Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, 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 Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Jan. 31
<cal2>Celebrate a Long Winter's Nap. Ages 4-10. Decorate bear cookies, make a bear craft, play games and learn about hibernating animals. 4-5:30 p.m., at Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road. The cost is $10.50 and pre registration required, call 703-430-6673. A $3 supply fee is paid to the instructor.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 1
<cal2>School Play. The Freedom High School (FHS) Drama Department will present “Pure as the Driven Snow” by Paul Loomis, at 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets, $5 students, $7 adults; at the door, $6 students, $8 adults. The school is located at 25450 Riding Center Drive, South Riding. The FHS Thespian Society is involved with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and will collecting donations at each performance. Contact Amanda Backenstoss, 703-957-4303.
Theater. The Potomac Falls High School Drama Department presents student-directed one-act plays, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets are $3, tickets good for both nights. Call 703-444-7542, Ext. 37.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 2
<cal2>Story Time Matinee. Ashburn Library, 2 p.m. Enjoy a special monthly Story Time including a video storybook and a craft. In February, celebrate Back History Month with Martin's Big Words. Recommended for ages 3-6. Advance registration required, call 703-737-8105.
Father/Daughter Dance. All ages. Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling, 7-9 p.m. Includes dancing, pictures, refreshments and more. Cost $15 per couple. Call 703-430-6673.
School Play. The Freedom High School (FHS) Drama Department will present “Pure as the Driven Snow” by Paul Loomis, at 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets, $5 students, $7 adults; at the door, $6 students, $8 adults. The school is located at 25450 Riding Center Drive, South Riding. The FHS Thespian Society is involved with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and will collecting donations at each performance. Contact Amanda Backenstoss, 703-957-4303.
Park Pals. Ages 2-4. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Discover the outdoors at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, with a grown-up friend. Look for tracks, listen for bird calls, look under logs and more, while focusing on monthly themes. Cost $7 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Toddler Treks. Ages 1-2. Join other parents and their little ones on a hike to discover birds, squirrels, trees and more. No unregistered siblings. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 11-11:45 a.m. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per adult.
Full Moon Groundhog Night Hike. All ages. While the night is cool and the air is crisp, explore the night for sounds and sights of winter. Then warm up by the campfire and toast marshmallows provided by the park. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 703-444-1275. Snow date Feb. 3. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 7-8:30 p.m. Cost $4 per person.
Auditions. The College Community Theater at Northern Virginia Community College, Loudoun Campus, is holding auditions for its spring production: The Underpants, a play by Carl Sternheim adaptation by Steve Martin. 7-9 p.m., in the Waddell Theater. Actors will be asked to perform cold readings from the script. Performance is in April. Contact Natalie V. Safley at 703-948-7701 or www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/waddelltheater/cct.
Theater. The Potomac Falls High School Drama Department presents student-directed one-act plays, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets are $3, tickets good for both nights. Call 703-444-7542, Ext. 37.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 3
<cal2>Birds of Prey. 9 a.m.-dusk. Learn about birds of pray starting at the Audubon Naturalist Society's Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg. Also includes a visit to the Smithsonian Naturalist Center and carpooling to several locations in western Loudoun County. All levels of birders are welcome. Audubon Naturalist Society and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy members $28; nonmembers $39. To register, contact ANS at 301-652-9188, Ext. 16. Preregistration required. Inclement weather date Feb. 4.
Book Swap. Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road , 10 a.m.-noon. Free. February is a two-for-one month. For each adult or children's book you bring in, choose two to take home. Trade books, books on tape, DVDs and VHS movies. Call 703-430-6673.
Share Your Hearts. All ages. Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Make a valentine card for local senior citizens. Premade cards and favors can be dropped off at the Annex until Feb. 9. Free. Call 703-430-6673.
School Play. The Freedom High School (FHS) Drama Department will present “Pure as the Driven Snow” by Paul Loomis, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets, $5 students, $7 adults; at the door, $6 students, $8 adults. The school is located at 25450 Riding Center Drive, South Riding. The FHS Thespian Society is involved with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and will collecting donations at each performance. Contact Amanda Backenstoss, 703-957-4303.
Auditions. The College Community Theater at Northern Virginia Community College, Loudoun Campus, is holding auditions for its spring production: The Underpants, a play by Carl Sternheim adaptation by Steve Martin. Noon-2 p.m., in the Waddell Theater. Actors will be asked to perform cold readings from the script. Performance is in April. Contact Natalie V. Safley at 703-948-7701 or www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/waddelltheater/cct.
Bluegrass Concert. Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition, and Mill Run perform at the Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are sold at the door; refreshments available at the snack bar. Call 703-771-5281.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 4
<cal2>Pancake Breakfast. The monthly pancake breakfast at the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Ashburn Road, Ashburn. Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee. Adults $6, seniors $5, children $4, under 3 free. Contact AVFRD 703-729-0006.
African-American Stories. Ilene Evans presents African-American heritage stories, poems, songs and games, including Little Sally Walker, Hambone, Call and Response, Freedom Stories and more at Rust Library, 380 Old Waterfrod Road, Leesburg, 2 p.m. Meet Wiley and the Hairy Man, Brer Rabbit and Brer Possum, and the Gunniwolf and Isabelle. Recommended for all ages. Call 703-777-0323.
<cal1>Monday/Feb. 5
<cal2>Toddler One & Two. Rust Library, 11 a.m. Stories, music and movement, parachute play for toddlers on the go. Recommended for ages 12-24 months and parent/caregiver. The program has limited registration and registration begins two weeks before the program.
Anansi Trickster Tales. Celebrate Black History Month with Anansi, the famous spider from Africa at Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, 4 p.m. Listen to the reading of Anansi Trickster Tales such as Anansi and the Talking Melon, Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock and much more. Recommended for ages 5-8. Call 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 6
<cal2>Wild Animal Theater. Ages 3-5. Enjoy an animal puppet show and explore the outdoor places where these animals live. Make own puppet and put on a show of own. Snow date Feb. 13. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. Cost $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 7
<cal2>Senior Movie. See The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, rated PG-13. Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, 1:30 p.m. Cost $2, includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 8
<cal2>Storyteller. Chocolate Fairytales by Gary Lloyd: Storyteller. National award winning storyteller Gary Lloyd swirls chocolate into some old favorites and dishes out stories like Goldy Locks and the Three Bars. At Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 10 a.m. Advance tickets are $5 for each child with adults free. Tickets at the door are $8 for each child with adults free. Call 703-777-1368 or visit www.idalee.org.
Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Price $7 per member, $9 nonmembers and includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 9
<cal2>Mardi Gras Carnival. All ages. Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling, 6-9 p.m. Celebrate with carnival games, entertainment, food, raffles, crafts, face painting. Cost $1. Call 703-430-6673.
Parents Night Out. Ages 3-11. Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., 7-11 p.m. A night out for parents while the children enjoy crafts, games and a movie. Certified CPR/FA instructors on hand. Cost $20. Call 703-430-9480.
Park Pals. Ages 2-4. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Discover the outdoors at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, with a grown-up friend. Look for tracks, listen for bird calls, look under logs and more, while focusing on monthly themes. Cost $7 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Frogshackle Open House. All ages. 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Hands-on experience with objects from nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. Free.
Pageant Workshop. Prepare for the Snow Princess Pageant, scheduled for Feb. 10, free at this event at Harper Park Middle School, 6-8 p.m. Free. Call 703-771-5913.
Theater. The Creative Youth Theater Foundation, in collaboration with the Loudoun Youth Initiative, presents "Normal," an original theater production about teens and bullying at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, 7:30 p.m. The show is geared toward teenagers ranging in age from 12-18, their parents and community members. There will be a half-hour question-and-answer session with cast members. Free. Call 703-737-8335.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 10
<cal2>Princess Pageants. Little Miss Snow Princess Pageant, for age 3-10, and Miss Snow Princess Pageant for ages 10-19. At Harper Park Middle School, 701 Potomac Station Drive, N.E., Leesburg, at 10 a.m. Crown, trophies and banners in each age group. Fee is $40 for mandatory formal wear, photogenic and casual are optional. Snow date is Feb. 24. Call 703-771-5913 for required application.
Sing a Song of Science and Nature. Ages 6-10. Learn some simple interactive songs about science and nature then do some hands-on activities. Theme: What is a Tree? Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 10-11:30 a.m. Cost $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Birding for Beginners. Ages 5 and up. Adults and children discover the basics of birdfeeder/backyard birding, just in time for the "Great Backyard Bird Count," Feb. 16-19, www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Explore the sights and sounds then take a trail walk to search for birds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 1:30-3 p.m. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per person.
Open House. The Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, will hold an open house for Indian Bollywood dance, from 11 a.m.-noon. Includes performances from Vanita Kumar and her students. Free. Call 703-430-6673.
Silent Auction. The Friends of the Gum Spring Library (FROGS) are conducting a silent auction, 2-5 p.m., at Mercer Middle School, 42149 Greenstone Drive, Stone Ridge. Proceeds will benefit library programs, such as book clubs and the children's summer reading program. Screech, the Washington National's mascot, will greet baseball fans and pose for pictures, 2-3 p.m. From 3-4 p.m., former Washington Redskin Pat Fischer will read to the children. Visit http://gumspringlibrary.blogspot.com/. Contact GumSpringLibrary@msn.com to donate a tax-deductible item.
Instrument Drive. Youth Music Preservation and Promotion Association will hold an Instrument drive for the Society Youth Orchestra (SYO), a free music program for low-income, underprivileged and at-risk children and youth ages 4-17, at Crossroads Baptist Church, in Leesburg, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit www.ymppa.org or call 703-728-2589.
Birding Banshee. 8 a.m. Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for the monthly bird walk. Bring binoculars. Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 11
<cal2>Theater. The Creative Youth Theater Foundation, in collaboration with the Loudoun Youth Initiative, presents "Normal," an original theater production about teens and bullying at Heritage High School, 520 Evergreen Mill Road, S.E., Leesburg, 3 p.m. The show is geared toward teenagers ranging in age from 12-18, their parents and community members. There will be a half-hour question-and-answer session with cast members. Free. Call 703-737-8335.
<cal1>Monday/Feb. 12
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit Smithsonian American Art and National Portrait Gallery museums or the Spy Museum on own, cost $15. Lunch on own. Price $8 per member, $10 nonmembers and includes transportation and free admission to art museum. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
Wild Animal Theater. Ages 3-5. Enjoy an animal puppet show and explore the outdoor places where these animals live. Make own puppet and put on a show of own. Snow date Feb. 13. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. Cost $10.50 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 13
<cal2>Rwandan Music. In celebration of Black History Month, the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, will host Samputu and Ingeli: Drum, Dance and Song of Rwanda, 4 p.m. A family program recommended for all ages. Call 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 14
<cal2>Dance Party. Annual Valentine's Day party and dance at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 2-4 p.m. Includes light refreshments, snacks, disc jockey Sky Dantinne and door prizes. Tickets $2 for members in advance; $4 for nonmembers and at the door. Call 703-430-2397.
Snug in the Snow. Ages 6-9. Winter animals know how to keep from freezing, do you? Figure out how they keep snug in the snow, take a frosty hike and enjoy some warming hot chocolate. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 3:30-5 p.m. Cost $10.50 per person. Call 703-444-1275.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 15
<cal2>Family Movie Night. Ashburn Library, 7 p.m. Watch “Charlotte’s Web,” rated G. Recommended for all ages. Bring your pillows and blankets and a favorite snack. 703-737-8105.
Museum Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the National Building Museum and the Octagon House. Lunch on own at Old Post Office. Price $11 per member, $13 nonmembers and includes transportation and admissions. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 16
<cal2>Park Pals. Ages 2-4. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Discover the outdoors at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, with a grown-up friend. Look for tracks, listen for bird calls, look under logs and more, while focusing on monthly themes. Cost $7 per child. Call 703-444-1275.
Toddler Treks. Ages 1-2. Join other parents and their little ones on a hike to discover birds, squirrels, trees and more. No unregistered siblings. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 11-11:45 a.m. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per adult.
Theater. The Potomac Falls High School Drama Department presents three one-act comedies: Six Days to Melissa, Audience and Attention-Deficit Disorder, 7:30 p.m., 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets are $5. Call 703-444-7542, Ext. 37.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 17
<cal2>Master Singers. The Master Singers of Virginia perform Rachmaninoff's "Vespers," at St. James Episcopal, 14 Cornwall St., Leesburg, 8 p.m. Performance in the original Russian. $15 adults, $12 seniors/children. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Curious Naturalists: Where is Everyone? Ages 6-10. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 1-2:30 p.m. Where is the wildlife in winter? How are we like those animals? Search for signs of the animals and discover how they survive the cold. Cost $10.50 per person. Call 703-444-1275.
Seasonal Songs and Stories Around Campfire. All ages. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 4- 5:30 p.m. Learn through Native American stories and fun songs and enjoy toasting marshmallows around the fire. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per person.
Theater. The Potomac Falls High School Drama Department presents three one-act comedies: Six Days to Melissa, Audience and Attention-Deficit Disorder, 7:30 p.m., 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. Tickets are $5. Call 703-444-7542, Ext. 37.
House Concert. AtLantis House Concerts presents Nancy Moran & Fett, 7:30 p.m., in Ashburn. Suggested donation $15, reservations required, call 571-333-7222 or e-mail HouseConcerts@Lantis.us.
Tractorpalooza! Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission for children who bring in their own toy tractor. Includes tractor race track, tractor scavenger hunt and children's art gallery, a tractor movie, refreshments and door prizes. Talk to local farmers.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 18
<cal2>Theater. The Creative Youth Theater Foundation, in collaboration with the Loudoun Youth Initiative, presents "Normal," an original theater production about teens and bullying at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn, 3 p.m. The show is geared toward teenagers ranging in age from 12-18, their parents and community members. There will be a half-hour question-and-answer session with cast members. Free. Call 703-737-8335.
<cal1>Monday, Feb. 19
<cal2>Deer Tracking Walk. Ages 5 and up. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling, 10-11:30 a.m. Search for signs and sightings of white-tailed deer; discover their habitat and typical behavior. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per person.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 20
<cal2>Woods in the Winter. Ages 3-5. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:20-2 p.m. Explore the winter woods for signs of life. Search for insects, birds, and more. Snow date Feb. 27. Cost $10.50 per person. Call 703-444-1275.
Children's History. Explore history with Rust Library, 4 p.m. Includes stories and games that will excite children about the world around us. Recommended for ages 4-6. Registration is limited and begins two weeks prior to the program. Call 703-771-5624.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 21
<cal2>Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Price $7 per member, $9 nonmembers and includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
Senior Movie. See Pirates of the Carribean 2, starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, rated PG-13. Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, 1:30 p.m. Cost $2, includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 22
<cal2>Cupid's Valentine Breakfast. Start the day with breakfast with the whole family at Lucketts Community Center42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg, 7-8 a.m. Cost $4. Call 703-771-5281.
Bilingual Story Time. All are welcome to this Spanish bilingual story time presented by Barbara Davila in her most animated voice at Cascade Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, 4 p.m. Recommended for all ages. Call 703-444-3228.
Gardening Expo. The Capital Home and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, 5-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Visit www.CapitalHomeShow.com for tickets.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 23
<cal2>YMCA Fund-raiser. The 19th Annual Chocolates Galore & More benefiting the YMCA Loudoun County, from 7-11 p.m., at the Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne. Ticket $50 in advance, $55 at the door. Call 703-777-YMCA or visit www.ymcawashdc.org.
Gardening Expo. The Capital Home and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Visit www.CapitalHomeShow.com for tickets.
<cal1>Saturday/Feb. 24
<cal2>Blood Drive. Ages 18 and up. Sterling Annex, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For details or to schedule appointment, call 1-800-Give-Life.
Anniversary Ball. The Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross is celebrating 90 years of service to the Loudoun community with an anniversary Ball at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Contact the Loudoun Red Cross chapter, 703-777-7171 or www.redcross.org/va/loudounco.
How to Search for (and Find) Wildlife. Ages 5 and up. 1-2:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Discover the simple skills that naturalists use to find the animals in their homes. This class will interest adults as well as children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Theme: Putting It All Together. Call 703-444-1275 to register. Cost $4 per person.
Dinner Dance. A Polish-American dinner dance at the Knights of Columbus "Barn," 401 W. holly Ave., Sterling. Features live music by Joe Shelko Band. Proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Council 6175's scholarship program and local charities. Dinner served at 7 p.m. and includes stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, pierogies, sauerkraut, salad and refreshments; dancing from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Cost $50 per couple. For tickets call John Thomas, 703-430-6519.
Gardening Expo. The Capital Home and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Visit www.CapitalHomeShow.com for tickets.
Knots For Everyone. Ages 8 and up. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Learn some basic knots, play some knot races if time allows. Ropes provided. Call 703-444-1275. Cost $14 per person.
<cal1>Sunday/Feb. 25
<cal2>Master Singers. The Master Singers of Virginia perform Rachmaninoff's "Vespers," at Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, 7 p.m. Performance in the original Russian. $15 adults, $12 seniors/children. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
Gardening Expo. The Capital Home and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Visit www.CapitalHomeShow.com for tickets.
<cal1>Tuesday/Feb. 27
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, Air and Space or African Art/Sackler/Freer museums. Lunch on own. Price $8 per member, $10 nonmembers and includes transportation and free admission to art museum. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Feb. 28
<cal2>Mardi Gras Luncheon. Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dress in purple, green and/or gold and wear a mask. Includes beads, music and Creole dish. A lunch donation and sign up required. Call 703-430-2397.
Casino Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing. Lunch on own. Price $7 per member, $9 nonmembers and includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/March 23
<cal2>Peter McCory: The One-Man Band for children and families. At Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 10 a.m. Advance tickets are $5 for each child with adults free. Tickets at the door are $8 for each child with adults free. Call 703-777-1368 or visit www.idalee.org.