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, call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
Ashburn Boy Scout Troop 1154 is conducting its annual mulch sale fund-raiser. Shredded hardwood mulch will be sold in 3 cubic foot bags for $4 each, minimum five bag order, with free delivery to the greater Ashburn area, including Lansdowne, Broadlands and Brambleton. Orders can be made until March 9 with delivery planned between March 24-April 1. Orders can also be made online by going to www.ashburntroop1154.org and following the mulch link.
The Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association (LCVA) is accepting nominations for the 2006 LCVA Annual Tourism Awards, which showcases the work, service, creativity and contributions of individuals and organizations as it relates to tourism promotion in Loudoun County. All award entries must be for individuals, organizations or programs and recognize accomplishments for activities or events that occurred or were completed during 2006. Judging criteria available at www.VisitLoudoun.org/lcva/industryrecognition and forms may be obtained by contacting the LCVA offices. Entries must be received at the LCVA Offices at 222 Catoctin Circle, S.E., Suite 100, Leesburg, VA 20175 by Jan. 19. Contact Greg Harp, director of operations, 703-771-2170, Ext. 14 or by e-mail at Harp@VisitLoudoun.org.
Have taxes prepared at no cost by volunteers from the AARP TaxAide program, from Feb. 1-April 16. All volunteers are trained in tax preparation and certified by the IRS. All returns will be e-filed and you can have refunds sent directly to the bank. For a list of locations and operating hours, call 1-888-AARPNOW.
The Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking sponsors and donated items for its 90th Anniversary Ball, to be held Feb. 24, at Lansdowne Resort. Contact the chapter for more information at 703-777-7171 or log onto the Web site at www.redcross.org/va/loudounco.
The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, in cooperation with the IRS, is sponsoring free tax preparation assistance for residents 55 and older whose adjusted gross income in $39,000 and below. Assistance will be provided at locations throughout the county, Feb. 26-April 9; appointments required, call 703-737-8037.
Loudoun MADD is seeking entries in its 2007 poster/essay contest. This year's theme: "Life is a Gift, Drinking's a Risk, You Choose."
All entries must communicate the contest theme although the actual theme does not have to be written on the entry. Attractiveness, use of color, expression, are items to consider with posters. Spelling, grammar, emotional appeal, are things to remember when writing an essay. Clarity and visual impact are important in any black-and-white photograph, as well as in a video PSA. PSAs may be submitted on either VHS or DVD formats. Radio “spots” may be submitted on compact disc.
There are four categories: poster, essay, PSA and black-and-white photography. Each category consists of four divisions: grades first-third, fourth-fifth, sixth-eighth and high school.
Deadline to enter is Feb. 28. Mail entries to MADD Loudoun County, P.O. Box 4252, Leesburg, VA 20177.
Questions may be e-mailed to maddloudoun@aol.com or leave voice mail message at 703-771-8127. Entry forms can be downloaded from the MADD Loudoun County Web site at www.maddloudouva.org.
The contest is open to all public, private and homeschooled Loudoun County students. The winners, who will receive savings bonds, will be announced at the award ceremony in April.
The Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department will present the 17th Annual Flower & Garden Festival in Downtown Historic Leesburg, rain or shine, April 21 and 22. The department is seeking applications from landscapers and vendors. To download an application visit http://www.idalee.org/parks/events/ or call 703-737-7157 to have an application mailed.
Call Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368 or visit http://www.idalee.org.
Loudoun Volunteer Services (LVS) is seeking nominations for outstanding student volunteers, to be recognized as Student Volunteer of the Month.
The qualifying student, or group of students, must be enrolled in Loudoun County public, private or home-school grades kindergarten through 12th. Nominees must demonstrate contributions to the Loudoun County community through exceptional volunteer service.
Students who are selected as Student Volunteer of the Month will receive recognition through their school, the media and Loudoun Volunteer Services' Web site and will receive a $100 donation to a local nonprofit of the student's choice. Recognition is given monthly, during the school year, September through June.
For a written description of the nomination process and criteria, contact Lisa Rose, volunteer coordinator, at 703-777-0113 or visit www.loudoun.gov/pio/volunteer.htm.
The grassroots nonprofit organization, Operation Pinecone, based in South Riding, strives to support the service members and their families by sending care packages abroad and delivering comfort items and providing support in various ways to service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. There are collection boxes for donations for this cause throughout Loudoun County. Visit Operation Pinecone, www.operationpinecone.org.