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 Friday, 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.
Paintings by Robert Vander Zee will be on display at Gallery 222, from Nov. 2-27, with a reception to meet the artist Friday, Nov. 4, during Leesburg's First Friday, from 6-9 p.m.
Vander Zee's paintings begin with the elements of nature. The artist then combines complimentary colors, layering and
glazing techniques and vigorous scrapes and swirls of line to
create movement and exciting dialogue. Gallery 222 is affiliated with the Loudoun Academy of the Arts Foundation, a nonprofit 501c3 organization that provides fine art instruction and exhibition space for professional area artists. Contact Gallery 222 at 703-777-5498 or www.gallery222.com.
The George Washington University Virginia Campus hosts the Second Annual Teacher Art Show featuring more than 50 two- and three-dimensional, mixed-media artwork by art teachers from Loudoun County Public Schools. The exhibit is open to the public Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Nov. 3. The exhibit is located in the Gallery Lounge, Room 12 and the atrium at 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn. For directions: http://www.va.gwu.edu/visitor/location.html or call 703-726-3650.
Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, will be holding the Virginia Young Readers Book Club, 7 p.m., each month for elementary-school level, grades third-fifth, children. Includes reading one-two books each month, games and refreshments. Parents encouraged to join children in reading the selections. A limited number of free copies of each selection are available at the library for participants. Upcoming selections include: Nov. 3, "Locomotion," by Jacqueline Woodson; Dec. 1, "Snowed in with Grandmother Silk," by Carol Fenner and "Say What?" by Margaret Peterson Haddix; Jan. 5, "Mysterious Matter of I.M. Fine," by Diane Stanley; Feb. 2, "Grover G. Graham and Me," by Mary Quattlebaum; March 2, "Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia," by Barbara O'Connor; and April 6, "Hana's Suitcase," by Karen Levine and "Boxes for Katie," by Candance Fleming. Register in advance by calling 703-737-8105.
The After Hours Teen Center at the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, will continue Friday nights, Nov. 4 and 18, from 7-10 p.m. It will be closed Nov. 11 and 25 due to holidays.
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to hang out, watch movies and play games. Pizza and other refreshments provided.
Photoworks presents a show of images by Jessica Patterson, of Patterson Photography, "Just Scrapin' By," black and white fine art prints and commercial work shot from Tampa, Fla. Meet the artist enjoy refreshments, Friday, Nov. 4, from 6-9 p.m., also showing Saturday, Nov. 5, noon-3 p.m. Photoworks is located at 2 A Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg, upstairs at the corner of King and Loudoun streets. Call 703-777-4002.
The Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus Community College Theatre presents "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" Nov. 4-6. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. in the Waddell Theater.
General admission tickets, for this mature audience show, are $10; seniors and NVCC students get in for $8. Call 703-450-2551.
Birthday parties are available for all ages at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane in Sterling. The party package includes 10 children's and four adult's museum admissions passes, two-hour cabin rental and gifts for party participants. Package fee: $100, $5/extra child or chaperone and $13/extra hour of cabin rental. Call 703-421-5322 to schedule. Tuesdays-Sundays in November, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oatlands announces that teas will be held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 3-Dec. 30, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the holiday season, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve day. Seatings are at 1 p.m. each day and reservations are required. The cost of afternoon tea is $19.95 per person plus tax. Includes an assortment of tea sandwiches, tea cookies and sweets, scones with preserves and cream complemented by Oatlands special "Afternoon Tea Blend." All tea delicacies are from Savoir Fare Catering, a Loudoun County caterer.
Call 703-777-3174 for tea reservations and other information. Oatlands is located at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg.
The Sterling Playmakers presents "Macbeth," weekends Nov. 4-13, at River bend Middle School, 46240 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. General admission is $10 at the door. Tickets available online through PayPal beginning mid-October. The play is rated PG-13 for violence and supernatural appearances. Call 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
The Corn Maze in The Plains runs through Nov. 6, at the intersection of I-66 and Route 245, The Plains. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays in October and Columbus Day. Moon-light maze, Oct. 14, 21, 22, 28, 29 and Nov. 4, from 7-10 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 8:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Born to be Wild." Participants answer clue stations and climb a victory bridge during the 2.5 mile adventure. Also includes the "Barnyard of Fun," featuring farm animals, giant slides, mini mazes, rope mazes, hay bale obstacle course and more. Cost adults $7; children 12 and under, $6; children 4 and under, free; groups of 12 or more $1 off regular admission. Visit www.CornMazeinthePlains.com.
Fall Nature Camp for ages 6-9 at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap road, Sterling. Explore the lives of trees. Smell the woods in late fall. Roast marshmallows over an open fire. Explore what makes nature special in the fall. Bring a snack, water, lunch and dress for changeable fall weather. Activities will be different each day. This special nature camp will be held during school break, Nov. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. The cost of this program is $40.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Pumpkinville, presented by the Leesburg Animal Park and Pioneer Gardens, runs through Nov. 6. Offers moon bounces, hay rides, free apples, apple cider and a free patch pumpkin. Weekends include entertainment such as magicians, singers and clowns. Food vendors available. 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg, open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $6.50 during the week and $10 weekends, and includes admission to the Animal Park. Call 703-430-0002 or visit www.pumpkinville.org.
Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals gap Road, Sterling, offers several Scout programs which meet most badge requirements. An adult must accompany scouts. Call 703-444-1275 to register. $3.50 per scout per session.
* Brownies: Watching Wildlife Try. Saturday, Nov. 12, 12:30-2 p.m.
* Webelos: Naturalist Badge. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2:30-4 p.m.
* Brownies: Listening to the Past. Dress in colonial costumes, enjoy Victorian school games and visit the historic house while listening to the past of Lanesville.
* Junior: Local Lore Badge. Tour historic buildings, meet Dr. Moore (on tape), investigate maps, explore our historic site and plan a service project as participants discover the Lore of Lanesville.
* Older Girl Scout: IP Heritage. Investigate several architectural styles, explore the Lanesville community and historic road, learn research techniques, plan a service project, and begin career exploration as participants Hunt for the Heritage of eastern Loudoun.
* Bear Cub Scout: Achievement No. 3. Hike to the Civil War signal station, wave signal flags and tour the Lanesville house.
* Wolf Cub: Scout Achievement No. 4. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, hike the "mountain" used by American Indians and Civil War soldiers and discover the important roots of the community.
* Webelos: Citizen Badge. Flags of 1779 and 1812 will wave as participants post the colors, experience flag protocol and explore the deeds of citizens of the past.
* Boy Scout: American Heritage Badge. Explore a National Register site, compare 1779 and 1812 flags to the present flag, hike to a Civil War signal station and walk in the footsteps of past heroes. Registered badge counselor will lead program.
The Old Lucketts Store Antiques, 42350 Lucketts Road, will hold its Holiday Design Show, Nov. 18-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Features designers showcasing furniture and accessories. Call 703-779-0268 or visit www.luckettstore.com.
The history tour, From Swann's Castle to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate, will take place weekends only, through Nov. 27, 12-4 p.m., at Morven Park. Monday Friday by appointment only. Adults $5, children $1, purchase tickets at the Coach House Visitors Center. 703-777-6034. Learn of the transition of the 19th century plantation of Thomas Swann Jr., governor of Maryland, into the early 20th century farm and hunt country estate of Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis. The personalized, guided tour includes a look at the exterior of the Greek Revival Mansion as it undergoes extensive historic restoration, a visit to replica log huts of Confederate soldiers who lived on the property during the Civil War and the exhibit A Symbol of the New South: Governor and Mrs. Westmoreland Davis.
Winmill Carriage Collection, at Morven Park, weekends only, through Nov. 27, 12-4 p.m.; Monday-Friday by appointment only. Adults $5, children $1, purchase tickets at the Coach House Visitors Center. 703-777-6034. Named for Viola Townsend Winmill of Warrenton, the museum includes carriages she collected during her lifetime. On the personalized, guided tour, see a wide variety of antique horse-drawn vehicles from the mid-1800s and the early 1900s featured in the collection. Included in the exhibit are a Hansom Cab, a miniature coach belonging to Tom Thumb of Barnum & Bailey Circus, a 19th century hearse, a Silsby Steam Pumper and many others.
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.
Oatlands' Christmas 2005 celebration will highlight the 60th anniversary of the Allies' victory in WWII and commemorate the philanthropic lives of Mr. and Mrs. William Corcoran Eustis, who owned Oatlands throughout most of the 20th century. Oatlands will also pay tribute to their heroic son, 1st Lt. Morton C. Eustis of General Patton's armored tank division who was mortally wounded while in combat in France in 1944. Features music from the big-band era and interpretative guides in period costumes, including some U.S. military uniforms from WWII. Daytime tours run from Nov. 18-Dec. 30, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays; from 1-4 p.m., Sundays. call 703-777-3174 or visit the web at www.oatlands.org.
Through Dec. 1, the Loudoun Museum will host a special exhibition entitled, The Fighting Ended Many Years Ago: Loudoun County in World War II. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, this small exhibition will reflect the many contributions Loudoun County made to the war effort. Artifacts from the museumÕs collection include uniforms, medals, period magazines and ration booklets. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the brass plaque from the U.S.S. Alabama sunk by army aircraft under the command of Gen. Billy Mitchell of Middleburg.
Visitors will learn that no conflict in American history changed the people and landscape of Loudoun County more than World War II. To learn more, visit the Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday <ETH>Saturday and 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults; $1 for seniors, teachers, students and children 4-17 years; children 3 years and under, museum members and military families are free.
Oatlands will host candlelight tours Saturdays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. On arrival, visitors will be met in the Carriage House with complimentary cups of hot apple cider and cookies. After a brief stroll to the mansion, guests will be greeted at the house by costumed interpreters with accounts of the Eustis family and its lasting legacy to America, including Oatlands. Group rates are available to groups of 15 or more and must be booked in advance. call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
Virginia Apples For Flavor: The Story Of Hill High Orchards, a permanent exhibit at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21558 Heritage Farm Lane in Sterling has opened. Learn about the history of Hill High Orchards and come away with a greater appreciation of the apple. Sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum Inc. Call 703-421-5322. Museum admission $5/adults, $4/seniors, $3/ages 2-12.
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.; Terrific 2s, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Preschool Story Time, ages 3-5, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.; Wonderful Wednesday Stories, ages 3-5, 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.; 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 2-5 years old, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Call 703-430-9500.
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.
The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, holds a potluck social the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Must register beforehand and bring a dish. To participate in bingo afterwards, bring a gift. Call 703-430-2397.
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.
The book discussion group at Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, meets the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. Call 703-430-2397 for the monthly book selections.
Loudoun Bluegrass Association. Weekly acoustic jam session held every Tuesday night, 7-8:30 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.
The Loudoun County Surplus Store is open on the first and third Wednesday and Friday, and the last Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The store features an inventory of computer equipment, books, typical office items, surplus items from the Loudoun County and Leesburg government offices, and unclaimed items confiscated by the Sheriff's Office. Prices at the store range from $15 to $90 for bicycles, $15 to $40 for computer monitors, $10 to $40 for desks, $3 for keyboards, and $2 for chairs.
The store is located at 14 Cardinal Park Drive, Suite 106, in Leesburg. Directions and photographs of merchandise are available on the Loudoun County Government Web site at www.loudoun.gov/surplus.
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.
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.
The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace hosts a Lunch Bunch the first Friday of each month at a local restaurant. A minimum of six people is required for each outing. The bus leaves the center, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, at 11:30 a.m. and returns by 1:30 p.m. Call 703-430-2397 to sign up.