Send announcements or events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail <a href="mailto:loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com">loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com</a>. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call 703-917-6454.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 5
<cal2>COOKIE MONSTER PARTY. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Ages 4-6. Celebrate Cookie Monster’s birthday with games, a craft and cookies. Register online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 6
<cal2>SENIORS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Gettysburg, Pa., to visit Boyd's Bear Country and tour Eisenhower Farm; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $15 for members, $17 for nonmembers, includes transportation, admission and tour. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
STORY TIME. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Children ages 3-5 can come and listen to a selection of rhyming stories, featuring books by Jez Alborough. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 7
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features industrial jewelry night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle-schoolers.
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. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 8
<cal2>ELVIS TRIBUTE. Doors open 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel, 13869 Park Drive, Herndon. 8th Annual Salute to the King, Elvis tribute dinner show. Includes eight tribute artists. Cost: $55 includes dinner and show. Call 703-478-2900.
BOOK SWAP. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Bring adult and children’s books to trade for something new. Books on tape or CD, music CDs, VHS and DVD movies welcome. Call 571-258-3500.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE. 1 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. ArtsPower National Touring Theatre presents the musical "Madeline and the Bad Hat." Recommended for the family. Visit library.loudoun.com.
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 Nov. 7 item for details.
BIRDING BANSHEE. 8 a.m. - noon, Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, located between The Woods Road and Goose Creek. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, the Friends of Banshee Reeks and the Audubon Naturalist Society for the free monthly bird walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Bring binoculars. Contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
COFFEEHOUSE SERIES. 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun, 20460 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg. Aca-Perc performs. Cost: $12, doors open at 7:30 pm. All concerts are smoke and alcohol free; bring a favorite coffee mug. Visit www.shenandoahacoustics.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 9
<cal2>BENEFIT PERFORMANCE. 7 p.m., Dominion High School, 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling. The Capitol Steps, award-winning musical political satire troupe will perform. Advance tickets recommended, available at www.DHSATLAS.myevent.com or call 571-434-4400. Benefits the DHS parent-teacher organization, ATLAS (Association of Titan Leaders Assisting Students).
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 1-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Take a guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
FILM SERIES. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Watch the documentary "The Lost Boys of Sudan," followed by a scholar-led discussion. 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 10
<cal2>SADIE HAWKINS DANCE. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place. Music by disc jockey Paige Ballard; light snacks and refreshments provided. Cost: $2 for members in advance, $4 for nonmember and at the door. Call 703-430-2397.
STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
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 Nov. 7 item for details.
SPEED STACKING. 4:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Children, ages 10-12, are challenged to stack and unstack 12 specially designed plastic cups in predetermined sequences. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-777-0323.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 12
<cal2>BEALE STREET PUPPETS. 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:15 p.m., Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. All ages. See the "Out of Orbit Puppet Show." Must register in person at Douglass Community Center. One free parent per paid child, cost: $5 per child, $3 per additional parent. Call 703-771-5913.
MIDWEEK RUST RAMBLES. 10-11:30 a.m., Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg. Spend a morning meandering through the meadows, forests, and wetlands with a naturalist. For adults and older children. Free. Visit www.audubonnatualist.org.
HELLOOOO TURKEY. 4-5 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Turkey-related fun. For ages 4-10. Call 571-258-3500.
GUITAR DUOS. 7 p.m., Park View High School auditorium, 400 W. Laurel Ave., Sterling. The Klasinc & Loncar Guitar Duo is playing live with special guests The Russo-Wells Guitar Duo. Proceeds benefit the Aguado Guitar Club/PVHS guitar competition.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 13
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 14
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features swing dance night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high-schoolers.
PARENT'S NIGHT OUT. 5-10 p.m., Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Ages 5-12. Children enjoy a night of play time in the gym, movies and Nintendo Wii on the big screen, and pizza. Bring a drink. Cost: $25. Call 703-771-5913.
TODDLER ONE AND TWO. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Stories, rhymes and movement for ages 12-24 months with a parent or caregiver. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-777-0323.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 15
<cal2>LET'S TALK TURKEY. 10 a.m.-noon, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Straight talk about the bird and its lore. Hands-on children's activities, stories and games. Free with paid museum admission, adults $5 and children $3. Call 571-258-3800.
CASINO NIGHT. 6:30-11 p.m., AOL Facility, Ashburn. AOL is hosting a casino night fund-raiser with all monies going to support children and adults with disabilities served by LARC and ECHO. Cost: $80, which includes hors d’oeuvres, $15,000 in play money and two drink tickets. Call 703-777-1939 or e-mail Larclady@aol.com for tickets.
BOOK DONATIONS. 10 a.m.-noon, Rust@Catoctin Library parking lot, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Bring book donations for the Loudoun Library Foundation Inc. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. 1-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Claude Moore Park's Visitor Center. Includes hiking, crafts, face painting, exploring the updated Discovery Room and birthday cake. An adult must accompany children. Free. Call 571-258-3700.
BIRD WALKS FOR BEGINNERS. 8-9 a.m., Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg. Learn about bird watching. For adults and older children. Free. Visit www.audubonnatualist.org.
APOLLO 11: FOOTPRINTS ON THE MOON. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Children, ages 6 and up, learn about the technology and the people that helped get men to the moon. Free tickets will be available half an hour before the program. Call 703-737-8100.
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Learn about the history and different types of these classic toys. Ages 6-10. Register online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-430-9500.
GREAT DANE ADOPTION. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., PetSmart, 46220 Potomac Run Plaza, Sterling. The Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL) is hosting a "meet and greet" with Great Danes. MAGDRL will be at the Sterling PetSmart on the third Saturday of every month. Visit www.nova-magdrl.org.
TWILIGHT MOVIE RELEASE PARTY. 1 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Swap movie theories, discuss the books and indulge in "Twilight"-themed fun. For teens. Call 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 16
<cal2>FILM SERIES. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Watch the documentary "The Punjabi Club," followed by a scholar-led discussion. 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 17
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
TOM TURKEY. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Turkey songs, stories and crafts for children ages 4-6. Register online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-777-0323.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov.18
<cal2>CALLING ALL TURKEYS. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Turkey-related fun. For ages 4-10. Call 571-258-3500.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 19
<cal2>SENIORS MOVIE. 1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. See "Get Smart," starring Steve Carell, Alan Arkin and Anne Hathaway, rated PG-13, running time 110 minutes. Cost: $2 includes popcorn and soda. 703-430-2397.
BE A TURKEY. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Turkey-related fun. For ages 4-10. Call 571-258-3500.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 20
<cal2>THANKSGIVING DINNER. Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise Street, Sterling. All ages. Sterling Advisory Board is sponsoring our a Thanksgiving dinner. Call 703-430-9480 for details.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 21
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features anime night, come in costume. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle-schoolers.
TODDLER ONE AND TWO. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Stories, rhymes and movement for ages 12-24 months with a parent or caregiver. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-777-0323.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 23
<cal2>FILM SERIES. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Watch the documentary "Maid in America," followed by a scholar-led discussion. 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 24
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 25
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Wednesday/Nov. 26
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
SENIOR JEOPARDY. 11 a.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Includes prizes, open to all seniors. 703-430-2397.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 1
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 5
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features winter wonderland dance. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle-schoolers.
TODDLER ONE AND TWO. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Stories, rhymes and movement for ages 12-24 months with a parent or caregiver. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-777-0323.
<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.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 8
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 11
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 12
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features winter wonderland dance. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high-schoolers.
WHITE HOUSE TOUR. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the White House and visitor’s center. Lunch on own at Ronald Reagan International Trade Center food court. Completed security form and photo identification required. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free tour. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
TODDLER ONE AND TWO. 11 a.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Stories, rhymes and movement for ages 12-24 months with a parent or caregiver. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-777-0323.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 14
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Columbia, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "A Christmas Carol." Cost: $58 for members, $60 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, champagne brunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 15
<cal2>HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., for dinner on own at Union Station, viewing of Pageant of Peace and visit to Mormon Temple Grounds and Visitors Center, including live Nativity scene. Cost: $23 for members, $25 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 16
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
WHITE HOUSE TOUR. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the White House and visitor’s center. See Dec. 12 item for details.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 18
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Columbia, Md., to Toby's Dinner Theatre for the production of "A Christmas Carol." Cost: $58 for members, $60 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, champagne brunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 19
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features holiday fabric night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle-schoolers.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 22
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Monday/Dec. 29
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Tuesday/Dec. 30
<cal2>STORY TIME. 4:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. One-on-one reading time for children as they buddy up with teen volunteers who will read picture books to them. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 31
<cal2>NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE. 1-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Music by disc jockey Sky Dantinne, includes light snacks and refreshments and transportation afterwards. Cost: $5 for members in advance; $7 for nonmembers and day of event. Call 703-430-2397.