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/Oct. 31
<cal2>Halloween Parade. 6.p.m., between Ida Lee Park and Safeway on King Street, Leesburg. Leesburg Kiwanis 50th Annual Halloween Parade. Includes bands, floats and candy. Bring a canned good or nonperishable food item. Donations will go to the Loudoun InterFaith Relief food pantry. Organizations can contact Suzanne Wright at 703-737-2175 or slwright_va@comcast.net to register a float or vehicle.
Halloween Dance Party. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. 8th annual Halloween Party/Dance, includes prizes for costume contest, disc jockey Sky Dantinne, light refreshments and transportation afterwards. Cost: $2 per member, $4 for nonmembers. Call 703-430-2397.
State of the Regional Economy. 10 a.m., at the Waddell Theater of the Loudoun Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College, 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway, Sterling. A presentation by Dr. Stephen Fuller, director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University's School of Public Policy. Cost is free and the public is welcome. Contact Bev Blois, 703-450-2503 or bblois@nvcc.edu.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 1
<cal2>Piscataway Indian Nation. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Cascades. 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.
Coal Energy Presentation. 7 p.m., George Washington University, Virginia campus room 101, 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn. A discussion about the effects of coal in Virginia and a multimedia presentation about mountaintop removal coal mining. Cost is free. Contact Chris Broderick at chris_brodrick@yahoo.com.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 2
<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. "Appreciation for Loudoun’s Veterans." Visit www.loudoun.gov/clerk or call 703-777-0270.
First Friday. 7-9 p.m. at Claude Moore Recreation Center. For fourth and fifth grades. Riverside Presbyterian Church. To RSVP call Beth, 703-444-3528 or visit www.riversidechurch.com. Cost: $10.
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. Learn Morven Park’s history from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt country estate and working farm. Includes guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Call 703-777-6034 or visit www.morvenpark.org. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center.
28th Annual Loudoun Needlework Exhibition. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Rust Manor House and Nature Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg. Features hundreds of needlework entries that will be judged. The Loudoun Sampler Guild will display a special needlework exhibit to commemorate its 10th anniversary. Entrance fee: $5 and proceeds benefit the Guild Grant Fund. E-mail loudounsampler@aol.com.
Teen Murder Mystery Night. 6 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. A crime has been committed at the library. Follow the clues and figure out who done it. Includes pizza and soda. Recommended for ages 12-18. Advance registration required, sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-737-8100.
After Hours Teen Center. 7-10 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Cascades. Live disc jockey for high-school students. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 3
<cal2>Book Swap. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Sterling Annex Community Center, 22084 Shaw Road, Sterling. Bring adult and children’s books to swap for something new to enjoy. Books on tape, large print books, movies and compact discs also requested. Call 703-430-6673.
Living History. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. "1918: A Living History Program on World War I and the Home Front." Join Virginia Governor and Mrs. Westmoreland Davis and learn of their efforts to lead Loudoun County and Virginia through the Great War. They will be joined by Morven Park farm workers and Leesburg citizens of the time to tell the fascinating story of life on the home front. Adults $5, Children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
Holiday Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 East Church Road, Sterling. The Master’s Crafters of Sterling United Methodist Church will hold its 11th annual holiday craft fair. Features a wide assortment of handmade crafts. Call the church office at 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
28th Annual Loudoun Needlework Exhibition. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Rust Manor House and Nature Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg. For more information see Nov. 2 listing.
Casino Night. 7-10:30 p.m., Riverboat Casino Night at Oatlands Historic Home, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. Includes food and music by the Dixie Power Trio, raffle prizes will be given. Registration required and is $100 per person. Proceeds benefit the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
Science at Ashburn Library. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Expand your knowledge through the Franklin Institute science-based program. Sessions are the following: 11 a.m., weather; 12:30 p.m., the human body; 2 p.m., hot and cold and 3:30 p.m., chemistry. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Bluegrass Series. Doors open 6 p.m., music begins 7 p.m., Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Featuring Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers, and David Davis and the Warrior River Boys. Refreshments available at the snack bar. Cost: $13. Call 703-771-5281.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 4
<cal2>Travel through Time in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Take a 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. Call 703-777-6034 or visit www.morvenpark.org. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center.
Robert E. Lee, Engineer: A Book in Progress. 2 p.m., Thomas Balch Library. Brown Morton will present a progress report on his research for his forthcoming book on Robert E. Lee's life as an engineer. Register in advance by calling 703-737-7195.
28th Annual Loudoun Needlework Exhibition. 12-4 p.m., Rust Manor House and Nature Sanctuary, 802 Children's Center Road, Leesburg. For more information see Nov. 2 listing.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 5
<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. Learn Morven Park’s history from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt country estate and working farm. Includes guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Call 703-777-6034 or visit www.morvenpark.org. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center.
Teen Book Buddies. 12-2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Volunteers between the ages of 12-18 are needed to read to young children. Advance registration required, sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or call 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 6
<cal2>One Book Discussion. 1:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34 D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. 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.
Recycling Day. Forest Grove Elementary School, 46245 Forest Ridge Drive, Sterling, will be collecting old ink cartridges, cell phones, laptops and PDAs. Boxes will be located outside polling booths. Preserve our environment by keeping these harmful items out of landfills and raise funds for this school. Call 703-444-7590.
Battle at Ball's Bluff. 6:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Join author and battlefield tour guide, Jim Morgan, for a talk about the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. Recommended for adults. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Rwanda's Economic Renaissance. 2-3:30 p.m., Waddell Theater, Loudoun campus, Northern Virginia Community College, 1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway, Sterling. James Kimonyo, Rwandan ambassador to the United Sates, will discuss his nation's post-genocide economic advance and socio-political healing. Public welcome and the cost is free. Contact Bev Blois at 703-450-2503.
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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.