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 listings, visit our Web site at www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 12
<cal2>Tea Time, Story Time. Come dressed up, white gloves and pearls optional, and listen to tales of chivalrous deeds and ancient times. Beverages and sweets will be served. For ages 4-7. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 3:30 p.m. Advanced registration required by Oct. 11, call 703-737-8105.
Candidate Forum. The League of Women Voters of Loudoun County host a 32nd District candidate forum. The event will feature incumbent Del. Dick Black (R) and challenger David Poisson (D) in a "Meet the Press" style format, which includes a roundtable of reporters from local media outlets. Following the media panel, the audience will be allowed to ask the candidates additional questions from the floor. The event is at the Cascades Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place Sterling, from 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Knit-In. At the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, at 7 p.m., with instructor LaDonna Snellbaker of Broadlands Sit-n-Knit. Bring knitting needles, size 8, 5 mm and a skein of yarn, Lion Brand Wool-Ease and a current project, if have one. Bamboo needles and darker yarn are easier for beginners. For teens 12 through adult. Advanced registration required by the Wednesday prior to the session, call 703-737-8100.
Bats! Bats! Bats! Learn about bats, their habitats, life cycle and more. See a live bat. For ages 5 and up. Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 4 p.m. Call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 13
<cal2>Captain Jack and Firefighter Chris. At the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 3:30 p.m. Recognize National Fire Prevention Month with an informative and interactive family program with instruction from two firefighters. For ages 4 and up. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. Advanced registration required by Oct. 12, call 703-737-8105.
Movie Night. At the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 6:30 p.m., "The Interpreter," rated PG-13, starring Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. Bring favorite snack, includes drinks. For ages 18 and up. 703-737-8100.
Movie Night. At the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 7 p.m., "Speak- The Movie," based on Laurie Halse Anderson's book, "Speak, Catalyst and Fever 1793." Rated PG-13. For ages 13-18. 703-444-3228.
Documentary Showing. "We Are All Smith Islanders." Free showing of an independent documentary about the dangers of global warming. The film shows how global warming affects agriculture, wildlife, health and tourism throughout the Chesapeake Bay and the region; and also details clean energy solutions. Includes brief presentations on the status of the Virginia Clean Energy Bill and the environmental positions of Virginia's candidates for governor. At 7:30 p.m., at the Audubon Naturalist Society Rust Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg. Sponsored by The Audubon Naturalist Society. Call 703-737-0021.
Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, hosts a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Cost $7 for members, $9 for nonmembers and includes transportation and $5 cash back, which is subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 14
<cal2>Benefit Comedy Night. The Rotary Club of Sterling will present a hurricane relief comedy night at the Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus' Waddell Theater at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Entertainment by OTC Productions, a blend of family-friendly improv and sketch comedy. $10 for adults, $5 for children. All proceeds benefit the Salvation Army. To reserve tickets, call 703-444-2660 or e-mail sterlingrotary@yahoo.com.
Nature Adventurers. Ages 2-3. Explore different nature themes while enjoying stories, games, crafts, and a hike or other outdoor activities. No unregistered siblings. Topics: Oct. 14, fall changes; Oct. 28, pumpkins; Nov. 18, turkeys. Classes are available from 10-11 a.m. The cost of this program is $6.75 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Call 703-444-1275.
Teen Movie Night. Watch "Say Anything," rated PG-13, at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, at 7 p.m. Drinks provided, bring a favorite snack. For ages 12-18. 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 15
<cal2>Beginner Bird Walk. These one-hour walks are for bird watching beginners and are led by an experienced birder. Audubon Naturalist SocietyÕs Rust Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg, 8 a.m. Learn about what to look and listen for and tips on identification. Bring binoculars and field guide if have them; if not, some available to loan. Free. Call 703-669-0000 for registration.
Flags, Flasks and Flu: My Experiences in Richmond. 2 p.m., at Morven Park. Experience a 1922 garden walk and explore the life and times of Virginia's First Lady, Marguerite Davis, in this 1920s living history program. Adults $5, children $3, purchase tickets at the Coach House Visitors Center. 703-777-6034.
October Wine Days. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. While on the Loudoun Farm Tour, celebrate fall at Tarara with live music and October wine specials. Rain or shine. There is a tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Fall Farm Color Tour. A self-guided tour of LoudounÕs agricultural attractions. Participating sites are open free to the public. 10 a.m.Ð4 p.m.
Country Breakfast. At the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, a country breakfast of biscuits, gravy, sausage and eggs. Reservations suggested, call 703-421-5322. 10 a.m.-noon. $5 per adult and $3 per child.
Heritage Breeds Show. The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum hosts an exhibit and display of rare and endangered breeds of livestock. Live animal demonstrations. Working animals, breeds information and more. 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, 10 a.m.Ð5 p.m. Free to Fall Farm Tour participants.
Autumn Apple Festival. All ages. Join the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, for the Autumn Apple Festival in celebration of the new exhibit "Virginia Apples for Flavor: The Story of Hill High Orchards." See historic orchard tools at work, learn how to make cider, visit with local apple farmers, and browse locally made apple products and dishes. Live entertainment will be provided. 12-4 p.m. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 703-421-5322.
Gold Cup. The 2005 International Gold Cup at Great Meadow marks the 68th running of the race. General-admission car passes are $50 in advance, $60 week of the race. A car pass admits one vehicle and six occupants. Contact the Virginia Gold Cup Association at 540-347-1215 or order online at www.vagoldcup.com. Children under 12 years of age and under are admitted free with an adult.
Exhibit Dedication. The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum will hold a dedication ceremony for its newest exhibit, Virginia Apples for Flavor, from noon-12:30 p.m., 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. The celebration will continue through 4 p.m. with an Autumn Apple Festival and Bake Off.
Fall into the Arts. Leesburg's third annual juried arts competition, from noon-4 p.m. A variety of artwork will be on display including a children's art section, music, refreshments and activities for families. South King and Loudoun streets in the lot behind Creme de la Creme. Visit www.fallintothearts.org or 703-737-7084.
Bluegrass Concert. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, hosts two bluegrass bands, Cylde Bowling and the Southern Bluegrass Boys and Don Rigsby and Midnight Call. Doors open 6 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are sold at the door. Refreshments available at the snack bar. Call 703-771-5281.
Loudoun Expo. At the Dulles Town Center. An additional 120 local businesses offering their products and services through the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce's Loudoun Expo, which showcases the depth and diversity of Loudoun's business environment, from small, home-based businesses to large global enterprises. From 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. The Dulles Town Center is located at 21000 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles. Visit www.loudounchamber.org or call 703-777-2176.
Charity Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sugarland Community Organizations are sponsoring a mega yard sale to raise money for the survivors of hurricane Katrina. Accepting donations of furniture, no upholstered chairs or sofas; clothing, clean and in good condition; house-hold items; tools; baby items; toys, jewelry; electronics, must work; sports equipment; or anything that can be sold to raise funds. Donations may be dropped off Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5:30- 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sugarland Run Community Center 200 Green Field Court. To volunteer contact Mary Pat Plante, 703-406-4685; Roberta Hussa, 703-444-6740; Sammy Davenport, 703-404-0473; or e-mail Chalmersp@starpower.net subject line Katrina Yard Sale.
Country Dance. Bluemont's monthly old-time, country dances kicks off its 31st season at the Purcellville Skating Rink in Purcellville with The Reel Dealers playing lively dance music, and figure calling by Finn McCool. The dance is from 8-11 p.m. and Bluemont offers a beginnersâ workshop at 7:30 before the dance starts. Admission is $8 per person; $6 for Bluemont Friends, students and seniors. To celebrate its third season in Purcellville, Bluemont is offering a special rate to Purcellville residents: $5 per person or $10 dollars per family. Everyone is encouraged to bring something for the potluck refreshments. Visit the Web site at www.bluemont.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 16
<cal2>Flags, Flasks and Flu: My Experiences in Richmond. 2 p.m., at Morven Park. Experience a 1922 garden walk and explore the life and times of Virginia's First Lady, Marguerite Davis, in this 1920s living history program. Adults $5, children $3, purchase tickets at the Coach House Visitors Center. 703-777-6034.
Sunday In The Preserve. 2 p.m. Join Phil Daley of the Friends of Banshee Reeks and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an informal, family walk around the preserve. Search for natural wonders. Call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.
Mother-Baby Fair. 1-3 p.m., at the Mother-Baby Connection, 20604 Gordon Park Square, Ashburn. Resources for new parents or parents-to-be will be present. Refreshments will be served, and free drawing for a gift basket. Free admission. Call 703-726-3030.
October Wine Days. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. While on the Loudoun Farm Tour, celebrate fall at Tarara with live music and October wine specials. Rain or shine. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
Fall Farm Color Tour. A self-guided tour of LoudounÕs agricultural attractions. Participating sites are open free to the public. 10 a.m.Ð4 p.m.
Heritage Breed Show. All ages. The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, presents an exhibit and display of rare and endangered breeds of livestock with live animal demonstrations, working animals, breeds information, and more. Sponsored by Ayrshire Farm and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Noon-5 p.m. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 703-421-5322. Free to Fall Farm Tour participants.
The Big Event. Gateway Community Church and local businesses are offering a chance to win four hours of concentrated help with one of the following: mulching, aerating, power washing, garage clean-up, or car wash/detail. Registration closes Oct. 1. South Riding and Stone Ridge residents only. Register online at www.thebigeventva.com.
Scouts Iftar Dinner. The All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boys Scouts will be having their 3rd Annual Scouts Ramadan Iftar Dinner (Breaking of the Fast) for Ramadan, at 6-8 p.m., at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 17
<cal2>History is a Hoot: Operation Jr. Spy. Linda McCarthy, aka Professor Gadget, shares true accounts of spies and covert missions throughout history. See actual items of "tradecraft," the gadgets agents used to conduct missions. tickets required and can be picked up one half hour before the program. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 4:30 p.m. For ages 9 and up. 703-737-8100.
Laserface. Jerome "Laserface" Benton, a New Age mime, performs using puppetry, juggling, music and fiber optics. For ages 12-18. Advanced registration required. Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m., 703-737-8100.
Fall Colors. Ages 3-5. Discover the yellow, reds and purples of the trees and fields dressed for fall and play with nature's colors. Investigate this change of season through play, stories, art, singing and exploring outdoors. These are drop-off classes. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. The cost for this program is $10.25 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, hosts a trip to Shenandoah National Park to view the fall colors along Skyline Drive. Pack lunch or purchase at Elk Wallow Wayside. Cost $7 for members, $9 for nonmembers; price includes transportation only, park admission $5 per person or free with Golden Pass or Access Passport. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
Story Time. Baby Lapsit at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, at 10 a.m. For ages 0-18 months. Advanced registration required, call 703-737-8100.
Book Club. The Virginia Young Readers Primary Book Club will meet at 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Includes book discussion and crafts. For grades kindergarten-second grade, as well as homeschoolers. Advanced registration required by Sept. 16, call 703-737-8105.
Halloween Cakes. Decorate a cake as a "Yummy Mummy," "Big Eye Ghost" or "Green-eyed Monster" to take home. Ages 4-7. Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, 4-4:45 p.m. Call 703-430-6673. Cost $5.50 plus $3 supply fee.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 18
<cal2>Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, hosts a trip to Shenandoah National Park to view the fall colors along Skyline Drive. Pack lunch or purchase at Elk Wallow Wayside. Cost $7 for members, $9 for nonmembers; price includes transportation only, park admission $5 per person or free with Golden Pass or Access Passport. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
Halloween Soap. Ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road. Make spooky soap to take home and hear a spooky tale. Cost $7 plus $3 supply fee. Call 703-430-6673.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 19
<cal2>Laserface. Jerome "Laserface" Benton, a New Age mime, performs using puppetry, juggling, music and fiber optics. For ages 12-18. Advanced registration required. Eastern Regional Loudoun Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, 7 p.m., 703-444-3228.
Nature for Toddlers. Ages 2 and 3 with an adult. Learn how to teach your child about nature. Each day read a story and investigate an animal that lives at the Audubon Naturalist SocietyÕs Rust Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg. A craft and a short hike will be included. If a toddler needs a ride during the hike, bring a baby carrier, strollers are not appropriate for the trails. Parents must accompany children. Registration is required, call 703-669-0000. Members: $7 per child and $5 for each additional sibling; nonmembers: $10 per child and $7 for each additional sibling. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 20
<cal2>Fall Colors. Ages 3-5. Discover the yellow, reds and purples of the trees and fields dressed for fall and play with nature's colors. Investigate this change of season through play, stories, art, singing and exploring outdoors. These are drop-off classes. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. The cost for this program is $10.25 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
Family Movie Night. "Casper," rated G, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Bring pillows, blankets and a snack. For all ages. 703-737-8100.
Charity Golf Tournament. Virginia Smiles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children born with a cleft lip and cleft palate, hosts a golf tournament to raise funds for its scholarship program, beginning at noon, at Twin Lakes Golf Course, Clifton. Lunch will be provided before the tournament begins, and prizes will be awarded during desserts afterward. The cost of the tournament is $85 per golfer, or $340 per foursome, and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, prizes, and desserts. Register for the tournament online at www.Virginia-Smiles.org by Oct. 10.
Author Discussion. Laurie Halse Anderson, author of "Speak, Catalyst and Fever 1793," will be at the Eastern Loudoun regional Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, at 7 p.m. For teems 13 and up, and adults. 703-444-3228.
Jazz Night. Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers will host the 2nd Annual Hot Jazz for a Cool Night fall fund-raiser at Tarara Winery, from 7 to 9 p.m. Featuring wine, food and the music of local piano personality Bill Edwards and vocalist Kelsey Pederson. Also features wine tastings, cave tours and a silent and live auction. All proceeds will benefit the Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Need programs that LVC provides to Loudoun area seniors. To buy tickets or for more information, call Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers at 703-779-8617 or visit LVCaregivers.org.
Halloween Cookies. Ages 4-7. Bake and decorate Halloween cookies to take home. Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, 4-5 p.m. Cost $7 plus $4 supply fee. Call 703-430-6673.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 21
<cal2>Nature Buddies. Age 2. This introduction to nature for toddlers and an adult will use the child's senses to explore nature, indoors and out. No unregistered siblings. Topics: Oct. 21, squirrels; Nov. 4, fur and feathers. Classes are available from 10-10:30 a.m. The cost of this program is $3.50 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
Nature Explorers. Ages 3-4. Explore different nature themes while participating in stories, games, crafts and a hike or other outdoor activities. No unregistered siblings. Topics: Oct. 21, squirrels; Nov. 4, fur and feathers. Classes are available 11 a.m.-noon. The cost of this program is $6.75 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
Teen Group Fund-raiser. Community fund-raiser for Next Level 4 Teens Inc., Loudoun County's first private nonprofit after-school program for teens, at Lansdowne on the Potomac in Lansdowne, 7 p.m. Cost: adult, $100 by Sept. 30, $125 at the door; teen, $50 by Sept. 30, $75 at the door. Attire: business casual. Register online or by phone, 571-214-1747. A portion of the night's proceeds will go to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Relief. Next Level 4 Teens Inc. will be sending toys, school supplies, and clothing to teens affected by Hurricane Katrina. Visit www.NextLevel4Teens.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 22
<cal2>Hauntings of Aldie. Discover the real night life of Aldie. The Loudoun Museum will host an old-fashioned Halloween party for all ages at the Aldie Mill. Apple bobbing, party games, music, a country dinner, ghost storytelling and enter a costume parade. Fun for the whole family. Dress is country casual and costumes are encouraged. Call 703-777-7427 or e-mail administrator@loudounmuseum.org.
Spooktacular. All ages. Douglass Community Center, 407 E. Market St., Leesburg. Includes hay rides, face painting, costume contest and midway booths. Call 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov regarding registration or more information. Admission $10. 4-6 p.m.
Festival and Candy Run. Arcola's 6th Annual Haunted Halloween Festival and Candy Run for all ages. Arcola Community Center, 21244 Gum Spring Road. Includes games, rides, food and prizes. Bring the little ghosts and ghouls and watch them run for all the candy they can get. Call 703-327-3111. Free admission. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 23
<cal2>Symphony Performance. The Loudoun Symphony's 15th anniversary season opens with Latin Luminescence, 3 p.m., at Loudoun County High School, 415 Dry Mill Road, S.W., Leesburg. Features selections by Copland, Piazzolla and Falla. Tickets at the door are $18 for adults and $8 children/students and $15 for adults and $7 for children/students if purchased in advance. Advance tickets may be purchased at Melodee Music in Sterling, the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association office in downtown Leesburg or by calling the Loudoun Symphony office at 703-771-8287. Subscription tickets and performance information available online at www.loudounsymphony.org.
Flags, Flasks and Flu: My Experiences in Richmond. 2 p.m., at Morven Park. Experience a 1922 garden walk and explore the life and times of Virginia's First Lady, Marguerite Davis, in this 1920s living history program. Adults $5, children $3, purchase tickets at the Coach House Visitors Center. 703-777-6034.
Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, hosts a trip to see "Shear Madness" at the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. Lunch on own before the show at Clyde's in Tysons Corner. Cost $38 for members, $40 for nonmembers and includes transportation and show. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 to register and for departure/arrival times and locations.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 24
<cal2>Batty for Bats. Ages 3-5. Be a bat for a day. Visit a pretend bat cave, feel what it is like to have wings and find your way around with sound. Discover these nocturnal creatures through play, stories, art, singing and exploring outdoors. These are drop-off classes. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. The cost for this program is $10.25 per child. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. 703-444-1275.
Halloween Cakes. Decorate a cake as a "Yummy Mummy," "Big Eye Ghost" or "Green-eyed Monster" to take home. Ages 8 and up. Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road, 4-4:45 p.m. Call 703-430-6673. Cost $5.50 plus $3 supply fee.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 25
<cal2>Billy B! The Natural Science Song and Dance Man. At the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, 7 p.m. Includes funny tunes and physical comedy performed by Billy B. For all ages. tickets required and can be picked up one half hour before show. 703-737-8100.
Ghostly Footprints. Ages 4 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Sterling Annex, 1115 W. Church Road. Make a Halloween craft and hear stories. Cost $8 per child. Call 703-430-6673.