<sh>Holiday Party at Colvin Run Dance Hall
<bt>On Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., the Great Falls Historical Society holiday party will be held at the historic Colvin Run Dance Hall on that Virginia Byway, Colvin Run Road. The public is invited to join in an evening with old friends, good music, and dancing, amid the history of this 1907 bungalow-style school house. Attendees are to bring their own finger food or snacks. The society will provide soft drinks and wine, as well as setups for anyone who would like to bring their own liquor. While enjoying the entertainment, friendship, and good food, there will also be the opportunity to visit and learn about one of Great Falls' historic buildings. Tickets are $20. For more information, contact Betty Swartz at 703-759-2378, or at swartzbjn@aol.com. For a registration form, map, directions and other information, visit the Web site at www.gfhs.org.
<sh>Persian Event at Langley High
<bt>The Persian Cultural House, a non-profit organization focused on the promotion and expansion of Iranian language and culture – beyond political and religious borders – invites community members to come to its one-of-a-kind celebration of the traditional night of "Yalda." This cultural event featuring Persian music, dancing and snacks will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Langley High School, located at 6520 Georgetown Pike in McLean. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for children, students and seniors. For more information, visit www.houseofpersia.org .
"Yalda" is the last night of fall, or the winter solstice, and has been celebrated in Iranian culture for the last 4,000 years. It typically falls on Dec. 21 or 22, and is the longest night of the year. In Iran, this night is called Shab-e yalda (Yalda night), which refers to the rebirth of the sun. Ancient Iranians believed that in the end of this longest night – or the evil night – "Darkness" is defeated by "Light," a.k.a. the Sun, and days become longer. Yalda is celebrated on the eve of the first night of winter in the Iranian calendar. As the 13th century Iranian poet Sa'di said: "The true morning will not come until the Yalda night is gone." The festival was considered important in pre-Islamic Iran (Persia), and continues to be celebrated to this day. Persian Cultural House performers will re-tell this night's story through folkloric dances with Persian customs. The Persian Cultural House enjoys the support and assistance of Iranian-American artists, and friends of Iran. The center is working toward the preservation of Iranian cultural and artistic values, and is striving to have future generations be the guardians of Iran's culture and tradition around the world.
<sh>Lions Maintain Medical Locker
<bt>The Great Falls Lions Club Charities offers many community services including a medical locker for the community that is available for anyone in the Great Falls area. Currently the inventory includes wheel chairs, walkers, bed-side commodes, shower and tub stools, canes, and crutches. The medical locker was started in memory of Lion Robert Ross who was president of the Great Falls Lions Club in 1977. Since 1978 the Lions have purchased more than $75, 000 worth of medical equipment. The medical locker is maintained at a storage space provided by the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department. The Lions welcome equipment donations from the community. Those who would like to use the medical locker or are interested in becoming a member should contact the Lions at 703-757-5361
<sh>White House Ornaments for Sale
<bt>The RE/MAX Gateway Great Falls Office has the 2006 White House Christmas Ornament on sale in the office. This is the third year that associate broker Doris Leadbetter has offered the White House Historical Association's ornament for sale with the proceeds going to charity. The past year's charity was the Brenda MacDonald Melanoma Research Foundation. This year the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department Firehouse Fund has been selected as the recipient. The 2006 White House ornament featuring the Chester A. Arthur White House is $17. The White House Historical Association is also presenting its limited commemorative stone ornament for $20. RE/MAX Gateway Great Falls has both ornaments available for purchase at its location at 10135 Colvin Run Road, Suite 101, Great Falls. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 703-757-5760.