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 Dulles International Airport Rotary is holding a speech and music contest Sunday, Jan. 25, 5-9 p.m., at the Dulles Hilton, 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon. The speech contest theme, "Make Dreams Real," is open to students in grades 9-12. The music contest is open to grades 11 and 12. The deadline for applications is Jan. 21. Contact Vicky Robertson at 703-867-0271 or vrobertson@cbmove.com to apply.
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.
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 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 Ashburn Classics will hold its monthly meeting at the Mills Recreation Center, 43895 Grottoes Drive, Ashburn Village, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Lori Waters (R-Broad Run), Board of Supervisors. Call 703-723-3056.
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.
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.