It’s a cliché that a garden is never done, and there’s always more to learn.
Our garden began about 20 years ago as a water management project. The natural flow of water ran from the high point on the lot right through our basement on its way to a catch basin near the end of the driveway. To redirect the water flow around the house, contractors moved soil from against the house and created two berms along 1st. St. Suddenly we had a garden to plant before the weeds took over. To start, we added soil, compost and mulch to improve the clay-heavy soil. Given the southern exposure, we planted sun-loving and drought-tolerant plants, a few shrubs and a white lilac, plus hundreds of tulips and narcissus. Eventually we learned that the black walnut tree put a toxin into the soil that many plants can’t tolerate.
Twenty years later, the evolution of the garden continues. Redbuds can tolerate the juglone toxin, and now we have an aerial hedge that provides a green screen from the street. The back yard is no longer a heat island and a dozen types of birds visit the yard. Mature trees and shrubs shade some of the sun lovers, some plants are too tall for their spot and other plants need to be moved or divided. There are holes that can’t seem to grow anything. And as cute as the rabbits are…
The warm days will be here soon, and with them the reminder that there are chores to be done.
Please save the date for a community concert on Tuesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. The Lyon Park Community Center, with assistance from DC Musicians Local 161-710 and the Music Performance Trust Fund, commemorate Women’s History Month with an evening of music by women, performed by women!
Neighborhood old timers will see some familiar faces, as principal players from the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra join our neighbor Susan Robinson performing music for flute, harp, and strings. The repertoire spans the years from 17th century composer Maddalena Sirmin, to the romantic Fanny Mendelssohn, and includes the works of three living composers: Stella Sung, Libby Larsen, and Lena Auerbach. The quintet enjoyed a thrilling tour to South Africa a few years ago, and are delighted to be reuniting for this event.
This concert is free and suitable for older, concert-ready kids. It will be about 90 minutes, including a short intermission, and a post concert Q and A and reception with the artists. Tickets will become available closer to the concert date, accessible through the link on the Upcoming Events page.
Fluorescent lights buzzed and feet shuffled down the aisles as I neared the checkout counter. The cashier uttered his routine How did you find everything? as he slid my coconut water across the scanner. In this exceptionally ordinary moment, I pondered the opportunity to make both our lives a touch more interesting. As he looked up, boredom masked behind a customer-service smile, I asked, “What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen happen at this store?” An eye-widened expression turned to a grin as he launched into a story from weeks before. We giddily continued the conversation before parting ways. As I stepped out of the store, a grin spread across my face. A mundane moment transformed into a connection between two strangers.
In today’s technologically advanced world, information surrounds us like oxygen; we constantly consume it. When a thumb movement answers any question, why bother asking questions to one another? It’s pointless. Right?
Wrong. Curiosity holds a greater function than inspiring a google search; it operates as one of the most powerful human tools to foster connection, deepen relationships, and enrich our lives.
In 2023 the U.S surgeon general released an advisory on America’s epidemic of loneliness and isolation, noting that connection improves physical health, enhances mental well-being, and even lowers death rates. Yet from 2003 to 2020, social connection drastically declined while social isolation increased by 24 hours per month. Loneliness infects our nation—but our human nature can cure us. Here, interpersonal curiosity takes the spotlight.
Curiosity—the intrinsic desire to understand others, ourselves, and the world around us—functions as an essential part of human development. It drives exploration and learning. Less known is its potential to enhance social connections through interpersonal curiosity: the desire to know and ask about people. Studies show interpersonal curiosity enhances relationships by facilitating bonding between individuals. When someone asks us a question, we feel seen and cared for. Especially noteworthy, interpersonal curiosity promotes positive social interaction between strangers. Research on stranger interactions in major cities found positive stranger interactions increased well-being by making people feel seen, worthy and acknowledged. Kind interactions with strangers reminded participants that goodness existed around them. Expressing interpersonal curiosity allows us to enhance our connection to those in our community and our well-being.
To embrace interpersonal curiosity, we must allow a mindset shift. Mentally separating ourselves from others sparks fear and inhibits interaction. The less we relate to someone, the less willing we are to reach out. Nevertheless, we share more similarities than we realize; we all feel fear and uncertainty. Asking questions helps dissolve the invisible wall dividing us.
So what inhibits interpersonal curiosity expression? For one, small talk stinks. It feels awkward and sometimes fake. But redirecting a dull exchange or adding playfulness can turn a boring conversation interesting and rewarding. Anxiety also quiets interpersonal curiosity. A 2021 study on COVID-19 distancing found higher levels of anxiety discouraged social connection and suppressed interpersonal curiosity. While anxiety and fear—often created by separating ourselves physically or emotionally from others—limit our expression of interpersonal curiosity, realizing the universality of these emotions illuminates our similarities and diminishes fear.
Don’t shy away from the unconventional. Permit extraordinary questions. We’ve all heard “What’s your major?” But what about “Do you believe in reincarnation?” or “What object in nature do you most resonate with?” Intentional engagement with strangers becomes more natural with practice. Interpersonal curiosity also revitalizes existing relationships. Ask your mom about her favorite childhood pastime; I guarantee a smile. Questions communicate caring.
Some fear asking questions will seem invasive or annoying, but while time and place matters (don’t ask about someone’s hidden talent during an exam), curiosity’s overwhelmingly positive impact on connection far outweighs the small chance of irritation.
Interpersonal curiosity encourages an open mind; it replaces judgement with empathy. If we embrace it, we may discover fascination and connection with our communities and loved ones. The solution to social isolation stands a question away. Start with the convenience-store cashier.
Who knew the Arlington County Commissioner meeting would be so energizing? Over 30 people were present when President Natalie Roy welcomed guest speaker Kim Klingler, Arlington County Commissioner of Revenue, along with her Deputies of Communications, Business, and Transportation. Kim’s overriding message was that her team knows they works for us, the residents of Arlington County, and they are always looking to strengthen that partnership. Her team is responsible for implementing County Board and school board policies: assessing the values of autos and business, while County Treasurer Carla de la Parva collects the money. Some might view that role as adversarial, but she recognizes where problems exist and is actively looking for solutions, especially helping residents understand county policies.
Two hot topics concerned (1) business licenses – and the taxes associated with them (due March 2), and (2) Short-term rentals, known in Arlington as Accessory Homestays. Addressing questions about the Business, Professional and Occupational Licensing (BPOL) tax, Kim explained that the method of taxing off gross receipts is a VA rule that dates back to 1812. She encouraged residents to challenge Richmond to change the law; her role is simply to enforce existing law. Her team explained that property taxes on vehicles are assessed using JDPower values for fairness. There was a lengthy discussion of the wisdom of eliminating car tax.
Another hot topic was Accessory Homestays (Airbnb, VRBO ETC). There is currently no “tip line” to report suspected violations, but Kim encourages residents to discuss that option with the permitting office. There has been discussion about getting better information from the rental companies, but currently TOT (short term rental taxes) cannot be cross-checked with business license rolls. As of July 2025, Airbnb is (FINALLY) automatically remitting taxes directly to Arlington County which is a positive revenue step. There is a concern that Arlington County is not enforcing the 180-day residency rule for Accessory Homestays, which the LPCA may delve into further.
The attendees were highly engaged throughout the discussion and the guest speakers were well informed and transparent with their responses. We look forward to having similarly open dialogue with other members of the County government in the future.
The sweet sounds of vibrating strings floated through the hall and over a full house, as the Mandoleers enchanted our community with a free evening concert at the Lyon Park Community Center on Tuesday December 2. The Mandoleers, a mandolin and guitar orchestra based in Arlington, was founded in 1923 in Takoma, Maryland, and is the longest continuously operating mandolin orchestra in the United States. Their holiday concert included classical and semi-classical works, folk, contemporary pieces, and festive sing-alongs that had the audience joyfully joining in. And if the music weren’t sweet enough, the dessert table, dressed with a wide selection of delectables brought by audience members, put the evening far over the top! Nothing could better convey how much people enjoyed the concert than the thunderous applause after the encore. We are grateful for the Mandoleiers donating their time and talent to perform for us! For more information about the Mandoleers visit their website at http://www.mandoleers.org.
If you are part of a music group that might be interested in performing gratis for our community at the Community Center, please send an email to David Newman at LPCCGovernors@gmail.com.
Lyon Park Community Center Board of Governors Chair David Newman and his wife, Sara, hosted the Community Center’s first community Thanksgiving potluck dinner, inviting our neighbors in Lyon Park and Ashton Heights. Two dozen celebrants came together, decorating the space, bringing their favorite dishes, and filling the room with warmth, laughter, and generosity. The group included all ages, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The hosts provided turkey, stuffing, gravy, and drinks, while guests brought a delicious array of family favorites, including some Ukrainian dishes! With seating arranged around a large rectangle of joined tables, everyone was together.
A highlight of the evening was a lively “Would You Rather” icebreaker, with guests drawing cards featuring questions ranging from lighthearted to reflective. Bursts of laughter filled the room as people shared their questions and answers, while deeper prompts—like choosing whether they’d rather meet their great-great-grandparents/grandchildren—sparked meaningful conversations. The evening concluded with a plentiful dessert bar and live music performed by two guitarists and a mandolin player, adding the perfect finishing touch to a night of connection and community spirit.
I’m very excited to let neighbors know about an opportunity I’ve been given by Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MOCA)—our museum neighbor—to present an artform not commonly found in an art museum: original songs! I, along with three other local Northern Virginia songwriters, will be presenting our songs in a uniquely vulnerable and intimate format called “in-the-round.”
If you are a folk-music fan, or a Nashville music scene aficionado, you may already be familiar with this type of songwriter concert. (It’s a common format at the famous Bluebird Cafe, for instance!) A songwriters “in-the-round” concert usually consists of 2-4 songwriters. The performers share the stage, and take turns singing their songs. As one musician sings, the others on the stage listen. Often, one performer’s song inspires the next performer to choose a song that complements or contrasts to the previous song.
Most audiences are familiar with the more typical concert “line-up,” for which professional musicians and songwriters craft their song list ahead of time. The “line-up” style concert is such that when one musician plays through their list of songs, they then leave the stage and the next performer follows. The “In-the-round” format is more dynamic and collaborative. All performers are on stage together, the whole time, and their song choices are not set. This allows more exciting, unscripted human interactions on the stage!
Beyond the pleasure of beautiful voices and poignant songs and stories presented in a music “performance,” the ‘in-the-round” experience is a peek behind the curtain. It’s a glimpse into the world of musicians and songwriters. As a participant in these types of shows, I can tell you my “guard” goes down. There’s a sense of collective creation with my fellow songwriters.
Before I started performing in this way, myself, I had the pleasure of attending “in-the-round” concerts at events such as Rocky Mountain Folk Fest and the renowned Newport Folk Festival. These “in-the-round” shows at these big music festivals were always on a ‘side-stage,’ maybe in a tent far from the center of it all, with lesser known artists featured. They were always my favorite concerts to attend!
Rather than craning my neck in a crowd trying to get a glimpse of more famous musicians on a far-off festival stage, these “close-up” performances offered instant connection to inspiring artistry, soul-melting voices, and humorous or tear-jerking songs. Even though I had rarely heard of the artists beforehand, I was often an instant fan. And, it felt like I was making a new friend.
If, in the cold and quiet of January, you are looking for hope, inspiration, and some in-person human connection (set to music), close to home, then please come find a seat in the beautiful Tiffany Gallery and have a listen.
Nashville-Style Songwriters in the Round will be on Friday, January 23rd from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at MOCA, (3550 Wilson Boulevard), across from the VA Square Metro.
The event is FREE and open to the public. However, if you have the means, and want to support the museum or express interest in seeing more of this type of programming in the future. Donations to MOCA are welcomed!
Friends took us to Screwtop Wine Bar when my husband and I were considering moving into the neighborhood and I’m not joking when I say that it was one of the selling points that convinced us that Clarendon was going to be a good fit for us. It wasn’t necessarily the food—which was great—or the wine selection—even greater! It was just the feel of the place. We really felt like this was the kind of upscale neighborhood place – with cozy indoor tables and a welcoming outside patio, that we wanted to have nearby.
One year later, now fully settled in the neighborhood, a friend and I dropped in for lunch at this neighborhood staple, whose website describes it as, “a cozy wine bar and full-service restaurant, serving lunch, dinner, and plenty of good vibes seven days a week.” And other patrons agree—Screwtop is going to be recognized as a 2026 Top Vote Getter for Best Restaurant in Arlington AND Best Neighborhood Bar by Arlington Magazine’s readers’ survey.
Screwtop has been part of the community for sixteen years, since 2009, and has staff members who have been working there for upwards of ten years. Some wine club members have been part of the scene for the same amount of time. Linda, the owner I spoke to on my most recent visit, told me that people appreciate that this is more than a restaurant or wine store, but a place to have fun and meet people. Screwtop hosts weekly and monthly events, including tastings and classes, and is available for a variety of private parties. Linda mentioned that some patrons came to Screwtop on a first date and return to celebrate their engagement and/or anniversary.
The menu features six pages of beverages, including hundreds of wines, cocktails, and terrific mocktails (in a menu section called, “Shaken Not Slurred”). Curious No. 3 – the Juniper Cucumber Collins is a favorite of mine. Wine selections rotate regularly, and seasonal wine flights are added to the menu, like the Fizz the Season, Jingle Blends, and Rosé Bells are Ringing.
The food is fantastic. For full transparency, I have loved the more stable menu items more than I love some of the recent additions. The grilled cheese sliders, a signature dish, paired with tomato bisque is a hit any time of year, and the Butternut Squash Salad (with added shrimp) is a standout. The new acorn squash stuffed with turkey and quinoa tasted “healthy,” according to my friend who ordered it, and the newly added Zucchini Lasagna, which I ordered, was good, but spicier than I’d anticipated. On the brunch menu (served Saturday and Sundays), the Nutella & Banana French Toast, and Avocado Toast are crowd pleasers. And the cheesemonger plate rivals those at the fanciest of restaurants. Little embellishments—like a serving of truffle popcorn when you sit down, soft napkins (my friend asked me to add that!) and Hershey’s kisses with your check—enhance the overall experience.
While reservations generally aren’t needed for lunch, it’s recommended that you book ahead for dinner and on weekends. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3:00-6:00 p.m., and other specials are on offer during the week, like half off all wine bottles on the menu under $100 Sundays from 4:00-9:00 p.m.
There is so much going on at Screwtop, it’s hard to capture it all! But, more than anything, it’s a warm, welcoming spot where your meal is going to be delicious and your drinks are going to be special. If you haven’t been in awhile —or at all—it’s definitely worth a return visit to this sweet Clarendon spot.
Screwtop (1025 N Fillmore Street): Hours of operation are 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Phone number is 703-888-0845. Visit the website: screwtopwinebar.com for more information..
The snow and ice were no match for Team Showalter. The sidewalks were clear and dry by the time the guests arrived.
The Lyon Park Community Center’s Winter Wonderland was designed by Darcy Rosenbaum. Darcy and her team of elves (John and Benton) worked tirelessly to create a magical experience for everyone.
The craft tables were a big hit with both children and adults. Options included making a keychain and a set of earrings, pinecone decorating, writing notes to Santa, and much more. So many fun activities to choose from. Gallons of hot chocolate were mixed, mini marshmallows were dunked, and hundreds of candy canes consumed. Cookies and more cookies were eaten by the handfuls – thanks to those who donated cookies.
The gingerbread cookie decorating station was packed with kids of all ages. Marjorie Phillips went above and beyond baking hundreds of gingerbread cookies. She then staffed the decorating table the entire time. Thank you for your incredible contribution.
A new addition this year was a face painting station. Layla Moustafa and Sophie Enkhbat, neighborhood entrepreneurs, had a continuous line of kids waiting for their turn and their painted faces were adorable. Layla and Sophie will make a great addition to any birthday party you are planning.
And what would a holiday party be without Santa. Our loveable neighborhood Santa brought his sleigh to life and put a smile on all the kids’ faces. Many happy memories were made.
Thank you to the army of volunteers who stepped up to help staff the party. Without volunteers and donations, events like this cannot happen.
On the afternoon of December 11, Lyon Park lost a beloved member of its arboreal family, the Japanese zelkova tree (zelkova serrata) that for many years stood guard near the southeast corner of Lyon Park. In the summer it offered shade, and its fall leaves were brilliant. The tree’s demise highlights two community concerns that Arlington County leadership must address: bureaucratic inflexibility and poor communication.
There is little doubt that Lyon Park is facing a tree crisis. The prevalence of aging trees (many 100+ years old), disease and development has reduced the tree canopy throughout our area. As a community, we value trees for their cooling shade, and role in cleaning the air and absorbing water runoff. After decades of neglect, the County is finally engaged, implementing the Circuit Tree Maintenance program in 2024, “proactively inspecting and scheduling maintenance to all street trees under [the County’s] care on a five-year cycle” to protect Arlington’s tree canopy.
Lyon Park certainly appreciates the County’s intentions, yet there is a right way and a wrong way to go about tree maintenance, and the treatment of this tree sure looks like the wrong way.
During this past summer, the County started working on Lyon Park’s trees. Communication was underwhelming, with a single notification about scheduled tree maintenance sent via email to the LPCA (which then distributed it to the list serve) in mid-August. This information was not sent to individual homes, so it came as a shock to many in mid-October when signs were nailed to a dozen trees, stating their removal was imminent. Residents were angry and confused, and it was two days later that the LPCA President received a County email stating the number of trees slated for pruning and/or removal.
Questioning why this important and seemingly healthy tree was being cut down, the community gathered at the site on October 25, inviting County leaders to join them for a “treeside chat.” No County employees attended, but residents who were present agreed that the tree appeared healthy and requested a second opinion on its viability. Communication went back-and-forth between the LPCA and County officials, with Lyon Park asking for time to review options to rehabilitate the tree, which serves as a focal point on N Fillmore Street. Responses were slow, but the LPCA believed it was still in conversation with its government representatives when, on December 11, the chainsaws arrived.
Knowing this tree was a priority for the Lyon Park community, the County could have held off its irreversible actions until the community was convinced of its necessity. After decades of tree neglect, postponing this tree’s removal so alternate options could be considered was a reasonable request. Instead, Lyon Park’s concerns were ignored. Once the tree was removed, it was clear that there was no internal rot, and, having survived the recent derecho and various hurricanes, there was no reason to believe its limbs would fail any time soon. Residents’ sense of betrayal will not fade quickly, and the County’s actions highlight distrust in Arlington between elected officials and residents.
Lyon Park deserves an explanation.
UPDATE: LPCA President Natalie Roy addressed this issue at the December 13 County Board meeting. The Board promised to look into the issue and get back to her. Stay tuned.
lyonpark.org 