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 new edition of "Inside Loudoun County" features segments on the county’s crime prevention efforts and health issues. The guest in the show’s first segment is Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson, who discusses ways that residents can help prevent crime in their community.
The second segment’s guest, Dr. David Goodfriend, Loudoun County Health Department director, discusses several timely topics, including how people can protect themselves from seasonal flu, the importance of getting a flu shot and more. "Inside Loudoun County" airs Mondays and Fridays, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., on Comcast Government Channel 23, Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and Open Band Channel 18.
The 2009 WrestleMania Reading Challenge, through Jan. 12, Ashburn, Cascades and Sterling libraries. Teens and tweens read 10 books and create a bookmark for a chance to win prizes from WWE in the 2009 WrestleMania Reading Challenge. Could win a trip to Houston for WrestleMania 25. Contact a participating library for more information or visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
Model Tractors and Farm Equipment: Objects from the Philip And Wanda Marshall Collection, a temporary exhibit, at the Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, through Jan. 18. Toys and replicas modeled on actual farm equipment from top manufacturers such as John Deere, Allis Chalmers, International Harvester, Case and Ford. More than 30 models on display. Visit www.heritagefarmmuseum.org or call 571-258-3800. Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Admission adults $5; children $3 and discounts for groups and seniors.
The new exhibit at Dodona Manor, the house museum and former home to Gen. and Mrs. George C. Marshall, honors Katherine T. Marshall, First Lady of the Army. The exhibit runs through mid-February and is open to the public during regular museum hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Dodona Manor is located 215 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg. Contact the tours and events coordinator at 703-777-1301.
Leesburg Farmers Winter Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, at Virginia Village Shopping Center on Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg. Runs through April 26. Visit www.loudounfarmersmarkets.org/Winter.
The Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg, celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of Leesburg in 1758 with its new exhibition, Leesburg: Crossroads of Tradition and Transition. Explore the history of Leesburg through a selection objects, photographs, postcards, and maps. The exhibition will be on view from through May. The museum is open Mondays and Wednesdays-Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, from 1-5 p.m. Call 703-777-7427.
Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St, Sterling, continuing children's story times. 703-430-9500.
* Toddler Story Time, 18-24 months, Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.
* Preschool Story Time, 3-5, Fridays, 11 a.m.
* Family Story Time, 2 and up with caregiver, Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, continuing children's story times. 703-737-8100.
* Baby Story Time, 0-18 months, Mondays, 10 a.m. and Saturdays, 11 a.m.
* Toddler Story Time, 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.
* Terrific 2s, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.
* Preschool Story Time, 3-5, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
* Family Story Time, 2 and up with caregiver, Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, continuing children's story times. 703-444-3228.
Terrific 2s, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.
* Baby Story Time, 0-18 months, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11:15 a.m.
* Family Story Time, 2 and up with caregiver, Tuesdays, 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.
* Preschool Story Time, 3-5, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.
* Toddler Story Time, 18 -24 months, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, continuing children's story times. 703-777-0323.
* Terrific 2s, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
* Toddler Story Time, 18-24 months, Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.
* Preschool Story Time, 3-5s, Wednesdays, 4 p.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.