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Theater Alliance Presents Family-Friendly Show “This Girl Laughs”

By PoP Sponsor (a)
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To launch its 20th Anniversary season, the celebrated Theater Alliance brings its socially-conscious mission to audiences of all ages and generations. 

Their current production, Finegan Kruckemeyer’s This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, celebrates the agency of women and girls — represented through a fairy tale about triplet sisters who all forge vastly different paths in life after being abandoned in a forest. 

Through lyrical and poignant storytelling, This Girl Laughs asks us all to imagine where we would be had we made different choices along the way… and invites us to forge connections with people whose choices differ from our own. 

Directed by Johamy Morales, an ensemble of Ezinne Elele, Natalia Fyfe, DeJeanette Horne, Lolita Marie, and Anna Shafer star in this unforgettable journey of three brave sisters. 

As always, Theater Alliance has Name Your Own Price tickets available. For more information, click here.

Real Estate Fresh Finds: March 8

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: 1309 E Street SE #40

“This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom property is located in the highly desirable Watkins Alley community of Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. The location is unbeatable, just steps away from the Metro and Eastern Market, offering easy access to all the best that D.C. has to offer. As you enter the property, you will immediately be struck by the elegant design and attention to detail. The interior boasts an open floor plan, hardwood floors, and high ceilings, creating a spacious and airy feel. The living room features large windows that flood the space with natural light, while the bedrooms are well-sized and comfortable, offering ample closet space. One of the standout features of this property is the fully equipped kitchen, complete with modern appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space. The kitchen seamlessly flows into the dining area, making it the perfect spot for entertaining. Additionally, this property offers the convenience of parking, ensuring that you will always have a spot to park your car. The property owner has also added window treatments and mechanized roof deck awnings, providing an extra layer of comfort and privacy. But perhaps the most impressive feature of this property is the stunning roof deck, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. With mechanized awnings, you can enjoy the outdoor space no matter the weather. Whether you are looking for a place to relax and unwind, or a spot to entertain guests, the roof deck is the perfect place to do it. Overall, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom property is an absolute gem, offering the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Don’t miss your chance to make this your new home!”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a massive 8 BR/7 FB/2 HB Colonial Revival-style home in Georgetown with 7,400+ square feet spread across 4 levels and features multiple fireplaces, 6-car off-street parking, an epic owner’s suite, wine cellar, theatre room, bricked-in backyard and a rooftop terrace — all for just $13.95M.
  • “Awesome, Adorable & SO Affordable! This studio is perfect for the first-time homebuyer OR as a turn-key rental property located in the rapidly growing Kennedy Street corridor.”
  • “This solid [3 BR/2 BA] house on a tree-lined street in sought-after Petworth is totally livable, but would truly shine with a kitchen refresh and some other upgrades. The gorgeous hardwood floors are in great shape.” Sold AS-IS.
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a 1 BR/1.5 BA penthouse unit in Wesley Heights with 1,600 sq. ft. that is “ready for immediate occupancy. Every room is tastefully remodeled impeccably.”

Well-Paid Maids Pays a Higher Starting Wage Than These 6 Big-Time Companies

By PoP Sponsor (a)
Photo via Alexander Schimmeck/Unsplash

Here in the D.C. area, Well-Paid Maids pays its cleaners — who are W-2 employees — a minimum starting wage of $22 an hour. That’s more than a lot of the “big guys,” including:

  • Amazon: $15/hour (Fortune reported last September)
  • Chipotle: $15/hour (NYT reported in June 2021)
  • Costco: $17/hour (NPR reported in October 2021)
  • Starbucks: $15/hour (NPR also reported in October 2021)
  • Universal: $17/hour (The Post reported earlier this month)
  • Walmart: $14/hour (Reuters reported last month)

In addition to paying fair wages, Well-Paid Maids provides employees a full benefits package, which includes insurance, 24 paid days off per year, 100% paid commuting costs and more.

In other words, Well-Paid Maids is committed to taking care of its employees. Show them support when you schedule a home cleaning.

District Residents: Assistance Is Here!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Did you know the District of Columbia offers Utility Discount Programs to help residents pay their gas, water, electric and telephone utility bills?

Eligible Washington Gas customers in the District may qualify for a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use during the winter heating season from November to April. To participate, District residents must use natural gas as the primary heating source. Eligible customers will receive an approximate 46% discount on the total bill.

Eligible residential DC Water customers in the District may qualify for a discount of up to 400 cubic feet (4ccf or approx. 3,000 gallons) of water and sewer services used each month.

Eligible households will receive an additional credit of fifty percent (50%) off of the monthly Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) bill. Potential discount could be over $500.00 annually.

Eligible Pepco customers in the District may qualify for the Residential Aid Credit (RAC). This credit provides a discount on Pepco’s delivery charges and taxes. Potential savings of $300-475 annually.

For eligibility and to apply for these programs, visit doee.dc.gov/udp or call 311.

Economy II Service, also known as “Voice Lifeline” is an assistance program offered by Verizon. It offers discounted at home local telephone service to qualified D.C. customers. Voice Lifeline Service is available for $3.00 per month to customers under 65 years of age, and $1.00 for seniors 65 years of age and older.

To obtain a Lifeline application, visit lifelinesupport.org or call 1-800-234-9473.

DC Open House List for This Weekend

By PoP Sponsor (a)

D.C. spring is starting to peek its head out with this 60+ degree weather and Cherry Bloom Peak Bloom imminent. The market is quickly ramping back up and if buying a home is part of your spring cleaning list, we suggest getting out there sooner rather than later. Check out some of our favorites DC Open Houses below and to see the full Open House List, click here.

  • 3003 10th Street NE — $739,000 — Brookland
    Open Sun. 12-2 p.m. — Marcella Oakley
    RECENT $10K PRICE REDUCTION: “Large detached 3 BR/2 BA + Den single-family home nestled on a lush, quiet street in the Brookland Arts District. Master bedroom is loft attic studio with skylights with space large enough for both bedroom and living area. The other two medium-sized bedrooms are on the main floor. Use one as a family room or bedroom. There is also a bonus room overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden. Makes a great office, playroom, art space or bonus room. The guest suite in the basement features a bedroom with ensuite bathroom, living room, and separate entrance. Use it for guests, family, or friends, or as a possible future rental space. The house is west facing so it enjoys a tremendous amount of sunlight! Features: HWF, DW, W/D, front porch, Vinyl siding, large landscaped fenced yard with fire pit and parking space. Landscaping includes a beautiful Forcythia bush, Crape Myrtle, a peach tree, and much more! Upgrades include a 2017 HVAC and 2015 roof. Rear access to the basement with two bonus rooms, a full bathroom, laundry and extra storage space. Only 6 blocks to metro’s Brookland red line, many restaurants, coffee shops, bookstore, organic grocery store, and farmer’s market. 20 minutes to downtown D.C.! This home is filled with charm and has so much potential!”
  • 1326 Girard Street NW #3 — $899,900 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sun. 1-3 p.m. — Fernando Garcia
    MIMOSA OPEN HOUSE: “Every so often there comes that unique property that can make you feel as though you’ve just spotted a dazzling unicorn amid the otherwise boring brush. Welcome to Girard Crossing, specifically unit No. 3. While you might get distracted by the intricate-brickwork artistry of this gloriously storied mansion’s facade — somewhat hidden behind the timeless magnolia and cheery maples — do step inside and make your way up the polished staircase to our unicorn.”
  • 1101 3rd Street SW #504 — $589,000 — Southwest Waterfront
    Open Sat. 12-2 & Sun. 1-4 p.m. — Peter Frias
    $10k PRICE REDUCTION: “This large (almost 1200 square feet) two bedroom corner unit offers floor to ceiling windows with western and northern exposures, spot lighting and a lovely chandelier in the living room, a coveted in-unit washer/dryer (new in 2021), beautiful hardwood floors (new in 2020), tons of sunlight, tons of storage in the unit and a spacious storage unit in the basement and DEEDED OFF-STREET PARKING!”
  • 1823 Newton Street NW #207 — $795,000 — Mt. Pleasant
    Open Sat. 12-3 & Sun. 1-4 p.m. — Jack Wang
    “This spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo includes 2 balconies and 2 parking spaces in a well-maintained building and offers convenient urban living in a desirable location. As you enter the condo, you are greeted by a bright and airy living room that is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day.”
  • 150 11th Street SE — $1,599,000 — Capitol Hill
    Open Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Maria Strylowski
    $150K PRICE REDUCTION: “In the century and a half since then, this stately [3 BR/3.5 BA]  grande dame has stood guard with her sisters over one of Capitol Hill’s most historic blocks. This dignified and beautiful home is steps to Lincoln Park, restaurants, and the Historic Eastern Market, Metro station. Wide foyer entrance to a spacious living room with built-in shelves, wood floor, and a wood-burning fireplace.”
  • 4822 Blagden Avenue NW — $2,095,000 — Crestwood
    Open Sat. 1-3 & Sun. 2-4 p.m. — Mark Bertini
    MASSIVE $100k PRICE REDUCTION: “This one-of-a-kind re imagined Colonial with a separate Two Level Carriage House just built at the rear of the property. This affords additional rental/au pair/airbnb possibilities complete with a spacious upper bedroom level and full bath and a large living area with an open full kitchen along with a W/D on the main level is located in idyllic Crestwood one of D.C.’s most sought-after neighborhoods.”

Announcing Tour de Taco!

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Accept the challenge and try more than 50 tacos across the city!

You’ve heard of Tour de France, now it’s time for the ultimate taco race with Tour de Taco!

Join District Bridges from March 7 to March 21 for a celebration of D.C.’s best tacos — from the ahi tuna taco at El Chuco to the Choco Tacos at Mount Dessert Ice Cream. Taconnoisseurs will be crowned during this two week promotional event with 21 businesses promoting over 50 tacos.

As small businesses continue to recover from the pandemic, it’s vital that residents and visitors alike eat local and support our local economy. Tour de Taco is a fun, new campaign that will help promote businesses and gives participants permission to eat as many tacos as they want — in fact, the more tacos you try, the more you can win.

District Bridges has designed a line of taco-themed goodies to celebrate the campaign. To unlock the goods, participants simply need to visit restaurants and sample some of D.C.’s best tacos. In addition, participants can vote for their favorite restaurant in a “march madness” style voting competition — the small business who wins will receive free advertising support!

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Buying a Home in 2023? Real Estate Buying Strategies 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, March 4 at 11 a.m.

Learn mortgage loan options with a local lender Chris Geier. ⁠Also, receive the best strategies for making winning offers from our GreenLine Real Estate agents K. Leszczak   and Jeremiah Olugbuyi.

Register here and join the conversation.

Real Estate Fresh Finds: March 1

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: 1823 Newton Street NW #207

“Welcome home to The Mitchell #207 in Mt Pleasant. Move in ready and comfortable living space in the heart of Washington, D.C. This spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo includes 2 balconies and 2 parking spaces in a well-maintained building and offers convenient urban living in a desirable location. As you enter the condo, you are greeted by a bright and airy living room that is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day. The living room features large windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The space also boasts sleek hardwood flooring that adds a touch of sophistication to the room. The kitchen is adjacent to the living room and comes fully equipped with modern appliances, ample storage space and a massive kitchen island. The open floor plan allows for easy flow between the kitchen and living room, making it perfect for hosting dinner parties or casual get-togethers. The condo features two spacious bedrooms the bedrooms are located on opposite floors, providing ample privacy and a peaceful retreat. Both bedrooms feature large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The bathrooms are modern and stylish, featuring sleek fixtures, tiled floors, and elegant vanities. The condo also includes full-sized/front-loading washer and dryer, making laundry day a breeze. This condo is located in a prime location, just steps away from a variety of restaurants, shops, Rock Creek Park, and entertainment options. Overall, this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo at 1823 Newton Street NW #207 is the perfect place for those seeking a turnkey, convenient, and comfortable living space in the heart of Washington, D.C.”

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 3 BR/3.5 BA luxury penthouse condo unit in Wardman Tower with 4,500+ square feet and features oversized windows, a formal dining room, a large living room space, a gourmet kitchen, a private rooftop terrace, gas fireplace and 4 assigned parking spaces — all for $5.5M.
  • “Linden Court was originally developed as ten rowhomes, six of which were combined. In 2015, the properties were acquired and redevelopment was planned for four luxury townhomes. Within the next few years, the historic facades of the rowhouses were preserved, and interiors were gutted and fully renovated. The resulting elevated architectural restoration and exceptional interior design has earned it the 2019 NAHB Best in Living Gold Winner for Multifamily Adaptive Reuse and the 2021 the AIA/DC Washingtonian Multifamily Residential Award.”
  • “Located in Petworth, this 2 bed, 2 full bath condo is a light-filled corner unit with an open concept layout. The spacious layout and contemporary finishes create a loft-like feel.”
  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a “beautifully updated” 3 BR/2 BA semi-detached unit in Brookland with a recent $10k price reduction.

Protect Your Car From Rising Tire Theft With Wheel Locks

By PoP Sponsor (a)

Over the past few years, most headlines about car crimes have been about people stealing catalytic converters for their rare metals.

But that doesn’t mean that previously common stolen items such as tires are a thing of the past. In fact, tire theft is on the rise in D.C. and Maryland. This is no minor inconvenience. Replacing four tires and rims can cost as much as $4,000 for a luxury vehicle.

The good news is that there’s a simple and inexpensive way to make it much harder for someone to steal your tires. Wheel locks thwart the crime by requiring a “key” to remove a lug nut. Without them, the only thing needed to steal tires is a jack and a socket wrench.

Even better news is that you may actually already have wheel locks. Many new vehicles now come with wheel locks. If you’re buying a new car, definitely ask the dealership if they are included and, if not, request that they can thrown them in. If you don’t have them and you park your car where it might be at risk, it may be worth the $50 to $500 that it costs to buy them. (Not surprisingly, generally the more expensive your car, the more your wheel locks will cost.)

Wheel locks do have just one downside. If you’ve got them, make sure to hold on to the key. CarCare To Go‘s Service Director recommends that you leave it you car because, “losing the key can be a major headache costing time and money.” And leave  it readily available in your car when you have it serviced.

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How to Prepare for a Professional Home Cleaning

By PoP Sponsor (a)

If you’re new to getting your home professionally cleaned, you might have some questions, namely: How should I prepare?

You don’t want to be that person who the cleaners gossip about being a total mess. (That won’t happen at Well-Paid Maids — promise.) Nor do you want to do so much preparing that, well, it feels like you don’t even need a cleaner anymore.

With Well-Paid Maids, all we need you to do is follow these 3 simple steps:

  1. Provide clear instructions.

When you book your home cleaning with us online, you’ll see a “Home access instructions/parking/other notes” section. That’s where you’ll drop in any specific instructions you have for our cleaners. This could include:

  • Which rooms you want cleaned (or if any are off limits).
  • Entry instructions if you won’t be home.
  • Any special pet instructions.
  • Anything else you want us to know!

Our cleaners will review your notes prior to arrival.

  1. Put items in their places.

To ensure we can give you the best possible experience — and cleanest possible home — it’s greatly appreciated if you can clear any clutter. No need to go through that closet or those junk drawers. All we mean is to put things in their places — dirty clothes in hampers, toys in boxes, takeout containers in the trash.

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