August 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 8 Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association
Delivery Woes Page 9
One Step Ahead Page 6
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IIEN'fION 'fHIS FL YER AND GE'f 2 HOURS Oil llREE HANDYIIAN SERVICE
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0 PURCHASE REQUIRED. CALL FOR DETAILS.
FREE BATH ROOM RENOVATION (~AI.. I.. l~C)ll l)lrl,1lILS SEllVING THE WHOLE COMMUNl'l'Y: TOWN HOWIE, SINGLE/MUL'fl FAMILY, CONDO, HIGH RISE & CO IIIERCIAL PROPER'flES
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571 471 5822 August 2021 www.myCCRonline.com
Inside the Wheel Washer Hoses Check
05
In Wake of Disaster
06
Don’t Bug Me
07
Racquet Club
08
Often celebrated on the first Tuesday of August nationwide, this event gives our local law enforcement and first responders a chance to connect with the community in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Residents get to experience what these civil servants do to keep us safe and protected, as shown by this attendee trying on a Sheriff's protective gear. Read more about this event on page 13.
Delivery Problems
09
Photo: Lamya Shumaila
Pro-FIT Information
11
National Night Out
13
Monthly Calendar
15
News Vice President’s Update 04
6
In This Issue...
9
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Upcoming Events
10
Build a “City”
12
Honky-Tonk
13
Yappy Happy Hour
14
Wheel is a publication of the Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association August 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 8 Published 11 times annually For publication consideration, submit original content (e.g. articles, photos) to commgr@watergateatlandmark.com. High quality photos recommended (300 dpi or greater). Management makes content decisions and it is understood that revisions and edits will be made to fit space and publication style. Publication is not guaranteed.
The Wheel does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for any information, product or service represented within our magazine. Anyone using the information provided by The Wheel whether medical, legal, business or other, does so at their own risk and by using such information agrees to indemnify The Wheel from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.
Barbara J. O'Leary, LLC
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INCOME TAX PREPARATION & E-FlLlNG
2021 - 2022 Watergate of Landmark Board of Directors Phil Schrock President Eileen Greenberg Vice President Abed Benzina Director Alex Davila Director Rudnaldo Hodges Director
Barbara J. O'Leaty is an Enrolled Agent
Robert Lee Director Luke Lopez Director Theresa Mulrane Director Joseph Vecchio Director
LANDMARK TOWERS 101 S. Wh1t1ng St. Su1te #203 Alexandria, VA 22304 Website: BarbaraOleaty.com 703-370-7666
Watergate at Landmark Officers Susan Bouldin Treasurer August 2021
Vivian Moran Secretary
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YOUR VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WORK HARD FOR WAL RESIDENTS By Eileen Greenberg, Vice President safer, and/or maintain or increase our property value here at WAL.
The key areas in which your Board of Directors enhances the quality of life for ALL of us:
1. Safety: Such as keeping the elevators in good working order and walkways SAFE for all. 2. Property Value: Such as making sure the facades of our buildings are maintained to high standards, that landscape is beautiful and that we have multiple amenities to meet the needs of ALL. With these decisions, Watergate at Landmark is a superiorly maintained community for our residents, employees and guests! The Board of Directors works together to ensure a positive living environment and that our property retains its beauty and value.
I hope that your summer, so far, has been pleasant and that you have taken advantage of the beauty and amenities we have available to us within the gated community we call “home.” Our own nine very dedicated, experienced members of the Board of Directors work together to make decisions that help make our community safe, provide us with various amenities, help increase our property value, and above all, create a positive and pleasurable environment for all residents. We take our fiduciary responsibility to heart as we make fiscal decisions on behalf of our Association. We leverage our unique mix of subject matter expertise to make WAL a great place to live. As good stewards of our Association funds, we have to weigh the overall impacts to ensure that our spending provides value to our community. Additionally, we often make rules to protect these investments.
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Have you ever wondered how we make decisions for projects that keep our buildings and property SAFE?
The Board of Directors is helped by several hardworking, dedicated members of committees we have at Watergate at Landmark. One very important committee is Infrastructure. This is the group of resident owners who walk around the property, listen to residents’ infrastructure concerns, and then either work with Management to address these issues or, if the issues are too extensive, make recommendations to the Board for improvements. Once the Board determines the value of a project, our General Manager investigates it further and then this information heads to the Project Review Committee, which makes the next decision: “YEA” or “NAY.” If approved, the Budget Committee looks over the financial details. We, the Board Members, are always looking to make sure there is value in all projects we pursue and that these projects make our property
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The established rules and regulations are meant to protect our residents and investments.
We depend on our residents to help protect our investments by following the established rules and regulations. For instance, did you know that placing rugs of any kind on your balcony can weaken the concrete on your balcony with water seepage? Or, that the HVAC closets are not considered “storage space” for our belongings or gardening materials? The Board of Directors creates many of these rules based on the knowledge and information our vendors relay to us regarding the maintenance and SAFETY of our buildings.
Finally, because of the collaboration between WAL committees, residents and Board of Directors, we are now in a very good financial state. According to Susan Bouldin, our Treasurer, about 10 years ago WAL struggled to always have $1 million to move from one year to the next for Infrastructure projects. Today when the fiscal year ends, we should have August 2021
approximately $3.9 million to “roll over” towards our next year’s budget. This practice has been occurring for close to 10 years. This is due to many variables, but mainly due to the care of your Board Members. Our homeowners assessments have been maintained at a rate of about 2% despite higher inflation in life all around us. We, the Board members, are the fiduciaries making responsible decisions for you! The Board takes decisions on how we spend money very seriously and depends on our committees to provide us with their holistic recommendations.
Every decision we make, we keep in mind what is necessary for the SAFETY, MAINTENANCE, VALUE and BEAUTY of our property so we may take pleasure in living here at Watergate at Landmark now and in the future. I hope that the rest of your summer will be a pleasant one!
Check Your Hoses Most homeowners do not think about their washing machine hoses once their washers have been installed. Unfortunately, these inconspicuous and inexpensive plumbing components can cause leaks and potential water damage to your unit and other units around and below you. Washing machine hoses should be replaced every 3-5 years and you should routinely check your hoses for damage or leaks, once a year as a part of your regular plumbing maintenance. Watergate at Landmark Regularly check your washer hoses for leaks and signs of wear before a major requires unit owners to have incident occurs. Photo: Kim Lopez 120 psi flexible metal hoses. It is the most common item cited in resale inspections as a violation. If your washer and dryer hoses need to be replaced contact Handyman Services at 703-370-7000 to get them updated and into compliance. ~ Brittney Copeland, Administrative Director
ROB BLITZER'S WATERGATE SALES REPORT 'Information provided by MRlS and represents sales by all REALTO[IS®.
remaxrob @co mcast.net www.RemaxRob.com
' 703-625 ST# 203 203 203 203 203 309 307 309 307
FLOOR 6th 8th 7th 7rd 3rd 3rd 6th 3rd 12th
August 2021
MODEL B A D E E
F
G G
BR/FB/HB 1/ 1/ 0 1/ 1/ 0 2/ 1/ 1 2/ 2/ 0 2/ 2/ 0 2/ 1/ 1 2/ 2/ 0 2/ 2/ 0 2/ 2/ 0 3/ 2/ 0
SQFT 863 863 1,064 1,098 1,098 1,211
DATE SOLD 06/ 07/ 21 06/ 30/ 21 07/ 15/ 21 06/ 04/ 21 06/ 09/ 21 06/ 30/ 21 06/ 30/ 21 06/ 01/ 21 06/ 25/ 21 07/ 16/ 21
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SOLD PRICE $220,000 $233,000 $235,000 $287,000 $302,000 $249,900 $297,500 $345,888 $375,000 $325,000
GARAGE
No No No No No No No No Yes
..
Rf/ MAX' #1 at Watergate at Landmark, #1 in Alexandria, and #1 In the World!!! RE/ MAX Allegiance 5100 Leesburg Pike, Suite 200 alexandria, VA 22302 703 -824-4800 Each office is independently owned and operated.
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IN WAKE OF DISASTER, WAL VOWS TO KEEP ONE STEP AHEAD WATERGATE’S REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE STRATEGY CONFRONTS THE FUTURE IN THE AGE OF THE UNTHINKABLE By Tom Curry, General Manager, PCAM, AMS, CMCA We are all shocked and saddened by the catastrophic condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida. This almost incomprehensible event has left us with so many questions: What was the cause? How could it happen? How could it not have been foreseen? The disaster is particularly unnerving in that it hits so close to home. WAL, too, is a forty-plus-year-old condominium. We understand Watergate at Landmark’s residents and owners’ concerns. In response, your Association is acting now, ahead of expected future government mandates, to insure we are doing all we can to preserve the integrity of our infrastructure. We are discussing strategies with several structural engineering inspection firms to conduct building structural inspections of our four-decades-old complex. That said, Watergate has been far from complacent in addressing infrastructure needs, particularly in the last 15 years. Residents who have been here during this time are
Ml liANO S!TRUCTION
~Additions
~Carpentry
~Remodeling ~Kitchens/Bathrooms
~Window/Door Replacement
~Pressure Washing
~Decks
~Expert Basement Finishing
~Ceramic & Marble
~Siding
~Plumbing
~Electrical
~Hardwood Flooring
Serving Greater Metropolitan Area for over 30 Years ... Licensed, Insured, Bonded Page 6
Maintenance and repair projects help preserve our infrastructure. Photo: Tom Curry
very familiar with the constant building repairs and maintenance. Although these Association projects may cause noise, inconvenience and disruptions to daily activities, our residents understand the importance of this work. It is top priority for the Association. Every five years, the Association hires an engineering firm to develop a Reserve Study. The study records “useful life” of key infrastructure areas, establishes replacement cost estimates, and outlines future repair and maintenance project expenses. The study reduces the possibility of unexpected special assessments, instead allowing the Association to properly fund future projects through residents’ monthly assessments. One such study was just completed in July of 2021. Every major project completed at Watergate at Landmark involves the expertise of an engineer to create plans and provide inspections while work is underway. Recent major projects have included replacement of roofing systems, HVAC systems, rooftop ventilation systems, unit windows and balcony doors, elevator doors and elevator machinery, balcony utility closet façades, repairs and renovations to balconies, brick façades, parking garages, and many other smaller but important infrastructure items. Rest assured that Watergate at Landmark is not idly standing by waiting for something to happen. We take our responsibilities seriously and are proactive in our efforts to study, maintain, upgrade, and/or replace our community’s infrastructure.
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SLEEP TIGHT, DON’T LET THE BED BUGS BITE By Jene Lyons, Deputy General Manager, PCAM, AMS, CMCA There is a “significant rebound” in travel this season according to AAA. With this comes the likelihood of hitchhikers— in some cases bed bugs— returning home with us from our adventures. If you find such unwanted “visitors” in your unit, please let Watergate staff know immediately by calling 703-3707000. Condo dues support a technician’s treatment of most common household pests and Watergate will send a technician in to diagnose and in some cases, provide treatment for such.
Alerting Watergate Management of a potential issue is crucial, as it assures Watergate has a complete picture of the scope of an issue and can strategize properly to contain it. Per the guidelines of Eagle Pest Services, Watergate’s contractor, “It is critical to the success of this program that Watergate Residents not use aerosol foggers or any other over-the-counter pest control products (such as Raid, etc.) in their unit as these treatments tend to simply move the pests to your neighbor, rather than eradicate them.”
August 2021
Keep the bedbugs at bay; use WAL’s extermination service! Photo: Piotr Naskrecki
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IT’S A NEW DAY FOR THE RACQUET CLUB
doing so, the players would be able to use the facility more often.
By Alex Davila, Board Director For many years, Watergate at Landmark has tried to address the issue of the Racquet Club facility being underutilized. The days of American players dominating the tennis sport were behind us, resulting in declining interest in the sport. However, the Racquet Club facility remained operational over the years. A few years ago, the volunteers of the Project Review Committee worked on replacing the facility’s roof, which was very much needed. This project exceeded a cost of $300,000. This led the Board of Directors to charter the Racquet Club Ad Hoc Committee to figure out how to increase the facility’s use. The Racquet Club Ad Hoc Committee submitted a number of recommendations for the Board to consider. One of these was to implement fob access to the Racquet Club. The operating hours of the Racquet Club had been far from user friendly, which made it extremely inconvenient for the current users and was a deterrent to most of the new residents interested in using the facility. The premise of the recommendation was that fob access would simplify access and increase the operational hours of the facility. In
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Attenda
HomeCare
Quality living in your home COMPREHENSIVE IN-HOME CARE SERVICES AND CARE MANAGEMENT ►
Coordination of Services and Care Providers ► Medication Management ► Dementia Care ► Personal Care ► Companionship ► Hourly and Live-in Care ► Transportation and Doctor Appointments ... And More
t>fea~e, Ca,ff \t~To.Ra-i for a, fl(..E,E, Cor-.~u,ftatior,. 703.608.8838
The many volunteers of the Recreation, Infrastructure and Budget Committee were essential to the success of this effort by working together and maintaining a mutually beneficial approach. All-or-nothing, win-lose, and my way or the highway approaches would likely lead us to failure. These recommendations were implemented, and the use of the facility increased faster than expected. This then required a reservation system that would serve the current needs of the users. Management and the Recreation Committee worked diligently to implement a user friendly and relatively inexpensive online application, Court Reserve. This online reservation system has been very successful in meeting our needs. It takes only seconds to make a reservation or cancel it, if needed. The Court Reserve application also allows for users to make payments, if applicable. Access to the facility was only one piece of the puzzle. Rules and fees needed to be considered as well. A temporary period of six months was put in place to allow Management, the Recreation Committee and the Board time to evaluate the operation. Gathering information we could analyze would increase the probability of success. The Recreation Committee recommended temporary rules for the Board to consider and these were eventually approved and implemented. At the end of the six month temporary period, the Recreations Committee recommended permanent rules that would end in a Policy Resolution (PR 108) and rescind the previous outdated Administrative Resolutions (AR 5B and 5C). The FY 2021 fee schedule was also amended to simplify a confusing fee structure. So, what have we accomplished since last year? We increased the use of the Racquet Club facility by installing fob access and simplifying the operational schedule. The hours of operation went from 45 hours per week, which varied depending on the day, to 119 hours per week. The facility is currently open 7 days a week, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. We updated the operational rules, which were obsolete, redundant and inadequate. The new rules are clear and consistent. The current rules are simple for the users to comply with and for Management to implement and enforce. We modernized the reservation system from making phone calls or using reservation sheets to an online application system. Lastly, we updated a fee schedule that allows users to walk in, make weekly reservations and/or reserve court time for a 3-month period by purchasing a prepaid contract at a $5 per hour rate. Now, thanks to the team work of the WAL volunteers, the Racquet Club facility is easier to use than ever. We hope it will continue to bring new users to enjoy this wonderful amenity.
www.AttendaHomeCare.com • info@AttendaHomeCare.com Licensed by Virginia Department of Health • Bonded and Insured • Serving Northern Virginia
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August 2021
PACKAGE DELIVERY SERVICE AIN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE By Tom Curry, General Manager, PCAM, AMS, CMCA Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something else comes along to add to your list of “Did I just see that?” Yes, Watergate has fallen victim to a rash of “drive-by deliveries,” where delivery drivers are actually throwing packages out their car windows at the Front Gate and speeding away. This behavior is, of course, an illustration in the extreme, but there is a noticeable uptick in poor delivery practices since the pandemic hit, amplified by an increase in online orders. In the not-so-distant past we could expect a few misdirected packages, becoming victims of the delivery crush during the holidays when companies were forced to hire temporary drivers who were unfamiliar with delivery protocols. We were understanding (if not forgiving) of the occasional mishap. But now it seems the norm. Daily, Watergate sees packages left in the lobbies or residential elevator lobby floors, on the loading docks, outside the front doors of buildings, or at the wrong units, not to mention the “drive-by deliveries.” This, despite the best efforts of our Watergate Patrol Services officers to provide specific instructions to delivery drivers. Our officers collect delivery vehicle license numbers, company names and driver names along with the building and unit to which parcels are being delivered. They try to keep tabs on them. They’ve even gone so far as to ban entry to some of the worst offenders.
[Let’s bombard the culprits with some paying-customer complaints!]
most straightforward way to tackle the issue is to bombard the culprits with paying-customer complaints, i.e., that residents who order packages that are not properly delivered complain directly to the company they ordered from, and also call and file a complaint with the delivery service. To that end, we supply you with the following customer service numbers for the delivery services that frequent our community. Have at ’em! Meantime, Management will continue to pore over other solutions. And our PSOs will keep plugging away on the issue — and keep watch for unidentified flying parcels at the Front Gate. __________________________________________
CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS
But in the end, it’s a lesson in frustration. There are hundreds of Amazon, Laser-Ship, DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS and other delivery drivers — including grocery and restaurant drivers — who arrive at Watergate each day attempting deliveries. Many ideas have been proposed to address the problem, from creating various configurations of package locker rooms to hiring staff and installing surveillance cameras everywhere to track the drivers. But perhaps the simplest, August 2021
Management understands the frustration that comes with poorly delivered packages.
AMAZON DHL FEDEX LASERSHIP U.S. POSTAL SERVICE (USPS) UNITED PARCEL SERVICE (UPS)
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1-888-280-4331 1-800-225-5345 1-800-463-3339 804-414-2590 1-800-275-8777 1-800-742-5877
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EVENTS
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Tuesday, August 3
TANGER OUTLETS NATIONAL HARBOR SHUTTLE TRIP
Stand together to show the community the steps WAL is taking to be a safe and enjoyable community. We will have music, games and treats to engage in! This event is free to attend. Please call the Activities Office at 703-3707092 with questions. Sponsored by the Youth Committee.
Pick Up Begins at 9:15 a.m. $12 per ticket
Lower Terrace • 6 – 9 p.m. • FREE
WATERGATE BOOK CLUB
leonardo dlcaprio
tom harks
Thursday, August 5 Virtual • 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 19
Shop ’til you drop or play a few games while visiting the Tanger Outlets and National Harbor area with the A&E Committee. Plan to buy your own lunch at one of the many restaurants in the vicinity! Sign up for the trip and complete the shuttle trip waiver in the Activities Office on or by August 12. Attendees should be ready to board from the lobbies beginning at 9:15 a.m.
Book: Catch Me If You Can Frank W. Abagnale, alias Frank Williams, Robert Conrad, Frank Adams, and Robert Monjo, was one of the most daring con men, forgers, imposters, and escape artists in history. In his brief but notorious criminal career, Abagnale donned a pilot's uniform and copiloted a Pan Am jet, masqueraded as the supervising resident of a hospital, practiced law without a license, passed himself off as a college sociology professor, and cashed over $2.5 million in forged checks, all before he was twenty-one.
BOX CITY PROJECT Saturday, August 28
Multipurpose Area • 4 p.m. • FREE
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Kids of all ages are invited to this interactive building activity hosted by the Youth Committee! You must register at the Activities Office.
YOUTH TENNIS TIME
For the September 2 meeting, we’ll read Crossing the Line by Kareem Rosser.
Saturdays until August 28
Racquet Club • 4 p.m. • FREE
Bring your child for some independent tennis practice! Parents or guardians must remain in the vicinity during the session, and equipment is not provided. Pre-register at the Activities Office. Sponsored by the Youth Committee.
YAPPY HAPPY HOUR Friday, August 6
Rain date: Friday, August 13 Upper Terrace • 7 p.m. FREE
LATE NIGHT SWIM
You can bring your pet to this Pet Committee-sponsored social! Future dates for this event are September 3 and October 1.
Saturdays, August 14 and August 28 Outdoor Pool • 8 - 10 p.m. • FREE
FREE MOVIE: CHICAGO Friday, August 20 Terrace Lounge • 3 p.m. • FREE Come watch this Academy Award-winning musical with friends! Reserve your spot by contacting the Activities Office. The Terrace Lounge will open at 2:30 p.m. for seating. The movie is rated PG-13. Page 10
The pool’s open for a few hours later, so meet some neighbors at the Outdoor Pool and enjoy!
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August 2021
SAVE THE DATE
SEPT. EVENTS
NEWS
HONKY-TONK W/BACK N TIME BAND
Summer Group Exercise Schedule
Saturday, September 11
Session Ends September 30, 2021
Terrace Lounge • 7 p.m. • Tickets: $35
Call 703-370-7092 to purchase your class today!
Ticket price includes dinner from Ben’s Catering. RSVP at the Activities Office. Sponsored by Social Committee. Mondays Pilates • 10:30 a.m. • Terrace Lounge Chair Dancing • Noon • Terrace Lounge
U.S. OPEN VIEWING PARTY Sunday, September 12
Terrace Lounge • 4 p.m. • FREE Light refreshments provided. RSVP in the Activities Office. Sponsored by Recreation Committee.
Tuesdays High Intensity Training • 6:30 p.m. • Terrace Lounge Wednesdays Tone/Balance/Stretch • 12:15 p.m. • Terrace Lounge Thursdays Water Aerobics • 7 p.m. • Indoor Pool
GUNSTON HALL SHUTTLE TRIP Thursday, September 16
Pick Up Begins at 9:15 a.m. • $12 Shuttle • $8 Admission Lunch at Foxchase. Sign up ends September 7. Sponsored by A&E Committee.
Fridays Water Fun with Movement • Noon • Indoor Pool Saturdays Gentle Yoga • 9 a.m. • Terrace Lounge
RE/MAX Allegiance Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
5100 Leesburg Pike
Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22302 Office: (703) 824-4800 TomBoyle CRS, GRI, Associate Broker
Dana Boyle
(703) 823 -24-33
(703) 402-:1:1-33
Realtor®
RE/MAX Allegiance is st.vong at Watergate. Let us help you sell your property or make a purchase. We can rent or manage your property as well as find a rental property for you. Tom has been a Watergate vesident for over 40 years ,vith over 30 years of veal estate experience. Dana grew up at Watergate and joined Tom six years ago in Real Estate. Together they have the knowledg,e and experience to guide you through a smooth transaction. August 2021
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BOX CITY COMES TO WATERGATE By Zohreh Khoshnamak, Youth Committee mandatory. Bring your children and have them learn about urban planning, architectural design, and construction with a perspective on livable and child-friendly cities. Also, please note children can start their design or building at home and complete their projects at the event.
What is Box City?
Box City events are all the rage across the world, giving children the opportunity to design and construct buildings, city blocks, and cities. Attendees become architects for the day, cooperatively creating their own cardboard box buildings for a city while learning about the practical processes of urban development. They can apply for a permit, go shopping at the hardware store, meet the building inspector and work with architects and the city planner.
Will You Help Us? Box City at WAL needs volunteers experienced in construction, architecture and civil planning. Credit: Rashawnda Atkinson
Watergate’s first Box City Event will take place on the Multipurpose Court from 4 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 28. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is
The Youth Committee, the Box City event sponsors, need volunteers experienced in urban planning, architecture, construction, and crafts to help during the event. For questions or to volunteer, call the Activities Office (703-3707092) or email activities@watergateatlandmark.com.
HEATING -COOLING -PLUMBING -AND MORE! Special Pricing tor HVAC System Replacements
We can help you with: • Toilet s, Fixt ure Inst allat ion, Drain Cleaning, Garbage Disposals & More! • HVAC Syst em Replacemen t s, Maint enance & Repairs • Financing Available
GIVE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM THE CARE IT NEEDS! - Call for Current ~ Tune-up Special!
PLUMBING OR HVAC REPAIR
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Coupon must be presented at t ime of se rvice. Cannot be combined with any oth er offer. Does not apply t o diag nost ic. Expires 12/31/2021
703-936-6934
---------------------------August 2021
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2021 By Rashawnda Daniels-Atkinson Cue the interactive demonstrations, games, music, and summer treats! Watergate at Landmark’s National Night Out will be from 6 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3—rain or shine— at the Lower Terrace. This year’s event is made possible by a coordinated effort between the Youth Committee, Patrol Services and the Activities Office. National Night Out aims to foster positive rapport between the community and law enforcement. Photo: Durham Police Dept.
The Alexandria Police Department’s K-9 Unit, Motor Unit, Bike Patrol, Command Bus, Armored Personnel carrier and the Crime Scene Mobile
Lab will tour neighborhoods and offer special demonstrations. Alexandria Fire Department engines and fire trucks will visit various neighborhoods around the City. Through a variety of safety demonstrations, treats and interactive activities, National Night Out hopes to foster and maintain positive relationships between the law enforcement and general public communities in its fight against crime. Positive partnerships between the community, law enforcement and our Patrol Services department help to maintain a place where residents feel confident in calling WAL home.
COME TO WAL’S HONKY-TONK By Carolyn Winters, Social Committee Chair Join us in the Terrace Lounge for the Back N Time Band’s performance at the Watergate Honky-Tonk on Saturday, September 11 from 7 - 9 p.m.
What is Honky-Tonk?
Well, honky-tonks are as American as apple pie! It’s both a bar that provides country music and a style of music. It also refers to the type of piano (tack piano) used to play the music. One theory is that the “Tonk” portion of the name came from the brand of piano made by the William Tonk Brothers who were American manufacturers of upright pianos. Since honky-tonks were usually rundown bars or restaurants, their pianos were rarely maintained, so they were usually badly tuned with keys that
was an important influence on “boogie-woogie.” We now think of it more in the line of country music. Although the elements honky-tonk brought to country music remained part of its backbone, the genre itself was swallowed up in the late 1950s and early 1960s by a Nashville-led new brand of country pop. Fiddles and singing about life’s “rough edges” were out; pop orchestration, background singers, strings and love songs were in. The new artists of this watered-down country format include people like Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline. There have been movements in country music to break Nashville’s homogenizing hold on country music.
Listen to The Back N Time Band and dine with Ben’s Catering at WAL’s Honky-Tonk! didn’t work. Honky-Tonk music started out being a lot like ragtime, emphasizing rhythm more than melody or harmony. Honky-tonk music August 2021
There was the 1970’s Outlaw Movement by Willie Nelson, the 1980’s New Traditionalist movement represented by Randy Travis and Dwight
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The Honky-Tonk is coming to WAL!
Yoakum, and the 1990’s alternative type rebelling against Garth Brook’s “new country.”
Event Details
The Back N Time Band are seasoned classic rock and country musicians who have been performing for dancing crowds for decades. Their music style covers current country to ageless classic rock, oldies and Motown. Ben’s Catering will provide a delicious pulled pork or chicken dinner during the event. Owners Benny Robles and Ronnie Hardcastle live here at Watergate. So, come on down to our Honky-Tonk in the Terrace Lounge and enjoy great music, food and neighbors. Tickets are $35 per person and doors open at 6 p.m. Please bring your own beverages. Page 13
YAPPY HAPPY HOUR
August Pets of the Month
By Bridget Jaspart, Pet Committee Chair
Meet the canaries, Ducati (shown on the right) and Harley. Like the motorcycles they are named after, Ducati is sleek, quick and colorful. Harley is a crowd pleaser, bold and more vocal. The two of them definitely complement each other! ~Terri Perdue Please send an email of your pet’s story and a photo or two to FeaturedPet@WatergateAtLandmark.com to have them appear in a future issue of the Wheel. Please write submissions from the pet owner’s perspective.
The Yappy Happy Hour provides an opportunity for WAL residents to learn about the Pet Committee, to meet its volunteers in a fun, social setting and to connect with other resident pet owners. Usually held during the warmer months of Yappy Happy Hour brings pets and pet the year, these owners together. events allow pets and people to hang out together and celebrate this wonderful pet-friendly community we live in. So don't be shy; stop by the Upper Terrace with or without your pet to join the festivities. I look forward to meeting you at the August 6 Yappy Happy Hour—or another event sponsored by the Pet Committee.
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Attorney Gregory Wade is a Watergate at Landmark resident and makes home visits for estate planning and probate issues. 616 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 223 14 www.oldtownlawyers.com
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Ill GRIMES Ill FRIEDMAN MEINKEN ill LEISCHNER PLLc
WADE
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500 Montgomery St., Suite 575 A lexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-9030
August 2021
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1 Pickleball 2 PM - RC
Wednesday
2 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL
Thursday
3
Friday
4
Saturday
5
6
7
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL
Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP
Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2
Yoga - 9 AM - CR
Mahjong - 11 AM - CR
Pickleball - 4 PM - RC
Pickleball - 7 PM - RC
Lions Club 6 PM - TV
Seniors - 2 PM TL AND TC (Hybrid)
Recreation - 5 PM - TC
Communications 7PM - TC
A&E - 5 PM - CF2
Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC
Watergate Book Club 7:30 PM - VI
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL
Youth - 6 PM - TC
National Night Out 6 PM - LT
Infrastructure - 7 PM - TC
Chair Dance 12 PM - TL
Pet - 7:30 PM - TC
Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI
Youth Tennis Time Water Fun - Noon - IP 4 PM - RC Yappy Happy Hour 7 PM - UT
Covenants - 7PM - TC
8 Pickleball 2 PM - RC
9 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL Chair Dance 12 PM - TL Elections - 2PM - TL
10
11
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
Landscape -11 AM - TC
12 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Mahjong - 11 AM - CR
Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL
Social - 6 PM - CF2
Pickleball - 4 PM - RC
HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL
Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC
13
14
Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP
Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2
Yoga - 9 AM - CR
Pickleball - 7 PM - RC
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
v
Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI
Youth Tennis Time Water Fun - Noon - IP 4 PM - RC
PRC - 7 PM - TC
15 Pickleball 2 PM - RC
16 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL
17 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Chair Dance 12 PM - TL
18 Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
19 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL v
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL
Mahjong - 11 AM - CR
Pickleball - 4 PM - RC
Shuttle Trip: Tanger Outlets/National Harbor - 9:15 AM
HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL
Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC
Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP
Pickleball - 7 PM - RC
22 Pickleball 2 PM - RC
23 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL Chair Dance 12 PM - TL Budget 7 PM - TC
24
25
20
21
Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2
Yoga - 9 AM - CR
Youth Tennis Time Water Fun - Noon - IP 4 PM - RC
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI
Free Movie: Chicago - 3 PM - TL
26
27
28
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL
Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL
Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP
Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2
Yoga - 9 AM - CR
Mahjong - 11 AM - CR
Pickleball - 4 PM - RC
Pickleball - 7 PM - RC
HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL
Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI
Youth Tennis Time Water Fun - Noon - IP 4 PM - RC Box City - 4 PM - MA
29 Pickleball 2 PM - RC
30
31 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL
Pilates 10:30 AM - TL
Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC
Chair Dance 12 PM - TL
Mahjong - 11 AM - CR HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL Board of Directors Meeting - 7:30 PM - TC
30
31
Memorial Day KEY - Offices BL= Building Lobby; BP=Billiard and Ping-Pong Rooms; BR=Blue Room; CF1=Conference Room 1; CF2=Conference Room 2; Closed
Pickleball LOCATION 2 PM - RC
CR=Card Room; FC=WAL Fitness Center; GZ=Gazebos; IP=Indoor Pool; LB=Library; LD= Loading Dock; LT=Lower Terrace; M=Market; MA=Multi-purpose Area; OP=Outdoor Pool; OT=Outdoor Tennis Courts; P=Playground; PG=Putting Green; PR=Party Room; RC=Racquet Club; TC=Teleconference; TL=Terrace Lounge; TS=Town Square; TV=TV Room; UT=Upper Terrace
August 2021
Wheel
Page 15
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2 17
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Wheel
August 2021