Dear PoPville

Missed Connection – Bagels etc.

By Prince Of Petworth


Bagels Etc. at 2122 P Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Saw a very cute man in an orange shirt and baseball cap who was in line with his friend (what looked like post-workout) at Bagels etc… this weekend. I know we were making eye contact and I’m hoping that it was not just because there was something on my face. Would love to have the chance to actually say hello!”

Ed. Note: If this is you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. PoPville is not affiliated with either party, please proceed with any potential connection at your own risk using caution as you would any online encounter. For those curious about past missed connections, some have been made and when possible I’ll try to update when/if more are made.

“All I want is permission for a handyman to drill a couple of holes in the concrete for mounting the handrails.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Our DC rowhouses aren’t conducive to “aging in place”. My wife and I are both getting on in years, and we’re becoming a bit unsteady on our legs, needing handrails to manage stairs. For that reason, last fall I bought a couple of nice steel handrails for our front steps, needing merely to be bolted in place.

Permits are required, because our steps are, as is frequently the case, on Public Space (and Mount Pleasant is in a Historic District). I was determined to go through the proper permit process, as an example to my ANC constituents, whom I advise to file for permits, rather than just doing the work and hoping that nobody complains.

I’ve been in Permit Purgatory for more than four months now, (more…)

“Deck Refinishing?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Somehow when I searched “deck” this photo came up and how could I not post it. Photo by Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

With the weather turning nice again (finally!) I’m pumped to hit my deck again, but it’s gotten all sad and peel-y. Do readers have any suggestions for individuals who do deck refinishing?”

“Problems with DC Unemployment (still)”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if any other readers are having the similar problems with the DC Department of Unemployment Services (DOES) that I am. Like many others I found myself out of work when the pandemic hit a year ago. Being that I was self employed I was fearful that I wouldn’t be eligible for unemployment benefits. Luckily the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was put in place which allowed those who were 1099/gig workers to be eligible. To expedite the roll out of the PUA program all claimants were given the DC’s minimum weekly benefit amount of $179, but would receive an email asking if they would like their claim to be reevaluated for a higher benefit amount that was based on their previous income.

That email never came, but at the end of August and after multiple email inquiries over several months I was finally told the information I needed to submit in order to begin the reevaluation process. I was also assured that any higher benefit amount would be paid retroactively to when my initial claim was filed. I quickly submitted the information and began the waiting game once again. (more…)

“got me home safe at 2:00 am, his name Jackson, God bless him”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

Last night I was picking up my sick dog from Friendship Hospital, it was 1:30 am called a taxi (yellow cab) no cars, I call Uber no cars, I was shaking because was cold, two people were in their vehicles waiting to pick their dogs, said a prayer and ask one of them to take me home in Adams Morgan, this angel said yes and got me home safe at 2:00 am, his name Jackson, God bless him. He lives in Shaw and his dog is a beautiful husky, Thank You“

“What vaccine locations have extra doses at the end of the day to wait for?” and “shots in MD/VA”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

What vaccine locations have extra doses at the end of the day to wait for? Has anyone had success? I am in the later stages and traveling soon. Would love to try to get a vaccine– if I’m not called by DC Health yet. I already pre-registered.”

and “I was wondering if you’ve heard of any pharmacies or places in DC where you can go to to check and see if they have excess vaccines. I am in the food service group but haven’t been called yet.”

Another reader reports: “DC residents can get shots in MD/VA (more…)

“Any idea how I can get someone to deal with this wire/ limbo bar in my backyard?”

By Prince Of Petworth


“slightly more off the ground since I moved the branch. Tons of slack in the wire and it goes between two polls, so not to someone’s house.”

“Dear PoPville,

The Sunday night storm brought down a branch, which in turn brought down a low hanging wire. But the wire didn’t actually snap and it’s now lying across my yard and my two neighbors’ yards. It’s about neck height. (more…)

“Compassionate Dentists?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Tend coming to the 1441 U Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I would love recommendations for a compassionate and kind dentist. I have major dental issues, but due to financial and insurance issues, I have been unable to address them until now. In short, I am looking for a dentist who is more “here’s where what we can now do together” and less “here are all the ways you have failed in the past”. A tall order, I know.”

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