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July 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 7 Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association

Chilly Halls Page 7

Working Together Page 6

Summer at WAL Post-Quarantine

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Inside the Wheel News

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President’s Update

ALX D-Day Video

IC and PRC

Chilly Halls

Summer Reminders

HEY THERE, SUMMER! Since we’ve lifted COVID restrictions, residents have been getting back into the Watergate way of doing things. And this End of the School Year Ice Cream Bash and Water Fight is no exception. Check out what else has been going on at Watergate at Landmark in our Activities Spread on page 8. Photo: Zohreh Khoshnamak

Tips Before Vacationing 11 Pro-FIT Information

Monthly Calendar

Features Activities Spread

Upcoming Events

Gentle Yoga

Patriotic Pets

Wheel is a publication of the Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association July 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 7 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.

14 2021 - 2022 Watergate of Landmark Board of Directors Phil Schrock President Eileen Greenberg Vice President Abed Benzina Director Alex Davila Director Rudnaldo Hodges Director

Robert Lee Director Luke Lopez Director Theresa Mulrane Director Joseph Vecchio Director

Watergate at Landmark Officers Susan Bouldin Treasurer July 2021

Vivian Moran Secretary

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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE By Phil Schrock, Board President We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Preamble to the Declaration of Independence July is the month we celebrate Fourth of July, Independence Day. As we reflect on the words of the Preamble and the signed Declaration of Independence some 245 years ago, we also are reminded of John Adams who wrote in his letter of July 3, 1776 to Abigail Adams. He wrote in part: “…I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews [Shows], Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more...” We are grateful for the freedom and independence we enjoy in this great nation – the United States of America! We commemorate Independence Day with family and friends, cookouts, barbecues, get-togethers, sports and oth-

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er celebrations. Let’s all have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday weekend! I would like to provide an update from our General Manager on two ongoing multi-million dollar, multi-year infrastructure projects. The fiscal year 2022 budget includes

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the continuation of both of these projects currently underway. The Balcony HVAC Utility Closet Façade and Vent Replacement Project has moved to Building 3 (307 Yoakum Parkway). This project replaces deteriorated façades of the balcony utility closet. It also installs a permanent vent in each unit for HVAC condensers. During demolition, any necessary concrete rehabilitation work in the closet is completed. To date the association has completed 1,056 units. Building 3 is the last of the four buildings to be completed. The project cost including engineering inspection/design and projected concrete repair costs is nearly $2.8 million. Over the last four years the association will have spent nearly $10 million on this fourbuilding project. The Balcony Restoration Project has moved to Building 1. This project inspects and repairs balcony concrete and brick façades, restores the balcony water resistant surface coating, repairs and paints the glass railings, paints the utility closet door and paints the balcony ceiling. This project is following behind the HVAC Utility Closet Façade and Vent Replacement Project. To date, Buildings Two and Four have been completed. Building 1’s cost is approximately $1.1 million and will be completed by summer 2023. After that it is on to Building 3. This important four building multi-year project will be completed in 2024; its total cost will exceed $4 million.

Watergate Veteran Featured in 77th Alexandria D-Day Celebration On June 3, The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Society collaborated to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of D-Day, which occurred on the shores of Normandy, France during World War II on June 6, 1944. Watergate Resident , and WW2 Veteran Sir Robert “Bob” Fischman was asked to share his story Sir Robert “Bob” Fischman with attendees via video. Several residents inquired about how to view his portion of the story. It is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=ddVoMfEG3Ro.

Electronic Voting. We’ve heard about electronic voting for condominiums, but what’s that all about? Effective the first of July, the Virginia laws pertaining to Common Interest Communities (condominium associations) allow for electronic voting. What does this mean for Watergate? It means voting is permitted at Association meetings in person, by proxy and by absentee ballot, subject to adopted guidelines – an easy statement! So what are we doing to make this a reality? The Board considered the Election Committee’s report during our May Board meeting and decided to start early. In late May, we first appointed Board member Rudnaldo “Butch” Hodges as Chair of the Elections Committee. Then on June 29, the Board appointed 10 members to the Elections Committee. Many are previous or continuing members and all are committed to early research, planning and coordinating, and testing. We are grateful for their dedication and desire to make this a reality as soon as possible and we look forward to the day this becomes another Watergate success story! After being under the pandemic restrictions for more than 14 months, we now look forward to safely getting “back to normal” as soon as possible. Let’s all enjoy the summer!

July 2021

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WORKING TOGETHER WAL’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEES By Abed Benzina and Luke Lopez, Board Directors The Infrastructure Committee (IC) and the Project Review Committee (PRC) are hard at work on behalf of WAL residents. Both Committees follow operating procedures of Administrative Resolution (AR) NO. 40. Although IC and PRC assume different roles and cover different scopes, their functions complement one another. Their joint efforts help identify and remedy problems that help keep our infrastructure safe and up to date. The Board of Directors (BOD) appoints volunteer resident owners to both committees for a one-year term starting in April. The PRC also consists of the Infrastructure Chair, Association Treasurer and the Budget Committee Chair. The BOD then elects the Committee Chairs and assigns two different Directors to serve as a Liaison to the IC and a voting member to the PRC. Both committees meet monthly, the IC meets on the first Wednesday, and the PRC meets on the second Wednesday). Both meetings also offer a Resident Forum to allow all residents to inform or ask about any infrastructure-related issues. Meeting agendas are often determined by information provided by Residents (thru emails to the Chairperson or at the Resident forum), Management, and Committee Members.

Maintenance and improvement projects maintain and raise property values and help keep our infrastructure safe and up to date.

The role of the IC is to advise and make recommendations to the BOD on a vast array of items regarding our community’s infrastructure. The following are some of the recent notable efforts that the IC has undertaken on the behalf of the community: Building 1 north-end sidewalk and lighting, traffic calming devices at critical roadway intersections, replacement of faded traffic signage, FOB installation at the Racquet Club, picnic areas clean-up, residential floor hallway and door painting, conversion of 3 parking spaces behind each building to the “delivery truck only” from 7 AM to 7 PM, extensive research on types of electric vehicle charging stations and oversight of the employee breakroom renovation. The role of the PRC is to review the contracting procedures related to WAL projects and provide recommendations to the BOD based on costs or the best value for the association. The PRC also monitors each ongoing project monthly to help keep the projects from exceeding the approved budgeted costs, staying on schedule, and providing the agreed-upon products and services. In addition, as potential issues arise, the PRC uses its subject-matter expertise to provide remediation recommendations to the BOD. Some notable examples of recent projects include HVAC fascia replacements, balcony repair and elevator motor replacement. In both cases, each committee, comprised of volunteer subject-matter experts, uses their expertise to provide our community with fiscally-responsible solutions to keep our community safe and modern and maintain or enhance property values. The IC and PRC work hand in hand with the residents, other committees, Management and the BOD, to maintain the high quality of life we all enjoy here at WAL.

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CHILLY HALLWAYS By Tom Curry, General Manager, PCAM, AMS, CMCA From time to time, residents inquire about why our hallways seem to be colder than necessary. There’s a pretty good explanation for that. Our hallway HVAC system cools the air which comes in from the outside. Then, the system sends it into the hallways in three locations on each floor. There is one vent at each end of the hallway and one vent in the middle near the elevator lobby. On hot days, the system works very hard to keep the entire hallway cool. To do this, it sends cold air through the vents to cool the entire hallway. There are no return air ducts in the hallways, as the hallways receive 100% of their air from the outside and HVAC systems in our halls do not draw indoor air into the system. The hallway air is pressurized, and it circulates under unit doors and exits

July 2021

through the unit’s bathrooms, kitchen and dryer vents to the rooftop. The distance between the vents is very long. When it’s hot out, you will notice the areas surrounding the vents are much colder than the areas in between the vents. If your unit is located near the end of the hallway, you will notice the hallway feeling cooler as the system attempts to balance the temperature in the entire hallway. We set the hallway’s temperature to 73 degrees. This helps individual unit HVAC systems maintain individual unit temperatures. Due to the building’s design, the hallway’s HVAC system is a very energy inefficient system. However, during the pandemic, having 100% fresh air

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Our building’s hallways may at times feel “chilly,” but the 73° F thermostat setting helps units maintain their own temperatures.

drawn into the hallways is much better than recirculating the same air.

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FRESH OUT OF QUARANTINE SUMMER REMINDERS FROM MANAGEMENT By Watergate Management Staff Here are a few reminders to keep in mind as you enjoy your summer fresh out of quarantine.

Pool Weather Factors

According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, at the first sound of thunder or sighting of lightning, all persons will be cleared from the pool and decks. They will remain clear for at least 30 minutes. If inclement weather persists, the pool will stay closed until 30 minutes after the last thunder clap or flash of lightning. Another factor to consider is the sky’s appearance. Unless evident signs of clearing exist, the storm has not officially “ended." The pool will reopen when evidence of clearing is present and danger from lightning has ceased. When the pool closes for thunder or lightning-related rea-

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sons, ALL patrons will be asked to leave the facility until it is reopened. This applies to the Outdoor and Indoor Pools.

It’s Grilling Season…

Only electric grills are allowed on balconies and in units. Charcoal and gas grills are not allowed at any time.

You can use an electric grill for cooking.

Call Ahead

ficer on duty to permit your guests to come onto the property. Calling ahead reduces wait times.

Taking an Evening Stroll?

Consider wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight while walking or biking in the evening to increase your visibility to drivers.

Follow the Rules, Please

Our Shuttle Bus contractor requires all riders to follow these rules when on the shuttle as safety precautions: 1. Wear your mask properly. It should cover your nose, mouth and chin at all times on the bus. 2. No standing is allowed while the bus is in motion. 3. Sit in the seat facing forward. Do not lean against the bus window nor block the aisle. After a warning, the driver may recommend you be temporarily restricted from riding the shuttle.

Please call the Front Gate ahead of time and ask the Patrol Services Of-

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BEFORE YOU LEAVE TOWN... By Rashawnda Daniels-Atkinson Heading for that much-needed vacation out of town? It’s understandable because many have been stuck at home for over a year now due to COVID, even though our many amenities make it feel as if you’re living on vacation. Before you go on your getaway this summer, however, consider adding the following tips to your checklist: •

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Notify Resident Services of your intent to leave and the duration of your absence. This can be noted on your account for emergency purposes. Check with Resident Services to ensure your emergency or convenience keys up to date. Manage your mail and subscription deliveries. Since Resident Services no longer holds packages for residents, you’ll

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•

have to either make arrangements for a neighbor to pick them up or ask the delivery service/store to hold the packages temporarily until you’re able to pick them up. Keep in mind maintenance or facilities projects that may impact your unit. No one wants to come back to find out their car was towed due to blocking contractors from doing work. Update Frequent Visitors List to grant permission for unit access to those who have routine services performed in your units (e.g. cleaning services, plant watering, pet care). Ask a neighbor or trusted person to check in on your unit while away. Turn off your valves. In the case of an emergency tier shut down or water leak, you don’t want a hefty bill from damage caused by

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Prepare your unit before you hit the road.

• •

•

flooding in your unit damage done to your downstairs neighbor’s unit. Empty trash cans. Keep unwanted house pests from moving in while you’re away. Unplug unneeded appliances. Examples include computers, TVs and small kitchen appliances. This reduces energy consumption and lowers energy costs. Adjust your thermostat to be warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. This also helps reduce the Association’s energy costs and your dues.

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YAPPY HAPPY HOUR

TORPEDO FACTORY SHUTTLE TRIP

Friday, July 9

Thursday, July 15

Rain date: Friday, July 16 Upper Terrace • 7 p.m. FREE

Shuttle Leaves WAL From Bldg. 4 at 10:30 a.m. $12 per ticket

You can bring your pet to this Pet Committee-sponsored social! Future dates for this event are as follows: August 6, September 3 and October 1.

Join the A&E Committee for an afternoon at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria! Enjoy roaming through the galleries and shops in the Torpedo Factory, then treat yourself to a lunch with friends in Old Town. The shuttle leaves from the Torpedo Factory at 2:30 p.m. sharp! Sign up for the trip and complete the shuttle trip waiver in the Activities Office on or by July 8.

WIMBLEDON VIEWING PARTY

ALPHA DOG BLUES BAND SUMMER CONCERT

Sunday, July 11

Terrace Lounge • 9 a.m.

Saturday, July 24 Terrace Lounge • 7 – 9 p.m. • Tickets: $10

Come watch the men’s final of Wimbledon! The Recreation Committee will supply light refreshments. RSVP with the Activities Office if you plan to attend to ensure adequate supplies.

This electric Chicago blues and old-time acoustic blues/jazz band is back by popular demand, so buy your tickets soon! Social Committee sponsors this event.

YOUTH TENNIS TIME Saturdays until August 28

Racquet Club • 4 p.m. • FREE

Bring your child for some independent tennis practice! Attendees must pre-register at the Activities Office. Parents or guardians must remain in the vicinity for the duration of the session, and equipment is not provided. Sponsored by the Youth Committee.

SAVE THE DATE: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Tuesday, August 3

Multipurpose Court • 6 p.m. • FREE Page 12

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Summer Group Exercise Schedule Session Ends September 30, 2021 Call 703-370-7092 to purchase your class today! Mondays Pilates • 10:30 a.m. • Terrace Lounge Chair Dancing • Noon • Terrace Lounge 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 Fridays Water Fun with Movement • Noon • Indoor Pool Saturdays Gentle Yoga • 9 a.m. • Terrace Lounge

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Class Spotlight: Gentle Yoga Come and join us for gentle yoga at the terrace lounge on Saturdays from 9 - 10 a.m. Gentle yoga classes are typically described as appropriate for those who want a softer, nurturing, slow-paced, well -supported and relaxing practice.

The approach includes carefully-orchestrated movements, controlled pressure, and well-measured stretches, including range of motion exercises. Postures may be approached in gradual steps, with plenty of time to focus on breathing and repetition so that the practice is simple to do and easy to remember. A gentle yoga style encourages a highly individualized approach to practice with on-going encouragement to make moment-to-moment adjustments.

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Photos (Clockwise from Top Right): Daisy - Steve and Mary Lynn Clunn; Luna - Kim and Luke Lopez; Frazier - Christine LaVenia; Javy - Matthew and Akie “Cookie” Davis; Teddy - Bridget and Arnaud Jaspart

SNAP, CRACKLE, POP! By Deb Freile, Pet Committee July 4 is around the corner, and everyone is ready for the festivities...except your pet! Read on to learn how to help your pet cope during firework celebrations.

While humans expect fireworks and loud noises at holiday celebrations (including the Fourth of July), it’s just another day for our pets. So, the noisy explosions and flashing lights come without warning for them. Those loud booms, cracks, and whistles are alarming and will trigger their “fight-or-flight” response in dogs, who have a more acute sense of hearing than humans. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to Page 14

run away and hide. They may also show signs of anxiety, such as restlessness, panting, pacing and whining. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help your dog feel safe: • If they are crate-trained, make sure the crate is available, as they may view it as a safe space. • Put them in a small room, such as a bathroom, with music or white noise to help drown out the boom of fireworks. • Try a calming wrap (e.g. Thunder shirt) designed to apply constant light pressure. Many dogs find it comforting. • If your dog is particularly phobic of loud noises, speak with your veterinarian about petfriendly medicinal options to

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keep your pet calm throughout the festivities. Let’s not forget our cat friends. “We know that unpredictable loud noises can cause feline interstitial cystitis,” says Dr. Drew Weigner, feline veterinarian and president of EveryCat Health Foundation, a leading nonprofit that funds cat health studies. “From the cats’ perspective, there’s nothing quite as unpredictable as fireworks,” he states. Finally, never underestimate your pet’s level of curiosity. Fireworks contain several chemicals and heavy metals that are a threat to pets. You should thoroughly clean up the area before letting your dog have access or keep an eye out for residue if you set off fireworks or visit a place (e.g. parks) where they were used. To July 2021

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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

All Offices Are Closed July 4 Holiday Observed

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL

Seniors - 2 PM TL AND TC (Hybrid)

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

8 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

11 Wimbledon Viewing Party - 9 AM - TL

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL Lions Club 6 PM - TV

18 Pickleball 2 PM - RC

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

Pickleball - 7 PM - RC

Recreation - 5 PM - TC

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

A&E - 5 PM - CF2

Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC

Water Fun Noon - IP

Covenants - 7PM - TC

Youth - 6 PM - TC

Yappy Happy Hour 7 PM - UT

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Landscape -11 AM - TC

Torpedo Factory Shuttle Trip - 10:30 AM

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Social - 6 PM - CF2

Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC

Communications 7PM - TC

Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC

Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP

PRC - 7 PM - TC

Pickleball - 7 PM - RC

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC

27 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

Youth Tennis Time 4 PM - RC

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

22 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

23 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

Tone/Balance/Stretch 12:15 PM - TL

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC

Board of Directors Meeting - 7:30 PM - TC

Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Water Fun Noon - IP

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI

Youth Tennis Time Water Fun - Noon - IP 4 PM - RC

Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC

Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

Pickleball LOCATION 2 PM - RC

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Budget 7 PM - TC

Pickleball 2 PM - RC

Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP

19 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

9 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

12 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

Youth Tennis Time 4 PM - RC

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Infrastructure - 7 PM - TC

Pickleball 2 PM - RC

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI

Water Fun Noon - IP

Pet - 7:30 PM - TC

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Evening Book Club 7:30 PM - VI

Pickleball 2 PM - RC

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

29 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI Youth Tennis Time 4 PM - RC Alpha Dog Blues Band Summer Concert 7 PM - TL

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

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI

Youth Tennis Time Water Fun - Noon - IP 4 PM - RC

31 Memorial Day KEY Offices Closed

BL= Building Lobby; BP=Billiard and Ping-Pong Rooms; BR=Blue Room; CF1=Conference Room 1; CF2=Conference Room 2; 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; VI = Virtual

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