March 2021 Wheel

March 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 3 Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association

VOTE! 44th Annual Meeting March 1 at 7 p.m.!

Tired of Water Leaks?

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Things To Do This Spring

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Furry Angel

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March 2021

Inside the Wheel President’s Message

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Get New Valves

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MATV & Cable

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Watergate at Landmark’s array of cherry blossoms are just a sight to see each spring. We’re fortunate to have such beauties that many flock to our nation’s capital to see each year. On your next walk, jog or drive, take the time to observe the stunning transformation.

Upcoming Activities

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Photo: Tom Curry

Pro-FIT Information

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Let’s Talk About It

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Happy New Year

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March Calendar

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News

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CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Wheel is a publication of the Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association March 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 3 Published 11 times annually

Features

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COVID Activities

12

Pet of the Month

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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.

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2020 - 2021 Watergate of Landmark Board of Directors Gary Dahl President Eileen Greenberg Vice President Abed Benzina Director Alex Davila Director

Robert Lee Director Luke Lopez Director Theresa Mulrane Director Phil Schrock Director

Watergate at Landmark Officers Susan Bouldin Treasurer March 2021

Vivian Moran Secretary

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WATERGATE ROUND-UP

By Gary Dahl, Board President

Photo: Gary Dahl

this way.

This is my last President message for the Watergate at Landmark Wheel. I decided not to seek reelection after serving as a WAL board member for seven years and five of those years as the Association President. While some days have been challenging, most of the days these past seven years have been personally rewarding. It was a joy to serve the Association in

tions, prioritized maintenance and worked through the Virginia COVID-19 state restrictions. All of these actions served the community in an exceptional manner.

Rising Utilities Cost

The rising costs of utilities have consumed a significant amount of the board’s energy these past few months. We hired a contractor to conduct an energy audit that will provide an expert analysis of all our utility expenses going forward. A special group of owners that are knowledgeable of our natural gas usage over the past years reviewed a proposal to lock in our gas prices at rates lower than those we paid in the past nine years!

The new contract will begin when the current contract ends on October 2021. The new and previous rates are listed in the chart as follows:

WAL’s Natural Gas Usage Rates

Community Impact

The Association is a legal entity; therefore, the board members must act with a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the entity’s success and financial wellbeing. To that end, other board members and I developed policies and procedures that served the greater good of all owners, not just a few. During my tenure, the budget has been balanced.

Many years, there was a surplus available that funded much-needed capital reserve projects, kept our condo maintenance fees at reasonable level (given the requirements of the physical structure), revitalized the policy and administrative resolutions, updated the rules and regula-

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Contract Term

Rate

2021-2024

35.17 cents per therm

2018-2021

37.60 cents per therm

2015-2018

44.70 cents per therm

2012-2015

45.40 cents per therm

Even with the emphasis on reducing energy costs, electrical use for January 2021 exceeded each of our January

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Electrical Watts usage for the past seven years. Cold weather happens, and that’s one aspect the board cannot control. The lesson learned here is that each resident can do their part to reduce electric use in the unit. So, please lower the temperature of your heater, have a thermostat that adjusts usage based on needs and turn off the lights when you’re not in the room.

A Special Thanks

I wish to thank our Management team for their outstanding support. I cannot name them all in this letter, but I specifically want to recognize the work and input of our General Manager (Tom Curry), Deputy General Manager (Jene Lyons), Patrol Services Chief (Javier Ortiz), Administrative Director (Brittney Copeland) and our Facilities Director (Ron Gibson). They are top-notch professionals who bring extensive knowledge, commitment and expertise to this Association and enhance your ownership.

For The Greater Good

Fiduciary responsibility of the Watergate at Landmark UOA is job number one of all board members. At the same time, the quality of life for residents and owners is an important touchstone for board members. Throughout my term, residents provided me with support and encouragement. I realized decision-making must reflect the greater good for all residents. Some decisions may have made individual residents upset with me and my fellow

March 2021

The Board relies on the input of residents to help render decisions that reflect the greater good of the Association.

board members, but all of my actions were for the greater good of the Association. There are many “silent majority” owners who occasionally called, wrote or stopped me in the halls to influence association decisions and board actions. Please continue contacting the board, as you will be head and shoulders over those who are outspoken and seek the limelight. In parting, I say thank you with a grateful heart to those residents who supported me as a board member and as President.

I bid you all “adieu” and wish both the new board and new president the best in maintaining the Association’s superior financial condition. After all, the bottom line is what being on the board is all about. Keep on keeping on and good luck!

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CHECK YOUR VALVES

there’s a drip seeping into the hallway and saturating the

By Jene Lyons, Deputy General Manager corridor carpeting.

In some instances, Imagine being awakened from your the braided supply line to a kitchen winter’s nap by a funny noise in your sink or faucet has broken off. On ocunit: “Hmm…What is that?” you casion, the damages are significant. think as you get up to investigate.

Rounding the corner to your laundry corridor, you discover the cause of your interrupted slumber: It’s your OLD washing machine — and it’s overflowing! Yikes!

Would you know how to immediately stop the flow of water?

In other words, do you know where your shut-off valves are located and whether they are functioning?

I am asking these questions because as Management, we see water loss issues quite often on the Patrol Services “pass-on reports” that inform us of notable community incidents. For instance, a resident may report a bathroom light fixture is filling up with water from a unit above, or that

NEW Updated valves save money and more!

While no homeowner can prevent all water loss incidents, the installation of updated shut-off valves is a relatively inexpensive step that homeowners can take to minimize potentially costly damages for which a homeowner may be held responsible.

At Watergate, “only about 50% of the units have updated their water shut-off valves,” says Metro Water’s David Wilborn, a water conservation expert who is in and out of units while monitoring Watergate’s water consumption.

This means that 50% of our residents are in danger of confronting a malfunctioning washing machine or toilet with a faulty shut-off valve that may not turn off the running water.

Wilborn attributes the valve problems either to age Page 6

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or to rubber washers in the old style shut-off valves that harden and break apart.

“We have very high pressure here at Watergate,” notes Assistant Facilities Director Donell Jenkins. “It’s about 120 psi, so your valves need to be working to prevent damage from going below,” he says.

If you can’t turn the valve at the fixture itself (toilet, sink, washing machine) you are likely going to be dependent upon Watergate’s Maintenance team to shut the valve. And that can mean precious time is lost between the time of your call to them and the response.

“Even if Maintenance happens to be in the building with a unit experiencing such a loss,” explains Jenkins, “it will realistically take the team between 10 to 15 minutes to get the entire tier shut off.” It takes two maintenance workers to do an emergency building tier shutdown to stop the water flow. And it will cost you $300.

“Meanwhile, in those few minutes, up to 5,000-6,000 gallons of water is going down the drain [or perhaps into a unit or units below],” cautions Wilborn. To avoid this, Wilborn recommends upgrading to the new “quarterturn” valve, which he describes as “the biggest improvement in the plumbing industry” that he’s ever seen.

As a reminder, Watergate’s Handyman Services offers valve inspections free of charge. At the very least, you can request a check to make certain your valves are functioning properly and learn where they are all located.

Should you desire to invest in the newer quarter-turn valves, you may enlist Handyman Services to replace them for about $12-$15 per valve.

Plus, labor is $70 an hour/$17.50 per quarter-hour, and a scheduled tier shutdown costs $100 — a small price to pay to prevent, say, the experience of waking up to the nightmare of a washing machine geyser, don’t you think?

March 2021

DIY CABLE INSTALL CONNECT TO MATV VIA COMCAST

By Rashawnda Atkinson

safety measure, residents wondered if it was possible to restore access while maintaining the cable service.

WAL management reached out to the Comcast representative whom provides services for the Association and is familiar with our Master Antenna TV system (MATV) for guidance on how to assist residents with this portion of the self-installation process due to COVID restrictions. Following are instructions on how to access the channels that show your building’s lobby entrance camera and WAL’s CCTV depending on the equipment you chose to install.

You can still view CCTV and front door camera with your cable subscription.

Some residents recently subscribed to Comcast, our local cable provider, and realized they could not access their building’s front door camera or CCTV. Since many companies, Comcast included, implemented selfinstallation processes as a COVID-19

March 2021

Traditional Comcast Box

If you want to see your building’s front door camera and WAL’s CCTV on a Comcast set top box, you must have a direct connection to the cable box from the wall. Use a coax cable to connect the Comcast box to the MATV feed in the room where it is located. Once that is done, then you

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can turn on the TV and tune to channels 970 and 971 to view these channels.

Wireless X1 Infinity Box

The wireless X1 set top box cannot stream your building’s front door camera or CCTV because our community channels operate on an analog connection. To access them, make sure there is a coaxial cable connected from the MATV wall connection to your TV. Then use an HDMI cable to connect the X1 wireless box to your TV’s HDMI port.

When you want to view your building’s lobby entrance camera or WAL’s CCTV, press the TV input button and select TV. Then tune to channel 3 to see the front door camera feed and channel 8 to view WAL’s CCTV. To view the Comcast channels only, you would need to change the TV input selector using the remote or buttons on your TV. Switch the TV input to HDMI to use the Comcast Voice Remote to choose your channel.

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WAL UPCOMING EVENTS

PRO-FIT NEWS

WATERGATE EVENING BOOK CLUB

Winter Group Exercise Schedule

Thursday, March 4

Call 703-370-7092 to purchase your class today!

Virtual • 7:30 p.m.

Come discuss The Alienist, a New York Times bestseller-turned-TV series crime novel by Caleb Carr set in late 19th century New York City. The story reveals how a series of murders were solved from the view of a journalist and the then-rising field of psychology. For more information contact Diane Parker Mullens at 703-973-4373.

Session Ends March 31 Mondays Pilates • 10:30 a.m. • Terrace Lounge Chair Dancing • Noon • Terrace Lounge Tuesdays Chair Dancing • Noon • Terrace Lounge *New Time High Intensity Training • 6:30 p.m. • Terrace Lounge Wednesdays Tone/Balance/Stretch • 12:00 p.m. • Terrace Lounge Thursdays Water Aerobics • 7 p.m. • Indoor Pool Fridays Water Dance • Noon • Indoor Pool

KNIT AND STITCH CLUB

Saturdays Yoga • 9 a.m. • Terrace Lounge

Fridays • Conference Room 2 • 10 a.m.

We have plenty of room to socially distance and wear masks. For more information, contact Diane Parker Mullens at 703-973-4373.

SCRAPBOOK CLUB

Want to Attend a Fitness Class?

Saturdays • Virtual • 2 p.m.

Email Diane Parker Mullens at dpmullens@comcast.net or call 703-973-4373 to learn more about this club!

YOUTH TENNIS TIME Saturdays until March 27

Racquet Club • 3 p.m. • FREE Attendees must pre-register at the Activities Office and sign waivers prior to participation.

Parents or guardians must remain in the vicinity for the duration of the session. This FREE event is sponsored by the Youth Committee. Equipment is not provided.

Buy a class pass and use it to attend any of the fitness classes offered at Watergate at Landmark!

10 Classes: $95 * 20 Classes: $179 * 30 Classes: $209 Unlimited Classes: $229 *Less than $4/class!* Drop-In Rate: $10 per class The Winter Group Exercise Class Schedule will run through March 31, 2021. After that, the Spring Group Exercise Class Schedule will begin. You may join classes at any time but classes purchased must be used during the schedule in effect. For example, classes purchased in the winter must be used during the winter class schedule.

SAVE THE DATE: COMMUNITY SHRED-IT Saturday, April 17

Your Bldg. Loading Dock 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Details are forthcoming.

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ProFIT Referral Program Don’t keep a great thing to yourself! Refer a friend, family member or neighbor to join Pro-Fit’s Group Exercise Program! If they commit to a class pass and mention you as a referral, they receive 35% OFF the price of their class pass AND you get two FREE classes!

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PLEASE, DO TELL...

Celebrating WAL’s Volunteers

Our community has lots of residents who give their time, talents and resources to make WAL a desirable place to live. If you could share your story or know of someone who’d be great to feature, we’d love to hear from you about it in time to publish it for National Volunteer Month in April!

By Rashawnda Atkinson

Down Memory Lane

We’ve had requests from residents inquiring about WAL’s history. Whether it was the WAL Christmas tree, variety shows, skating rink or summer barbeques, these stories seem to truly resonate with residents throughout the community.

Tell How Much You Love WAL

Share your story with us for a future issue!

We have a variety of writers who volunteer to contribute an article for the Wheel, for which we are truly grateful. At times, there are certain stories that require a little help from our community. Please share these ideas with your neighbors and reply to one or more of the following story requests by a hard copy dropped off at the Communications Department at Resident Services or by an email to commgr@watergateatlandmark.com.

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What do you love about your life at WAL? Many people enjoy the amenities, social events or camaraderie...your story may appear in an article celebrating the best about our community. Whether you’re a long-time owner, a new resident or somewhere in between, the Wheel wants to hear from you!

A brief story or reply is all we need unless you’ve got the desire to write more. Any pictures you permit us to publish would be a bonus!

Stay tuned to Weekly Flyers for updates and deadlines.

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HOPING FOR A FRESH START

celebrating the renewal of life on earth at the onset of spring, thanking mother earth and nature for the bountiful harvest brought to farmers.

Today, more than 300 million people celebrate Nowruz globally at the exact moment of the vernal or spring equinox. This year, Nowruz begins on Saturday, March 20th 2021, at 5:37:28 a.m. EST.

By Zohreh Khoshnamak, Youth Committee

If We Only Knew...

Our celebration was the last large event prior to COVID shutting everything down. It was an amazing event and one we hoped would become an annual tradition at WAL. Although the vaccination process is picking up speed and we see the light at the end of the tunnel, our next Nowruz celebration will have to wait another year. I know that will be the most amazing celebration of Nowruz at Watergate.

Looking Forward to New Beginnings The Haft Seen table is a key part to celebrating Nowruz.

As winter storms wreak havoc throughout in the U.S., it’s hard to believe we are a few weeks away from winter’s end, the first day of spring and the Iranian New Year!

Celebrating Nowruz

For the first time last year, WAL celebrated Nowruz as a community. It is a 5,000-year Zoroastrian-Iranian tradition

March 2021

Having said that, I can’t think of a more appropriate marker to usher in the end of this pandemic and the end a truly difficult and painful year marked by loss and suffering. In its truest sense, Nowruz is about renewal, leaving the old and tired year behind and starting afresh. As Iranians prepare for the new year by cleaning and purging their homes, they welcome the new year with much joy and excitement.

Iranian farmers understood that every year—good or bad—would end, starting the new year with a clean slate.

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SPRING FUN 2021

COVID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AT WAL

offer. Soak up some sun and enjoy the freshness that spring air brings. Watch to see when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. It’s truly an amazing site to see!

By Rashawnda Daniels-Atkinson

If sitting’s not your speed, then take in the same views on a bike ride or spring stroll around the community.

We’ve seen our fair share of cold weather this season, so it’s almost certain that you’re looking for ideas of things to do once things warm up. Here are some ideas for days when you want a break from your everyday routine that are also COVID-friendly!

Get Creative

Teleconferencing isn’t just for formal meetings. The Science Club recently completed their activities with the 4-H club, others met up to play the popular Among Us game and still some families have arranged virtual playdates with friends and family both near and far. There are several open source apps or free apps that allow you to schedule meetings, invite attendees and more. Examples include Skype, Zoom, Google Meet and Duo.

The Knit and Stitch and Scrapbooking Clubs have resumed meetings each week. You can crochet, loom or knit to your heart’s content with neighbors. Attendees must wear their masks and social distance since they meet in person. The Scrapbooking Club meets virtually. You can make a physical or digital scrapbook, so no Apps like Project Life can help need to have any supplies. you create a digital scrapbook!

Just Sit...Outside!

Game On

Virtual Meet-ups

A change of scenery can do you some good. Whether it’s on the Upper Terrace, at the Meadow or from your balcony, getting some much-needed sunshine after being cooped up inside may be the break you need. The seating has been arranged to promote social distancing as well.

Enjoy the landscape and city views our community has to

Do you have a tennis racket? A pickleball paddle? Both?

Look up one of the socials and come out to play at our Racquet Club or meet a few friends at one of our outdoor courts. A bonus is that these activities naturally create social distancing opportunities. Just be certain to have your COVID waivers signed prior to entering along with any desired equipment.

Or, you can meet up with a few friends in the Game Room for a round of billiards or ping pong. Equipment is kept at Resident Services.

Take a Swim

While the summer pool season is still months away, our community has the added benefit of the Indoor Pool. Not only can swimming be a good exercise, but the warm water may also help you relax in other ways.

Work It Out

Whether you’re into an early morning Yoga session, want to boogie down while Chair Dancing or need an evening high-intensity work out in Pro-Fit’s HIIT class, there’s something new for you to try. There are a variety of classes that could suit your interests and fit into your schedule, so call or visit the Activities Office for details!

Slow and Steady

Consider joining the Tai Chi club that meets at 8 or 9 a.m. depending on the day of the week. They’ve spread out and implemented social distancing measures as a safety precaution. This is one of WAL’s longest-standing interest groups, so work on your balance and calming techniques during one of their upcoming sessions.

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MY FURRY ANGEL

By Pritika Bhattacharjee, Pet Committee Member I brought Lola home when she was just two months old, and I can't remember what life was like before her. She turned 2 years old in January, yet Lola is still very much in her puppy phase! If you’ve seen a super energetic yellow Labrador jumping around, splashing in water puddles or being silly—that's her!

Lola is very athletic and loves to run around and play fetch. She's a very curious puppy and has been a great companion on several hikes I went on last year. Lola is also extremely friendly. She loves both her human friends and her dog friends equally, although she is a little scared of children. That’s probably because she hasn't had a chance to interact with them much.

I could not have survived this pandemic without my furry angel and feel so blessed to have her in my life!

Do you have a pet you’d like to write about? Send your story to sclunn@yahoo.com. Please submit your story in first-person rather than your pet’s voice.

March 2021

Lola, March’s Pet of the Month. Photo: Pritika Bhattacharrjee

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March 2021

MARCH 2021 EVENTS Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL Chair Dance 12 PM - TL Lions Club 6 PM - TV

2

Thursday

Friday

3

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC Seniors - 2 PM - TC

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Recreation - 5 PM - TC

Covenants - 7PM - TC

Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM - RC

Water Aerobics - 7 PM - IP

Youth - 6 PM - TC

Pickleball - 7 PM - RC

Infrastructure - 7 PM - TC

Evening Book Club - 7:30 PM - VI

44th Annual Meeting 7 PM - VI

Saturday

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5

6

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tone/Balance/Stretch 12 PM - TL

Chair Dance - 12 PM - TL

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

Organizational BOD Meeting 7 PM - VI

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC Water Dance Noon - IP

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI Youth Tennis Time - 3 PM - RC

Pet - 7:30 PM - TC

7 Pickleball 2 PM - RC

8 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

9

10

11

12

13

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

Landscape -11 AM - TC

Chair Dance - 12 PM - TL

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

Water Aerobics - 7 PM - IP

Social - 6 PM - TC

Tone/Balance/Stretch - 12 PM - TL

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Intermediate Tennis Social- 6 PM - RC

Water Dance Noon - IP

Pickleball - 7 PM - RC

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI Youth Tennis Time - 3 PM - RC

PRC - 7 PM - TC

14 Pickleball 2 PM - RC

15 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

16

17

21

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Tone/Balance/Stretch - 12 PM - TL

Chair Dance - 12 PM - TL

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC

23 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

28

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Pickleball - 4 PM - RC Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM – RC

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

30

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Pickleball - 7 PM - RC

Water Dance Noon - IP

25 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tone/Balance/Stretch - 12 PM - TL

29 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

Water Aerobics - 7 PM - IP

24 Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Budget 7 PM - TC

Pickleball 2 PM - RC

20 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

22 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

19

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Intermediate Tennis Social - 6 PM – RC

Pickleball 2 PM - RC

18

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI Youth Tennis Time - 3 PM - RC

26

27

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CF2

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Pickleball - 7 PM - RC

Water Dance Noon - IP

v

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI Youth Tennis Time - 3 PM - RC

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Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Tone/Balance/Stretch - 12 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

2021 Annual Re-registration Ends at 6 PM Today

LOCATION KEY 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; 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

March 2021

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March 2021