Calendar, May 7-13

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, contact Matthew Razak 703-917-6457. For additional entertainment listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com, E section.

<cal1>Wednesday/May 7

<cal2>KNITTERS. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Join the knitting circle, novice and experienced knitters welcome. Bring own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

JOHN WAYNE MOVIE. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Watch "The Searchers." Recommended for adults. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

<cal1>Thursday/May 8

<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 members, $9 nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.

TRAVELING FILM FESTIVAL. 7 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. View selections from the 2007 International Film Festival, followed by scholar-led discussions. This week's movie will be "A Lesson of Belarusian." Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

<cal1>Friday/May 9

<cal2>C3 CYBERCLUB. 6-9:30 p.m., Douglass Community Center, 405 East Market St., Leesburg. Ages 7-14. A fun and safe night of age-appropriate video gaming, recreational activities, movies, pizza and drinks. Cost: $24.95 per child and $19.95 for each additional child. Call 703-771-5913, or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.

MOTHER'S DAY TEA. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place. Includes tea and sandwiches; special gifts and surprises for all mothers. Cost: $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers and guests. Call 703-430-2397.

NATURE TIMES TWO. 9:30-10:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Age 2. Toddlers explore nature with an adult. No unregistered siblings. Cost: $7. Theme: Ducks and Geese. Call 571-258-3700.

SUPER HERO PARTY. 2-2:45 p.m., 120 Enterprise St. Ages 3-4. Dress up in best super hero costume, includes party with snacks and crafts. Cost: $5. Call 703-430-9480.

TODDLER ONE & TWO. 11 a.m., Rust Library 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Join the library for stories, rhyme and movement. Recommended for ages 1-2 with parent/caregiver. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-777-0323.

<cal1>Saturday/May 10

<cal2>BOOK SWAP. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Claude Moore Community Center holds monthly book swaps throughout the year. Bring your adult and children’s books to trade for something new to enjoy. Call 571-258-3500.

NATURE DETECTIVES. 1-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 6-13. Use clues to solve mysteries of the forest. Cost: $5. Call to register, 571-258-3700.

CIVIL WAR IN LOUDOUN-The Railroad Goes To War. 10-11:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 12 and up. Discover the role of the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad in shaping the conflict in Northern Virginia. Cost: $5. Call to register, 571-258-3700.

GOING BATTY at Twilight Hike and Campfire. 7:30-9 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 7 and up. Discover bats and their many benefits on a short walk then toast marshmallows. Cost: $4. Call to register, 571-258-3700.

PLANT EXCHANGE. 1-1:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Ages 18 and up. Trade extra perennial divisions, annuals, houseplants, seeds/bulbs, herbs and shrubs. Include plant names on trades. Free. Call 571-258-3500.

5K RUN/WALK. 8:30 a.m. start, Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 6 and up. 3.1-mile cross-country trail through the park. Cost: $22 before May 1, $24 after. Call to register, 571-258-3700.

POLO. 2-9 p.m., Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg. This international event will include presentations, displays, live entertainment and fireworks. Enjoy a military "fly-by," parachuters, helicopter demonstrations and more. Ticket price: starts at $50 per person, free for children under 12. Call 540-622-2505 or visit http://www.AmericasCupofPolo.com.

BEADS. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise Road, Sterling. Make bead jewelry. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-430-9500.

JAZZ & CO. DANCE. 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. The Loudoun School of Ballet’s Jazz & Co. Dance will present its annual concert of contemporary dance to benefit The Teri & Shari Malone Foundation. Cost: $5. Contact the Loudoun School of Ballet at 703-771-3200.

BIRD TALK. 1-2:30 p.m., Smithsonian Institution Naturalist Center, 741 Miller Drive, S.E., Suite G-2, Leesburg. Summarizes research on the identification of species of birds from fragmentary feather evidence that is recovered from bird/aircraft collisions. Each year, civil and military aviation suffers millions of dollars in damage as a result of bird strikes. Carla Dove will present the techniques used to identify bird strikes. Call 703-779-9712.

SHARE AND TELL. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Loudoun Museum, 14 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. Bring artifacts found in Loudoun County to be identified, explained and dated by professional archaeologists from Loudoun County’s Department of Building and Development, Cultural Resources Inc., and Thunderbird Archaeology. Call Rick Etter, director of education at the Loudoun Museum, at 703-777-7427. Free.

<cal1>Monday/May 12

<cal2>CREEPY CRITTERS. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Discover the wiggly worms, slimy slugs and crawling ants and their place in nature. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.

MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Celebrate Mother Goose with nursery rhymes, games and a craft. Recommended for ages 3-5. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-737-8100.

BEES! BEES! BEES! 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Learn about the life cycle of bees and how they make honey. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or by phone at 703-444-3228.

STORY TIME. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise Road, Sterling. Bring friends along and enjoy a reading of Frog and Toad’s stories of friendship by Arnold Lobel. Recommended for ages 6-11. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or by phone 703-430-9500.

<cal1>Tuesday/May 13

<cal2>LEGOMANIA. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Calling all Legomaniacs. Recommended for ages 6-8. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or by phone 703-777-0323.

ROPE MASTER. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn and 7 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Peter Nestier, the rope master, will perform his fast-paced program. Recommended for all ages. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

<cal1>Wednesday/May 14

<cal2>GOLF. 10:30 a.m., Lowes Island Club. The Dominion Golf Classic to benefit Dominion High School. Reception, silent auction and raffle open to the public from 4:30-6 p.m. Tickets for this portion of the event are $25 and available at the door. Visit www.teeupfortitans.com or contact tournament coordinator Dave Ledwell at sales@horizon-capital.com.

RUST RAMBLES. 10-11:30 a.m., Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road off Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Check spring’s progress with naturalist. Free.

JOHN WAYNE MOVIE. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Watch "The Man Who Shot Liberty Vance." Recommended for adults. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

<cal1>Thursday/May 15

<cal2>BILINGUAL STORY TIME. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. All are welcome to this fun-filled Spanish bilingual story time presented by Barbara Davila in her most animated voice. Recommended for ages 2-6. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

DANCE LIKE A CHICKEN. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Join the library for a celebration of chicken stories, songs, art and dancing. Recommended for ages 4-7. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-737-8100.

CREEPY CRITTERS. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Discover the wiggly worms, slimy slugs and crawling ants and their place in nature. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.

FAMILY MOVIE. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Bring your pillows and blanket to get comfy while you watch Aladdin, rated G. Recommended for all ages. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

<cal1>Friday/May 16

<cal2>PARENTS' NIGHT OUT. 5-9 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Ages 4-10. Take spouse out while staff babysits. Includes pizza party, games, crafts and family movies. Cost: $16 for first child, $8 for second. Call to register, 571-258-3500.

<cal1>Saturday/May 17

<cal2>LANESVILLE OPEN HOUSE. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Discover the history of this National Register of Historic Places listed property. Free. 571-258-3700.

DRAGONFLIES AND BUTTERFLIES. 1-2:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 5 and up. Search for the adults and larvae of dragonflies, butterflies and their relatives. Cost: $4. Call to register, 571-258-3700.

WII SPORT TOURNAMENT. 6-9 p.m., C3 Cyber Club, Ashburn. Ages 6 and up. Compete in virtual boxing, bowling and tennis. Game splayed on 10-foot projection screens, trophies awarded. Cost: $10. Call Douglass Community Center, 703-771-5913.

YARD SALE. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St. Call 703-430-9480.

SPRING FARM TOUR. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., various locations. Self-guided tour of participating farms. For a tour map, call 571-258-3800 or visit the Heritage Farm Museum, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling.

SUPER HERO PARTY. 9-10 a.m., Claude Moore Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Ages 3-5. Come dressed as favorite super hero. Includes snack and movie. Cost: $7. Call 571-258-3600.

SPORTS HERO PARTY. 1:30-2:15 p.m., 120 Enterprise St. Ages 6-8. Dress up in best sports hero costume, includes party with snacks and crafts. Cost: $5. Call 703-430-9480.

BIKING. Franklin Park, Purcellville. Bike MS: Beyond the Beltway presented by Washington, D.C., area Land Rover Retailers. Volunteers of all ages are needed to host rest stops, assist with participant check-in and cheer on cyclists. To learn more or volunteer contact the National MS Society at 202-296-5363 or visit www.MSandYOU.org.

CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Broadlands Market Place, 43170 Southern Walk Plaza, Broadlands. A full day of family fun, Caribbean style. Includes live music, food and children's activities. Call 571-223-2330.

HERITAGE DAY. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 21 St. Train Station, Old Town Purcellville. An olde-fashioned country fair in celebration of the town's incorporation in 1908, kicking off with a children's parade at 10 a.m. down West Main Street. Festivities include historic walking tours by local historian Rich Gillespie, oral history, film programs, "The Stories Behind the Story of Pville," children's activities, an art show, lectures, live music at the pie baking contest, art show and more. Visit ppa-va.org.

ROYALS & RUSTICS: A High School Student’s Guide to Shakespeare. 1-4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Actors and veteran performers will work with students to explore short scenes from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" while providing an overview of interpretation, voice projection and characterization alongside professional acting techniques. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

BEGINNERS BIRD WALK. 8-9 a.m., Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg. Learn about bird watching. For adults and older children. Free. Call 703-737-0021.

SIMPLE GIFTS. 10:30 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Simple Gifts is three women playing 12 instruments in a variety of international folk music from lively Irish jugs to down-home Appalachian reels to hard-driving klezmer freilachs, haunting gypsy melodies and exotic Balkan dance tunes. Recommended for all ages. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

LOUDOUN SYMPHONY. 8 p.m., Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn. "Salsa to Salzburg." Includes free preconcert lecture at 7 p.m. followed by a string workshop performance conducted by Dana Eckensburg McCarthy. Tickets available by calling 703-771-8287 or at www.loudounsymphony.org. Adult tickets are $18 at the door and $15 in advance. Senior tickets (65+) are $15 at the door and $12 in advance. Youth tickets (18 and under) are free.

WINDS CONCERT. 7:30 p.m., Sterling Middle School, 201 West Holly Ave., Sterling. The Loudoun Symphonic Winds presents its final concert of the season, "Movie Night," will be under the direction of music director Gilbert Corella. Suggested donation of $5 per individual or $10 per family. Visit www.lcbandinc.org or call 703-777-7985.

<cal1>Sunday/May 18

<cal2>SPRING FARM TOUR. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., various locations. Self-guided tour of participating farms. See May 17 item for details.

OPEN HOUSE. 1-4 p.m., Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. Off-site parking at Cedar lane Elementary School on Tolomac Road, free shuttle service. Includes rescue helicopter landing, meet a firefighter, moon bounce, free refreshments, safety demos, station tours and silent auction. To donate goods or services for the auction, contact Lauren at Openhousecommittee@ashburnfirerescue.org by May 10.

GIRLS GUITAR ENSEMBLE. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Relaxing, inspiring hour of musical merriment in the Ashburn debut-performance of this group of 21 talented high-school girls. They will play music from six centuries. Recommended for all ages. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

KICK-A-THON. 2 p.m., Fitwize 4 Kids, 20921 Davenport Drive at Regal Center, Sterling. To raise money for and awareness about blood cancers Dan Cole and his team, Two Degrees of Difference, will host a kick-a-thon. During the event, children and adults will kick as many times as they can. Visit www.twodegrees.org.

MUSIC FEST. 5 p.m., Belmont Country Club, 43675 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. The Loudoun Summer Music Festival presents Smash Mouth. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Call 703-327-9096 or http://www.LiveAtBelmont.com.

SUNDAY IN THE PRESERVE. 1 p.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Join the Friends of Banshee Reeks and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free informal, family walk around the preserve. Call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.

LOUDOUN SYMPHONY. 3 p.m., Freedom High School, South Riding. "Salsa to Salzburg." See May 17 item for more details.

<cal1>Monday/May 19

<cal2>NATURE BINGO. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. "Collect" nature tokens as you explore the park. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.

MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Cost: $22 members, $24 nonmembers, includes transportation and admission, lunch on own. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES. 1-1:45 p.m., Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market St., Leesburg. Ages 4-5. Create and decorate beautiful fluttering butterflies for all to see. Cost is $6. Call 703-771-5913.

AUTHOR VISIT. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. These child authors and illustrator invite the public to join them for a discussion of their book, "The Adventures of Danny and Spike: Underground." Recommended for ages 6 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

<cal1>Tuesday/May 20

<cal2>GREEN THUMB SPECIAL. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Ages 4 and up. Hands-on project to plant, decorate and take home. Cost: $8 plus $4 supplies fee. Call 571-258-3500.

ME & MY WORLD: Wonders of the Fishy Deep. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Come and learn all about the different plants and animals of the ocean. Recommended for ages 4-7. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-430-9500.

COFFEEHOUSE. 6:30 p.m., Rust Library, Catoctin Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Teens bring board games and an ice cream topping for provided ice cream. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.

<cal1>Wednesday/May 21

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Get ready for Father’s Day by making a gift and card for that special day. Children ages 4 and up with Linda Kirchman. Cost: $9 with all materials included. Preregistration is required. Call 571-258-3500.

<cal1>Thursday/May 22

<cal2>FROGSHACKLE OPEN HOUSE. 2:30-3:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Discover a treasure trove of objects from nature. Free. 571-258-3700.

<cal1>Friday/May 23

MEMORIAL DAY LUNCH. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place. Music provided by Senior Moments, includes prizes. Cost: regular lunch donation. Call 703-430-2397.

MOM'S MORNING OUT. 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St. Ages 2-5. Children make crafts, play games and have fun with friends. Children must be toilet trained; bring small snack. Cost: $10. Call 703-430-9480.

JAZZ. 5:30-10 p.m., Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne. Sit back, relax, and unwind to the sounds of smooth jazz, while overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoy favorite summer foods. Call 703-729-8400 or visit http://www.lansdowneresort.com.

<cal1>Saturday/May 24

<cal2>MEMORIALS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II Memorial and/or walk to the Vietnam, Korean and Lincoln memorials. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Bring bag lunch or purchase at Lincoln Memorial. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.

10K FIRECHASE. 8 a.m., Lowes Island Community Center. Cascades 10 K Firechase and 911 Fun Run to benefit the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company. Awards given to top-three finishers in each category, also includes food, entertainment. Visit www.runwashington.com to register.

<cal1>Tuesday/May 27

<cal2>NATURE DID IT FIRST. 3:30-5 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 6-8. Try out nature's inventions and make one of your own. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.

<cal1>Wednesday/May 28

<cal1>Friday/May 30

<cal2>NATURE EXPLORERS. 9:30-10:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-4. Discover the outdoors with a grown-up friend. Cost: $7. Theme: Turtle Time. Call 571-258-3700.

<cal1>Saturday/May 31

<cal2>WALKING TOUR of Leesburg. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Thomas Balch Library, 208 W. Market St., Leesburg. James Roberts, a native of Leesburg and member of Thomas Balch Library advisory commission, will lead a walking of tour of Leesburg. The tour is an insider’s commentary of local people, places and points of interest both in and around Leesburg. Call 703-737-7195.

SPRING OWL PROWL. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Learn to walk the trails at night without light, spot bats, call owls, identify insects and other night animals. Cost: $5. Call to register, 571-258-3700.

<cal1>Sunday/June 1

<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.

<cal1>Friday/June 6

<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.

<cal1>Wednesday/June 11

<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., with drop off and pick up at the Natural History Museum, Gallery of Art, American Indian, Air and Space and African Art/Freer/Hirshhorn/Sackler museums. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers, includes transportation and free admissions, lunch on own. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.

<cal1>Saturday/June 14

<cal1>Sunday/July 13

<cal1>Friday/July 25

<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 3

<cal1>Friday/Aug. 22

<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 7

<cal1>Friday/Sept. 26

<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 5

<cal1>Friday/Oct. 24

<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 2

<cal1>Friday/Nov. 14

<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 7

<cal1>Friday/Dec. 12

The Connection

Calendar, May 7-13

Latest news

Follow Us @FollowFairfax