70Th Anniversary November 2017 November 2017 V.70|N

70th Anniversary November 2017 November 2017 v.70|n. 11

Issue Highlights

3 Toward a Strong and Sustainable Officers Club Jonathan L. Gifford President 6 Destruction of Capitalism Deanna Marcum Vice-President 10 Into the Stars Wendy Frieman Secretary 13 Jazz Evening Robert P. Bremner Treasurer 16 Outlook for the US Economy David R. Ford Past President 18 Democracy for Hire Board of Management Donald P. Hilty (also Assistant 20 Club Anniversary: Honoring the Treasurer), Philip E. Huber, Ronald W. Past While Anticipating the Future Manderscheid, Ruth Rudolph Perlin, Lisa A. Olson, Anthony A. Williams, Caroline 23 Staged Reading: Luther C. Willis (also Assistant Secretary), Arthur E. Wise 25 Diplomacy: Persuasion, Trust and Values General Manager: Mitchell Platt 29 The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront Cosmos Club Bulletin published monthly (except August) at 2121 Massachusetts 31 Photos on Display Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008. 34 70 Years of the Cosmos Club Editor: Judy C. Holoviak. Bulletin Associate Editors: Ann Crittenden, David B. Bowes, D. Elizabeth Crompton, Jean 38 From the GM Taylor Federico, Susan Pearce, George E. Watson and Barry D. Wood. The Cosmos Club does not take a position Senior Advisor: Marlene Tanzer. on the views expressed at programs held at the Club. Editors Emeriti: John R. Gibson and Ian S. McDonald. Cover. Facsimile of the cover of the Desktop: Michael Cramblitt. first issue of the Cosmos Club Bulle- [email protected] tin produced in November 1947. See www.cosmosclub.org page 34.

2 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN President’s Column

Toward a Strong and Sustainable Club By Jonathan L. Gifford (’98)

During the 2016-17 Club year, the Board of Management made great progress in understanding important facts about the Club’s ability to develop our property. The idea that we could expand our facilities has been something many Boards have discussed in the past. This year, the Board, with the aid of a special Development Commit- tee*, gained substantial insight into our options. We learned that our land occupies two different zoning districts, which permit limited devel- and the bylaws, the Board presented opment in the back or north parking this information to the membership. lot and more substantial development After careful consideration, the on our south parcel, particularly the Development Committee recommend- west garden parking lot. We received ed and the Board agreed at its meeting expert opinion about what we could on September 28 to bring negotiations do in light of current regulations per- with Fivesquares to an end. The Devel- taining to historic preservation. And opment Committee, having finished we obtained legal guidance about its work, has disbanded. protecting our status as a private Club This process has highlighted the and non-profit entity. This information need to make the Club financially is invaluable and far more specific and healthier and more attractive to new informative than the Club has ever and existing members, and to be good had before. stewards of our property. In the com- As many of you know, we also ing months, the Board will launch a received an interesting proposal from series of small discussion groups to Fivesquares Development, a compa- focus on “The Future of the Club.” All ny that was prepared to enter into a interested members will be invited to partnership on terms extraordinarily participate. favorable to the Club. The recent discussion and debate In keeping with its fiduciary duty have also made it obvious that our

NOVEMBER 2017 3 Club’s “social capital” is not nearly as Let us all keep Powell’s dictum in strong as many of us believed. Dis- mind as we strive to build a strong and cussion of the development proposal sustainable Club. brought to the fore a deficit in our In closing, I offer my very best good will towards each other. We wishes for Thanksgiving and the ensu- must also tackle that issue. How can ing holiday season. We have much to we discuss difficult and sometimes be thankful for at the Cosmos Club, controversial issues in a manner that not least a superb staff and strong preserves and strengthens our comity management team, who carried us and good will? through a very challenging summer of John Wesley Powell, our illus- construction and renewal of our kitch- trious founder, provides wisdom in en and dining room. If you haven’t yet this regard. At the time of the Club’s visited the Garden Dining Room and founding in 1878, Powell was leading the new 1878 Grille, I encourage you the effort to consolidate a number of to do so soon. different surveys of the Western lands In the meantime, please let me that were being vigorously promoted know your thoughts and suggestions by competing agencies. Washburn’s at [email protected]. history of the Club describes Pow- ell’s intense desire to create a Club in Thank you. which social interactions could exert a moderating force on influential Wash- *Those who served on the recently ingtonians when they debated issues disbanded Development Committee: like this. Here is Washburn’s descrip- appointed members – David Ford (’08), tion of Powell’s views: Steven Trachtenberg (’78), Anthony Wil- liams (’12), Art Wise (’95, chair), and “Misunderstanding and suspicion can Deborah Yogodzinski (’14); ex officio govern the relations of good men when members – Jonathan Gifford (’98, Presi- they are separated from one another. dent), Deanna Marcum (’94, Vice-Pres- Disagreements and misunderstandings ident), Robert Bremner (’05, Treasurer), are more readily overcome if one can Barbara Culliton (’89, House Committee meet one’s peers informally and social- Chair) and Paul Taskier (’10, Legal Advi- ly than if both sides remain removed sor). and aloof.”

Minutes of Board meetings are posted on the website for all members to see. They can be found at Member Resources/Governance/Board of Man- agement/Board Minutes.

4 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN Programs and Events

Schedule Reminders

Full information about the following events appears in the October Bulletin. Reserve through Member Services or online.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Wednesday, November 1, 6:30 pm – Robert Daley will assess the assets and deficiencies of the United States and China as global superpowers. Price: $45. (October p. 29)

SHAKESPEARE AUTHORSHIP GROUP Friday, November 3, noon – Elisabeth Waugaman will discuss the influence of the French language in Shakespeare’s plays and poems and in the creation of diverse characters in his plays. Price: $22. (October p. 30)

SCIENCE GROUP Monday, November 6, noon – Elizabeth Tasker will lead an exploration of exoplanets – worlds more extreme than anything in fiction – and ask whether any could be called home. Price: $19. (October p. 31)

MOVIE NIGHT Monday, November 6, 7:30 pm – North by Northwest (1959), the fourth and final teaming of Alfred Hitchcock and Cary Grant. No charge. (October p. 31)

Short Fiction Discussion Group Monday, November 13, 5:45 pm

November’s selections are “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olson and “Son- ny’s Blues” by James Baldwin. Items for the Short Fiction Discussion Group can be found in 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor.

NOVEMBER 2017 5 PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP Photographer’s Choice Wednesday, November 1, noon

“November is the most disagreeable larger than approximately 1800x1000 month in the whole year,” said Lou- are strongly preferred. isa May Alcott’s Meg. Well, maybe; December’s theme is “bridges”; but we hope to have a pleasant and January’s theme is “speed.” agreeable photo luncheon to begin the Those wishing to join the discus- month. There is no specific theme for sion must make advance reservations; this session. otherwise, the room assigned for the Those wishing to submit pho- program may not be large enough to tographs for review and discussion accommodate all comfortably. should send them as e-mail attach- Charles Jackson (’07) ments to [email protected]. Photography Group Photos can be in any common file Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member format. Images with pixel dimensions Services or online. Price: $19.

PROGRAM COMMITTEE Destruction of Capitalism – Reflections and Reforms Thursday, November 2, 6:30 pm

Americans are increasingly concerned that massive corporations in the Unit- ed States and abroad have aggregated and now wield enormous economic and political power. These companies overcharge consumers, commit fraud on a huge scale, do not adequately protect the personal data they hold, and have the political power to put their people into key positions of government. They not only threaten our culture and our democracy, but capi- Ralph Nader talism itself. In part this new public aware- remarks by candidate Donald Trump, ness can be attributed to “populist” which thus far have not resulted in

6 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN corporate reform, but have instead ernment reform causes.” Nader is the yielded more power to the business person behind the formation of a great elite. Whatever the cause, voices today many public-interest organizations are calling for everything from limit- and movements, a former candidate ing the size of the largest companies to for US president and someone whose capping executive salaries. What kinds name became a household word. He of reforms make the most sense? will share his reflections on how giant Ralph Nader has spent decades firms are destroying capitalism and his considering how corporate power proposals for reform. might be tamed. Wikipedia describes Bert Foer (’07) him simply as “an American political Program Committee activist, author, lecturer and attorney, Cocktails at 6:30 pm; dinner at 7. Reserve noted for his involvement in consumer with Member Services or online. Price: protection, environmentalism and gov- $45.

ON THE MOVE GROUP Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Saturday, November 4, 1 pm

Ellen Miles (’05) will lead an intro- (or more, if desired), there will be a ductory tour of the pre-Civil War break for coffee (not included as part of building (1836-1860) that now houses the tour) in the magnificent courtyard, the National Portrait Gallery and the with its soaring glass roof designed by Smithsonian American Art Museum. contemporary British architect Nor- Miles, emeritus curator of painting man Foster and completed in 2006. and sculpture at the Portrait Gallery, The second part of the tour, from about will focus especially on the recently 2:30 to 3:30, will include the building’s reopened America’s Presidents exhi- magnificent third floor. bition. Participants will meet at 1 pm Participation is limited to twenty. Reserve inside the entrance at 8th and G Streets with Member Services or online. No NW. After touring for about an hour charge for the tour.

Members considering nominating a colleague for Club membership will find valuable assistance in the updated, easy-to-follow guidelines found on the website under Member Resources/Nomination Process. There are also links to: a schematic of the process; a one-page information sheet designed especially for nominees; nomination form; schedule of current dues and initiation fees; listing of Club members by discipline.

NOVEMBER 2017 7 ECONOMICS GROUP The Great Financial Crisis About a Decade On Tuesday, November 7, noon

A decade after the “great financial financial system and its regulation crisis,” banks and their allies in Wash- with regard to the potential risk of ington are pushing hard for the weak- future financial instability. ening of the regulatory regime put Stephen Quick (’16) will provide in place by the Dodd-Frank act. In an overview of potential risk areas in April, President Trump declared, “The the financial system, including capital regulators are running the banks. So and leverage standards for depository we’re going to do a very major haircut institutions, stress testing, derivatives, on Dodd-Frank.” House Financial proprietary trading and resolution regimes to address the “too big to fail” problem for very large institutions. He will also give some attention to the systemic risks posed by the non-bank financial system, including “shadow banks,” which perform many of the same economic roles as commercial banks but are subject to much looser regulation and supervision. Quick retired in 2016 as the chief risk officer of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. His public Stephen Quick service has included: managing director for evaluation of the Millennium Services chairman Jeb Hensarling Challenge Corporation; director, announced his intent to start “ending Office of Evaluation and Oversight, and replacing the mistake of Dodd- Inter American Development Bank; Frank,” and swiftly secured House executive director and chief econo- passage of legislation designed to sub- mist, Joint Economic Committee, US stantially alter banking regulations. Congress. Given that previous rounds of Frederick Jaspersen (’98) regulatory “reform” laid the ground- Economics Group work for the 2008 crisis, it is timely Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member to review the current state of the US Services or online. Price: $30.

8 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN COSMOTOGRAPHERS Judging Members’ Photos for Exhibition Tuesday, November 7, 6 pm

Chuck Hyman (’98) has vast experience judging photographs for publications. For this reason, he was selected to judge submissions for this year’s Cosmotographers Exhibition. He will explain the reasons for his selections, which hang in the Crentz Room from October 14 to February 6. He will also reveal some of the stories behind the pictures. (See page 31 for some sam- ples from the exhibit.) Hyman began his career as assistant art director at House & Garden, Vogue and Glamour magazines. He then created his own company, Studio 35, and specialized in fashion photography and photo/art book design and production. Chuck Hyman In 1965, he joined the National Geographic’s Book Division as art National Wildlife Federation, Time director and subsequently became Life Books and the US Botanic Gar- director of the division. After retiring den. from National Geographic, Hyman O. Louis Mazzatenta (’11) created Visual Communications to Cosmotographers produce books, publications and Celebratory opening in Crentz Room museum guides. His clients include at 6 pm; dinner in Powell Room at 6:45; the Smithsonian Institution, Inter- presentation at 8. Reserve with Member national Spy Museum, Newseum, Services or online. Price: $46.

Tieless Except... Gentlemen members and guests may go tieless anywhere in the clubhouse at any time except in the Garden Dining Room every day at lunch and dinner and at Sunday brunch. At black-tie events, members and guests are expected to dress appropriately to the occasion.

NOVEMBER 2017 9 WASHINGTON MONTH IN REVIEW Midway to the Next Midterms Wednesday, November 8, 5:30 pm

Does the election season never end? By not be predicted as this notice is being this month’s review, we will know the written. Sid Davis (’97) and Bill Shee- results of Virginia’s and New Jersey’s han (’93) will provide their overview of gubernatorial election and may have recent events and chair the open-mike more indications of who will be vieing discussion period. for the 2018 general elections. Have a drink at the chit bar; grab On the current political scene, there a snack; most importantly, share your may be more bipartisan deals or not. views. The session will end by 7 pm, The budget, tax reform, gun control, leaving ample time for those who wish the war in Afghanistan, terrorist attacks to stay for dinner. around the world and North Korea’s Reserve with Member Services or online. latest tactics will doubtless be food for Separate reservations are needed for discussion as will other topics that can- dinner. No charge for the discussion.

BOOK & AUTHOR Into the Stars Thursday, November 9, 6:30 pm

Dava Sobel, a former New York Times science reporter, has captivated audiences around the world and won numerous accolades for her beautifully clear writing about science and technology. You may have recently enjoyed her Times Opinion column “The Ecstasy of a Total Eclipse” (August 20, 2017). With her latest book, The Dava Sobel Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure analyzed the stars through photo- of the Stars, Sobel takes the reader into graphic glass plates produced nightly the very stars themselves. by the observatory’s telescope. These Starting in the latter part of the ladies’ observations and analyses, their 19th century and into the early 20th dedication and perseverance were crit- century, the Harvard Observatory ical to classifying stars, identifying employed women “computers” who their makeup, measuring distances

10 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN between them and discovering new absorbing story. As she did in Longi- stars – all the while working for lower tude, Galileo’s Daughter and her oth- wages than their male colleagues and er books, Sobel gives a real sense of having to rely upon the men to deliver the dedication and perseverance, day their papers at scientific meetings. At after day, decade after decade, that are that time, women were not allowed to required to accomplish momentous become full members of the astronom- advancements in science. ical societies that depended upon their Miriam Nisbet (’16) contributions. Library Committee Through the details of develop- Cocktails at 6:30 pm; dinner at 7. Reserve ments in the field of astronomy, and with Member Services or online. Price: its intersection with mathematics and $45. other relevant sciences, Sobel tells an

WINE APPRECIATION TASTING Portuguese Wine Thursday, November 9, 6:30 pm

This year alone wines from Portugal including one reserva from old vines. have taken center stage at major tast- Two more reds follow, including one ings in Japan, Singapore, Poland, Bra- from a new partnership of three wine- zil, Germany and Russia. Wines from makers originally from the Douro grapes such as touriga nacional, jaen, region who now want to explore and alvarinho and castelão continue to exploit the traditional elegance of make news for high quality at afford- Dão wines. The menu is built around able prices. Portuguese winemakers a charred-octopus salad and a classic have generally favored their indige- Portuguese stew featuring pork and nous grapes, resisting the temptation chorizo. The evening will end with to cultivate varieties that are “hot” on two ports, of course, paired with an the international market, and their almond cake from the coastal town focus pays off in terms of quality. of Albufeira. The Club tasting will start with Leaders for this tasting are Donna a pair of white vinhos verde – light, and George (’84) Harman and Beth- almost effervescent wines that are any and Russel (’97) Jones. too good to relegate to summer. Por- Expect to enjoy! Saude! tuguese reds are most often blends: Participation is set at sixty-four with a four will be served. We will try a limit of four attendees per reservation. hearty pair from Quinta Do Cras- Reserve with Member Services or online. to wine estate in the Douro region, Price: $56.

NOVEMBER 2017 11 Associates Luncheon Thursday, November 9, noon

Alexandra Armstrong (’93), financial planner and a founding member of Armstrong, Fleming and Moore, Inc., is a noted author. On Your Own, which she co-authored with Mary R. Donahue, is now in its fifth edition. At our November lunch, Armstrong will discuss her book-in-progress, Women Facing Retirement. Come for an interesting and informative event. Mary Olch Cosmos Club Associates Reserve with Member Services or online at least 48 hours ahead. Price: $19.

GEOGRAPHY & LAND USE GROUP Arthur Cotton Moore on the Waterfront Friday, November 10, noon

At the November meeting, we will preview Arthur Cotton Moore on the Waterfront, a short film, which is part of a larger documentary project on the Washington waterfront by John R. Wennersten (’14), Tim Persinko and Sustainable Waterfronts. Arthur Cotton Moore, a lifetime Washing- tonian and award-winning architect and designer of Washington Harbor in Georgetown, will be available for Q&A following the film. Arthur Cotton Moore Moore’s first book was The Powers of Preservation: New Life for Urban Historic Places. He is currently at work for excellence, is a painter and lectures on several projects about DC infra- around the world. He has won more structure. He also published a novel than seventy architectural awards. about a hapless hero trying to main- John R. Wennersten (’14) tain a large house on Chesapeake Bay. Geography & Land Use Group Moore designs furniture, for which Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member he won an Architectural Record award Services or online. Price: $19.

12 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN PROGRAM COMMITTEE Dick Budson Jazz Sextet Friday, November 10, 8-10 pm

The fifth annual concert of the Dick Budson Jazz Sextet will feature international singing star Sharon Clark. After her recent Metropolitan Room performance in New York City, the Wall Street Journal described Clark’s show as “an absolute triumph.” Com- Dick Budson Jazz Sextet paring her singing to Sarah Vaughan’s, the reviewer said, “her natural sound is almost operatic in it richness, but pure has performed with many jazz lumi- jazz in its improvisational sassiness.” naries locally and abroad. Chris Batti- After two opening instrumental stone, trumpet, toured internationally numbers, the audience will be treated with the reconstituted Glen Miller to Clark’s unique vocal interpretations Orchestra. Donato Soviero, new this including “Rainy Days and Mondays,” year on guitar, has played for twenty “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “But years in the metro area, including at Not for Me” and “Good Morning the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley and Heartache.” Wolftrap. The sextet returns with most of the For the concert, the Warne Ball- talented instrumentalists who received room will be transformed into a 1950s a standing ovation at last year’s jazz nightclub with small tables. While evening. Dick Budson(’98), clarinet, they sway to the rhythms of the jazz has been playing jazz since forming a sextet and its special vocalist, members quartet at Harvard in 1953. Robert and their guests will be treated to fin- Sykes, piano, co-chair of the Levine ger desserts and sparkling wine. School of Music Jazz Keyboard, has Marcel Horowitz (’03) performed throughout the Washing- Program Committee ton area for thirty years. Eric Harper, Reserve with Member Services or online. bass, has performed international- Price: $30. ly including at the Ritz Carlton in Shanghai. Dominic Smith, drums,

NOVEMBER 2017 13 SHAKESPEARE GROUP A Dream World of Music, Mirth and Romance Monday, November 13, noon

Shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, Internationally acclaimed direc- Viola is grief-stricken for her twin tor Ethan McSweeny (A Midsum- brother Sebastian, on the same voy- mer Night’s Dream, The Tempest) age, whom she assumes she has lost. and Washington, DC native, brings Knowing she must figure out a way to his expressive visual style and deep survive in this foreign realm, she dis- sensibility to this topsy-turvy dream guises herself as a page boy for Duke world of poetry, music and mirth for Orsino and quickly finds herself at the Shakespeare Theatre’s production of this beloved comedy, which is believed to have been first performed in 1602 in London’s still-standing Middle Temple Hall. The production will run from November 14 through December 20 at Sidney Harman Hall. In a conversation with writer- filmmaker Mark Olshaker (’87), McSweeny will discuss his directorial choices – casting, set design, cos- tumes, interpretation – and describe Ethan McSweeny how each element contributes to the the center of an explosive love triangle overall effect he is trying to convey. in which identity, passion and gender McSweeny will explain his approach all threaten to come undone. Bursting to tackling a classic and breathing with vitality and romance, Twelfth fresh life and spirit into it, as exem- Night provides one of Shakespeare’s plified by his previous productions. most remarkable heroines matching Mark Olshaker (’87) wits with a host of captivating char- Shakespeare Group acters – from the love-struck Olivia to Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member the puritanical Malvolio. Services or online. Price: $19.

14 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN LITERARY Poetic Genius and Mania Monday, November 13, 12:15 pm

Kay Redfield Jamison (’90) will discuss her latest book, Robert Lowell: Setting the River on Fire, a multifaceted study of the poet’s life, work, crippling illness and his place in the canon of American writers. The book recounts how Lowell forged an iron will to deal with bipolar illness and became the leading poet of his generation. Jamison, a professor at Johns Hopkins medical school specializing in the study of bipolar disorder, obtained the Kay Redfield Jamison cooperation of the Lowell family in researching the course of his break- downs – more than thirty hospitaliza- heritage. Her discussion of “For the tions. A major theme is the relation- Union Dead,” with its contrast of Bos- ship between disease and creativity. ton in the 1860s and 1960s, is a strong Jamison identifies Lowell first and ending to an impressive book that will foremost as a New England writer, as be of value to literary scholars and the firmly entrenched there as Faulkner general public as well as those interest- was in Mississippi. She demonstrates ed in mental illness. with the analysis of more than thirty Jamison is a recipient of the Lew- poems how Lowell’s work is a con- is Thomas Prize and a MacArthur nected series of poems that become Award, co-author of the standard an autobiography and commentary on medical text on bipolar illness and the times. She puts poems that do not author of Touched with Fire, An make that much sense standing alone Unquiet Mind, Night Falls Fast and in the anthologies of American poet- Exuberance. ry in the context of the family narra- J. William Futrell (’84) tives from which they were plucked. Library Committee The book’s last chapter focuses on Lunch at 12:15 pm. Reserve with Member one poem that demonstrates the poet’s Services or online. Price: $19. passionate commitment to his Puritan

NOVEMBER 2017 15 CONSERVATIVE AND ECONOMICS GROUPS Outlook for the US Economy and Trump’s Economic Program Tuesday, November 14, noon

Peter Morici (’92) will discuss the land Robert H. Smith School of Busi- outlook for the US economy, Presi- ness and a national columnist. His dent Trump’s economic program and views appear regularly in the Dow achieving a 3-percent growth rate. His Jones Market Watch, the Washington remarks will focus particularly on the Times and other major metropolitan constraints on US performance and dailies throughout the United States and Canada, and on the websites of Fox, Newsmax and others. He participates in the weekly and quar- terly forecasting surveys at Reuters, Bloomberg, MarketWatch and several other services. His views are featured several times each week on the major TV networks and radio. He is a five- time winner of the MarketWatch top forecaster award. Morici is the author of eighteen books and monographs and numerous Peter Morici scholarly articles and has published in the Harvard Business Review and employment growth, the likely conse- Foreign Policy. He received his PhD in quences of Congress enacting legisla- economics from the State University tion on health care and tax reform and of New York. authorizing infrastructure spending, as Herman Belz (’06) well as the difficulties of even getting Conservative Group them passed by the Senate and House. Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member Morici is an economist, emeritus Services or online. Price: $19. professor at the University of Mary-

Program Recordings. Some speakers grant the Club permission to make audio recordings of their presentations for the enjoyment of members after the event. Recordings can be found on the Club’s website under Club Activ- ities/Club Audio Events.

16 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN LGBT & ALLIES TABLE Open Discussion Tuesday, November 14, 12:30 pm

This month’s gathering will provide persons and their allies: friends or rela- members of the LGBT and allies com- tives of persons identifying themselves munity and their guests a chance to as LGBT. meet informally. Attendees can social- Brian Doyle (’01) ize and discuss matters of interest to LGBT & Allies Table the community. We welcome anyone Lunch at 12:30 pm. Reserve with Member interested in or curious about LGBT Services or online. Price: $21.

GARDEN COMMITTEE Mount Vernon, an Inspiration for Cosmos Gardens Tuesday, November 14, 6:30 pm

Dean Norton, Mount Vernon’s director of horticulture, will highlight the beauty and importance of the estate’s historic setting. For over 150 years, Mount Vernon has been studied and researched. The iconic 18th-century estate is one of the most accurately restored homes in America. The soil was dug for clues to ensure faithful preservation of George Washington’s original landscape. Its design was executed largely according to Wash- Dean Norton ington’s ideas. Formal flower and veg- etable parterres, fruit orchards and rare and traditional plant species coexist mac River at the house’s rear entrance with ancient specimen trees. The estate is an extensive lawn for cattle to graze. also boasts Palladian-style arcades, a Mount Vernon Ladies Association pur- grand central forecourt entrance and chased the estate in 1858, with respon- spacious lawn. Overlooking the Poto- sibility for restoration, management,

NOVEMBER 2017 17 maintenance and preservation since its century practices and networked with opening to the public in 1860. people caring for historic sites. Norton began a fulltime horti- An engaging lecturer and culture career at Mount Vernon in award-winner, Norton is sought-after 1977 as boxwood gardener. In 1980, as a speaker for radio, television, sym- he was promoted to horticulturalist, posia and conferences on a variety of tasked with restoration of historic topics related to George Washington’s gardens. His role was to apply current home and historic gardening. He will plant science and advocate for preser- provide a thought-provoking view of vation of the historic view across the historic properties, like the Cosmos Potomac. Ever mindful of George Club and the original Townsend Washington’s enduring interest in vision. plants, Norton has during forty-eight Iris Miller (’02) years at Mount Vernon managed the Garden Committee greenhouses, nursery, livestock and Cocktails at 6:30 pm; dinner at forests, developed special projects, 7. Reserve with Member Services or maintained records, researched 18th online. Price: $45.

LEGAL AFFAIRS GROUP AND PROGRAM COMMITTEE Democracy for Hire Wednesday, November 15, noon

Dennis W. Johnson (’01), professor emeritus at George Washington Uni- versity, will discuss modern political campaigning, political consultants and elections in the Trump and post- Trump eras. Johnson has written widely on campaigns and elections and the role of political consultants. His two most recent books are Democracy for Dennis W. Johnson Hire: A History of American Political Consulting (Oxford 2016) and Cam- for the presidency in 1960, campaigns paigning for President 2016 (Routledge increasingly have turned to political 2017), which he co-edited. consultants to help define their mes- Since John F. Kennedy’s campaign sages, figure out what people want and

18 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN plot their way through the landmines consulting, but will also address what of elections. Candidates have turned to happened during the 2016 presidential pollsters, media specialists, field oper- election. ators, opposition researchers, get-out- June Kress (’15) the-vote specialists and, more recently, Legal Affairs Group consultants adept at big-data analysis Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member and technological wizardry. John- Services or online. Price: $20. son will cover the history of political

CLUB’S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Honoring the Past While Anticipating the Future Thursday, November 16, 6 pm

With the completion of the three- phased renovation of the clubhouse, the Club has a special reason to celebrate. Phase one saw the installation of a new Club Room. Phase two included expansion of the Awards Gallery and upgrading of the Lobby plus restoration of the front entrance canopy, a handsome new driveway and other exterior improvements. This past summer, we marveled as the staff worked from a makeshift kitchen to provide Carl Elefante wonderful buffet lunches and elegant dinners upstairs while the new kitchen, an informal dining room and bar context that emphasizes legacy pres- and an updated Garden Dining Room ervation and re-purposing historic were installed downstairs. Now, we buildings to meet the needs and expec- can enjoy these lovely spaces! tations of the 21st century. The 139th anniversary celebration Honoring and preserving the will look back on the Club’s locations architectural past, while anticipating and facilities while also looking for- future trends and needs, is a passion ward. Guest speaker Carl Elefante, for Elefante. He argues that cities have incoming president of the American been the source of all human progress, Institute of Architects, will put our and shaping our city also shapes our accomplishments into a Washington cultural, social, economic and envi-

NOVEMBER 2017 19 ronmental destiny. He will put the emonial sword and lead the toast for Cosmos Club into a framework of our continued prosperity of the Club. city’s development and illustrate the With so much to celebrate and impact of our stewardship on Wash- with many more years to look forward ington, DC. to, we urge you to join the party. No Club anniversary party would Deanna Marcum (’94) be complete without our traditions. Vice-President Chef Will and his staff will deliver an Cocktails at 6 pm; dinner at 7. Black tie is elegant dinner accompanied by fine preferred; gentlemen not wearing black wines, and delight us with a theme-ap- tie are expected to wear ties. Reserve with propriate cake. President Jonathan Member Services or online. Price: $70. Gifford will cut the cake with the cer-

WARNE BALLROOM CONCERT Hendrickson-Avalos Duo Wednesday, November 17, 8 pm

Pianist Myriam Avalos and trumpet pet of Suite in Olden Style. This work, player Steven Hendrickson, who have first performed in Russia during a performed to critical acclaim through- National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) out the DC area, will present a pro- tour of the country with Rostropovich, gram of music for trumpet and piano. is a sensitive lyrical delight particularly The evening will include a special work as transcribed for trumpet. by Schnittke, a transcription for trum- Hendrickson is NSO’s assistant

Myriam Avalos Steven Hendrickson

20 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN principal trumpet, after serving as awarded a full scholarship to the East- principal trumpet for twenty-sev- man School of Music, and obtained en years. He graduated from Iowa’s both her bachelor’s and master’s Luther College in 1973 with a degree degrees in piano performance in three in music and philosophy. He has years. Her performances and master appeared as soloist with the NSO, classes throughout the United States, performing Bach, Vivaldi, Arutiuni- Latin America, Europe and Asia have an, Persichetti and Haydn. He is also earned her acclaim as a soloist, teacher active in the Washington area as a and chamber musician. Her appear- recitalist and chamber musician and ances and broadcasts include the Phil- serves on the faculty of the music lips Collection, the Kennedy Center, department at the University of Mary- Dumbarton Concert Series and two land. US State Department-sponsored tours Avalos, a widely admired Peruvian of China and Brazil. pianist, began studying the piano at Nancy Goff (’08) age two. She studied at the Nation- Music Committee al Conservatory of Music in Lima. Reserve with Member Services. After winning a concerto competition Subscribers unable to attend should sponsored by the National Sympho- inform Member Services at least 48 ny Orchestra of Peru, she made her hours in advance so that others can be orchestral debut at age twelve. She was accommodated. Price: $30, includes champagne reception.

Limited parking on the evening of November 15. Because of expected high attendance, space will be available only to members and associates.

CIVIL WAR GROUP Freedman’s Villages Friday, November 17, noon

During the Civil War, the federal ert E. Lee’s Arlington home – will be government met the challenge of discussed by Robert Meffert, a board providing housing for thousands of member of the Alliance for the Preser- formerly enslaved African Americans vation of the Defenses of Washington fleeing plantations for Washington and a reserve lieutenant colonel in the and elsewhere. How these freedman’s US Air Force. villages evolved – notably the one on Meffert will examine antecedents, the grounds of what had been Rob- including the Army’s experiences

NOVEMBER 2017 21 Meigs and an officer of the American Missionary Association. The story of the residents of the village, which initially was managed by the War Department and later by the Freed- men’s Bureau, provides a microcosm for the black experience in Reconstruc- tion-era America. An avionics engineer by profes- sion, Meffert twice previously has been speaker for Civil War Group Robert Meffert programs, first on Carolina coastal for- tifications and later on Washington’s with contrabands in South Carolina, Civil War military roads. and tell of how and why the villages Rodney A. Ross (’14) developed as they did – the Arlington Civil War Group community being the brainchild of Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member Quartermaster General Montgomery Services or online. Price: $20.

ART COMMITTEE Ceramics as Art Friday, November 17, 5 pm

Four experts will engage in a panel Amy A. Millen (’13) will acquaint discussion of the creation, collection the audience with her collection of and de-accession of ceramics as art. Bunzlau pottery currently on display Anna Weatherley designs in the cases near the garden entrance hand-painted porcelain produced in and in the Long Gallery. her studio in Budapest, Hungary. She Reid Dunavant, senior vice pres- has created a dinner set for the White ident/regional director of Doyle Auc- House, a breakfast set for the Blair tions and a frequent contributor to the House and a collection for the Neue PBS Antiques Roadshow, will discuss Gallerie in New York. the changing tastes of collecting por- Historian Donald H. Dewey (’05) celain and de-accessioning. will talk about his several important Refreshments after the discussion. 18th century pieces from the Japanese Reserve with Member Services or online. Palace in Dresden. No charge.

22 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN COSMOS THEATRE Staged Reading: Luther Saturday, November 18, noon

October 31, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the posting of Martin Luther’s 95 theses. Playwright Antho- ny E. Gallo (’93) is premiering his drama Luther at the Club in celebration of that historic event. mand to love one another, Luther in The brilliant German Augustinian fact called for the annihilation of Jews monk became a major world force, who did not convert and peasants who whose posting of his theses made him rebelled. Ironically, dramatist Gallo set the most loved and hated man in the out to write a largely laudatory drama world of that time. His contribution – the triumph of the spirit – until he to humanity is spectacular. He stood realized that this iconic reformer may up to the ecclesiastical authority of the have had more in common with Osa- church, founded a new school of the- ma Bin Laden than Jesus of Nazareth. ology, founded his own church, trans- Gallo’s play delves into Martin lated the Bible into German and wrote Luther’s life as he confronts his sup- some of the most beautiful hymns of porters and opponents in both dreams Christianity. Today, one out of every and reality. Audience participation and twenty Christians is a Lutheran and discussion follow the presentation. one of every ten, a Protestant. Tarpley Long (’97) Yet, Luther forgot the most basic of Cosmos Theatre Christ’s commands: “Love thy neigh- Cocktails and lunch at noon. Reserve with bor.” Instead of embracing the com- Member Services or online. Price: $21.

FRENCH GROUP A Model for Matisse Monday, November 20, noon

Barbara F. Freed, emeritus professor ning documentary A Model for Matisse. of French studies and applied linguis- The film is based on two related books: tics at Carnegie Mellon University, Artists and Their Museums on the Riv- directed and produced the award-win- iera and Freed’s translation of Henri

NOVEMBER 2017 23 Jacques-Marie moved Matisse to take over all aspects of the design and dec- oration of the chapel he considered the masterpiece of his life’s work, Chapelle du Rosaire à Vence. Freed, who resides in Philadelphia, earned her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. She has taught and lived extensively in France, where she has directed several projects. Currently, she teaches a course at the Barnes Founda- Barbara F. Freed tion based on her two books. The film will be shown in French (with English subtitles). The question Matisse, The Vence Chapel. The visually and answer session after Freed’s pre- stunning and touching film recounts sentation will be in French. the relationship between the old artist Ann Gilbert and a young woman named Monique French Group Bourgeois, who subsequently became Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member a Dominican nun named Soeur Services or online. Price: $20. Jacques-Marie. A sketch done by Soeur

AMERICAN HISTORY STUDY GROUP AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE US Foreign Policy in the Age of Trump Monday, November 20, noon

Michael O’Hanlon, senior fellow in wringing, Trump’s national security foreign policy studies at the Brookings team at the departments of State and Institution, will lead a discussion of Defense, the UN and National Secu- US foreign policy. After nearly a year rity Council has enjoyed some suc- in office, President Donald Trump cess in the fight against ISIS, gained faces mounting challenges in Ameri- international support for stronger ca’s relations with its European allies, sanctions against North Korea and the volatile Middle East, an intractable generally managed to project a reas- war in Afghanistan and confrontation suring appearance and the prospect of with North Korea, which has reawak- a reasonable degree of unity and com- ened fears of a nuclear war. petence in the nation’s foreign policy. Despite much editorial hand- The president himself, new to diplo-

24 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN tion compiled so far as it tries to cope with the rapidly changing international landscape? O’Hanlon, who received his doc- torate in public and international affairs from Princeton, is a long-time commentator on foreign policy and national security affairs. His latest book is The Future of Land War- fare (2015). An adjunct professor at Columbia, Princeton, the University Michael O’Hanlon of Denver and Syracuse University, O’Hanlon is also a member of the International Institute for Strategic macy, has occasionally complicated the Studies in London, and has served as a work of his team by unhelpful obiter member of the CIA’s external advisory. dicta via social media. Aside from neg- Bruce L.R. Smith (’77) ative headlines and domestic political American History Study Group wars, what is the outlook for the near- term future in foreign affairs? What Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member kind of scorecard has the administra- Services. Price: $19.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Diplomacy: Persuasion, Trust and Values Monday, November 20, 6:30 pm

Colin L. Powell will address some of the critical factors in achieving successful diplomacy. For over fifty years, Powell, retired US Army general, has devoted his life to public service, having held senior military and diplomatic positions during Colin L. Powell four presidential administrations. In his remarks, he will stress the importance of Powell earned a BS degree at the City diplomacy in confronting current global College of New York (CCNY). While challenges. at CCNY he joined the Army ROTC

NOVEMBER 2017 25 program, and received a commission as military awards and decorations and a second lieutenant. He served in the US many other honors for his service, Army for thirty-five years, rising to the leadership and civic involvement. rank of four-star general. From 1987 to CCNY has named the prestigious Col- 1989, Powell served as President Ron- in Powell School of Civic and Global ald Reagan’s national security advisor, Leadership in his honor. He is also and from 1989 to 1993, he served as founder and chairman emeritus of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for America’s Promise Alliance. both President George H.W. Bush and Joseph B. Gildenhorn (’13) President Bill Clinton. President George International Affairs Committee W. Bush appointed Powell the 65th sec- Reservations (with Member Services retary of state. In that position, he led or online) will not be accepted before the State Department in major efforts to November 1. Limit 4 per reservation. address regional and civilian conflicts. Cocktails at 6:30 pm; dinner at 7. Price: Powell has received numerous US $45.

Thanksgiving at the Club Thursday, November 23 Brunch Buffet, noon to 2 pm on the Second Floor Served Menu, 1 to 3 pm in the Garden Dining Room Members wishing to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Club with their families and friends may choose between two different but equally enjoyable dining styles – both are designed to make the holiday memorable. Chef Will Rogers and his culinary staff have been busy planning dishes that are sure to please. Option 1: A special holiday brunch buffet (noon to 2 pm) will include the traditional Thanksgiving offerings as well as oysters on the half shell and shrimp cocktails, omelets and waffles and unlimited sparkling wine. The sumptuous and bountiful buffet will be available on the second floor. Option 2: A festive holiday served dinner (1 to 3 pm) will be offered in the Garden Din- ing Room. This harvest menu will include squash soup, turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie. Other tasty items will be available to enhance the dining experience.

Reserve with Member Services or online and specify preferred time and dining option. No cancellations after November 20. Price: $55 for adults and teen-aged guests; $35 for children age 12 and under.

26 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN HEALTH GROUP Brain, Behavior and Mental Health Tuesday, November 28, 6 pm

Three experts from the National Insti- Bruce Cuthbert, leader of tute of Mental Health (NIMH) will the Research Domain Criteria at provide a scientific overview of the NIMH, will explore whether we can brain, behavior and mental health and achieve precision medicine for men- what the future may hold. tal disorders He received his PhD Joshua Gordon, director of the in clinical psychology and psycho- institute, will address the challenges physiology from the University of and opportunities in mental health Wisconsin-Madison. He is known for research. He received his MD/PhD his research on the psychophysiology degree at the University of Califor- of emotion and translational research nia, San Francisco and completed on the psychopathology of anxiety his psychiatry residency and research disorders. He was elected president of fellowship at Columbia University. the Society for Psychophysiological He joined the Columbia faculty in Research in 2004 and is a fellow of the 2004 as an assistant professor in the Association for Psychological Science. Department of Psychiatry, where he Greg Farber will discuss the brain, conducted research, taught residents nanotechnology tools and mental and maintained a general psychiatry health research. Farber, who has a BS practice. His research focuses on the from Penn State in chemistry and a analysis of neural activity in mice car- PhD from MIT in physical chemistry, rying mutations of relevance to psychi- is director of the Office of Technology atric disease. Development and Coordination at

Joshua Gordon Bruce Cuthbert Greg Farber

NOVEMBER 2017 27 NIMH. He oversees the NIMH Data ing the Human Connectome project. Archive, manages the NIMH com- Eliot Sorel (’98) ponent of the BRAIN Initiative and Health Group co-leads the program portion of the Cocktails at 6 pm; dinner at 6:30. Reserve NIH Neuroscience Blueprint includ- with Member Services or online. Price: $50.

SHAKESPEARE AUTHORSHIP GROUP AND GARDEN COMMITTEE Botanical Shakespeare Friday, December 1, noon

No one knows Shakespeare and his they were perceived by locals and in flowers better than Gerit Quealy, existing folklore. She will reveal how author of the well-researched and she discovered the answers to several gorgeously illustrated book Botanical Shakespearean botanical mysteries. Shakespeare: An Illustrated Compen- Journalist Quealy’s work has dium of All the Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, appeared in the New York Times, Trees, Seeds, and Grasses Cited by the Country Living, Woman’s Day, Modern World’s Greatest Playwright. With Bride among others. She and British illustrations by noted artist Sumie director Jenny Eastop have fashioned Hasegawa and introduction by Helen a 10-minute play centered on the roses Mirren, Quealy covers the rejection in the history plays, and she is cur- of the peony, the mystery of Hamlet’s rently at work on a TV documentary poison and dozens of other aspects of series, FLOTUS: Playing the Woman the 170 plants and blooms found in Card in the White House. the plays and poems. Bob Meyers (’16) She will discuss how the author Shakespeare Authorship Group learned about the flora, where the Lunch at noon. Reserve with Member flowers grew most readily and how Services or online. Price: $22.

Movies at Home. Members who missed a Movie Night showing or who would like to see one again may borrow movies on DVD from the Library. The list of available titles can be found on the web at Club Activities/ Library. Each month’s offering is added to those available for loan. Movies may be checked out for one week with an automatic one-week renewal if there is no one on the waiting list.

28 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN PROGRAM COMMITTEE AND GEOGRAPHY & LAND USE TABLE The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 pm

The Wharf, a joint venture of Hoff- the southwest waterfront. Next year, man-Madison Waterfront, is reestab- the Smithsonian Institution Press will lishing the southwest waterfront as a publish his latest (co-edited) book, major DC destination. The $2.5-bil- Urban Waterfronts. lion mile-long neighborhood, along Stanton Eckstut, fellow of the Potomac River’s Washington Channel, American Institute of Architects, brings together restaurants, year-round master planner and lead architect of entertainment and waterside activities. the Wharf, will describe the 24-acre Phase 1 opened on October 12. When development’s master plan and discuss complete, the Wharf will feature how the project relates to the river more than 3 million square feet of and the surrounding neighborhood residential, office, hotel, retail, cultur- and achieves a human scale. Eckstut, al, marina and public uses, including a principal at Perkins Eastman Archi- waterfront parks, promenades, piers, tects, is known for designing sustain- docks and a Politics and Prose book- able large mixed-use developments. store – all designed by an impressive Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, lineup of architects. downtown Brooklyn’s Metrotech John R. Wennersten (’14), an Campus and downtown Indianapolis’ environmental policy writer and pro- Circle Center are among his projects fessor emeritus of American histo- that have received design recognition ry, University of Maryland, Eastern for unique contributions to the urban Shore, will provide a short history of fabric.

John R. Wennersten Stanton Eckstut Monty Hoffman

NOVEMBER 2017 29 Monty Hoffman, founder and the DC area, while contributing to CEO, PN Hoffman, will present an neighborhood revitalization in the overview of this transformational 14th Street corridor, Logan Circle and project. Hoffman formed PN Hoff- Adams-Morgan. man in 1993 with a single townhouse Mickey (Marilyn) Klein (’98) conversion. Over the past twenty-four Program Committee years, the company has become a Cocktails at 6:30 pm; dinner at 7. Reserve leader of sustainable development in with Member Services or online. Price: $45.

MOVIE NIGHT Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) Monday, December 4, 7:30 pm

It’s 1944, and New York heiress and (Hugh Grant) and a pianist and com- socialite Florence Foster Jenkins poser (Simon Helberg) to make sure (Meryl Streep) aspires to be an opera the show goes smoothly. Based on a singer. There’s just one problem – she true story, this delightful serio-comedy has a terrible voice. Nonetheless, she co-stars Rebecca Ferguson and Nina embarks on a singing career, gaining Arianda. Streep’s performance brought some recognition by listeners who view her twentieth Oscar nomination. the music as comedy. When Florence Reserve with Member Services or online. books herself a concert at Carnegie No charge for the film and light snacks. Hall, it’s up to her devoted husband

Book Discussion Group Saturday, December 2, 11 am

The two books selected for December, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay and The Story of the Lost Child,complete the Book Discussion Group’s exploration of Elena Ferrante’s Neopolitan Quartet. Recordings of the discussions of the previous books in the series, Story of a New Name (May 2016) and My Brilliant Friend (January 2017), can be found on the website at Club Activities/Progamming & Events/Group Sponsored Programs/Book Discussion. No charge.

30 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN Cosmotographers Exhibition

Photos on Display By Bill Flury (’96), Cosmotographers

The 41 outstanding photos selected for the Cosmotographers Biennial Exhi- Exhibit: Cosmotographers Biennial Exhibition bition clearly show the wide range of On Display: Crentz Room, October 14 interests and photographic talents of through February 6 Club members. The photos on display Exhibition Coordinator: Bill Flury (’96) include a mix of quiet and rugged landscapes, unusual portraits, architectural studies and some striking artistic despite not always having a photo and impressionistic images. selected, will be cited as an example to Thirty-six entrants, Club mem- all Cosmotographers to keep shooting bers and members of their families, and keep trying. submitted 127 items to be considered Chuck Hyman (’98), former for the exhibition. One of the entrants director of the National Geographic has a long, consistent history of always Book Division, served as judge for participating in the Cosmotographers the exhibit. He will comment on the exhibit competitions. At the show selections at the celebratory opening opening, her faithful participation, on November 14 (see page 9).

Dancer in Blue & White – Marc Brodsky (’03)

NOVEMBER 2017 31 Namibian Shadow – Preston Sacks (’08)

Worker on an Oil Tanker – Alexander Chester (‘97)

32 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN Paris Window – Elinor Constable (’96)

Hagley Machine Shop – Bill Flury (’96)

NOVEMBER 2017 33 70 Years of the Cosmos Club Bulletin By Barry D. Wood (’97)

The monthly Cosmos Club Bulletin show movies…on this screen… has been published continuously since November 1947. This extraordinary “When you drive across the country on achievement is the result of many a transcontinental superhighway, your hours of volunteer effort by numerous car will be steered and controlled by electronics. You can admire the scen- Club colleagues. ery, doze, or play bridge...” And for members drawn to perus- ing the sixty-eight bound volumes of Smith’s lecture underscores the Club’s the Bulletin in the McGovern Library tradition of bringing to its members there are gold nuggets to be found. the best minds in science and technol- Like this one from the Club’s 78th ogy. Smith, of course, was premature birthday dinner in 1956, when T.A. on self-driving cars, but Elon Musk is Smith, executive vice-president of on the case. RCA, looked out 50 years convinced Another gem is the Bulletin’s that the new and burgeoning elec- account of the members’ meeting in tronics industry would transform our May 1962 with poet Robert Frost on lives. Smith’s listeners in the Warne the 100th anniversary of Henry David Ballroom that night must have shaken Thoreau’s death. The day was com- their heads in disbelief, but amazingly memorated with the 87-year-old Frost the guest speaker had it right. Smith’s leading twenty-five Cosmos members remarks appeared in the December through Georgetown’s Dumbarton 1956 Bulletin. Oaks Park to a flowering glen where “For example, anyone who desires may the poet held forth on the majesty of have a personal telephone. It will be New England forests. The Bulletin no larger than a box of safety match- writer said the group celebrated the es. When you hear a buzzing in your essential role of nature and serenity in pocket, you will know that you have our lives. been called. You can reply simply by For 20 years from its first issue in talking to the side of the box…. November 1947 the Bulletin was six to eight pages in length. A third of the “It is quite likely that by the year 2006, space was given over to biographical your color television picture will appear vignettes of illustrious but deceased on the wall of your living room in a Cosmos members. Here we learn that special picture frame. The controls for explorer and Club founder John Wes- it will be in a box placed conveniently across the room. Of course, you can ley Powell gave the Grand Canyon its

34 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN name. Before they were discontinued ing membership led to a bigger Bul- more than three hundred vignettes letin, its heft gradually expanding to appeared in the Bulletin. the 32 (or more) pages common today. All important milestones in the The Bulletin began detailed previews Club’s history are found in the issues of upcoming events and summarized of the Bulletin. We learn in 1962 that some of the presentations deemed historian John Hope Franklin was the noteworthy. The expanding number Club’s first black member. We can of groups has resulted in a larger per- read the Club president’s 1988 letter centage of the Bulletin pages being expressing “inordinate pride” that the devoted to write-ups of future pro- National Geographic Society had been grams being sponsored by them and founded in the Club 100 years earlier. by various committees. Following the controversial deci- It is a grand history. But as tech- sion in 1988 to admit women, the nology expands the Club’s capacity to Club experienced renewed vitality. communicate quickly with members, Club President Tedson Myers (’74) one wonders if the days of a printed, wrote in the February 1989 Bulletin hold-in-your hands Bulletin are num- that “the Admissions Committee is bered. No matter how the technology coping with the greatest backlog of evolves, there is likely to be a Cosmos nominees in living memory.” A grow- Club Bulletin for years to come.

Bulletin Editors. In 1947, the Board authorized the Club Secretary to pre- pare and issue a monthly bulletin. In November, Charles S. Piggot fulfilled those instructions. Paul H. Oehser (longest serving editor) and Donald H. Williams served simultaneously as Secretary and Bulletin editor. Williams continued as editor while serving as Vice-President and President. Over its 70 years, fourteen members have edited the magazine.

Charles S. Piggot (1947-49) John R. Gibson (1994-2000) Paul H. Oehser (1950-69) Paul A. Theis (2001-02) Donald H. Williams (1970-82) Ian S. McDonald (2003-08) Henry H. Work (1983-87) Nancy L. Ross (2009-13) George W. Irving (1988) M. Elizabeth Medaglia (2014) Julius Duscha (1989-90) Nick Rostow (2015-16) Lester Tanzer (1991-93) Judy C. Holoviak (2016-)

NOVEMBER 2017 35 On the Shelf

Recent Additions to the Library

To reserve an item on the list, e-mail [email protected], call the Librarian at 202-939-1525, or use the online catalog found under Club Activities/Library on the Club’s website. You will be contacted when the book is ready for pick-up.

Fiction Backman, Fredrik, and Neil Andrew Smith (trans.), Beartown. De Laclos, Pierre Choderlos, and Helen Constantine (trans.), Dangerous Liaisons. Kanon, Joseph, Defectors. Le Carré, John, A Legacy of Spies. Rushdie, Salman, The Golden House.

Non-Fiction Baker, Peter, Obama: The Call of History. Clinton, Hillary Rodham, What Happened. Dowling, Laura, Floral Diplomacy at the White House. (Gift of Robert Weinha- gen*) Gettleman, Jeffrey, Love, Africa: A Memoir of Romance, Love, and Survival. Green, Joshua, Devil’s Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency. Hoock, Holger, Scars of Independence: America’s Violent Birth. Hunt, Patrick N., Hannibal. Johnson, Steven, Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World. Klein, Naomi, No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump’s Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need. Livio, Mario, Why?: What Makes Us Curious. Luce, Edward, The Retreat of Western Liberalism. MacLean, Nancy, Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America. McPhee, John, Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process. Mitnick, Barbara J., The Union League of Philadelphia: The First 150 Years. (Gift of the Union League of Philadelphia) Moskey, Skip, et al., The Turkish Ambassador’s Residence and the Cultural History of Washington, D.C. (Gift of the Turkish Embassy) Oshinsky, David M., Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at Amer- ica’s Most Storied Hospital.

36 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN Pipkin, James, and Charles Lewis (eds.), The Metropolitan Club of Washington: the First 150 Years. (Gift of the Metropolitan Club) Preston, Percy, Jr. (ed.), The University Club, 1865-2015, 150 Years of the Univer- sity Club. (Gift of the University Club) Schwantes, Canden, Georgetown (Images of America: D.C). (Anonymous gift) Waters, Alice, Cristina Mueller and Bob Carrau, Coming to My Senses: The Mak- ing of a Counterculture Cook.

Great Courses Anthropology and the Study of Humanity. Vol. 1-2. Taught by Scott M. Lacy. Audio CD. Understanding Japan: A Cultural History. Vol. 1-2. Taught by Mark J. Ravina. Audio CD. (Both gifts of Albert Foer*)

*Club Member Karen Mark, Librarian

New Special Interest Table in the Library

Members who frequent the Library are In anticipation of a spring seminar on aware of the array of tables offering anti-intellectualism, a new table has specially selected books. Some of these been added with the following selec- tables are topic-oriented. There are also tions by the Program Committee, tables with new books by Club mem- which are available for loan. There will bers, titles chosen by the Librarian and also be some relevant articles available the selection of “blind date” readings. for reading in the Library.

Anti-intellectualism in American Life by Richard Hofstadter, 1964. The Death of Expertise: The Campaign against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters by Tom Nichols, 2017. The War on Science by Shawn Otto, 2016. Not a Scientist by Dave Levitan, 2017. The Age of American Unreason by Susan Jacoby, 2008. The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future by Mark Bauerlein, 2001.

NOVEMBER 2017 37 From the General Manager

Ready To Serve You Better

As this column is being penned, we are about two weeks from opening the renovated Garden Dining Room, a refreshed (yet familiar) Garden Bar and repurposed Heroy, Smith and Lafayette Rooms. The Smith and Heroy Rooms have been combined to provide a no-reservation, informal dining space. The new area, where ties are optional, includes a Club table, a new bar, cocktail seating, a built-in buffet for breakfast and table seating and will be referred to as 1878 Grille – a nod to the year of the Club’s founding. The movement for both kitchen and dining House Committee envisions a room room staff. Some of the improvements where members can drop by all day will be not be apparent outside the and comfortably join fellow members. kitchen, but they will have a positive The Lafayette Room, no longer the impact on our culinary offerings. All entrance to the Garden Dining Room, desserts for member dining will be will be used much like the Heroy made in house, including ice cream Room was in the past. and sorbets. Electronically controlled Another highlight of the reno- ovens will provide more consistent vation is the newly created path to cooking temperatures. We can now the Powell Room. The traffic pattern cold- and hot-smoke products, and we will no longer be along the highly will be the first club in Washington, sought-after garden window tables. DC to be certified in sous vide style A new corridor created by a row of cooking and vacuum sealing. This banquette seating on the north side of French cooking technique is used in the dining room will allow members high-end restaurants throughout the and guests to access the Powell Room world. The Club kitchen has the latest without distracting diners. culinary technology, enabling us to be In the new kitchen, modern and more power efficient and effective. efficient equipment will help us serve In the dining room, you will see you more effectively. The work space the staff attired in new uniforms and flow will allow better access and appropriate to the renovated spaces.

38 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN We have worked with the staff to pro- glass-enclosed dining table adjacent to vide a hospitable approach to mem- the wine room will be available for res- ber dining, with the same care and ervations at lunch with no restrictions; concern for which they are already at dinner, it will have a custom menu known. Quiet, efficient and unobtru- and accompanying wines. We expect sive service will be our goal. This is to this new wine experience to be a great match the desires for a pleasant dining way to entertain guests. experience, which was a driving force Our enhanced beverage program in the dining room design. Carpeting, will not be limited to improved alco- leather chairs, fabric walls, acoustical holic selections. We are providing a and fabric-paneled ceilings and ambi- new hot tea program featuring Tea ent lighting are all contributors to a Forte and a new blend of house coffee. “quiet” design, which is lacking in The staff is excited to once again many of today’s restaurants. You will serve you on the first floor, and we also notice new glassware, flatware, thank you for your patience during tablecloths and accent pieces. the construction period. As in all new The new bar in the 1878 Grille restaurant operations, even those in will feature our own unique Cosmos private clubs, we will have a number Club brew, JWP Lager, crafted for of kinks to work out. Our pledge is to us by DC Brau. A custom cocktail work through those challenges quickly on tap and a wine on tap will also be and to provide you with a dining expe- featured. rience you will truly enjoy. The new wine room will have Bon Apetit! improved selections for those seeking And see you at the newly renovated special-occasion wines, while still Club. offering high-value, quality wines Mitchell Platt for every-day drinking pleasure. A General Manager

BRIDGE GROUP September Duplicate Bridge Results

September’s duplicate bridge was played in Swiss teams. Team 2 won with a margin of four international matchpoints: Anita Lancaster, Dick Muller, Dick Niehaus and Chris Goldthwait.

The next duplicate bridge event will be November 22. Members weekly bridge begins at 1 pm each Tuesday.

NOVEMBER 2017 39 Coming Events December 2017

(L) denotes lunch event; (D) denotes dinner event Sundays: 11 am-2pm, Brunch (except December 17); 5:30-9 pm in the Garden Bar (except December 17 & 24) Tuesdays: 1 pm, Members Bridge

Fri 1 noon: • Shakespeare Authorship Group & Garden Committee (L), Gerit Quealy. 5:30 pm: • Lobster Night. Sat 2 10 am: • Chess Group. 10 & 11 am: • Ballroom Dancing Instruction. 11 am: • Book Discussion Group. Mon 4 noon: • Science Group (L). 5:30 pm: • Monday Night Buffet. 7:30 pm: • Movie Night, Florence Foster Jenkins (2016). Tues 5 6:30 pm: • Program Committee & Georgraphy and Land Use Group (D), John R. Wennersten (’14), Stanton Eckstut, Monty Hoffman. Wed 6 noon: • Photography Group (L). Thur 7 6:30 pm: • International Affairs Committee (D). Fri 8 noon: • Geography and Land Use Group & Program Committee (L), Sally Berk. 6:30 pm: • Garden Committee (D). Sat 9 10 & 11 am: • Ballroom Dancing Instruction. 11:30 am: • Family Holiday Craft Day. Mon 11 12:15 pm: • Literary (L), Allison Markin Powell. 6:30 pm: • Program Committee (D), Joan Nathan. Tue 12 noon: • New Members Table (L); • Economics Group (L). 6 pm: • Cosmotographers (D). Wed 13 noon: • Education Group (L); • Investment Discussion Group (L). 5:30 pm: • Washington Month in Review, Sid Davis (’93) & Bill Sheehan (’97). Thur 14 5:30 pm: • Cruising with the Club, Joseph Snyder (’06). Fri 15 noon: • Civil War Group (L); • German Conversation Table (L); • Shakespeare Group (L), Michael Witmore. Sat 16 10 am: • Chess Group. Sun 17 11 am-3 pm: • Holiday Brunch. (Reservations Required) Mon 18 noon: • American History Study Group (L); • French Group (L). 6:30 pm: • Book & Author (D), Walter Isaacson. Tue 19 noon: • Birding Table (L). 12:30 pm: • LGBT & Allies (L). 7:30 pm: • Poetry Group. Wed 20 noon: • Natural Resources Group (L); • Legal Affairs Group (L). 5:30 pm: • Prime Rib Buffet. 8 pm: • Warne Ballroom Concert, The Thirteen. Thur 21 12:30 pm: • Italian Conversation Table (L). 3 pm: • Backgammon. 6:30 pm: • Wine Appreciation Tasting. Sun 24 – Clubhouse Closed after 3 pm – Christmas Eve Mon 25 – Clubhouse Closed – Christmas Day Tue 26 – Clubhouse Closed – Boxing Day Wed 27 noon: • Human Values Table (L). 6 pm: • Duplicate Bridge and Annual Dinner. Fri 29 12:30 pm: • Ancient Leadership in the Modern World Table. Sun 31 2-4 pm: • Egg Nog Party. 8 pm: • New Year’s Eve Gala (Reservations Required). 40 COSMOS CLUB BULLETIN 12:15 pm Literary (L), Kay Redfield Jamison (’90) [p. 15] Club Events November 2017 5:45 pm Short Fiction Discussion [p. 5] 6:30 pm Program Committee (D) Additions and changes to the published list of events can be found on the website Tue 14 noon New Members Table and in the weekly electronic newsletter. noon Conservative & Economics Groups (L), Peter Morici (’92) (L) denotes lunch event; (D) denotes dinner event. Sundays: 11 am-2pm, Brunch; 5:30-9 pm, food service in Garden Bar. [p. 16] Tuesdays: 1 pm, Members Bridge. 12:30 pm LGBT & Allies (L) [p. 17] Wednesdays through Fridays: 5:30-9 pm, fresh shucked oysters in Garden Bar. 6:30 pm Garden Committee (D), Dean Norton [p. 17] Saturdays (except November 25): Ballroom Dance Instruction. Wed 15 noon Natural Resources Group (L) noon Legal Affairs Group (L),Dennis W. Johnson (’01) [p. 18] Wed 1 noon Photography Group (L) [p. 6] 5:30 pm Prime Rib Buffet 6:30 pm International Affairs (D),Robert Daley [p. 5] 8 pm Warne Ballroom Concert, Hendrickson-Avalos Duo Thu 2 6:30 pm Program Committee (D), Ralph Nader [p. 6] [p. 19] Fri 3 noon Shakespeare Authorship Group (L), Elisabeth Thur 16 12:30 pm Italian Conversation Table (L) Waugaman [p. 5] 3 pm Backgammon 5:30 pm Lobster Night 6 pm Club’s Anniversary Celebration (D), Carl Elefante [p. 20] Sat 4 10 am Chess Group Fri 17 noon Civil War Group (L), Robert Meffert [p. 21] 1 pm On the Move Group, Ellen Miles (‘05) [p. 7] noon German Conversation Table (L) Mon 6 noon Science Group (L), Elizabeth Tasker [p. 5] 5 pm Art Committee, Anna Weatherley, Donald H. Dewey 5:30 pm Monday Night Buffet (‘05), Amy Millen (‘13), Reid Dunavant [p. 22] 7:30 pm Movie Night, North by Northwest (1959) [p. 5] Sat 18 10 am Chess Group Tue 7 noon Economics Group (L), Stephen Quick (‘16) [p. 8] noon Theatre Group (L), Luther by Anthony E. Gallo (‘93) 6 pm Cosmotographers (D), Chuck Hyman (‘98) [p. 9] [p. 23] Wed 8 noon Education Group (L) Mon 20 noon American History Study Group (L), Michael O’Hanlon noon Investment Discussion Group (L) [p. 24] 5:30 pm Washington Month in Review, Sid Davis (’93) & noon French Group (L), Barbara F. Freed [p. 23] Bill Sheehan (’97) [p. 10] 6:30 pm International Affairs (D),Colin L. Powell [p. 25] Thur 9 noon Associates (L), Alexandra Armstrong (‘93) [p. 12] Tue 21 7:30 pm Poetry Group 6:30 pm Wine Appreciation Tasting [p. 11] Wed 22 7:30 pm Duplicate Bridge 6:30 pm Book & Author (D), Dava Sobel [p. 10] Thanksgiving Day Thur 23 [p. 26] Fri 10 noon Geography and Land Use Group (L), Arthur Cotton noon-2 pm Brunch; 1-3 pm Dinner (Reservations Required for Moore [p. 12] Either) 8 pm Program Committee, Dick Budson (’98) Sextet with Fri 24 Clubhouse Closed vocalist Sharon Clark [p. 13] Mon 27 noon CosmoWriters (L) Sat 11 5:30 pm Garden Dinner Dance Tue 28 noon Birding Table (L) Mon 13 noon Shakespeare Group (L), Ethan McSweeny & Mark 6 pm Health Group (D), Joshua Gordon, Bruce Cuthbert, Olshaker (‘87) [p. 14] Greg Farber [p. 27] Reservations Wed 29 noon Human Values Table (L) • Call Member Services, 9 am – 5 pm, Monday-Saturday (202)797-6443; e-mail 6:30 pm International Affairs (D) [email protected]; use online reservation system. • Include your member number in phone or e-mail messages. • To avoid charges, cancel at least 48 hours prior to the event. Note: Tax will be added to prices shown in the Bulletin. Sundays Brunch: 11 am-2 pm November Club Events Food service in Garden Bar: 5:30-9 pm 2017 The Cosmos Club does not take a position on the views expressed at programs held at the Club.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 • Chess 10 am 4 (L) denotes a lunch • Shakespeare • Photography (L), noon Elisabeth program • Program (D), Authorship (L), • Dance Instruction Ralph Nader 6:30 pm Waugaman noon 10 & 11 am • International (D), (D) denotes a dinner Robert Daley 6:30 pm program • Lobster Night 5:30 pm • On the Move, Ellen Miles (‘05) 1 pm • Science (L) E. Tasker 6 • Economics (L), 7 8 • Associates (L), 9 • Geography & Land 10 11 noon S.Quick (‘16) noon • Education (L) noon A. Armstrong (‘93) noon Use (L), A.C. Moore • Dance Instruction noon 10 & 11 am • Monday Buffet • Bridge 1 pm • Investment (L) noon • Wine Tasting 6:30 pm 5:30 pm • Jazz, Dick Budson (’98) • Garden Dinner Dance • Cosmotographers (D), • WMIR 5:30 • Book & Author (D), Sextet with S. Clark 5:30 pm • Movie Night 7:30 pm C. Hyman (‘98) 6 pm D. Sobel 6:30 pm 8 pm • Shakespeare (L), 13 • New Members Table (L) 14 • Natural Resources (L) 15 16 17 • Chess 10 am 18 • Italian (L) 12:30 pm • Civil War (L), E. McSweeny noon noon noon R. Meffert noon

• Conservative & Eco- • Legal & Program (L), • Dance Instruction nomics (L), P. Morici (’92) • Backgammon 3 pm • German (L) noon • Literary (L), K. R. D.W. Johnson (’01) noon 10 & 11 am noon Jamison (’90) 12:15 pm • Prime Rib 5:30 pm • Art, A. Weatherley, D.H. • LGBT & Allies (L) 12:30 pm • Club’s Anniversary (D), • Bridge 1 pm Hendrickson & Dewey (‘05), A. Millen (‘13), • Theatre (L), Luther • Concert, Carl Elefante 6 pm • Short Fiction 5:45 pm • Garden (D), D. Norton Avalos 8 pm R. Dunavant 5 pm noon • American History (L),20 21 22 23 24 25 M. O’Hanlon noon Thanksgiving Day • Bridge 1 pm • French (L), Barbara • Duplicate Bridge • Brunch noon-2 pm Clubhouse Closed Freed noon 7:30 pm • Poetry Group 7:30 pm • International (D), Colin • Dinner 1-3 pm Powell 6:30 pm 27 28 29 30 • Birding (L) noon Reservations • Human Values (L) • Call Member Services, 9 am – 5 pm, Monday-Saturday • Bridge 1 pm noon (202)797-6443; e-mail [email protected]; • CosmoWriters (L) use online reservation system. noon • Include member number in phone or e-mail messages. • Health (D), J. Gordon, • International (D) • To avoid charges, cancel at least 48 hours prior to the B. Cuthbert, G. Farber 6:30 pm event. Note Bulletin 6 pm : Tax will be added to prices shown in the . 2121 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 • Ph (202)387-7783 • F (202)234-6817 • Reservations (202)797-6443 • www.cosmosclub.org