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>Thursday/Oct. 2
<cal2>WIGGLING WEATHERMAN. 9:30-1 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Can Wooly Bear caterpillars predict the weather? Roll logs and net fields to look for them and their insect friends. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. Noon-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. The Appalachian Cherokee Nation Pow-Wow will be held at the Claude Moore Park at the Vestal's Gap enterance, featuring Native American music, more than 100 dancers and drummers, traditional foods and handmade items for sale. No registration required. An adult must accompany children. Cost: $5 per person for ages 16 and older; children under 16 bring cans/dry goods for A.C.N. Food Bank. Call 571-258-3700.
GERONIMO STILTON DAY. 4-5 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Activities and a short presentation from Martin Casey, Loudoun Easterner editor. Ages 8-11. Registration begins two weeks before program. Sign up library.loudoun.gov or call 703-444-3228.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 3
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Hip-Hop Groove. 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.
MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Bureau of Printing and Engraving and Holocaust Museum; lunch on own or bring bag lunch. Cost: $9 for members, $11 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free admission/tours. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See Oct. 2 item for details.
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. 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.
FIRST FRIDAY. 6-10 p.m., downtown Leesburg. Includes arts exhibits, live music, give aways, entertainment and refreshments.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 4
<cal2>FAMILY BIRD WALK. 9-11 a.m., Bles Park, end of Riverside Parkway in University Center. Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at for a family bird walk. Bring binoculars. Contact Andy Rabin at stylurus@gmail.com or 703-723-6926.
FALL RACES. Post time 1:30 p.m., Glenwood Park Race Course, Middleburg. 54th running of the Virginia Fall Races, benefiting Inova Loudoun Hospital and Glenwood Park Trust. Includes races and family fun fair. Cost: $20 and up based on ticket package. Call 540-687-5662 or visit www.vafallraces.com.
ARTSPOWER. 1 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. ArtsPower presents the musical "Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon," based on the book by Paula Danziger. All ages. Visit www.library.loudoun.gov.
BOOK SWAP. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Bring books to trade for something new. Books on tape or CD, music CDs, VHS and DVD movies welcome. Call 571-258-3500.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See Oct. 2 item for details.
SQUIRRELS AND CHIPMUNKS. 10 a.m.-noon, Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 5 and up. Discover chipmunk and squirrel tracks, homes and what they eat through a game, activities and a craft. Call 571-258-3700 to register. An adult must accompany children. Cost: $5.
RESCUE EVENT. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Falcon Recreation Center, 22025 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL), one of the largest breed specific rescues in the North East, is hosting a meet and greet. MAGDRL helps find homes for abandoned or homeless Great Danes. Leashed dogs welcome. Free admission, parking $5. Call 703-722-BARK.
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 the Oct. 4 item for details.
IT'S A MYSTERY. 2 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St, Sterling. Ages 6-12. Includes trivia and games about mystery book characters. How much do you know about Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys adventures? Registration required, online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-430-9500.
SENIOR LUNCHEON. 11:30 a.m., Sterling United Methodist Church, 304 E. Church Road, Sterling. All Sterling-area senior citizens are welcome to the free luncheon. No reservations needed. Call 703-430-6455 or visit www.sterlingumc.org.
CANINE COUNTRY JAMBOREE. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Leesburg Canine Country Club, 22025 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. Sponsored by the Leesburg Canine Country Club and Dog Gone Natural and benefits the Northern Virginia Spay/Neuter Alliance and Clinic. Features adoptable pets, country cooking, face painting, games, local pet businesses, arts and crafts, voter registration and demonstrations. Admission free, $5 parking. Visit www.LeesburgCanineCountryClub.com.
SOUNDS OF SUMMER. 5-8:30 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Features The Jack Diamond & Jim Steed Band. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chairs; food will be available for purchase by the Tortilla Factory. Cost: $15 per person, free for child ages 6 and under; advanced discounted tickets available online. Call 703-771-7100, Ext. 233 or visit www.tarara.com.
<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.
FALL RACES. Noon, Glenwood Park Race Course, Middleburg. 54th running of the Virginia Fall Races, benefiting Inova Loudoun Hospital and Glenwood Park Trust. Includes field hunter championship finals and races. Cost: $20 and up based on ticket package. Call 540-687-5662 or visit www.vafallraces.com.
OPEN HOUSE/FAMILY DAY. 1-4 p.m., Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. Includes activities, tours, safety lessons, refreshments and chili cook off. Parking with free shuttle from Cedar Lane Elementary School, 43700 Tolomac Road. E-mail Openhousecommittee@ashburnfirerescue.org or visit www.ashburnfirerescue.org.
CHEROKEE POW WOW. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. See Oct. 2 item for details.
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, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 6
<cal2>STORY TIME WITH JABBERU. 11 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Foreign language story time, expose children to other languages through interactive stories and songs. Ages 3 and up. Day's selection: Chinese language. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
WOOLGATHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring own stitching project and gather to chat with friends. Ages 12 and up. Call 703-430-9500.
TREE-RIFFIC FALL. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Explore the beautiful leaves, nuts and seeds and animals getting ready for winter in the forests. Cost: $10.50. 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 the Oct. 4 item for details.
CREEPY CRAWLIES. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. See live spiders and other insects, learn facts about them and their habitats. Ages 5 and up. Registration begins two weeks before program. Sign up at library.loudoun.gov or call 703-444-3228.
PIZZA MONTH. 4 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Hear stories and fun facts about pizza. Ages 6-12. Registration required, online at library.loudoun.gov or call 703-430-9500.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 7
<cal2>GREEN EXPO. 6:30-9:30 p.m., Potomac Lakes Stonehouse Community Center, 20670 Fernbank Court, Potomac Falls. View exhibit booths and obtain information on green issues. Contact Martha Kaczmarskyj at 703-406-0456 or marthak@cascadesva.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 8
<cal2>TEDDY BEAR PARTY. 4 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Bring a favorite teddy to a party at the library. Ages 3-6. Registration begins two weeks before the program. Sign up at library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
HALLOWEEN SUPREME. 4-5 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Ages 4 and up. Includes Halloween fun. Cost: $9, with all supplies included. Preregistration required, call 571-258-3500.
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. Adults and older children. Free.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 9
<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.
TREE-RIFFIC FALL. 9:30-11 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Explore the beautiful leaves, nuts and seeds and animals getting ready for winter in the forests. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
FIRE SAFETY. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. In recognition of Fire Safety Week, two firefighters will talk about fire safety and show what they wear when fighting fires. Ages 3 and up. Visit library.loudoun.gov.
BOOK SIGNING. 6-8 p.m., Oatlands, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg. The Journey Through Hallowed Ground and Oatlands host a talk and signing by National Geographic photographer Kenneth Garrett on the newly published book, "Journey Through Hallowed Ground: Birthplace of the American Ideal." Free and open to the public, but RSVP by Oct. 2 to Jaime McClung at 540-882-4929 or jaime@jthg.org.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 10
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features art 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 from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt country estate and working farm. 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/Oct. 11
<cal2>COLUMBUS DAY PARADE. 10 a.m., Sterling Park. 27th annual Columbus Day parade staged by the Good Samaritan Council 6175, Knights of Columbus. Participation open the community including bike riders, marching bands or other musical groups, organizations, antique cars, military units, youth groups, floats, athletic leagues and school groups. Parade begins at Park View High School and travels down Laurel Avenue to Sterling Boulevard to Holly Avenue and ends at the Knights of Columbus Barn. Includes refreshments for participants at the barn. Contact Steve Rogers, 571-333-7787 or Don Harris, 703-729-3340.
FALL FESTIVAL. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Waterford. Joshua's Hands' annual festival. Includes food, children's crafts, games, pony rides, lunch and auction. Free, auction benefits the nonprofit Joshua's Hands. Visit www.JoshuasHands.org or call 540-540-7827.
CANCER WALK. 5:30 p.m., Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive, N.W., Leesburg. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's National Capital Area Chapter's Light the Night Walk to raise money to help cure blood cancers. Cost: $25 participant donation is recommended. Call 703-960-1100 or visit www.lightthenight.org/nca.
TREASURES SALE. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Cascades Village Seniors, 46565 Harry Byrd Highway. Yard and craft sale featuring handmade items, floral arrangements, jewelry, candles and more.
FOLK-ROCK CONCERT. 5-7 p.m., Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. The Jim & Ashley Cash Band of Potomac Falls will perform at the second annual Moon on the River Concert. Bring blankets, flashlights, food and bug spray. Cost: $10, on sale at 4 p.m. on the day of the show.
JOUSTING CHAMPIONSHIPS. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mt. Zion Old School Baptist Church, 40309 John Mosby Highway, Aldie. Includes jousters from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania charging down an 80-yard track and trying to lance rings of varying sizes. Bring chairs, no seating available. Free. Rain date Oct. 12. Visit www.nationaljousting.com.
STERLINGFEST. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Activities for all ages. Visit www.sterlingfoundation.org or call 703-430-9480. Rain date Oct. 12.
STEEPLECHASE RACES. 11 a.m. gates open, 1 p.m. races start, Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg. Day of family-friendly steeplechase races, also includes the Family Fun Fair with activities and treats. Cost: advance general admission $30 per car; race day general admission $10 per person. Call 703-777-2414.
LECTURE SERIES. 1-2:30 p.m., Smithsonian Naturalist Center, 741 Miller Drive SE, Suite G-2, Leesburg. Features David Smith, professor and associate chair, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, presenting "The Dead Zone of the Chesapeake Bay." These lectures are free and open to the public. No children under 10 years of age. 703-779-9712.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 12
<cal2>PLANT EXCHANGE. 2 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. 15th annual Fall Seed and Plant Exchange, bring extra seeds, bulbs, plants and cuttings to exchange. Call 703-430-2136.
POKER RIDE. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg. Tri-State Riding Club is sponsoring its second annual fun Poker Ride. 50 percent of the registration fees go to Morven Park International Equestrian Center in support of its horse facilities. Participants have up to four hours to ride their own horse through well-marked trails while playing a game of five-card draw poker by collecting cards from dealers stationed along the ride. Cost: $30 per horse in advance, $35 day of the event. Registration form and waiver found at http://www.milesofsmilestraining.com/SignUp08.pdf. Call 540-882-3697 or e-mail nagridr@hotmail.com.
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, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 13
<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. See Oct. 10 item for details.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 14
<cal2>MAD SCIENTISTS' CLUB. 7 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Explore scientific topics through recreational and informational activities. Ages 8-11. October: It's a Zoo in Here. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 15
<cal2>GOLF FUND-RAISER. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, 41601 Raspberry Drive, Leesburg. The Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association Foundation is hosting a charity auction and golf classic fund-raiser. Day includes golf tourney and clinic, silent and live auction and a dinner. Call Wendy Ferrigno at 703-771-2170, Ext. 24 or visit www.LCVAFoundation.org to participate or sponsor.
SENIOR MOVIES. 1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling. See "Leatherheads," starring George Clooney and John Krasinski, rated PG-13, 114 minutes. Cost: $2, includes popcorn and soda. Call 703-430-2397.
MEET THE AUTHOR. 7:30 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road. Teens are invited to hear David Lubar, author and former video-game programmer, discuss his books and the process of writing. Call 703-737-8100.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 16
<cal2>BILINGUAL STORY TIME. 4 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. A Spanish and English story time presented by Barbara Davila. Recommended for ages 2-6. Check http://library.loudoun.gov.
RING DING SPIDER DAY. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Claude Moore Community Center, 46111 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling. Children ages 4 and up will make delicious spiders to take home for after dinner desert; chocolate will be used. Cost: $8 with $3 supply fee. Preregistration required, call 571-258-3500.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 17
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features art 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.
RUMMAGE SALE. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Morven Park�s Equestrian Center in Leesburg. 70th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale benefiting Ladies Board projects and the Ladies Board nursing scholarships. Admission is free during regular sale hours, but the doors will open one hour early Friday only, at 8 a.m., to those with tickets for this Early Bird Hour, which cost $5 per person and are needed for anyone 12 years old or older. Ticket proceeds benefit the Polly Clemens Nursery Fund. Includes silent auction Friday only, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 703-771-2985 or visit www.ladiesboard.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 18
<cal2>COURT AND MARKET DAYS. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Downtown Leesburg. Take a step back in time and embrace and celebrate Leesburg history at this annual event. Stroll the streets of historic downtown Leesburg and visit the many traders and demonstrators on hand or watch the court case re-enactments. Includes children's activities, food vendors and live entertainment. Contact Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368.
FALL FARM COLOR TOUR. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., locations countywide. Self-guided tour of vineyards, orchards, pick-your-own farms and the Heritage Farm Museum. Sponsored by the Department of Economic Development, visit the Web site, www.LoudounFarms.org, to download a brochure of participating locations and a map.
MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Newseum; lunch on own. Cost: $26 for members, $28 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
NOAA OPEN HOUSE. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., NOAA's National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, 43858 Weather Service Road (off Old Ox Road, adjacent to Dulles Airport), Sterling. Includes demonstrations, tours, exhibits, weather balloon launch and more.
RESCUE EVENT. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., PetSmart, 46220 Potomac Run Plaza, Sterling. Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL), one of the largest breed specific rescues in the North East, is hosting a meet and greet. MAGDRL helps find homes for abandoned or homeless Great Danes. MAGDRL will be at the Sterling PetSmart on the third Saturday of every month. Call Sterling PetSmart, 703-444-6500.
RUMMAGE SALE. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Morven Park�s Equestrian Center in Leesburg. See Oct. 17 item for details.
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.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 19
<cal2>FALL FARM COLOR TOUR. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., locations countywide. See Oct. 18 item for details.
NOAA OPEN HOUSE. Noon-5 p.m., NOAA's National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, 43858 Weather Service Road (off Old Ox Road, adjacent to Dulles Airport), Sterling. See Oct. 18 item for details.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 20
<cal2>READER'S THEATRE. 4 p.m., Rust Library, 30 B Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. A Reader's Theatre presentation of the Loudoun County Public Library One Book-One Community selection, "Nothing But the Truth" with professional actors Tim Jons, Stokes Tomlin and Carolyn Christensen.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 21
<cal2>BILINGUAL STORY TIME. 6:30 p.m., Rust Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Sing canciones, listen to cuentos and learn rimas in English and Spanish. All ages. Check library.loudoun.gov.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 22
<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.
HONORING ECHO. 6:30-8 p.m., Dulles Airport Marriott. The special care planning team of the Washington Group is holding a reception to honor ECHO (Every Citizen Has Opportunities). Theme: Hail to the Redskins and includes drawings. RSVP 703-277-6762 or e-mail boravec@finsvcs.com.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 24
<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 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 middle schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 25
<cal2>APPLE FESTIVAL. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. Fourth annual Autumn Apple Festival. Exhibit "Virginia Apples for Flavor: The Story of Hill High Orchards," see historic orchard tools at work, learn how to make cider, visit with local orchardists, browse locally made apple products, meet local farmers and learn about how to buy fresh and shop local. Cost: adults $5 and children $3. Call 571-258-3800.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 27
<cal2>STORY TIME WITH JABBERU. 11 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Foreign language story time, expose children to other languages through interactive stories and songs. Ages 3 and up. Day's selection: Spanish language. Register online at http://library.loudoun.gov or phone 703-737-8100.
WOOLGATHERING. 6 p.m., Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring own stitching project and gather to chat with friends. Ages 12 and up. Call 703-430-9500.
<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.
<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.
<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.
<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.