Happy 75th Birthday, Joe

My wife, Louise, and I were privileged to attend an extraordinary “celebration of Joe Horning’s 75th birthday” on December 16 (his birthday is December 25!). Horning served as NARP treasurer from before my arrival in Washington in 1975 to 2004.

For the event, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill was transformed into “Lynne’s Salon” (Lynne is his wife). The evening began with a full length concert, including premieres of poetry by Joanne Hoover and a musical setting of some of that poetry by Frances Thompson McKay commissioned for the occasion. Despite the elaborate preparations, Lynne managed to keep the event a secret until Joe walked into the church. One fellow attendee at this remarkable event was heard to remark, “I can’t wait until I’m 75.”

Joe is a much-loved Washington philanthropist active on the boards of several non-profits. He is also a successful entrepreneur. To quote from his company’s website “Horning Brothers has worked hard to earn and maintain its reputation for quality construction, thoughtful design and professional management.”

—Ross Capon