“Dear PoPville,
I used to be a member at Washington Sports Club and canceled my membership when they reopened in June. I just got a voicemail from the manager at the Columbia Heights location and it said they are under new ownership and have revamped their cancelation policies and have special alumni rates. Anyone know about the new ownership?”
Ed. Note: In September we posted that the “Parent Company of Washington Sports Clubs Files for Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code”.
Photo by Diane Krauthamer
“Dear PoPville,
I was wondering if I could query the PopVille hive about buying houses in probate court. Specifically, we were interested in touring a house and making an offer. The house had only been listed for a few hours the first time we reached out. After multiple requests from our agent to see the house being unanswered, I called the listing agent’s office and asked for a tour. The office stated they were unable to get a hold of the listing agent. I submitted requests online to the agent, but did not receive a response.
In an attempt to get a feel for the property, we went to the house just to see it. While we were there, three other groups of people tried to get in to view the home. None of us were able to enter the property.
After three days, the listing agent provided our agent the door code and informed us that offers were due earlier that day. The listing agent said 20 other people had viewed the property and he had three competitive offers, but we were welcome to tour and make an offer. We toured and then immediately decided to make an offer. We again tried to contact the listing agent to once again not hear back.
This morning, we awoke to find the house listed under pending. Here is my question, is there anything we can do to try to get our offer considered? Or at least notify the court of probable issues with the real estate representative?
I realize I forgot one piece of crucial information. The house is in probate court and is being administered by a District appointed lawyer. We finally tracked her down and while she confirmed our offer was higher, they had already accepted another bid.”
“Dear PoPville,
I live in Capitol Hill between Eastern Market and Union Station and starting Wednesday night my cell signal only has one bar, at best. I can pick up a call, hear the other person, but they never hear me, and then call eventually drops. This is the case on both my personal and work phones, one AT&T and one Verizon. Both companies saying “no outages or issues reported.”
I’ve noticed new towers installed by the Capitol– I’m assuming that’s the cause? Is anyone else experiencing this? Should we assume this will be the case for the next week?”
“Dear PoPville,
I was laid off during COVID. Fortunately I received a one time payment of severance to tide me over while I looked for another job. Still panicky about being unemployed during a global pandemic, I filed for unemployment benefits. Those were denied due to my severance, and I ended up getting a new job before my severance was used up (though it paid less than the unemployment benefits would have) so I never actually was eligible for, nor did I receive any unemployment benefits.
Yesterday I got a letter from DC requesting I pay taxes on $240 worth of unemployment benefits (which I never actually received.) (more…)
Photo by Geoff Livingston
“Dear PoPville,
I’m wondering whether you can ask the community about people’s experience with the airbnb ban next week. There are some foreign journalists who have had a reservation to stay at my house through inauguration week (the reservation is still active) and I’m wondering when it will be canceled as it’s supposed to be. Have others had their cancellations already?”
Photo by Joanna Hiatt Kim
From the National Park Service:
“Pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1) the National Capital Area is implementing temporary closures of National Park Service public facilities, parking areas and roadways in response to real and substantially likely threats to visitors and park resources. (more…)
via GoFundMe
“Dear PoPville,
Reaching out for some assistance from the wider community in helping a family in my neighborhood who lost their home recently due to a house fire.
From the GoFundMe:
“On Monday night, January 4, a longtime Takoma DC family’s home was destroyed by fire. The house was home to three generations, with kids in the local DC Public Schools, and loving care provided by their grandmother. They lost all their personal belongings, and even gifts from Christmas. They are staying with relatives in the area until more resources are available. (more…)
Photo by DCbmyers
“Dear PoPville,
Where to watch the inauguration? I am sure I’m not the only one who wants to celebrate this thing come hell or high water. All I want to find is somewhere with a patio with outdoor screens and warming lamps and drinks! Ideas from readers?”
Following our successful pierogi and Mandelhörnchen requests – onward with cake donuts.
“Dear PoPville,
I feel like all the donut shops have endless yeast donut options, but it’s tough to track down a cake donut in this town! Sugar Shack used to be my go-to, but they’ve sadly closed their DC store. And I know Krispy Kreme has cake donuts, but I’d way rather support local businesses right now.”
Photo SKopp via Wikipedia
Following our successful pierogi request – on to almond horns/crescents, you know Mandelhörnchen!!
I’m guessing Cafe Mozart must have them, right? Anywhere else?
“Dear PoPville,
I got a scam call last week from someone claiming to be a MPD officer. He claimed I had failed to appear for jury duty, and that legal action would be taken against me if I wasn’t able to prove that I’d never received the summons letter, which he claimed had been signed by me (I never got such a letter).
He seemed really legit and used real-sounding jargon. He had info about me, such as my age and address. (more…)