<sh>Woman Robbed in McLean
<bt>On Sunday, Dec. 3, at about 8:30 p.m., a 34-year-old McLean-area woman was robbed after she got off a bus near the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Anderson Road in McLean. According to Fairfax County Police, a man came up behind the woman and placed something over her eyes and mouth. However, the approach of car caused the suspect to flee with the victim's cell phone. Police said there were no injuries. The suspect was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed about 170 pounds. He was wearing a gray, hooded sweatshirt and sweat pants. Anyone with information about this incident or this suspect is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
<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>MCC Board Meets Dec. 13
<bt>The Governing Board of the McLean Community Center will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. This will be a combined November-December meeting. Members of the public who wish to speak during the "Citizen Comment" portion of the meeting are asked to call 703-790-0123 TTY: 703-827-8255, to be placed on the agenda.