Lyon Park Citizen · Lyon Park Community Center ... On Wednesday, April 26, we will have a presentation from Arlington County ... Save the Date: Lyon Park Civic Association meeting,

Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer

April 2017

Next meeting:

Wednesday, April 12, 2017, 7:00 PMLyon Park Community Center

Please pay your2016-2017 LPCA dues!

-See page 2-$10 annually, $250 for life

Are you on the Listserv?The Lyon Park Community has an activelistserv. It’s the fastest way to

●  Suggest newsletter content●  Read County Board messages●  Ask for or receive healthcare referrals● Extol, explain, expound

Don’t want to see what’s for sale or rent? Noproblem! You can tailor your selections to justwhat you want or need.

Visit BigTent group Lyon Park to enroll:https://www.bigtent.com/groups/lyonpark

President’s Message

Spring is here in Lyon Park. Flowers are blooming and neighbors are out andabout. We have a lot going on in April at the community center.

On April 12, we will have our monthly meeting (doors open at 7, meetingstarts at 7:30). Real estate agent Ron Cathell will be presenting and thentaking questions. He will be discussing important questions such as: Is it abuyer’s or seller’s market in our neighborhood? What are the demographicsof buyers looking for a home in Lyon Park or Ashton Heights? What arebuyers looking for in the 22201 zip code? Real estate land assessments rose12% for 2017—do market values track with that increase? Shouldhomeowners consider appealing their assessments? What is driving theMcMansion trend and is demolition of older homes inevitable? Ron Cathellis an expert on our neighborhood and this is a great opportunity to learnabout the largest investment that many of us make.

On Wednesday, April 26, we will have a presentation from Arlington Countyproject manager, Valerie Mosley, about Pershing Drive improvements. Lastspring, the County came and talked to the LPCA about plans for a majorproject along Pershing Drive between Barton St. and Glebe Rd. They gavesome preliminary ideas and gathered feedback at the meeting and onlineabout neighbors’ preferences for prioritizing funds. On April 26, Ms. Mosleywill present a more finalized plan to Lyon Park and Ashton Heights residentsstarting at 7 PM.

On Saturday, April 29, it will be time to have fun with neighbors. Watch thelistserv for updates, but we will start the party between 5 and 6 at thecommunity center for a Barbeque and Brews event. Our very own LyonHeart will perform and Aaron Schuetz and John Goldener of the Lyon ParkBrewer’s Association will make sure the barbeque is tasty and the libationsare good. We still need volunteers to make this event happen—pleasecontact me at [email protected] if you can help. We must warn you—there will definitely be rock n’ roll happening and perhaps even publicdancing.

Christa AbbottLPCA President

Lyon Park CitizenBook the Community Center Early!

We’re not kidding!Rentals have been brisk, and we are renting

well into autumn 2017 and early 2018.Book those big parties early!!!www.lyonpark.info/calendar

© Can Stock Photo / irishi

The Lyon Park Citizens AssociationP.O. Box 100191, Arlington, VA 22201

LPCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPresidentChrista [email protected]/Neighborhood ConservationBess [email protected]/ProgramsThora [email protected]/DevelopmentAaron [email protected] Anhut, Jr. (703) [email protected]/HistorianVicky [email protected] ChairAmit [email protected]

Members at LargeElliott Mandel (703) [email protected] PreparednessLaureen [email protected]

COMMUNITY CENTERBOARD OF GOVERNORSJeannette Wick, Chair (703) [email protected]

IMPORTANT CONTACTSPolice LiaisonCindy [email protected] Center Rental AgentCindy Stroup (703) [email protected] Alliance RepresentativeDebbie [email protected] [email protected] Federation RepsSteve Geiger (703) 522-0026Erik Gutshall (703) 276-0809Larry Juneer (703) 525-8921Michael O’Connor (703) 525-3469Natalie Roy (703) 819-4915Jim Turpin (703) 248-6988Doorways for Women and Families LiaisonErik Gutshall (703) 276-0809

Newsletter EditorDaniel HollandJeannette WickSubmissionsSend photos and articles [email protected] White (703) 527-2977

Classified AdsGET SOMEONE’S ATTENTION! The Citizen is hand delivered to1,900 households every issue. Use area code 703 below unless otherwise noted.

TEEN BABYSITTINGAlexis Rowland, 16, babysitter, Mother’s Helper. Red Cross CPR, First Aid, automatedexternal defibrillator and Girl Scout trained. 915-7768

Sirena Pearl, 15, Red Cross certified. Call or e-mail to schedule: 606-3277 [email protected]

Yasmeen Moustafa, 14, babysitting for children from 18 months to 7 or 8 years old. Completedbabysitting course, and certified in CPR and First Aid. 655-6228 [email protected]

Kalkidan Ausink, 14, babysitting for children from 18 months to 8 years old. Red Cross certifiedand mature, straight-A student. 528-0723 or [email protected]

Toby Kant, 13, babysitter (Red Cross certified, no infants), dog walker, pet sitter (guinea pigand turtle specialist), plant sitter. Call or email to schedule: 626-6725 or [email protected]

Logan Rowland, 14, babysitter and mother's helper, Girl Scout certified, CPR, First Aid, AEDcertification, also pet and plant sitter, 525-9049

Jordan Mosley, 14, Red Cross certified and mature. Babysitter or mother’s helper (no infants),dog walker or pet sitter. To schedule, please e-mail [email protected] or call 623-8217

Jessica Byers, 15, experienced and available for pet sitting, [email protected] or527-9510

OTHER SERVICESB. Brennan, Mandarin Chinese tutoring services for people of all ages. [email protected] or 618-8808

Jackie Anhut, adult, child care, (703) 400-3151. Has own transportation.

Page 2 www.lyonpark.org • April 2017

Please Pay Your LPCA Dues:$10/year, $20/two years, $250 for life

Please complete this form (Hint: use a return address label!) and mailit with your check to:LPCA Membership, P.O. Box 100191, Arlington, VA 22201

Name_______________________________________________________Address_____________________________________________________Preferred phone_______________________________________________E-mail______________________________________________________

May we add you to the community listserv? ○ Yes ○ No

Community Volunteer Interests (Check all that apply):___Neighborhood Conservation___Community Center and Park___Development issues___Social Events (Holiday Party, Halloween)___Homes and Gardens Tour

___Spring Fair___Traffic issues___Newsletter___Trees/Conservation___All-purpose volunteer

www.lyonpark.org • April 2017 Page 3

Then you know the drill!

Then you won’t want to miss this event!The Lyon Park not-just-for-Woman’s Club hosts cupcakesales only twice annually, and the quantity and quality ofcupcakes is enough to make your sweet tooth shudder.

Yes, this sale is for “that other cupcakeplace across the river.” Usually, we offer at least 14 kinds ofcupcakes, and you can mix and match.

If you absolutely must have a specific cupcake or aunique cake/frosting combination, please contactJeannette at [email protected] and order ahead.

And if you’d like to help with baking, let us know!

© Can Stock Photo / tvirbickis

We’re Looking forVolunteersWe need volunteers soon, immediately,yesterday, and tomorrow.

Often, we need donations of 2 hours. Weneed all kinds of things—people who rake,paint, serve dinners, know the topside of acalculator, can track a web site, might send amessage to the listserv once a month, canbake, are able to set up tables, or havepenchant for starting or putting out fires. Canyou give 2 hours a month?

Skills learned from volunteering in thiscommunity will serve you well. You'll meetneighbors, develop organizational abilities,create some resume fodder, grow personally,and identify new ways of doing things. You'llhave local impact.

The most important thing you'll learn is howto make magic. Promise!

Register at Lyon Park's Volunteer Registryhttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLSP3KG

Page 4 www.lyonpark.org • April 2017

Save the Date:● Lyon Park Civic Association

meeting, April 12, 7 PM● 2ⁿ� and 4�� Sundays, 2 PM to 6

PM: Capital Area Bluegrass andOld-Time Music Association.Come join in or just sit andlisten!

● BBQ, Brews, and Music.Saturday, April 29

● Lyon Park not-just-for-Woman’s Club potluck lunch.Thursday, April 20, noon. Bringa dish to share and and a smallgift to exchange. Hope to seemany new faces!

The Lyon Park Spring Fair is completely planned, staffed, and managed by volunteers. Each year, a group ofneighbors gather to plan the Annual Fair and we rely on the help of volunteers to staff the event.

We would love to welcome you to our volunteer team! We will need help in the following areas:

Set Up: These volunteers help coordinate the venue set-up.Game Booths: These volunteers staff the game booths, collect tickets and smile all day long!Concessions: You may set-up concessions area, prepare food, serve customers, or assist with clean-up.Tear Down: These volunteers will help dismantle booths, clean the venue and eat all the leftovers!

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPIf you’re interested in volunteering at the Lyon Park Spring Fair, please contact Darcy Rosenbaum [email protected]. Note: Teens looking for community service hours are encouraged to sign up.

SPONSORSThe Lyon Park Spring Fair has evolved over the years, but remains a community-supported, family-orientedevent. If you are a local business and would like to support this incredible event, please contact DarcyRosenbaum at [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities.

www.lyonpark.org • April 2017 Page 5

The Difference Between Cats and Dogs (and You)According to a study from the University of Bristol, UK, people with cats are more likely to have university degrees than those whohave dogs. But a study from Queens University, Ireland, says that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, sufferfewer minor or chronic ailments, and are generally healthier. What exactly is the difference between cats and dogs?

Cats earn their finicky reputation. Highly developed senses are to blame. They possess an additional organ—the Jacobson's organ—that's located in the upper mouth; it intensifies their sense of smell. Cats are obligatory carnivores (the vast majority of their dailyintake must be protein), and if they smell significant non-meat content in food, they will often turn up their noses. They can't tastesugar, and often are unable to digest cow's milk or milk products. So that bowl of cream is a cartoon fabrication; it usually causesgastrointestinal distress. And, cats lack saliva to pre-digest food like most other mammals. They do, however, have small "hooks" ontheir tongues that tear food before they swallow—that's why their tongues feel rough when they lick you. Due to their metabolism,cats must eat fairly often. Cats see six times a better than humans do at night, and hear nearly 5 times better than humans do.

Dogs earn their “food monger”reputations. Unlike cats, dogs need some protein but they can also eat carbohydrate, fat, and sugar.They have 1700 taste buds around the tip of their tongue, and a highly developed sense of smell. They happily consume almost anykind of food, and sometimes inanimate objects that lodge in their stomachs and must be surgically removed. They detect food beingprepared, or sitting on countertops, and make every effort to devour it. Dogs can survive longer without food than cats can. Theirindependently moving ears and noses make it possible for them to hear more than twice what humans hear. They also have a visualfield (the space they can see without moving) of approximately 250°; humans’ visual field is less than half of that. Working dogsoften use their highly developed senses to do their jobs, whether it's seeking out illegal drugs at the airport, or helping a person witha medical condition to avoid danger. (Cats rarely take jobs. It is below them.)

When it comes to pet care, dogs are much easier to take to the vet. Cats seem to sense an impending visit, and hide. They alsobecome aggressive when out of their own homes. The three most common conditions in cats are bladder infection, dental disease,and overactive thyroid. In dogs, the most common health problems are skin allergies, ear infection, and skin infection. Finally a fewtips about medication in cats and dogs. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are poisonous to both cats and dogs. Never givePepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, or aspirin to your cat. These drugs can kill cat very quickly. Dogs can take aspirin for short periods torelieve inflammation if it is buffered and given with food. Cat and dogs who have motion sickness can take Dramamine. Alwayscheck with your veterinarian for dosing before administering over-the-counter medications.

© Can Stock Photo / adogslifephoto

Page 6 www.lyonpark.org • April 2017

The Lyon Park Citizen is hand delivered to 1,900 homes aroundthe 10th of the month from September through June (10 issues),with artwork and copy due the 20th of the previous month.These are our advertising rates:

We offer a 5% discount for residents who have paid their LPCAdues, and an additional 10% discount for advertisers whocommit to three or more months in a row. A designer will draftartwork for an extra 10% charge. [email protected] to reserve space.

Ad size Measures (In inches)…

Cost

Business card 3.5 by 2.3 $85/month color$59/month B&W

Quarter page 3.5 by 4.5 $130/month color$89/month B&W

Half page 7.5 by 4.5 $210/month color$149/month B&W

Full page 7.5 by 9.5 $350/month color$249/month B&W

Full page free-standing insert

8.5 by 11 $400/month color$350/month B&W

www.lyonpark.org • April 2017 Page 7

Find news and more pictures on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/lyonparkcommunitycenter

Community House Rental RatesLyon Park and Ashton Heights residents are eligible forresident rates, but cannot sponsor non-resident events.

Monday – Thursday (8 AM–5 PM, 4 hour minimum)<50 guests, $35/hour resident; $100/hour non-resident>50 guests, $70/hour resident; $100/hour non-resident

Monday – Thursday evening (6–10 PM)<50 guests, $35/hour resident; $100/hour non-resident>50 guests, $70/hour resident; $100/hour non-resident

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, HolidaysHALF DAY (8 AM–2:30 PM or 3:30–10 PM):

$350 resident; $900 non-residentWHOLE DAY (8 AM-10 PM):

$600 resident; $1,600 non-resident

Children’s Birthday Rates for children 10 and under,maximum 40 attendees, booked <2 months in advance:Two time slots (8:30-11:30 AM) OR (12-3 PM) – Includesset up and clean up. If your party lasts longer than 3 hours,please rent at the half-day rates above.

$150 resident; $400 non-resident

Additional rental fees:● $30/inflatable (can only be rented from Arlington TEAM)● $100/floored tent, $30/pole tent

Use of inflatables and/or tents must be approved in advanceand specified in rental contract.

A security deposit is required for all rentals.

MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY!Check online calendar for availability and complete the

Lyon Park not-just-for-Woman's Club

The September membership meeting will be held Thursday,April 20, at 12 noon at the Lyon Park Community House. Bring adish to share. Women and men are welcome, along withAshton Heights residents. Dues are $10/year.

What do we do? We have a good time eating and talking, andenjoying each others company. The Woman's Club contributesfive members to the Board of Governors, the body thatoversees the Community House and Park. The other memberscome from the Lyon Park Citizens Association. Members of theWoman's Club volunteer in many Community Center activities,such as the chili dinner, spring fair, pancake breakfast,halloween bonfire and more.

The woman's club holds bake and cupcake sales. Over the pastseveral years, profits from these sales have raised $20,000 forthe renovation fund for our new building. Profits also fundedthe 6-burner and a 4-burner stoves for the large, new kitchento the tune of $8000. Last, but not least, this club donated$4500 toward the small, north kitchen (pictured below).

We hope to see many new faces this fall. For more informationcontact Shirley Larson at: [email protected]

Page 8 www.lyonpark.org • April 2017

This Changes EverythingWednesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Arlington Cinema and Draft House2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington

Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment celebrates Earth Daywith the screening of This Changes Everything, a filmfeaturing international author and activist Naomi Klein.

This Changes Everything presents powerful portraits of sevencommunities on the front lines, from Montana’s PowderRiver Basin to the Alberta Tar Sands, from the coast of SouthIndia to Beijing and beyond. Interwoven is Klein’s narration,connecting the carbon in the air with the economic systemthat put it there. Throughout the film, Klein builds to hermost controversial and exciting idea: that we can seize theexistential crisis of climate change to transform our failedeconomic system into something radically better.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the film will begin at 7:30 p.m.The suggested donation is $10 per person ($5 for students).Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

AmazonSmile and iGiveAmazonSmile is an Amazonprogram that donates 0.5% ofthe purchase price of eligibleproducts to charitable

organizations. AmazonSmile is a simple, automatic way foryou to support Lyon Park Community Center (LPCC) everytime you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop atsmile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices,vast selection and convenient shopping experience asAmazon.com. Go to smile.amazon.com from the webbrowser on your computer or mobile device. Select LPCC asyour charity and then start shopping. It’s that easy. You mayalso want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com.

iGive works in a similar way. It isfree. iGive partners with morethan 1,700 online stores. It

donates a percentage of what you spend to your selectedcharity (on average 3%). The stores pay for it all. You neverpay more, and often you pay less with coupons and deals. Atypical shopper raises more than $100/year. Go to igive.comfrom the web browser on your computer or mobile device.Select LPCC as your charity and add the iGive button to yourbrowser. This automatically tells participation stores thatyou want your shopping to support LPCC. You can alsodownload the iPhone/iPad or Android apps.

Lyon Park Community Center (Arlington, Virginia) isregistered with both AmazonSmile and iGive. Both issuequarterly payments to the community center. We’vereceived more than $3,000 from igive.com. We’re relativelynew to AmazonSmile, but the checks arrive quarterly!

www.lyonpark.org • April 2017 Page 9

Earth Day CelebrationLyon Park Style!

Join your neighbors in celebrating Earth Day by helping mulchLyon Park’s trees on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 8:00 AM tonoon. Arlington County will deliver mulch curbside to 4�� andGarfield Streets. We need volunteers to help move the mulchand spread it around the park’s 60+ trees.

In addition to willing workers, we especially need wheelbarrows, pitch forks, rakes and push brooms. Volunteersshould bring water and work gloves.

Make Earth Day a success at Lyon Park.See you at 8:00 AM, Saturday April 22, 2017!

Food BoxMatt Davis

Hanabi Ramen3024 Wilson BlvdDinner & Drinks for 2: $44Rating: One Thumb UpRecommendation: “No Go”

I have never been to Japan, so my only association with ramen is the stuffthat comes in a square block for twenty cents. My wife has been to Japan,but she didn’t really enjoy the trip, so has a negative associate with “real”ramen. Despite these biases, we decided to try one of Clarendon’s newestrestaurants: Hanabi Ramen.

Hanabi Ramen, which opened on the last day of February, is located near theMetro in a site formerly held by Amsterdam Falafelshop. Once you enter,staff greets you enthusiastically. No turning back now! Throughout the meal,the service was friendly and helpful. They patiently explained the ramenchoices and ingredients to novices and made recommendations forbeginners. Overall the service was the best part of the meal.

In addition to Gyoza appetizer, we tried two soups: Tonkatsu Ramen andTsukemen Regular. Tonkatsu Ramen is the closest to what American collegestudents would recognize. The meal consists of noodles, broth, and porkwith toppings such as an egg, mushrooms, ginger, and green onions.Tsukemen is more adventurous: The noodles are wider and the broth isthicker, and the noodles are dipped into the broth rather than served in it.

Overall the food was interesting and it was fun to try new things (lactate-fermented bamboo shoots have a particularly interesting flavor/smell).However, taste-wise, nothing beats the salt and MSG of the 20 cent packets.Our meal at Hanabi Ramen totaled $44 even without alcoholic drinks (hottea only).

If you have spent time in Japan (and enjoyed that time) then Hanabi Ramenmay be to your liking (online comments suggest it is popular with theknowledgeable crowd). However, if you are like me, I can only recommend itas a novelty.

Arlington County’s E-CARE event will be heldSaturday, April 15 from 8:30 AM to 3 PM atThomas Jefferson Middle School, 125 S. Old GlebeRd. At E-CARE, residents can safely dispose ofhazardous household materials (HHM), and recyclebikes, small metal items, shoes, clothing and muchmore!

HHM are products found in the home that areflammable, corrosive, poisonous, or potentiallyhazardous. They include automotive fluid, car careproducts, fluorescent light bulbs, corrosives,household cleaners, and propane gas cylinders.

Before you come to the event, talk to yourneighbors. Combine your items and save a trip tothe collection site.

Place all materials in their original containers orlabel materials clearly, over-pack any leakingcontainers, and bring your ID to verify that you arean Arlington resident or employee.

For a full list of acceptable items, go towww.arlingtonva.us and search “E-CARE.”

Page 10 www.lyonpark.org • April 2017

Arlington National Cemetery:Quiet Neighbor to the East

David CabralFilled with rich history and untold stories, Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) givesall of its visitors a nostalgic sense of pride and patriotism. Nestled by the PotomacRiver, this 624-acre national landmark houses more than 400,000 graves and manyfamous monuments. ANC is the perfect place to see the sights, witness customaryceremonies, or just take a relaxing stroll. However, it’s helpful to understand thecemetery’s history, landmarks, and rules before you go.

The Arlington estate originally belonged to George Washington Parke Custis, a step-grandson of George Washington. His daughter, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, andher husband, LT Robert E. Lee, inherited the property. The Lee family left the estatewhen the Civil War erupted in 1861, enabling federal troops to invade and occupythe property. In 1864, the federal government purchased the land for $26,800 at apublic tax sale. However, a Supreme Court ruling later returned it to GeorgeWashington Custis Lee, who then sold the property to the government for$150,000.

With war casualties rising, the United States government needed more space tobury military personnel around Washington, D.C. They set aside more than 200acres of the Arlington estate for graves and on May 13, 1864, Private WilliamChristman became the first soldier buried at what would later be designated ANC.

"What was that that just flewoverhead?!?"That was the title of a recent post on theAshton Heights listserv when large, noisyplanes flew over Lyon Park several weeksago. Neighbors responded quickly,indicating the type of plane and that theywere likely completing a flyover at ANC.

A flyover is a commemorative flight over afuneral, ceremony, or event by an aircraftor group of aircrafts. The booming soundsand impressive visuals show respect forthose being remembered.

Few military members are eligible. Familiesmake requests to the appropriate offices atANC with further stringent review by theCommander of the deceased's militarybranch. Security requirements promptadditional coordination with local airportsand federal agencies.

ANC does not know how many flyoversoccur every year. The Navy sponsors 10 orfewer on average, and the Air Force nolonger has the budget to provide thishonor. No figures are available for otherbranches of the service. Shrinking budgetsmay eliminate flyovers in the near future.

Although ANC notifies the Pentagon, theydo not have a formal notification system tolet neighborhoods know that a flyover willoccur.

A trip to ANC should begin with the Welcome Center. The Welcome Center providesmaps and informational services, and even has a bookstore. Here you will learnabout the cemetery's rules. Pets are not allowed, and no areas are to be used forrecreational activities or picnicking. Tours are provided by Arlington NationalCemetery Tours, Inc., and shuttle buses to graves are available. Visitors can also useANC Explorer, a dedicated smartphone app that provides self-guided tours anddirections to points of interest.

The Memorial Amphitheater is located near the center of the cemetery.Constructed entirely with marble, the amphitheater hosts many of the nation’sofficial ceremonies. Almost 5,000 people attend the ceremonies held on MemorialDay, Veterans Day, and Easter each year. Heading out the main entrance of theamphitheater leads to the Tomb of the Unknowns. The tomb was initially occupiedby an unidentified American soldier from World War I, but now holds the remainsof several unnamed soldiers from various wars. It is constantly guarded by amember of the 3�� U.S. Infantry Regiment, and the Changing of the Guard ceremonyis truly a sight to behold. Visitors can also spend time at other impressive exhibits,including the U.S.S. Maine Mast Memorial, the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial,and the John F. Kennedy grave.

The picturesque views and meticulously sculpted monuments at ANC are a jaw-dropping tribute to all the men and women who have ever served our country. Thevast landscape, strewn with trees, flowers, and headstones, is a worthwhiledestination for anyone looking to pay respects to our nation’s fallen heroes.

Greeting and Salutations,Green Gods and Goddesses:Lyon Park’s Garden Group will run the plant sale at the 2017 Spring Fair.

Can you contribute divided plants from your yard, flowers or veggies

you've started from seed, or off-shoots from your favorite houseplants?

Also welcome are any garden-related items like surplus tools, stakes,

trellises, pots, planters. Or can you help with fair day sales?Please contact Kit Putnam at [email protected] or (703) 527-2266. If

we know what you're donating, we can include that in our advertising.Note: Please re-pot donations soon. They sell best when theylook established and spry. And please label your plant donations with

name and care directions.

www.lyonpark.org • April 2017 Page 11

Spring Plant Sales Sophia DelmarIt's April and the landscape is in transition. Flowers have started tobloom while the trees remain bare, and the weather fluctuates intemperature almost daily. According to Lyon Park resident andMaster Gardener, Elizabeth Delmar, “Early spring is an excellent timeto plant new perennials, shrubs, and trees.” Many plant sales sproutup during the early spring, such as the Lyon Park Garden Group’splant sale occurring Saturday May 20, from 11 AM to 3 PM duringthe Lyon Park Spring Fair.

The Lyon Park Garden Group is composed of residents from LyonPark, and other Arlington neighborhoods. The Group meets a fewtimes a year to discuss timely gardening topics, and to plan theannual plant sale.

The majority of plants sold at the plant sale are donated from LyonPark residents. Many will be native plants, in addition to a selectionof nonnative plants. The majority will be perennials, however, thegroup will have annuals and a few small shrubs also.

Over the last year, the Garden Group discussed the design, plantselection, and implementation of the new garden beds surroundingthe community center. According to Delmar, who is a member, “In afew years, once the community center fills out, we’ll dig up [theperennials] to divide, and repot those plants for sale at the Lyon ParkPlant Sale.” Delmar says that Lyon Park residents should keep theireyes on the community garden for things they may want to purchasein the future.

In addition to the Lyon Park Garden Group plant sale, organizationshost a variety of other plant sales locally this spring. These plantsales feature seedling sales of shrubs and trees, native and nonnativeplants, and perennials and annuals. At the right, you’ll find thetimes, locations, and further information on each plant sale.

Lyon Park Garden Group Plant SaleLocation: Lyon ParkDate and Time: Saturday, May 20, 11 AM to 3 PM (duringthe Lyon Park Spring Fair)Plants sold: Donated from local neighbors in and aroundLyon Park. Plants will include perennials and annuals forsun and shade.http://www.lyonparkcitizens.org/10.html

Green Spring Gardens ParkLocation: 4603 Green Spring road, Alexandria, 22312Date: Saturday, May 20, 9 AM to 3 PMPlants sold: Involve more than 40 local garden vendors.Growers and master gardeners will be on hand to help withplant selection.http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/events.htm

Long Branch Nature Center: 2017 Spring NativePlant SaleLocation: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 South CarlinSprings Road Arlington, VA 22204Date: Preorder online, or with a mail-in form, by April 18th.Pick up for pre-ordered plants is on April 28 from 3 PM to 6PM. or April 29 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Onsite sales, April 29from 11 PM to 4 PM at the Long Branch Nature Center.Plants sold: Native plantshttps://parks.arlingtonva.us/2017/03/2017-spring-native-plant-sale/

2017 Fairfax County Native Seedling SaleLocation: Online ordering to be picked up at the PackardCenter in Annandale. A map to the pickup site is includedin your purchase.Date: Online ordering begins February 1 and goes throughWednesday, April 12. Order pickup will be on April 21 at 9AM to 4 PM, or April 22, 9 AM to 12 noon.Plants sold: There are two different package types. Thefirst is the Tree Package which consists of six seedlings for$11.95. The second is the Shrub and Small Tree Packagewhich consists of 10 seedlings for $16.95.http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/seedlingsale.htm

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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind Margaret DeanProfessor Harari provokes us into looking at the evolution of man from a small mammal to thereigning species and forces us to look at old ideas with new eyes. Starting with the earliest‘Homo’ (the human genus), the opening chapters track mankind as we evolve into ‘Homosapiens,’ or wise man, and as we extend our dominion over all the world. Only with a cognitiverevolution about 70,000-30,000 ago has man obtained the ability to transmit abstract conceptsthat allow Homo sapiens to organize themselves into groups larger than a small tribe.

Harari looks at man across time: from forager to hunter-gatherer to farmer to industrial figure toelectronic man. Homo Sapiens shaped the ecology of our planet long before the AgriculturalRevolution. Homo Sapiens are the most destructive force the planet has ever encountered,driving thousands of animals and plants to extinction, then and now.

This history stands many assumptions about the expansion and growth of mankind on theirhead, as we look at complex human constructs: religion, politics, finance. These three conceptsunderpin society. The Sumerians invented writing to do what spoken language failed to do: trackbusiness transactions, including taxes. Storing and retrieving information became key to thedevelopment of human societies and cultures, a function clearly super-enhanced in today’ssociety.

Financially, Europeans with their joint stock companies share risk and profit and depend on the rule of law and the protection ofprivate property. A thriving middle class is essential for a democratic society. Unrestrained free markets lead to an abuse of thelabor force. Without ethical constraints to insure profits are fairly earned and fairly distributed, moral catastrophe occurs.

Standardization of language, money, laws, cultures, etc. makes it possible to build large political entities, like the nation/state andmakes it easier for that political structure to govern. The third great unifier is ‘a system … founded on a belief in a superhumanorder.”

Before closing, Harari postulates that subjective well-being (happiness) is more important than economic or physical conditionsabove a basic level. The last chapters look at a possible end of Homo sapiens as we evolve to a higher state, a cyborg status withpermanent internal and external inorganic additions. We have many of these already: hearing aids, glaucoma replacement of lens,hip joints, new knees… perhaps eventually with other implants we will be able to tap into a collective mind. All in all a thoughtfuland provocative adventure.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari. Vintage Books, Penguin, London,UK ISBN 978 0099 5900 88. Paperback, 466 pp.

A Quick Reminder:Visiting Lyon Park

Lyon Park is an oasis for friends andneighbors during warm weather. Pleaseremember:• If you plan to have a large party at thepark, you must contact the rental agentand rent the area.• We have limited trash receptacles.Please take large quantities of trashhome with you, or bring it to the trashcorral on Fillmore Street.• Please advise your caregivers to bringdirty diapers home to your own trashreceptacles, and follow this ruleyourself. Trash cans heating in the sun +dirty diapers = horrible odor.• Consider emptying overflowing trashcans and taking the bags to the trashcorral. We leave extra bags at thebottom of the cans.