By Gary Putnam

The 2026 version of the  Lyon Park Chili Cookoff is now history and for the second year, Susan Demske took home the winner’s ribbon with “Highland Street Heaven Chili”. A very good example of what a bowl of red should look like. Second place went to Marie Edwartoski with “My Best Chili”—mild and sweet with gentle heat. Third: Rhodri Morgan with “The Fighting Irish Chili”-gentle on the classic spices leaving the shredded brisket sweet and mild. Best Vegetarian Chili was Helen White with her punny “Hel Hath No Fury Chili,” which critics said was mild and tasty. Honorable mention—spiciest chili—Phillippe Alepin’s “5-Chile Chili,” a classic bowl of red, properly spiced with vigorous taste and spirit.

The rest, more or less in descending order of votes: The Surendra Family with “Ginger Chili,” a jolt of traditional Indian spices giving a new face to an old friend; Ben Henry’s “Chili Verde”—spicy and surprising in a good way; Trish Montgomery’s “Sweet with Heat”—if you like sweet potatoes, you’ll love this one—the Chiliheads gave thumbs up on this one; The Hawkins Family with “An Exciting and Delightful Chili”—the critics said it could have used more spice—”Like kissing your cousin!: Gary Putnam’s “Dog Breath” was aptly named; Sara Alepin’s “Mole Chili”—the meat was properly cubed rather than ground, nice balance of heat; Lisa Morgan’s “Christmas Eve Chili”—definitely not a typical Bowl of Red—an interesting blend of chopped vegetables with a unique finish; (Anonymous)”Bacon Beef Bean Supreme” was unique, a bit on the thin side with good flavor …but why No Name? It wasn’t THAT bad!; Sara Newman’s “Go Easy Turkey Chili”—mild chili flavors with ground turkey, two kinds of beans and the gentle hint of very very mild chili.

Winners were selected by popular vote of the diners. Evaluation and critiquing of the entries was done by Theo Roiniotis and his assistant, Spiro. Notes were taken by Gary Putnam—badly. None of whom accept responsibility for this, yet another chili culinary travesty. Very little cash was received to influence the voting. 

Did you know it takes more than 70 individuals to ensure the Lyon Park Citizen newsletter arrives at your home every month? Kerin Seward and Elizabeth Sheehy complete the layout each month, send it to the printer, and then it lands at Kim Franklin’s house. She distributes boxes of newsletters to Zone Captains, who then distribute to Block Captains, and they deliver it to you!  On Sunday March 8, the newsletter distribution team enjoyed tea, cookies, and good company in the Lyon Park Community House sunroom, as well as some well-deserved thanks for their commitment to getting out the newsletter in rain, shine, and snowcrete! 

If you are interested in joining the team (less than a two-hour commitment per month) please contact Elizabeth at LyonParkEditor@gmail.com.

Thank you to the Newsletter Distribution Team!  

The Lyon Park Womans Club did it again! Many of us look forward to the Valentine’s Cupcake Sale all winter. To suggest that every delectable cupcake is made with LOVE is an understatement. With about 10 bakers and nearly 1,000 cupcakes, the Womans Club sold out early and made many Valentines in Lyon Park and Ashton Heights very happy—what a success! Combined with the cheese sales, they raised $2,500.

There were a number of new flavors this year, including Salted Caramel, Black Walnut, and Pineapple, Banana Smoothie baked by Shelya White, and the intriguing High Hat Chocolate Dipped cupcakes offered up by sisters Donna and Deb—delicious! Speaking of chocolate, at first glance there sure was a lot of chocolate on the list.  But as it turned out, it was lovely: chocolate fudge, chocolate cream cheese, cherry chocolate chili (with a little bit of a kick), devils food chocolate with chocolate chips in the mix, the High Hats, the High Hat minis…lots of chocolate, but not boring!

It took lots of volunteers to make it all happen….bakers, organizers, cupcake guides (there were SO many choices!) and neighbors to purchase the treats. Lindy Love (so aptly named!) kept everyone on task and created the beautiful red-and-pink themed ambience in the Lyon Park Community House. A big THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible, especially Margaret Fibel who organized behind the scenes with who was baking what and how many, Elizabeth Wray and Jim Burke for managing the money, and EVERYONE who helped set and clean up. Can’t wait till next year! 

By Elizabeth Sheehy

On February 9, two weeks after the arrival of Snowcrete in the DMV, residents in Lyon Park gathered along Washington Boulevard to observe the Walk for Peace. Anticipating the monks’ ambulatory arrival from Alexandria, Lyon Park and Ashton Heights residents shared survival stories from the recent storm and many held signs in support of peace. The 19 monks who left Fort Worth, TX on October 26, 2025 walked the 2300 miles to Washington DC, aiming to raise awareness of peace with the millions of people who followed their journey. This was an amazing opportunity to witness history in our backyard.

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara led the monks, who walked briskly in a single file, on rural roads and through urban centers, in sunny weather and through the recent snowstorms that buried the area. The cold was their biggest obstacle, forcing them at times to cover their bare feet and bare heads with warm shoes and wool caps. To get through the worst of it, they focused on their breathing. The monks believe that even in a world filled with conflict, peace can be achieved, and it begins with creating peace in the mind. “Mindfulness is the key to show people that peace is something that is possible and always begins from within,” Pannakara shared. 

Their message is an important – though difficult – one for those of us who run around, always keeping busy, proud of our multi-tasking skills. Phones and overloaded schedules pull us away from mindfulness. The monks advise that every morning when you wake up, you write down on a piece of paper “today is going to be my peaceful day.” Don’t touch your phone until you’ve finished your personal morning tasks, including making your bed. Throughout your day, try to think about what actions you can take to create peace in the mind. 

By Elizabeth sheehy

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. 

By Elizabeth sheehy

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. 

By David Newman

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.  

By David Newman

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.  

By Sarah Fridrich

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!

More information (and RSVP) available on the MOCA website: https://mocaarlington.org/events/2026/01/nashville-style-songwriters-in-the-round-original-music-storytelling. 

By Paul Showalter, Santa’s Head Elf

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.