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>Wednesday/May 2
<cal2>Senior Movie. 1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascade Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Watch "A Good Woman," starring Scarlett Johansson, Tom Wilkinson and Helen Hunt; rated PG. Cost: $2, includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
Fete for May. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Celebration of spring songs, games and much more. Advance registration required, call 703-777-0323 or register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Thursday/May 3
<cal2>Museum Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester. Includes tour of Glen Burnie Historic House and Gardens. Lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $17 members, $19 nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Audition. 7-10 p.m., Loudoun County Senior Center, Cascades Market Place, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, for ages 16 and up. The Sterling Playmakers will hold auditions for Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s "The King and I." Visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com or call 703-437-6117.
<cal1>Friday/May 4
<cal2>250th Anniversary Celebration. 6-9 p.m., offered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office in the historic Old Courthouse at the corner of King and Market streets, Leesburg. "Black History" featuring court records covering black history such as the Registers of Freed Negroes and other court papers. Visit www.loudoun.gov/clerk or call 703-777-0270.
Jazz Music. 7 p.m., Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway. The jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, the "Airmen of Note," will be in concert. Free to the public but tickets required; reception will follow. Tickets available by Internet at http://cmsweb1.loudoun.k12.va.us/pfhs/site/default.asp or by contacting Tim Niebergall at 703-444-7542.
Story Time Matinee. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Includes a video storybook and a craft. Recommended for ages 3-6. Advance registration required two weeks prior to the event, call 703-737-8105 or register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Encampment. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. French and Indian War encampment, living history recreation of April 1755 camp. Includes musket-firing demonstrations, hiking and special activities for children. All ages. Groups of 10 or more must register, call 571-258-3700. Suggested donation $3.
Audition. 7-10 p.m., Loudoun County Senior Center, Cascades Market Place, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, for ages 5-16. The Sterling Playmakers will hold auditions for Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s "The King and I." See May 3 item for more detail.
Bilingual Story Time. 11 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St. Bilingual story time with Irene Nagley. Recommended for ages 2-5. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Saturday/May 5
<cal2>Spring Bazaar. Cascades Village Senior Rental, formerly Mirror Ridge, 46565 Harry Byrd Highway, Sterling. Spring bazaar and crafts show, includes handmade items, jewelry, furniture, tools and snacks. Call Jerry, 703-896-9633 or Louval, 703-896-9549.
Youth Fest. Belmont Country Club, Leesburg. Music, entertainment, and outdoor festival. Bring a can of Silly String in exchange for an official Youth Fest bag; Silly String donations will be given to POSSE (Protecting Our Servicemen Serving Everywhere) and sent to Iraq. Visit www.loudounteens.org or call Veronica Martin of the Loudoun Youth Initiative at 703-737-8335.
Saturday Music. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Includes live performances and wines. Call 703-771-1000 or visit http://www.tarara.com.
Garden Fair. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oatlands, Leesburg. Cost: $5 per person, with a discounted fee to tour the mansion, grounds and gardens, children 12 years old and younger are free. Contact Carla Johnston at 703-777-3174.
Lanesville Open House. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. A guided tour to check out the progress of the research into and restoration of this National Register of Historic Places listed property. Free.
Flags, Flasks & Flu: My Experiences in Richmond. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Explore the life and times of Marguerite Inman Davis, wife of World War I-era Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Smithsonian Lecture. 1-2:30 p.m., Smithsonian Naturalist Center, 741 Miller Drive, Suite G-2, Leesburg. "Skeletons Testify: Case Studies in Forensic Anthropology." Forensic anthropologist Doug Ubelaker presents the diversity of applications of forensic anthropology through actual cases he has reported on. Free, no children under age 10. Call 703-779-9712.
Music Arts. 3 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Yarawi, Music Arts of the Andes. A multicultural presentation featuring Yarawi playing music from the Andes. Call 703-737-8100.
Symphonic Winds Concert. 7:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Hope School, 46633 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls. The Loudoun Symphonic Winds will perform. A $5 donation per adult or $10 donation per family is requested to support the not-for-profit community-based band. Visit www.lcbandinc.org.
Spring Plant Exchange. 12 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling. Bring extra annuals, perennial divisions, houseplants, etc. and trade them for other plants. Call 703-430-6673.
Audition. 2-5 p.m., for ages 5-16; and 6-8 p.m., for ages 16 and up, Loudoun County Senior Center, Cascades Market Place, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. The Sterling Playmakers will hold auditions for Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s "The King and I." See May 3 item for more details.
Arthritis Walk. 8 a.m., Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, 20071 Medalist Drive, Ashburn. The Arthritis Walk is to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation while increasing arthritis awareness in our community. Contact the Arthritis Foundation at 1-877-232-2898 or register online at http://arthritiswalkloudoun.kintera.org.
Encampment. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. French and Indian War encampment, living history recreation of April 1755 camp. See May 4 item for more details.
Trunk Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Dominion High School 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling. Vendors are welcome to register for this rain or shine event. Cost for two parking space spots is $10 and bonus-size spots are available. Admission is free to all buyers. Visit http://cmsweb1.loudoun.k12.va.us/dhs/site/default.asp or call 703-444-8036.
<cal1>Sunday/May 6
<cal2>Garden Fair. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oatlands, Leesburg. See May 5 item for details.
Breakfast. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Ashburn Fire and Rescue, 20688 Ashburn Road. Includes coffee, juices, eggs, hash browns, sausage, gravy and biscuits and pancakes. The apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: $6 adults, $4 ages 3-8, under 3 free, $5 seniors. Call 703-729-0006.
Travel through Time in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Loudoun 250 Lecture Series. 2 p.m., United Methodist Church Social Hall, 107 W. Market St. Paul Mapp from the history department at the College of William and Mary will speak on the subject, "The Seven Years’ War and Changing British Imperial Objectives." Contact Thomas Balch Library in Leesburg at 703-737-7195.
<cal1>Monday/May 7
<cal2>From Swann’s Castle to Governor’s Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Pocket Full of Posies. 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Search for flowers big and small and see how they give food to the animals. Drink from your own "flower." Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 8
<cal2>Literary Lattes. 6 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Get creative juices flowing, along with the coffee. Recommended for ages 12-18. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Thursday/May 10
<cal2>Senior Expo. 3-6:30 p.m., Community Church, 19790 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. 10th Annual Senior Expo 2007, features vendor booths, health screenings, entertainment, refreshments and door prizes. Free. Visit www.lsininfo.com.
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. Cost: $7 members, $9 nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Frogshackle Open House. 2:30-3:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Discover a treasure trove of objects from nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. Free. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Friday/May 11
<cal2>Mother's Day Tea. 1 p.m. Oatlands Plantation, Leesburg. Enjoy a mother's day four-season tea. Cost is $24.95 per person. Children 8 and younger are $15.95. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
From Swann’s Castle to Governor’s Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Toddler Treks. 9:30-10:15 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 1-2. Join other parents and their little ones on a hike to discover birds, squirrels, flowers and more. No unregistered siblings. Cost: $4 per adult. Call 571-258-3700.
<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 or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
Polo. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Morven Park, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg. Americas Cup of Polo, featuring a match between the United States vs. England. Includes live music, air show and fireworks. Cost: $75 for general admission, packages available; benefits the Journey for the Cure
with net proceeds supporting MS Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Visit www.AmericasCupofPolo.com or call 540-622-2505.
Mother's Day Tea. 1 p.m. Oatlands Plantation, Leesburg. Enjoy a mother's day four-season tea. See May 11 item for details.
Birdathon. 8-11 a.m., various locations. A fund-raising event highlighting International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), an annual event that brings bird enthusiasts and the public together. Other local activities sponsored by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy include bird counts and bird walks. Visit http://www.loudounwildlife.org/IMBD.htm or contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or at jcoleman@loudounwildife.org. To participate in the Birdathon, sign up online or contact Wade Burkholder at 703-737-2268 or wburkholder@loudounwildlife.org.
Wings Over Loudoun Bird Festival. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day includes guided walks, live bird demonstrations, make a bird feeder, activities and craft to take home. Groups of 10 or more should preregister, call 571-258-3700. Free.
Fun Run/Walk. 7 a.m., Claude Moore Park. Celebrate Loudoun's 250th birthday by participating in the Loudoun County EAC/Claude Moore Park 5K Fun Run/Walk. Preregistration is available until May 4 at www.loudoun.gov/anniversary.
Meet the Author. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Margaret L. Schwartz discusses "The Pumpkin Patch," about how her life was transformed after traveling to the Ukraine to adopt her two children. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Bike Donation. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Ashburn Presbyterian Church. Ashburn Presbyterian Church (APC) Mission and Evangelism Ministry is partnering with Bikes for the World. Bring in old bikes, must be in good condition or repairable. A $10 donation for each bike is requested, but not required, to help defray shipping and handling costs. Call Jackie Levdahl at 703-729-6276 or Tim Schroeder at 703-435-9405 or send an e-mail to darmbruster@ashburnpresbyterian.org.
Craft Fund-raiser. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sugarland Run Community Center, 200 Greenfield Court, Sterling. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Early Detection and Awareness Educational Programs. Admission is free. Call 571-274-3295.
Anniversary Lecture Series. 1-2:30 p.m., Smithsonian Naturalist Center, 741 Miller Drive, Suite G2, Leesburg. "Origin and Evolution of the Cetacea (Whales, Porpoises and Dolphins)," by David Bohaska. Free, no children under age 10. Call 703-779-9712.
Spring Plant Exchange. 12 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling. Bring extra annuals, perennial divisions, houseplants, etc. and trade them for other plants. Call 703-430-6673.
Frogshackle Open House. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See May 10 item for more details.
Owl Prowl. 8-9:30 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Learn to walk the trails at night without lights, call owls, identify frogs, insects and other night animals during this naturalist led walk through the forest. An adult must accompany children. Call 571-258-3700 for reservations. Cost: $4 per person.
Bird Walk. 8-10 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. An experienced birder will help you spot birds that migrate north as a part of International Migratory Bird Day Celebration. Call 571-258-3700 to register Free.
Teen Reading Buddies. 1:30-3:30 p.m., Ashburn Library. A special story time for children ages 3-5 with a teen reading buddy. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Saturday Grand Parade. 11 a.m., Leesburg historic district. Loudoun Border Guards Biennial Spirit of Freedom Muster parade through the historic district to Ida Lee Park; muster performances will follow a short opening/memorial ceremony at the gazebo. Visit http://www.fifeanddrum.org/lbguards.
<cal1>Sunday/May 13
<cal2>Mother’s Day at Tarara Winery. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, Leesburg. Free tour and tasting and wine specials all day. Call 703-771-1000 or visit http://www.tarara.com.
Travel through Time in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Cost: adults $5; children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Jazz Music. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Vintage 50 Restaurant, 50 Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Bobbe Shore and First Call will perform with the Duo. Call 703-777-2169.
<cal1>Monday/May 14
<cal2>From Swann’s Castle to Governor’s Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See May 11 item for more details.
Batty About Bats. 7-9 p.m., Audubon Naturalist Society's Rust Sanctuary, Leesburg. The evening includes a night hike to eavesdrop on bats' ultrasonic calls as they forage for bugs. Contact Laura Weidner at 540-554-2747 or lweidner@loudounwildlife.org.
Duck, Duck, Goose! 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Pretend to be a duckling following its mom, find out what they eat, and how a gosling's feathers are different from a grown-up goose. Play duck, duck, goose. Cost: $10.50 per child. Call 571-258-3700.
Toddler Story Time. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Toddler stories, rhymes, movement and parachute play recommended for toddlers ages 12-24 months. Advance registration required. Call 703-777-0323 or register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Colonial Toy Making. 4 and 5:15 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Barbara Reese will teach colonial toy making. Recommended for ages 3-12. Advance registration required, call 703-444-3228 or register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Tuesday/May 15
<cal2>What is a Gock? 7 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Learn what a gock is and make one. Recommended for ages 12-18. Advance registration required, call 703-777-0323 or register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Me and My World. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg. Learn about Dolly Madison who was famous for her ice-cream parties and the ice-cream freezer, which was patented one day in May back in 1840s. Recommended for ages 4-6. Advance registration required, call 703-777-0323 or register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Puppet Show. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Kaydee Puppets will present "Colonial Connection." Recommended for all ages. Call 703-444-3228 or visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Wednesday/May 16
<cal2>Mother's Day Tea. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. "For Ladies Only" tea and spa day, includes performance by Blue River Singers, manicures and massages. Cost: $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers; tickets on sale May 1. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Thursday/May 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. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers, includes transportation and free admission to art museum. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Duck, Duck, Goose! 9:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See May 14 item for more details.
<cal1>Friday/May 18
<cal2>Jazz Music. 7–10 p.m., Sala Thai, 44640 Waxpool Road, Ashburn. Bobbe Shore and First Call will perform with the Duo. Call 571-223-2423.
National Pizza Day. 3:30 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St. See, smell, hear, touch and taste pizza. Recommended for ages 6-12. Advance registration required, call 703-430-9500 or register online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<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 Williams. Cost: advanced tickets $15 adults, $7 child/student through college; at the door $18 adults, $8 child/student. Call 703-771-8287 or e-mail info@loudounsymphony.org.
250th Anniversary Celebration. All day starting at 10 a.m., offered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office in the historic Old Courthouse at the corner of King and Market streets, Leesburg. Open house, includes historical interpreters, presentations, tours and displays. Visit www.loudoun.gov/clerk or call 703-777-0270.
Winds and Wine Festival. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Featuring wines, bands, kite-flying demos, craft and food vendors, children's Grape Escape, wagon rides and u-pick asparagus. Cost: $15 per person.
Meet the Author. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Meet Vita Tucker, author of "Love in the Driest Season." Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Anniversary Lecture Series. 1-2:30 p.m., Smithsonian Naturalist Center, 741 Miller Drive, Suite G2, Leesburg. "A Bee's Eye View of Pollination, Exploring the Diversity of Bee Species and their Ecological Interactions in Eastern North America," by T'ai Roulston. Free, no children under age 10. Call 703-779-9712.
Butterflies and Dragonflies. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Banshee Reeks, Leesburg. Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free, family butterfly and dragonfly walk. Contact Andy Rabin at stylurus@gmail.com.
Loudoun 250 Celebration. 3-4 p.m., Leesburg Courthouse Grounds, 18 East Market St., Leesburg. Celebrate Loudoun County's 250th anniversary with a performance by the Loudoun Heritage Players. Call 703-777-7427.
Classical Music. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. A musical afternoon of live singing and a demonstration of Indian musical instruments. Recommended for all ages. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Sunday/May 20
<cal2>Open House. 1-4 p.m., Ashburn Fire and Rescue, 20688 Ashburn Road. Includes refreshments and entertainment. Free. Call 703-729-0006.
Winds and Wine Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. See May 19 listing for more information.
Wine Tasting. 12-5 p.m., Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. Featuring wines from the Blue Ridge area. Cost: $7. Call 703-777-8161 or visit http://www.willowcroftwine.com.
Sunday in the Preserve. 1 p.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Leesburg. Join Phil Daley of the Friends of Banshee Reeks and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free informal, family walk around the preserve. Call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.