Dear PoPville

“Resources for not going crazy in quarantine”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user DCbmyers

“Dear PoPville,

I started pulling together a list of resources I am crowdsourcing in a google doc for cool virtual happenings and ways to stay sane in social isolation mode.”

Ed. Note: In other diversions, one of my neighbors who has never played in his life just bought a guitar! If not now?

“Just a note to say that you can still sign up for online lessons through Middle C Music. Give us a call at 202-244-7326. Surprisingly, many people have come in to the store to buy or rent instruments, taking advantage of the social distancing to learn to play.”

Moving in the time of coronavirus?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Ted Eytan

“Dear Doctors/health policy people:

I am supposed to move at the end of the month to a new apartment. Do you think a shelter in place order would prevent that from happening? Would my movers be able to operate?”

Matt replied to OPs query: “We’re in a similar situation — my partner is in the process of moving out of her apartment at the end of the month and into mine. I’ve been seeking this information too, and have found that in Italy, at least, moving is considered an essential activity and is permitted”

“What are everyone’s favorite garden plants that can survive a full sun DC summer?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

We’re in the process of designing our 2020 spring gardens for our NE row house. In the past I’ve planted tons of bulbs (dahlias, gladiolus, peonies) but this year would like to try something new. We have some hot pink knockout roses but otherwise are working with a blank canvas. What are everyone’s favorite garden plants that can survive a full sun DC summer?”

Weddings in the time of coronavirus?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

How are you celebrating your wedding despite the crisis? Our dream wedding was scheduled for May 2 and will now not be able to take place the way we planned.

Looking for creative solutions or nice ways to celebrate. We’re likely going to go to City Hall and get married on our scheduled wedding day and plan a party for later.”

You’re Doing it Wrong

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Anna for sending: “Spotted on a walkabout by WWII memorial this AM – a COVIDー19 sign encouraging people to practice social distancing and a tour bus with guests (more than the recommended 10?) lining up.”

“Real estate visits during coronavirus?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Another reader sends the above from 1329 V Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

My landlord has decided to sell the row house I’m currently renting. We have one of three units. They’re planning on listing it this week and of course want to start showing it.

I am not at all wild about the idea of strangers coming into our home during a quarantine. I’m not trying to be difficult or hold up the process, but this is an extraordinary time and I was wondering what the community thinks. Do we have any recourse? Do I just have to let any potential buyer in? Thanks.”

“Supporting medical providers?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

Just wondering if someone in the DC community can shed some light on how can we best support our medical providers who are working so hard during this time. Can we send food to the hospital? I am planning to donate blood- Where people can donate blood- now that I look, I’m having trouble getting the Red Cross website to load and I’m unsure if that’s because it’s not open? Any other ideas?”

and

“We’d like to talk about donating to hospitals and healthcare facilities in Washington DC. Where can we send supplies or money? We’d love to be able to donate to the places most in need since we’ve committed to sitting on our couch the next few weeks.”

“suggestions on good books to pass a quarantine?”

By Prince Of Petworth


2467 18th Street, NW

Ed. Note: See our discussion on D.C.’s best bookstores here and best summer books from August here.

“Dear PoPville,

How about a post for suggestions on good books to pass a quarantine? Bonus if you can include links to DC indie bookstores for online purchases.”

Here’s one cool option:

Please add your suggestions (both books and stores) to the comments.

“Feds Reporting Despite COVID-19”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

Ed. Note: Yesterday we reported that OPM has said to “Please contact your supervisor to confirm telework schedule and to receive further direction from your agency head.”

“Dear PoPville,

There are still 21,000 State Department employees in the National Capital Region operating at a normal op tempo/on-site despite COVID-19. The State Department is keeping their employees in regular work status even though DC, MD, and VA have declared state of emergencies, have gone to telework status, and have taken other extraordinary measures to protect their citizens. The impact not only on these 21,000 people but on their network of family and other contacts could be devastating and undoes all the steps MD, VA, and DC are taking. Not to mention, many State Department employees are returning from foreign countries, escalating the risk.”

For any State readers – are you working at home or at the office?

We did a poll on teleworking on March 11th – let’s see where are people at today:

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