MARCH 2021 VILLAGE NEWS CHV Gala & Auction Goes Virtual, and There WILL be Fun The annual Capitol Hill Village Gala has been a time for fun and fundraising, and while we clearly aren’t ready yet to party and dance in-person, we can still have some fun and raise some funds. Plans are being made for a CHV AUCTION AND VIRTUAL GATHERING, It’s colorful and informative. This is the new look of the CHV calendar on Helpful Village. Many have April 15–22, with a week of bidding probably already seen it, but if not check it out and read more on this page. on auction items, a social event, and a toast celebrating CHV volunteers (see page 6 for how to recognize Sis Boom Bah! Rah Rah Rah! your favorite volunteer). The week- long on-line auction will feature A Big Cheer for Helpful Village! vacation homes, salon soirees on Capitol Hill Village members will for an invitation, or if you already Zoom, restaurant coupons, art and soon (or may already have) receive received a notice that required a decorative items, and more. A few invitations to sign into Helpful Village, sign-in, you can click on the “sign  continued on page 6 a new data system that will, among in” button in the upper right corner IN THIS ISSUE other things, enhance connections of the Calendar page and choose among members and streamline “forgot my password.” You will get Thanks to Our March Sponsor, Gary and Michael the process for registering for CHV an email inviting you to (re)set your Real Estate Team; New Staff Member, p. 2 programs. password. Your username is your From the Executive Director, p. 3 Helpful Village is designed for email address. From the President; Thanks to Our Year End Villages, so members should find it Please note that you can reset your Contributors, p. 4 user-friendly. Migration to Helpful password anytime—don’t worry if Helpful Village continued, p. 5 Village has been a months-long project you forget it! CHV Gala & Auction continued, p. 6 led by volunteers Pete Nash and Ceci History & Biography Group Selects Books for If you need assistance in the signup 2021, Passages, p. 7 Albert, working with data consultants process or don’t have internet Village Voices; p. 8 Katie Garber, and Kristen Degan, and access, contact the CHV Office. Shamrocks for Board Members, p. 9 CHV staff and office volunteers. All members and volunteers An Invitation to Join CHV Antiracism Programs; How will Helpful Village work? will have an account on Helpful CHV Purls of Wisdom, p. 10 Member Profile: Carol Grodzins, p. 11 Active CHV members will receive Village. If you fall behind in dues or take a vacation from LGBTQ Corner–Be True to Yourself, p. 12 an invitation from Helpful Village Don’t Fall Victim to Dangers from Fire, p. 13 to sign up with a button to “change volunteering, your account doesn’t go away, but you may be limited in Creating a National Model for Age-Friendly my password.” Once the password Neighborhoods, p. 14–15 what you can access online. If that is set, you will have an account March Events List, p. 16 occurs and you have questions, and be able to access Helpful Volunteers for LGBTQ programs sought, p. 23 Village. If you don’t want to wait please call the office.  continued on page 5 Save the Date for April Events, p. 24 Thank you Gary and Michael Real Estate Team for sponsoring CHV for the month of March!

GARYANDMICHAEL.COM

New Staff Member Joins CHV We are thrilled to announce toward a master’s that longtime volunteer Mary degree in Social Bloodworth has agreed to become Work and Public Capitol Hill Village’s Volunteer and Policy. We miss her Programs Coordinator. Many of you very much and wish already know Mary. In addition to her nothing but extensive professional experience success. with Seabury and Terrific, Inc.— Jacquelyn Smith two of the District’s lead service agencies for older adults—Mary has a background in information Support CHV technology, something she has often put to use as a CHV volunteer. She is Mary Bloodworth with a Monthy a committed non-profit professional with more than 20 years of experience and kayaking. We enthusiastically Sponsorship working for local organizations. welcome Mary to this new role. CHV is seeking to partner with businesses or donors who will Mary has lived on Capitol Hill since And as many of you know, Jacquelyn 1995 (her parents moved here in Smith, the previous Volunteer and sponsor CHV for a month. 1987), and she lives here with her Programs Coordinator left CHV in Contact Judy Berman for details: husband Chris and their dog Brio. early February to accept a graduate [email protected] She enjoys live music (and looks assistantship at the University of forward to seeing live shows again!) Maryland where she is working 202-543-1778 (ext. 104)

2 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CAPITOL HILL VILLAGE To reach us: Keeping on Learning 202-543-1778 (M–F, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) I could listen to CHV make a decision, or a deeply entrenched member Karen Branan way of thinking that presents through [email protected] talk for hours. Part of history like the whack-a-mole game— https://www.capitolhillvillage.org it is her lovely Georgia every effort to undo it causes the accent, which sounds emergence of a new and more insidious Capitol Hill Village to me like honey version of the same. 1355 E Street SE on buttered toast. Washington, DC 20003 Undoing systemic racism requires Judy Berman Part of it is Karen’s the determination, laser focus, and Connect with CHV at: welcoming nature; impatience of millions of Type A’s. At she seems to enjoy the connection that the same time, as Karen’s experience conversation brings. But I think it may demonstrates, it also takes a softening, have most to do with the stories she a willingness to let go of assumptions To unsubscribe, please send an e-mail to tells, the contours of her multi-racial, [email protected] and expectations that we may not even multi-generational family saga and realize we carry. If we do this right, To become a member, go to www. the soft-spoken tenacity with which as individuals, as organizations, as capitolhillvillage.org and click on “Join.” she confronts, digests and narrates communities, undoing racism will Dues can be paid online, or call the office at her personal experience with systemic 202-543-1778. change us. It will connect us to new racism. I’m riveted by not only what she people and ideas and experiences that To support the Village, go to www. learned in her research about a turn-of- will change us further. And the Type A capitolhillvillage.org and click on “Support/ the-twentieth-century lynching in her Donate.” Capitol Hill Village is a 501(c)3 in us wants to know in advance what charitable institution, and your gift is tax hometown, but what she’s done with that change will look like, but we can’t deductible. All donations are welcome! that knowledge. know until it happens, until we allow it Many of you listened to Karen with me to happen. at the February Village Voices program, A lot of my experience with CHV over and others have heard her speak before. this past year has involved torturing the Maybe you’ve read her book, The Family part of myself that could be considered Tree, A Lynching in Georgia, a Legacy Type A. I’ve had to wrestle illusions of Secrets, and My Search for the Truth. of certainty out of very tiny bits of I was not surprised that a number of of the National Capital Area information; I’ve had to take some CHV #55474 you responded to her Village Voices pretty big leaps (e.g., Helpful Village) presentation by immediately signing without knowing exactly how soft or Capitol Hill Village Leaders up for the program on February 22, a hard the landing would be. But I’m Judy Berman, Executive Director discussion of Ibram Kendi’s How To learning—as many of you probably Bruce Brennan, President of the Board Be an Antiracist. Karen’s presentation already know—it’s possible to have Mary Bloodworth, Volunteer and moved and inspired us; it left us confidence without certainty, and Programs Coordinator wanting more. It showed us what it to trust that small steps in the right Angel Freeman, Office Manager can mean to be brave, to learn about direction will eventually get us where Pamela Johnson, Membership Assistant and face up to our own racism, to and Peer Health Educator we want to be. I don’t know exactly grow stronger by exploring our own Tomeka Lee, Director of Membership what CHV will look like when we’ve and Outreach vulnerabilities and frailties, and to embraced antiracism on all of the levels Vernae Rahman-Smith, Member Services make changes. on which it needs to be embraced. Coordinator I know that a lot of us have succeeded But I appreciate members like Karen Sophia Ross, Digital Media and Grant in life by being what is sometimes Branan for having the courage to Program Strategist called “Type A.” Type A individuals lead by example, and everyone in the Samantha Schiffman, Director of Village who’s individually investing Volunteer and Care Services like to have everything certain and Meghan Wrinkle, Care Services and under control. We like agendas, and in thinking, learning, and acting on Program Specialist timelines, and being in charge. We don’t antiracism and helping CHV as an like things that interfere with moving organization do the same. Capitol Hill Village News Team forward, whether it’s a driver in front Editor: Karen Stuck of us daydreaming while the light turns green, or a colleague who can’t or won’t

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT Driving the New Car I don’t really consultants, twisting like pretzels to reliable membership tracking, and a like too much extract the data in any useful form. dues renewal warning system for all change. Ultimately it seemed to me we’d members. The Rolls seemed not to Generally, gotten a fancy Rolls-Royce with worry too much about who had paid computers and more doo-dads and features than we and who hadn’t, leaving us too often technology needed or knew how to use. And, scratching our heads about the actual make me a bit perhaps without realizing that this membership counts and failing to send nervous, so a Rolls needed its own mechanic and renewal requests out. The new system change to my chauffeur—all the time. will be much more firm about both, computers and which is a good thing overall, although Bruce Brennan, So we finally concurred with Judy CHV Board President technology some of us may be surprised to learn is never my that it was time to go looking for a that, without a renewal reminder, favorite thing. (Maybe that’s why I still new car. And, we found a nice Subaru we’ve let memberships lapse and have an AOL email account!) Outback station wagon that the staff suddenly cannot sign up for services can drive themselves without needing But it’s been just my luck that each of or some types of events. Don’t panic— a chauffeur and mechanic on the just call the CHV Office, and staff can the three boards I’ve been on in our payroll. (Which means our costs to community decided to change their quickly get you renewed and signed up run the Village “car” should go down for programs. computer systems during my term. a lot.) It may not look as fancy, but it’ll So you know my heart sank when take us where we need to go without AND, of course, member Judy began to tell Phil Guire and me breaking the budget. and volunteer users will see of the problems with the database improvements in easier event signup And to continue the automotive and confirmations and a more and computer system she inherited. analogy, Judy reminds me that this Seemed that the only people who user-friendly calendar. See more new system has more “guardrails” information on page 1. could really use it well were the two too. Guardrails to ensure that every rather expensive outside consultants staff member stays on the road, with And so I will set aside my anxieties needed to maintain the system—and all entering data the same way in and join all of you in signing up even they were left scratching their the same place, not the dozens of for the new system. A little pain to heads far too often. And getting the options the Rolls offered up. (e.g., get something that will be much kind of reports that Judy needed or data on member and volunteer more useful. And ought to be less the Board requested seemed to require lists, event signup, payments, and expensive too. everyone, including those expensive donations). It also offers much more But I am keeping my AOL account! Many thanks to our 2020 End of Year Contributors! Capitol Hill Village is very grateful follow up. If you did not receive an for every dollar that comes to us. acknowledgement for a gift, it’s very Your gifts allow us to strengthen our possible we didn’t receive it. Please Thanks support for our members and older contact us and let us know if this adults throughout the District. applies to you. for your Support! This year, due to uneven mail service, Also, if you contributed through a we had a number of checks sent to brokerage account (made a donation the name of the giver. If you did not us that never arrived. We know this in the form of shares) and didn’t specifically communicate with us or because those of you who contribute receive an acknowledgement, it may with National Capital Financial Group through donor-advised funds are be that we don’t know who made about your donation, we don’t know notified by the financial institution the contribution. The notice to our who to thank. Please know that CHV when a check isn’t cashed, and brokerage account typically includes depends on and appreciates every gift, several of you reached out to us to only a description of the gift and not and we want to be able to say thanks.

4 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News A Big Cheer for Helpful Village! continued from page 1 Once members have their to a group of which you are a account set up, they can edit member; it could be an affinity CHV is Here for You! their profile by, among other group or “general,” which goes to Capitol Hill Village won’t leave things, entering a picture, short everyone. You will need to sign in our members in the lurch when biography, address, emergency to read it. the new system is up and running. contacts, etc. Note that the information in your account will How will the calendar work? Virtual Tech check-ins have been help CHV support you (e.g., your Helpful Village does not replace scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on March physician, your pets, your date of the CHV website, but is accessible 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 and birth, who has your extra house from it. When you select “Calendar April 6. Some are for members key). Demographic information and Activities” from the menu bar and some are for volunteers. helps CHV better tailor on the CHV website, it will take Check the CHV website calendar programs to meet member needs, you seamlessly to the calendar for details. secure grants, and tell the Village powered by Helpful Village. And the office staff and volunteers story to potential members and You will immediately see a will always be available to take supporters. Although the Helpful different look—both for the list of questions: 202-543-1778 or Village platform is used by other events and for the calendar format. [email protected] Villages, the information entered You can “filter” or sort the color- by CHV members will only be coded calendar to more easily find available to Capitol Hill Village the events you’re looking for. Help is Available staff, and to a limited extent to select volunteers. Members You will register for an event, Helpful Village has developed a have control over how much and get an email confirming the video that demonstrates some of the information they decide to enter. reservation and a Zoom link for basic features of the platform that the event if it’s virtual. will be available to CHV members. There are other important benefits Once we are comfortable with View the video at: https://support. for active members: you will be helpfulvillage.com/hc/en-us/ able to enter a service request the system, CHV can choose to designate events as “members articles/360061964393-VIDEO- anytime, view the vetted vendor Demo-for-Members. list, renew membership, view a only” or “volunteers only.” If member directory, and find other a program is “members only,” You’ll notice in the video that some members near you. the calendar will restrict signup of the language is a bit different from accordingly. Note that very few what CHV uses. For example, they There will be a “chat” feature, programs are “members only.” use “interest groups” rather than which affinity groups may decide “affinity groups.” to take advantage of. If you get For active members of CHV, the an email saying that “you have system will be able to generate a The CHV website, office phone unread notifications,” it means personal calendar showing the number, and email address will that someone posted a message events you have registered for. not change: 202-543-1778 or info@ If the event is scheduled to be on capitolhillvillage.org. Zoom, you can join directly from IMPORTANT: the calendar. Whether you’ve We are still registered in advance or not, experiencing problems with our you can click on “Join the online messages going to spam, and we are meeting now” and connect to trying to fix it. In the meantime, the Zoom activity. (If you select if you know how, you can add the that option before the session has following address to your “safe begun or after the meeting has senders list”: village+capitolhill@ ended, you’ll be informed of such, helpfulvillage.com. but no harm is done.)

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 5 CHV Gala & Auction Goes On-Line continued from page 1 days before bidding starts, you will be able to browse the auction items and purchase tickets for the week’s events. Recognize Your Favorite Volunteer—by April 1 As the date nears, more information The volunteer recognition event will be part of the April 22 will be available on the CHV website close-out, and we are looking for stories about volunteers and in the CHV News, including the who have made a difference in your life. Tell us about a schedule of events, auction items, and CHV volunteer who you really appreciate and why. Put this how to purchase tickets. As in 2020, into a short note (125 words or less) letting us know who, what, the auction and ticket sales will take where and when a volunteer really touched your life, helping you or others place on-line. you know. In the meantime, there are some Send submissions by April 1 to [email protected] and put important things that CHV needs “Volunteer Nomination” in the subject line. from you to assure the best event ever. Lots of Things You Can Do snobby about it—this is not intended recommend an interesting dinner as a substitute for that planned trip guest or fun activity to incorporate. to Help the CHV Virtual to Goodwill or the landfill. We’re Auction and Get-Together looking for things with a bit of a “wow” factor, but which you have Items Sought for Auction decided you’re ready to pass along. We would love your donation of Or, maybe you can donate some high-quality art objects, decorative special services or talents: an hour items, art glass, pottery, silver, or of decorating, flower arranging, first edition books or similar items. plumbing, or IT expertise? With all the downsizing and closet Proofreading or editing? Wingman clean-out in these COVID times, for a non-aggressive new car buyer? The auction is also seeking food and we bet you’ve found some lovely liquor items, experiences, etc. that things around the house you just would allure visitors and bidders to don’t need/use/want, but which are the auction site. In the past, we’ve had too lovely to toss. Without being too such things as 12 bottles of Green Hat gin or a selection of fine wines. If you have any of these items to offer for the auction, contact Donate gift certificates for Capitol the CHV office at info@ Hill restaurants, a popular auction capitolhillvillage.org or 202-543- item, and this year, in support of our 1778 or email Elizabeth Cabot Nash local restaurants, we will turn the at [email protected]. tables and suggest that CHV members and friends purchase certificates and Sponsors are Sought donate them to the CHV auction. While there will not be tables to fill Vacation homes are also sought, so or a big dance floor, there will still if you own a get-away—near or far— be ample opportunity to publicize consider offering it in the auction. and promote the many loyal business supporters—both on the There will be “salon dinners”—most CHV website and at the champagne will likely be virtual—and CHV celebration. Past sponsors will be wants to hear from you if you are contacted, and interested parties can interested in hosting (in-person or contact the CHV office if you would virtually—no cooking, just keep like to be a sponsor. the conversation going!) or want to

6 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News History & Biography Group Selects Books for 2021 The History and Biography Group officers, recollections of Hitler’s October 6 Who Killed Dag has a full slate of books scheduled portraits everywhere, food shortages, Hammarskjold? The UN, the Cold War, for discussion at meetings over the and the terror of Allied bombings. and White Supremacy in Africa, by next year. After the war, he heard firsthand Susan Williams. The next meeting will be April accounts of survival from several December 1 Ghosts of Sheridan Circle, 7 and the book will be A Boy’s cousins who survived Theresienstadt by Alan McPherson. and Auschwitz, fought with units Journey: From February 2 When Jesus Came, the Nazi-occupied in the Czech army stationed in the USSR, and others who flew missions Corn Mothers Went Away, by Ramon Prague to A. Gutierrez. Freedom in over Germany with Britain’s Royal America, Air Force. Arrival in the United April 6 Midnight at the Pera Palace: authored by States in 1948 came with shocks of The Birth of Modern Istanbul, by CHV Member a different kind. Peter will lead the Charles King. Peter Stein. discussion and share photos and June 1 The Doctors Blackwell: How The memoir other memorabilia. Two Pioneering Sisters Brought focuses on the The remaining selections for the year Medicine to Women and Women to first 15 years will be: Medicine, by Janice P. Nimura. of Peter’s life—12 in Prague and the June 2 The Accidental President: Harry rest in the United States. S. Truman and the Four Months That The History and Biography group The child of a Catholic mother Changed the World, by A.J. Baine. meets on the first Wednesday of every other month at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. and a Jewish father who survived August 4 Caste: The Origins of Our Theresienstadt, Peter recalls Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson. intimidating encounters with SS Passages Mike Ambrose Mike was grateful to AA for 45 years Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). passed away Feb. of sobriety. He had a wonderful sense She loved the theater and appeared in 3. He lived on of community, and his quick wit and several CHAW plays and also was the Capitol Hill for ready smile will be greatly missed by costume and set designer. Linda was 55 years where neighbors, friends, and family. a founder of the Theater Alliance in he and his late Linda Norton, DC. She sang with a “girl group,” the wife, Sharon, whose art adorns Jaynettes, performing “vintage music raised four the new CHV by vintage women.” She served in children. Mike Office, died Jan. leadership and support roles with the was proud of a long career in federal 26. She and her Capitol Hill Babysitting Co-op, Capitol service and his hiking and trekking, husband Randell Hill Cooperative Nursery School, which took him to every continent Hunt lived on Capitol Hill Cluster Schools, the Capitol and included summiting Kilimanjaro. Capitol Hill for Hill Classic race, CHAW, and Capitol Mike’s myriad volunteer works included 45 years and Hill Village. both the Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam raised two sons. In 2010, she built her “Passages” notes the passing of Village War movements, co-founding and dream mountain house near Broadway, members as well as other significant working at the Capitol Hill Tax Clinic Virginia, where she would get away and events such as anniversaries, out-of- area for over three decades, and service paint. Linda was an accomplished artist moves, major awards, etc. If you know of on many local boards. Capitol Hill with many of her works accepted in a Member who has experienced a passage, Village benefitted from his inclusion juried art shows and receiving awards. please send a brief paragraph to the on panel discussions about being a She was an active member of the Newsletter editor at karenstuck@ comcast. caretaker for one’s spouse, a guest at Wednesday Studio, a group of skilled net. Please confirm that the member or two Salon dinners, and other Village artists and friends who met at the their family/representative agrees with volunteer activities, such as GenFest. publishing the information.

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 7 VILLAGE VOICES Waiting to be Heard… Meet and learn from your illustrious affordability crisis in the D.C. region. April 12: Michele Capitol Hill neighbors in informal, The program raised over $12 million Murdock. Protecting the free, public discussions about social, in two years, which it used to preserve Amazon and its people— economic, and political topics. 500 affordable homes. Upon retirement the work and murder of March 8: Tamara Copeland. in 2019, she received the Chairman’s Sister Dorothy Stang. What does it Impact Award from the Washington area Nonprofit Village. May: Constance Citro, mean to be a former director of the “first”? Evolving But Tamara Copeland is hardly retired, Committee on National racial dynamics serving on boards and advising Statistics. What did we in the United nonprofits. Her essay, All I know about learn from the 2020 U.S. States. race and racism, I learned in ___. Census? A follow-up to What role does Hmmm… I never learned this., is a her December 2019, Voices program philanthropy forthright statement of the distortions previewing the upcoming census. of American history as it was taught play in June: Christian addressing racial while she was growing up in Richmond, Virginia, in the 1950s and ‘60s. Ostermann. Markus equity in the DC Wolf, East Germany›s region? Tamara Lucas Copeland thinks In 2018, Copeland published a memoir, Stasi spymaster. it can put racism on the table, helping Daughters of the Dream: Eight Girls to openly address the need to change from Richmond who grew up in the thinking and culture in the matters of Civil Rights Era. With “firsts” in her Until further notice, Voices programs race. Ms. Copeland is former president life and looking at other “firsts” for will be conducted on Zoom from of the Washington Regional Association Black women such as Kamala Harris of Grantmakers, where one of her 7:00-8:00 p.m. Details for accessing and Carla Hayden, she will be talking the programs will be provided major successes was partnering with with Capitol Hill Village about what it when people register for the event the Enterprise Community Loan Fund means to be a “first” amid the evolving at capitolhillvillage.org or at info@ on the “Our Region, Your Investment” racial dynamics in the United States. program, which addressed the housing capitolhillvillage.org.

Author’s Family History Reveals Surprises At the February Voices program, drew on her journalist background, Karen Branan recounted her and became the narrator of a journey back through family history wrenching story, one that brought that revealed surprising—if not her closer to new-found Black shocking to her—family secrets cousins and involvement in efforts about her ancestors from the deep at racial healing, such as through South. While recording her 90-year- “Coming to the Table.” old grandmother’s oral history, Her book, The Family Tree, A she learned about a lynching that Lynching in Georgia, a Legacy of her great-grandfather, the sheriff, Secrets, and My Search for the Truth sanctioned and her grandfather ($12 paperback, $18 hard cover), is oversaw in 1912. She also learned that available by contacting Karen at she is the related by blood to both Karen Branan [email protected] or visit her slaves and slave-holders, and that one website at karenbranan.com. of the four victims of the lynching my family.’ It took me a long time was a cousin. to decide to do it. I had to find a A recording of this Voices program voice—I didn’t want it to be an angry is posted on the CHV YouTube “It was a big story. I wanted to do Channel and on the CHV website. it, but had to ask ‘can I do that to voice or a guilty voice.” Brannan

8 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News Shamrocks for Board Members By Bruce Brennan Rick Rutherford brings a wealth of and other safari members on her pre- pandemic trip to Botswana! She has [The CHV Board President continues his insight and advice, freely shared, and already jumped on board with our introduction of CHV Board members. from one who not joint Staff/Board Diversity, Equity, See also the February only knows this and Inclusion Committee and our CHV News.] community well after living here for over 40 strategic planning efforts. Don’t worry, I did not forget to tell you years, but also has a Admiral Mike Grace steers the about the rest of our dedicated Capitol depth of experience Governance Committee so ably that we Hill Village Board members, beyond and wisdom on never run aground: those mentioned in the February issue. effective organizational management recruiting members Instead of Valentines, these folks get and on diversity issues that continue as for other Committees, Shamrocks—and much thanks for all topics today. He led and remains active identifying potential the good luck and great energy they in our strategic planning and facilitates chairs and Board bring to us. Now, ahem, about that the Board’s internal conversations members, cajoling rumored pot of gold… (Hint for careful about racism, social justice and equity members to serve readers: might include some trivia concerns. All a long way from being as officers—all ensuring the ship has answers useful in the future.) in the same musical line-up with an an able, versatile and well-rounded First, Rachel Vladimer continues our unknown John Denver. crew. (Well, there was that one actual long history with National Capital Bank Tama Duffy Day is owed a hundred spy who was Mike’s co-worker—Felix employees on the lucky Shamrocks and the thanks of Block.) And when the Covid storm hit, Board. She has served all who cross the he set up our own foghorn system— a term as Treasurer, threshold at our new with the Telephone Tree reach out by always has good luck office. Certainly for geographic sectors—offering timely getting some nice the architectural reassurance to all and some important items for the CHV advice and expertise new connections to many. That’s not auction, and helps she brought to the just because of his 27 years in the Coast keep us connected to the younger set! buildout—but even Guard and his legal training—he loves AND still has time for service with us more for the dogged determination the Village and this community. It’s despite a new promotion at the bank, a to repeatedly unsnag the permits and why he is a member of our Wyze Guys, new house, and new baby! Certificate of Occupancy for that new too. He IS our own pot of gold. Robyn Hinson-Jones also has her own space from numerous Kafkaesque Well, seems “the first shall be last” historic ties to the Hill, but familial not Scenarios. Her recognized architectural and Geoff Lewis WAS the first in so commercial. We’re expertise in “health care design” many things for lucky she wanted to reflects a background in many aspects CHV. As a founder, come to the Hill after of aging in our community that the Board President, a globe-trekking State Board welcomes. award winner, Board Department career Nancy Deck started telling me what Member Emeritus with assignments in to do back when she was chair of the (voting) and expert Barbados, London, Capitol Hill Day jitterbugger—his Brussels, and Pretoria. She was the School Board and I service and contributions have lasted Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate was their auctioneer. and lasted. He continues to remind in Lagos, Nigeria. All a far cry from I’ve always found us of the original vision and mission a first job at Gimbel’s basement. As it smart to listen to of the Village even as he urges us to varied as her professional travels were, her—because she’s take steps to improve, adjust, and she also must enjoy variety in her own so often right! Truth expand as the organization too grows transportation. She’s not only an avid is she is one of the most collegial and up. His contributions—financial, member of CHV’s Bicycle Group, she team-oriented of leaders and we’re strategic, and always supportive of also is active with the local Dragon Boat lucky leprechauns to get her vitality the mission—remind us of his long- Club. In just her first year on the Board, and team-building focus —and standing commitment to and support Robyn has proven herself invaluable, all that experience in marketing, for the Village sharing insights and organizational strategy, and brand management. know-how. I’m sure she enchanted both guides

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 9 An Invitation to Join CHV Antiracism Programs As the country moves toward a nurture partnerships between CHV and become more reckoning with its racism, Capitol other local groups who are also seeking informed about Hill Village is recommitted to to become anti-racist. Attendees race, racism, being a welcoming and inclusive participate in both idea-sharing and White fragility, community where race is recognized development of programs. We work to social justice, and talked about, where the interests support the Village’s current programs and White of Black members and neighbors are on being anti-racist and create new supremacy. The visible in affinity groups and other programs where there are gaps. From group is currently programming, and where Black people the working group came the programs reading Caste by occupy positions of authority on the described below. Isabel Wilkerson. Board and Staff. CHV wants to be We will notify the Village community when we begin part of the solution to the problem of District Dialogues: a new book and welcome you to join. racism in our country, our city, and Conversations on Race and our neighborhood, and to that end has Justice in Our City Me and White Supremacy organized several programs. Through Meets on the 4th Monday of each Pods them, you can join the conversation month 7:00–8:00 p.m. on how we can better serve antiracist Meets weekly at a mutually We recently launched a virtual speaker goals individually and as a group. agreeable time. and community discussion series The Pods are To express interest in any of these on engaging with people of varying small groups programs or to join the CHV experiences, backgrounds, and races of about five Antiracism Listserv, contact across the District. Through this series, CHV members, Meghan Wrinkle at mwrinkle@ we hope to discuss and learn about volunteers, and or 202-543-1778. pertinent topics, as well as partner capitolhillvillage.org neighbors, who with community organizations to make are working CHV programs safer, more inclusive, Antiracism Working Group through the book and more welcoming for a more diverse Me and White Meets every other Thursday 1:30–3:00 group of residents on Capitol Hill. p.m.; next meeting is March 4. Supremacy by Layla Saad. This group is the programmatic Antiracism Reading Group This book is a 28-day guide targeted arm of CHV’s anti-racism work: for Meets every other Thursday at White readers. It aims to aid readers the collective Village (individuals, 12:00–1:30 p.m., alternating with the in identifying the impact of White organization, and the community) Antiracism Working Group. privilege and White supremacy in to become known as an anti-racist their lives. Groups are encouraged to organization, to define ways to take The Reading Group is made up of CHV work through the chapters together at concrete actions against racism, and to members and volunteers who seek to a pace that works for them. Two pods are meeting currently. Contact Meghan Wrinkle if you would like assistance to Purlers Support Day Center start or join a new pod. The Purlers just keep knitting, and the Capitol Hill Village affinity group has decided to start donating some Antiracism Listserv of their knitted items. First The antiracism listserv is an email up was Shirley’s Place Day exchange that provides invitations Center on Pennsylvania Ave to antiracism programs within and SE, where people experiencing outside the Village and the opportunity homelessness can have a safe place to spend the day for ongoing dialogue, discussion, and off the street. The Day Center is part of Everyone action on issues related to social justice Home DC, which originated with the Capitol Hill and race. Group Ministry. It is a non-profit serving vulnerable individuals and families on Capitol Hill and across DC. For the future, the Purlers will be seeking other entities to receive their donations.

10 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News Carol Grodzins: Doer, Innovator, Social Change Maker By Sonia Conly founder of Ashoka, and recognized Carol Grodzins moved to Capitol Hill immediately that Ashoka’s cultivation from Thailand in 2018 to be closer to of entrepreneurial skills was essential family and especially to be part of her to filling gaps left by conventional grandchildren’s lives. Having heard approaches to aid. Ashoka finds, of the Village Movement years earlier, invests in, and nurtures these and not knowing people her age in entrepreneurs. In 2000 when her DC, Capitol Hill Village was her first second child left for college, she local outreach. Readers may have joined Ashoka full time as VP for noted Carol’s name in the November Global Fellowship. 2020 CHV News as the contact for Carol was introduced to the special one of the Village’s newest affinity challenges of aging when her mother groups, the Bike Riders. Carol is a could no longer live safely at home, doer with a life history of innovation but did not want an assisted living for social change. institution. So, at 94 she chose to Carol started her career as an move to Thailand with Carol’s sister, as medical conditions. In Boston, the and when Carol went there to help, innovator while a Peace Corps birthing process was the domain of primary school teacher at a tribal she fell back in love with Asia and the obstetrician. So, with a group of decided to retire in Chiang Mai. boarding school in Borneo. nurses, Carol launched a nurse-owned Without any teacher training, non-profit, Lamaze Childbirth, Inc., After the death of her mother and Carol recognized the importance of leveraged the support of a few willing the birth of grandchildren, Carol engaging children in their learning— doctor champions, and, as part of a decided she wanted to be closer to how to teach science (observing national movement transformed the her family, which took her to Capitol that as rice rots it does not turn way babies are born. Hill where she lives near her son into maggots); and a kids’ vegetable and grandchildren. Within CHV, garden to address malnutrition where Where was Carol’s next wave of Carol has found friends, inspiration, the kids become heroes taking food change? In 1981, Carol came to see and fun. Carol’s second son lives home to their families. nuclear war as the number one public in San Diego perhaps providing health threat. Joining with Physicians an additional reason for winter While teaching, Carol observed for Social Responsibility and the first-hand the terrible toll that and summer climate breaks. Carol Nurses’ Alliance, Carol became a continues her work with Ashoka as tropical disease and the introduced founding member of the Lexington disease of measles took on the Dayak a volunteer helping to select Ashoka Committee for a Nuclear Weapons change agents. tribal community, and she became Freeze and later led the Massachusetts interested in the challenge of creating Nuclear Freeze Movement. The The reader can check on new healthy communities. Returning intention was to change the idea developments at www.ashoka. home, Carol abandoned her original of whose role it is to make public org. A current example is a joint intent to pursue Russian Studies, policy. The new answer: citizens. The effort by Ashoka and the Brookings deciding instead to train as a nurse. strategy was to elect a Congress and Institution—Valuing Homes in She moved to Boston and enrolled in use the “power of the purse” to cut off Black Majority Neighborhoods, an the Massachusetts General Hospital’s new nuclear weapons design, testing, initiative to foster a new generation School of Nursing, intending to and production. of structural innovations to address return to Malaysia to help create systemic racism in the housing healthy communities. In 1989, wanting to bring together her market. Up to $1 million in prize interests in international development Life intervened in 1973 when she money is available to local social and healthy communities with a entrepreneurs to design structural married Paul, a physicist at Harvard. passion for policy, Carol joined the Their son was born in 1976 just as the innovations to enable markets to Harvard Institute for International reflect the full value of the people, Women’s Movement was coalescing. Development’s macroeconomics Women were questioning why public infrastructure, and wealth in and food policy group. In the same these communities. pregnancy and birthing were treated year, she met Bill Drayton, the

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 11 LGBTQ CORNER Michael Hash: Be True to Yourself By Tomeka Lee appointments and helping with setup we live in a euphoric age. It’s hard Over the last year, Capitol Hill Village for the Gala. for me to imagine all the change has worked to become a more inclusive Q. What does it mean to you to that has occurred in the last 50–60 community partner. As we continue be LGBTQ? years, especially in the last 10. For to educate ourselves, we look to the a very long time, I didn’t publicly It’s who I am – that’s the first thing. acknowledge being gay, as I was afraid knowledge and The second thing is feeling fully a part experience of of jeopardizing my job working for of this community. It wasn’t always the government or perhaps even some our members. like that, but today there is a much Michael Hash friendships. Gay marriage was such a broader and deeper acceptance of gays fundamental shift in societal views. wears many compared to years ago. hats, including I don’t think, however, that we’ve CHV member, Q. Is there any advice you would give arrived where none of us have to worry Board member, to future generations in the LGBTQ about bigotry or anti-gay behavior. and volunteer. community, or that you wish you Those of us fortunate to live on Capitol He shared his had heard? Hill are mostly insulated from violence experience as a resident of Capitol Hill and slights based on sexual orientation. and what it means to him to be a part of It’s often hard to figure out your It’s very different in other parts of the the LGBTQ community. true identity. I think the current country. A lot of work remains to be and future generations of LGBTQ Q. What makes Capitol Hill home? done to educate people, to get people to individuals are in such a different accept that this is not a choice, but who I moved to Capitol Hill in 1969, a space than the one I grew up in. In you are. Getting acceptance is still a little over 50 years ago; for two of my case it was a lot about finding challenge for many. those years I was away in the military. ways to accept who I was and not Work to reduce bigotry and It is all about the community for me. pretend to be someone else. I imagine discrimination is still important, When I first came to Washington, gay youth today often struggle with as people are still losing their jobs, I didn’t know anyone. I chose to questions about their identity. Passing particularly in the trans communities live on the Hill because of the job through teenage years is generally a where less progress has been made. I got working for the House of difficult and challenging time. I think we still have a big agenda for Representatives. I didn’t own a car Advice: I certainly don’t know all the further improvement for the lives of and Capitol Hill was a convenient answers, but I do know becoming people who are gay, transgender. location for me. I also loved the look comfortable and honest about your of the neighborhood. I grew up where authentic self is key. Once people come A lot of it starts with living your life as there were no row houses, much less into early adulthood, they need to find authentically as possible. So much has houses that are 120 years old with a way to come to full acceptance of who been hidden for so long, getting people brick sidewalks. they are and begin building a life based to witness and set examples to motivate people and give them confidence. One Q. Tell me about your relationship on integrity and authenticity. Without reason I’m doing this profile is that with Capitol Hill Village. that intent, the rest of life is not likely to be happy and fulfilling. It’s the same I want my life to have some positive It started with Molly Singer—she was advice whether you’re gay or not—figure effect so that others can find the self- a neighbor, and my husband knew her out who you are and make the best of confidence that leads to a fulfilling life. much better than I did. I also met Gail the talents and attributes you have. Q. Are there any notable events that Kohn who was very instrumental in the early years of the Village. I liked Q. What are your thoughts on you lived through that influenced the concept and mission of the Village, LGBTQ representation (progress you or individuals who shaped which promotes aging in place. We throughout your life, what needs to your understanding of your sexual didn’t become members until the last happen)? orientation and/or gender identity? 3–4 years. From my vantage point there has In terms of events, living through In addition to being on the Board been incredible progress; I’ve seen the AIDS epidemic was traumatic of Directors, I have also served phenomenal change over the years. I and deeply disturbing. It impacted so as a volunteer, primarily with never envisioned living in the world many. I lost friends and experienced we experience today. Not to say transportation, taking members to  continued on page 13

12 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News Don’t Fall Victim to Injury or Death from Fire People are spending a lot more time Overloaded circuits can lead to the sleeping area and inside each at home during the pandemic, so it’s electrical fires: sleeping room. In addition, if there are a good time to take stock of potential • Don’t overload electrical circuits gas appliances in the home, DC law fire threats in your home. Older or outlets by plugging in too many requires carbon monoxide alarms on adults have a higher likelihood of items; one appliance per outlet, every level where someone is sleeping. injury or death from fire, but there especially if it is a heat-generating Fire survivor skills: are ways you can protect yourself. appliance. • Have a fire escape plan. While adults • Extension cords should only be 65 and older used temporarily. • In the event of fire, stay as low as possible while getting out of the make up 12 • Use surge protectors rather than house because smoke rises; most percent of U.S. extension cords; but make sure of the time, it isn’t fire that kills, population, you know the difference between it’s smoke. they are the power cords (which are the same victims in as extension cords) and surge • If you can’t escape the home, shelter 36 percent of protectors. in a room with a door or window and call 911. fire deaths. • Don’t run cords across doorways or Cooking fires are the leading cause under objects or furniture. • Items to keep by your bedside: eyeglasses, whistle, phone. of burn injuries to older adults, and • Use a licensed and bonded electrical fires are the second leading electrician to perform electrical Older adults can call the DC EMS cause of fire deaths for older adults work in the home. (the leading cause is from smoking). at 202-727-1614 and request a visit Space heaters: to replace smoke alarms. For more In the kitchen, take steps to prevent • Leave at least three feet between information on DC EMS services: cooking fires: a portable space heater and https://fems.dc.gov. • Wear tight-fitting or short sleeves combustible items. The fire safety program was when cooking. • Never leave a space heater hosted by the Cleveland and • Never leave stove-top cooking unattended; turn it off when you Woodley Park Village as part of the unattended. leave a room or go to sleep Wellness Wednesdays series. The • Don’t put combustible materials • Consider home winterization steps if video recording of the program near the stove (paper towels, dish a space heater is needed all the time. is at: https://www.cwpv.org/post/ towels, etc.). fire-safety-for-older-adults Alarms: • Never use the oven to heat your home. DC Law requires smoke alarms on every level of your home—outside

Michael Hash: Be True to Yourself continued from page 12 the horror of a disease for which really felt that this march was an gay privilege in the sense that I don’t there was no cure. In many ways, I important milestone in their lives. Of feel like an outsider in our community. think it strengthened the sense of course, the Supreme Court decision The challenge is to develop empathy community and empathy within the gay recognizing same-sex marriage was a and awareness for people not in my community. watershed event, and something I never circumstance. I’m sure there are people I went to a very large march for gay thought I would live to see. that I don’t know in the community, equality in Washington 1992 or 1993, Q. Is there anything the Village that are Village members and part and there were hundreds of thousands can do to support you or to become of the Capitol Hill community. One thing I may be able to contribute to the of people. I was overwhelmed with the more welcoming to other LGBTQ Village is reaching out to those in the sense of community. We were all united individuals? for one purpose. That was a visible gay community who feel isolated and I do think that inclusiveness needs to statement that people who participated may not feel completely welcome in the be worked on. I know I’m a person of life of CHV.

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 13 Creating a National Model for Age-Friendly Neighborhoods By Patricia Powers Thomson and organizations like Age-Friendly DC, community. These staff are essential. Susan Sedgewick we’re doing better than in the past. But Enabling them to live near where they Cities rarely have access to large okay isn’t good enough. Developing work (while concurrently working to tracts of underdeveloped land or to Hill East with the following three improve pay and benefits), is a win for the unique opportunity they present elements, will help make our city a the staff, those they support, and the to create something remarkable—to national model for senior living. larger community. leverage the collective knowledge of World-Class Geriatrics Center Services to Facilitate “Aging experts, visionaries, and citizens to at Home” develop a world-class urban space. DC needs a world class geriatrics This is the opportunity Hill East offers facility, and Hill East is an ideal According to AARP, the vast majority the District. location. As a branch of one of the of older adults want to stay in their city’s outstanding medical centers, homes and communities as they age. As the city develops Hill East, the a “Hill East Center for Geriatric Not only is aging-in-place preferred large tract abutting RFK Stadium and Medicine” would provide world-class by seniors, it is less expensive for the Anacostia river, we hope it creates health and rehabilitation services families and for taxpayers. With the a multi-generational mixed-income to seniors, as well as training and right incentives, Hill East can become neighborhood that is senior-friendly. research programs. a provider-hub for the following When it comes to taking care of services, creating synergies and seniors, DC is in the middle of the Senior-Friendly Housing Options improving delivery across the city: pack. We rank 19th in the Milken Hill East should have both market- Institute’s Best Cities for Successful Homecare Services. Many seniors rate and subsidized residences Aging; 9th in AARP’s Most Livable who are relatively heathy still need the suitable for seniors. Suitability means Places at 50+; and 58th in WalletHub’s help of personal care aides to assist incorporating universal design Best Places for Retirees. We’re doing with the activities of daily living. features (e.g., grab bars, wide hallways, okay, and thanks to the work of Others need the support of home roll-in showers), as well as health aides, as well as visiting nurses Hill East Center for Geriatric Medicine one-level living options and visiting physicians. These services and grade level entries for R Health services for older adults can be integrated with the Geriatrics townhomes. Center or provided by independent R Geriatric training programs For seniors who can no agencies located in the community. R Geriatric research programs longer live independently Homecare Training and Internship and choose to move to an Age-Friendly Housing Options Program. There is a serious shortage assisted living facility, we of home health and personal care R Market-rate and subsidized residential units envision a state-of-the-art aides. Hill East would be a great suitable for older adults facility, coupled with place to locate a training and R Assisted living facility, coupled with several integrated “Green internship program to ensure a strong integrated Green House homes House homes.” When pipeline of qualified aides while also R Affordable housing set-asides for homecare necessary, seniors can increasing employment opportunities aides working in community transition to one of these for DC residents. This program could homes and receive skilled Services Hub to Facilitate “Aging at Home” be run by the “Hill East Campus” of nursing care in home-like an existing educational institution R Homecare services (e.g., personal care settings without leaving serving not only seniors, but the aides, home health aides) their families, friends, entire community. R Homecare training and internship program and neighbors. (See www. thegreenhouseproject.org) An Adult Day Health Center with R Adult day health center (ADHC) Memory Care (ADHC). ADHCs Finally, Hill East should provide a range of programs for Hospice services R include affordable housing seniors with physical and cognitive R Quality-of-life services: senior-friendly for personal care aides, challenges. They also provide respite recreational facilities, transportation, and home health aides, and for family caregivers. ANCs 6A, 6B, life-long learning programs other low to moderate- wage staff working in the  continued on page 15

14 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News A National Model for Age-Friendly Neighborhoods continued from page 14 and 6C have all advocated for an ADHC. Taking their support a step further, ANC 6B worked with Capitol Hill Village and Felice Development to secure $225,000 to help plan, design, and fundraise for such a center. Hospice Services. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, Medicare beneficiaries are less likely to die in hospitals, and more likely to die at home. As people near the end of their lives, in-home hospice services attend to their palliative, emotional, and spiritual needs. Quality-of-Life Facilities. Finally, Reservation 13 in Hill East we hope Hill East will include senior-friendly recreational facilities, transportation, and life-long learning programs, all of which are important for maintaining independence and health. The need for the above will only grow as the population of older adults grows, and as concerns about future FAST FACTS ON AGING IN DC pandemics make previous models • Seniors are one of the fastest growing segments of the population. of senior care untenable. Making this vision a reality will require the • 34% of registered voters in DC are at least 50 years old (31% in collaboration of many stakeholders, Ward 6, 46% in Ward 7, and 36% in Ward 8). and strong leadership on the part of the city. Indeed, development has • Nine of ten registered voters in DC, age 35 and over, believe it is already started, and a new “request for important to remain at home as long as possible even if they need proposals” has been released. We hope long-term care services (AARP). the city will look favorably on proposals • 86% of registered voters in DC, age 35 and over, support increasing that incorporate the above ideas. funds for services that help people remain in their homes and Hill East offers an unparalleled communities as they age (AARP). opportunity to create a world-class urban space that embraces older adults • Aging-in-place is preferred by seniors. It is also less expensive — as part of a thriving, socially and for families and for taxpayers. economically diverse, intergenerational • COVID-19 has underscored the benefits of aging-at-home, or if community. Let’s take full advantage of the unique opportunity we have been that is not possible, in small home-like settings like “Green House” given to become a national model for homes. According to a recent article in Forbes, 42% of all COVID- senior living. 19 deaths have taken place in nursing homes. Per the Journal of Patricia Powers Thomson and Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, death rates in home and Susan Sedgewick are members of the home-like settings were less than 1% compared to 11% in traditional Capitol Hill Village Board and its nursing homes. Advocacy Team.

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 15 CHV Events are Both Virtual and In-Person Villagers have been able to continue some affinity groups If the event is listed as “Virtual,” you can access it and other events through Zoom and, in some cases, through Zoom. Participants can attend either by phone in-person activities. (landline or cell phone) or through their computer or smart As part of the Phased Reopening of the Village, several phone, where they will also have access to video. groups are meeting outdoors. These meetings will comply First step is to access the CHV website calendar. with these CHV guidelines for outdoor in-person meetings, in To register for a virtual event, members can either register order to protect members from transmission of COVID-19: on the website, as in the past, or they can call the CHV Limited to 10 participants—registration required Office for assistance (202-543-1778). Masks required After registration, you will receive a web link. At the Distance of at least six feet between participants meeting time, click on the link or paste it in your browser; then click on “open Zoom meetings” and then “join with Please bring your own water and snacks computer audio.” Do not participate if you have had any flu-like symptoms No computer or other internet device? No problem! You or if, in the last 14 days, have tested positive for COVID-19 can also use your phone to call and listen in and participate or been in contact with someone who has tested positive for in a Zoom meeting. Simply dial the number listed on the COVID-19. invitation and, when prompted, enter the meeting number. Pre-registration for these outdoor events is Voila! You’re Zooming! MANDATORY, either online at www.capitolhillvillage. If you need assistance accessing the calendar, contact the org or by contacting the CHV office at 202-543-1778 CHV Office at 202-543-1778 or [email protected]. or [email protected]. This is to protect If you have not participated in a Zoom meeting, it may be participants’ safety by ensuring that the attendance limits helpful to watch a tutorial video so you can become familiar are maintained, and to have a record of those attending if with the screen and settings. Go to: https://support.zoom.us/ contact tracing is needed. hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials.

March Events List Tuesday, March 2, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 1:00 p.m. Virtual Event: Purls of Wisdom Virtual Event: Memoirs Group *New Affinity Group Join friends and neighbors for conversation and work on This new CHV affinity group will explore the world of your favorite yarn project. There will not be lessons, but writing and publishing memoirs. we may be able to help a bit; this is for folks with some Our guest speaker will be author (and experience with knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, etc. CHV member) Louise Farmer Smith See their current projects on page 10. For more information, talking about her essay, On Betraying contact Nancy Lee at [email protected]. Family (in stories and memoirs). Louise writes short stories, memoirs, and works Wednesday, March 3, 1:00 p.m. of fiction and non-fiction, and she has received numerous awards for her work. Virtual Event: Wellness Wednesday— She was a college professor and high school teacher, a family Gentle Yoga with Mayu therapist, and a Congressional aide in DC. Hosted by Northwest Neighbors Village. This is part of The granddaughter of Oklahoma pioneer dugout dwellers a 12-session weekly series hosted by CHV and the other and chip gatherers, Louise was born in Washington and Villages in DC, and open to Village members citywide. The grew up in Oklahoma. Among her books are One Hundred programs address physical and emotional wellness through Tears of Marriage, Cadillac Oklahoma, and The Woman a variety of topics including, fitness, health care, nutrition, Without a Voice in which she writes about Oklahoma’s past and self-care. as well as stories from the back rooms of Capitol Hill. Register at: https://nwnv.helpfulvillage.com/ A copy of her essay will be sent to all registrants. events/1972-wellness-wednesdays:-gentle-yoga-with-mayu  continued on page 15

16 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News 16 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s 6 March Events List continued from page 16

Thursday, March 4, 1:00–2:00 p.m. Virtual Event: Home Care—How to Know When it’s Time Conversation with members about home care in general: How to know when you are ready, what are the options, what does the continuum of care look like, and what does assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab, and hospice mean. Members and Volunteers Saturday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. Your Home Thursday, March 4, 1:30–3:00 p.m. Hazardous Waste & Personal Shredding Pick-up Virtual Event: Antiracism Working Group Note: Signup deadline is Thursday, March 4 This group is the programmatic arm of Capitol Hill Village’s Hazardous materials and personal papers will be picked anti-racism efforts. Attendees participate in both idea- up from members’ homes for delivery to the District’s safe sharing and development of programs that support these disposal site. efforts and create new programs where there are gaps. See Personal papers (medical, financial, utility bill stubs, story on page 10. old check stubs, etc.) should be put in paper sacks or Open to All cardboard boxes. These will be shredded at the drop-off site and viewed by the CHV delivery team to ensure they are destroyed. Thursday, March 4, 6:00–7:00 p.m. Chemicals and batteries (household cleaners, garden Virtual Event: LGBTQ Yappy Hour chemicals, alkaline batteries) should be in a sturdy plastic bag or a cardboard box—make sure the containers are sealed and not leaking. E-waste (televisions, TV remotes, computers, monitors, modems, DVD players, cellphones, NiCad batteries, etc.) and other items not accepted in weekly home trash pickup. Remove your hard drive from computers you are disposing. Wipe your address book and personal information from cellphones. No small appliances (hand mixers, blenders, etc.) which can go in the regular trash. No large appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.) Call DC 311 for bulk trash pick-up. LGBTQ folks and their pets are invited to join Capitol No paint Instructions on how to dispose of Hill Village and Georgetown University’s LGBTQ your old paint is at: https://dpw.dc.gov/service/ Resource Center for Yappy Hour—our pet-themed social proper-disposal-leftover-paint hour! Participants will come together twice a month to connect with others, combat isolation, and foster No drugs Over-the-counter medicines can go in regular relationships. To get more information or learn how to trash. Prescription drugs—call or drop off at Capitol Hill register, contact Sophia at [email protected] or Village for proper disposal. call 202-543-1778 x204. If you need assistance, call the CHV office at 202-543-1778 Our LGBTQ programs are funded by the DC Department or e-mail [email protected]. of Aging and Community Living and are open to any Members Only DC resident.

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March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 17 16 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s 6 March Events List continued from page 17 Monday, March 8, 2:00–3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 1:00 p.m. Virtual Event: CHV Family Caregiver Meet-up Virtual Event: Wellness Wednesday— Fun Facts *Leader Sought to Know and Tell About COVID-19 This a confidential, peer-led community space where This program is hosted by Georgetown Village (GV). caregivers can receive respite through sharing challenges, Information about COVID-19 (aka SARS-CoV-2), including delights, expectations, and frustrations among fellow vaccines, variant mutations, and transmission is still caregivers. This is a group of caregivers who live on or near evolving as we learn more about the pandemic. Join us as Capitol Hill although loved ones may live across the country, GV Board and Health Care Committee around the block, or in your home. Caregiving is different members Pam Godwin, APRN, BC and for everyone. Some of us provide direct care, some of us Resha Putzrath share the latest medical and help manage a team of paid caregivers, some of us provide scientific information related to COVID-19 emotional or physical support. Our loved ones have different and answer your questions. needs, diagnoses, and symptoms. What we have in common This Georgetown Village program is open is our shared sense of love and responsibility for a close to all village members and volunteers! To sign up please friend or family member. contact the GV Office at 202-999-8988 or email varnita@ Our peer led Family Caregiver Meetup is searching for a georgetown-village.org. new peer leader. If you, or someone you know is a caregiver and may be interested in leading this group, please let us Wednesday, March 10, 2:00–4:00 p.m. know! Peer leaders will receive support from the CHV Care Services staff; no prior experience leading groups required. Virtual Event: Poetry Readers Each attendee may (but is not required to) bring a poem Monday, March 8, 7:00–8:00 p.m. to read and share with the group. Join us for a lively conversation about what we think the poem means and Virtual Event: Voices—What Does it Mean more exploration of the topics the poems touch on. This is to be a “First”? a virtual meeting so please email a copy to jureedy@yahoo. Tamara Copeland, board member of the com so it can be shared with other attendees. Democracy Collaborative, speaks on evolving racial dynamics in the United Thursday, March 11, 12:00–1:30 p.m. States. See story on page 8. Virtual Event: Antiracism Reading Group The Reading Group is made up of CHV members and volunteers who seek to become more informed about race, Tuesday, March 9, 4:00–6:00 p.m. racism, White fragility, social justice, and White supremacy. Virtual Event: CHV Board Meeting The group is currently reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. We will notify the Village community when we begin a new This will be a regular bi-monthly meeting of the CHV book and welcome you to join. See story on page 10. Board of Directors. All are welcome to attend and observe. Any members interested in getting involved with the Board Members and Volunteers of Directors may join one of the committees (Finance, Fundraising, Governance, Membership, Strategic Planning) Thursday, March 11, 6:00–7:30 p.m. and/or submit their name to the Board President (Bruce Brennan) or Chair of the Governance Committee (Mike Virtual Event: Cinephiles Grace) for consideration as a nominee for the Board. Participants should try to see as many of these streaming films as possible for discussion: The United States vs Billie Holliday (Hulu), Nomadland (Hulu), The Dig (Netflix), Calendar changes are on-going, so check the Supernova (Amazon), Sylvia’s Love (Amazon), White Tiger CHV website at capitolhillvillage.org. (Netflix), The Mauritanian (Netflix). Members and Social Members.  continued on page 19

18 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News 18 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s 8 March Events List continued from page 18 Friday, March 12, 9:00–11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, 4:00–5:30 p.m. Your Home Virtual Event: CHV Literary Club Goodwill Pick-up Note: Signup deadline is Noon, Monday, March 15 Do you have clothes, books, knickknacks, or other small In March, the Village Literary Club will host “What Else Are items you’d like to donate to Goodwill? Clean out your You Reading?” At this annual March meeting, participants house for a good cause. Donations being accepted at will talk about one or two books they have recently Goodwill of Greater Washington: enjoyed— books NOT read for the Literary Club. • Clothing in good condition Members and Social Members. • Accessories in good condition • Linens and Textiles, clean and stain-free Wednesday, March 17, 1:00 p.m. • Housewares in good and working condition • Electronics in working condition and with ALL parts Virtual Event: Wellness Wednesday— • Art and Antiques, such as mass-produced items, Understanding Telemedicine signed pieces, and collectibles of any kind, including books, magazines, and comic books This program is hosted • Books and Records by Capitol Hill Village. Telemedicine visits exploded Please limit donations to no more than one 30-gallon during the pandemic, and trash bag. will likely continue to be an Members Only option for many. When is a televisit a good idea? What Monday, March 15, 1:00–2:00 p.m. *Date Change! do providers miss when they don’t see you in person? How can you prepare to make the Virtual Event: Wyze Guyz most of a televisit? Read the following article for discussion: Jonathan Rauch, Dr. Linnea Pepper, MD, Faculty Geriatrician with the “The Constitution of Knowledge” National Affairs (Fall MedStar House Calls Program, will be presenting. 2018). Click on the author’s name for a copy or write for one Register online at https://capitolhill.helpfulvillage.com/ from Tom Zaniello at [email protected] events/6776 or email [email protected].

Monday, March 15, 6:30–8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 1:30–3:00 p.m. Virtual Event: Iona/CHV Support Group for Virtual Event: Antiracism Working Group Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia See March 2 entry for details. This support group is for spouses, partners, adult children, and others who are coping with the challenges of being Open to All a caregiver for an older family member or friend with dementia. Join us to share your experience and to get Thursday, March 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m. support and helpful information. The group is led by professionals from Iona. Virtual Event: LGBTQ Virtual Social Hour There is currently a wait-list for new participants to join. LGBTQ folks of all ages and abilities are Please contact CHV at 202-543-1778 to be added to the list. invited to CHV’s LGBTQ social hour to connect with others, combat isolation, Open to all. Reservations required. and foster relationships. Our LGBTQ programs are funded by the DC Department of Aging and Tuesday, March 16, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Community Living and are open to any DC residents. To Virtual Event: Purls of Wisdom register or get more information, contact Sophia at 202-543- 1778, Ext. 204, or [email protected]. See March 2 entry for details. Open to All  continued on page 20

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 19 18 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s 8 March Events List continued from page 19 • Steps taken to bring policy makers attention to the Saturday, March 20, 9:00 a.m. critical shortage of Home Health Care Aides Meet at Eighth St. and Pennsylvania Ave. SE (NE corner) • Progress in spreading the message of our Vision Urban Walkers for Senior Services at the Hill East Development/ Reservation 13. See related article on pages 14–15. The walk will take us across the 11th Street Bridge, south on the Anacostia Park Trail to the South Capitol Street Bridge, The Advocacy Corps welcomes new participants to serve on and across to Yards Park. issue teams, which includes research and analysis, writing letters to city officials, and giving in-person testimony. The Open to All group’s primary objective has been to promote affordable, community-based housing and support options for older Monday, March 22, 7:00–8:00 p.m. adults living at home or in need of facility-based services. Virtual Event: District Dialogues— They advocate for older adults across the city, emphasizing those who are low- and middle-income and cannot afford or Conversations on Race and Justice in Our City may not qualify for programs to offset the costs of services This is the first in the CHV and supports. speaker series and community Register for the meeting online or by contacting the CHV discussions on engaging with Office at 202-543-1778 or [email protected]. people of varying experiences, backgrounds, and races across the district. Through this Thursday, March 25, 12:00–1:30 p.m. series, we hope to discuss and learn about pertinent topics, Virtual Event: Antiracism Reading Group as well as partner with community organizations and See March 11 listing for details. understand what could make CHV programs a more safe and welcoming space for the Capitol Hill community. See Members and volunteers. story on page 10. Thursday, March 25, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 1:00 p.m. Virtual Event: Parkinson’s Support Group Virtual Event: Wellness Wednesday—Chair Yoga The Parkinson’s Support group is for individuals with Hosted by East Rock Creek Village. This is part of a Parkinson’s to share knowledge, challenges, and ideas and to 12-session weekly series hosted by CHV and the other provide encouragement to one another. Additionally, we are Villages in DC, and open to Village members citywide. The all encouraged to form and maintain a team of support and programs address physical and emotional wellness through communication with friends and family a variety of topics including, fitness, health care, nutrition, Open to All and self-care. Wednesday, March 31, 9:45–10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 10:00 a.m. *Rescheduled from February Virtual Event: Coffee with Judy Virtual Event: CHV Advocacy Corps and Bruce Action Plan Join the CHV Executive Director and Board president for this monthly The Capitol Hill Village Advocacy informal chat. Chairs for 12 Villagers Corps is seeking input on its plan ADVOCACY CORPS (just enough for a full Zoom screen) of action for 2021. The agenda MMXVI AC with no particular agenda, just includes reports on: whatever’s on the mind of whoever signs up. Sign up for • Progress on engaging with a developer to include an your seat by emailing [email protected]. Adult Day Health Center with Memory Care in a development near to Capitol Hill.  continued on page 21

20 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News 20 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s March Events List continued from page 20 No small appliances (hand mixers, blenders, etc.) which Wednesday, March 31, 1:00 p.m. can go in the regular trash. Virtual Event: Wellness Wednesday— No large appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.) Mobility as We Age Call DC 311 for bulk trash pick-up. Hosted by Cleveland & Woodley Park No paint Instructions on how to dispose of Village. This is part of a 12-session your old paint is at: https://dpw.dc.gov/service/ weekly series hosted by CHV and proper-disposal-leftover-paint the other Villages in DC, and open No drugs Over-the-counter medicines can go in regular to Village members citywide. The trash. Prescription drugs—call or drop off at Capitol Hill programs address physical and Village for proper disposal. emotional wellness through a variety If you need assistance, call the CHV office at 202-543-1778 of topics including, fitness, health or e-mail [email protected]. care, nutrition, and self-care. Access Members Only meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83956493937?pwd=OWk1SHhvb Tuesday, April 6, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. mMrazhrSW5yQ0pkeE9yZz09 Virtual Event: Purls of Wisdom Thursday, April 1, 1:30–3:00 p.m. See March 2 entry for details. Virtual Event: Antiracism Working Group Wednesday, April 7, 1:00 p.m. See March 2 entry for details. Open to All Wellness Wednesdays Hosted by Mount Pleasant Village. This is part of a 12-session weekly series hosted by CHV and the other Saturday, April 3, 9:00 a.m. Villages in DC, and open to Village members citywide. The Your Home programs address physical and emotional wellness through Hazardous Waste & Personal Shredding Pick-up a variety of topics including, fitness, health care, nutrition, and self-care. Note: Signup deadline is Thursday, April 1 Hazardous materials and personal papers will be picked Wednesday, April 7, 6:00–7:30 p.m. up from members’ homes for delivery to the District’s safe disposal site. Virtual Event: History & Biography Personal papers (medical, financial, utility bill stubs, The History and Biography Group will old check stubs, etc.) should be put in paper sacks or discuss A Boy’s Journey: From Nazi- cardboard boxes. These will be shredded at the drop-off occupied Prague to Freedom in America, site and viewed by the CHV delivery team to ensure they by CHV’s own Peter Stein. The memoir are destroyed. focuses on the first 15 years of Peter’s Chemicals and batteries (household cleaners, garden life, 12 in Prague, then in the U.S. The chemicals, alkaline batteries) should be in a sturdy plastic child of a Catholic mother and a Jewish bag or a cardboard box—make sure the containers are father who survived Theresienstadt, Peter sealed and not leaking. recalls intimidating encounters with SS officers, recollections of Hitler’s portraits everywhere, food E-waste (televisions, TV remotes, computers, monitors, shortages, and the terror of Allied bombings. After the war, modems, DVD players, cellphones, NiCad batteries, he heard firsthand accounts of survival from several cousins etc.) and other items not accepted in weekly home trash who survived Theresienstadt and Auschwitz, had fought pickup. Remove your hard drive from computers you with units in the Czech army stationed in the USSR, and are disposing. Wipe your address book and personal others who flew missions over Germany with the British air information from cellphones.  continued on page 22

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 21 20 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s March Events List continued from page 21 force. Arrival in the United States in 1948 came with shocks Mondays, 10:00 a.m.–12 Noon of a different kind. Peter will lead the discussion and share photos and other memorabilia in his possession. Virtual Event: DC Center for LGBT Community— Registration is required. Coffee Hour On Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon, it’s the Coffee Ongoing Events Drop-in, hosting friendly conversations on current issues. Contact [email protected] to get the Zoom link. Mondays, 9:00 a.m. U.S. National Arboretum, 24th & R Sts. NE Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:00–3:00 p.m.; Easy Strollers *On Hiatus until April Tuesdays & Fridays, 2:00–4:00 p.m. The Easy Strollers will walk (socially distanced) at the Virtual Event: CHV Bridge Club National Arboretum for about 45 minutes on paved The CHV Bridge Club meets paths. Enter the Arboretum at 24th and R Streets NE, off virtually, playing bridge Bladensburg Rd. After passing through the gates, parking is online. We welcome CHV in the lot directly ahead. Walk to the front of the adjoining members who understand Administrative Building, where we will meet. bridge and who have an If you plan to join the walk and need a ride, notify Vira interest in Bridge Base online. Sisolak at [email protected] and the Capitol Hill Many new players started Village office at [email protected] or 202-543-1778. with mini-bridge and now We will cancel if there is rain or the temperature is below 50 play four days a week using the online software, Bridge Base, degrees F. (bridgebase.com). We continue to increase our knowledge of bidding and Mondays, 1:30 p.m. *Changes to 3 p.m. on March 15 playing. We are learning and using American Standard Second and I Sts. SE (south of Garfield Park, south of bridge conventions. At times the group coordinates among freeway) themselves to bring in a professional instructor. If you have questions or want to play, email Deborah Petanque Hanlon at [email protected]. Join a group of Capitol To sign up for Bridge Base, go to https://www.bridgebase. Hill game enthusiasts com/v3/ for a friendly game of Petanque, which is the French game of Mondays, 2:00–3:00 p.m. boules and similar to Turtle Park at Eastern Market, 7th and North Carolina Ave. the Italian game of SE (rain location: under the Eastern Market canopy) bocce. Paul Cromwell Tai Chi provides instruction for beginners. For more Tai Chi meets outdoors, weather permitting—at least information, contact Paul 40 degrees. Practice the beautiful and healthy art of at: pcromwell23@gmail. Tai Chi. Most classes devote one-half hour to exercise com and review of the basic postures and the other half- hour to learning new postures. Both beginners and Members and volunteers. those experienced in Tai Chi can benefit from both Registration required. half-hour sessions. Open to all. Reservations required. Calendar changes are on-going, so check the CHV website at capitolhillvillage.org.  continued on page 23

22 • March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News 22 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s Ongoing Events List continued from page 22 Tuesdays, 10:00–11:00 a.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Garden, 301 A St. SE Looking to make a Qigong Qigong is a form of gentle exercise, suitable for any age or difference and give back to physical condition, that consists of flowing movement and your community? breathing techniques. It is designed to improve the function of internal organs, vascular systems, and muscular and joint CHV is recruiting volunteers of all ages in the health. In addition, the practice may enhance circulation and sleep and relieve stress. LGBTQ community and allies, to support our intergenerational LGBTQ programming. Open to all. Reservations required. Volunteers will assist our Village and the Greater DC Tuesdays, 12 Noon–1:30 p.m. community in increasing knowledge about the LGBTQ community, addressing issues of discrimination and Virtual Event: Second Wind Chorus its impact on older adults, and building bridges among LGBTQ youth and adults. Bring your ideas for making DC the best place for LGBTQ individuals to live a long life. To express interest, contact us at 202-543-1778 or info@ capitolhillvillage.org

Second Wind is a community chorus that has enjoyed making music together for over a decade on Capitol Hill. Wednesdays, 12 Noon–1:00 p.m. Members have varied backgrounds in music, and welcome Virtual Event: Meditation Hour anyone who loves to sing and wishes to join the chorus. Although we cannot sing in person at the present time, we Patrick Hamilton will guide simple exercises, that alone or continue to meet weekly and rediscover the joy of music- in combination can help break the cycle of mental stress we making and performance through a variety of musical experience and can be incorporated easily into your daily enrichment sessions, including music theory, sight singing, schedule. Patrick is a member of the Washington Buddhist vocal pedagogy, master classes, and a song recording project Vihara and Bhavana Forest Monastery and Retreat Center to create a virtual choral performance. Visit our website at in West Virginia. www.secondwindchorusdc.com or call Marsha Holliday at Open to All 202-544-2629 for more information. Mondays and Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. All the News from CHV: Virtual Event: Chair Yoga • Website: www.capitolhillvillage.org Energize your overall sense of well-being. Strengthen the body and relax your mind. Practice proper balance and • Monthly CHV News: CHV News Archive breathing techniques. Join us for an enjoyable hour of • Coronavirus Hub: CHV COVID-19 Hub mellow flow chair yoga, as we improve the body/mind • CHV Connections: Emailed each Wednesday connection with soothing music. A straight back chair with • Weekly News and Events (members only): no arms, is all that is required! CHV member Robin Blum, Emailed each Sunday leads the class. You don’t have to be a Village member to join this Zoom class. Namaste! • Follow CHV on Facebook and Instagram Open to All

March 2021 Capitol Hill Village News • 23 22 • M a y 2015 C p i t o l H V g e N ws r c h 2 0 1 w s Mark Your Calendar for April LGBT Events April 9 and April 23: Memory-related the opportunity for participants to learn about poetry, diseases and caregiving in the LGBTQ engage in activities for writing poetry, and workshop community their work. On the open mic night, participants can share their poetry or any other work that inspires them. Capitol Hill Village is partnering with the National Dates and times will be announced. Capitol Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in events on April 9 and April 23, addressing memory- If you need information or are interested in participating related diseases and caregiving in the LGBTQ in these events, contact Sophia Ross at sross@ community. The first will be an open discussion, and the capitolhillvillage.org or 202-543-1778 x204. second date will feature a presentation based on feedback from the first event. LGBTQ individuals and friends are invited to attend; pre-registration is required. Visit April, dates TBD: Poetry workshops and an open mic night Also in April, a series of four poetry workshops and an open mic night are planned. These will be open to LGBTQ individuals over the age of 18 with any experience level with poetry. The workshops will provide

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