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Say Yes to Your Creativity: Four Reasons to Start Doing Improv

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Be spontaneous — do something fun for yourself today and jump into a class at Washington Improv Theater. Folks from all over the DMV take WIT’s improv classes for all sorts of reasons.

Washington Improv Theater is DC’s oldest and only nonprofit improv theater. Chances are you know at least one person who has taken (and loved!) our Foundations of Improv class.

Here are four reasons to get off the fence about taking a WIT class:

1. Meet new people (outside the bar scene) — WIT students come from all walks of life — but they all come to improv with open minds, daring to try something new. Abandon your iPhone and share face-to-face laughs with a dozen strangers who will quickly become friends.

One student told us “you make instant friends, and you push yourself in ways that you might not initially believe possible.”

2. Unlock your creative potential — Everyone has untapped creativity — unleash yours with one of our eight-week classes. A testimonial: “You get to exercise your imagination in a way that most adults don’t get to do on a regular basis.”

3. Find yourself – without having to scale Mt. Everest — From the way you communicate in your relationships to learning about the choices you make in life, improv spurs personal breakthroughs. Learn how you can change your life when you eradicate the word “no” from your day-to-day. 

4. Up your game at work — Show your boss you’re taking your skills to the next level. Improv gives you the confidence to speak up, the positivity to collaborate, and clarity to communicate — it’s the best and most versatile professional development ever!. (Side note: You can also bring us to your office for a WIT@Work training.)

Get off the fence — spring session starts March 26! A couple hours a week with WIT can change your whole perspective!

Real Estate Fresh Finds: Mar. 14

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by Real Living At Home. 

It’s Wednesday, which means two things: 1) The workweek is now more than half over and 2) It’s your weekly dose of Fresh Finds new to the market in DC, so check out our suggestions below:

Legal Insider: Benefits of Resolving Employment Disputes Without Litigation

By PoP Sponsor (a)

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, a local employment and labor law firm that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

While it is not always possible to avoid litigation in employment cases, resolving an employment dispute without litigation, if possible, is strongly recommended and should be considered by both employees and employers.

We have represented both employees and employers and the benefits of resolution usually far outweigh the lengthy litigation process. Some benefits to consider include:

1. Avoid Extended Litigation: We have had employment cases in extended litigation that take between three to six years in the court process.

When going into an employment case, an employee and employer should consider whether it makes sense to litigate these types of cases over such a potentially long period of time.

Usually, employees do not want to have such a long period of uncertainty to their career, and an employer does not want to spend $50,000 to $100,000 (or more) litigating an employment case. Employers can also have similar uncertainties about staffing while a case is pending.

2. Limiting Costs: Extended litigation can cost a lot of money for both employees and employers.

Employees usually pay for these fees out of pocket and employers either pay these fees out of pocket or through increased premiums in their use of insurance defense policies.

Some of our most satisfied clients are those who have decided to resolve their disputes early in the process and save themselves money. They may reach a compromise that is not perfect, but sometimes it is far better than the result of the litigation. (more…)

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The weather might not be warm, but at least it’s not a Nor’easter–and the weather is definitely good enough to go check out some of these open houses. To see the entire DC Open House List click here.

  • 2715 P Street NW — $2,400,000 — Georgetown
    Open Sat. 3-7 PM & Sun. 1-3 PM — Daniel Llerena & Erica Collins
    A ‘Pop-Up Art Show on P Street’ is not your typical open house.
  • 1311 Delaware Avenue SW #S-331 — $314,000 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sun. 1-3 PM — Steven Dean
    If you can envision this property without all of the owner’s stuff, a 2 bedroom near the Waterfront at this price is hard to pass up.
  • 1721 21st Street NW #T1 — $424,900 — Dupont Circle
    Open Sat. & Sun. 1-3 PM — Gene Sung
    Prime location with a Walk Score of 98.
  • 900 11th Street SE #311 — $779,900 — Capitol Hill East(ish)
    Open Sun. 1-3 PM — Craig Souza
    “New construction, boutique building of only 49 residences.”
  • 1670 Montello Avenue NE — $590,000 — Trinidad
    Open Sun. 1-3 PM — Stacey Barton
    From the outside, this row home looks a bit small, but that opinion quickly changes once you see the inside.

Women’s History Month Family Day at The National Postal Museum

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SATURDAY, MARCH 10 & SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018
11 AM – 4 PM (BOTH DAYS)

The National Postal Museum’s annual Women’s History Month Family Day highlights notable women from the past through the present and reflects upon the meaningful contributions of these extraordinary individuals.

In a fun and engaging setting, discover the various postal roles typically held by women over the last two centuries and get to know the stories of pioneers who broke the mold, such as the first female postmaster, Mary Katherine Goddard.

Each visitor has the opportunity to embark on a topical scavenger hunt, which entails locating relevant museum objects and exhibitions, and stopping at activity stations scattered throughout the museum. Upon successful completion, participants can take home a National Postal Museum airplane, in the spirit of trailblazing pilot Amelia Earhart.

In addition, through their participation in the scavenger hunt, Girl Scouts have the opportunity to earn their “Playing the Past” and “Detective” badges. Event activities include:

Behind the Badge with USPS Postal Inspectors: The National Postal Museum proudly welcomes female representatives from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; visitors will hear about the responsibilities of the job and familiarize themselves with bulletproof vests, walkie-talkies and other equipment.

Dead Letter Office Challenge: Try to make sense of actual examples of “dead letters” and decipher the undecipherable in this popular game.

Historic Printing Press Demonstrations: Watch a demonstration of how stamps were produced on a 19th century printing press and learn about the challenges of the job.

Meet Amelia Earhart and Friends: “Amelia Earhart” will be onsite to regale crowds with tales of her fascinating life and accomplishments. “Amelia” will also turn into many other renowned women throughout history, such as Clara Barton, Florence Nightingale, Marie Curie and Harriet Tubman.

Story Time: Join us for interactive readings of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s delightful book, “Eleanor and Amelia Go for a Ride,” which chronicles the real-life friendship of Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, both legendary women in their own right.

Women In Military Service Meet and Greet: In conjunction with the museum’s newest exhibition, “In Her Words: Women’s Duty and Service in World War I,” members of the Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation discuss the lives of the four women featured in the exhibition, and read heartfelt letters from over 100 years ago.

The State of DC: TOPA

By PoP Sponsor (a)


This column is written by Metro DC Houses, a local real estate team serving DC, MD, VA made up of Colin Johnson, the immediate past President for the D.C. Association of Realtors and Christopher Suranna, the current President for the D.C. Association of Realtors.

TOPA.

It is not a four-letter word but rather four letters that historically represent challenges that faced landlord’s and tenant’s interest throughout the city.

How did we get where we are today with TOPA?

There are 3 categories of TOPA: single family, 2-4 units, and 5+ units. For the purposes of our discussion we will only be discussing single family properties.

The law as it is written requires homeowners with tenants to provide them with first right a refusal and notice of a sale on their home. As it stands this notice and process period could last for 180 days or more and repeats itself if an interested party backs out on single family homes.

There is also a piece of the law that allows for an occupant to assign their rights to another person or entity. This part is very important to allow occupants the opportunity to find a possible non-profit or another owner whom may wish to buy property and then rent back to that occupant.

Because of these 2 major components in the legislation, an industry has evolved that aids tenants in leveraging those rights to the highest bidder or simply stalls the sale. This particular leverage then puts owner in a situation where in order to sell they must pay a tenant or face the potential ongoing loop of tenant rights and maybe never being able to sell. (more…)

Real Estate Fresh Finds: Mar. 7

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by Real Living At Home. 

We’ve heard some agents say there’s a lack of inventory right now on the market, but just within the past seven days, there’s been 240+ homes to hit the market just in DC alone. So check out some of our suggested Fresh Finds below:

  • You know when it lists a “full floor ballroom” or “2 bedroom staff apartment” as features, this one is clearly going to be your Most Expensive Home of the Week at $8.15mil.
  • Not only does this epic Victorian row home have 6 bedrooms, spanning across 4 levels and 2,700+ square feet, but it also has an in-home art show occurring this Saturday, March 10th, from 3-7PM.
  • The listing is sold in ‘As Is’ condition for this “Great Opportunity to Continue and Complete Renovation on Traditional Petworth Row,” even though the 2 photos show very little renovation occurred in the first place.
  • A Mount Pleasant 2 bedroom condo that’s been updated and refreshed throughout the entire home.
  • It’s a small 1 bedroom condo, but it also appears in great condition and has everything you could possibly need (except decently sized storage space) for the REO/Bank Owned Property of the Week.

The Bower — The Only Condos for Sale at The Yards

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Discover the world of possibilities waiting at The Yards — the perfect combination of Washington, DC and riverfront.

Artisan dining and easy living. Nights at the ballpark, days running riverside and the most breathtaking views around. A life you can truly make your own. It’s all in reach at The Bower by PN Hoffman — the only condos for sale at The Yards. Studio to three bedroom condos are now available starting at $360,000.

At The Bower, thoughtful design and quality meet inviting community spaces, creating the perfect transition from the energy of The Yards to the peace of home. From the residents’ lounge and lobby to natural light bathing the fine modern finishes of your home, every detail speaks to the truly unique experience of these condominium residences for sale in Washington, DC.

The Bower Sales Center is located at 1331 4th Street, SE. For more information visit thebowerdc.com or contact PN Hoffman at (202) 883-5306.

Play DC Spring Social Sports with DC Fray

The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. If you want to live your best life this spring, don’t miss your chance to sign up for social sports in the District with DC Fray.

DC Fray is on a mission to make fun possible and registration for spring social sports leagues in is open now through March 27th. Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, the National Mall — there are leagues all around the District including some near you.

Choose from a range of sports including kickball, dodgeball, basketball, skeeball, cornhole, yoga and more. Each league also partners with cool local DC bars for after-game happy hours!

You can sign up as an individual, small group or full team, so register with your friends, or come make new ones.

Need convincing to join a DC Fray league? Here are 5 (of the many) reasons: social sports are a must for anyone who lives in DC.

  1. It’s camaraderie over competition. Winning is fun, but DC Fray is all about making new friends and building relationships.
  2. Get more than just a sports league. Yeah, there are 18 leagues that bring you on-the-field action every week, but you’ll also get post-game happy hours, player parties and other perks for playing.
  3. You can stay active without hitting the gym. You can pay a lot of money each month to workout alone, or you can pay a lot less money to stay in shape by playing your favorite activity with friends.
  4. You’ll spend less time living for the weekend. Why wait until Friday to have fun? Weeknight leagues help break up your same old routine by giving you a fun night with friends to look forward during the work week.
  5. Teammates can turn into friends or lovers. Just ask the hundreds of people who still hang out with people from a dodgeball squad they played on 10 years ago or met their partner playing kickball on the National Mall.

DC Fray spring registration is open through March 27th. Visit dcfray.com/leagues to find a league in your DC neighborhood. Join us and let’s play!

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

There’s a large amount of condo open houses this weekend, so if you’re on the hunt for that elusive not-too-expensive and not-too-small condo, this week is prime house hunting. Check out our recommendations below. To see the entire DC Open House List click here.

  • 1440 N St. NW #706 — $359,900 — Logan Circle
    Open Sun. 1-4 PM — Thomas Doyle
    With a 98 Walk Score, this condo couldn’t get any more convenient.
  • 14 S Street NE #301 — $450,000 — Eckington
    Open Sun. 1-4 PM — Dina Paxenos
    You don’t see many 3 bedroom condos, so this will go fast.
  • 1414 Montello Ave. NE — $649,900 — Trinidad
    Open Sat. & Sun. 2-4 PM — Dianne Haskett
    A self-proclaimed “Trinidad Treasure” with 4 bedrooms across 2,133 square feet.
  • 3900 Tunlaw Road NW #606 — $239,900 — Glover Park
    Open Sun. 2-4 PM — Robert Sabanosh
    Most affordable co-op in Glover Park — with a renovated kitchen and it’s on the top floor!
  • 520 N Street SW #S321 — $660,000 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sun. 1-4 PM — Katherine Krevor & Pfashema Faber
    “Rarely available 3-bedroom/2-bathroom end-unit at waterfront community Harbour Square.”
  • 336 15th Street NE #1 — $849,000 — Kingman Park
    Open Sun. 2-4 PM — Joel Nelson
    That master bathroom is larger than some studios around here.
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