Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost. For additional calendar listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 2
<cal2>Black History Talk. Local historian Bronwen Souder will be speaking at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, about the Underground Railroad and sharing runaway slave ads from the 1800s for Black History Month. Program begins at 10:30 a.m., and is free. Call 703-430-2397.
Senior Movie. "Shall We Dance," starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, Susan Sarandon and Stanley Tucci. Rated PG-13, 2004 release. 1:30 p.m., at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Admission $2 and includes movie, popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
Groundhog Day Celebration. For ages 3-6 at Claude Moore Park, Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Check out the groundhog's shadow. Walk the park and learn why it hibernates and the weather tales it tells. Make a groundhog craft. Two times are available: 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. Cost $10.25 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Groundhog Day Extravaganza! For ages 6-10 at Claude Moore Park, Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Many believe the groundhogs can forecast the length of winter. Learn the winter ways of the groundhog and other folkways of forecasting weather, hike to a groundhog hole. Hot chocolate will be served. 3:30-5 p.m. Cost is $10.25 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Food Safety Course. ServSafe Sanitation Program on preventing food poisoning, for food service managers and workers. The course includes training on food storage and preparation, a text, an examination, and certification. 8:30-5 p.m., at the Loudoun Extension office in Leesburg. Cost $104. For registration, call Beverly Samuel at 703-777-0373.
Denim Decor. Bring an old pair of jeans to accessorize and turn into a decoration. Ages 12-18. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m. Register by program date at 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 3
<cal2>Nature Times Two. For ages 3-5. Enjoy nature with your child. Programs on different nature themes include stories, games, crafts and a hike or other outdoor activity. No older siblings. 10-11 a.m., at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. The cost for this program is $6.75 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Family Movie Night. Watch Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" on the big screen at Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m.
Denim Decor. Bring an old pair of jeans to accessorize and turn into a decoration. Ages 12-18. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 7 p.m. Register by program date at 703-444-3228.
Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, is hosting a trip to the Smithsonian Air and Space and/or the American History Museum, both in Washington, D.C. Includes choice of two museums, transportation to and from, admission free, and extensive walking. Lunch not provided. Cost $7 for members/$9 for nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 4
<cal2>Taste of Leesburg. The second Annual Taste of Leesburg, Mardi Gras Style will be held in conjunction with Leesburg's First Friday, from 6-9 p.m. Leesburg Trolley will be on a reduced route circling downtown and also driving by some of the surrounding restaurants. The trolley is free public transportation and can be flagged down on any block along the route. Snow date Tuesday, Feb. 8, 6-9 p.m. This event is free. Call 1-800-752-6118 or visit http://www.MeetMeDowntown.org.
Pre Super Bowl Party. Retired professional football player Byron Braggs, formerly of the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will speak at the Loudoun Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, from 2-3:30 p.m. Bring football questions. Tickets $2 for members in advance and $4 for nonmembers and on day of event. Light refreshments served. Call 703-430-2397.
Benefit Basket Bingo. The Lucketts Volunteer Fire Department will be holding 28 games of bingo for filled baskets, and two raffles. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., games begin at 7:30 p.m. Cost $20. Call 703-777-9344 or e-mail luckettsbingo10@yahoo.com.
Card Making. Make cards to be given to senior citizens on Valentine's Day, from 3-4 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road. No registration required. Premade cards and favors also accepted from Feb. 4-9. Call Lenda at 703-430-6673.
First Friday Jr. The Loudoun Museum is offering adult-supervised activities for children 5-12, from 7-9 p.m., while parents take part in First Friday in Leesburg. Includes crafting Valentine cards, gifts and playing traditional games. Museum closed to public during event. Cost $15 per child, includes snack and beverage. 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. Advanced reservations required by Feb. 2, call Janis Golden, 703-777-7427, Ext. 106 or e-mail education@loudounmuseum.org.
Nature Buddies. For 2-year-olds. This introduction to nature for toddlers and an adult will use the child's senses to explore nature, indoors and out. No siblings. Classes are available at two times, 10-10:30 a.m. or 11-11:30 a.m. Cost is $3.50 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
African-American Storytelling. Baba Jamal Koram presents stories and songs from African and African-American culture in honor of Black History Month. Ages 5 and up. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 4 p.m.
Teens of Sterling Club. Make new friends at the Sterling Library Teen Club. Ages 12-18. Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., 4:30 p.m.
Mardi Gras Carnival. The Sterling Annex Preschool Advisory Board is hosting a family, Mardi Gras-style fun night. Includes nickel carnival games, live entertainment, raffles and arts and crafts. Pizza and soda available. 5-8 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road. Admission $1 per person, plus nickels for games. Call 703-430-6673.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 5
<cal2>Basket Weaving. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, will be hosting a plaited square bottom basket weaving project, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Class fee is $28, supply fee is $15, payable to instructor Debby Wells. Needed supplies not furnished are bucket, towel, scissors. awl, tape measure, pencil and spring-type clothes. Registration required, call 703-771-5281.
Bluegrass Performances. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, hosts two bluegrass bands, M. D. Mallory and the Charlottesville Grass, and Heather Berry and Virginia Carolina. Doors open at 6 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door. refreshments available at the snack bar. Call 703-771-5281.
Card Making. Make cards to be given to senior citizens on Valentine's Day, from 10 a.m.-noon, Sterling Annex Community center, 1115 W. Church Road. No registration required. Premade cards and favors also accepted from Feb. 4-9. Call Lenda at 703-430-6673.
Scrap Booking Fund-raiser. The Douglass Community Center Advisory Board will be holding a fund-raising event, "The Big Crop," from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Leesburg Senior Center located at 215 Depot Court in downtown Leesburg. Participants will learn how to create calendar pages, use punches and other tools of the scrap booking trade. Includes door prize give-a-ways and consultants on hand. Fee $30 includes snacks and drinks. Box lunch from Tuck In CafŽ $7. Scrap Booking materials available for purchase. Preregistration required e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov or call 703-771-5913. Benefits the nonprofit Douglass Community Center Advisory Board.
Mothers First Meeting. Leesburg chapter, 10-11:15 a.m., at Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
School Carnival. Seldens Landing Elementary School, 43345 Coton Commons Drive, Leesburg, will be holding a Mardi Gras Carnival, from 4-8 p.m. Includes carnival games, moon bounce, Atlantis Adventure, food and music.
Blues Concert. Tarara WineryÕs Midwinter BluesÕ Blues concert series, noon-4 p.m. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com. Tarara Winery is located at 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg.
KidzArt Drawing Class. Art enrichment program with Kim Marinetta. Ages 6-12. Ashburn Library, 433156 Hay Road, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Register at 703-737-8105.
Career Workshop. Consultant David Jerge presents a workshop for adults on career goals and strategies. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling; 2 p.m. Register by Feb. 2 at 703-444-3228, Ext. 5.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 6
<cal2>Camp Fair. Summer Solutions Camp Fair 2005, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Tysons Westpark Hotel, Best Western, 8401 Westpark Drive in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Meet directly with representatives from a wide variety of summer programs, both day and overnight, from the local area, and around the country. Admission is free. Visit http://www.summersolutions.com or contact Joanne Wilkenfeld, 703-255-2540 or info@summersolutions.com.
Music Competition. In honor of Black History Month, February 2005, the Lions Club of Sterling in cooperation with Melodee Music of Sterling, will be hosting the annual Lions of Virginia, James A. Bland Music Scholarship Competition, at 1:30 p.m., at the Melodee Music Center, 46077 Lake Center Plaza, Potomac Falls. Admission is free and open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis, as seating is limited.
<cal1>Monday/Feb. 7
<cal2>Book Discussion. Read and discuss "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m.
Book Discussion. Read and discuss "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 7 p.m.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 8
<cal2>Blood Drive. Inova Blood Donor Services blood drive, 3-8 p.m., Sterling Park Safety Center, Patton Hall, 46700 Middlefield Drive, Sterling. Call 1-866-256-6372.
Denim Decor. Bring an old pair of jeans to accessorize and turn into a decoration. Ages 12-18. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, 7 p.m. Register by program date at 703-771-5624.
Mothers First Meeting. Ashburn chapter, 10:15-11:45 a.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Frogshackle Open House. For all ages. Visit Claude Moore Park's hands-on nature center. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. 2:30-3:30 p.m. This program is free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old vestal gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 9
<cal2>Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, is hosting a trip to tour the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., followed by high tea. Includes transportation, tour and high tea. Lunch not provided. Extensive walking. Cost $31.50 for members/$33.50 for nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
Food Safety Course. ServSafe Sanitation Program on preventing food poisoning, for food service managers and workers. The course includes training on food storage and preparation, a text, an examination, and certification. 8:30-5 p.m., at the Loudoun Extension office in Leesburg. Cost $104. For registration, call Beverly Samuel at 703-777-0373.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 10
<cal2>Computer Course. Learn an introduction to computers at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, Sterling, from 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Cost $21 for members, $22 for nonmembers for one session. 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Call 703-430-2397.
High-School Play. Dominion High School presents a modern version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." 7:30 p.m., 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling. Outback Steakhouse will provide dinner, from 5-7 p.m., for the public at the school for $15 for adults, $6 for 12 and under and $35 for a family. Dinner includes your play ticket on the opening night only. Dinner reservations are required and can be made at the Dominion High School Web site. Deadline for reservation is Feb. 4 and must be accompanied by the payment.
Preschool Sports Academy. Introduction to the basic fundamentals of soccer. Ages 3, 3:30-4 p.m., cost $16. Douglass Community Center, 407. E. Market St., Leesburg. 703-771-5913.
Valentine Mice. Valentine's Day stories, songs and games, with a "mouse kiss" craft. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4 p.m.
Book Discussion. Read and discuss "The Rule of Four" by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason. Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., 10 a.m.
Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, is hosting a trip to a casino
in Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and horse racing, transportation to and from, admission free, and minimal walking. Lunch not provided. Cost $7 for members/$9 for nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
<cal1>Friday. Feb. 11
<cal2>Hearing Loss Program. Audiologist Julie Lauridsen will be speaking about hearing loss and hearing aids at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Free. Call 703-430-2397.
Club Meeting. The CountrySide Women's Club speaker will be Lyle Werner of the Loudoun Community Free Clinic, a project of the Catoctin Foundation. The meeting will be held at the CountrySide Pool Meeting Room on Algonkian Parkway in CountrySide starting at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. Contact president Barbara at 703-724-9479 or vice president Teresa at 703-444-3035.
Grant Workshop. Learn about the application process for the Loudoun County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, from 10 a.m.-noon, on the second floor of the Shenandoah Building, 102 Heritage Way, N.E. in Leesburg.
High-School Play. Dominion High School presents a modern version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." 7:30 p.m., 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling.
Teen Movie Night. Watch "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton" on the big screen at Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Drinks provided. Ages 12-18. 7 p.m.
Dance Benefit. "Have a Heart" Red Cross tsunami relief benefit dance, 9 p.m.-midnight, the Dulles Hilton. Beginners swing dance class 8:30-9 p.m. Cost $15 per person, $3 of which will be donated to the Red Cross. Vintage attire encouraged. Dollar dances for guys and girls, chocolate and roses and/or paper heart fans all available for a Red Cross donation. Also includes candlelight desserts, decorations and door prizes. Visit www.gottaswing.com.
Star And Planet Watch. For all ages at Claude Moore park, 21544 old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. See constellations, planets and the Milky Way. Join the park's volunteer amateur astronomer for beginning star watching and sky lore for all ages. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if possible. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Registration required, call 703-444-1275. Canceled by rain; rain date Feb. 12. Free.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 12
<cal2>Indoor Flea Market. Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road, hosts its monthly indoor flea market and book swap from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Space available for crafters and home based businesses, with table and chairs provided, for $12; preregistration required. Book swap takes place 10 a.m.-noon and includes adults and children's materials. Call 703-430-6673.
Book Discussion. James A. Morgan III will answer questions, read selections and autograph copies of his book
"A Little Short of Boats: The Fights at BallÕs Bluff and EdwardÕs Ferry" from 1-4 p.m., at the Birkby House, 109 Loudoun St. in Leesburg. Admission is free. Hosted by the Loudoun Museum. Call the museumÕs director of education, Janis Golden at 703-777-7427 or e-mail jgolden@loudounmuseum.org.
Blood Drive. Inova Blood Donor Services blood drive, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., South Riding Town Hall, 43055 Center St., South Riding. Call 1-866-256-6372.
Young People's Concert. The Loudoun Symphony presents its 12th annual free admission Young People's Concert, "Myth and Magic," at 2 p.m., at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn. Together with the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Loudoun Symphony will feature Igor Stravinsky's Firebird, the tone-poem "And God Created Whales" by Alan Hovhaness, Edvard Grieg's fable Peer Gynt and the Harry Potter Symphonic Suite by John Williams. Tickets to attend the performance are not required and seating is general. Call 703-771-8287 or visit www.loudounsymphony.org.
Rotary Fund-Raiser. The Rotary Club of Dulles International Airport will host its "Evening of Romance" fund-raiser, at the Dulles Airport Hilton, from 6:30 p.m.-midnight. For a $100 donation enjoy champagne dinner, fashion show, music and silent auction. Models include state Sen. Janet Howell, state Del. Ken Plum, Supervisor Lori Waters and Karen Cleveland, executive director of Habitat for Humanities. Proceeds will be donated to charitable organizations and needs-based, student scholarships. For tickets call 703-688-1828.
High-School Play. Dominion High School presents a modern version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." 7:30 p.m., 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling.
Dance Festival. Encore! Studio of Dance in Sterling presents its 9th Annual Winter Dance Festival, 6 p.m., at Farmwell Middle School, 44281 Gloucester Parkway in Ashburn. Featuring Encore Dance Companies performing new pieces and student choreography for the first time. Admission is $8 per person available in advance and at the
door. Call 703-444-6451.
Sterling Boulevard Cleanup. The Sterling Foundation will host a Sterling Boulevard Cleanup at the Park View High School Recycling Center, 400 W. Laurel Ave. The foundation will meet community volunteers at 8 a.m., distribute bags for debris collection and assign stretches of Sterling Boulevard to cover. Bring gloves. Snow date is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19.
Lanesville Open House. For all ages at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. The Lanesville House was built in stages between the 1770s and early 1900s. Includes guided tour to check out the progress of the research into and restoration of this National Register of Historic Places listed property. Children must by accompanied by an adult. 10-11:30 a.m. No registration required. Free. Call 703-444-1275.
Blues Concert. Tarara WineryÕs Midwinter BluesÕ Blues concert series, noon-4 p.m. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com. Tarara Winery is located at 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg.
Black History Month Film Series. Watch "Standing in the Shadows of Motown - A Celebration of the Funk Brothers." Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 2 p.m.
Keys to Public Speaking. Ed Barks tells "the truth about public speaking" and how to give more effective presentations. For adults. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 2 p.m.
Wine Tasting. Free tasting, selected beers plus wines from Hillsborough Vineyards, a new winery in Loudoun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Paeonian Gourmet, 40602 Charlestown Pike, Paeonian Springs.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 13
<cal2>CPR Class. An adult, child and infant CPR training class, sponsored by the Loudoun County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and taught by Virginia Rescue Training Center Inc., from 1-4:30 p.m., at the Loudoun County Extension Office, 30-B Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Fee $55 per person, with a portion of the funds going to MADD. Registration forms available at www.vrtc.org. Call Sherri Fawzi at 703-771-1342 or 703-675-6632 or send an e-mail to Sfawzi@vrtc.org.
High-School Play. Dominion High School presents a modern version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." 3 p.m., 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling.
<cal1>Monday/Feb. 14
<cal2>Valentine's Dance. Annual Valentine's Day party/Dance at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, from 2-4:30 p.m. "Handsome" male and "gorgeous" female dancers available for 25 cents per dance, with half the proceeds used for door prizes and the other half for center programs. Music provided by deejay Sky Dantinne. $2 for members in advance, $4 for nonmembers and on day of event. Light refreshments served. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 15
<cal2>Club Meeting. The Ashburn Garden Club will hold a meeting at 7 p.m., at the Broadlands Nature Center, 21907 Claiborne Parkway. There will be a guest speaker from the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Visitors are welcome. The club meets every third Tuesday of the month. Call 703-858-7999.
Baka Club. The Rust Library will host baka club for teen, at 6 p.m. For ages 12-18. View the latest manga and anime available, bring avorites to watch, read and share. Includes drawing, discussion, screenings, sharing and refreshments of Japanese candy and soda. Advanced registration required, call 703-771-5624. 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg.
Mothers First Meeting. Sterling chapter, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
Library 101. Learn about the Dewey Decimal System, online catalog, and library resources. Play Treasure Hunt. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4 p.m. Register by Feb. 11 at 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 16
<cal2>Senior Movie. "Casablanca," starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Berman and Paul Henreid. Not rated, in black and white. 1:30 p.m., at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Admission $2 and includes movie, popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 17
<cal2>Computer Course. Learn Windows XP at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, Sterling, from 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Cost $21 for members, $22 for nonmembers for one session. 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Call 703-430-2397.
Blood Drive. Inova Blood Donor Services blood drive, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Loudoun Hospital Center, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Lansdowne. Valentine treats for all donors. Call 1-866-256-6372.
Preschool Sports Academy. Introduction to the basic fundamentals of soccer. Ages 3, 3:30-4 p.m., cost $16. Douglass Community Center, 407. E. Market St., Leesburg. 703-771-5913.
Family Fun Hike. For all ages at Claude Moore park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap road, Sterling. Hike in the winter woods and toast marshmallows. Age 2 and under free. 1-2 p.m. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Rain cancels. Cost $3.50 per person.
Crazy Quilts! Listen to quilt stories, explore quilt designs, and make your own crazy quilt. Look at African-American quilts for Black History Month. Ages 4-8. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 4 p.m. Register at 703-737-8105.
Game of Presidents. Educational game in which teams use memory and library resources to look up information about American presidents and win prizes. Ages 6 and up. Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., 4 p.m.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 18
<cal2>Ceramics. At the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Cost $21 for members, $22 for nonmembers for one session. Call 703-430-2397.
Chocolates Galore and More! Support the YMCA Loudoun County and enjoy good food and chocolate at a fund-raiser at Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne. Proceeds go to financial assistance programs so children can attend YMCA events. Tickets $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Call 703-777-YMCA or visit www.ymcawashdc.org.
Mommy Prom. A night to celebrate motherhood, mothers, daughters, friends and loved ones welcome. 7 p.m., Holiday Inn Dulles Airport. Black tie optional. Cost $40 per person, $45 after Feb. 10, and includes dinner, dancing and silent auction. Proceeds benefit O'Leary's Clover Farm, a Daniel S. O'Leary Camp for Children with Diabetes. Reserve seating by calling 703-395-0860 or online at www.olearyscloverfarm.org.
Dinner and a Movie. Elementary-aged children are invited to have dinner and a movie at Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg, from 7-9 p.m. Includes a pizza dinner, activities, and a movie projected on a 125-inch, big screen while parents go out for a night on the town. Cost is $20 per child. Preregistration is required. Contact Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail at dcc@loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 19
<cal2>Bluemont Dance Series. At Purcellville Skating Rink, 250 South Nursery Ave., 8 p.m., with a beginner's workshop 7:30 p.m. Features old-time country dance bands and figure callers. Families, couples and single dancers are welcome. Dancers are encouraged to bring homemade potluck refreshments. Refreshments are also available for purchase at the snack bar. Admission is $7 per person; $5 for Bluemont Friends, students, and seniors. Contact 703-777-6306 or online at www.bluemont.org.
Blues Concert. Tarara WineryÕs Midwinter BluesÕ Blues concert series, noon-4 p.m. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com. Tarara Winery is located at 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg.
Black History Month Film Series. Watch "The Life and Death of Malcolm X." Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 2 p.m.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 20
<cal2>Lecture Series. Sponsored by the Mosby Heritage Area Association, Dr. Warren Hofstra will speak on aspects of his latest book, "The Planting of New Virginia: Settlement and Landscapes in the Shenandoah Valley." Hofstra is a professor of history, specializing on American social and cultural history, at Shenandoah University in Winchester. 3 p.m., Oatlands Plantation Carriage House, Leesburg. Contact the Mosby Heritage Area Association at 540-687-6681 or by e-mail at info@mosbyheritagearea.org.
Blood Drive. Inova Blood Donor Services blood drive, 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., St. Francis de Sales, Parish Hall, 37730 St. Francis Court, Purcellville. Call 540-338-6313.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 22
<cal2>Southern Writers Series. Read and discuss "Little Altars Everywhere" by Rebecca Wells. Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., 7 p.m.
Teen Coffee. Rust Library hosts a teen coffee cafe, 6 p.m.. 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Includes coffee, cocoa and conversation. Bring own poetry and hear from other young poets. Open mic to share favorite poetry, prose, songs and stories. Coffeehouse-style refreshments provided. For ages 12-18. Call 703-771-5624.
Mothers First Meeting. Ashburn chapter, 10:15-11:45 a.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Call 703-827-5922 or visit www.mothersfirst.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 23
<cal2>Storyteller. Donna Washington, award-winning author and storyteller presents stories for Black History Month. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 4 p.m.
Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, is hosting a trip to a casino in Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and horse racing, transportation to and from, admission free, and minimal walking. Lunch not provided. Cost $7 for members/$9 for nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 24
<cal2>Computer Course. Learn the Internet at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, Sterling, from 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Cost $21 for members, $22 for nonmembers for one session. 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Call 703-430-2397.
Master Gardeners Program. A representative from Loudoun County Master Gardeners will give a presentation on composting at 7 p.m., at the Broadlands Nature Center, 21907 Claiborne Parkway. Anyone interested in this subject is invited to attend. Call 703-729-9704.
Preschool Sports Academy. Introduction to the basic fundamentals of soccer. Ages 3, 3:30-4 p.m., cost $16. Douglass Community Center, 407. E. Market St., Leesburg. 703-771-5913.
Family Movie Night. Watch Disney's "The Rescuers" on the big screen at Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m.
Non-Fiction Book Club. Featuring "So You Want to be President and George Washington's Teeth." Games and activities for ages 6-10. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4 p.m. Register by Feb. 17 at 703-444-3228.
Family Fun Hike. Hike in the winter woods and toast marshmallows. Age 2 and under free. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, from 1-2 p.m. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Rain cancels. The cost to hike is $3.50 per person.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 25
<cal2>Gospel Performance. Local gospel group The Rector Sisters perform at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, beginning at 10:30 a.m., in honor of Black History Month. Free. Call 703-430-2397.
African-American Storytelling. Baba Jamal Koram presents stories and songs from African and African-American culture in honor of Black History Month. Ages 5 and up. Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., 4 p.m.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 26
<cal2>Museum Program. A Black History Month event, African American Pioneers in Aviation, Family Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Free. A panel of local Tuskegee Airmen discuss their struggles and the history of the African American World War II fighter group in a day-long event that includes hands-on activities and story time for children ages 4Ð7, accompanied by their adult companion. Also features a special presentation and book signing by Gustavus McLeod, the first pilot to fly to the North Pole in an open-cockpit plane and recent Amazing Race contestant. Call 202-633-1000; 202-357-1729 (TTY) or visit the museum's home page, www.nasm.si.edu or news, lectures and events, http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/calendar.cfm.
Blues Concert. Tarara WineryÕs Midwinter BluesÕ Blues concert series, noon-4 p.m. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com. Tarara Winery is located at 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg.
The Original Marvelettes. History of "Motown's Mystery Girl Group" and musical performance by Eleanor "Cookie" Harris. Ashburn Library, 43316 hay Road, 2 p.m.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 27
<cal2>Black History Month Film Series. Watch "When We Were Kings," a film about Muhammad Ali's defeat of George Foreman. Ages 12 and up. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 2 p.m.
<cal1>Monday/Feb. 28
<cal2>Young Readers' Book Club. Discussion, games and refreshments. "Time Stops for No Mouse" by Michael Hoeye. Ages 8 and up. Participants receive free copy of book. Ashburn Library, 43316 hay Road, 7 p.m. Register at 703-737-8105.
Anansi the Spider's Stories. Listen to "Anansi and the Talking Melon" and "Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock" by Eric A. Kimmel. Ages 5-10. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4 p.m.
Everything Comics! Sal Buscema, a Marvel Comics illustrator, talks about his career and the history of comics. Ages 12 and up. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 7 p.m.