Language honors: The Loudoun County School Board recently honored five eastern Loudoun students who attended the 2011 Governor’s Foreign Language Academies: Lara Armstrong (German studies) and William Spriggs (Latin) of Dominion High School, Michael Slobodnjak (Spanish) of Park View High School and Berk Ekmekci (French) and Laura Fagan (German) of Potomac Falls High School. In addition, two Dominion High School students – Jessica Tiblin and Peter Todoroff – were recognized as attendees of the Virginia Commonwealth University STARTALK Academy for Russian, a 21-day residential program.

Stuff the Bus: The Potomac Falls High School (PFHS) cluster presents a “Stuff the Bus” campaign this month and next to collect items in support of the Holiday Coalition’s Thanksgiving meal program and holiday gift program. Collection locations will be set up at special events such as the Cascades Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Potomac Falls High School and the Potomac Falls Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 30. In addition, donations will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 30, at PFHS, River Bend Middle School, Algonkian Elementary School, Countryside Elementary School, Horizon Elementary School and Potowmack Elementary School.

The following items are needed: nonperishable canned and boxed food, new toys of all kinds and personal care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant, soap, laundry detergent and hair accessories. In addition, the drive is in need of clothing for children, teens and seniors and other items for teens (new electronic games, jewelry, purses and toiletry items) and seniors (new blankets, quilts, sweaters, hats, gloves and socks).

Clean-up crew: Volunteers are needed for the fall Cascades Trash Bash scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants will meet at the Potomac Baptist Church on Lowes Island Boulevard before moving on to clean up targeted spots in the area. For information, call 703-406-0820.

Knitting on stage: The Taking Flight Theatre Company closes its 2011 season with the urban comedy, “Loose Knit,” a look at a New York City knitting circle, its members and the ebb and flow of life’s challenges – particularly in the romantic category. The show opens on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Waddell Theatre on the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College and takes the stage on weekends through Saturday, Nov. 5. Tickets are $15 and $10 for students and seniors.

Fall Festival: The annual Cascades Fall Festival returns to Potomac Falls High School on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The family-friendly celebration offers food, drinks, music, vendors, a pet farm, a classic car show and more. For information, call 703-406-0820.