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 Cuddle Bugs Playgroup will meet 8-9 a.m., Fridays, Jan. 23, 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 Virginia Readers’ Choice primary book club will meet Monday, Jan. 26 and 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 Ashburn kids’ book club will meet Thursday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. The club, recommended for ages 8-11, explores one award-winning, high-quality book. Registration required and begins four weeks before the program. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
La Leche League of Ashburn will hold its next meeting Friday, Feb. 6, 10:15 a.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. The topic is "The Advantages of Breastfeeding." Pregnant and nursing women as well as their children are welcome to attend. Free. Call a La Leche League leader at 703-753-3214.
The mad scientists’ club will meet Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Children, ages 8-11, can explore scientific topics through fun and informational activities. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
The magic tree house kids’ book club will meet Wednesday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Recommended for children aged 7-9. Registration begins two weeks before the program. Register at library.loudoun.gov or 703-737-8100.
The middle school book club will meet Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m., at the Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn. Recommended for ages 12-15. 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.
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program helped 1,168 people this Christmas. The staff and volunteers collected and distributed clothing, toys and personal items. Shoppers at Dulles Town Center and the Walmarts in Leesburg and Sterling selected names from a tree and bought gifts.
The Freemasons of the Ashburn-Sterling Masonic Lodge, 43881 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, meet 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.