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Capitalizing on Its Diversity: DC Veg Week Showcases More Than Just Tofu

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Washington, D.C. held its second annual Veg Restaurant Week this spring, and it seems the event improves as it iterates — this year garnering broad support ranging from dozens of restaurants to a City Council member and Grammy-winning singer Mýa.

Sponsored in part by the Better Food Foundation (BFF), the weeklong festivities celebrate the merits of plant-based cuisine and encourage residents to indulge, enticing the vegan and veg-curious with discounts and giveaways at local restaurants. A total of thirty-five restaurants participated this year, including Pizza Loko, Fruitive, and television star Spike Mendelsohn’s PLNT Burger.

Mendolsohn co-hosted Veg Restaurant Week with D.C.’s House rep Oye Owolewa last year, and with public health icon Tracye McQuirter in 2023. D.C. native McQuirter is a best-selling author — The Potter’s House displayed her book The Ageless Vegan all week long, in tribute — as well as the founder of the 10 Million Black Vegan Women movement. McQuirter launched the non-profit public health intervention in the hopes of inspiring 1 Million Black Women to go vegan each year, for the next 10 years.

Eating vegan is a joy when you live in a city with so many mouthwatering options. Veg Restaurant Week always allows D.C.’s diverse foodscape to shine brightly, and this year delivered. Israeli, Indian, Georgian, and Afro-Caribbean cuisines all featured in the week’s restaurant specials, along with American classics like vegan salisbury steak from Ruby Reds.

Motherland Kitchen offered free fufu to anyone who purchased two veg dishes, while Cielo Rojo debuted a vegan flight: gordita, flauta, and quesadilla made with Vertage plant-based cheese. Teaism highlighted plant-rich entrees at the top of its menu after learning about DefaultVeg strategies. DC Harvest? They went all-in, undergoing a complete vegan takeover of the dinner menu, debuting new vegan brunch dishes, and resolving to use plant-based cooking oils in the kitchen in place of butter from here on out.

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An Important Step to Take After Last Week’s Wildfire Smoke in DC

By PoP Sponsor (a)
Photo via Ted Eytan/Flickr

Last week, the Canada wildfires triggered a Code Purple air quality advisory in D.C., indicating “very unhealthy levels for everyone” and “fine particle pollution.”

The air quality has since improved — but the aftermath could be lingering in your home.

“Even fine smoke particles eventually drop out of the air and settle on surfaces, including floors,” Wirecutter reported. “And after the smoke clears and the fires subside, clean everything…”

That’s where Well-Paid Maids can help. The living-wage cleaning company is known for paying cleaners at least $23 an hour and offers benefits, including PTO and insurance. But it also has more than 200 Google reviews with a 4.9 star average.

Plus, Well-Paid Maids carefully selects green cleaning products, eliminating the fear of introducing further pollution into your home.

Schedule your home cleaning online.

Sign Up Now: GWU is recruiting Teen Volunteers for an Mpox Vaccine Study

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Help advance science and get compensated! GWU needs teen vaccine participants.

Area teens ages 12 to 17 are welcome to enroll in a clinical trial to study the mpox vaccine (formerly known as monkeypox) in adolescents. This NIH-led mpox trial is recruiting at the George Washington University Vaccine Research Unit (VRU) as well as at 17 other sites across the country.

The researchers are attempting to gain FDA approval for the JYNNEOS vaccine in adolescents to prevent future outbreaks, such as the one that alarmed the world last year. Currently, the JYNNEOS vaccine is only approved for adults.

Parents are encouraged to enroll in the trial with their child. Participants will be compensated.

“We are excited to have launched the next stage of this clinical trial, which can help determine if this vaccine can be used to protect adolescents should there be another large outbreak in the United States or some other part of the world,” said David Diemert, clinical director of GWU’s Vaccine Research Unit. “Having a safe and effective vaccine at the ready would help prepare the United States and other countries for the next outbreak of this disease.”

Mpox is a rare zoonotic disease, with flu-like symptoms including rash, fever, headache, chills, and other ailments; the disease can be serious in many people, especially young children, adolescents, and those with weakened immune systems.

Study visits are conducted at the GW Medical Faculty Associates offices in Foggy Bottom, convenient to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station and several bus lines.

Sign up here to enroll in the study. More information about the study is at this media announcement.

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The past few days have seen nearly apocalyptic skies but the air quality should be vastly improved by the time this weekend’s 350+ open houses are scheduled across the District. Hopefully, you can take a breath of fresh air and get back to your homebuying journey. Check out our favorite open houses below and to see the complete Open House List, click here.

  • 2004 3rd Street NE #203 — $320,000 — Eckington
    Open Sat. & Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Jason Lallis
    “Charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo in the heart of Eckington is the epitome of comfort and convenience! Step inside and be greeted by a cozy living space that radiates warmth and relaxation with southern exposure, while the modern bathroom with glass-enclosed shower adds a touch of elegance. The functional kitchen is equipped with all the essentials, including gas cooking, dishwasher, granite countertops, and solid wood cabinets, making meal preparation a breeze. Offering a seamless blend of modern luxury and city charm, this 600+ sq. ft. second floor condo in a boutique, pet-friendly building features solid cherry wood flooring throughout, in-unit washer and dryer, a generously sized bedroom with room for a king-size bed and home office, and a separate storage unit that conveys. This one checks all the boxes — even the ones that often go unnoticed — including a newly installed HVAC system (2021), a new hot water heater (2021), and double-pane energy efficient windows. With a convenient location that’s a short walk to two Metros (Rhode Island Ave and NoMa), Union Market, grocery, restaurants, and shops, you will enjoy easy access to everything the city has to offer.”
  • 3920 New Hampshire Avenue NW — $795,000 — Petworth
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — Andres Serafini
    “This elegant [3 BR/2.5 BA Petworth] residence offers a perfect blend of classic architectural design and modern amenities, providing an ideal urban retreat for those seeking comfort, convenience, and style. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting living space adorned with hardwood floors, creating a seamless flow throughout the home.”
  • 45 Sutton Square SW #806 — $1,925,000 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sat. 12-2 p.m. — MJ Frazier
    “The epitome of luxury living at the Wharf — a stunning waterfront 2 bedroom plus den condo in the prestigious VIO building, one of only two condo buildings at the Wharf — and the most centrally-located one. This unit offers unparalleled views of the Washington Canal, the Jefferson Memorial, and the vibrant Wharf neighborhood.”
  • 2001 37th Street NW — $1,100,000 — Glover Park
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Molly Branson & Jocelyn Vas
    “Gorgeous Glover Park end unit rowhome featuring 2 bed and 2 full-baths with a den! Beautiful, solid hardwood maple flooring grace an open floor plan with abundant window light. Living room and dining room open to a wood burning fireplace.”
  • 256 15th Street SE #7 — $829,900 — Hill East
    Open Sun. 1-4 p.m. — Ned Malik
    “Welcome to the opportunity of luxury urban living in one of Capitol Hill’s newest boutique condo buildings! This two-level PENTHOUSE condo unit, built by the esteemed Green Building Group, features a PRIVATE ROOF DECK and an assigned PARKING spot available for purchase. This stunning 2+den, 3 bath condo, offering a multitude of living configurations to suit your lifestyle.”
  • 3502 16th Street NE — $560,000 — Brookland
    Open Sun. 1-4 p.m. — David Branch
    “Built in 1920, many of the old world charms still remain with transoms, wood trim, moldings, wood windows, a wood-burning fireplace and a French door or two. Of course there are high ceilings, reaching 9’ on the main level, plus hardwood floors. As currently figured it has a formal living room and formal dining room plus a den, but do I hear an edict for ‘open concept’?”

Discover Dinosaurs with National Geographic LIVE

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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How did T. rex become the iconic apex predator of dinosaurs 66 million years ago?

Join paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Lindsay Zanno for a fascinating look at the evolution of this prehistoric tyrant and its ancestors.

This special, one-night-only event will happen LIVE at the Lincoln Theatre on Tuesday, June 13.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Use code “POP15” to unlock 15% off your ticket purchase.

More information on this event:

Lindsay and her team have discovered many new species — including some of the earliest predecessors of T. rex. Hear all about it in this one-night only, live event. We’ll even have dinosaur teeth for you to hold!

Where: Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
When: Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. ET
Ticket Pricing: Starting at $29.99 + taxes and fees (Unlock 15% off with code POP15)

Trouble unlocking your discount? Find instructions here.

Simply Management: Woman Owned and Operated Property Management Company in DC

By Sponsor
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Serving D.C. and Virginia, Simply Management is owned and operated by Hannah Juricic, who leases and manages almost one hundred and fifty units across the city and over the river. These properties are managed only by Hannah and her assistant.

Property management can be simple: list your home, secure an applicant, sign a lease, handle the move in, collect the rent, and handle maintenance issues as they come up.

The stress is in the details.

D.C. has some of the strictest regulations surrounding rental properties, and these regulations and laws can affect a decision to sell. Apart from the regulations, property management itself takes time, attention, and experience — that’s why we do it as a full-time job.

Simply Management handles the management process from start to finish. From the initial consultation walkthrough and overview of services through the move in, lease renewals, and property maintenance, our fees our competitive and our service to both landlords and tenants is unmatched.

Our success can be attributed to a few straightforward factors:

  • We keep a small client base and our overhead costs low, so that we can provide excellent response times and give each property quality support
  • We have years of experience
  • We follow through

Contact us ([email protected]) today for more information. Whether you are just starting on your landlord journey or have experience, we’re happy to discuss whether we’re the right fit!

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Real Estate Fresh Finds: June 7

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Real Estate Fresh Finds is a weekly selection of newly-listed properties in the District, brought to you by RLAH Real Estate.

Featured Property of the Week: 615 Oglethorpe Street NW

“BRIGHTWOOD BEAUTY! Welcome to the oversized lot at 615 Oglethorpe St. NW, home to a wonderfully renovated, standalone, red-brick abode that exudes period charm and practical comfort in equal measure. Savor all that curb-appeal quality for a moment before enjoying the welcoming front porch. On a beautiful day, you might stop there, choosing to rock for an hour or two as you take in this pleasant Northwest D.C. neighborhood. Then again, you might be arriving by car, where an attached garage awaits. There’s plenty of parking with an adjacent pad with room for two vehicles. However you arrive, you won’t miss this home’s warm wood floors, or the living room fireplace. As you explore the three levels of this stalwart residence, you’ll surely be impressed by the space — nearly 2,500 square feet! Maybe you’d like a little more? Check out the attic! The renovation left all that extra space alone, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Another bedroom? Lofty lounge area? It’s all up to you! And once you’ve figured out how to configure 615 Oglethorpe to suit you perfectly, it’s time to get out an explore the neighborhood. After all, there’s so much here! When it comes to convenience, you’ve got a Walmart Supercenter just a half-mile away. The Takoma Metro Station is little more than a mile. This patch of Brightwood is also brimming with some of D.C.’s best, like Brightwood Pizza & Bottle and Simple Bar and Grill. If outdoor entertainment is more your speed, Fort Slocum Park is just four blocks away. City convenience plus so much space? Add in the best bits of Brightwood, and 615 Oglethorpe St. NW is the home you’ve been waiting for!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 5 BR/4 FB/2 HB “stunning architectural masterpiece” in Kalorama with 9,200 square feet of high-end finishes and designs spread across 4 levels which features a curved staircase, a massive primary suite, 2 kitchens including a caterer’s kitchen, and a 9,600 bottle wine cellar — all for just under $10M.
  • “Nearly brand new Luxury Condo in hot Shephard Park. This unit is directly across the street from the Walter Reed redevelopment. This unit features a gourmet kitchen with high end stainless steel Bosch appliances, quartz countertops and undermount LED lighting.”
  • This “custom-crafted rowhome with sweeping monument views in Petworth” boasts 4 BR/3.5 BA and includes a lower level 1 BR rental as well as an electric car charger.
  • Your Auction Property of the Week is a fully renovated 4 BR/3 BA end-unit rowhome in Manor Park with bidding beginning at $500k on June 28th.

Meet Femly, a Maryland Brand Increasing Access to Organic Cotton Pads & Tampons in Restrooms

By PoP Sponsor (a)

With a first-of-its-kind wall-mounted dispenser for schools, businesses, and more, Femly is a game-changer!

How often have you or someone you love missed class, work, or an important event because of their period? Would having access to products at school or your office make a difference? We believe it would! Though “period poverty” is a real and serious concern for millions of women who cannot afford hygiene products, the restroom vending experience has not changed meaningfully.

Femly is a woman-owned, Maryland-based company with a first-of-its-kind smart touchless dispenser designed to increase free feminine care access in restrooms. While stainless steel dispensers in bathrooms around the country require money in exchange for hygiene products, Femly’s dispenser allows users to walk up and wave “hello” to receive Femly’s 100% organic cotton menstrual pads and tampons at no cost to the user.

“Selling period care online and providing our dispenser in schools and business goes beyond being thoughtful; it’s good for business and supports students, employees, and visitors in such a meaningful way,” says Arion Long, CEO of Femly. Long further shares, “…we are launching our dispensers at the perfect time with the implementation of the ‘Period Equity Righting an Injustice of District Residents (PERIOD) Act of 2022’ and ‘Expanding Student Access to Period Products Act of 2022’ both of which are calling for the expansion of dispensers and free organic cotton period products in public and school settings.”

One current Femly customer shares, “[m]y overall experience so far has been a complete 360 from store-bought feminine products. From the packaging to the careful love put into these products. I haven’t had any leaking, these pads have great hold, so comfy, and cover your entire bottom… I’m even more confident wearing gray and white while mother nature is here.”

Information about purchasing Femly’s dispensers, organic pads, and tampons for restrooms can be found here. Click here for a special discount for readers for retail orders of $15 or more.

Vote For The Best Maid Service in DC

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Washington City Paper is hosting its annual Best of D.C. contest again, and readers are voting for their District favorites. One of the categories? Best maid service.

Well-Paid Maids was runner-up in 2019 and then secured first place in 2021 and again in 2022. (The contest paused in 2020 due to COVID.)

That brings us to 2023. We would love to win again this year — and that’s where we need your help!

Simply go to the ballot and write in your vote for the best maid service.

Before you vote, here’s some important information: Well-Paid Maids is the only living-wage cleaning company in D.C. We pay our W-2 employees (not contractors) at least $23 an hour and offer benefits like insurance, 24 paid days off per year and more. 

It’s a cleaner way of doing business in an infamously dirty industry.

Voting is open until July 10, and the winner will be announced August 15. (We’ll keep you posted!)

We can’t thank our PoPville readers enough for all the support through the years. You’re helping us prove our living-wage model can be successful in traditionally low-paying industries. 

P.S. If you still haven’t booked a spring cleaning yet, now is the time! Book today!

Free Paint Recycling Drop-off and Giveaway Event June 10

By PoP Sponsor (a)

PaintCare will host a one-day paint drop-off and giveaway event for District households and businesses on Saturday, June 10 at Ida B. Wells Middle School (405 Sheridan St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Read a complete list of accepted products, check business limits, and register online by visiting paint-wells-middle.eventbrite.com.

Households may bring most types of paint, stain, and varnish in any amount. Paint must be in sealed container with original manufacturer label. We cannot accept aerosols, solvents, and other hazardous waste.

Event attendees will also be able to browse partially filled containers of a variety of products including latex- and oil-based paints, primers, and stains. Color options and volumes are not guaranteed. Paint is given away on a first come, first served basis.

To use PaintCare drop-off sites and events for oil-based products, a business must qualify as an exempt generator under federal and any analogous state hazardous waste generator rules. Please visit paintcare.org/VSQG for more information on exempt generator rules. If your business does not qualify as an exempt generator, it can use PaintCare drop-off sites and events for water-based products but not oil-based products.

If you cannot make this event, households and businesses can also drop off paint year-round at 9 locations throughout the District of Columbia. Find a drop-off site near you by visiting paintcare.org or calling (855)PAINT09.

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