Capitol Hill Village, the new nonprofit organization on the Hill, declared itself “open for business” with a launch celebration in the back garden of Friendship House Oct. 6. Close to 200 members, volunteers, neighbors and interested folk attended the two-hour fest on the warm, fall afternoon.

With the help of more than 50 volunteers – organized by Executive Director Gail Kohn and board members Judy Canning and Lois Kauffman – the colorful garden space had tents arrayed for information on the village, volunteer opportunities, and food and drink. A separate space offered refreshing Ben and Jerry's ice cream, contributed to the Capitol Hill Village by Karen and Robert Reed, and another table held homemade cookies, selected fruit and beverages.

Under the ample shade of the garden’s stately water oak, the Shackbreakers blues band performed for the crowd, their tunes interspersed with remarks from CHV Board President Geoff Lewis, Executive Director Kohn, and Friendship House Director Nicolle Brown. Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells offered his congratulations to the group, and DC Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray capped the afternoon with enthusiastic comments about the “stay-in-the-neighborhood” concept of Capitol Hill Village.

Capitol Hill Village aims to help people stay in their homes as they grow older. For an annual membership fee, members can call one phone number for access to a variety of vetted home services. A wide variety of educational and social activities are available to members.

Those who attended had opportunities to learn about membership, complete a future Capitol Hill Village event preference survey, sign up as contributors or volunteers, and learn about the many Capitol Hill businesses supporting CHV with contributions and discounts.

Lewis also thanked those who had helped CHV achieve its launch, as well as the sponsors and contributors who made the event possible. The six principal sponsors (offering $1,000 contributions) were the Capitol Hill Auto Service Center, Frager's Hardware, Grubbs Pharmacy & Medical Equipment, Home Care Assistance, National Capital Bank and Yarmouth Management.

Throughout the afternoon, free door prizes donated by numerous Capitol Hill area businesses and merchants were presented. They ranged from gift certificates to free haircuts to an auto checkup. The top door prize was a bottle of Heidsick Monopole Diamant Bleu 1996 champagne from Schneider's of Capitol Hill, which also gave CHV $500. Other Capitol Hill businesses announced discounts for members presenting their membership cards, newly acquired at the launch event.