Send announcements or events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail <a href="mailto:loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com">loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com</a>. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call 703-917-6454.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 26
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
SENIOR JEOPARDY. 11 a.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Includes prizes, open to all seniors. 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 27
<cal2>FUN RUN/WALK. 8:15 a.m., Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn. Participate in a 10K, 5K or 2K run/walk to support an orphanage/school in Uganda. Cost: $30 for the 10K, $25 for the 5K, $15 for the 2K. Register at www.active.com or www.ecrossroadsumc.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 30
<cal2>BOOK SIGNING. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Border’s, 21031 Triple Seven Road, Sterling. Susan Cites, author of "I Love You More Than Rainbows," will be signing books and telling children’s stories. Visit www.susancrites.com.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 1
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
JAN BRETT. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Celebrate the birthday of author and illustrator Jan Brett with stories, activities and a craft. Children ages 5-8. Register at http://library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
RACCOONS AND FRIENDS. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Make own raccoon mask while exploring their lives and the lives of their furry friends. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 2
<cal2>RAGTIME TO Rock n’ Roll. 4:30 p.m., Loudoun County Extension Office, 30B Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Barbara Martin introduces children to different music including folk, old time, blues and jazz in this interactive program. All ages. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
TUESDAY TALKS. 7 p.m., Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center Library, 17690 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Dr. Jennifer Brown, clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine and surgery presents Emergency Care for Equine Wounds and Lacerations. Free. Advance registration is required; e-mail Amy Troppmann at atroppmann@vt.edu or call 703-771-6843.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 5
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features winter wonderland dance. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle-schoolers.
TODDLER ONE AND TWO. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Stories, rhymes and movement for ages 12-24 months with a parent or caregiver. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-777-0323.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 4
<cal2>RACCOONS AND FRIENDS. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Make own raccoon mask while exploring their lives and the lives of their furry friends. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 6
<cal2>ZANY BRAINY GAMES. 11 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Play games such as crosswords, bingo and Assassin. Ages 8-12. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-430-9500.
CONCERT. 3 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Too Human entertain and delight with their jazzy-bluesy vocals, guitar, percussion and upright bass. All ages.
STORY TIME MATINEE. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Stories, songs, a video storybook and a craft for 3-6 year olds.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 7
<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.
COOKIE WALK. 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 E. Church Road, Sterling. The Sterling United Methodist Women are holding a cookie walk to benefit local missions. Purchase a container, $5 small; $10 large, then fill it up with cookies. Call 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 8
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
A BEAR? WHERE? 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Discover the life of different bears and explore a "bear cave." Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 11
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
A BEAR? WHERE? 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Discover the life of different bears and explore a "bear cave." Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 12
<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.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features winter wonderland dance. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high-schoolers.
WHITE HOUSE TOUR. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the White House and visitor’s center. Lunch on own at Ronald Reagan International Trade Center food court. Completed security form and photo identification required. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free tour. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
TODDLER ONE AND TWO. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Stories, rhymes and movement for ages 12-24 months with a parent or caregiver. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-777-0323.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT. 6-9 p.m., Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 E. Church Road, Sterling. Potty-trained children 3-grade five take part in arts and crafts, cookie decorating and watch a movie. Cost: $15 per one child; $10 each additional child. Call 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
NATURE BUDDIES. 9:15-10 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Age 2. Toddlers explore nature with an adult. Discover the trees, birds and ponds of the park relating to animals in winter. No unregistered siblings. Cost: $5.25 per child. Children must be accompanied by and adult. Call 571-258-3700.
NATURE EXPLORERS. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-5. Discover the outdoors with a grown-up friend. Look for tracks, listen for birdcalls, look under logs and more, while focusing on animals in winter. Cost: $7. Children must be accompanied by and adult. Call 571-258-3700.
WINTER BIRDS: Stay or Go? 3:30-5 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 6-10. What "tells" a bird to migrate for the winter? Explore the features scientists are discovering that send these intuitive creatures to a new scene. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 15
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 16
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
WHITE HOUSE TOUR. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the White House and visitor’s center. See Dec. 12 item for details.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 18
<cal2>BILINGUAL STORY TIME. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Bilingual story telling in English and Spanish for children ages 2-6. Visit loudoun.library.gov.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 19
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features holiday fabric night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle-schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 20
<cal2>N.Y.C. BUS TRIP. 6:30 a.m., Loudoun Commuter Bus Lot, 110 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg. Travel by luxury motor coach to New York City. Cost: $60 per person; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call 703-771-5913 to register.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 22
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 27
<cal2>SCHOOL OF ROCK. 6-9 p.m., Ned Devine’s Irish Village, 21800 Town Center Plaza, Sterling. The School of Rock All-Stars will play with special opener The Pat Sommers Project. Call 703-444-7873 or visit www.irishvillage.neddevines.com.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 29
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 30
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 7
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit various Smithsonian museums. Lunch on own. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 8
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Jan. 22
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Baltimore, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "Sophisticated Ladies." Cost: $61 for members, $63 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Sunday/Jan. 25
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Columbia, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "Mid-life, The Crisis Musical." Cost: $59 for members, $61 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Monday/Jan. 26
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Smithsonian American Art/Portrait Gallery Museum or the Spy Museum. Lunch on own. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission to the art museum; additional $15 admission at Spy Museum. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 28
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Jan. 30
<cal2>PINK FLOYD. 7 p.m., Ned Devine’s Irish Village, 21800 Town Center Plaza, Sterling. The Paul Green School of Rock Music presents a live performance of the Pink Floyd's "The Wall." Cost: $10. Call 703-444-7873 or visit www.irishvillage.neddevines.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Jan. 31
<cal2>PINK FLOYD. 7 p.m., Ned Devine’s Irish Village, 21800 Town Center Plaza, Sterling. The Paul Green School of Rock Music presents a live performance of the Pink Floyd's "The Wall." Cost: $10. Call 703-444-7873 or visit www.irishvillage.neddevines.com.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 6
<cal2>LED ZEPPELIN. 7 p.m., Ned Devine’s Irish Village, 21800 Town Center Plaza, Sterling. The Paul Green School of Rock Music will play Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits. Cost: $10. Call 703-444-7873 or visit www.irishvillage.neddevines.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 7
<cal2>LED ZEPPELIN. 7 p.m., Ned Devine’s Irish Village, 21800 Town Center Plaza, Sterling. The Paul Green School of Rock Music will play Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits. Cost: $10. Call 703-444-7873 or visit www.irishvillage.neddevines.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 12
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Baltimore, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "Sophisticated Ladies." Cost: $61 for members, $63 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 14
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Strasburg, to Wayside Theatre for the production of "Lies & Legends-The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin." Cost: $56 for members, $58 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch at Hotel Strasburg and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 19
<cal2>MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Newseum. Lunch on own. Cost: $25 for members, $27 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 20
<cal2>‘80S HAIR METAL. 7 p.m., Ned Devine’s Irish Village, 21800 Town Center Plaza, Sterling. The Paul Green School of Rock Music presents the ‘80s Hair Metal Show, a tribute to Spandex, long hair, guitar shredding and power chords. Cost: $10. Call 703-444-7873 or visit www.irishvillage.neddevines.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 21
<cal2>‘80S HAIR METAL. 7 p.m., Ned Devine’s Irish Village, 21800 Town Center Plaza, Sterling. The Paul Green School of Rock Music presents the ‘80s Hair Metal Show, a tribute to Spandex, long hair, guitar shredding and power chords. Cost: $10. Call 703-444-7873 or visit www.irishvillage.neddevines.com.
<cal1>Monday/Feb. 23
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit various Smithsonian museums. Lunch on own. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 25
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 4
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Olney, Md., to Olney Theatre for the production of "Is He Dead?" Cost: $50 for members, $52 for nonmembers, includes transportation and show; lunch on own at a local restaurant. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.