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/Feb. 27
<cal2>Black History Celebration. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes guest speakers, short movies, music and food. Lunch donation requested. 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. 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.
Three Wishes: Enchanting Fairytales. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. The Sterling Library will host an afternoon of fairytales. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Advance registration required. Sign up at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or call 703-430-9500.
Wire Bending Demo. 2-6 p.m., Dulles International Airport; West Ground Transportation Center. South African artists will demonstrate the art of wire bending to create figures and dolls, a traditional South African art form.
<cal1>Thursday/Feb. 28
<cal2>Go-Go Green: Dinosaur Breath. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. The library will explore air on earth: how it was, how it is, and what it might be like in the future. Recommended for ages 5-7. Advance registration required. Sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-771-5624.
Fancy Nancy. 10 a.m., Borders, 21031 Triple Seven Road, Sterling. In her latest escapade, Fancy Nancy's grandparents show her a thing or two about throwing a truly fancy gala. Join Border’s for some Fancy Nancy fun with her new story, followed by activities. Call 703-430-4675.
We Love Purple. 10 a.m., Borders, 21031 Triple Seven Road, Sterling. Enjoy the stories of Harold and his purple crayon. Call 703-430-4675.
Wire Bending Demo. 2-6 p.m., Dulles International Airport; West Ground Transportation Center. See Feb. 27 item for more details.
<cal1>Friday/Feb. 29
<cal2>Leap Day. 10:30 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Cascades. Celebrate Leap Day with stories, songs and lots of jumping. Recommended for ages 2-4. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Leap Year. 3:30 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Learn the keys to calendars and how you can figure out the day of the week for any date in history. Includes Leap Day activities. Recommended for ages 8-12. Advance registration required. Sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-430-9500.
<cal1>Saturday/March 1
<cal2>Meet the Author. 11 a.m., Borders, 21031 Triple Seven Road, Sterling. Meet author Ed Novak Jr. in the store. Call 703-430-4675.
Puppet Show. 2 p.m., 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Learn about man’s impact on the environment of this magical archipelago as George, a Galapagos tortoise, tells of his island once full of sea lions, lizards, blue-footed birds and more. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are required and may be picked up one half hour before the performance. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Concert. 6 p.m., Dulles Town Center. The Virginia Conservatory Youth Orchestra (VCYO), in association with Youth Music Preservation and Promotion Association (YMPPA), will be launching "Music In Our Schools Month," with a public concert featuring multiple performances from both groups. Call 703-728-2589 or e-mail to info@ymppa.org.
Bluegrass Series. Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m., Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road. Features the Larry Stephenson Band. Refreshments available at the snack bar. Cost: $13. Call 703-771-5281.
<cal1>Sunday/March 2
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
Africans in America Documentary. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Opening in Africa’s Gold Coast and ending as the Civil War began, Africans in America shows slavery’s impact, exploring the paradox of a democracy declaring all men equal, yet enslaving one race to provide prosperity to another. Part four of a six-part documentary viewing and discussion will be led by local historian, Harry Butowsky, Ph.D. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Master Singers. 7 p.m., Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Road, Ashburn. The Master Singers of Virginia, a 30-member a cappella ensemble, present its winter concert featuring Bruckner’s "Mass in E Minor." A lecture on the music will be at 6:15 p.m. Visit www.msva.org or call 703-655-7809. Cost: $18 for adults and $13 for students/seniors 65 and older in advance.
Panel Discussion. 2 p.m., Thomas Balch Library, 208 West Market St., Leesburg. Hear panelists Ruth Selig, Edie Hedlin and Beth Schuster discuss the "Institut fur Deutsche Ostarbeit" papers. The papers are anthropological research data from Poles in Nazi-occupied Poland. Free event. Advance registration recommended, call 703-737-7195.
<cal1>Monday/March 3
<cal2>Clerk’s Office Tour. 7 p.m., Thomas Balch Library, 208 West Market St., Leesburg. Meet in the parking lot at 6:45 p.m. John Fishback, historic records manager for Loudoun County, will lead a tour of the Clerk’s Ofice, discuss the county’s holdings, where to look for birth, death and marriage certificates and how to use records in research. Free event. Advance registration is recommended, call 703-737-7195.
Seussical Celebration. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Celebrate the incomparable Dr. Seuss on the 104th anniversary of his birthday. Have fun with books, games and more. Recommended for the family. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 4
<cal2>Flower Show Trip. 6 a.m., Philadelphia. The Douglass Community Center will be taking a group to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Cost: $60 per person, plus meals. The trip leaves from the Steinmart parking lot in Leesburg. Register at any Loudoun County Parks and Recreation location by Feb. 25. Call the Douglass Community Center at 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudoun.gov.
Women of the Civil War. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Barbara Reese will share the stories of eight different women, who lived during the Civil War. Come and see the costumes of the Civil War period. Recommended for ages 9-14. Advance registration required. Sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-444-3228, Ext. 309.
What’s In a Name? 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. The first week of March is the time to celebrate names. Play some naming games and have a fun time. Recommended for ages 6-12. Advance registration required. Sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-430-9500.
Coffeehouse Catoctin Style. 6:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34 D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Talk about the adaptations of Eragon, Harry Potter and other books to movies. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 5
<cal2>Author Web Chat. 5 p.m., www.lcpl.lib.va. Teens, log onto the Loudoun library’s Teen Web Page, follow the links and "chat" with Gail Giles, author of award-winning young adult novels: "Shattering Glass," an ALA Best of the Best Book and "Dead Girls Don’t Write Letters." Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
Wool Gathering. 4 p.m., 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Join the library’s knitting circle. Satisfy that inkling to learn how to knit, pick up some pointers if you already knit, chat with like-minded people. Just bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Thursday/March 6
<cal2>Theater Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip see "La Cage Aux Folles" at the Toby's Dinner Theater in Baltimore, Md. Cost: $53 members, $55 nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/March 7
<cal2>Around the World Lunch. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Participants encouraged to dress in traditional clothing from their native country and bring flags, pictures or artifacts. Lunch donation requested. Sign up no later than March 6, call Janet 703-430-2397, Ext. 103.
Toddler One and Two. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34 D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Includes stories, rhymes and movement. Parachute play for toddlers on the go. Recommended for ages 12-24 months with parent/caregiver.
Wee Got the Beat! 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Experience and enjoy music and social interaction through singing, finger plays, movement and instrument play with Beth Barbaro. 10:30 a.m., for ages 0-3 years with parent/caregiver; 11:15 a.m., for ages 3-5 with parent/caregiver. Advance registration required, sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Saturday/March 8
<cal2>Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Ages 2-10. Easter egg candy hunt and lunch with the Easter Bunny includes photographs and games. Cost: $10. Dress for weather. Call 703-430-6673.
Book Swap. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Claude Moore Community Center holds monthly book swaps through out the year. Bring your adult and children’s books to trade for something new to enjoy. Call 571-258-3500.
Arts and Crafts Show. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Drive, Leesburg. More than 100 vendors will sell home décor items, clothing, candles, soaps and more at the Hometown Arts and Crafts show. Visit www.idalee.org.
Women: Back to the Future. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. This one-woman show brings to life a diverse group of historical women role models through song, monologue and movement. Audiences experience each woman’s dreams, frustrations, struggle and victories. Recommended for adults. Call 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Sunday/March 9
<cal2>Africans in America Documentary. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Opening in Africa’s Gold Coast and ending as the Civil War began, Africans in America shows slavery’s impact, exploring the paradox of a democracy declaring all men equal, yet enslaving one race to provide prosperity to another. Part five of a six-part documentary viewing and discussion will be led by local historian, Harry Butowsky, Ph.D. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Monday/March 10
<cal2>Museums 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. Cost: $12 members, $14 nonmembers, includes transportation and admissions. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Irish Dancing. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Celebrate spring with Irish dancing. Recommended for the family. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 12
<cal2>Theater Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Toby's Dinner Theater in Baltimore, Md. Cost: $50 members, $52 nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
Celebrate Spring. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise Road, Sterling. Spring is in the air so do some crafts. Recommended for ages 6-10. Advance registration required, sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-430-9500.
<cal1>Thursday/March 13
<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.
Paper Bag Princess. 3:30-5 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Come and enjoy the story of feisty Princess Elizabeth. Then create a Paper Bag Princess paper dolls and a crown. Recommended for ages 6-11. Advance registration required, sign up online at www.lcpl.lib.va.us or phone 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Friday/March 14
<cal2>Toddler One and Two. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34 D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Includes stories, rhymes and movement. Parachute play for toddlers on the go. Recommended for ages 12-24 months with parent/caregiver.
<cal1>Saturday/March 15
<cal2>Wii Sport Tournament. 6-9 p.m., C3 Cyber Club, Ashburn. Ages 6 and up. Compete in virtual boxing, bowling and tennis. Game splayed on 10-foot projection screens, trophies awrded. Cost: $10. Call Douglass Community Center, 703-771-5913.
Bunny Hop into Spring. 1-3 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St. All ages. Meet live animals from Squeals on Wheels. Free. Registration required, 703-430-9480.
<cal1>Sunday/March 16
<cal2>Africans in America Documentary. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Opening in Africa’s Gold Coast and ending as the Civil War began, Africans in America shows slavery’s impact, exploring the paradox of a democracy declaring all men equal, yet enslaving one race to provide prosperity to another. Part six of a six-part documentary viewing and discussion will be led by local historian, Harry Butowsky, Ph.D. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Monday/March 17
<cal2>St. Patrick's Day Party. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes coned beef and cabbage, music, singing. Wear green. Regular lunch sign up required, donation requested. Call 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 19
<cal2>Hunt for Peter Cottontail's Egg. Noon-1:30 p.m., Arcola Community Center, 24328 Goshen Road, Aldie. Ages 2 1/2-6. Includes potographs with Peter Cottontail, pizza and juice for lunch, and egg hunt. Cost: $20. Call 703-327-3111.
Eggstravaganza. 10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap, Sterling. Ages 2-10. Includes hands-on displays and egg hunt by age groups. Rain date March 20. Cost: $5. Ages 2, 10:15 a.m.; ages 3-4, 10:45 a.m.; ages 5-6, 11:15 a.m. and ages 7-10, 11:45 a.m. Call 571-258-3700.
Bunny Bonanza. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Hertiage Farm Museum, 21668 Hertiage Farm Lane, Sterling. All ages. Includes live animals, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Cosponsored by the Department of Animal Care and Control. Cost: $5 adults, $3 child. Call 571-258-3800.
Wool Gathering. 4 p.m., 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Join the library’s knitting circle. Satisfy that inkling to learn how to knit, pick up some pointers if you already knit, chat with like-minded people. Just bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Tuesday/March 25
<cal2>Bingo Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Bingo World in Baltimore, Md. Cost: $10 members, $12 nonmembers, includes transportation. Purchase bingo cards at the door; purchase or bring lunch. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/March 26
<cal2>Basilica Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C. Includes guided tours of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the National Cathedral followed by tea at 2:45 p.m. in the cathedral tower; lunch on own at basilica or bring bag lunch. Cost: $35 members, $37 nonmembers, includes transportation, tours and tea. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
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/March 27
<cal2>Museum Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will take a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the Newseum. Lunch on own. Cost: $22 members, $24 nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Saturday/March 29
<cal2>War Encampment. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap, Sterling. All ages. Re-enactment of the 2nd Virginia Regiment Encampmet during the Revolutionary War. Cost: $3. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Monday/March 31
<cal2>Senior Trip. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace will tour the Bureau of Printing and Engraving in Washington, D.C., and the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria. Lunch on own at Reagan Center food court or bring bag lunch. Cost: $8 members, $10 nonmembers, includes transportation with free admissions. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure/return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/April 4
<cal2>Toddler One and Two. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34 D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Includes stories, rhymes and movement. Parachute play for toddlers on the go. Recommended for ages 12-24 months with parent/caregiver.
<cal1>Sunday/April 6
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 9
<cal2>Wool Gathering. 4 p.m., 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Join the library’s knitting circle. Satisfy that inkling to learn how to knit, pick up some pointers if you already knit, chat with like-minded people. Just bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Saturday/April 12
<cal2>Book Swap. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Claude Moore Community Center holds monthly book swaps through out the year. Bring your adult and children’s books to trade for something new to enjoy. Call 571-258-3500.
<cal1>Wednesday/April 16
<cal2>Wool Gathering. 4 p.m., 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Join the library’s knitting circle. Satisfy that inkling to learn how to knit, pick up some pointers if you already knit, chat with like-minded people. Just bring your own needles and yarn. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit www.lcpl.lib.va.us.
<cal1>Friday/April 18
<cal2>Toddler One and Two. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34 D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Includes stories, rhymes and movement. Parachute play for toddlers on the go. Recommended for ages 12-24 months with parent/caregiver.
<cal1>Sunday/May 4
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Saturday/May 10
<cal2>Book Swap. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Claude Moore Community Center holds monthly book swaps through out the year. Bring your adult and children’s books to trade for something new to enjoy. Call 571-258-3500.
<cal1>Sunday/June 1
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Saturday/June 14
<cal2>Book Swap. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Claude Moore Community Center holds monthly book swaps through out the year. Bring your adult and children’s books to trade for something new to enjoy. Call 571-258-3500.
<cal1>Sunday/July 13
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 3
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 7
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 5
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 2
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 7
<cal2>Monthly Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.