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, contact Matthew Razak 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Thursday/March 8
<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/return times and locations.
Colonial Calamity: A Jamestown Re-enactment. 7 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. An educational, humorously styled re-enactment of the settlement of Jamestown performed by the Teen Advisory Board at Rust Library. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Seeing Is Believing. 9:30-11 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Learn about animal eyesight, plus a fun activity. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Friday/March 9
<cal2>Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 7:30 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
Film Screening. A screening of the award-winning film "The Education of Shelby Knox" followed by audience discussion with Shelby and others. The program is free and open to the public, and will be held at 7:15 p.m., at the GWU Ashburn campus, 20101 Academic Way, in the Building 1 auditorium. Contact mainstreaminfo@mainstreamloudoun.org. Note that the film contains some strong language and mature content.
<cal1>Saturday/March 10
<cal2>Five-Mile Run. 15th Annual Van Metre Five-Mile Run and One-Mile Fun Run for Children's Hospital. 8:30 a.m., Broadlands Nature Center, 21907 Claiborne Parkway, Ashburn. Registration is $20, $25 after March 2; children 12 and under $5; corporate team $50 plus $15 per member. Register on the Web: www.runwashington.com or call 703-425-2600, Ext. 2288.
Musical: Japanese Fairy Tales. All ages. Belmont Ridge Middle School, 19045 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, 7 p.m. Includes Japanese dance, song, drums, costumes. Call Franklin Arts Center for reservations, 540-338-7973.
Irish Music. At Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Enjoy the Celtic sounds of Anthem while sampling wines in Tarara’s Bacchus Gallery Tasting Room. No admission fee; $5 tasting fee for featured selection, $10 tasting fee for winemaker’s selection. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.Tarara.com.
Casino Night. The Broad Run Athletic Booster's Club is holding its 9th Annual Casino Night and Silent Auction at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 44610 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, 7-11:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and includes a buffet, fun money and a chance at the evening's grand prize of a trip for two to Las Vegas. E-mail broadruncasinonite@yahoo.com.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 7:30 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
Bluegrass Concert. Recent Addition and Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain perform at the Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Doors open at 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.
Guitar Music. Doors open 7:30 p.m., music begins 8 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road. The Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series presents "Funniest Guitar Virtuoso” Mike Rayburn. Cost: $12. Visit http://www.shenandoahacoustics.com.
Concert. 7 p.m., at Sugarland Elementary School, 65 Sugarland Run Drive, Sterling. Victory Chapel Christian Fellowship Ministries is sponsoring a free concert featuring two bands from the Potter's House in Philadelphia. Call 585-230-4094.
Teen Reading Buddies. 1-4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Stories read by teen volunteers for preschoolers. Recommended for ages 3-5. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Birding Banshee. 8 a.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks host a monthly bird walk. Bring binoculars. Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Hands-on Science. 1 p.m., Smithsonian Naturalist Center in Leesburg. Join the teacher naturalist for two hours of "hands-on science" about the fossils, minerals, birds, butterflies and bones you might find in your backyard. For visitors age 10 and older. To register, contact Mimi Westervelt, 703-779-9714.
<cal1>Sunday/March 11
<cal2>Musical: Japanese Fairy Tales. All ages. Belmont Ridge Middle School, 19045 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg, 3 p.m. Includes Japanese dance, song, drums, costumes. Call Franklin Arts Center for reservations, 540-338-7973.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will open at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 3 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
Pottery Sale. Gallery 222 and the Loudoun Academy of the Arts will host a special Greek pottery sale, from 1-4 p.m. All of the pottery pieces come from ceramic workshops in Greece and include hand-painted designs on plates, bowls, serving pieces, flower pots, candlesticks, pitchers and trivets. Gallery 222 is located at 222 South King St. in historic downtown Leesburg. Call 703-777-5498.
Nature Walk. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship. Registration required. Join local naturalist Phil Daley as he explores the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship during early spring. Meet at the Neersville Volunteer Fire Station on Route 671 at 10 a.m. To register, visit http://loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm or contact Phil Daley at 540-338-6528 or pdaley@loudounwildlife.org.
<cal1>Monday/March 12
<cal1>Leave It to Beaver. 9:30-11 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Learn all about beavers. Ages 3-6. Cost $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 14
<cal2>St. Patrick's Luncheon. Annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with lunch at noon. Dress in green and sign Irish melodies. Cost is regular lunch donation. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Thursday/March 15
<cal2>Leave It to Beaver. 9:30-11 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Learn all about beavers. Ages 3-6. Cost $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Friday/March 16
<cal2>Word Beat. Come hear Word-Beat, with world percussion master Tom Teasley and vocalist Charles Williams, 7:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, 22135 Davis Drive near Route 28 and Church Road. Word-Beat brings together poetry, ancient rhythms and melodies from around the globe, mixed with modern sounds in new musical combinations. Tickets are $10, available at the door, with a percentage of the proceeds going to charity. Visit uusterling.org.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will open at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 7:30 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
Toddler Treks. 9:30-10:15 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Trek through the outdoors with baby Ages 1-2. Cost $4. Call 571-258-3700.
Park Pals. 10:45-11:145 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling Discover the outdoors with a grown-up friend. Cost $7. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Saturday/March 17
<cal2>Irish Music. At Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Enjoy the Celtic sounds of Anthem while sampling wines in Tarara’s Bacchus Gallery Tasting Room. No admission fee; $5 tasting fee for featured selection, $10 tasting fee for winemaker’s selection. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.Tarara.com.
Ballet. The Loudoun Ballet Company will present the full-length version of Swan Lake at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling, 7 p.m. Tickets: advanced reserved seating $15 for adult, $12 for child and senior; $20 per person for premium seating and at the door.
Call 703-771-8074 or visit www.loudounballet.org.
Bowling. Junior Achievement of the National Capital Area (JA) is seeking bowling teams from Loudoun County for its Annual Bowl-A-Thon at Bowl America Dranesville in Sterling. Register by calling Hillary Brendzel at 202-777-4473 or e-mailing her at bowl@janca.org. There is a $14 nonrefundable registration fee required per bowler for two games. Proceeds will go to benefit JA and its after-school initiatives in the greater Washington region. Visit www.JABowl.org.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will open at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 7:30 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
Irish Music. 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg. A St. Patrick’s Day Concert featuring traditional Irish music Cost: $12 per person; children under 8 free. Visit www.uuloudoun.org or call 703-737-7644.
Bluegrass Concert. Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m., at the Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Iron Ridge and Lonesome Highway perform. Cost $12 at the door; refreshments available at snack bar. Call 703-771-5281.
<cal1>Sunday/March 18
<cal2>Ballet. The Loudoun Ballet Company will present the full-length version of Swan Lake at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling, 3 p.m. Tickets: advanced reserved seating $15 for adult, $12 for child and senior; $20 per person premium seating and at the door.
Bowling. Junior Achievement of the National Capital Area (JA) is seeking bowling teams from Loudoun County for its Annual Bowl-A-Thon at Bowl America Dranesville in Sterling. Register by calling Hillary Brendzel at 202-777-4473 or e-mailing her at bowl@janca.org. There is a $14 nonrefundable registration fee required per bowler for two games. Proceeds will go to benefit JA and its after-school initiatives in the greater Washington region. Visit www.JABowl.org.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will open at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 3 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
Exploring Olde Loudoun, 2-6 p.m. First of a series of four field trips that explore Loudoun County's history, stories, historic places, villages and back roads in celebration of Loudoun County's 250th Anniversary. All tours begin in Leesburg. Cost: $15 per trip or $50 for all four trips. Reservations required, call 540-687-6681 or visit http://www.mosbyheritagearea.org.
<cal1>Friday/March 19
<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, U.S. Botanical Gardens, Air and Space or African Art/Sackler/Freer/Hirshharn 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/return times and locations.
Sing Along. 1 p.m., at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Sing-A-Long group will sing Irish melodies. Free. Call 703-430-2397.
Forest Fledglings. 9:30-11 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Look for the birds, squirrels, and others that are born there. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 21
<cal2>Senior Movie. 1 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. See "Superman Returns," starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey; rated PG-13. Cost: $2, includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
<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.
Museum Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to the Air and Space Museum in Dulles. Lunch on own. Price $5 per member, $7 nonmembers and includes transportation and free admission to art museum. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will open at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 7:30 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
<cal1>Saturday/March 24
<cal2>Symphony Performance. Loudoun Symphony Orchestra performs "Creation," featuring special guest soloists, a chorus of select Loudoun County Public School singers. At Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. A lecture takes place at 7 p.m., string workshop at 7:30 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m. Advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student, through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211 or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
Irish Music. At Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Enjoy the Celtic sounds of Anthem while sampling wines in Tarara’s Bacchus Gallery Tasting Room. The Celtic Rhythm Dance Company will perform traditional, as well as contemporary, Irish dance. No admission fee; $5 tasting fee for featured selection, $10 tasting fee for winemaker’s selection. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.Tarara.com.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will open at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 7:30 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
<cal1>Sunday/March 25
<cal2>Symphony Performance. Loudoun Symphony Orchestra performs "Creation," featuring special guest soloists, a chorus of select Loudoun County Public School singers. At Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling, 3 p.m. Advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student, through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211 or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
Theater. “Treasures-The Musical Adventures of Tom Sawyer” will open at the Old Stone School in Hillsboro, 3 p.m. The musical is an original adaptation of the Mark Twain classic and is being produced by Aurora Studio Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.aurorastudiotheatre.org. Cost is $12 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students.
Choir Music. 4 p.m., United Methodist Church, 304 East Church Road, Sterling. The Aldersgate Choir of Sterling will perform the Requiem in D Minor composed by Gabriel Faure. Call 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
<cal1> Wednesday/March 28
<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/return times and locations.
Pancake Breakfast. Annual pancake breakfast at the Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, 9-10:30 a.m. Includes eggs, bacon or sausage, pancakes, juice and coffee. Tickets $3 per person. Open to the public. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Saturday/March 31
<cal2>Theater Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Middletown, Va., to see Stones in his Pockets at the Wayside Theatre. Includes buffet lunch at Hotel Strasburg. Price $47 per member, $49 nonmembers and includes transportation, lunch, tax, tip and show. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Irish Music. At Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, 12-4 p.m. Enjoy the Celtic sounds of Anthem while sampling wines in Tarara’s Bacchus Gallery Tasting Room. No admission fee; $5 tasting fee for featured selection, $10 tasting fee for winemaker’s selection. Call 703-771-7100 or visit www.Tarara.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 4
<cal2>Charity Golf Tourney. 9 a.m. shotgun start, at Lansdowne Golf Club. The 2nd Annual Team Katelyn Golf Tournament to benefit the March of Dimes Walk America campaign. Cost: $100 per person, includes cart and green fees, free driving range, goody bag, breakfast, lunch and awards dinner banquet, beverages on the course, prizes. Visit www.katelynsjourney.com.
<cal1>Friday/April 6
<cal2>Story Time Matinee. Monthly story time including a video storybook and a craft at Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. In April for "How My Library Grew." Recommended for ages 3-6. Register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or by calling 703-737-8105.
<cal1>Monday/April 9
<cal2>Cherry Blossoms Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to East Potomac Park, Hain's Point, and to the Tidal Basin at the FDR Memorial, to see the cherry blossoms. Bring bag lunch. Price $8 per member, $10 nonmembers and includes transportation. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 10
<cal2>Cherry Blossoms Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to East Potomac Park, Hain's Point, and to the Tidal Basin at the FDR Memorial, to see the cherry blossoms. See April 9 item for more details.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 11
<cal2>Theater Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Riverside Dinner Theatre in Fredericksburg, Va., to see Bye Bye Birdie. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations, and cost.
<cal1>Thursday/April 12
<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/return times and locations.
<cal1>Saturday/April 14
<cal2>Teen Reading Buddies. 1-4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Stories read by teen volunteers for preschoolers. Recommended for ages 3-5. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Tuesday/April 17
<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, U.S. Botanical Gardens, Air and Space or African Art/Sackler/Freer/Hirshharn 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/return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 18
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Brewmaster's Castle and Woodrow Wilson House. Lunch on own. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations, and cost.
<cal1>Saturday/April 21
<cal2>Master Singers. 8 p.m., at St. James Episcopal, 14 Cornwall St., Leesburg. The Master Singers of Virginia perform Aaron Copland's "In the Beginning." Cost: $15 adults, $12 seniors/children. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 25
<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/return times and locations.
<cal1>Saturday/May 12
<cal2>Youth Orchestra Performance. 4 p.m., at Harper Park Middle School, 701 Potomac Station Drive, N.E., Leesburg. The Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra gives a free performance. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211 or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
<cal1>Saturday/May 19
<cal2>Symphony Performance. 7 p.m., lecture; 7:30 p.m., strings workshop; 8 p.m., performance, at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. Loudoun Symphony Orchestra performs "American Fanfare," featuring Charles Willams. Cost: advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student, through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287, fax 703-771-8211, or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.