Break the ice this winter with more than 50 leagues across D.C., Northern Virginia, and Silver Spring in 11 different sports 🏀 🏐.

Whether you’re looking to embrace the chill with our outdoor polar bear leagues, looking to huddle up with our indoor leagues, or interested in more social or competitive play, we’ve got you covered.

Create your team or sign up with a friend or solo and we’ll handle the rest. Secure your spot and use code FRAYNOW24 for an exclusive discount at checkout and let the fun begin!*

*Get an additional 10% of leagues, deals and giveaways to partner events, VIP treatment including open bars at select Fray events and more by becoming a Fraylife member today!


The deadline is fast approaching for solving ALL your T’giving feast home delivery needs from RSVP Catering. The turkeys are flying!

RSVP Catering, the region’s premier catering service, wants you to know orders are filling up fast for their Thanksgiving all-in-one home delivered holiday feast.

And why not? RSVP is offering to simplify Thanksgiving dinner by delivering it to your door in an elegant package complete with a choice of turkey, four side dishes, plus all the trimmings: turkey gravy, cranberry-orange relish, homemade mini brioche rolls, and sweet potato biscuits.

You can relax after you place your order: Your Turkey Day feast is as easy as your next phone call. And it’s up to you to decide if you confess to your guests that you prepared this awesome meal yourself.

But get moving! Orders are accepted until Monday, November 20 if they don’t sell out by then; call soon to make sure your order makes it. See the RSVP Catering Thanksgiving 2023 menu.

This year, RSVP Catering is offering herb roasted turnkey or honey-citrus glazed turkey as the showcase centerpiece of all-in-one packages for $195 and $390, depending on how many guests you expect to impress and, perhaps, overwhelm (in a good way!).

Turkeys come with a choice of four sides, including creamy mashed potatoes, sage and turkey sausage cornbread stuffing, sauteed green beans, pomegranate roasted root vegetables, and fall harvest salad. Many of the options are gluten free.

Optional dessert offerings, which feed six to eight guests, bring to the table Dutch apple pie, bourbon pecan pie, pumpkin chiffon pie, and pear and pistachio tart.

The full RSVP Catering menu is available for home delivery ala carte. Email RSPV Catering at [email protected], or call 703-573-8700.


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

Featured Property of the Week: 4214 16th Street NW

“Located in highly sought after Crestwood, this new construction 6,150 sq. ft. is 4 levels of perfection with 7 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. The home has large and abundant windows that drench it with sunlight. Hardwood 5 inch oak flooring on all 4 levels. The exterior matches the elegance of the interior. It has 6 zones of outdoor space — in the front there is a covered porch that spans the width of the home, 3 decks/patios attached to the home in the rear starting on the top level, another off the primary bedroom suite, and one off the lower level 2 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment. The backyard has 2 large spaces with a 32 foot pool and a large flat green yard, finished out with a 2 car parking pad and a 1 car detached garage.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is “privately appointed on an elevated 0.37 acre lot in the heart of Wesley Heights. Quintessential illustration of architectural grandeur, timeless design, and modern luxury. Boasting remarkably historic integrity, the 1926 lime washed brick Colonial features a seamless synthesis of ageless charm and updated amenities to include sprawling entertaining spaces, soaring ceilings, magnificent millwork, gleaming hardwood flooring, high-end appliances, and abundant natural light throughout its 4 levels and 7,900 total square feet” — all for $5.95M
  • “Step into the heart of Petworth, where historic charm meets contemporary sophistication in this meticulously renovated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom row home. Expertly crafted by renowned home builders and developers, this residence seamlessly combines classic D.C. row home architecture with modern design and technology, offering a true testament to the evolution of the nation’s capital.”
  • “Introducing The Leumass, where unit #401 awaits — a truly unique 2-level turret property boasting open views and an expansive private rooftop deck. Nestled just one block off of Logan Circle, this unit boasts a central location mere moments from Le Diplomate, Whole Foods, and the vibrant dining, nightlife, and shopping that Logan Circle and 14th St have to offer.”
  • Your REO/Bank-owned Property of the Week is a “great investment opportunity to buy, rehab, and rent out a duplex with two 1-bed/1-bath units”

Dedicated to creating the next generation of Northern Virginia’s technology workforce, Fuse at Mason Square (George Mason University) will house graduate-level education and interdisciplinary research in a broad range of programs, including computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cyber security, among others.

Transparency, openness, and connectivity drove the development of the proposed design intended to physically and visually welcome students, educators, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and the community.

Conceived as a series of vertical neighborhoods stacked throughout the structure, Fuse’s design creates a “Main Street” or collaboration spine on each floor with a wide pathway that encourages spontaneous connections between Mason and industry partners. Cross-pollination zones also support a mixing-bowl approach to programming — intentionally interweaving Mason’s programs with partners’ spaces on every floor — encouraging connection and teamwork.

Each floor offers a loft-lab or deep lab block with column-free structural bays that meet education and workplace needs by accommodating large classrooms and open and private offices. And a Specialty Lab core — located on multiple floors — offers a centralized resource of advanced research spaces.

Creating a marquee environment, Fuse boasts open spaces filled with daylight and access to outdoor areas at multiple levels. From the inside out and outside in, you’ll discover dynamic learning, research, and innovation space, bolstering Mason’s efforts to recruit and retain the best and brightest.

To see more of what’s possible, visit pagethink.com.


Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. And whether you are hosting and roasting or headed out of town, you need to book now to reserve your spot for a pre- (or post!) Thanksgiving clean.

Don’t wait another minute — book a living-wage cleaning from Well-Paid Maids now to:

  • Ensure a clean space for your guests
  • Clean up after you’re done hosting (and cooking)
  • Come back to a clean home when you return from Thanksgiving travel

Just like you, our cleaners want to take time off around the holidays. We want them to take vacation too, which is why we offer 24 paid days off per year to all our hard-working staff. Unfortunately, that means that November is always one of our shortest-staffed and hardest-to-schedule months, so don’t delay!

Book now at www.wellpaidmaids.com.


Brookland Grove’s kitchens make holiday entertaining easy, elegant, and enjoyable…

The holiday season is upon us, and so is the time spent in the center of the household: the kitchen. It’s where a special kind of magic happens. Memories are made, traditions are tied and tested, and lifelong bonds are formed.

The idea of the kitchen being the focal point of the holiday season is not lost on the builders of Brookland Grove, a Tri Pointe Homes community of new three- and four-level townhomes in Washington, D.C., in the historic Brookland neighborhood. The kitchens of the models of these luxury residences were conceived, staged, and finished by Emmy Award-nominated TV host and style expert Bobby Berk, one of the innovative designers in Netflix’s Queer Eye design show.

Each home offers striking design details that exemplify the warm, minimalist appeal of the Berk school of design, drawing on mid-century and Scandinavian influences. From the countertop and cabinets to the paint colors and flooring choices, Brookland Grove kitchens elevate the home’s ambiance while creating a unique environment that is the essence of a memorable culinary experience. Additionally, the open floorplans, indoor/outdoor living, and roof-top terraces are surrounded by the natural beauty of Brookland’s tree-lined streets and open green spaces, enhancing the vibe of any gathering.

“These kitchens are designed for entertaining and will give dinner parties and holiday gatherings an instant upgrade,” says Stephanie Orton Lynch, Vice President of Community Experience at Tri Pointe Homes.

Tri Pointe Homes is helping homebuyers step into the holiday season with limited-time savings on select Brookland Grove homes available now. Ask about the below-market financing options when you make an appointment for a viewing. Brookland Grove’s garage homes with roof-top terraces are located within walking distance to shopping, dining, and Metro in Brookland and priced in the mid-$800.

Brookland Grove’s new homes are located at 436 Holmwood Drive NE. Get in touch with New Home Specialist Steven Burterbaugh-Santiago at [email protected] or 301-329-6092 or 240-221-5069 by phone or text or join the Interest List here.


Do good, feel good, buy pies!

Food & Friends’ annual Thanksgiving pie sale and fundraiser, Slice of Life is happening now through November 15!

Each pie purchased through Slice of Life provides one full day of medically tailored meals for Washington, D.C. area neighbors battling cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or other serious illnesses.

Local favorite Whisked! by Jenna is teaming up with Food & Friends again this year as their official pie partner. Each pie is handmade, and ingredients are sourced from farms close to the region. The gourmet pies are available in five delicious flavors: Apple Crumble, Classic Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Nutty Pecan, and a decadent Sea Salt Chocolate Chess. Pie prices start at $30.

Pre-purchased pies can be picked up on Tuesday, November 21 at dozens of convenient locations throughout the D.C. metro region. Call Your Mother Deli is partnering with Food & Friends again this year, so you can plan to grab a delicious bagel sandwich and coffee when you pick up your pies. You deserve it!

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Commemorate Native American Heritage Month and unleash your creative side at the National Gallery’s First Saturday program, an art-filled celebration for all ages.

🖌 Create art inspired by the land and our exhibition The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans, and try our drop-in sketching lab. Listen to guitarist and songwriter Lakota John (Oglala Lakota/Lumbee) weave blues into the Indigenous music of his ancestors in special performances at noon and 1 p.m. tomorrow, November 4.

🖼️ Let National Gallery educators guide you through The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans at 1 p.m.

📖 Explore our pop-up library and kids’ play space.

See the full lineup for this month’s First Saturday program!

Never miss out on the fun. Get National Gallery of Art news delivered directly in your inbox.

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The leaves have changed and are starting to fall, but despite the cooling weather, the market itself remains warm with 330+ open houses in the District this weekend. Check out our favorite open houses below and to see the complete Open House List, click here.

  • 6914 Willow Street NW #1 — $530,000 — Takoma
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. & Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Brian MacGregor
    “This unique 3-year old [2 BR/2BA]  condo was the inspiration of a modest four-square home reimagined into a stunning boutique 8-unit condo building known as Faye’s Flats. Unit 1 is a well-appointed home featuring great natural light and an open floor plan combining a large living area and dining alcove. The kitchen has a very unique marble countertop with the most beautiful blue and green veins running through a white background. There is also a very large panty and an additional coat closet in the main area. With tons of cabinets and counters, there is more than ample space for the chef in you to create a culinary masterpiece! And to make things even easier on the chef, there is a pot-filling faucet above the stove and a deep undermount sink, too. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances that look terrific with the beautiful light grey/green cabinets. With the large primary suite situated at one end of the condo, you will find your private retreat. This expansive bedroom has a wall of closet large enough to hold your entire wardrobe. The spa-like bathroom features a double sink on a reclaimed wood style vanity with mirror, an enormous shower with frameless sliding glass doors, beautiful marble walls and a stunning white pebble-style tile floor. The primary bedroom also has a nice patio to enjoy the morning sunrise with your favorite coffee. At the opposite end of the condo, you will find the second bedroom with a large closet, great natural light, and the second bathroom as nicely appointed with all the fineries of the primary bath. There is also a door from the second bedroom leading to outdoor space that can be used for most anything, including an artist’s studio, additional storage, or a number of other uses. The outside stairs lead you to your private entrance including a side gate and a truly enormous back and side yard with lush plantings and a carpet of green grass. The two outdoor space adds an additional 168+ square feet of private space for entertaining, and relaxing. This condo is only three year’s young and shows like brand new.”
  • 414 Ava Way NE — $675,000 — Brookland
    Open Sun. 12-3 p.m. — Blake Davenport & Joe Gunerman
    “Welcome home to this skillfully updated 3 bed/3.5 bath townhouse, offering 1,638 sq. ft. of refreshing living space. The welcoming entry foyer, adorned with sleek porcelain tile, guides you through a myriad of modern updates and into spaces enveloped by newly refinished hardwood floors (2023).”
  • 1201 Q Street NW #401 — $739,000 — Logan Circle
    Open Sat. 2-4 p.m. & Sun. 3-5 p.m. — Monique Van Blaricom
    “Introducing The Leumass, where unit #401 awaits — a truly unique 2-level turret property boasting open views and an expansive private rooftop deck. Upon entry, bask in an abundance of natural light and stunning hardwood floors. Two bedrooms flank the main hallway, while further in, discover the in-unit washer and dryer, along with a full bathroom. The unit then unfolds into a spacious open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area — perfect for entertaining.”
  • 1243 K Street SE — $699,000 — Navy Yard
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. — James Thomley
    “Nestled in Capitol Hill, this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home boasts a thoughtfully designed and reconfigured kitchen, sure to delight any chef. The open-concept living area features a cozy wood-burning fireplace, perfect for those chilly evenings.”
  • 2100 R Street NW #3 AND #B3 — $1,850,000 — Dupont Circle
    Open Sun. 1-4 p.m. — Harry Matz & Helen Qubain
    “Single-family, end-unit townhome. This classic 4-level, 4-bed, 4-bath Dupont Circle townhouse with hardwood floors throughout, high ceilings, tasteful updates, and great outdoor space awaits your next chapter. Everything is close to this stylish city home: metro, culture, dining, and nightlife.”
  • 1384 Bryant Street NE #203 — $399,900 — Brentwood
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Mandy & Tim Hursen Jr.
    “Larger than most 2 bedrooms at a very spacious 826 sq. ft., this home has 2 TRUE bedrooms. It is located in one of the nicest condo buildings in Brentwood. This is a gated community with secure off-street parking. This home’s living room features sliding glass doors to a spacious balcony. It’s a corner unit with bamboo floors throughout and a desirable open floor plan.”

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

By Melissa L. Watkins, Esq.

One of the more common issues that arise for employees, applicants, and contractors who have or are applying for a security clearance is the issue of illegal drug usage. However, recently, there has been an uptick in agencies paying attention to employees, applicants, and contractors’ use of a less common substance, inhalants.

While many individuals pay attention to and understand their duty to report prior illegal drug use, many are unaware that there are other types of use, involving substances that are not considered illegal or covered by the Controlled Substances Act, that may impact the security clearance process.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards agencies considering misuse of substances, even if the substance is not technically illegal. These agencies have suggested that such use may need to be disclosed on the Standard Form 86 and have indicated that the use may create a basis for someone being denied a security clearance.

What are inhalants, you may ask? This question is the starting point for why this area of focus by agencies is complicated and difficult to navigate. The word actually covers a variety of substances that are consumed, as the name suggests, by inhaling. There is not necessarily a finite or specific list of what substances qualify as inhalants from agencies’ perspectives. However, a starting point for the conversation would be the security questionnaire itself, currently referred to as the Standard Form 86.

The Standard Form 86 contains a section where individuals are asked to disclose their prior involvement with various substances. Under the list of substances, there is a category for inhalants where only two examples are provided: toluene and amyl nitrate.

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