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/Oct. 29
<cal2>BINGO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Bingo World in Baltimore, Md.; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $11 for members, $13 for nonmembers, includes transportation; purchase bingo cards at the door. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
AUTHOR READING. 7 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Walter Gavenda, author of "A Guide to Haunted West Virginia," shares stories about the paranormal history of Civil War battlefields. Ages 12 and up. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 30
<cal2>MOVIE NIGHT. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown" and "Garfield's Halloween Adventure." Bring pillows, blankets and snacks. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
HALLOWEEN PARTY. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Costume party includes disc jockey Sky Dantinne, light refreshments and snacks and transportation home. Cost: $3 for members in advance; $5 for nonmembers and at the door. Call 703-430-2397.
HALLOWEEN STORYFEST. 6:30-8 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 5 and up. Sit by the campfire’s glow and listen to chilling stories of ghosts. Bring a toasting stick, marshmallows and hot cider provided. Cost: $6. An adult must accompany children. Call 571-258-3700.
WHOO’S AWAKE IN THE NIGHT. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Meet an owl, an opossum and other nocturnal creatures. Ages 4 and up. Free tickets available half an hour before the presentation. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 31
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Halloween dance party. 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.
HALLOWEEN PARTY. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. Includes disc jockey, light refreshments, snacks and transportation. Wear costume. Cost: $3 for members in advance, $5 for nonmembers and at door. Call 703-430-2397.
ZOO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Smithsonian National Zoological Park; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
FRIGHT NITE. 6:30-9:30 p.m., Claude Moore Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Halloween costume party sponsored by Teen Night at Claude Moore Recreation Center for middle-school teens and "tweens." Activities including trick or treating, a costume contest, scary movies, Rock Band and Dance Dance Revolution and music by DJs 2 Go. Contact Sharon Kilpatrick, teen night coordinator, at 571-258-3600.
HALLOWEEN PARADE. 6 p.m., King Street, between Safeway and Ida Lee Park, Leesburg. The Kiwanis Club of Leesburg is holding its 51st annual Halloween Parade. All are asked to bring canned goods to donate. Entries accepted until Oct. 29; contact Suzanne Wright at 703-737-2175 or slwright_va@comcast.net to register.
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.
PRESCHOOL DANCE PARTY. 10:30 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Music, dancing, movement and fun, costumes optional. Ages 3-5. Registration begins two weeks before program. Sign up online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 1
<cal2>PAPER MODELERS CONVENTION. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hampton Inn & Suites, Sterling. 11th annual International Paper Modelers' Convention includes displays and opportunity to swap, sell and buy models. Buffet dinner and auction of model kits at 7 p.m. Cost: admission free; table rental $35; buffet dinner and auction $40. Call 703-620-9720.
DRAW-IN. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Smithsonian Naturalist Center, 741 Miller Drive, S.E., Leesburg. Artists and illustrators ages 10 and older can draw objects found in the center’s collection. Bring own art supplies; professional illustrators on hand for advice. Brian Kirk gives a stone carving demonstration at 1:30 p.m. Call 703-779-9712.
1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS: THE STORY OF ALADDIN. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. The Virginia Stage Company presents a participation play as the audience will help tell this timeless classic adapted by Domenick Danza. All ages. Sponsored by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Visit http://library.loudoun.gov.
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.
FOCUS ON SKULLS AND BONES. 1-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 12 and up. Do a hands-on investigation of vertebrate bones: how bird and bat wings differ, what can be learned by looking at an animal’s teeth and more. Cost: $14 per person. Call 571-258-3700.
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 Oct. 31 item for details.
CELEBRATE LOUDOUN. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Virginia Village Shopping Center, 32 Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg. In conjunction with special events, locally made products and gifts will be featured at several stores throughout the county and at the Heritage Farm Museum, Claude Moore Park, Sterling, during the holiday season. Visit www.LoudounFarms.org or call 703-777-0426.
WII BOWLING TOURNAMENT. 5-8 p.m., Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Ages 5 and up. Compete in virtual bowling on the Nintendo Wii on a giant screen projector. Cost: $5. Call 703-771-5351.
SATURDAY AT THE SANCTUARY. 9-10:30 a.m., Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg. Explore nature. For adults and older children. Free. Visit www.audubonnatualist.org.
STORY TIME MATINEE. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Stories, songs, a video storybook and a craft. Recommended for ages 3-6. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<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.
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.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 3
<cal2>MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Harrisonburg, Va., to visit the Virginia Quilt Museum; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $18 for members, $20 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
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 Oct. 31 item for details.
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.
GERM STORY TIME. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Investigate the world of germs and other critters that can make a person sick. Recommended for ages 8-12. Register online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-430-9500.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Ages 5-10. Includes outdoor play, arts and crafts, movies and more. Bring a bag lunch, snack and drink. Cost: $45 per day. Preregistration required; call 571-258-3500.
KIDS VOTE. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Children are invited to vote in the library’s ballot. Fill out a ballot on book- and library-related issues. Ages 6-11. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
MOVIE. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Watch "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," 1971, rated G, 100 minutes. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
ROCK BAND. 2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Teens are invited to play the video games Rock Band and Dance Dance Revolution at the library. Register online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
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.
WOOLGATHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. All knitters and those wishing to learn are invited to join the gathering. Bring own yarn and needles. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 4
<cal2>FROGSHACKLE OPEN HOUSE. 1-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Discover a treasure trove of objects from nature. No registration is required. Free. Call 571-258-3700.
LANESVILLE OPEN HOUSE. 1-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Discover the history of this National Register of Historic Places listed property. Free event. Call 571-258-3700.
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.
DINING WITH DINOSAURS. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Children ages 4-10 can explore like a paleontologist while looking for dinosaur eggs. Bring a lunch. Cost: $8. Preregistration required; call 571-258-3500.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. See Nov. 3 item for details.
KIDS VOTE. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. See Nov. 3 item for details.
VOTING WITH MOM AND DAD. 10-11 a.m., Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Grades prekindergarten-kindergarten. Visit the Waxpool General Store, a polling place 100 years ago, to practice the basics of voting and good citizenship. This parent-child activity is free with paid admission. Call 571-258-3800.
TREASURE BOXES. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Children ages 8 and up are invited to create a Japanese treasure box. Supplies provided. Register online at library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-430-9500.
<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.
<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.
<cal1>Monday/Nov. 10
<cal2>SADIE HAWKINS DANCE. 2-4 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place. 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.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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>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.
<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.