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. 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.
MASTER SINGERS OF VIRGINIA. 4 p.m., Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn. The Master Singers present Francis Poulenc's three best-known works, the "Mass in G Major," "Prayers of St. Francis" and the "Petites Voix." Cost: $15 adults, $12 seniors or students in advance, $2 more at the door. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
<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.
DAVID GRIFFITHS. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Celebrate Black History month with singer David Griffiths. Recommended for all ages. Visit library.loudoun.gov, 703-444-3228.
TALENT SHOW. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. An afternoon talent show hosted by Ashburn Library’s Teen Council. Recommended for all ages. Visit library.loudoun.gov, 703-737-8100.
BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM. 3:30-5:30 p.m., Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. The Loudoun County Virginia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. and Minority Student Achievement Advisory Council of Loudoun County is holding the 6th Annual Black History Program featuring members of the
Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts Show Choir. Del Walters will facilitate a tribute to Jerry L. Hill. Free.
<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.
MARDI GRAS PARTY. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Celebrate Mardi Gras with books, games, food and fun activities. Recommended for ages 6-10. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-430-9500.
KALEIDOSCOPE SERIES. 10 a.m., Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Drive N.W., Leesburg. "Flumpa and Friends LIVE!," starring Wendy Whitten "The Singing Scientist" and Flumpa the famous tree frog provide entertainment for the whole family with music, science, fitness and fun. Cost: $6 advance, $8 door, adults free with paying child. Call 703-777-1368 or visit www.idalee.org.
<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.
FRACTURED FAIRYTALES. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Classic fairytales told with a twist. Recommended for ages 8-12. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-430-9500.
N.Y.C. BUS TRIP. 6:30 a.m., Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Travel by luxury motor coach to New York City. Bus will depart from the Douglass Community at 6:30 a.m. Cost: $60 person. Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register at the Douglass Community Center or call 703-771-5913 starting Feb. 19.
<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.
SCRATCHBOARD ART. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Learn about artist Brian Pinkney and create artwork using his scratchboard technique. Ages 9 and up. Call 703-430-9500.
STUFFED ANIMAL DOG SHOW. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Children ages 5-7 can bring a stuffed animal dog toy to participate. Register at library.loudoun.gov or call 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 27
<cal2>PIGEON PARTY. 10:30 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Sing, dance and listen to stories by children’s author Mo Willems. Recommended for ages 3-6. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-444-3228.
<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.
CHILI COOK-OFF. 5-8 p.m., Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, 43315, Waxpool Road, Ashburn. Our Savior’s Way is hosting the "Chillin’ at the Church Chili Cook-Off," includes raffle and silent auction. Free. Call 703-858-9254 or visit www.oswlc.org.
GOING THE DISTANCE. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. A performance highlighting African-American 20th century history and heroes including Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Recommended for all ages. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 3
<cal2>TEEN STUDY NIGHT. 6:30 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Bring friends and homework. High-school students may earn service hours by tutoring middle-school students. Visit libray.loudoun.gov, 703-444-3228.
DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday with books, songs and more. For ages 5-8. Visit library.loudoun.gov, 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 4
<cal2>BABYGARTEN. 10 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Babygarten is a program that focuses on how nursery rhymes, songs and books can enrich children's lives.
Session meets every Wednesday, March 4-April 8. Recommended for ages 0-18 months with a parent or caregiver. Visit library.loudoun.gov to register.
RHYTHM, RHYME AND TUNE TIME. 11:15 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Sing, chant, play instruments and move creatively while exploring the sounds, rhythms and patterns that make up our language. Session runs Wednesdays, March 4-April 8. Recommended for ages 0-4 with a parent or caregiver. Registration, by lottery, is open from Feb. 17-22. Call 703-737-8100.
READING PALS VOLUNTEERS. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Volunteer to help children in first–third grades improve their reading skills. Volunteers will be trained and then paired with a child for a six-week program, Wednesdays, March 4-April 15. Recommended for ages 12-18. Call 703-737-8100 to register.
<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.
DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday with books, songs and more. For ages 5-8. Visit library.loudoun.gov, 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Friday/March 6
<cal2>BABYGARTEN. 10 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Session meets every Friday, March 6-April 10. See March 4 item for details.
<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>Monday/March 9
<cal2>BABYGARTEN. 10:30 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Babygarten is a program that focuses on how nursery rhymes, songs and books can enrich children's lives. Session meets every Monday, March 9-April 13. Recommended for ages 0-18 months with a parent or caregiver. Visit library.loudoun.gov to register.
<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.
BABYGARTEN. 2 p.m. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Session meets every Tuesday, March 10-April 14. See March 9 item for details.
RHYTHM, RHYME AND TUNE TIME. 10 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Sing, chant, play instruments and move creatively while exploring the sounds, rhythms and patterns that make up our language. Session runs Tuesdays, March 10-April 14. Recommended for ages 0-4 years with a parent or caregiver. Call 703-430-9500.
<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.
RHYTHM, RHYME AND TUNE TIME. 1:30 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Sing, chant, play instruments and move creatively as we explore the sounds, rhythms and patterns that make up our language. Session runs Wednesdays, March 11-April 15. Recommended for ages 18 months-4 years with a parent or caregiver. Call 703-444-3228.
RHYTHM, RHYME AND TUNE TIME. 10 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Sing, chant, play instruments and move creatively as we explore the sounds, rhythms and patterns that make up our language. Session runs Wednesdays, March 11-April 15. Recommended for ages 0-4 years with a parent or caregiver. Call 703-430-9500.
<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>Friday/March 13
<cal2>RHYTHM, RHYME AND TUNE TIME. 10:30 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Session runs Wednesdays, March 13-April 17. See March 11 item for details.
<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.
WOOLGATGHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring needles and yarn. All levels are welcome. In March, the group will make socks. Ages 12 and up. Visit library.loudun.gov.
DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday with books, songs and more. For ages 6-11. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
RHYTHM, RHYME AND TUNE TIME. 11:15 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Sing, chant, play instruments and move creatively while exploring the sounds, rhythms and patterns that make up our language. Session runs Mondays, March 2-April 6. Recommended for ages 0-4 with a parent or caregiver. Registration, by lottery, is open from Feb. 17-22. Call 703-737-8100.
<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.