. 6:30 p.m., at Leesburg United Methodist Church. This is the second annual Mission Guyana Benefit Concert featuring One Horse Town with Diamonds in the Rough opening, presented by Evergreen Church International Mission Group. Suggested donation for the concert is $15 per family, with the majority of proceeds going to IMG Mission Guyana. Call 540-882-3625.
Choral Performance. 7:30 p.m., at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. Loudoun Chorale's spring concert "400 Years of America Singing." Cost: $10 general admission, $8 seniors, $5 youth, children 12 and under free. Call 703-722-3985 or visit www.loudounchorale.org.
Book Signing. 2-3:15 p.m., Dodona Manor, 217 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg. In conjunction with Virginia Historic Garden Week, Andre Viette will give a short talk followed by question-and-answer sesion and book signing. Cost: $10 at the door; Dodona members attend free. Call 703-777-1301.
Art Show. 1-4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. The Potomac Falls High School Chapter of the National Art Honor Society invites the community to its First Annual Student Art Exhibit. Admission free and half of all donations will go to the humanitarian organization CARE. Contact Stephany Lin at stephanylin@gmail.com.
Wine Tasting. 12, 2:15 and 4:30 p.m., Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville. Breaux Vineyards Annual Vertical Tasting. $50 fee includes wine, gourmet food, and lecture with winemaker, Dave Collins. Advanced reservations are required. Contact www.breauxvineyards.com/events or call 800-492-9961.
Jewelry Making Creations. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling. Make a necklace or bracelet. Ages 9-15. Cost: $8 plus $15 supply fee. Preregistration required, call 703-430-6673.
Loud Poetry Guy. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. James Scott, a.k.a. The Loud Poetry Guy, brings charm, wit, and fast-paced loud poetry and short stories. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Call 703-430-2397.
Fighting & Frolicking: The Civil War Comes to Morven Park, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Confederate soldiers and civilians in replica log huts tell the story of life in camp at Morven Park following the 1861 battle at nearby Ball’s Bluff; includes firing demonstrations and drilling. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Bluegrass Concert. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music at 7 p.m., Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Dark Hollow and Blue Daze perform; refreshments available at snack bar. Cost: $12. Call 703-771-5281 or visit LuckettsCommunityCenter.org.
<cal1>Sunday/April 22
<cal2>Aldie Community Concert. 3 p.m., Aldie United Methodist Church, 39325 John Mosby Highway, Aldie. Joni Bishop will perform in a special concert and art show. Visit www.villageofaldie.com.
Sunday in the Preserve. 1 p.m., Banshee Reeks Preserve. Phil Daley of the Friends of Banshee Reeks and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy leads a free informal, family walk around the preserve. Call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.
Film Screening. 3-6 p.m., Round Hill Center, 20 High St. A screening of "An Inconvenient Truth" will be held. Following the movie, join an open discussion led by a facilitator. Contact Laura Weidner at 540-554-2747 or lweidner@loudounwildlife.org.
Choral Performance. 4 p.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 West Market Street, Leesburg. Loudoun Chorale's spring concert "400 Years of America Singing." See April 21 item for more information.
Plant Exchange. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. 14th annual spring seed and plant exchange; bring extra seeds, bulbs, plants and cutting to exchange with others. Free. Call 703-430-2136.
Bingo. 2 p.m., Lucketts Fire Department, 42367 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. Inlcudes 22 regular bingos, four specials, raffles and door prizes. Cost: $20 RSVP or $25 at door. Call 703-615-1218, betzcream@aol.com.
Travel through Time in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Monday/April 23
<cal2>Toddler One and Two. 11 a.m., Rust Library. Join Rust Library for stories, rhymes and movement. Parachute play for toddlers on the go. Ages 12-24 months with parent/caregiver. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us, go to Calendar of Events.
Sing Along. 1 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Theme: songs of spring. Cost: free. Call 703-430-2397.
From Swann’s Castle to Governor’s Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See April 20 item for more information.