Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

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CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Washington, DC

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Washington, DC for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

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Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment Washington, DC

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Washington, DC.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Washington, DC
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Washington, DC

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Washington, DC

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Washington, DC

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

phone-number(703) 822-5003

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
Mold Poisoning Symtoms Washington, DC

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Washington, DC tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

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Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Washington, DC

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Washington, DC.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Washington, DC

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

CIRS Treatment Washington, DC

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Washington, DC

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Washington, DC

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Washington, DC

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

Mold Poisoning Symtoms Washington, DC

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Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Washington, DC
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Washington, DC

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Washington, DC

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

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Latest News in Washington, DC

New Trump power dynamic ushers in a Gilded Age in D.C.

President Trump's made-for-TV ...

President Trump's made-for-TV inauguration gave a taste of a blossoming new Gilded Age in Washington.

Why it matters: In a town whose residents overwhelmingly voted against Trump, the new Beltway elites are ensconcing themselves in their Cybertrucks, parties with the 1% and an expanding portfolio of extravagant restaurants and clubs.

What I'm hearing: "If Gilded Age means throwing money around, then we're in for it," says writer Sally Quinn, who foresees plenty of elaborate parties, and fewer of those intimate Washington dinner parties of yore.

Zoom in: The table is already set. Look no further than restaurateur Stephen Starr, whose $16 million buildout of Osteria Mozza in Georgetown is attracting the likes of Jeff Bezos. For his next project, Starr plans "to resurrect a gilded era of Washington power dining with the reimagining of The Occidental," replete with tableside martini service — "his most glamorous, decadent D.C. restaurant yet," per his reps.

Meanwhile, as the Trumps reportedly seek to reclaim the Old Post Office building hotel, it's rumored that Elon Musk wants to buy the Line hotel at auction.

Musk planting a flag in AdMo over "stodgy" Georgetown would give him an "imprint on the social life of D.C.," says Chuck Thies, a former advisor to Jim Graham, the late D.C. council member who helped redevelop the site into the Line.

Buyers are scooping up more luxe real estate than usual. A flurry of multimillion-dollar home sales in McLean, Kalorama and beyond point to a "Trump bump."

What we're watching: Some cautiously hope the new MAGA crowd will venture outside of their bubble.

The bottom line: "There's a lot of ostentatious behavior and social elitism that if it was here before, it is not nearly as veiled as it once was," Thies says.

Anna Spiegel contributed to this story.

???? Town Talker is a weekly column about money and power in Washington. Tell me about the talk of the town: cuneyt@axios.com

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that the name of The Ned's D.C. location is Ned's Club.

Louisiana royalty stranded during week of celebration in Washington D.C.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Washington Mardi Gras is in its 76th year and kicks off today in our nation’s capital. These three pageant queens can’t wait to go.There’s just one “chilling” problem. Ice. It’s what’s keeping these pageant queens stuck sitting around at the hotel rather than on a flight to Washington D.C.They’re hoping plenty more of this stuff melts over the next 24 hours so they can catch their flight.“We’re stuck here.”Sadie Hebert is f...

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Washington Mardi Gras is in its 76th year and kicks off today in our nation’s capital. These three pageant queens can’t wait to go.

There’s just one “chilling” problem. Ice. It’s what’s keeping these pageant queens stuck sitting around at the hotel rather than on a flight to Washington D.C.

They’re hoping plenty more of this stuff melts over the next 24 hours so they can catch their flight.

“We’re stuck here.”

Sadie Hebert is from Lafayette. She’s been waiting for this moment since she was a little girl following her mom around.

“My mom was a queen in 2001,” said Hebert. “She actually went to D.C. So, my whole entire life I got to see all of the photos and videos of what my mom did, and I kind of grew up in that world.”

“I didn’t like pageants at first - hated them, despised them,” explained Alana Abshire.

Abshire had a different path but ended up falling in love with representing her community five years ago. She’s disappointed that she and her family will be arriving behind schedule due to the historic weather.

“It was definitely a little bit upsetting - it’s one of the biggest trips we’ll ever take in our lives,” said Abshire. “But we’re all spending time together.”

“I’ve never actually seen snowfall,” exclaimed Demi Patin, another pageant queen. “So, this amount was actually really crazy for us to see, and we sat in the lobby here and just watched it fall for hours.”

As it turns out - they did a little more than sit in the lobby and watch it fall.

“We played in the snow a lot and we made a trek down to the gas station for some snacks… it was closed.”

Pretty much everything was put on halt last night and today. But airport director, Mike Edwards, of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport tells me significant progress is being made.

He’s hopeful commercial flights will resume tomorrow - so are the Louisiana royalty stuck in the snow across the street.

One way or another they’ll find a way there.

“We’re going to make it to D.C., and we’ll never forget this,” says Hebert. “I’m making it to D.C. I will make it there.”

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Commanders vs. Eagles: Where to find watch parties and deals in the DMV

Commanders fans are just one win away from the Super Bowl!More than three decades have passed since the Commanders made it this far in a season. Now, we’re counting down to Sunday’s NBC Championship Game against the Eagles.Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin and the Commanders will be in Philadelphia, but watch parties and celebrations are happening all over the DM. ...

Commanders fans are just one win away from the Super Bowl!

More than three decades have passed since the Commanders made it this far in a season. Now, we’re counting down to Sunday’s NBC Championship Game against the Eagles.

Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin and the Commanders will be in Philadelphia, but watch parties and celebrations are happening all over the DM. NBC4 is also hosting a pep rally on Friday, and we'd love to see you there.

Sunday's game is set to start at 3 p.m. Here's where to watch with excited energy, giant TVs, deals on drink and food and other ways to make this a watch party worthy of this historic moment.

Commanders fan giveaways

The Commanders announced a list of official watch parties where you can get exclusive giveaways while supplies last. Here's the list:

Where to watch the Commanders in DC

Surfside4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.???? Details

See all the action on two projectors and 14 screens throughout the restaurant, including the covered and heated patio area. Food specials on plates including island nachos and jerk chicken wings start at 2:30 p.m. You can also order $20 Miller Lite buckets and $20 Miller High Life pitchers. You can make reservations on Resy.

THRōW Social DC & Kick Axe1401 Okie Street NE, Washington, D.C.???? Details

Watch every moment on a 20-foot jumbotron with sound and other TVs or take aim at the Eagles with an axe-throwing game ($5 for three throws). If anyone in your party isn't into the game, they can play lawn games for free or get unlimited ace throwing for $40.

Specials include 10 chicken wings for $10, $20 domestic beer buckets and $25 import beer buckets.

It's free to enter.

Whitlow's DC901 U St NW, Washington, D.C.???? Details

NFL Sunday specials include $32 Bud Light towers, $36 craft beer towers, $30 buckets, $10 chicken wings and $12 nachos.

Johnny Pistolas2333 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C.???? Details

This Adams Morgan bar will project the game on a big screen and show it on multiple TVs. Johnny Pistola's says they'll have a special game day menu and offers for both games on Sunday.

metrobar640 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.???? Details

The bar situated in a former Metrorail car plans to offer hot cocktail and Commmanders bourbon specials all day, plus beer buckets and food from Kush Food Truck. Hang out in the heated lounge to cheer on Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin and the whole team.

Midlands3333 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, D.C.???? Details

NFL playoff specials include $5 beers at this 6,000-square-foot sports bar with 18 TVs in Park View.

District E701 7th Street NW, Washington, D.C.???? Details

Typically a haven for e-sports fans, this venue's bg draw (literally) is a 9-foot screen. Draft beers starting at $5 and food specials including $10 and $14 combos will keep you fueled.

Where to watch the Commanders in Maryland

TAP Sports BarMGM National Harbor Resort & Casino, 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, Maryland???? Details

Grab a reservation to watch the game at this sporst bar with dozens of flatscreen TVs. Go early for a Rally Party!

Tailgate Watch Party Experience8511 Landover Road Hyattsville, Maryland???? Details

This tailgate party will offer a premium open bar, food, DJs, games, cigars and the game on multiple screens. Tickets cost $55.20 once you factor in fees.

Where to watch the Commanders in Virginia

Old Ox Brewery44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn, Virginia???? Details

The Ashburn brewery is rebooting its watch party featuring Washington's alumni marching band and cheerleaders performing for every score, plus commercial breaks.

Snack on Old Ox's shareable plates and drinks, plus smoked meats from Smokehouse BBQ.

The pregame show starts at 2:30 p.m. before kickoff at 3 p.m.

Shipgarten7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons, Virginia???? Details

Two 155-inch TV walls with sound on, plus three indoor protectors, will put you on the 50-year line.

If you're going with a group, check out the packages for food and drink bundle deals.

Dave & Buster's Fairfax11958 U Fair Oaks Shopping Center, Fairfax, Virginia???? Details

Let loose on some arcade games in between plays at Dave & Buster's watch party.

Arlington Drafthouse Cinema2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia???? Details

Arlington Drafthouse Cinema will show the game on their big screen, and entry is free. The watch party is open to those 21+ unless they’re with a parent.

Kalypso's Sports Tavern1617 Washington Plaza N, Reston, Virginia???? Details

Reserve a table for four during any NFL playoff game and order at least two entrees and you’ll get a free order of wings.

Want to know what's up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Washington Spirit Announces 2025 Schedule with Record Number of ABC and CBS Broadcasts

Team will kick off home slate at Audi Field on Saturday, March 22 against Kansas CityWashington, D.C. (01/22/2025) – Following a historic 2024 season, the Washington Spirit released its complete 2025 schedule of home and away matches today. The schedule can be found in its entirety HERE.The Spirit looks to build off its recent success and bring more titles to DC this year. Led by superstar forward ...

Team will kick off home slate at Audi Field on Saturday, March 22 against Kansas City

Washington, D.C. (01/22/2025) – Following a historic 2024 season, the Washington Spirit released its complete 2025 schedule of home and away matches today. The schedule can be found in its entirety HERE.

The Spirit looks to build off its recent success and bring more titles to DC this year. Led by superstar forward Trinity Rodman and breakout talent Croix Bethune, the team promises to deliver fans unparalleled experiences on and off the pitch. With three sellouts of Audi Field and a record total home attendance of 235,000 last year, the club will once again pack fans into its DC home.

This season will consist of 26 regular season matches with the Spirit hosting and visiting each of the other 13 NWSL clubs once. The Spirit will open its regular season on the road on Friday, March 14 against the Houston Dash before opening its Audi Field schedule the following weekend. The Spirit will play in front of a national broadcast audience at least 20 times this regular season, including five times on CBS, four times on Prime Video and twice each on ABC and ESPN. The Spirit’s seven matches across ABC and CBS are the most in the league this season.

Schedule highlights:

• The Spirit will play its first match of the year at Audi Field on Saturday, March 22 when the Kansas City Current, led by 2024 NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga, comes to town.

• Washington will host East Coast rival Gotham FC on Saturday, April 26 for the first time since last November’s semifinal thriller.

• The North Carolina Courage will be at Audi Field on Sunday, June 8 for the first matchup between the rivals since last season’s final regular season match.

• Trinity Rodman’s ‘Triple Espresso’ teammate Sophia Smith and Portland Thorns FC return to DC on Sunday, August 3.

• The final member of the ‘Triple Espresso’ visits Audi Field on Sunday, August 31 as the Spirit hosts Mallory Swanson and Chicago Stars FC.

• In the Spirit’s final regular season home match of the season, the Orlando Pride will travel north for a rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship on Saturday, October 18.

The Spirit will close out the regular season in conjunction with the rest of the league on Sunday, November 2 in Sandy, Utah. With the return of Decision Day, all 14 clubs will play their final matches on the same day to decide playoff seeding. Like last season, the NWSL Playoffs will once again feature the top eight teams. The top four seeds will host a quarterfinal match the second weekend in November with the four quarterfinal winners advancing to the semifinal round the following weekend. The 2025 NWSL Championship will be held on Saturday, November 22.

The Spirit will take the field in 2025 looking to build on this year’s second place finish in the NWSL. Behind stellar performances from the side’s star players and rookie phenoms, the Spirit set new single season club marks on the pitch in wins (18, also a league record), points (56) and goals (51) in front of record attendances at Audi Field in 2024. Fans can secure their spot to see the Spirit in the team’s next match at Audi Field by becoming 2025 Season Ticket Members here. Four-match mini plans are also now available here.

About The Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. In 2024, the Spirit drafted an epic class of rookies that broke records and wowed fans. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

James Beard Foundation announces nominees for best chefs, restaurants. Here's who made the cut locally.

D.C.-area restaurants and chefs were nominated in most of the major categories.The James Beard Foundation is out with its list of semifinalists for restaurants and chefs of the year and once again the D.C. region is well represented among the nominees.D.C.-area chefs, proprietors and restaurants were nominated in most of the major categories, including outstanding restaurateur, outstanding restaurant, best new restaurant, outstanding chef, emerging chef and outstanding pasty chef and baker.Moreover, chefs at seven D.C. r...

D.C.-area restaurants and chefs were nominated in most of the major categories.

The James Beard Foundation is out with its list of semifinalists for restaurants and chefs of the year and once again the D.C. region is well represented among the nominees.

D.C.-area chefs, proprietors and restaurants were nominated in most of the major categories, including outstanding restaurateur, outstanding restaurant, best new restaurant, outstanding chef, emerging chef and outstanding pasty chef and baker.

Moreover, chefs at seven D.C. restaurants and one in Middleburg were nominated in the category of best chef, Mid-Atlantic, which covers D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

In the category of outstanding restaurateur, awarded to owners who use their restaurants to build community and demonstrate creativity in entrepreneurship, and integrity in restaurant operations, the foundation nominated Scott Drewno and Danny Lee of the Fried Rice Collective. The restaurant group owns the D.C. restaurants Anju, Chiko and I Egg You.

The Dabney in Shaw, which opened in 2105 and earned a Michelin star two years later, was nominated for outstanding restaurant. Its chef and founder, Jeremiah Langhorne, was named best chef, Mid-Atlantic, by the James Beard Foundation in 2018.

Meanwhile, Amy Brandwein, the longtime chef at the Italian-themed Centrolina in CityCenter, was nominated in the category of outstanding chef after being nominated several times as best chef, Mid-Atlantic.

Below is a rundown of the D.C. region’s other nominees.

Outstanding pastry chef or baker: Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit (D.C)

Best new bar: Bar Cana (D.C)

Best new restaurant: Mita (D.C)

Emerging chef: Paolo Dungca, Hiraya (D.C)

Best chef, Mid-Atlantic:

Despite the strong showing, the D.C. region was shut out of some categories. No area bakeries were represented in the list of outstanding bakeries and no local restaurants were included in the categories of outstanding hospitality or outstanding wine and beverage program.

The James Beard Foundation nominates 20 semifinalists in each category and will narrow the lists down to five finalists on April 2. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago on June 16.

Last year, two D.C. chefs walked away with top awards.

Masako Morishita, executive chef at the rebooted Perry's in Adams Morgan, was named the nation's top emerging chef, while Michael Rafidi, of Albi, was named outstanding chef.

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