Wheel Magazine - February 2021

February 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 2 Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association

2021 Board Elections Information

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WAL Staff Awards Page 5

Did You Re-register Yet? Page 6

Where’s The Latest Email?

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February 2021

Inside the Wheel News

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ON THE COVER:

LOVELY LANDSCAPE

President’s Message

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WAL Staff Awards

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Annual Reregistration

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Do you know that our 34 acres of planned landscape is one of our most popular features?

Whether you’re on a trail or near the putting green, there’s always something beautiful to enjoy. So, grab your coats, mittens and hats and take a nature trek to see what beautiful views you can find!

Return WAL IDs

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Photo: Tom Curry

Board Elections 2021

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Upcoming Activities

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Pro-FIT Information

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Email Issues

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Free COVID-19 Tests

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Caught Parking There

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February Calendar

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Features WAL 4-H Club

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Pickleball Tourney

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Blue-Eyed Monty

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Wheel is a publication of the Watergate at Landmark Unit Owners Association February 2021, Vol. 47, Issue 2 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.

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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 February 2021

Vivian Moran Secretary

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WATERGATE ROUND-UP

By Gary Dahl, Board President As we experience the cold, wet February weather, it is wonderful that WAL has amenities that are still open and useable.

Many local Photo: Gary Dahl Associations closed amenities per Virginia’s Executive Orders; however, your Board has worked very hard to keep them open albeit with various restrictions.

Please enjoy them and use them appropriately.

dents but do not live there. Also, if you want a resident from another building to have FOB access for your building so they may access to your unit, you can make that request in writing at the Resident Services Office.

Patrol Services

Patrol Services provides a monitoring service. The Association does not provide any security services on property beyond the access control at our Front and Back Gates. Please contact the Alexandria Police Department for security-related matters.

Property Access

After two Board Meetings and a Town Hall, changes to Policy Resolution #88 (PR 88) - Property Access were approved by the Board of Directors. Added to PR 88 is the policy concerning building access. Now, any

Clean equipment before and after use.

Fitness Center Deep Cleanings

During January, the Virginia Department of Health visited our property to review our compliance with COVID19 guidelines. They reinforced procedures and recommended changes to our existing practices. We have reduced the operating hours for the Fitness Center to ensure deep cleaning.

The Association also increased notices that residents must clean each exercise equipment piece used and wear masks when not on the equipment.

Please do you part and wear a mask indoors in our amenities and hallways, as other residents have men-

A recently approved proposal will reduce electricity costs by about $200,000 annually. resident can access all buildings by using the call box and dialing a code.

So be aware that you may see more people in your building who are resiPage 4

Lower Electricity Bill

The Association has approved a proposal from Dominion Energy that will reduce our utilities by about $200,000 annually. Based on conversations with them, we envision the new rate scale will start this month.

Since we are starting mid-way in the fiscal year, our savings will be significantly lower for FY 2021. However, from January of this year through December 2021, the $200,000 in savings will be realized.

Reserve Study

Annual Meeting

Our Annual Meeting will be on Monday, March 1. The Meeting and Candidates for the Board of Directors are being mailed to you a few weeks later than usual. Please note that this circumstance along with no in-person lobby voting this year as a COVID precaution puts the Association at a significant risk of not meeting the 25% of the total electorate quota. So please send in those proxies immediately after receiving your packet. The Association needs your support for the March meeting to be held. If quorum isn’t met on March 1, we will have to spend additional money and time to obtain it.

to close the Fitness Center if equipment is not cleaned after each use. To keep the facility open, please sanitize before and after every use.

tioned seeing several residents routinely not complying with the state’s Executive Order regarding public spaces. The state’s order requires us

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During the December Board Meeting, a vendor was selected to conduct our reserve study. Every Association is required by state law to conduct a reserve study every five years. The study will provide foundations for repair and replacement of our physical property along with dollar projections of reserve items at WAL for the next 30 years. The Board will use the results to assist in determining our 5year reserve plan produced each year during the budget cycle. This is an important study that will guide the way ahead for our infrastructure.

They’re Coming Back!

More speed humps are coming! Over the past year, our Infrastructure Committee presented to the Board several locations in our community where drivers speed, creating a safety issue.

In December of last year, the Board decided to permit the Infrastructure Committee to select and approve additional locations for speed humps at their discretion. Yes, after years of eliminating them, they are coming back. As you are jostled around in your vehicle or on the shuttle bus, you can thank those who speed routinely on property.

So, please be safe, wear a mask and practice social distancing until we meet again virtually during the February 23 meeting.

February 2021

WATERGATE AT LANDMARK 2020 STAFF AWARDS Patrol Services EOY: Mitchell Wright, Corporal Resident Services EOY: Patricia Hearne, Resident Services Representative Rising Star: Shalayah Nesbitt, Handyman Coordinator

Length of Service Awards Left: Moises Rodriguez, WAL Employee of the Year Right: Margaret Nestor, Management Employee of the Year

The Board of Directors and WAL Management is pleased to announce the 2020 Employee of the Year (EOY) and Length of Service award recipients:

Employees of the Year

Watergate at Landmark EOY: Moises Rodriguez, Environmental Services Floor Person Management EOY: Margaret Nestor, Resident Services Manager Maintenance EOY: Saul Benavides, Painter

February 2021

Special Recognition for 30+ Years of Service: Coby Addo - 38 years; Ron Gibson - 36 years; B.J. Motley - 35 years and Regina Robertson - 31 years WAL Service Award - 20 Years:Jorges Berrios, Trevor Dunkley, Sahr Farmah and Ahmed Jabbie WAL Service Award - 15 Years: Morris Kaba WAL Service Award - 10 Years: Gonzalo Cruz, Marlene Lane and Esteban Milla WAL Service Award - Five Years Tony Camphor, John Cunningham and Thomas Curry WAL Service Award - Three Years Abdul Bangura, Byron Escobar, Saidu Konteh and Raul Mercado

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ANNUAL RE-REGISTRATION 2021

By Jene Lyons, Deputy General Manager WAL’s Annual Re-registration verifies contact, emergency contact, vehicle, bicycle and pet information for every resident. Upon completion of the process, residents will receive amenity passes, ID stickers, decals and pet tags for 2021. Accurate and updated information helps you as a resident access all amenities, provide standard services (e.g. maintenance requests, lockouts) and alert you to about emergencies. Re-registration began in January will continue through Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

Procedures to minimize contact between residents and staff while gathering this vital information amid the pandemic are in place. Required supporting documents can be scanned or electronic photos taken and submitted by email. You may also copy them at no charge on the copy machine located next to the Resident Services window during office hours. As you review your Unit Profile Sheet, make corrections directly onto the form and sign it when finished.

This copying station is located outside Resident Services.

“Resources Documents” tab) and in the racks near the Resident Services window.

Required Documentation

WAL ID Card(s) These are issued for each unit occupant over 1 year of age.

Provide copies of all the current WAL IDs associated with your residence.

• The pet form can be emailed if you need one and have

a pet to register. Or, call 703-370-7000.

Pet Photo

Current DMV Registration(s) Provide a copy of all vehicle and/or motorcycle registrations associated with your residence.

Bicycles Provide needed information on the re-registration sheet.

Include number of bikes, color, brand and bicycle type.

Pet Owners

Please submit copies of the following for all pets four months and older: Copy of current Pet License Payment of the annual registration fee of $25.00/dog living at WAL • Credit card payments may be made on the form enclosed in the Re-registration packet. Payment can also be called into Resident Services Staff on 703-3707000. Payments made by check should be made out to Watergate at Landmark and may be placed in the return envelope with WAL’s address. Assistance Animals are exempt from this fee.

Completed Watergate Pet Registration form for FY21

• If applicable, the pet registration paperwork is availa-

ble at www.watergateatlandmark.com (under the

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• If you have not previously provided a photo, please

include a full body photo of your pet. This may be brought in person or emailed ahead of time to pets@watergateatlandmark.com.

Returning Completed Packages

Email Residents with the ability to scan documents or take electronic photos of them may email the Unit Profile Sheet and supporting documents to Resident Services at reregistration@watergateatlandmark.com.

Physical Drop Location Place corrected and signed Unit Profile Sheet with copies of supporting documents in the return envelope provided and drop it in the Gold Mail Slot located on the left side of the Resident Services office window under the granite ledge.

Building Lobby Drop Box Place Unit Profile Sheet with copies of supporting documents into the return-envelope provided and drop into Secure Drop Boxes located in building lobbies beginning March 1, 2021. Please do not put your re-registration materials in the drop boxes during the month of February, as they will be used for the Association’s Board of Directors election ballot collection.

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February 2021

U.S. Mail Return your Unit Profile Sheet (corrected and signed) with postage and copies of supporting documents in the return envelope provided and addressed to Watergate at Landmark, Attn: Resident Services, 211 Yoakum Parkway, Alexandria, VA 22304.

It’s Hard to Say Goodbye...

If You Fail to Re-register...

These steps will be followed by the Association prior to assessing charges or taking action: Monday, March 15 – Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Reminder notices placed on vehicles with expired decals.

Thursday, April 1, 2021 Any resident not re-registered prior to this date will incur a Late Registration Service Charge of $50/unit.

Thursday, April 1, 2021 Vehicles without WAL decals or if they are expired may be booted starting at midnight. There is a $50 Booting Fee, and it is separate from the Late Registration Service Charge.

Thursday, April 1, 2021 Bicycle rack culling begins. Per Association Rules, unidentified bicycles on WAL property will be removed, stored for 30 days and then trashed if unclaimed. A onetime courtesy notice may be issued.

February 2021

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Turn in all WAL-related items before moving from WAL.

We’re thankful for the time you’ve spent as a member of our community. As a part of your moving plans, be sure to gather your Watergate ID(s), amenity passes and vehicle decals to return to Resident Services prior to your departure. These items are the property of Watergate at Landmark and there are fees associated with a failure to return such.

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WAL ELECTIONS 2021

Option 2 on the proxy ballot envelope which says, “Vote for quorum purposes only.” Remember: PLEASE VOTE EARLY!

By Elections Committee Let your voice be heard and vote in our upcoming WAL Board of Directors Elections! Board Members are the Association’s governing representatives and the decisions they make impact our lives daily. Responsibilities of the Board include:

Helpful instructions for voting are included in the election materials, and you may vote as soon as you receive them.

Election Mailboxes have been placed in EACH building lobby for your convenience. Included in the information are copies of candidates’ biographies and campaign statements for you to review.

• Adoption of an annual Association budget, unit assess-

ments and a schedule of fees. Board Members must manage stakeholders’ money in responsible decisions that impact the financial circumstances of unit owners.

Vote or turn in your proxy at or before the 44th Annual Meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021!

• Approval of contracts and capital expenditures that con-

tribute to the maintenance and appearance of the property, improve home values and instill in residents a sense of pride in their community. Board Members must endeavor to limit the inconvenience of major infrastructure projects on residents and ensure projects are completed on schedule, at budget and at a high level of quality.

The Elections Committee has coordinated a Joint Committees Meet the Candidate event on Tuesday, February 9, followed by the Annual Meet the Candidates Town Hall on Tuesday, February 16. At this event, residents can hear the candidates’ ideas and ask them questions. These meetings will be virtual.

• Proliferation of reasonable rules that promote the safety,

health and well-being of residents and the peaceful enjoyment of their homes.

• Finally, Board Members work closely with WAL Man-

agement to improve the quality of life for all residents.

The election of Board Members is an expensive and timeconsuming enterprise. The Annual Meeting will be postponed if quorum is not reached by the evening of March 1.

This may require a new election at a significant additional cost to the Association. Therefore, it is vital that all unit owners fulfill their ownership responsibility and VOTE! If for some reason you are not ready to vote or do not wish to vote for any of the candidates on the proxy ballot, check

ELECTION DATES TO NOTE Special Joint Committee Meeting Sponsored by Several WAL Committees Tuesday, February 9 • Virtual • 7:30 p.m.

“Meet the Candidates” Town Hall Tuesday, February 16 • Virtual • 7:30 p.m.

WAL 2021 Elections FAQ What is the business of the Annual Meeting?

The primary business is the election of new Board Members.

How many candidates for Board Members are there?

How many can I choose?

Seven unit owners were validated as candidates for the 2021 Board of Directors Election. This year, unit owners will elect four resident owners to the Watergate at Landmark Board of Directors. The three candidates with the greatest number of votes will be elected to three-year terms. The candidate with the fourth most votes will be elected to a one-year term.

What is the Unit Owners Association?

The Association is made up of all owners listed on the deed for that unit. Renters are not Association members.

What is Quorum?

For the Association to conduct business, including elections, at least 25% of the total percentage interest, either by proxy or in attendance, must be represented. This is called quorum. It is outlined in our governing documents.

44th Annual Meeting Monday, March 1 • Virtual • 7 p.m.

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February 2021

What happens when I attend the Annual Meeting if I haven’t voted yet? May I still vote?

When the polls open, for 45 minutes, you will check in with the League of Women Voters in the Town Center. You must show your ID. You may receive a colorcoded ballot depending on your unit model. The color makes it easier for the League of Women Voters to count the votes by model and calculate the percentage of interest.

How will the votes be counted?

Election results will be tabulated under the guidance of the League of Women Voters. Results will be announced at the end of the Annual Meeting and posted in each building following the Annual Meeting.

What if I can’t attend the Annual Meeting this year?

If you cannot attend the meeting, you are encouraged to vote by filling out the Proxy Ballot & Proxy Envelope, then: • Mail the envelope to the League of Women Voters to arrive no later than noon on March 1.

• Place the envelope in the ballot drop box at Resident Services or in your building Voting Mailbox, no later than noon the day of the Annual Meeting, March 1, 2021.

What are the three ways that the proxy Several options exist for voting or turning in a proxy. Credit: Brittney Copeland envelope can be completed?

Complete the ballot and put it in your • Printed names of all owners are required - only one sigproxy envelope if you want to vote for a candidate(s); nature of an owner is required on the proxy ballot enve• You can have your proxy count for quorum. You don’t lope. Don’t forget to include your Building number, want to vote for any candidate(s) but want to help estabUnit number and Unit type. lish quorum (no ballot); or • Check off the method you are using to vote.

• Appoint someone to act on your behalf at the meeting and vote for a candidate(s).

Please read over the election materials and participate in one or more of the scheduled events. The Elections ComWhat are the most common mistakes unit owners make mittee encourages you to please vote. Shape tomorrow by which may invalidate a ballot? voting today, and vote early to help us gain quorum!

• Common mistakes may happen when filling out your Proxy Ballot Envelope. The envelope is highlighted to help guide in filling this out to avoid errors.

February 2021

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WAL UPCOMING EVENTS

PRO-FIT NEWS

WATERGATE BOOK CLUB

Winter Group Exercise Schedule Session Ends March 31, 2021

Thursday, February 4

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

Virtual • 7:30 p.m.

What do a string of diamond thefts, a bloody murder and a family pub have in common? Join the Book Club to discuss Flawless by Heather Graham! Call Diane Mullens at 703-973-4373 or email her at dpmullens@comcast.net.

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

KNIT AND STITCH CLUB

Thursdays Water Aerobics • 7 p.m. • Indoor Pool

Fridays • Card Room • 10 a.m.

We’ll practice social distancing and wear our masks as we knit, loom or crochet to our heart’s content! For details, email Diane Mullens at dpmullens@comcast.net or call 703-973-4373.

AMONG US GAMER EVENT

Fridays Water Dance • Noon • Indoor Pool Saturdays Yoga • 9 a.m. • Terrace Lounge

Want to Attend a Fitness Class?

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

Friday, February 5 Virtual • 6:30 p.m.

Will the Crewmates prevail, or will the Imposters succeed as saboteurs? Among Us is a popular online game and the Youth Committee is sponsoring a FREE virtual meet up for residents to play! Sign up in the Activities Office in order to receive game codes to join rounds with other residents; parent volunteers will moderate.

SCRAPBOOK CLUB

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.

ProFIT Referral Program

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, 2021 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 for this event.

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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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February 2021

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DIDN’T GET THAT EMAIL

By Rashawnda Daniels-Atkinson

• Verify that your email is entered in FSR Connect and

that you’ve opted in to receive mass communications.

Oftentimes this is the biggest culprit in missed emails.

• Be sure to add the following email addresses to your

contact list, as it reduces the chance of your email provider bouncing the email due to spamming issues: gm@watergateatlandmark.com dgm@watergateatlandmark.com commgr@watergateatlandmark.com commdir@watergateatlandmark.com WatergateLandmark.VA@fsresidential.com*  This email address sends out Weekly Flyers, Wheel e-magazines and other correspondence that come through the Communications Department.

• Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) recently imple-

mented a new Spam Filtering System. As a result, some emails sent to you from the Association may be filtered to your Junk or Spam E-Mail folder unless you add the aforementioned emails to your Safe List or White List. Contact your ISP for instructions or do an online search for adding emails to a whitelist plus your ISP.

Consider trying these tips if you didn’t get a mass email.

WAL relies on batch emailing as a part of its communication plan. Many companies use this approach to reach large audiences and it’s often done through a third party that operates similar to our emailing system. While this tool allows WAL to do the same for over 4,000 residents, sometimes technical difficulties occur. If this happens to you, consider trying one of the following:

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• Call or email the Management Office to alert us to issues

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you’re experiencing with receiving. Since we use thirdparty platforms to display or distribute information, your feedback helps to narrow down potential causes.

February 2021

FREE COVID-19 TESTING KIOSKS

By Rashawnda Atkinson testing sites throughout Alexandria. Here are the locations, listed by proximity to our community: • Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. • Charles Houston Recreation Ctr., 901 Wythe St. • Chick Armstrong Recreation Ctr., 25 W. Reed St.

Each kiosk offers a self-administered testing swab with the supervision of a Curative representative. According to Curative’s website, the process is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The website also says that results can be received 48 hours and are accessible via email or text.

Appointments are encouraged. To schedule one, visit Curative.com. Walk-up testing is also available. The kiosk offers instructions in English and Spanish.

The kiosk testing offers test results via email or text in 48 hours.

The options for COVID-19 testing have expanded for City of Alexandria residents. The City and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) partnered with Curative, a private testing company, to provide three free kiosk-based

February 2021

Visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus for more information about the City’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, which includes vaccine information, tips on supporting local businesses from home and contact tracing methods.

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BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK

By Rashawnda Atkinson are now every day from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Residents and guests parked in these spaces during this time frame may be booted or towed at their expense. The spaces may be used for parking by residents and visitors between 7 p.m.. and 7 a.m. the following day.

Having these parking spaces (located near the Loading Docks of each building) available addresses several issues: •

•

Please move your vehicle by 7 a.m. or it may be booted or towed!

You may have noticed these bright yellow signs posted behind some parking spaces while walking or driving around. Recently, the Board of Directors approved expanded hours for delivery vehicle parking as a way to facilitate deliveries to our residents. Delivery vehicle hours

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•

Residents no longer need to worry about delivery trucks parking in the lanes in front of the buildings or in the Loading Docks. This keeps these areas available for drop offs, shuttle transport and/or moves.

Delivery trucks now have a designated space that help providers unload packages for delivery during the hours stated on the sign.

The improved signage clarifies when the parking restriction is in effect and warns violators of the consequences.

Please take heed to the new restrictions and be sure to share this information with your neighbors and guests.

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February 2021

WAL STEAM CLUB GOES TO MARS

By Zohreh Khoshnamak, Youth Committee Member

Volunteers perform a STEM demonstration for attendees at this 4-H virtual meeting. Photo: Zohreh Khoshnamak

In 2021, the Watergate at Landmark Science (STEAM) Club started a new partnership with the Alexandria Chapter of 4-H to offer its 4-H STEM Challenge initiative. This joint effort provides eligible WAL residents a chance to have hands-on, STEAM-related activities. Alexandria 4-H is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of Alexandria to reach youth ages 5 - 19 through clubs, camps, inschool programs and more.

Mars Base Camp

The 4-H STEM Challenge for this year is called the Mars Base Camp.

Every family that registered for the program with us received a Mars Base Camp Kit. Over several weekly meetings, kids will learn about engineering, leadership, teamwork, the planet Mars and so much more.

About 45 kids from Watergate registered for this program. The Mars Base Camp meetings will continue every Friday until the end of FebruFebruary 2021

ary. All the programs are designed to be virtual but can also transition to in -person delivery once it is safe and feasible. Watergate at Landmark Science (STEM) club Mars Base Camp is sponsored by the Youth Committee.

They Loved It!

Our first virtual activity was on Friday, January 15. We received rave reviews from the kids, with some referring to this meeting as “the best Science Club event ever.” Reggie from Alexandria 4-H joined us and taught the kids about Mars, gave them fun activities to do, and had the kids jumping around. The kids had a blast! They had lots of fun, learned new things, and asked amazing questions.

What is 4-H?

According to 4-H’s website, it is “America’s largest youth development organization” that empowers nearly 6 million young people with

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lifetime leadership skills. 4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension, which has a community of over 100 public universities across the U.S. This community provides experiences where young people learn by doing hands-on activities. For more than 100 years, 4‑H welcomes young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

What’s Next?

In the second meeting, attendees will work on the “Red Planet Odyssey” activity. They will have the task of building a rover that will help them get around Mars.

This is the first WAL Science Club activity in 2021. More virtual meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.

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TEAM TRIUMPHS IN PICKLEBALL ROUND ROBIN

By Terry Schlossberg, Recreation Committee Member

Left: WAL residents (from left) Rudy Mareno, Ben Enomoto, Victoria Simmons and Terry Schlossberg sport their gold medals.

Right: Silver medalists Alexander Courembis, Isamu Danura, Ginny Carruthers and Lynn Grey show off their awards.

The big challenge of 2020 was who would win gold medals in the first WAL Pickleball Round Robin. The excitement was at a fever pitch. To everybody’s amazement, two players new to pickleball were part of winning teams and were awarded first and second place medals.

WAL residents Ben Enomoto and Ginny Carruthers signed up for beginner pickleball lessons in September of last year. They learned the basics and played with other beginners regularly in the good weather on our outdoor courts.

Then they entered the first ever Round Robin Pickleball Tournament at WAL and won first and second place awards along with their veteran playing partners.

It was on November 22 that 16 players on four teams vied for the gold and the silver in the first ever Pickleball Tournament at WAL. The gold medal winners were Rudy Mareno, Victoria Simmons, Ben Enomoto, and Terry Schlossberg. Silver medals were awarded to Alexander Courembis, Ginny Carruthers, Isamu Danura, and Lynn Grey.

There are more tournaments to come, and there are more beginner lessons to be scheduled. Watch for future lessons so you can become a regular pickleball player at WAL. We’re a growing community of picklers and we welcome new players who want to have fun!

Pickleball at WAL’s Racquet Club!

Come to the Racquet Club and join the fun with neighbors while playing the fastest-growing racquet sport in the U.S.! You’re invited to one or more of these meet-ups: • Sundays at 2 p.m.

• Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

• Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Balls are provided; don’t forget your paddle and court shoes! If you’re interested, please reach out to Terry Schlossberg via email at terry.schlossberg@comcast.com.

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February 2021

MEET MONTY BLUE EYES

By Deborah Freile, Pet Committee Chair Meet Montrose, a.k.a. Monty, a special needs kitty who is a young 9 or 10 years old. He is a Siamese cross I adopted a few months ago from the Montgomery County Animal Shelter where he had been for three months. They named him Montrose after the street where he was found.

days of his new life under the bed.

That could be because he was afraid of my two dogs, Destiny and Bela. It didn't last long because now Monty is the boss and the girls give him a wide berth unless we are all snuggled up in bed. He’s fitting in just fine as a part of the pack.

Although Monty was a street kitty, he is definitely not feral! He is the most loving cat, and he loves to sit on my lap and be petted for long periods. He loves to come out running when he hears there are treats to be had. In fact, one of his favorites is freeze-dried liver!

Do you have a pet you’d like to write about? Send your story to debfreile@gmail.com. Let us know your pet’s name, age, breed and how the pet came to live with you. Also, don’t be afraid to talk about your pet’s personality or tell a few funny stories you’d like to share with the community.

Montrose is shy though; when strangers come into the house, he scurries off and hides, even though it’s not for long. As a matter of fact, he spent the first four

February 2021

Please submit your story in firstperson rather than your pet’s voice.

February’s Pet of the Month. Photo: Deborah Freile

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February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 EVENTS Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL Chair Dance 12 PM - TL Lions Club 6 PM - TV Communications 7PM - TC

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

Thursday 3

7 Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

Tone/Balance/Stretch 12 PM - TL

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CR

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Intermediate Tennis Social - 4 PM - RC

Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Covenants - 7PM - TC

Recreation - 5 PM - TC

Pickleball 7 PM - RC

Water Dance Noon - IP

Evening Book Club - 7:30 PM - VI

WAL 4-H Community Club - 5 PM - VI

Pet - 7:30 PM - TC

Among Us Gamer Event - 6:30 PM - VI

Pickleball - 6 PM - RC Youth - 6 PM - TC

9

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

Budget - 7 PM TC

21 Pickleball 2 PM - RC

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

12

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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

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CR

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Pickleball 7 PM - RC

Water Dance Noon - IP

Social - 6 PM - TC

Tone/Balance/Stretch - 12 PM - TL Intermediate Tennis Social - 4 PM - RC Pickleball - 6 PM - RC PRC - 7 PM - TC

16

WAL 4-H Community Club - 5 PM - VI

17

18

Pickleball Lessons 11 AM - RC Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI Youth Tennis Time 3 PM - RC

19

20

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 PM - TL

Chair Dance 12 PM - TL

Knit and Stitch 10 AM - CR

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Intermediate Tennis Social - 4 PM - RC

Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Pickleball - 6 PM – RC

Pickleball 7 PM - RC

Water Dance Noon - IP

MEET THE CANDIDATES TOWN HALL 7:30 PM - VI

22 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

Youth Tennis Time 3 PM - RC

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

15 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

11

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI

Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE MTG. WITH CANDIDATES 7:30 PM - VI

14

10

Pickleball Lessons 11 AM - RC

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Pickleball 2 PM - RC

6 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

8 Pilates 10:30 AM - TL

Saturday 5

Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

Infrastructure - 7 PM - TC

Pickleball 2 PM - RC

Friday 4

23 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

24 Tai Chi - 9 AM - TL

25 Tai Chi - 8 AM - TL

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 - CR

Yoga - 9 AM - CR

v

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Tone/Balance/Stretch - 12 PM - TL

HIIT- 6:30 PM - TL

Intermediate Tennis Social - 4 PM - RC

Water Aerobics 7 PM - IP

Advanced Tennis Social - 10 AM - RC

Pickleball - 6 PM – RC

Pickleball 7 PM - RC

Water Dance Noon - IP

Board of Directors Meeting - 7:30 PM - TC

Scrapbook Club 2 PM - VI

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

28 Pickleball 2 PM - RC

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

February 2021

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February 2021