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. 

By Susan Robinson

I was playing pickleball with the indefatigable Natalie Roy a few months ago, when she suddenly exclaimed, “I have an idea!” As it turns out, her idea was a winner. 

As many of you know, I am the principal harpist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, now in my 31st season. And some of you may have noticed that my workplace is often in the news these days! 

Natalie’s idea was a neighborhood “Night at the Opera.”  The WNO Audience Development team loved the idea and ran with it. Residents enjoyed a generous ticket discount and an intermission champagne toast. In October, we brought about twenty friends and neighbors to a WNO performance of Verdi’s Aida, mingled at intermission, and then enjoyed an early dinner back in the neighborhood at Texas Jack’s. A few days ago, a group of thirty was wowed by the WNO’s The Marriage of Figaro, and we gathered for cake and (more) champagne after the show here at my home. It was great fun to walk through the Grand Foyer and the Opera House and see friends and neighbors everywhere, and to get to know new neighbors as well. At our recent outing I was able to introduce two residents of the 600 block of N. Kenmore St. to one another!

Figaro was particularly meaningful to me—since I don’t play the opera I was able to enjoy it as an audience member. The house was packed, full of buzz, and familiar faces. The performance was engaging and rapturously received—it was so moving to witness my place of work functioning just as it is intended to, bringing resonant musical experiences (Figaro is, after all, a tale that celebrates the fundamental humanity of people of all walks of life) to a large and appreciative audience.  

I would love for anyone reading this to understand that the Kennedy Center is just a building, but its beating heart is its two primary constituents: The Washington National Opera and The National Symphony Orchestra. These incredible pillars of the DC arts community are presenting their current seasons as originally planned, their own boards of directors and fundraising machinery intact. If these institutions are lost, they are likely gone for good. The musicians of the Kennedy Center, along with the hardworking crews, and support staff (five labor unions are represented in the building) all appreciate the continued support of the community.

I hope to have more such opportunities in the spring! I am more than happy to answer your questions, or share our musicians’ talking points. Email me at susan@ibischambermusic.org. 

Benjamin Franklin’s musing that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes” might sound pessimistic, but what if those inevitable taxes could benefit the LPCC?  Would paying taxes be a little more palatable if they  helped fund a playground renovation, installation of audio/visual equipment, refinishing the floors, or more community events at the LPCC?

New tax laws make it advantageous for those who take the standard deduction to donate in 2026 to the LPCC (a 501c3 charitable organization). Starting in 2026, for the first time, cash gifts up to $1,000 for single filers or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly can be deducted in addition to the standard deduction. For those who claim itemized deductions, the new rules become more complex. Beginning in 2026:

Only donations that exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) will be deductible. If you make $250k in household AGI, that means your first $1,250 in charitable donations will not be deductible. Donations to the LPCC made in 2025 are fully deductible. 

All deductions for taxpayers in the highest marginal bracket (37%) will be capped at a rate of 35%. This means that if you donate $1000 to the LPCC in 2025, you can deduct $370, but if you wait until 2026, you can only deduct $350. 

The temporary 60%-of-AGI deduction limit for cash gifts to public charities will become permanent. It was set to expire and revert back to a limit of 50%. So if you are planning to donate 60% of your adjusted gross income to the LPCC, you can deduct it all and we support that!  

Donors can still avoid capital gains tax by gifting appreciated stocks or other assets held for longer than a year. In fact, donating appreciated stocks yields a double tax benefit – you avoid paying capital gains by not realizing the gain AND you can deduct the full fair market value of the donated stock. 

So please consider spending your tax dollars in your own community by donating to the LPCC in 2025 and 2026. Checks can be mailed to: LPCC at 414 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201. Cash donations can be made at https://lyonpark.info/donate. For more information on how to donate appreciated stocks, other assets or to make a substantial cash donation, contact the Board of Governors at LPCCGovernors@gmail.com. Thank you!. 

If you were on the Mall September 19-21, you could not
help but notice the National Mall of Pickleball event.

A dozen temporary pickleball courts attracted
thousands of people from across the country and
around the world.

Center Court featured pickleball pros showing off their
skills, as well as opportunities for the amateurs to
compete.

Throughout the weekend, Lyon Park’s very own Helen
White, official U.S. Pickleball Ambassador, coached
pickleball enthusiasts, many of them first-time players.

Pickleball is a fabulous sport for young and old, as well
as the fastest growing sport in America! Helen will be
happy to share her addiction with you!. 

By Paul Showalter

The 99th Spring Fair was a sunny experience of joy, sugar, and fun. 

Setup for the Fair began on Friday with several people (David Grahn and Peter Zirnite) bringing all the games, tables and supplies out of the basement before the torrential rainstorm hit. Darcy Rosenbaum (the Spring Fair chair) and son Benton and husband John worked late into the night prepping the center for a day’s worth of fun.

Saturday morning started early for a bunch of us, to make sure the day went off without a hitch. And it was a spectacular day. The sun was shining; the park was full of kids playing games and bouncing in the moon bounce; cookies and other baked goods were selling quickly at the Woman’s Club bake sale; the kitchen was pushing out Danville Street hot dogs, Troy’s pizza, fresh pasta, and lots lemonade; lions and tigers were painted on faces; popcorn, popsicles, and cotton candy were sold; and prizes were exchanged for prize tickets. We played numerous games of “Cake-A-Bout” in the sun, with kids winning baked goods (I served as the event’s emcee).

The Rosenbaum’s homemade games were a big hit again this year. The “Bull Ringer” – “Hole in One” – “Frog Flinger” and the reimagined “Duck Pond” fascinated the kids once again.

This event, like every event at Lyon Park, could not happen without a large group of volunteers. The Danville Street Crew (Mark Trachtman, Charlie Wall, and Sharon Showalter) staffed the kitchen and fed lots of hungry kids. Many other neighbors stepped in to help and it was appreciated. 

We had more than twelve high school and college volunteers with us on Friday and Saturday. We even had a crew of Long Branch Elementary school students (Alex and Helen Peters, Benton Rosenbaum, Alexys & Alejandro Linder, and Niam and Dhilan Bahl) running games and painting faces (Their parents even pitched in to help). All volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day to make sure everyone had fun—and we appreciate their efforts. 

Special thanks to Tyler Hawkins, Theo Roiniotis, and Tabitha Ricketts for sticking around and helping with the cleanup. They packed away every game, tent, and table. They even carried everything into the basement. An extra special thanks goes to my wife Sharon, for not only helping with setup on Friday night, but working all day in the kitchen, and cleaning until the last box was packed away in the “little blue pickup truck.”

Next year, we celebrate our 100th Spring Fair. For our signature event to be a success, we need more people to be involved in producing the Fair. Please step up and offer to help. We need you. Reach out to LyonParkEvents@gmail.com if you are interested.

If you have a rising sophomore, junior or senior who wants to volunteer in our community, have them reach out to LyonParkEvents@gmail.com. We have many volunteer opportunities during the summer and fall.