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.
<cal1> Wednesday/Feb. 11
<cal2> VALENTINE’S PARTY/DANCE. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Music provided by disc jockey Sky Dantinne, includes door prizes, light refreshments. Transportation provided afterward. Cost: $3 for members in advance, $5 day of and for nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397.
SUSAN CRITES. 11:15 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Special story time with Susan Crites, Warrenton resident and children's author of "I Love You More Than Rainbows." Call 703-430-9500.
COLONIAL KITCHEN. 3:30-5 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Visit Lanesville House, explore the architecture and learn about cooking in kitchens during the colonial period. Cost: $10.50 per child. Ages 6-10. Call 571-258-3700.
<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.
SUSAN CRITES. 11:15 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. See Feb. 11 item for details. Call 703-444-3228
COLD ENOUGH for Snowflakes. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Explore snow, winter cold and how the animals make it through these chilly months. Cost: $10.50 per child. Snow date Feb. 19. Call 571-258-3700.
FROGSHACKLE OPEN HOUSE. 2:30-3:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Discover a treasure trove of objects from nature. No registration is required. An adult must accompany children. Free event. Call 571-258-3700.
GREENPEACE OPEN HOUSE Party. 7-9 p.m., 46786 Graham Cove Square, Sterling. Local residents and Greenpeace activists, Jim and Ashley Cash will be hosting a Greenpeace open house party to help organize for a mass civil disobedience against global warming in Washington, D.C. Call 703-433-2238.
<cal1> Friday/Feb. 13
<cal2> SUSAN CRITES. 11 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. See Feb. 11 item for details. Call 703-430-9500.
FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE. 7-9 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. All ages. Dress up for a night to remember with a special date. Includes dancing, pictures, refreshments and more. Call 571-258-3500. Cost: $15 per couple, $5 for second child.
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, Theme: Valentine for the Birds. No unregistered siblings. Cost: $5.25 per child. 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. Theme: Valentine for the Birds. Cost: $7 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
IMPROV TROUPE. 10 p.m., Tally Ho Theatre, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. DCUP (District of Columbia Unscripted Players), an award-winning comedy group, presents its special Valentine’s show. This is an adult-themed show and is intended for an audience of 17 years and older. Cost: $10 per person. Call 703-777-1168 or visit http://www.tallyholeesburg.com/performances.htm.
<cal1> Saturday/Feb. 14
<cal2> BIRDING BANSHEE. 8 a.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, The Woods Road, Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk. Bring binoculars. Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
VALENTINE’S DAY EXTRAVAGANZA. 11 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Children, ages 3-10, are invited to a morning of Valentine stories, activities and card making. Registration begins two weeks before the program, either online at http://library.loudoun.gov or by phone on 703-430-9500.
FILM SERIES. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring friends and family to watch great books on film, features "Cinderella," rated G. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov or call 703-430-9500.
COFFEEHOUSE SERIES. 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road. Folk duo Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart perform as part of the monthly Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series. Cost: $12, doors open at 7:30 p.m. Smoke- and alcohol-free event, bring favorite coffee mug. Visit www.shenandoahacoustics.com or call 703-737-7644.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE. 9 a.m.-noon, Leesburg Winter Farmers Market, Virginia Village Shopping Center on Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Professional acoustic performer, "BanjerDan," also know as Dan Mazer from Warrenton, will perform. Visit www.loudounfarmersmarket.org.
<cal1> Sunday/Feb. 15
<cal2> VALENTINE’S RECEPTION. 3-5 p.m., Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. The Loudoun Preservation Society (LPS) will celebrate the recent merger of the Preservation Society of Loudoun County and the Loudoun Restoration and Preservation Society at a Valentine membership reception. LPS members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend. Visit Loudoun Preservation Society Web site at www.preserveloudoun.org.
<cal1> Tuesday/Feb. 17
<cal2> ME AND MY WORLD. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Explore books about your favorite dogs at this program called "Big Red Puppy Love." Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-430-9500.
FILM FESTIVAL. 7 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner" will be shown in the third installment of the Sidney Poitier film festival. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1> Wednesday/Feb. 18
<cal2> SENIOR MOVIE. 1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascade Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. See "Changeling," starring Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich, directed by Clint Eastwood, rated R, running time 141 minutes. Cost: $2, includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
TEEN FUN. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Melt, pour, mold and taste chocolates. Recommended for teens. Registration required; visit library.loudoun.gov or call 703-430-9500.
NEEDLECRAFT NIGHT. 7 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Bring your knitting, needlepoint or other project and get to know your neighbors, sewing-circle style. Recommended for adults. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1> Thursday/Feb. 19
<cal2> FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Bring the family to watch "Tinkerbell," rated G, on the big screen at the library. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
ERIC CARLE PARTY. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Stories, activities and games celebrating Eric Carle, author of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Recommended for ages 3-10. Registration begins two weeks before the program; visit library.loudoun.gov or call 703-430-9500.
<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.
CHOCOLATES GALORE. 7-11 p.m., West Belmont Place at National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg. Sample chocolate, dessert and hors d’oeuvre creations and vote for Best Taste and Best Presentation. Proceeds benefit YMCA Loudoun County. Cost: $60 per person advance; $65 per person at the door. Call 703-777-9622 or visit www.chocolatesgalore.org.
TALENT SHOW. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. All ages can take part in this talent show. Register at the information desk by Feb. 20. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
MARDI GRAS CARNIVAL. 5:30-8:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. All ages. Celebrate Mardi Gras with carnival games, crafts, magic, prizes for children and a raffle and silent auction for adults. Food will be available from local retailers. Register in person at Claude Moore CC. Call 571-258-3500 or visit mardigrascarnival.org. Snow date Feb. 27. Cost: $1 for adults, $5 for child play all night.
GUITAR HERO JAM SESSION. 6-9 p.m., Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Ages 6-14. Rock out with friends on the Wii version of Guitar Hero. Snacks and drinks provided. Parents do not need to stay. Call 703-771-5913. Cost: $5.
SOMEBUNNY TO LOVE. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. The Loudoun County Animal Shelter and RabbitWise are teaming up to help shelter rabbits find new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals to see rabbits currently available for adoption.
<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 See Feb. 20 item for details.
BIRD WALKS. 8-9 a.m., Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg. Learn about bird watching. Free. Call 703-737-0021.
FILM SERIES. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring friends and family to watch great books on film, features "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," rated PG. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov or call 703-430-9500.
HISTORY TOUR. The Mosby Heritage Area Association is offering "Surrounded by Soldiers," a trip to examine the Atoka and Goose Creek battlefields from the perspective of the significant pre-Gettysburg cavalry battles of June 1863 at Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville. Trip will be of general and human interest rather than from that of just the Civil War buff. Visit the Web site www.mosbyheritagearea.org for more information.
MAGDRL MEET AND GREET. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., PetSmart, 46220 Potomac Run Plaza, Sterling. The Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League is hosting a meet and greet to support Great Dane adoption. Call the Sterling PetSmart at 703-444-6500.
FAMILY CONCERT. 4 p.m., at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. The Loudoun Symphony Orchestra’s annual family concert "Pirates and Princesses" and the Loudoun Ballet Company will perform to the music.
SHIVER ME TIMBERS Treasure Hunt. 2-3:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. "Pirates" are welcome to enjoy the crisp air as they search for hidden treasure. Clues will lead to a secret location and a fun surprise. Then warm up with hot chocolate. Call 571-258-3700 to register. An adult must accompany children. Cost: $4 per child.
<cal1> Sunday/Feb. 22
<cal2> BLUEGRASS JAM. Time TBA, Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Join musicians from the region in an afternoon of music. Refreshments provided. Cost: free for visitors who bring a musical instrument; $5 per adult, $4 per senior, $3 per child age 2-12. Call 571-258-3800.
SUNDAY IN THE PRESERVE. 1 p.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, The Woods Road, Leesburg. Join the Friends of Banshee Reeks and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free informal, family walk around the preserve. Call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.
<cal1> Monday/Feb. 23
<cal2> BUDDY STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Encourage a child’s love of books by pairing him with a teen reading buddy for one-on-one reading time. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
WOOLGATHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Recommended for ages 12 and up. All knitting levels are welcome. Bring needles and yarn. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
FRENCH STORY TIME. 10:45 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Introduce children ages 3 and up to the French language through stories and songs. Registration required; visit library.loudoun.gov or call 703-737-8100.
<cal1> Tuesday/Feb. 24
<cal2> FILM FESTIVAL. 7 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. "In the Heat of the Night" will be shown in the fourth and final installment of the Sidney Poitier film festival. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
POETRY READING. 6-8:30 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. The Humanity Institute for Children and Families will hold a poetry reading in honor of Black History Month with the theme Virginia’s Finest. Free admission; reception follows. Call 703-507-6023 to register.
INFORMAL TEA. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. The Humanity Institute for Children and Families’ monthly series: Tea with Me featuring the executive director, Nina Fields-Pourvaranttee. Call 703-507-6023 to register.
<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.
SENIOR JEOPARDY. 11 a.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place. Teams of four compete for prizes. Open to all seniors, free. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1> Thursday/Feb. 26
<cal2> SENIOR TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Bingo World, Baltimore, Md. Purchase bingo cards at the door, purchase or bring lunch. Cost: $11 for members, $13 for nonmembers, includes transportation. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
ANIMAL TEA PARTY. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Bring a favorite (stuffed) animal friend, play games, take a hike, make a craft and enjoy cookies and juice at the tea party. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1> Saturday/Feb. 28
<cal2> BLUEBIRD NESTBOX MONITORING. 1-3 p.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, The Woods Road, Leesburg. Registration required. Orientation at Banshee Reeks on nestbox monitoring and the protocol used in Loudoun for collecting and reporting data. Sign up online, www.loudounwildlife.org, or call 540-822-5438.
FILM SERIES. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring friends and family to watch great books on film, features "Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events," rated PG. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov or call 703-430-9500.
HEROES OF HOPE. Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Lansdowne. "Heroes of Hope Monte Carlo Night" to support The Brad Kaminsky Foundation for Brain Tumor Research. Dinner, drinks, gaming and a silent auction will all benefit brain tumor research. Visit www.TBKF.org or call 703-729-9897.
<cal1> Thursday/March 5
<cal2> SENIOR TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico. Lunch on own at museum. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1> Saturday/March 7
<Cal2> VANISHING VERNAL POOLS. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road S.W., Leesburg. This program will include an indoor session on vernal pool ecology followed by an outdoor exploration of vernal pool habitats at the Rust Nature Sanctuary and other nearby locations. Cost: Audubon Naturalist Society and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy members $29; nonmembers $41. Registration required, contact ANS at 301-652-9188, Ext. 16.
<cal1> Tuesday/March 10
<cal2> SENIOR TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Alexandria for tours of Carlyle House, a Georgian-Palladian mansion, followed by a tour of the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Lunch on own in downtown Alexandria with time for shopping. Cost: $12 for members, $14 for nonmembers, includes transportation and tours. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1> Wednesday/March 11
<cal2> SENIOR TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Md., to see "My Way-A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra." Cost: $58 for members, $60 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1> Thursday/March 12
<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> Tuesday/March 24
<cal2> SENIOR TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip Washington, D.C., to visit the Smithsonian museums. Drop-offs and pick-ups at the American History, Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, Air and Space and African Art/Freer/Hirshhorn/Sakler museums. Lunch on own. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation and free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1> Wednesday/March 25
<cal2> SENIOR TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip Gettysburg, Pa., to visit the Gettysburg Museum and tour the David Wills House, includes the film, "A New Birth of Freedom" followed by the "Battle of Gettysburg" cyclorama. Lunch on own. Cost: $24 for members, $26 for nonmembers, includes transportation, film/cyclorama, museum and tour. Extensive 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> Friday/March 27
<cal2> SENIOR TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Washington Navy Yard Museum. Lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and free admission. Extensive walking. Photo identification required. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1> Wednesday/April 8
<cal2> BUNNY BONANZA. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Learn about responsible pet ownership from the members of local animal organizations. Live animals, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Free with paid Museum admission. Call 571-258-3800 or visit www.heritagefarmmuseum.org.