Dear PoPville - PoPville

“Bike Shop Recommendations”

Published April 22, 2020 at 11:45AM

“Dear PoPville,

I am an essential worker hoping to purchase a semi-affordable and reliable bike for my eight mile commute. I am uncomfortable taking public transportation during this time and wanted to see if there were any open bike shops that you would recommend. Thank you so much!”

Fortunately Bike shops are considered essential businesses and have been allowed to stay open. I know my local shop Conte’s is open at 3426 Wisconsin Ave, NW. I got my daughter’s bike fixed there. Unfortunately the new bikes seem to be pretty pricey to me but maybe I’m just out of touch. Anyone have recs for where to get “semi-affordable and reliable bikes”?

#coronaville

“This is the best I could come up with. Thoughts?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published April 22, 2020 at 10:35AM

Myra writes: “I was trying to figure out for ages how to tip postal workers. Especially since our packages get left at the building – not my apartment – I don’t see/hear any deliveries. This is the best I could come up with. Thoughts?”

#coronaville

“I used to rely on Amazon Prime Now for groceries (as have many disabled individuals) and now can’t access it since the system is jammed up”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published April 21, 2020 at 3:45PM

Ed. Note: CityPaper reported on this issue and noted: “The city’s hotline for home-bound residents to call if they’re in need of groceries or other essentials is 1-888-349-8323. It launched April 13.”

“Dear PoPville,

I have a chronic illness called ME/CFS that limits my ability to get groceries for myself or walk considerable distances (here’s a bit on a project I started before all this hit to help people suffering from this worldwide, most of whom are unable to work and 1 of 4 are housebound or bedbound for life.)

I see various resources for helping people get free or low cost meals, resources for the elderly, but have not seen anything for disabled, chronically ill individuals. I used to rely on Amazon Prime Now for groceries (as have many disabled individuals) and now can’t access it since the system is jammed up with able-bodied people suddenly using it. (more…)

“Before the job was completed the contractor bailed on the project.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published April 21, 2020 at 2:35PM

“Dear PoPville,

I recently renovated my home. Before the job was completed the contractor bailed on the project. We still owe him money, but the cost of the repairs is more than what we owe him so I want to pursue a lawsuit and thought I’d check to see if anyone has any experience with this? The amount is beyond small claims. Can anyone recommend a lawyer and/or advice? Thanks!”

“Should I drop this until things calm down or do I have some ground to “make” them let in the AC technicians?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published April 21, 2020 at 1:15PM

Photo by PoPville flickr user Lucy M

“Dear PoPville,

I know this isn’t Reddit, but AITA/Do I have any ground to stand on here?

I live in a multi-unit condo where everyone’s air conditioners are on the roof. The only way to access the roof is through a specific condo unit.

Last summer our air conditioner broke and we figured we’d get it replaced in the spring of 2020. Little did we know COVID-19 would be in high gear and stay-at-home orders would be put in place.

We’re trying to schedule our AC to be replaced but the condo owners who can give the technicians roof access are refusing to let anyone into their home due to the virus. (more…)

“Any tips on walking outside with a mask and glasses without the glasses fogging up?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published April 21, 2020 at 10:35AM

Photo by PoPville flickr user Phil

This question from Mimi helped out a lot of eyeglass wearing folks over the weekend:

https://t.co/khJQ6tvPOW

— Mimi Yeh (@MeemersVa) April 18, 2020

And Lauren sends one more guide: (more…)

#coronaville

“Blood donations in DC?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published April 20, 2020 at 2:45PM

Photo by PoPville flickr user small craft

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been trying to find an open blood donation center that is accepting appointments in the DC area. I’ve looked at the Red Cross and Inova centers in DC, MD, and VA, and I can’t find any available appointments. Does anyone know if there is an open donation center so I can make an appointment to give blood? Or if there are any centers open without appointments necessary? It seems so important to do right now to help patients who need it while regular donors are staying home.”

#coronavirus

“How much are people paying for disposable masks?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published April 20, 2020 at 1:05PM

Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

A local business is selling a pack of 50 disposable face masks for $65. Is that the going rate these days? My sense is pre-pandemic this would be ridiculous, but maybe that’s just how it is now. These are not N95. Packaging is generic. What prices are others seeing?”