Capitol Hill Village February 2012 NEWS CHV Offers Magic at the Losing Weight and Pain By Gail Kohn, CHV’s Founding Motown Stardust Gala Executive Director, now Advisor to the Board ear the beat? Remember the fun and bumps and swings on our ast year, I lost 40 pounds H1960’s dance floors, and the fins and the osteoarthritis pain in flashing by on nearby streets? Lmy knees. Motown Magic will be waiting to turn One in ten of us have osteoarthritis on your memories and bring them to in our knees or hips, according to life on Saturday evening, January 28. an American Medical Association study. Prevalence increases with It’s Capitol Hill Village’s 2012 Stardust age. More knees are affected than Gala featuring Raggs & the All Stars hips. Women have more difficulty playing the night away. The musical than men. festivities will begin with the popular Jaynettes setting the stage and Overall, according to researchers, Motown atmosphere with their painful disorders of the dance renditions. musculoskeletal system are the leading cause of work-related The Gala will be held at the Atlas disability among men and Center for the Performing Arts, 1332 women 16 to 72 years old and the H Street NE. You will be welcomed by sounds of the Jaynettes and Raggs leading cause of disability among background music from the Orchestra & the All Stars on the Sprenger Americans over the age of 65. Trio and dance to the 60s Motown Theater dance floor, until 11:30 pm.  continued on page 6  continued on page 5

IN THIS ISSUE: Upcoming Events 2 February Events Calendar Saturday, February 11 • 7:00-11:30 am 3 Message from the Director Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 4th Street & Independence Ave. SE 4 From the Advisor to the Board Village Pancake Breakfast 8 A Hassle-Free Winter Get-Away Capitol Hill Village and the Capitol Hill Rotary Club cooks will be ready 9 Random Musings: Did You Notice? with hot pancakes and steaming sausages (and other early morning 10 Dr. Emanuel Discusses Urology as a delights) to make this a full and friendly Saturday breakfast morning. Female Issue Tickets for the pancake breakfast are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 11. They can be picked up at the CHV office at the Capitol Center, or 12 Capital Hill’s Helen Dubino Morrison can be mailed to you if you contact the office at 202.543.1778 orinfo@ Dies; Youths Assist with CHV’s capitolhillvillage.org. Among those expected to attend, and share breakfast Clutter Pickup Program and conversations with, are members of both the Capitol Hill and Dupont 13 Winter in the Village Garden Circle Rotary Clubs, plus student ambassadors from a middle school One 14 Are You a Frustrated "Top Chef"? World Education Program. Volunteer opportunity for cooks Everyone Welcome (and non-cooks) NOTE: Volunteers are needed: please see page 14 for further information.  Upcoming Events continued on page 14 February 2012 Events

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 Sleep late! Petanque, 2:30 Qigong, 10 am, Qigong, 10 am, Hazardous You'll be pm, see p. 16 see p. 16 see p. 16 Waste Pickup, dreaming Contact the Starting at 9 about the fun office by noon to am, see p. 14 had at the arrange Feb. 4 Motown Magic/ Hazardous Waste 4 Hazardous Waste Pickup, 9:00 am Stardust Gala! pickup 9 10 Book Donation Pickup, 9:00 am See p. 1. 11 Pancake Breakfast, 7:00-11:30 am, see p. 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 19 Petanque, 2:30 Qigong, 10 am, Contact the office Qigong, 10 am, Book Donation Pancake 23 23 Village Opera Society, 5:00-6:30 pm pm, see p. 16 see p. 16 by noon to RSVP see p. 16 Pickup, Starting at Breakfast, for the Feb. 9 CHV Cinephiles 9 am, see p. 14 7-11:30 am, Cinephiles Club Club, 6:00-7:30 Contact the office see p. 1 and to arrange pm, see p. 14 by noon to RSVP He Had a Feb. 10 book for the Feb. 11 Dream, 4-6 pm, pickup Contact the office by noon to RSVP He Had a Dream see p. 15 for Feb. 19 show, gathering "Red" 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Petanque, 2:30 Qigong, 10 am, Qigong, 10 am, pm, see p. 16 see p. 16 see p. 16

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Red, 2 pm, see Petanque, 2:30 Qigong, 10 am, Contact the office Qigong, 10 am, Balance class, p. 15 pm, see p. 16 see p. 16 by 12 noon to: 1) see p. 16 12:30 pm, see Contact the Literary Club, sign up for the Lunch at Acqua p. 16 office by 3 pm 6-7:30 pm, see Acqua al 2 Feb. al 2, 12:15 pm, see Be Prepared: to sign up for p. 15 23 Lunch; 2) the p. 15 Hospitalization, the Feb. 21 Feb. 23 Opera 2 pm, see p. 16 Society; and Village Opera literary Club 5:00 pm, 3) the Feb. 24 Society, see p. 16 Balance Class Contact the office by 3 pm to sign up for the Feb. 24 Be Prepared event

26 27 28 29 1 2 3 Petanque, 2:30 Qigong, 10 am, Qigong, 10 am, pm, see p. 16 see p. 16 see p. 16

For more information about any event, or to RSVP for an event, call the CHV office at 202.543.1778 during regular office hours (9 am to 5 pm) or e-mail [email protected]

2 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News Capitol Hill Village From the Executive Director… To reach us: eople are talking about Capitol Hill Village! Whether it’s Hill 202.543.1778 (M–F, 9 am–5 pm) Presidents around a coffee table [email protected] in their neighbors’ homes, medical www.capitolhillvillage.org staff in our physicians’ offices, or policymakers in downtown DC, Capitol Hill Village people concerned about providing PO Box 15126 effective and efficient health care Washington, DC 20003 are discussing important work we do to address the our neighbors’ Connect with CHV at: myriad needs to stay healthy and safe at home. The Robert Wood Johnson To unsubscribe, please send Foundation, a leader in creating an e-mail to unsubscribe@ innovative health care in the U.S., our members and the greater capitolhillvillage.org said in a recent report that the social needs of individuals are vital to community. By giving rides to To become a member, go to effectively addressing health care medical appointments, Qigong www.capitolhillvillage.org needs for all of us. This report, or balance classes, professional and click on "Join." Dues can be which you can access here (or call health care coordination, or a paid online through PayPal. Or the Village and we can mail you simple friendly visit to a neighbor call the office at 202.543.1778. a copy), notes that 85 percent of who no longer can leave home, physicians felt that services such as CHV addresses many needs. The To support the Village, go to transportation, nutrition, and access physicians in the Robert Wood www.capitolhillvillage.org to adequate housing are vital to the Johnson study say addressing these and click on "Support/Donate." healthcare of their patients, and are needs improves their ability to Capitol Hill Village is a 501(c)3 services that physicians are hard- provide quality health care. One of charitable institution, and pressed to provide. our own physicians on the Hill, Dr. your gift is tax deductible. Deborah Edge, commented: All donations are welcome! In fact, these physicians are so convinced that these services are “It is a ‘no brainer’ that it is important that three out of four in unconscionable for our very rich the survey stated that they want country to continue to have such major barriers to good health: our lack of of the National Capital Area the health care system to pay for efficient and effective health care for CHV #55474 access to such services in our communities. The report eloquently all, our lack of commitment to meet the basic housing and social needs of Capitol Hill Village Leaders states that “our ZIP Code is more powerful than our genetic code our population. This is truly one of the Mary Procter, President of the Board when it comes to our health…[and biggest daily frustrations in the practice Katie McDonough, Executive Director of medicine. Organizations such as Julie Maggioncalda, Director of that] the conditions we face day in, CHV provide much-needed assistance Volunteer & Social Services day out, where we live, learn, work to their clients in surmounting Gail Kohn, Advisor to the Board and play, have a greater impact on our health and life expectancy these problems, for which I am most Capitol Hill Village News Team than our medical conditions and supportive and grateful.” Editor: Diane Brockett the health care we receive.” This This country is on the brink of a Activities Coordinator: Judy Canning bold statement comments, even if revolution in the way health care Designer: Roxanne Walker indirectly, on the importance of is provided by approaching each Copy Editors: Susanne Allen, models such as CHV. person holistically to address all Eileen Leahy, Pat Brockett CHV is serious about holistically their needs, rather than addressing Web Site: Neal Mann approaching the health of  continued on page 11

February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News • 3 From the Advisor to the Board… My assignments as Advisor to the three years, thanks mainly to gifts The Capitol Hill Village Board of Board fall into two categories: from individuals. In all three prior Directors passed the following Sustainability years, grants from Capitol Hill resolution: Community Foundation and The Housing Choices on Capitol Hill Capitol Hill Village supports the Morris and Gwendolyn Caftriz provision of housing on Capitol Hill Here is an update on how Capitol Foundation, joined last year by in which a substantial number of Hill Village is progressing in both the Walter and Karla Goldschmidt units are of a suitable size for people categories. Foundation, covered the rest. moving out of row houses, with Sustainability Audited financial statements for all horizontal layout and universal three years are available, and as a design. The Board of Directors Thanks to the generosity of well charitable nonprofit organization, supports the use of universal over 100 members and other Capitol Hill Village files IRS design in all rental apartments, supporters, Capitol Hill Village form 990 each year, which can be condominiums, co-ops, and multi- received $26,626 in December, accessed by the public anytime. family housing units. surpassed its year-end giving Investigate: Promote the expectations by more than $6,000, Housing Choices on Capitol Hill establishment of Green House more than doubling the amount At its January meeting, the Capitol projects and/or similar residential- given in 2011. That is good news in Hill Village Board of Directors nursing and assisted-living facilities these economic times. approved the following mission on or near Capitol Hill. In just a few days, the biggest for its advisory CHV Housing The Housing Committee is charged fund- and friend-raising event of Committee. to educate Capitol Hill neighbors the year for Capitol Hill Village will Educate: Provide information and and DC leaders, identify suitable happen. The 2012 Gala, Motown programs for CHV members that properties on Capitol Hill for Green Magic Under the Stars, has attracted describe possible universal design House residences and to pursue reservations from a record crowd features and enhancements for their partnerships for development. ready to have fun. Check to see if homes that will allow members Read more about why Robert Wood you still can make reservations. Do to stay in their homes if they have Johnson Foundation and NCB not hesitate to come solo—I will be mobility or other limitations. Capital Impact want Green Houses attending alone this year. In the “From the Advisor to the in every state and DC at Members are encouraged to contact Board” column of the January www.thegreenhouseproject.org. Capitol Hill Village to be paired Capitol Hill Village News is a Influence: Review the with others if you wish to dine out discussion of the Universal Design Comprehensive Plan for DC, before the Gala in a local restaurant. features that Capitol Hill Village has the Zoning Regulations, and Bus transportation is available or in mind. You can find the hyperlink other relevant documents that we can find you a driver. Come to the January edition on the www. deal with universal design and prepared to dance (you’ll be asked) capitolhillvillage.org face page. accessibility or should do so. Attend or watch the gyrating and enjoy meetings related to revisions the quiet room with all its action Most of our Universal Design to these documents and make and lively conversation. The 2012 recommendations are law, part recommendations, as appropriate. Gala is expected to bring Capitol of the Fair Housing Act and DC Hill Village ever nearer to the goal Code, but enforcement has been Testimony will accompany of covering expenses in 2012 with spotty. Part of Capitol Hill Village’s written requests by Housing revenue. aim is to bring to light in DC the Committee members and others importance of requiring compliance. to highlight this important effort Membership dues are expected to to amend official DC policy and cover 65% of Capitol Hill Village’s Encourage: Promote horizontal implementation documents to expenses again this year. The aim housing on Capitol Hill and nearby include universal design features each year is to acquire resources areas that includes universal design in all multifamily buildings and to cover the remaining difference concepts and is in compliance with public space. between expenses and revenue. the Fair Housing Act and the DC That has been possible for the last Code and Regulations.  continued on page 5

4 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News Losing Weight and Pain continued from page 1

What can one do if walking is painful? Gail at the 2011 Gala Gail dressed for the 2012 Gala– 40 pounds lighter! Consider losing weight. With each pound, you’ll reduce joint pressure and the chances for cartilage deterioration. Finding an orthopedic surgeon is an adventure. You’ll want one that does lots of surgeries, but you do not want to resort to surgery yourself until you are ready. Identifying the orthopedic surgeon for you is not as easy as asking friends. Given our health care system and the motives that drive advice, some are more likely to recommend surgery than others. effects, especially when taken over Before I began losing weight, I With x-rays in hand showing time. Injections into joints provide was exercising regularly—rowing the magnitude of my knee joint temporary help in some, not all. several times a week. But if I walked osteoarthritis, last summer I saw The scientific data is very clear: half a block and took the stairs, I three orthopedists in three days. even modest reductions in body hurt with every step and my knees I already had lost 20 pounds. The weight can significantly reduce the were wobbly. first advised knee replacement symptoms of joint pain. Research What I changed was how much I in the next month. The second has shown us that a 5 to 10% eat. Portion control is my secret. recommended cortisone injections, reduction of body weight can reduce And, yes, I am hungry much of starting that day. The third urged joint pain dramatically and improve the time. Hunger can be ignored, me to continue losing weight. exercise tolerance. especially when you are used to it. Knee and hip replacement are Consider this: Among U.S. adults I deny myself nothing, but I do not serious surgeries followed by 60 years or older, the prevalence of eat until I am full—ever. significant rehabilitation to regain significant knee, hip, and back pain I changed my exercise regimen to the ability to walk and resume other increases with increased levels of include weight lifting. Now, it’s activities. The pain drives those Body Mass Index. Calculating your winter. I am not rowing. I spend of us who have this type of joint BMI is easy. Go to the National 30 minutes a day on a reclining deterioration to whatever it takes to Institutes of Health website bike at medium, but increasing escape the pain. (www.nhibissupport.com/bmi/) resistance. While I am riding, I lift There are medications to reduce to calculate how much fat you are weights with my arms. Then I spend inflammation and discomfort, but carrying around every day. On the ten minutes on the floor doing those drugs have undesired side basis of BMI, I now am average. abdominal exercises. Now I again can walk miles. I can From the Advisor to the Board continued from page 4 use stairs. I am not in pain—for now. I know it is likely that my * * * Board members Bill Sisolak and osteoarthritis will get worse and The CHV Housing Committee’s President Mary Procter, Capitol Hill the pain will return. That could be purpose is to advise the Capitol Village members Gary Peterson and years from now or six months. For Hill Village Board of Directors on Hazel Kreinheder and supporters now, I am happy to be able to move housing issues associated with its Sharon Ambrose and Joel Kelty. I again without wincing. mission. Chaired by Board member staff the Housing Committee. Vira Sisolak, the committee includes —Gail Kohn

February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News • 5 Motown Magic / Stardust Gala continued from page 1

“This will be Capitol Hill Village’s best Gala ever,” predicts Gala Program Chair Donna Barbisch, noting “the theater offers great acoustics for a great band.” Ticket sales are at least at 300, and “we are pleased to be adding a younger, age-40 crowd along with our regulars.” The silent auction includes a larger variety of offers this year, Barbisch continues, including a live auction for a Kentucky Bourbon gift basket, a VIP tour of the US Capitol (including areas not open to the public), $100 certificates for nine Capitol Hill restaurants, assistance with freshening and redecorating your home, and custom portraits of your house or pet. Of course, the auction highlights will be ten vacation houses, ranging from two nights in a former boathouse near St. Michael’s, to a week in three far flung locations: Courtown Harbour, County Katie McDonough at 8:20, Jaynettes Wexford in Southern Ireland; singing at 8:30, and Raggs & the All Seillans, Provence, France; and Stars getting underway at 9:00 pm. Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez. Auction activities will end around 10:00 but dancing will continue Sixteen salon dinners will be until after 11:00. offered where evenings will feature topics such as Women and War, In addition to flashing images of the Benjamin Franklin for Dinner, and 60s Chevys around the Gala floors, Making the Oceans Transparent. photo ops of the 1960s also may Alice Rivlin, last year’s oversold add to your evening’s memories. salon speaker, will be sharing her Cut-outs will be present, so you thoughts, once more. And, in a new can take home a photo of yourself twist, the twelve highest bidders talking with Elvis, driving an Edsel, will be sharing dinner with Molly or fashioning Motown’s bouffant Smith, who has turned up the hairstyles. Volunteers will be on spotlights on Arena Stage over the hand to capture the pictures on your past 14 years. camera or theirs. Top: Three views of the Northern Neck house in Colonial Beach, Virginia. The The Gala evening begins with Another new setting at the 2012 home has four bedrooms & three baths, Atlas Center doors opening at 7:15 Stardust Gala will be a quiet seating plus a swimming pool and hot tub, and pm, the Orchestra Trio playing area, overlooking the evening’s is located near George Washington’s string music at 7:30, welcoming Quiet Café’ and auction area, where birthplace and Stratford Hall. remarks from CHV President Mary Gala goers can play board games Above: Ambassador James Jones will be Procter and Executive Director and cards and hear a little of the featured at a April 21 Salon dinner.  continued on page 7

6 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News Motown Magic /Stardust Gala continued from page 6

music from the dance floor, too. Also, if you need a ride from home Numerous tables will be available to Dunkin’ Donuts to catch the bus, for seating around the dance floor ask for it when you contact the office (where some larger group tables will to register for the bus. be marked “reserved”), as well as in For Gala attendees who will drive the Quiet Café’, ideal for chatting. to the Atlas, and those who plan to Also in the Café, you will find an have a pre-dinner in the immediate appetizer table of fruit, vegetables, neighborhood, valet parking service cheese and dips, plus sweets. Soft for $12 will be available at the Atlas drinks, water and wine will be Theater door. available in both the dance hall and auction/snack areas. Don’t forget two 8th Street SE restaurants are offering pre-Gala “Please Don’t Drink and Drive — the fixed price $30 meals: Italian Bus Awaits You.” Actually, no such Lavagna (539 8th Street SE, sign will hang, but consider this the 202.546.5006) and the American Gala’s new message. bistro Zest (735 8th Street SE, Bus transportation from Dunkin’ 202.544.7171). Donuts on 8th Street near And, of course, Barracks Row/8th Pennsylvania Avenue SE will be Street SE and 7th Street near Eastern picking up Capitol Hill Village Market are home to many other members and other Gala goers restaurants that offer early dinners. beginning at 7:00 pm, and continue running between there and the Atlas As of January 15, Gala ticket prices Center until the party ends. The bus are $70 for individuals and $60/ ticket for groups of eight or more. Above: The views and the fish are grande rides are planned to serve both those To pay by PayPal, go to: www. in Loreto on the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. having a pre-Gala dinner along The wheelchair-accessible, two-bedroom 8th Street, and other attendees just capitolhillvillage.org. You also can casita is well-equipped, sleeps six enjoying the ride to the Atlas Center. preview Gala Auction items on the comfortably, and has access to a pool. web site and plan what treasures Above right: Snap up a Salon dinner with Reservations are encouraged for the you will bid on. James L. Swanson, author of the New York bus service, so you are assured a Times bestseller Manhunt: The 12-Day seat. If you miss your bus and want Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. a cab, Gala volunteers will assist.

February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News • 7 A Hassle-Free Winter Get-Away By Ed Missiaen e recently spent a week in a foreign country, a 3½ hour Wflight from Washington. We traveled without passports, and did not have to pass through customs and immigration when we arrived nor upon our return. Most locals at our tropical destination spoke English and all happily accepted U.S. dollars. We drank the tap water with no ill effects. Puerto Ricans are American citizens but their country is not the United States. We visited a Latin American country with its own unique culture. and down ramps and stairways San Juan photos by E. Missiaen Since this was to be a no-hassle from the lowest and oldest level 20th centuries, was one of the most vacation, Margaret and I opted to close to the sea, up to the highest prominent. He studied in Spain settle for a week in one place – the level where we could take in the and France and painted portraits, Old City in the capital of San Juan. view across the harbor. We were still-lifes, Puerto Rican landscapes Our third-floor apartment was the only people who signed up and folk culture scenes in both far from luxurious, but was large, for a tour of the lighthouse. Our impressionist and realistic styles. We reasonably priced, and offered views ranger-guide explained that the especially liked his still-lifes with over the city, the Atlantic, San Juan original lighthouse atop the fort, tropical fruit and vegetables. Bay and the countryside beyond built by local merchants in the mid from balconies front and rear and 1800s, was damaged by an American His masterpiece El Velorio, which from the roof-top terrace. bombardment during the Spanish- hangs in the museum at the American War in 1898. The structure University of Puerto Rico, depicts Old San Juan is compact, less than we visited was a replacement a wake in a rural community with a mile square, so we could walk constructed in 1909. much detail and humor. We also everywhere. The Old City slopes discovered the work of a Dominican fairly sharply from Bayside to ocean El Castillo San Cristóbal, the other friar called Marcolino who did bluffs, so we got plenty of exercise large fort, protected the city from avant garde religious paintings and on our walks. We drank in the city’s land invasion. It is the largest and mosaics in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. history – going back to the early most secure Spanish fortification 1500s – as we wandered the narrow in the Americas. A ranger took us We owe one of our best experiences streets with overhanging balconies. on a tour through the tunnels that in San Juan to the Capitol Hill Most streets are paved with blue connected one part of the fort to Village. I was visiting with a member cobblestones made in Spain from another, and others that burrowed and mentioned my up-coming furnace slag and transported to the under the open fields between the trip to Puerto Rico, to which my island as ship ballast. The two, three outer fortifications. He explained colleague responded, “You have and four-story houses have grilled how defending Spanish soldiers to visit my good friend in San windows and come in an array of were prepared to mine these tunnels Juan!” Arrangements were made pastel shades. Most are in good to stop enemies advancing above and on our second day we took repair; a few are showing their age. them in the event they breeched the the bus from Old San Juan to the outer defenses. friend’s apartment in the Santurce The main attractions beyond the neighborhood, where we joined a colonial-era streetscape are two San Juan is home to many museums, group of about a dozen interesting massive Spanish forts constructed several in the Old City and others and talented friends — a mix of over 244 years, beginning in 1539. elsewhere in the area. We enjoyed Puerto Ricans and Americans. Castillo San Felipe del Morro faces seeing the work of talented Puerto It was a most enjoyable and the harbor entrance and is crowned Rican artists. Francisco Oller, who rewarding evening. worked in the late 19th and early with a lighthouse. We climbed up  continued on page 9

8 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News Hassle-Free Winter Get-Away continued from page 8 a nearby market place. We walked block, another time warp eatery, down to the docks and boarded La Bombonera, was our choice for a ferry (more like a water bus) breakfast. They serve a marvelous for a ride across the Bay and up a Puerto Rican pastry called mallorca mangrove-lined canal to the city’s that comes with butter and financial center, Hato Rey. From cinnamon but also can be ordered there we caught the Tren Urbano (a with cheese or egg. La Bombonera Metro), which took us almost to the also introduced us to Puerto Rican door of the university museum. oatmeal, cooked with milk and sugar There are many excellent restaurants and flavored with cinnamon. in Old San Juan. Our favorite was If you plan to visit San Juan or Cafeteria Mallorca, a place that looks elsewhere on that verdant isle, you like it hasn’t changed since 1950. can travel non-stop on United from They serve typical Puerto Rican Dulles Airport or on AirTran from dishes like asopao (a thick soup with BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. On another excursion outside the rice), mofongo (smashed plantain A good place to look for rental Old City, we traveled to the campus with meat and seasoning), rice and apartments is www.homeaway.com. of the University of Puerto Rico and beans, and much more. Down the

RANDOM MUSINGS: Did You Notice?

By Leo Orleans snow. Once the forms were filled or decades now, I have been out, his nurse led me to a cubicle, suffering from icy hands and told me to undress and put on one Ffeet for three-quarters of the of those backward “gowns,” and a year. Not only is it a real pain in the few minutes later she led me to meet hands, but I can’t even touch my the doctor. wife without putting on gloves. Dr. Frost quickly impressed me both And so, although I do a fairly as a specialist in coldhandology and as a warm and very pleasant guy. decent job of avoiding doctors, I inevitably and significantly cool After a full-body examination and decided that maybe, with all the warm hearts. It’s your decision.” medical advances made in recent serious cogitation, he concluded that It was no contest. I told him that years, I should see if there has been indeed I do have a problem with since, for all I know, my warm heart some progress in the cold-hand cold extremities, yes there have been reputation may be nothing but a feel domain. Sure enough, in no time significant advances in the field, and good rumor; and since I am in my Google provided me with a highly there indeed are newfangled pills late 80s, I have a built-in excuse not regarded coldhandologist right here that came on the market just a few only for all my goofs but even for a in the Washington area. I called years ago that should take care of cold heart; and since I am sick and Dr. Frederick Frost immediately my problem. tired of my painfully cold hands and fortunately was able to get an He then told me that he is obliged and feet, I gladly will take the pills. appointment the following week. to warn me of a minor hitch that Now that I have started taking these Without great expectations, I I might find a bit thorny. “Do you magic pills, I want to make sure you showed up a little early to fill out have a warm heart?” he asked. all realize that my progressively the inevitable pages of questions I replied that I am not sure but I chilly demeanor is the result of my about my medical condition, the have been told that I do. “Well” he cooling heart. Deep inside I still love drugs I take, my financial status, continued, “the pills take care of you. and the last time I played in the the cold hands and feet, but they

February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News • 9 Dr. Emanuel Discusses Urology as a Female Issue

wall, which supports the bladder urine; it doesn’t treat urine, it doesn’t wall, weakens or loosens with age). change urine. And it doesn’t do a Dr. Emanuel, an associate professor good job in everybody The bladder of urology at George Washington is supposed to relax; your sphincter University who lives with his family is supposed to tighten; the bladder on Capitol Hill, has practiced at fills, depending on how much liquid 650 Pennsylvania Avenue SE for you are drinking, After four or six 13 years. He has a second office in hours — or three hours — your Greenbelt, Maryland. bladder tells your brain ‘It is time to empty.’” [A sphincter is a circular Responding to a question about his muscle that maintains constriction of operating center not being in his a natural body passage or orifice.] Capitol Hill office, Dr. Emanuel said, “My Greenbelt office is right down Overactive bladder is a muscle the road.” The real picture is that a problem, the doctor said. The medical process that takes fifteen bladder muscles, rather than filling minutes in his Greenbelt office in relaxed fashion over 4-5 hours, n urologist is a doctor for may take the same 15-30 minutes at have a little muscle spasm “for any women. In a true or false test, George Washington Hospital, but of a multitude of reasons or no Asome — and likely many — you would have to check in at GW at reason at all and the brain tells it to would mark “false”. 8:30 am for an 11:00 am procedure, empty.” This is a spasm syndrome, he continued, and “results in small But heavy, cold rain the night of and then expect it will be another bladder empties (small volumes), January 11 did not stop over fifteen two hours before you are released. multiple times.” Capitol Hill Village female members Noting to his audience of “non- from turning out for a talk on 20-year-olds” that his talk would Many bladder-muscle relaxers are urology by Dr. Eric Emanuel. focus on “bladder dysfunction”, sold, and commonly advertised (and advertised again) on television, And when he initially said that, the doctor said that “an estimated Dr. Emanuel said. They “allow the in addition to discussing female 33 million patients are suffering bladder to relax better, reach a full issues, he could answer male-related from overactive bladder, a lot of capacity and then empty.” Note the questions sent by their husbands, the frequency and urgency.” In the past, side effects are a dry mouth and audience responded pointedly, “We he continued, the problem was just constipation, the latter meaning are your audience.” “cast off” for women. For men, it was “considered prostate and treatable.” the stool muscle also is relaxed and So, Dr. Emanuel merely noted that Increasingly today, it is treated affects the bowl function. 60 to 70 percent of urology patients for men and women and by both Internists and urologists both treat are males seeking help with prostate urologists and primary doctors. overactive bladders, he said, but problems. Then he turned to often multiple health problems women’s bladder dysfunction issues. “In the past, over-active bladder problems of women were past off as can cause the same symptoms. Urologists are doctors who treat a normal part of aging. It is really Then, the internist usually must medical and surgical problems of the abnormal, but common.” Frequently, refer the patient to a urologist. urinary tracts of women and men, he continued, it is “idiopathic, The possibilities include “bladder plus male reproduction systems. Yet, meaning there is no cause for it or infection, kidney stones, a whole urinary tract infections occur more not a discernable cause, but that host of things.” frequently in women. doesn’t mean it is not treatable. Asked from the audience “how much Female urologic issues — urinary “Overactive bladder is an liquid should a bladder hold?,” Dr. dysfunctions, Dr. Emanuel said, extremely common issue and it’s Emanuel replied “about 300-500Cs or include overactive bladders, urinary relatively straight-forward to treat. a little more than a Coke can.” urge incontinence, stress urinary Medications are very effective.” “How do you know if you’re are incontinence, kidney stones, kidney normal?” and bladder cancer, and bladder A bladder, he explained, “is the prolapse (when the vagina’s front organ whose only job is to store  continued on page 11

10 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News Executive Director continued from page 3 individual ailments as silos that neighbors. Invite them to an event a seat at the dinner table with Dr. don’t affect each other. CHV such as our new series, Be Prepared Edge and her colleague Dr. Daniel is on the cutting edge of this University, where we will discuss Waterman, where this topic is sure thinking and offers services that important topics such as health to be a part of a lively discussion provide nearly 90 percent of these care and financial decision-making, over a scrumptious meal. Talk holistically identified needs through navigating hospitalizations and the to your neighbors about joining, the hard work of volunteers. We are health care system, and tactics for volunteering or supporting our to be congratulated. discussing these important topics cutting-edge organization. I ask you to get involved and to with your loved ones. Come to the —Katie McDonough share the story of CHV with your CHV gala, “Motown Magic Under the Stars,” on January 28 and bid on

Women's Urology Issues continued from page 10 “That’s hard to say because it depends on how much fluid you are taking in.” However, if a person is drinking “a normal amount,” he or she will need to go to the bathroom in 3 to 4 hours. Also, it is “wonderful, ideal” if one sleeps the night through, but “reasonable” if one needs to visit the bathroom once a night. “Most of this stuff related to overactive bladder is quality-of-life the sink turn off. These are cues to On another question, if daily related…. If you’re not bothered, start the contraction. Almost all are drinking 8-ounces of water is a don’t worry about it.” However, if treatable and medicine works 90 golden rule, the doctor termed it you will seek treatment, it is better to percent of the time.” “an old wife’s tale,” adding, “What do so early. Leakage, Dr. Emanuel added, is I would tell you is to drink enough “Are there things to do without “equally abnormal but common.” so that you don’t get dizzy and don’t taking medications?” asked an fall down.” In leakage of a different type, audience member. “Yes, there are pressure by the abdominal muscles However, he cautioned, 90-year-olds behavioral-related things you can puts pressure on the bladder — may need special attention in being do. Certainly, fluid control is an during a sit-up, golf swing, cough served sufficient water to avoid example.” or sneeze. “Anything that pushes dehydration as they might “lose a Also, “spicy foods, chocolate, coffee on those muscles in the bladder sense of what they are doing, of the … can rev up the bladder.” can cause leakage, anything up to a passing of time.” Certain physical therapists can spurt.” Answers, depending on the One audience member related that treat one with pelvic floor exercises, amount, range from exercises, minor she formerly was troubled by “going but not that many are around, the surgery, or an injection to assist the to the bathroom, getting up and urologist said, adding his office used closing of the sphincter. then voiding again. But when I lost to work with a therapist. Responding to a question of the weight, the problem disappeared.” Another overactive bladder issue value of yoga, the doctor responded “Losing weight and stopping is “wet, overactive bladder with that “these problems deal with a smoking are far and away the leakage” when the sphincter muscle very specific muscle group. No healthiest things anyone can do, and is overpowered. “The brain has a role yoga or other exercise works in this those have a significant impact on a in these things related to frequency area. They strengthen your back or multitude of organ functions,” Dr. and urgency … as one pulls out of strengthen your core, but not your Emanuel responded. a seat or get in the car door or hears bladder muscles.”

February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News • 11 Capital Hill’s Helen Dubino Morrison Dies

By Lisa Oaks some of the Russian diplomats and ifelong Capital Hill resident their spouses and hosted several Helen Dubino Morrison passed parties in their honor at her home. L away on December 15, 2011. As the neighborhood changed, so Helen bought her house on southeast did Helen’s life. She met Warren Capitol Hill in the early 1960s and Morrison (who passed away in lived there for over 50 years. She 2009) and they married in 1975. Helen tried retirement but it wasn’t loved decorating and furnished her for her and she began work in the home with elegance and style. She private sector. About this time, she created a beautiful brick patio in her and Warren bought a sailboat and back yard for her German shepherd, spent their weekends at Solomons Sam, to play in when they weren’t Island, Maryland. When they sold at Lincoln Park together. Gardening the boat, visits to the opera at the she and Warren took in Toby, “King was her favorite hobby. Kennedy Center took over for of the Mountain in the park,” as she Helen worked for the government in entertainment. Dining out at any described him. After Toby came various secretarial roles in her early one of the wonderful restaurants Humphrey, then Coussie, who a years. She was proud of her Russian in DC also was a favorite activity, neighbor adopted last summer. heritage and made it known she but you always could find them In 1979, when I was 14, it was my could even speak the language. on a Saturday night at Trattoria turn to visit Helen. My older sisters In 1969, the FBI contacted her to Alberto on 8th Street SE. Helen’s and brother already had done so, do reconnaissance work with the biggest passion was shopping. as well as my cousin. I have to say, Russian Embassy. She thankfully When Garfinkel’s closed, she made I was awestruck. As if her house kept carbon copies of her reports an event of it. Fortunately, Neiman and yard weren’t beautiful enough, from her many excursions as a “spy,” Marcus was able to fill the gap. I saw Capitol Hill in its splendor which are the makings for a great Helen was never without a dog. in springtime. Warren showed me novel. Helen became friends with When her beloved Sam passed away, the sights during the day and then we’d meet Helen at the office so we could go to dinner and see the Youths Assist with CHV’s Clutter Pickup Program “other malls” at night. Helen took a day off from work to show me the Capitol, and I got the “insider” tour. Immediately I made friends with Helen’s goddaughter and neighbor, Jill, and we’ve been in touch ever since. Visits with Helen and Warren at “The Hotel Morrison,” as it became known in the family, hold so many special memories for us. Kind and caring neighbors surrounded Three youths lended their hands on a Later, 8-year-old Karl Weiss helped Saturday morning to initiate the Village’s his grandmother, CHV Office Manager Helen, including Ben — who kept new Clutter Pickup Program, and ten Pamela Weiss, in emptying the sacks and her gardens looking fabulous. member-homes responded. boxes, and counting the many eyeglasses Such a wonderful neighborhood! Jack Von Kannon from St. Peter’s and medications that were collected. Remember Helen while you’re School and Tema Masters, a student at Eyeglasses will go to the Lions Club working in your garden or walking Our Lady of Victory School, said they and the unneeded medications will be your dog to the park! found the morning fun, despite it being disposed of safely by CHV volunteers. the Saturday of icy sidewalks (Jan. 21). Another clutter pickup is expected soon.

12 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News Winter in the Village Garden

Margaret Missiaen n late December, the CHV and two adjacent gardens look much Ilike they did in the Fall. Many plants were nipped by the frost in mid-December, but others continued to benefit from the warm days at the end of the month. As I walk around the neighborhood, it appears that the frost was very spotty. The tomatoes, ferns and black-eyed Susans are all gone, but in some places, the roses continue to flower. The leaves on the Japanese maple at the Village office on 7th Street SE have turned and fallen (above, has recovered from the damage The daffodil and crocus leaves have right). The oakleaf hydrangea caused by the record snowfall in emerged very early this year, and (Hydrangea quercifolia) is holding January 2010. The evergreen shrubs already are several inches high. A its leaves as they turn (below, with the tiny round leaves are a sudden cold spell will not damage left). The semi-evergreen nandina type of Japanese holly (Ilex crenata). these hardy flowers, but I must (Nandina domestica) is at its peak These poor shrubs no longer are watch where I step. They know to (below, right). The red berries hang being pruned into cubes, but it will stop growing and wait for warmer in heavy clusters and the leaves are be years before I can get them to weather. Who knows what will still a deep green. I have tried using grow in a more natural shape. happen this year with so many plants nandina for holiday decorations in flowering out of season? my house, but the leaves and berries I was able to do a better fall clean-up drop shortly after cutting. Better to with all the warm days, including It won’t be long before I start watching enjoy it in the garden. controlling the liriope. The variety for signs of spring. The tiny white flowers of the sweetbox (Sarcococca growing at the office came from Each of the gardens has a true hookerana) will appear in February. the Botanic Garden. It is about half evergreen shrub or tree. In front The fragrance of this broadleaf the height of the common liriope of the Village office are yews—the evergreen shrub is a major event in and spreads more slowly in most one type of needled evergreen the winter garden. You may not locations. But the conditions at the that thrives in partial shade. The notice the sweetly scented flowers, office seem to be ideal, and it grows spruce in the adjacent yard was a but you’ll look around to find what Christmas tree a few years ago. It rapidly there. Will I ever learn? smells so good. Every garden should have Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis) for winter interest. The foliage of this perennial is evergreen and the flowers appear in February. The plants may take 2 or 3 years to get established. After that, they will tolerate dry soil and deep shade. I’ll find a place for a few in the spring.

This completes this series of articles. I’m taking reader suggestions for other garden topics—Hill Center gardens, perhaps???

February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News • 13 Upcoming Events continued from page 1

Are You a Frustrated "Top Chef"? Here's a chance to show off your cooking skills! With our Feb. 11 pancake morning approaching, Capitol Hill Village still is seeking members and volunteers who are willing to assist with cooking. Not a cook? You can help with setting up tables and chairs, or serving your hungry Capitol Hill neighbors. Please sign up with the Village office by calling 202.543.1778 or e-mail [email protected].

the E Street Cinema on Jan. 13. If you have not had a Saturday, February 4 • 9:00 am chance to see the movie and are interested in the group, Your home please feel free to join us. DC Hazardous Waste Materials Pickup For our first meeting, we will discuss the film and also This is the periodic pickup day for hazardous materials the procedures the group would like to adopt (as well and personal papers at CHV members’ homes that as a permanent group name). The idea so far is that we will be delivered to the District’s safe disposal site. will see a film on our own and then meet at someone’s Personal papers (medical records or financial files) will home to discuss it. Tom Zaniello, who has taught film be shredded at the drop-off site, viewed by the CHV courses for many years, will coordinate. delivery team to ensure they are destroyed. Please call the officeby noon, Wednesday, February 8 Hazardous wastes for pickup include paint, house to sign up and learn the address. cleaners, batteries, televisions, video equipment, and Members and volunteers other items not accepted in weekly home trash pickup. Click here to be taken to the DC DPW website. Friday, February 10 • Starting at 9:00 am Call 202.543.1778 or e-mail [email protected] Your home by noon on Thursday, February 2, to request a pickup or volunteer to assist with the drive. Book Donation Monthly Pickup Members only Friends of the SE Library will be picking up donations of used books, records, music and movie CDs and Thursday, February 9 • 6:00-7:30 pm DVDs from Capitol Hill Village members’ front Private home porches. The items will be included in the monthly used-book sale on Saturday, February 11 (10 am to 3 CHV Cinephiles Club pm), in the basement of the library at 7th Street SE, just off Pennsylvania Avenue. The first meeting of the new Cinephiles Club will be at the home of CHV members Tom and Fran Zaniello. Sign up by noon, Wednesday, February 8. We will discuss The Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep as Members only Margaret Thatcher, Great Britain’s first woman prime minister and controversial leader of the Conservative Party. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the film opened at  continued on page 15

14 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News Upcoming Events continued from page 14

Saturday, February 11 • 4:00-6:00 pm Please RSVP to all events, and let the CHV Private Home office know if you need a ride, by calling He Had a Dream: Recollections of the 202.543.1778 during regular office hours or by e-mailing [email protected] March on Washington To celebrate Black History Month, CHV members and intense, new novel follows a middle-aged man as 50-year residents of Capitol Hill Pat and Bill Driscoll he contends with a past he has never much thought will welcome to their home all those who wish to about—until his closest childhood friends return with recall or learn about the events of this singular day in a vengeance, one of them from the grave, another Washington’s and the nation’s history. We invite all maddeningly present. Tony Webster thought he’d left those who participated in the march on August 28, all this behind as he built a life for himself, and, by 1963, and those who would like to hear eyewitness now, his marriage and family and career have fallen accounts of it to join us at the Driscoll’s home for a into an amicable divorce and retirement. But then he lively and searching discussion. Refreshments will is presented with a mysterious legacy that obliges be served. All ages welcome. Please call the office to him to reconsider a variety of things he thought he’d sign up by noon on Friday, February 10, and learn understood all along, and to revise his estimation of the address. his own nature and place in the world.” (From book Members, friends, and volunteers jacket) Call the office to sign up by 3:00 pm, Monday, February 20, and learn the address. Members and volunteers Sunday, February 19 • 2:00 pm Arena Stage, Kreeger Theater, 1101 Sixth Street SE Thursday, February 23 • 12:15 pm Red, by John Logan 212 Seventh Street SE. Restaurant accessible. Capitol Hill Village has arranged for discounted tickets for this two-character play featuring local Lunch at Acqua al 2 favorite Edward Gero. “Red” depicts the brilliant and BY RESERVATION ONLY (made by noon Feb. 21) passionate painter Mark Rothko facing the biggest Acqua al 2, an Italian restaurant located across from challenge of his career. We hope to arrange a post- Eastern Market, is offering us a fixed-price meal for theater reception for those attending. When you phone $25, including taxes and gratuities, for their popular the office to reserve, indicate if you would like to “Pranzo alla Svelta” luncheon. attend the after-theater reception, if you need a ride, and whether you need special seating. The discounted The 3-course lunch includes: two first course options; group rate is $46 per ticket. DEADLINE FOR five options for the second (panini, pasta, or sirloin); RESERVATIONS: February 9. with tiramisu or cheesecake for dessert. Vegetarian options included; vegans can be accommodated with Write checks to: Capitol Hill Village and mail to P.O. prior notice. The price of soft drinks is included; Box 15126, Washington, DC 20003-0126 alcoholic beverages are charged separately to the Members and friends individual consumer. CASH ONLY. To see menu options, go to http://www.acquaal2d.com/menu.html. Tuesday, February 21 • 6:00-7:30 pm You must call the office (202.543.1778) bynoon on Tuesday, February 21 to reserve a place. If you reserve Private home and cannot attend, please call the office to cancel. Literary Club Limited to 18. Members only. At our January meeting, we had a lively discussion of Parts 1 & 2 of Balzac’s Lost Illusions. This month, we briefly will discuss Part 3 and then turn to a recent book, The Sense of an Ending, by Julian Barnes.“This  continued on page 16

February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News • 15 Upcoming Events continued from page 15

Thursday, February 23 • 5:00-6:30 pm Please RSVP to all events, and let the CHV Private home office know if you need a ride, by calling Village Opera Society: Women Are Not 202.543.1778 during regular office hours or Always Like That by e-mailing [email protected] Since the next production of the Washington National Opera is Mozart’s Cosí Fan Tutte (Women Are Like Friday, February 24 • 12:30-1:30 pm That) from Feb. 25 to Mar. 15, Sheridan Harvey again Southeast Neighborhood Library, 7th and D Streets will prepare a (fairly) brief history of the opera and plot SE. Accessible from D Street. overview, then play a few excerpts. Bring your opera- enthusiast friends and join us to learn more about the Balance Class upcoming opera and to discuss future group plans. Join other members in this monthly balance class, We also have several suggestions for names for this which will help you recognize that strength and group—come prepared to vote! Wine and cheese as agility are the best defenses against falls. Practice usual. To register and learn the location, call the Village skills that will keep you on your feet. The class is at 202.543.1778 no later than 12 noon on Wednesday, taught by a physical therapist volunteering from February 22. Physiotherapy Associates. Members and friends Please RSVP to CHV office by 12 noon, Wednesday, February 22. Note: If you attend, please stay for the Be Prepare event listed below. Continuing CHV Events Members only NOTE: You do NOT need to RSVP for continuing events, but please confirm schedule with the office during January. Friday, February 24 • 2:00 pm Southeast Neighborhood Library, 7th and D Streets Every Monday 2:30 pm (note new time) SE. Accessible from D Street. Garfield Park, South Carolina Ave. at 2nd St. SE Petanque Be Prepared University: A Hospitalization How-To Petanque is the French game of boules, similar to the Italian game of bocce. Beginners Can request The latest in our “Be Prepared” series will help prepare instruction by calling Paul at 543-7530. Open to all attendees for a possible hospitalization in their future. Hospitalization can happen without warning to anyone of any age, and this session offers some preparation Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and awareness that can make this often-overwhelming Townhomes Community Center, 6th & I Sts SE experience more manageable. Prepare now or panic later! Yoga for Members and volunteers Maura Barillaro, RN, from Home Care Assistance, and our very own Julie Maggioncalda, LGSW (licensed Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am graduate social worker), will discuss the ins and outs Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 4th Street and of hospitalizations, so that you know how to prepare, Independence Avenue SE what to expect, and how the Village and its community partners can be helpful. Join us at the SE Library Qigong for Members only (immediately following the Balance Class). RSVP to This gentle, but powerful, Chinese movement the Village office to reserve your space by 3:00 pm on exercise is offered by CHV member Joni Bell. Thursday, February 23. Contact Julie if you have any questions. Members only

16 • February 2012 Capitol Hill Village News