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 ongoing events listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
"Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature," a traveling exhibit that encourages audience to examine the intent of Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" and to discuss Shelley's and their own views about personal and societal responsibility as it related to science and other areas of life, is coming to the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, through June 10. Beginning in May, the library will host a variety of interpretive and educational programs that support the theme. Call 703-444-3228.
Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, invites teenagers to the new After Hours Teen Center every Friday night, June 17-Aug. 26, 7-10 p.m. Sessions will rotate between grades sixth-eighth and grades nine-12. Call Linda Holtslander at 703-777-0541 or e-mail at lholtsla@loudoun.gov.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia will kick-off the Summer Reading program with ÒWhooÕs Awake in the NightÓ at all branches of the Loudoun County Public Library, Monday June 20-Wednesday, June 22. Learn about nocturnal animals. For ages 4 and up. Program dates and times:
* Monday, June 20, 2:30 p.m., at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library and 7 p.m. at the Ashburn Library.
* Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m., at the Middleburg Library, 2 p.m. at the Rust Library, and 7 p.m. at the Lovettsville Library.
* Wednesday, June 22, 1 p.m., at the Purcellville Library and 4 p.m. at the Sterling Library. Call 703-737-8655 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
The Loudoun County Public Library will sponsor the ÒAdventures in Readville!Ó Summer Reading program, Monday, June 20-Friday, Aug. 12. The Read or Read to Me Program is for children from birth to age 11. Receive a brochure, reading log and stickers. Bring your reading log with a completed 50 books or 25 hours and receive a Reading Certificate and a chance to win the grand prize. Complete the program and receive a paperback book. The Teen Summer Read is for ages 12 to 18. Receive an official punch card and wallet. After 12 punches, get a free book and eligibility for the Grand Prize. Call 703-737-8655 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
The Eastern Loudoun Regional Library. 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, will have Thursday Movies at the Library, 2 p.m., every Thursday between June 23-Aug. 25. Watch ÒShark TalesÓ (PG) on June 23 and ÒPocahontasÓ (G) on June 30. Call 703-444-3228.
This month's "The Road ToÉ" a political panel discussion program produced by Sterling residents Tony and Marlene Barney of NoraBett Productions, features Del. Viola Baskerville, who is running for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Virginia, and David Poisson, Democratic delegate candidate from the 32nd House District.Ê
Baskerville and Poisson debate and discuss a variety of state and local issues from education to the tax plans proposed by gubernatorial candidates Tim Kaine and Jerry Kilgore. Political analysts Mike Lane, former chair of the Arlington County Republican Party, and Patti Morrissey, former 32nd House District delegate candidate, also participate in the discussion.
"The Road ToÉ" can be seen every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on Adelphia Cable Channels 23 and 24 in Loudoun County, and this Monday at 8 p.m., and Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 10 in Fairfax County.
More than 200 top horses in the region are expected to compete in the annual Morven Park Summer Dressage Classic July 30-31, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg. The highlight of the competition is the Musical Freestyle, the $10,000 Pas de Deux Challenge Cup, which will begin at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 31, which matches choreographed movements to the beat of specially selected music, similar to synchronized swimming, which emphasizes the gracefulness of communication between horse and rider. The Pas de Deux is a musical freestyle with two horses and riders executed in exact mirror image.
The Morven Park Equestrian Center is located just north of Leesburg on Route 15. Call Shannon Pedlar at 703-777-2890 or visit the Morven Park Web site at www.morvenpark.org.
The Challenge Cup is sponsored by Patton Equine Legal Services in honor of the Dancing Horse Fund. There is no admission fee for spectators.
Loudoun County Extension and the Master Gardener Volunteers invite the public to visit one of the plant clinics, operated in partnership with the Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Association, at the Cascades Farmers Market on the second Sunday in June, July, August and September and at the Leesburg Farmers Market on the third Saturday of June, July, August and September. Bring samples of plants that may be having insect, disease or other problems; or stop by with other questions and inquiries. The Cascades market is held Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at The Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling and the Leesburg market is held Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, at the Virginia Village Shopping Center, Leesburg.
Master Gardeners also operate a Helpline Office Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m.-noon, at the Extension Office located at 30-B Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg. Contact the Helpline Office by phone, 703-771-5150 or e-mail at ex107mg@vt.edu.
The Loudoun Museum offers walking tours of historic downtown Leesburg from June-September. Be sure to wear walking shoes, includes a guide for the one hour tour of LeesburgÕs fascinating historic sites. Fees for adults are $10 per person, museum members are $7 and children 12 years and under are free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703-777-7427.
Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus presents Both Sides of the River: Paintings by Barbara Kerne. KerneÕs paintings are inspired by her frequent walks along the areaÕs C & O Canal. The exhibit runs from June 6-July 1 and is free and open to the public. Waddell Art Gallery, Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus, 1000 Harry F. Byrd Highway, Sterling. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, will host a reading incentive for teens ages 12-17, through June 19. Every teen who reads three books and writes three reviews will earn a new book. There will be a teen review form to fill out and return to the information desk. Reviews will be kept in a binder in the YP section to aid in making selections. recommended for ages 12-17. Free. Call 703-737-8100.
The Loudoun Museum and the Loudoun Sampler Guild are offering the 10th Annual ChildrenÕs Needlework Seminar from June 20-24, for children entering fourth grade through high school. The seminar is taught by dedicated, experienced needle workers with a broad background in the needle arts. Aspiring embroiderers will learn different stitches and techniques based on their level of experience. Course projects are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced stitchers. The seminar will be held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Monday, from 9 a.m.-noon. The fee of $65 will include the cost of all materials and supplies. Advance registration is required by June 10. Proceeds from the seminar will go to the Loudoun MuseumÕs Collections Fund. Call the Loudoun Museum at 703-777-7427.
Read three books, write three reviews and earn a new book from the Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., through June 20. Pick up a teen review form to participate. Return completed forms to the information desk. Reviews will be kept in a binder in the YP section to help with book selections. For ages 12-17. Call 703-430-9500.
The Loudoun County Senior Trips Programs is traveling to Ottawa, Canada, and to Thousand Islands from July 5-11. Cost is $684 for members and $714 for nonmembers, plus an additional $270 charge for single occupancy. The trip is open to individuals 55 years and older or any adult accompanied by a senior.
While in Ottawa, stay at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel and Casino for three nights, which includes continental breakfast each morning. Trip includes guided tour of Ottawa, guided tour of Parliament Hill, explore the Bayward Market, visit the Museum of Civilization, cruise the St. Lawrence River and visit Thousand Islands.
The cost includes motor coach transportation, six-nights lodging, six breakfasts, four dinners and tours. Call Mark Humphrey, Senior Center at Cascades, 703-430-2397.
"Valley Apples," for all ages, at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane in Sterling. Call 703- 421-5322 for details. Museum admission $5/adults, $4/seniors, $3/ages 2-12. Tuesdays-Saturdays through July 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oatlands Plantation will hold its annual "Four Seasons of Oatlands" art show and sale July 10-Aug. 21, in the Carriage House. Free admission. Includes images of the Mosby Heritage area, which encompasses Clarke, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Warren counties and Jefferson County in West Virginia. The art show and gift shop are open Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Oatlands Inc., a nonprofit organization, which maintains the property, located at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
The Loudoun Sketch Club Spring Exhibition at the Loudoun County Government Center lobby at 1 Harrison St., S. E., Leesburg. The exhibition will be juried by artist/instructor from the Art League School in Alexandria, Jacqueline Saunders. The show will continue through Thursday, June 30. Art work will be available for purchase throughout the show. Parking is available in the Government Center parking lot.
Artwork by Loudoun's leading artists will be on display at Gallery 222 through July 30. Artists represented include painters Trisha Adams, Don Black, Dasher Chagnaa, Carmen Howell, Alfred McAdams, Antonia Walker, Velda Warner and clay artist, Mary Wolff. Gallery 222 is located at 222 South King St. in historic Leesburg. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment.
The Briar Patch Park yard sales in Sterling Park have been relocated to the Sterling Community Center at 120 Enterprise St. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Space is limited. Call 703-430-9480. The yard sales will be held on the third Saturday of the month through August.
All eight Northern Virginia locations of Glory Days Grill, including the Sterling location, will be holding a fund-raiser for the YMCA Loudoun County through Sept. 1, Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-close and Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-close. On those nights the restaurant will contribute 10 percent of individualsÕ total food purchase to the YMCA. Ask the server for a copy of the guest check, not credit card receipt, and give it to the after-school/camp director or mail it in to the YMCA, 6 Fairfax St., S.E., Leesburg, VA 20175. Call Annie Joyce 703-777-9622 or visit www.glorydaysgrill.com.
Artwork created by Loudoun County students will be on display as part of the 2004-05 Loudoun Healthcare Art Exhibit Program through Sept. 30. The artwork can be found in the main hallway of the second floor and in the hallway of the post surgical unit, also on the second floor of the Loudoun Hospital in Lansdowne.
ÒDiscover LoudounÕs Young Artists,Ó the Loudoun County Public Schools student art show, hosted by The George Washington University Virginia Campus. The summer exhibit will feature two-dimensional, mixed-media works by approximately 50 student artists from Algonkian Elementary and Potowmack Elementary Schools. Artist recognition reception Wednesday, June 1, 6:30-8 p.m. Exhibit on display until Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays, The George Washington University Virginia Campus, Gallery Lounge, 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn.
Morven Park, the historic home of Virginia Gov. Westmoreland Davis, located in Leesburg, is a 1,000-acre estate offering visitors a glimpse into Virginia country life during the early years of the 20th century is open to the public April-November, Fridays-Mondays and other times by appointment. Tours are offered at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The park closes at 6 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $1 for children. One price admits visitors to all museums and the grounds. Special group tours and ticket packages are also available. Special holiday tours offered in December. Call: group tours, 703-777-2414; educational programs, 703-777-6034; and equestrian center and events, 703-777-2890.
ÒArt CoopÓ is display at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Featuring a changing exhibit of works by area artists. Juried by LHFM Art Advisory Sub-Committee. The museum is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; as well as Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 703-421-5322.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, has the following ongoing story times: Mother Goose Nursery Time, ages 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.; Toddler Story Time, 2 year olds, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Preschool Story Time, ages 3-5 years olds, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.; Wonderful Wednesday Stories, ages 3-5 years old, Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.; Pajama Story Time, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Call 703-737-8100.
The Eastern Loudoun Regional Library 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, hosts the following ongoing story times: Lapsits for 2s, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.; Infant Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, ages 18-24 months, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.; Pajama Story Time, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Story Time for 3s, 4s, and 5s, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Terrific 3s, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Call 703-444-3228.
The Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., has the following ongoing story times: Preschool Story Times, for 2-3 years old, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; for 4s and 5s, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Call 703-430-9500.
Leesburg Animal Park. Hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mondays except holidays. Admission is $5.95 for children 2-12 and senior citizens, 55 and older. Adults are $7.95 each. Children under 2 are free. The park is closed from mid November-mid March. Call 703-433-0002 or visit www.leesburganimalpark.com. Located two miles south of Route 7 on Route 15 at 19270 James Monroe Highway in Leesburg.
Leesburg First Fridays and First Fridays Jr. Galleries and shops open their doors on the first Friday of each month with special events, refreshments and entertainment, from 6-9 p.m. There is no First Friday in January. Free. Call 800-752-6118. Visit www.leesburgfirstfriday.com.
Loudoun Bluegrass Association. Weekly acoustic jam session held every Tuesday night, 7-9 p.m., at the Morningside House Retirement Center, 316 Harrison St. in Leesburg. All bluegrass/country musicians, singers and spectators are welcome. Free. Call Randy Kenyon
703-777-9865, home.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; as well as Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. On permanent display is "The Country People" where visitors travel through time and experience the past 300 years of agricultural history through 10 generations of Loudoun County residents. The Claude Moore children's Farm is an interactive exhibit area for children and their families. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 703-421-5322.
Nature Birthday Party for ages 4 and up. Celebrate birthdays with nature at Claude Moore Park, 21544 old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. A member of the naturalist staff will take children and parents on a guided nature hike and to visit Frogshackle Cabin Nature Center. Parents may provide and serve cake and ice cream afterwards in a space reserved by the park. Program lasts 1 1/2 hours, with a maximum of 15 children and five adults. Call 703-444-1275. Fees for the party are $67.50.
The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum offers two party programs, Mad FarmerÕs Tea Party and birthdays. Includes hot tea, coffee and appetizers while your child explores the childrenÕs hands-on play area, watches a farm film and discovers the Waxpool General Store or plan a fun filled educational birthday celebration. Teas and birthdays are catered to parents and young children and are held for groups with reservations only. Teas are free with the price of admission Ñ $5 for adults; $4 for seniors over age 55; $3 for children ages 2-12; children under age 2 are admitted free Ñ for groups of five ore more. Birthday parties cost $5 per person and include a museum program and historical gift. Cabin rental is $13 an hour, two-hour minimum.
The feature farm film is courtesy of the Sterling Library, and were selected by The Sterling Library Teen Club, where local teens reviewed and selected films appropriate for young children. "CharlotteÕs Web," "Home on the Range," "Babe" and "Chicken Run" were the clubÕs top choices.
Call 703- 421-5322. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum located at Claude Moore Park 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling.
Guided Nature or History Hikes for all ages at Claude Moore park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Nature hikes, Frogshackle Cabin Nature Center, history hikes and special request programs for school groups, scouts, community organizations, adults and families are available on a variety of topics throughout the year. Programs designed to foster an appreciation of Loudoun County's natural and cultural resources in a fun and informative way. Cost is $3.50 per person, with a minimum charge of $35. Call 703-444-1275 for reservations.
Historic Plantation. Oatlands, a 330-acre co-stewardship property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is located six miles south of Leesburg on Route 15. Tours start each hour between 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for students 6-16, and free for children under 5. Plantation closed from Dec. 31 through late March/early April. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.