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.
The Loudoun County Master Gardener Volunteers are holding their free monthly meeting Thursday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at the Loudoun Extension Office, 30-B Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg. Guest speaker Barbara Lamborne, proprietor of Greenstone Fields, will speak on "Growing Organically." Visit www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org or call 703-777-0373.
The Cuddle Bugs Playgroup will meet 8-9 a.m., Fridays, Feb. 6, 20 and 27, at Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Meet other parents and encourage children 6-18 months to explore the world around them. Free. Advance registration required; call 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudou.gov.
The mad scientists’ club will meet Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Children, ages 8-11, can explore scientific topics through fun and informational activities. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
The magic tree house kids’ book club will meet Wednesday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Recommended for children aged 7-9. Registration begins two weeks before the program. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
The middle school book club will meet Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Recommended for ages 12-15. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
The Ashburn Classics will hold its monthly meeting at the Mills Recreation Center, 43895 Grottoes Drive, Ashburn Village, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Lori Waters (R-Broad Run), Board of Supervisors. Call 703-723-3056.
A book discussion of "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred Taylor, for ages 9-12 with a parent or mentor will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
Every February, the Chorus of the Old Dominion — Loudoun County’s men’s a cappella chorus — sells singing Valentines to residents who want to surprise their Valentine with a flower and card and a four-part harmony serenade. Barbershop quartets from the chorus have delivered singing Valentines to recipients in almost any place. Cost $50 and include a serenade, a flower, a Valentine’s card and a photo of the event. Order via e-mail at valentines@odchorus.org or phone at 1-800-683-5051.
Four new members have been selected to serve two-year terms on the county’s Rural Economic Development Council after being recently confirmed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The new members and the groups they represent are Christine Geno, Loudoun Convention and Visitor’s Association; Kevin Ruedisueli, professional services; Mary Terpak, equine industry; and Cindy Lowther, vineyard industry. Also confirmed by the supervisors were returning members Jeff Browning, agribusiness; Nicki Bazaco, wine industry; Donna Rogers, equine; John Montel and Doug Fabbioli, at large appointments. Doug Fabbioli, Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg, was elected as chairman of the advisory council and Mary Ellen Taylor, Endless Summer Harvest, Purcellville, was elected as vice chairman.
The Virginia Readers’ Choice primary book club will meet Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Children ages 5-8 will learn about an author and illustrator and do a fun activity. January’s book is "Duck at the Door" by Jackie Urbanovich and February’s is "Library Lion" by Barbara Knudsen. Registration required; call 703-737-8100 or visit library.loudoun.gov.
The American Girls book club will meet Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. February’s is "American Girl Addy." Recommended for ages 7-11. Registration required; visit library.loudoun.gov or call 703-737-8100.
Loudoun Habitat for Humanity will host a volunteer orientation at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. Visit www.loudounhabitat.org or e-mail tonypammcgraw@cs.com.
The Freemasons of the Ashburn-Sterling Masonic Lodge, 43881 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. for dinner. Visitors are welcome. Visit www.AshburnLodge.org or call 703-868-7896.