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.
The Loudoun County Master Gardener Volunteers are holding their free monthly meeting Thursday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at the Loudoun Extension Office, 30-B Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg. Guest speaker Barbara Lamborne, proprietor of Greenstone Fields, will speak on "Growing Organically." Visit www.loudouncountymastergardeners.org or call 703-777-0373.
The Cuddle Bugs Playgroup will meet 8-9 a.m., Fridays, Feb. 6, 20 and 27, at Douglass Community Center, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Meet other parents and encourage children 6-18 months to explore the world around them. Free. Advance registration required; call 703-771-5913 or e-mail dcc@loudou.gov.
The Ashburn-Sterling Masonic Lodge, 43881 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. for dinner. Visitors are welcome. Visit www.AshburnLodge.org or call 703-868-7896.
The MOMS Club of Ashburn Village Area will hold a member's meet and greet social open to current and potential members Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m., in Ashburn. Creative movement teacher Miss Tricia will lead a free 30-minute class of jumping and dancing. Visit www.geocities.com/ashburnmomsclub/ or e-mail ashburnmomsclub@yahoo.com.
Every February, the Chorus of the Old Dominion — Loudoun County’s men’s a cappella chorus — sells singing Valentines to residents who want to surprise their Valentine with a flower and card and a four-part harmony serenade. Barbershop quartets from the chorus have delivered singing Valentines to recipients in almost any place. Cost $50 and include a serenade, a flower, a Valentine’s card and a photo of the event. Order via e-mail at valentines@odchorus.org or phone at 1-800-683-5051.
Four new members have been selected to serve two-year terms on the county’s Rural Economic Development Council after being recently confirmed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The new members and the groups they represent are Christine Geno, Loudoun Convention and Visitor’s Association; Kevin Ruedisueli, professional services; Mary Terpak, equine industry; and Cindy Lowther, vineyard industry. Also confirmed by the supervisors were returning members Jeff Browning, agribusiness; Nicki Bazaco, wine industry; Donna Rogers, equine; John Montel and Doug Fabbioli, at large appointments. Doug Fabbioli, Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg, was elected as chairman of the advisory council and Mary Ellen Taylor, Endless Summer Harvest, Purcellville, was elected as vice chairman.
The Virginia Readers’ Choice primary book club will meet Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Children ages 5-8 will learn about an author and illustrator and do a fun activity. January’s book is "Duck at the Door" by Jackie Urbanovich and February’s is "Library Lion" by Barbara Knudsen. Registration required; call 703-737-8100 or visit library.loudoun.gov.
The American Girls book club will meet Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. February’s is "American Girl Addy." Recommended for ages 7-11. Registration required; visit library.loudoun.gov or call 703-737-8100.
Loudoun Habitat for Humanity will host a volunteer orientation at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. Visit www.loudounhabitat.org or e-mail tonypammcgraw@cs.com.