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This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.
We’ve got another loaded weekend with nearly 500 open houses scheduled across the District. While some of you may be scheduling your tours around NFL or college football games, there are plenty of options both earlier and/or later in the day, even with a few Friday night open houses that don’t interfere with any real games too! Take a look at our favorite options below and to see the full DC Open House List, click here.
Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents Art All Night, DC’s annual overnight arts festival, returns September 12 and 13, 2025, with free arts, culture, and entertainment in neighborhoods across all eight wards.
This year, more than 150 local artists will engage audiences across 28 Main Streets and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), bringing a rich blend of live performances, pop-up galleries, visual art displays, film screenings, fashion, dance, theater, and family-friendly cultural activities.
Also returning is Dine All Night, which runs from September 6–13, 2025, showcasing the District’s culinary arts through special menus and limited-time dishes at more than 80 local restaurants.
New this year, the festival introduces the Art All Night mobile app, a free, easy-to-use guide that helps attendees explore activations across the city, bookmark favorites, and receive real-time updates. The app is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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.
Our lawyers represent and defend federal employees in appeals pending before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). While litigation through the MSPB hearing process is one potential avenue, many cases are resolved more efficiently through settlement, which is a faster, more cost-effective resolution in such cases. Federal employees have several options for settling cases at the MSPB, each with its own structure. Settlements at the MSPB frequently involve disciplinary cases.
Settlement Options at the MSPB
Settlements at the MSPB typically arise in the context of appeals filed by federal employees challenging adverse actions taken by their employing agencies. These actions may include removals, suspensions over 14 days, demotions, or other personnel decisions. A successful settlement requires mutual agreement between the employee and the Agency. The settlement process cannot proceed without cooperation on both sides. For this reason, it is key to explore settlement options early in the litigation process.
The available settlement options at the MSPB include: (1) Informal Mediation with Agency Counsel; (2) the Mediation Appeals Program; (3) the Settlement Judge Program and (4) the MSPB Settlement Program.
Approval of Settlement Agreements
When a settlement agreement has been met, parties will submit the agreement to the administrative judge for review. If the settlement agreement is lawful, clear, and voluntarily entered into, the judge will issue an order dismissing the appeal as settled. Then, the agreement will be entered into the official MSPB record for enforcement purposes.
Enforcement of Settlement Agreements
MSPB has a mechanism to ensure that a settlement agreement that is placed in the record is adhered to. Though somewhat rare, if this becomes an issue for a client, the first step is to contact Agency counsel in an attempt to quickly resolve the issue before seeking to enforce a previously agreed to settlement. However, if resolution cannot be achieved, the MSPB has the authority to investigate and order compliance with the agreement.
Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in various employment law matters. If you need legal assistance regarding a federal employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.
This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.
Featured Property of the Week: 54 W St NW
“Welcome to this fully updated Wardman-style rowhome, spanning 3,000 sq ft with a certificate of occupancy for two units, all on an oversized lot—nearly double the size of most in the neighborhood. This home truly has it all and sits on one of the best blocks in Bloomingdale, where neighbors host legendary block parties and Halloween celebrations that are second to none. The front yard is beautifully hardscaped, trimmed with stone and Trex, and complemented by sleek metal stairs leading to a charming covered front porch. Step through the stunning mahogany front door into a main level designed for both elegance and comfort. Highlights include a formal dining room, a high-end kitchen, coat closet, powder room, and an expanded living room—larger than most in the neighborhood thanks to a thoughtful addition. Perfect for everyday living or social gatherings, this space is finished with a cozy gas fireplace. Upstairs, you’ll find three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom with a deep soaking tub, a glass-enclosed shower, and a double vanity. Step out to a private balcony overlooking the serene backyard. A washer/dryer and utility closet complete the upper level. The lower level offers a turnkey one-bedroom apartment with its own kitchen, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer, and ample storage.”
Other Notable Fresh Listings:
A condominium association’s success hinges on its ability to effectively steward its assets. This requires more than just good intentions—it requires expert support and appropriate software infrastructure.SimplyPro is the strategic partner that empowers your board to do just that. We focus on the core pillars of financial stewardship and physical maintenance. Our simplified contracts focus on accounting and maintenance, allowing your board to work with experts while saving on professional management fees.
This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.
Well, the end-of-summer slump has officially ended as we enter the first weekend of September with a whopping total of nearly 500 DC Open Houses scheduled across the District. While this time of year can be crazy for everyone, it’s also the best time to find a new home as the inventory is flooded with new listings and generous price improvements. Check out our favorite options below and to see the full DC Open House List, click here.
BACK ON THE MARKET: “Across the flagstone walk, welcoming porch and into the soaring foyer, you may well catch your breath as you savor the Brazilian white oak floors, stunning designer light fixtures, and sophisticated finishes. But be sure to pace yourself– you’ve got nearly 10,000 square feet to explore across four floors, including 7 bedrooms and 8.5 baths. A thoughtful and practical addition, the private elevator will ease your journey.”
CCI’s intimate food experience for a cause returns on September 10th. This year’s Sunset Soiree will feature a curated menu by award-winning and nationally renowned chefs:
✨ Chef Ari Augenbaum, Executive Chef of Soul Taco
✨ Chef Edward Reavis, Executive Chef and Owner of All Set, Money Muscle BBQ, and Fryer’s Roadside
✨ Chef Eric Adjepong, Bravo Chef Alum, Food Network Host, Author, and Elmina DC Owner and Chef
✨ Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman, Pastry Chef, Owner of Mr. Bake Sweets, and 2023 James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist
Tickets are limited. Don’t miss your opportunity to join this exclusive event in support of CCI’s community health programs!
#SunsetSoiree #CCICares #GivingBack #Foodie #Fundraiser #DMVFoodie
This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.
Featured Property of the Week: 1032 Lamont St NW #B
“Welcome to your timeless treetop retreat in the heart of Columbia Heights! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo spans the top two levels of a boutique two-unit building and features a smart reverse floor plan: peaceful bedrooms below, and a showstopper penthouse level kitchen, living, and entertaining space above. On the serene bedroom level, you’ll step into the expansive primary suite, complete with a spa-like en-suite bath with a glass walk-in shower and jacuzzi tub. Two additional bedrooms greet you on this floor: a guest bedroom and a gorgeous third bedroom that’s simply calling you to be your new home office. Get ready to be wowed by your top floor. Finally, a home with some character! The sunlit kitchen is timeless—an artful mix of wood, stone, metal, and glass with just the right edge. Whether gathering around the island, the dining table, or the living room, the open-concept layout makes entertaining effortless. Step out onto your private balcony to soak in the sunshine, catch a classic DC Capitol view with a cup of coffee, or become the gardener you’d always wanted to be.”
Other Notable Fresh Listings:
For players ages 8–18, this is your chance to try one of the world’s fastest-growing sports! No water polo experience needed — just bring your swimsuit, energy, and sense of adventure!
🌟 What can you expect?
🥇 Path to Junior Olympics – Start here, and you could compete on the national stage!
🌍 Elite Coaching – Players coached by former NCAA Division I and World Cup athletes!
🏆 Join a Powerhouse – Capital Water Polo is among the top competitive teams in the nation!
💦 Bored with swimming? – Stay in the pool while learning a thrilling new team sport.
🔥 Skills & Drills – Passing, shooting, and teamwork from day one.
⚡ Mini Games – Scrimmages designed for beginners to get in the action.
👫 Team Spirit – Make new friends in a supportive, co-ed environment.
🏅 Confidence Building – Discover your strength in and out of the water.
📍 Location: The St James
📅 Sept 8th 7pm: Learn-to-Play begins this week – Spots are limited!
👉 FREE but registration required. Learn more at CapitalWaterPolo.com