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Legal Insider: Defending Federal Employees in Employment Investigations

By PoP Sponsor (a)

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.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

We represent federal employees in federal agency investigations. Generally, most federal employment misconduct cases start as a result of a complaint by other federal employees alleging misconduct. When a federal employee is notified that they are under investigation or suspects that they may be investigated regarding possible misconduct, it is very important to speak to a federal employment attorney for advice and possible representation.

Common Types of Federal Employee Investigations

While it is very difficult to cover each type of potential misconduct that a federal employee might be investigated for, some of the more frequent investigations involve:

  • Misconduct in the Workplace
  • Lack of Candor
  • Misuse of a Government Computer/Internet
  • Misuse of a Government Credit Card, Vehicle or Travel Card
  • Discrimination or Harassment in the Workplace
  • Time Card/Attendance Issues
  • Off-Duty Criminal, Alcohol or Traffic Conduct
  • Security Violations
  • Insubordination
  • Disrespectful Conduct in the Workplace

A Typical Federal Employee Investigation

The usual process for a federal employee investigation begins when the federal employee is notified (usually with very short notice or even the same day) that an investigator needs to speak with them about an issue. Investigators do not usually provide information about the nature of the complaint or investigative issues until the federal employee arrives at the meeting. The investigator can be a supervisor, an agency investigator, an individual from human resources, or an agent assigned by the agency’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). Generally, a misconduct investigation starts with very little advice or information about what a federal employee should expect or what rights are available to them.

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Show Love This Mother’s Day With a Creative Flower Bouquet from Volanni

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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Forget the matching pajama set, coffee mug or body scrub this Mother’s Day. (She already has plenty.)

Instead, surprise the special woman in your life with a creative, fresh flower bouquet from D.C. florist Volanni!

These aren’t generic, big-box arrangements. Michael Lanni, the artist behind these bouquets, puts creative care into each of his designs. As Lanni likes to say, “This is our art, and flowers are our medium.”

Pick out the perfect Mother’s Day bouquet, and place your order online. Volanni makes deliveries throughout the DMV. All deliveries will go out Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 12-14).

Remember: Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14 and flower availability is limited, so you won’t want to procrastinate!

Take a look through the Mother’s Day catalogue.

Real Estate Fresh Finds: May 3

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: 7714 13th Street NW

“Rare opportunity to own Van View, an incredible 8 BR/4.5 BA, Second Empire-style mansion and National Register for Historic Places built in the mid 1800’s! Originally located beyond the city limits in rural Washington County, it was a 2nd home for wealthy Washingtonians and is the only surviving country house of its era in Shepherd Park! At over 5,400* sf (not including the bsmt), it is situated on a flat, almost half acre lot (19,007/.44 acre), with an oversized 2-car garage and add’l curb cut circular driveway. The property frontage spans almost the entire block; you don’t get more private than that! A perfect blend of original features and modern updates; there is a mansard roof and Italianate doors; 12-foot ceilings, original oak floors, transoms, 7 fireplaces, expansive rooms, and a private guest wing! The sprawling main floor has a gracious foyer and grand staircase with great flow between the incredible living rm, dining rm, and sunroom on the left; and a private office and spacious yet cozy family room on the right. At the rear of the home is a beautifully updated, expansive eat-in kitchen with a large island, Subzero refrigerator and amazing storage! The kitchen has access to the patio and park-like grounds as well as a mud area with powder room and rear staircase. Take either staircase up to the first landing to access the private guest wing with its 2 lovely bedrooms, full, updated bathroom, and laundry closet! Your guests will never want to leave! On to the 2nd fl, where you’ll find an expansive, light-filled primary suite with dressing area and bathroom with separate shower and tub, double vanity and water closet! There are two add’l bright and roomy bedrooms, each with a fireplace! The 3rd fl has three large bedrooms (one was converted to a huge floor-to-ceiling shelved storage room; a 2nd was transformed into a spacious family room with built-in bookcases); and a full bath. There is plenty of add’l basement and garage storage. The home is located on a quiet, tree-lined street in Shepherd Park, a lovely, “Gold Coast” neighborhood, steps from Rock Creek Park! Close to the Parks at Walter Reed (Whole Foods is scheduled to open this summer); Takoma Park and downtown Silver Spring (restaurants, shopping, and metro), and convenient to commuter arteries to MD and VA. Truly a one-of-a-kind property that checks all the boxes and more!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 4 BR/3.5 BA luxury condo that was previously 2 units which are now combined into one and features 2,800+ square feet of high-end additions including floor-to-ceiling windows, a 2,300 bottle wine cellar, gas fireplace and even a 375 sq. ft. terrace with its own putting green — all for just under $6M.
  • “Excellent investment opportunity near Historic Anacostia. Located just a half mile from the Anacostia Metro, this two bedroom, one bathroom rowhome has a fenced in backyard and a basement with a separate entrance. Being sold strictly As-Is.”
  • “New construction, 3 bed 3.5 bath, private parking space, washer dryer included. A stunning luxury condo in the perfect location, you don’t want to let this one pass you by. You will love the quick commute and easy access to all the best shops, dining and amenities in the area, walkers paradise and minutes to Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a gorgeous 3 BR/3 BA interior rowhome with a “new fully gut” renovation.

The Perfect Way to Celebrate The Mom in Your Life This Mother’s Day

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Finding a gift for mom can be difficult. Google “Mother’s Day gifts,” and you’ll scroll endless lists of gardening tools, beauty products, candles and fuzzy slippers.

All those ideas are great, but sometimes it’s fun to truly surprise your loved ones with something unique yet useful.

Here’s one idea: A professional home cleaning with Well-Paid Maids.

If you know her schedule, go ahead and book a cleaning. (She can always reschedule with a 3-day notice.)

You can also purchase a gift certificate by giving us a call at 202-715-1646 or sending an email to [email protected] with her name, email and/or home address and the desired amount.

We service D.C., Northern Virginia and Montgomery/Prince George’s counties.

Learn more and book a cleaning.

Open Studio This Sunday!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Five incredible artists are opening their creative spaces to the public this Sunday, May 7.

Spend your Sunday afternoon in the presence of inspiring art and good company! Light refreshments provided.

All the artists are women business owners who live and work in the DMV. Purchasing art is a great way to support their businesses while adding a stunning piece that will brighten your home or workspace!

Bring your friends and family, we look forward to seeing you!

The Fillmore School
1800 34th Street NW
Washington, DC 20007

Walk through the parking lot for the building entrance.

Learn more about The Washington Award Fillmore Prize Recipients: Lory Ivey Alexander, Sarah Beth Oppenheim, Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell, Jessica Valoris and Jordann Wine.

Follow @sandrevermay on Instagram and visit sandrevermay.org.

Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest Takes Place on May 20 Featuring 70+ Bands

By PoP Sponsor (a)

The Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to announce the first-ever Spring PorchFest on Saturday, May 20 from 2-6 p.m.!

Over the last 10 years, the organization has received overwhelming community support during their October PorchFest and has decided to add a second PorchFest to the neighborhood events lineup. With over 70+ bands, this spring edition will showcase some of DC’s best local musical talent featuring nearly every musical genre, including classic rock, funk, go-go, rap, reggae, blue grass, classical, and pop.

Seventeen porches, patios, and stoops will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.

Event patrons can pick up a music map and wristband at the event headquarters located in the plaza at the corner of Columbia and Adams Mill Roads NW. Event wristbands are FREE and provide attendees with dozens of discounts at various Adams Morgan businesses.

After stopping by the event headquarters, guests can stroll through the neighborhood for nonstop musical performances from 2-6 p.m., enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks at a neighborhood hangout, and shop for unique gifts at local boutiques.

Each PorchFest location will host up to four 45-minute sets, all of which are free and open for all to enjoy. The main stage will feature various headliners including: Gordon Sterling and The People, Fanfaire, Bryan Lee Music, and The Experience Band and Show. The full lineup of performers can be found at AdMoPorchFest.com.

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Is Your Car Pulling Left or Right? An Alignment Could Help

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Whether you’re regularly commuting through a construction area, or just taking your vehicle on a roadtrip a few times per year, alignments are an important — but often overlooked maintenance best practice.

The process of having your vehicle aligned involves ensuring that your tires and drive system are properly angled according to manufacturer specification.

Over time, routine driving can wear your tires down unevenly, and you may notice your car beginning to pull one direction instead of another. That and other symptoms may indicate it’s time to have your vehicle aligned once again.

Getting an alignment every 5,000 miles, or more often for travel often or through harsh roads, helps protect and extend the life of vital drive and steering components in your vehicle. Replacing components like ball joints, shocks, and struts can be expensive but also time-consuming if you need to have your vehicle available at all times and parts aren’t immediately available.

If you’re overdue for an alignment, give CarCare To Go a call or book your appointment online today.

As always, our free valet pick-up and return service is available, and first time customers can use code FIRST20 to get a full-synthetic oil change for just $20.23 with their first service.

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Another weekend of 350 open houses in the District alone! We are seeing a consistent amount of new listings and open houses each week, which means if you haven’t found your perfect home yet, there’s still time! The spring market can be a bit daunting but as we near summer, things will start to shift so get out there and check out some of our favorite opens below to see the complete Open House List, click here.

  • 1325 18th Street NW #312 — $400,000 — Dupont Circle
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Metro DC Houses
    “Welcome to the Palladium Condo in the heart of Washington, D.C.! This stunning one bedroom, one bathroom condo boasts a modern and chic design with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. As you enter the unit, you’ll be greeted with a bright and airy living space that’s perfect for relaxing after a long day. The open floor plan seamlessly integrates the living and dining areas, making it ideal for entertaining guests. The fully equipped kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of storage space. You’ll love cooking up your favorite meals in this stylish and functional kitchen. The spacious bedroom is large enough for a king bed, dresser and walk in closet space. The recently updated bathroom features a modern vanity, with a large mirror, and a bathtub/shower combo. As a resident of the Palladium Condo, you’ll have access to a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, brand new rooftop pool opening summer 2023, and 24-hour concierge service and on sight property management M-F. You’ll also have access to a secure rental underground parking garage, so you never have to worry about finding a parking spot. Located just steps away from Dupont Circle, you’ll have easy access to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and shops. Take a stroll through the charming tree-lined streets of Dupont Circle, or visit one of the many art galleries or museums in the area.”
  • 309 Seaton Place NE — $899,000 — Eckington
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Nathan Guggenheim
    This “is a gorgeous three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home boasting high-end finishes and thoughtful designs. Step up to the best porch on the block with stunning neighborhood views and charming front yard space.”
  • 1308 Clifton Street NW #200 — $800,000 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. 1-4 p.m. & Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Denny Horner & Leyla Phelan
    “Large and in charge! This rarely available 3 Bed/2 Bath/2 Level condo at historic Wardman Court has all you’d want to make city living a reality! Super location a stone’s throw to all you need to enjoy our wonderful city, wood floors throughout, sparkling kitchen and baths (stunning primary bathroom), laundry room with pantry storage across from the kitchen, super closet storage in unit, as well as a separate storage unit in the building, TWO balconies with city views, great sunlight, and parking!!!”
  • 3002 Minnesota Ave SE — $485,000 — Hillcrest
    Open Sat. 2-4 p.m. — Trian Johnson
    “More beautiful in person and a wonderful place to entertain. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a fantastic value and move in ready! Welcome to Minnesota Modern, your beautifully renovated home in the heart of Hillcrest. This modern property boasts everything you need to live comfortably and in style.”
  • 3008 13th Street NW #B — $915,000 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. 1-3 p.m. & Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Molly Branson & Jocelyn Vas
    “This Victorian row home is spectacular. An absolutely stunning 2-level penthouse condominium built in 1910 and elegantly renovated, is your chance to own a little piece of history. Sophisticated yet modern, this 3-bedroom and 2.5 bath is appointed with new oak hardwoods (2020), intricate custom wainscoting and picture frame molding throughout, large bedrooms, modern light fixtures, a marble spa-inspired primary bath and a large sunset-facing deck perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.”
  • 240 M Street SW #E304 — $249,999 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — David Thomas
    “Welcome home to this newly renovated Southwest Waterfront efficiency condo. The layout allows for separation from the kitchen and living space. The kitchen has updated counters and plenty of storage.”

Buying a Home in 2023? Let us Help: Home Buyer Workshop This Saturday

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Buying a home in this real estate market can be challenging.

You’re thinking: Is now still a good time to buy? What should I expect the housing market to do in the short and long run? What type of loan should you get? Where do I begin and what are the steps in the process? We offer a simple, informative, fun and free virtual workshop with you in mind.

Please join our Home Buyer Workshop this Saturday, April 29 at 11 a.m.

Learn mortgage loan options with a local lender who specializes in the DMV market. ⁠Also, receive the best strategies for making winning offers from our GreenLine Real Estate agents.

Register here and join the conversation.

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Award-Winning Movie Nights Return in Adams Morgan Starting May 23

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Award-Winning Movie Nights Return in Adams Morgan with Comedies, Live Stand-Up & Neighborhood Discounts!

The Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce the return of the award-winning movie series: Adams Morgan Movie Nights!

Enjoy free movies every Tuesday evening starting May 23 through June 27 at the Marie Reed Elementary School Soccer Field at 18th Street NW and California Street NW. Movies will kick-off just after sunset at approximately 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get a prime spot on the field which boasts tiered, amphitheater-style seating.

This year’s comedy-inspired lineup is one you won’t want to miss. Thanks to continued community support and a few notable accolades such as “Best Outdoor Movie Series” from Washington City Paper, there will be an extra movie screening this year. A recent “People’s Choice” poll invited voters to choose their favorite movie and now, the results are in! Here is the official 2023 Adams Morgan Movie Nights schedule:

  • Tuesday, May 23: This is Spinal Tap
  • Tuesday, May 30: Coming to America
  • Tuesday, June 6: The Birdcage [Pride Week]
  • Tuesday, June 13: Raising Arizona
  • Tuesday, June 20: Bridesmaids [People’s Choice Movie]
  • Tuesday, June 27: Shrek [Family Night]

Thanks to Hotbed in Adams Morgan, attendees can enjoy comedy both on and off the big screen! Each Movie Night will kick off with a stand-up feature from a local comedian before the movie begins.

Don’t forget to bring your own blanket and pick-up dinner from a neighborhood restaurant to enjoy during the film. Check out the Brown Bag Movie Meals for Movie Night discounts and specials. Want to dine in? Visit one of the dozens of Adams Morgan restaurants serving global eats, affordable bites, or Michelin-starred meals before the film starts!

Visit admodc.org/movies for more details.

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