Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, contact Matthew Razak 703-917-6457. For additional entertainment listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com, E section.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 7
<cal2>Wool Gathering. 4-5 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Come and join a knitting circle. Learners are welcome, but bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 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. 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.
One Book Discussion. 10 a.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. As part of the Loudoun County Public Library’s One Book-One Community, branches of the library system will be discussing this year’s selection "The Book" Thief by Markus Zusak. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Children's Time Travelers: Who Killed King Tut? 4 p.m., Rust Library, at 34-D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Learn more about King Tut and explore the mystery of his death. Program recommended for ages 9-11. Advance registration required, call 703-777-0323 or go to www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Turkey Treasure Hunt. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Children will find hidden turkeys in the library and increase their library skills while playing this enjoyable game. Registration required, call 703-444-3228 or go to www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 9
<cal2>Veteran’s Day Program. 1:30-3 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes veterans of different war eras in discussions and presentations. Free and open to the public. 703-430-2397.
Fabulous Friday. 7-9 p.m. at Claude Moore Recreation Center. For first-third grades. Riverside Presbyterian Church. To RSVP call Beth, 703-444-3528 or visit www.riversidechurch.com. Cost: $10. $10.
Anniversary Gala. 7 p.m., Lansdowne Resort, Lansdowne. Celebrate the Washington Dulles Airport with keynote speaker Patrick O. Gottshcalk, secretary of Commerce and Trade. Black tie. Call 703-581-1700.
After Hours Teen Center. 7-10 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Cascades. Gamer night for middle- school students. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Spanish Story Time. 3:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Ages 4-7 can hear stories and songs in the Spanish language. Presented in a fun and interactive way. Advance registration required; call 703-777-0541.
Alternative Energy Summit. 7 p.m., George Washington University, Ashburn campus, 20101 Academic Way. Sustainable agriculture, solar, wind, geothermal energy, green construction, biodiesel and planet ecology are among the topics. Refreshments provided. Free and the public is welcome. Call Tony Noerpel at 540-882-3239 or Mike Maher at 703-777-5255.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 10
<cal2>Casino Night. 8 p.m., Congregation Sha'are Shalom, 19357 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. This fund-raiser will benefit the synagogue. Cost: $40 a person in advance and $50 a person at the door. Prizes include trips, sports memorabilia and a boat. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks are included. Call Congregation Sha'are Shalom at 703-737-6500 or write to CSS at P. O. Box 4518, Leesburg. Visit CSS on the Internet at www.sha-areshalom.org/.
Sterling Boulevard Cleanup. 9 a.m.-noon, Park View Recycling Center, 400 W Laurel Ave. Volunteers are needed to help clean up Sterling Boulevard. Safety vests, orange bags and instructions provided. Please bring gloves. In case of inclement weather, clean up will take place on Saturday, Nov. 17. Call Kevin Chroninger at 703-406-7749 or visit www.sterlingfoundation.org.
Pet Microchip Clinic. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Loudoun County Animal Shelter, 39820 Charles Town Pike, Waterford. Loudoun County Animal Care and Control is hosting a free pet microchip clinic. Loudoun County residents or Loudoun County government or school employees are welcome to attend. Dogs and cats brought in must be in carriers. Proof of current rabies vaccination required for all pets 4 months and older. Call the Animal Shelter at 703-777-0406 or visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
Book Signing. 1-4 p.m., at Dover Saddlery, 43717 John Mosby Highway, Chantilly. Sharon Miner recently published her latest children's book, "Beloved Sport Horses." It features local residents skilled in horseback riding. Contact the store at 703-327-4423.
Let’s Talk Turkey. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Straight talk about the bird and its lore. Hands-on children’s activities, stories and games. Fun for the entire family. Free with paid museum admission. Call 571-251-3800 or visit www.heritagefarmmuseum.org.
Indian Classical Music. 3 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Celebrate Diwali! Sant Nirankari Mission Youth present live Indian Classical music and songs. All ages welcome. Call 703-827-5922.
Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series. 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg. Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley perform. Concert will feature folk and pop style songs. Cost: $12 per person. Coffee and other refreshments provided. The Shenandoah Coffeehouse is a smoke and alcohol free environment.
Teen Book "Xchange." 2-4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Trade your gently used books for other books. Set-up begins at 2 p.m. and the exchange starts at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments served. Recommended for ages 12-18. Call 703-430-9500.
Loudoun County Wii Games. 5-7 p.m., Douglass Community Center, 407 East Market St., Leesburg. Compete in virtual boxing, bowling and tennis on the Nintendo Wii. Five stations available with 10- to 15-foot projection screens. Bleacher seating for spectators. All participants will receive a Wii Games T-shirt. Prizes awarded. Registration fee is $5 per person. Call 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.
Christmas 1861. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Living history program, which recreates camp life of the 17th Mississippi Regiment in winter quarters, following the recent battle at nearby Ball’s Bluff. Includes firing demonstrations, drilling and camp cooking. Cost: $5 for adults and $1 for children and includes eggnog and gingerbread. Programs start at the Coach House Visitors Center. Call 703-777-6034 or visit www.morvenpark.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 11
<cal2>Loudoun History Awards. 2 p.m., Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg. Thomas Balch Library Advisory Commissioners will present the 15th annual Loudoun History Awards. This event honors individuals who have made significant contributions to preserving Loudoun’s past through collection of county documents and memorabilia, preservation of historic landmarks, visual arts, writing, and long-time commitment to local history organizations. For a brochure or information on nominating individuals, contact the library director at 703-737-7195.
Teddy Bear Tea Party. 2:30 –4 p.m., at the Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Escort your daughter and her favorite teddy bear or stuffed toy to a special tea party and learn more about Daisy Girl Scouts. Girls must be 5 years old or in kindergarten. Enjoy games, crafts and refreshments. Call Susie Harding at 703-450-2454.
Veterans Day Commemoration. 1 p.m., George C. Marshall International Center, 217 Edwards Ferry Road, N.E., Leesburg. Veterans past and present will be honored and a ceremonial unveiling of the historic statue of George C. Marshall will take place. Peter Burnett, chair of Leesburg Courts and Facilities and Grounds Task Force, will give remarks. Veterans can enjoy free tours of Dodona Manor on this day.
Christmas 1861. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See Nov. 10 item for more details.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 13
<cal2>Live! At the Library. 4:30 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Enjoy lively animal tales. Presenter Bobby Norfolk is an internationally known story performer, three-time Emmy Award winner, and Parents' Choice honoree for highly animated comedy, mime and sound effects as he tells stories about animals. Children of all ages welcome. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us .
Potluck Social. 5:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. All seniors invited. Participants should bring a dish to share and a small gift bag to give as a bingo prize.
Cherokee Storytelling. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 34 D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Joseph Stands With Mary, dressed in traditional Native American clothing, presents traditional and interactive storytelling, Cherokee drumming and singing. Recommended for families. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 14
<cal2>Museums Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Natural History, Gallery of Art, American Indian, U.S. Botanical gardens, air and Space and African Art/Freer/Hirshhorn/Sackler museums. Lunch on own. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Gotta Catch 'Em All … Pokemon. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Join Ash, Misty, Max, Brock and Team Rocket for a rockin' time of games, crafts and fun. Don't forget your favorite Pokemon and bring cards to trade. Recommended for ages six and up. Advance registration required. Call 703-430-9500 or sign up online at www.lcl.lib.va.us.
Lucketts Area Visit. 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m., meet at the Lucketts Community Center parking lot to join the car pool. Join Joe Coleman and Phil Daley on a drive on dirt roads on a birding trip and look for migrants and other signs of fall. Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org or 540-554-2542.
Fairy Tale Theater. 5:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Watch Ashburn’s teens as they put on a performance. Recommended for ages 3-10. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 15
<cal2>Thanksgiving Luncheon. Noon, Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Annual luncheon. Lunch donation requested. Call 703-430-2397, Ext. 103 to register.
Hola! Spanish Bilingual Story Time. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Barbara Davilla entertains ages 2-6 with bilingual stories. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Kaleidoscope Series. 10 a.m., Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. Joe Pipik’s Backpack Puppets perform The Rainbow Show for ages 2 and up. Cost: $5 in advance for each child with adults free, $8 at the door for each child with adults free. Call 703-777-1368 or visit www.idalee.org.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 16
<cal2>Shopping Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Boyd's Bear Country, Gettysburg, Pa. Includes shopping at Boyd's and downtown Gettysburg. Lunch on own. Cost: $10 members, $12 nonmembers, includes transportation. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
After Hours Teen Center. 7-10 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Cascades. Improv workshop for high-school students. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Learn about Morven’s Park history. Early plantation, hunt country, and working farm aspects covered. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor grounds. Meet at the Coach House Visitors Center. Cost: adults $5 and children $1. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 17
<cal2>Lanesville Open House. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Guided tour of the Lanesville Open House. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Free. Call 571-258-3700.
Cyber Club. 6-10 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling. Parents can take a break on Saturday night while the kids have fun with video games, recreational activities, movies and dinner at the C3 Cyber Club. The cost is $64 for one child and $35 for the second. Preregistration is required. Call 703-430-6673.
Piscataway Indian Nation. 1 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. The Piscataway Indian Nation Singers and Dancers will educate and entertain audiences who want to learn more about Native American history and culture. Recommended for all ages. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Discover Feng Shui, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Loudoun Academy of the Arts Foundation, 222 South King St., Leesburg. Improve your living space. Alice Wechsler, certified by the Feng Shui International Institute, will present a four-hour seminar. Participants will learn ways to harmonize and balance their homes by using water, fire, earth, wood or metal elements. Registration recommended, call 703-777-8043.
Living History. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Learn how Loudoun County and the countryside dealt with the World War I. Morven farm workers and Leesburg citizens tell about life on the home front. Meet at the Coach House Visitors Center. Cost: adults $5 and children $1. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Sophie, the Performing Dog. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Celebrate Children's Book Week with Sophie, an adorable dog who will charm you with tricks. Recommended for the family. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 18
<cal2>Birding Hotspots in Central Loudoun, 8 a.m.-noon, meet at 8 a.m. at the Banshee Reeks Visitor Center, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg. Walk the Banshee Reeks Nature preserve, a wetlands area and the Beaverdam Reservoir. View local birds, migrating waterfowl and wintering raptors. Birding trip is sponsored by the Audubon Naturalist Society and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Cost is free. Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org or call 540-554-2542.
Sunday in the Preserve, 1 p.m., Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg. Search for natural wonders during an informal, family walk around the preserve. Phil Daley of the Friends of Banshee Reeks and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy will lead the walk. Cost is free. Call 703-669-0316.
Winmill Travel Collection. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Take a guided tour of 19th century horse drawn vehicles including coaches, sleighs, buggies and more. Meet at the Coach House Visitors Center. Cost: adults $5 and children $1. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 19
<cal2>Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Learn about Morven’s Park history. Early plantation, hunt country, and working farm aspects covered. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor grounds. Meet at the Coach House Visitors Center. Cost: adults $5 and children $1. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 21
<cal2>Wool Gathering. 4-5 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Come and join a knitting circle. Learners are welcome, but bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Senior Movie. 1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. See "Ocean’s Thirteen," staring George Clooney, Ellen Barkin, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Andy Garcia, rated PG-13. Cost: $2 includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 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. 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.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 30
<cal2>After Hours Teen Center. 7-10 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Cascades. Live disc jockey for middle-school students. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 5
<cal2>Wool Gathering. 4-5 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Come and join a knitting circle. Learners are welcome, but bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 10
<cal2>Holiday Lights Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to view the Pageant of Peace and visit the Mormon Temple grounds and visitors center. Lunch on own. Cost: $21 members, $23 nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Dinner on own at Union Station. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 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. 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.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 13
<cal2>Holiday Lights Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to view the Pageant of Peace and visit the Mormon Temple grounds and visitors center. Lunch on own. Cost: $21 members, $23 nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Dinner on own at Union Station. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Dec. 19
<cal2>Wool Gathering. 4-5 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Come and join a knitting circle. Learners are welcome, but bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 24
<cal2>Christmas Eve Luncheon. 12-2 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Ham and turkey provided, participants bring a side dish to share. Cost: $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 31
<cal2>Senior Dance Party. 1:30-4:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. New Year’s eve party and dance. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 22
<cal2>YMCA FUND-RAISER. 7-11 p.m., Lansdowne Resort. 20th Annual Chocolates Galore & More, fund-raiser for the YMCA Loudoun County. Includes dessert and hors d’oeuvre competition, dancing, silent and live auction, food from local restaurants and caters. Visit www.ymcadc.org or call 703-777-9622.