Westcreek Living


Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association 
Communications Committee - May 1, 2019 Edition!




"The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world."   

~Marianne Williamson


WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?
We all live a blessed life, even if we don't see it every day. The fact that we are able to wake up every morning and take on the day, whether good or bad, is a blessing in itself. But, even through the course of our blessed lives, many of us often find ourselves feeling like we are missing something; like there is something far greater for us and our lives in this grand universe. The feeling that something is missing goes away when you lead a passion-filled life. If you want to be fulfilled, happy, and content in your life, experience inner peace, and the ultimate fulfillment, it is crucial that you learn how to find your passion and life purpose.
 
For some of us, our purpose and passion in life is obvious and clear. We're born with a set of talents and through persistence and practice, we develop our talents into skills. For some people, though, it is not as easy to identify a passion.  At one point you may have asked yourself "What should I do with my life?", "What is my passion?", "What is my life purpose?" I know for me personally, this was something I asked myself a lot when I retired from the military. After all, I spent 20 years being told what to do and where to go. Finding my purpose and passion was difficult to say the least. Alternatively, you may enjoy what you do, but on deeper exploration, discover that you are passionate about something altogether different than what you do.
 
We are all born with a deep and meaningful purpose that we have to discover. Your purpose is not something you need to make up or be stressed over; it is already there. All you have to do is uncover it and tap into the potential it holds in order to create the life you want and desire. You can begin to discover your passion or your purpose by exploring these three questions:
  1. What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail?
  2. What would I do even if nobody paid me to do it?
  3. What makes me come alive?
In my heart, I knew I wanted to speak and write. I wanted to consult and coach. I wanted to help people heal when their minds were hurting, celebrate their wins, and watch them reach their full potential. I would do all of these things if nobody paid me to do them. I would do all of these things if I knew I couldn't fail. Because these were the things that made me come alive.
 
Exploration of our purpose in life can be scary. Very few of us embrace change without fear, or are willing to take a risk or fail because, what if we let ourselves down? What if we let our family down? It is scary to think about losing what you've worked so hard to build over the years. Likewise, many of us aren't prepared for the hard work and preparation it takes. Don't get me wrong, it takes work to develop talents - even the most gifted athlete still has to practice - but it should feel natural, like rowing downstream rather than upstream. In other words, work is required, but suffering is not.
 
When you lead a passionate life, you are living your life on purpose. Embrace the idea that our purpose in life is to love life fully by putting ourselves into our life. Try to be present for the journey and fully embrace it. Soon you will be oozing with passion, and you will feel so purposeful and fulfilled you will wonder how you lived a life without it. 


 
Congratulations to the following candidates who were recently elected to the VWOA Board of Directors!

Kevin Drummonds
Daniel Schafer


At the next Board of Directors Meeting, scheduled for May 16, 2019, at 7:00 PM, the Board of Directors will decide what Officer positions each member of the new Board will serve in for the upcoming term.

Submitted by:  Richard Gentry, VWOA President

2019 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The Board of Directors, on behalf of the Villages of Westcreek community, would like to acknowledge and thank one of our most dedicated volunteers.

Gene Hopkins has been a resident of Westcreek since moving here with his family in 1992. Although he was an involved and conscientious resident, he wanted to offer his community more. In 2004, the veteran and former school bus driver began working for the Association as a Gate Monitor at the pool, earning a little over $7 an hour. He later took a position as a Standards Monitor and served in that role for about 2 to 3 years.

He was fascinated by the community Standards and went on to work on the Architectural Review Committee for a number of years, even serving as ARC chairman for some time. In fact, Gene has become the "go to expert" that many consult when they have questions about Standards.

Gene has been a strong advocate for making our facilities accessible for handicap residents. As a result of his passion, we now have handicap accessible tables at the Sports Park, handicap bathroom facilities at the Sports Park Pavilion, a handicap lift at the Community Center Pool and handicap access buttons for doors at the Community Center.

Finding dedicated volunteers is always a challenge. But whenever the community made the call for help, Gene Hopkins has always been there to step up and serve. In addition to the ARC, he has been an active volunteer on numerous committees including:
  • The Finance Committee
  • The Sports Park Committee
  • The Sports Program Committee
  • The By-Laws Revision Committee
  • The Standards Revision Committee
  • The Fence Committee
  • The Election Committee
  • The Communications Committee
  • The Historical Research Committee
Although Gene recently stepped down from the Architectural Review Committee, he remains active on the Communications Committee, which meets monthly. As part of this committee, he often calls on his varied VWOA experience as an aid in updating the website, documents, welcome letters, and more.

He truly has been and continues to be a tremendous asset to the Association and community. We commend him for his years of service and sincerely want to thank him for his time and devotion.

Submitted by:  Richard Gentry, VWOA President

Result of 2018 Certified Public Accountant Financial Review


The Villages of Westcreek Board of Directors contracted with the firm of Armstrong, Vaughan & Associates, P.C. to perform a review of the HOA financial statements for the fiscal year of 2018. Their representative, Mr. Karl Goering, presented a brief summary of the results at the Annual Membership Meeting on April 18th. The review was conducted primarily by applying analytical procedures to the financial data and making inquiries of HOA management.

Reviews of the balance sheet as of December 31, 2018, related statements of revenues and expenses, and changes in fund balance and cash flows for the 2018 fiscal year were included. While the review identified a few reclassification entries to be made (which is not unusual in this type of review), the conclusion of their report was that they were "not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United State of America."

Their review also compared a summarized comparison of changes in the fund balance from the end of 2017 to the end of 2018. While they noted there was a decrease in the cash and cash equivalents of $256K, it was pointed out the bulk of the decrease was due to expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and improvements made to throughout the year. The accountant also stated that with a total fund balance of $1,409,426 as of December 31, 2018, the Villages of Westcreek Owners Association is still in a very healthy financial position.

To review the entire CPA report, you may go to the Spectrum Homeowners Portal or CLICK HERE to see the report on the VWOA website.

Submitted by: Judi Cannon, VWOA Treasurer

May is "Stop the Bleed Month."  Homeowners Rudy and Jacqueline Khalaf have come forward to offer "Stop the Bleed" training as a service to our community.  This training opportunity is being offered at NO COST to you.

Military medicine and hemorrhage control research during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have translated to public benefit from this practice. The Department of the Defense owns the 'Stop the Bleed' logo and phrase - trademark pending. (American College of Surgeons, 2017) https://www.bleedingcontrol.org/
 
The purpose of the campaign is to better prepare the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters. 
 
This "Stop the Bleed" is a presentation supplemented by hands on training of tourniquet application and pressure application in a life threatening injury scenario.
 
Class Details:
  • Date:  Tuesday, May 21, 2019
  • Time:  7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Location:  VWOA Community Center, 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253
For questions about this training opportunity, please feel free to contact Jacqueline Khalaf at  210-289-6272 or via email at jacqueline.khalaf@christushealth.org.

For technical questions regarding online registration for this class, please feel free to contact Jason Dunbar at 210-679-8761 or via email at activities@villagesofwestcreek.com.

  CLICK HERE to reserve your slot!


HIRING POOL MONITORS NOW!

The Villages of Westcreek is in the process of recruiting and hiring "Pool Monitors" for the upcoming Pool Season. Candidates must be 17 years of age or older!


Duties of the position include the following:
  • Check Pool Chemicals
  • Maintain Area cleanliness 
  • Check guests in
  • Work Parties

Candidates are responsible for delivery of exceptional Customer Service and must be able to work flexible hours.

 

Completed Application Forms must be turned into the VWOA Office located at 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253. 




Drop by the VWOA Office during normal business hours and sign your personal Appreciation Cards as part of our VWOA Appreciation Event for our Deputies from the Constable's Office, Bexar County Sheriffs Office, and VWOA Patrol Officers.

These cards will express and show our appreciation and be given to our Constables, Sheriffs, and VWOA patrol officers at the Bexar County Sheriff & Constable VWOA Appreciation Event that is being hosted for them. 

Please come out and show your support by attending the VWOA Appreciation Event on Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM


The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association Office will be closed on Memorial Day - Monday, May 27, 2019.


The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association Office will be open from 9:00 AM till 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

 
2019 POOL SCHEDULE UPDATE
  • Open May 1, 2019 - October 27, 2019  
  • The pool will be open during the following hours, weather permitting* 
  • *Safety Note:  The pools must be closed if there is thunder and/or lightning within 15 miles of pools. 
COMMUNITY CENTER POOL
  • Pool Season: May 1st - October 27th
  • Regular Pool Season Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Early Lap Swim: M/W/F 5:00 AM -7:00 AM
  • Closed Tuesdays for Cleaning
  SPORTS PARK POOL
  • Pool Season: June 1st - September 1st
  • Regular Pool Season Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Aqua Fitness will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM till 10:30 AM  ($7.00 per class or $50.00 per month) 
  • Open Weekends Only in May, September, October: (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
  • Closed Mondays for Cleaning
  • The Sports Park Pool will be closed for Westcreek Wahoos Swim Practice as follows:
    • May 20th - June 7th 
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (M-F Only)
    • On June 7th, the Sports Park Pool will be closed at 3:00 PM for the remainder of the day to accommodate the Westcreek Wahoos Swim Practice.
GAINING ACCESS TO THE AMENITIES
  • VWOA office is located at 12395 Military Drive West 
  • The Association will be issuing new RFID ID cards. Replacement cost for the cards will be $20.00. The new cards will have a photo on the front to identify the user. Anyone caught using a card that is not theirs will have their cards confiscated.
  • If you are a tenant, please provide a copy of the current lease agreement.
GUEST POLICY  
  • Sports Park and Community Center Pools:
    • All residents, 13 and older, may sponsor up to 3 guests per card not to exceed 6 per household. All guests must be registered upon entering the pool's area whether they are swimmers or spectators.
    • Must be current on all assessments with a zero balance prior to issuance/activation of an RFID ID card. 
    • Must have an RFID ID card to enter facility.
    • Must be a resident and/or guest of a resident.
POOL PARTY RESERVATIONS
  • Homeowners may reserve the Community Center pool area for parties between the hours of 8:00 PM -10:00 PM. Please find the Exclusive Use and Contract sheets on the Villages of Westcreek website. You can print them out before you come in to book your party.  
IMPORTANT LINKS
SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK
Each swimmer is responsible to swim within their own abilities.
In the event of an Emergency call 911
 
Your 2nd Quarter Assessment of $99.00 was due on April 1, 2019.

On April 29, 2019, all accounts with outstanding balances began incurring a late fee of $20.00, plus a delinquent interest charge.

CLICK HERE for more information about how to pay your assessments and our Billing/Collection Policy .
  
NOTE : The Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays.  In addition, the Office is open on the 2nd Saturday each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

PAYMENT OPTIONS 
  • Payments can still be made here at the VWOA onsite office during business hours.
  • Payments may also be mailed to our office, made payable to VWOA, at 12395 Military Dr. West, San Antonio, TX 78253.  You can also mail your payment directly to Spectrum Association Management, P.O. Box 299008, Lewisville, TX 75029. Mailed payments are processed electronically; please do not send cash! 
  • You may drop off cash (in a sealed envelope), check, or money-order at the drop box, located to the right of our front entry doors at the business office. Make sure you include your address on your check/money order.
  • Cash is accepted in the office.
  • Card Payments will be accepted only after the homeowner is registered with Spectrumam.com.
  • Pay by Phone- 1-877-342-6233 (your account number needed).


If you need extra time to pay your assessments, fill out the form on the website below to see if you qualify for a payment plan. Payment plan requests are reviewed within two business days, and if approved, a payment plan agreement will be emailed to sign and return to our office within five business days.



The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is happy to announce that the "Farmers Market" is back for the 2019 Season (April 24th thru August 7th)!

Please be sure to drop by and support the Farmers Market which is located in the overflow parking lot at the VWOA Community Center.


Hours of Operations:  Every Wednesday from 9:00 AM till 4:00 PM 

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FARMERS!

If you are a Food Truck Vendor or know of a Food Truck Vendor who would like to participate in this event, contact Melissa Garcia, VWOA Administrative Director at 210-679-8761 for details!


SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS

The Villages of Westcreek launched an experiment to see if there was enough interest and support within the community for us to host local Food Trucks.  What started with just two food trucks serving the community on Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings, has now expanded to several additional trucks offering their cuisine throughout the week. The support we received from community members and the Food Truck vendors has made this a successful venture.

If you know of a Food Truck that you think would be interested in joining the "StrEATS of Westcreek," have them contact the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 during our normal business hours. There is a small $25 fee for each truck that participates in the program.  We only allow one truck per evening.

CLICK HERE to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!

NATIONAL PEDIATRIC CANCER FOUNDATION

Westcreek is now taking donations for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation We are asking for donations of scarfs, caps and hats.

You may drop items off at the VWOA Office.

*Donations will be picked up July 1, 2019* 


Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on May 11, 2019 .  Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the VWOA website, the day prior to the event.  If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on the Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
Submitted by:  Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director


LET'S PLAY BINGO


Come join your neighbors in a fun game of Bingo!

Date:  2nd Tuesday of the month 
Time:  1:00 PM
Location:  VWOA Community Center Hall, 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253


To play you will need to make either a $2.00 or Prize donation!
For questions or additional information, contact Jason Dunbar at 210-679-8761!



British Soccer & Tetra Brazil have combined & Challenger International Soccer Camps will be coming to our community this summer! 

Challenger Sports, the leading soccer camp company in North America, is combining the most popular elements of their two existing industry-leading camp programs, British Soccer and Tetra Brazil, integrating them into a collection of the most effective soccer practices used by youth teams around the world.

The new Challenger International Soccer Camp reflects the truly global nature of the sport today and provides young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.

We have taken the best coaching methodologies and practices from England, Brazil, Spain, USA and France and have woven them together in a multi-faceted on and off-field coaching experience.
 
LOCAL PROGRAM: Villages of Westcreek
  • Location: VWOA Sports Park, 12354 Military Drive West, San Antonio, TX 78253-6021
  • When:  July 15 - July 19
  • Every participant also gets a Free T-Shirt and a Free Soccer Ball regardless of when they register for the week long camp.
Improve your game with the most popular soccer camp in the USA and Canada!
  • Incredible Coaching Staff
  • Develop new skills and refine existing ones
  • Play with more confidence and have more fun
  • Learn the NAIA Champions of Character traits; respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership
  • Represent your country in your very own World Cup
  • Any camp or clinic participant will receive the iChallenge App and 20 free skill-building videos!
Contact Miles Palmer on 512-416-7705 or mpalmer@challengersports.com for more information.  

Join us for SAFC's first post-match concert night on May 18th as the Villages of Westcreek helps San Antonio FC #Defend210 against Tulsa Roughnecks FC! Presented by Chick-Fil-A, buying tickets to this match gets you access to the post-match concert at no additional charge! 

With our Club Night Out, we get access to the Benchwarmers experience, which allows us to watch the San Antonio FC players warm up on the sideline next to the SAFC bench. Get in touch with Jason Dunbar to get your spot reserved!

All tickets are discounted, and 20% of the ticket purchase amount goes back to our club. Tickets will be accessed digitally, so be sure to use a good email while purchasing your tickets. 

If you have any questions about your tickets, 2019 SAFC Season Tickets, or would like to know more about the promotional items San Antonio FC is offering for the 2019 season, get in touch with our club contact Jason Krusie at (210) 444-5485 or jkrusie@attcenter.com

The first 15 that purchase tickets will have the opportunity to have their children down at pitch level while the teams warm up.
 
CLICK HERE for additional information and to purchase your tickets!


2019 LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM

The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is happy to announce that our "2019 Learn to Swim Program" will begin on June 3rd.  Numerous classes will be offered throughout the Pool Season.

REGISTRATION:
  • To register for these classes, drop by the VWOA Community Center Office during normal business hours.  
  • Registration begins on May 1, 2019.  
  • Registration Fee is $100 per person.
CLASS LOCATION:
  • Villages of Westcreek Community Center Pool
  • 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253
NOTE: 
  • All Special Needs Children and Adults Require Adult Assist in Water.
  • Private Lessons are Available -@ 9:30 am - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
CLICK HERE for class schedules and descriptions!


The Westcreek Poker Club was established by homeowner Michael Rico to bring community members together for an evening of fun.  This club is exclusively for Westcreek residents. 

Poker Club Rules:
  • Each Westcreek resident must present a current VWOA ID card. 
  • Each resident may bring one guest to play.
  • No alcoholic drinks (food, water, soda, snacks, etc. are okay).
  • Sign-in sheet for residents.
  • $20 tournament with rebuys and late entries for the first 90 minutes.
  • Tournament payouts depend on the number of entries and rebuys.
The Poker Club meets the first Thursday of the month!

The Westcreek Poker Club will get together this Thursday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM in the VWOA Community Center Hall.     

Same format as before: $20 entry with a starting stack of 12k in chips. *Rebuys and late entries allowed no later than 8:15pm.

To earn BONUS CHIPS, register by 7:00 PM! 

For additional information or questions about the requirements and tournament format, email Michael Rico.

Sign up during "Early Bird" registration and SAVE $10!

Sports Registration Dates
 
   
  • Early Bird - December 17, 2018 ~ August 17, 2019
  • Regular - August 18, 2019 ~ August 31, 2019
  • Late - September 1, 2019 ~ September 21, 2019
Sand Volleyball 4X4
  • RegularMarch 29, 2019 ~ May 26, 2019


The Villages of Westcreek is proud to sponsor programs that foster "Healthy and Fit" lifestyles for the members of our community.  We have programs that fit all age groups. Click on the links below to learn more about our current offerings!

Standards Review

A reminder for homeowners who replace, repair, stain or re-stain their fencing.  
  • Six (6') foot vertical pickets and posts must be cedar or treated wood, but not mixed;
  • Picket dimensions must be 1" x 4" x 6' or 1" x 6" x 6', but not mixed;
  • Posts must be 4" x 4" x 6' wood or 6' galvanized steel that is rust coated or aluminum, but not mixed;
  • All posts and framing must be installed inside any fencing that face any street;
  • A manufactured product that has the graining appearance of wood will be considered by the ARC on a case-by-case basis;
  • Prior to staining the fencing, a PIA along with the proposed color sample(s) must be submitted to the ARC for approval (cedar is the preferred color);
  • If staining new fencing, the texture of the wood must be clearly visible;
  • Re-staining the fencing with the same color as previously approved, does not require further approval;
  • When replacing any portion of the fencing that is currently stained, new wood must be stained with the same color as previously approved by the ARC;
  • Painting wooden fencing is not permitted.  
For wooden fencing that is weathered and discolored, pressure washing is an excellent method of reviving the original appearance of the wood before applying the stain.
                                                                                                            
Wood is subject to premature rotting if landscaping materials such as soil, grass, raised flower or vegetable beds, trees, bushes, etc. come into direct contact with the wood. It is recommended that a barrier be installed between the landscaping and the fencing by using materials such as timbers, metal edging or other similiar manufactured products. A minimum of six (6") inches of space is also recommended between the fencing and any plants to allow fresh air and sunlight to minimize mold from forming on the fencing.
 
CLICK HERE to view Section 6.5.2 of the Standards
 
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Tyrik Green, Standards Manager


What to plant right now:
  • Tomatoes, Peppers, Squash, Cucumbers, and more
    • Plant these edibles in your garden now so you can eat fresh all season long.
  • Berries and Grapes
    • Yes, they do grow in San Antonio. Blackberries, blueberries, and varieties of grapes can add something sweet to your garden.
  • Shrubs and Trees
    • These should be planted no later than this month if possible. The further you get into summer, the harder it is for your new trees to establish their roots as they struggle in the heat. Buy and plant now, or wait until fall.
  • Tropical plants 
    • Tropical plants like Hibiscus, Mandevilla, Bougainvillea, and other vibrant bloomers can be planted now. These warm-weather-loving beauties really take off when the sun starts shining and the weather heats up. Tropicals make excellent container specimens.
  • Herbs
    • Bump up your culinary game with exciting new herbs; or plant some in your perennial or annual gardens. Many herbs are gorgeous as ornamentals.
SAWS Watersaver Landscape and Patioscape Coupons
  • Imagine transforming your landscape and getting a coupon from SAWS to help you pay for every 200 square feet of grass you remove! All while saving water and money.
  • SAWS residential customers can apply for up to four WaterSaver coupons to replace part of your thirsty lawn with lush, drought-tolerant garden beds and/or permeable patios. Combine the Landscape and Patioscape coupons any way you like.
  • Apply by May 31 and redeem your coupons by July 31, 2019.
  • www.gardenstylesanantonio.com/watersaver-coupons.html
Upcoming Free Seminars at Rainbow Gardens

(These are free and walk-ins are welcome, but they encourage everyone to RSVP to secure a spot.)
 
Native Plants in Your Landscape
  • May 4 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Rainbow Gardens Bandera, 8516 Bandera Rd
  • Native plants can adapt to whatever extremes our weather throws at them and they are low maintenance. Attend to explore these plants and how to use them.
Pollinator Education & Basic Beekeeping
  • May 4 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Rainbow Gardens Thousand Oaks, 2585 Thousand Oaks
  • Mark de Kiewiet, master beekeeper and the organizer of Bees In The East, will talk about the types of bees in our area, the needs of pollinators in our gardens, and what it will take to get started beekeeping.
Fun with Herbs
  • May 11 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Rainbow Gardens Bandera, 8516 Bandera Rd
  • Mary Beth Wilkinson, President of the San Antonio Herb Society, will help you get excited about herbs. She will be speaking about planting, care, and harvesting tips plus culinary and non-culinary ideas on how to use your herbs, including recipes.
  • (This is part of the free Fun with Herbs Event 10:00 AM-3:00 PM in which there will be numerous vendor booths and activities covering all aspects of herbs. Scheduled vendors include the Herb Society, the Rose Society, Rough Creek Lavender, Burpee Seeds, and more.)
Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz

Photo Courtesy of Kim Dixon

FACTS AND DANGERS OF HUMMINGBIRDS

There are 325 different hummingbird species. They come in various vibrant colors but not due to feather pigmentation. Their feet are small and lightweight therefore; they are not capable of walking or hopping but can shuffle when perched. They also have the least feathers of any other bird species. Both allow for faster flight which can reach speeds of 30mph in flight and 60mph during a dive. This causes the expenditure of excessive energy which is why they consume equal to half of their weight in sugar daily. They can live an average lifespan of 3-12 years in their natural habitat. 

Some predators include feral cats, praying mantises, orb weaver spiders, frogs, fish, snakes, and lizards. Other bird predators include but are not limited to the greater roadrunner, sharp shinned hawk, owls, merlin, and the shrike. Opportunistic predators of eggs and chicks can include snakes, lizards, bats, jays, crows, ravens, grackles, squirrels, chipmunks, and rats. 

Their defenses involve flight forward, backward, sideways, and straight up. They can also hover an extended period of time. They mask their nests with bits of leaves, lichens, and moss locating them on thin branches. They are considered one of the most aggressive bird species when protecting their territory. 

We can help protect our hummers by changing out nectar feeders every 2 days, decreasing the risk of growing fungi in fermented sugar. Providing sheltered perches and thorny bushes in our gardens also aid their protection.

Being knowledgeable of local bird rescue centers and bird rehabilitators can provide for the valuable time needed to help save an injured or sick hummingbird; with time being of the essence for any sick or injured bird species. 

Rescue Groups
References: thespruce.com

TIPS FOR DISCOURAGING SNAKES IN YOUR LANDSCAPE

I t's that time of year where more and more homeowners are reporting finding snakes in their landscapes.  Here are some tips to discourage snakes from taking up residence in your landscape by making the area immediately around your home less attractive to snakes for living, lounging or snacking.  

Clear away piles of debris and leaves from your immediate gardening area.  Clutter is essentially an open invitation to snakes because it provides a warm, dark place for them to hide. Piles of leaves, compost piles, straw mulch, wood chip mulch, stacks of firewood, and piles of cut grass are all comfortable places that snakes like to hide in, so these should be removed from your yard.
 
Certain shrubs and other plants provide the perfect hiding spot for a neighborhood snake. Keeping your grass mowed is a good way to prevent snakes from slithering around your yard. Shrubs and packed gardens with thick plants will also attract snakes. If you are very concerned about a potential snake problem, remove or thin these plants out. If you want to keep these plants, however, consider transplanting them to the far side of your yard, away from the foundation of your house.
 
If you have a rodent or large insect problem, you will want to address this at the same time.  Remember, that rodents and large insects are a favorite menu item for snakes.
 
Finally, make sure there are no holes in the exterior walls of your house.

If you find a snake in your yard, you can contact Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at 830-336-2725 for assistance. Their phones are manned 24 hours a day.

Helpful Resources:
  • What Snake is that?
    • This website assists people in snake identification. 
  • San Antonio Snake Removal and Control
  • Bexar County Snake Removal 210-857-5764
    • Bexar County Snakes provides a 24 hour a day snake removal and relocation service that is 100% safe and humane, as well as property inspections/prevention tips, snake proofing options, and educational presentations.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair


Mosquito Season Again - Control Where They Breed

You are probably already seeing mosquitos in your yard. Don't you hate how they can ruin everything having to do with being outside? Controlling mosquitos is everyone's responsibility. If you do everything to control mosquitos in your yard and your neighbors don't, they will still come to bug you. Controlling the bloodsuckers takes a little work everyday. So here are some things you can do to control where they breed.
  • It would help if you turned over pots, buckets, pot saucers, and anything that can hold any amount of water. Even a bottle cap holds enough water to allow mosquitos to breed.
  • Keep your lawn mowed low because they can breed in a landscape that is thick and holding too much water. 
  • Make sure your property is draining well and not allowing water to pool. 
  • Do not over water landscape. 
  • Mosquitos can even breed in your rain gutters and rain barrels if they don't have a small mesh screen. 
  • If you have standing water that cannot be removed, get a product called Mosquito Dunks or any other products containing bacillus thuringiensis (BT). BT is used in the environment to control mosquitos from breeding. Follow instructions on the package.
Submitted by: Coral Fathy, Communications Committee Member



Tips for Getting Your Air Conditioning Unit Ready for the Coming Summer Season

Air Filters
  • Change Air Filters monthly to promote a more efficient performance. Dirty filters and coils are the most common causes of A/C compressor failures.
Programmable Thermostat
  • Replacing your Thermostat with a "Programmable" Thermostat can reduce energy consumption. With a Programmable Thermostat, you can set the temperature of your house 5°F -10°F above your usual set point when you are away from your home, and it can be programmed to automatically turn on an hour before you get home.
Ceiling Fans
  • Turning ceiling fans to "counter clockwise" can make it feel about 5°F cooler in your home. Therefore, you can adjust your A/C at a higher temperature setting to conserve on energy consumption.
Drain Lines to the Inside Unit
  • Cold water algae will cause drains to clog, and can cause damage to your A/C unit and water damage to the flooring under the unit. 
  • Pouring 1 cup of bleach through the PVC drain line and letting it sit there for at least 30 minutes, then flushing it out with one gallon of warm water will kill any algae in the drain. Note: Bleach is very corrosive to the unit and must be flushed with one gallon of warm water.
Outside Condensing Unit
  • Turn off the power disconnect next to the Condensing Unit outside.
  • Inspect Condensing Unit for any shrubs, leaves, and branches. There should not be any debris blocking the airflow of the Condensing Unit from the sides and above the Condensing Unit.
  • Wash the coil on the side of the Condensing Unit with a garden hose, being careful not to bend the aluminum fins of the coil.
Refrigerant Line on the Condensing Unit outside
  • Inspect the black insulation that covers the big refrigerant line of the Condensing Unit. This refrigerant line needs to be insulated to keep the compressor from overheating.
Supply Ducts in the Attic
  • Inspect the supply ducts in the attic to make sure there are no air leaks and that all connections are in place and secured.
**Manufacturers recommend at least once or twice a year that A/C system tune-up and maintenance be done by a Licensed HVAC Contractor in order to keep your A/C system in good operating condition. If you have additional questions about maintaining your A/C, call Neil Ignacio at Advance Cooling 210-675-2665 or email him AdvanceCooling1@yahoo.com.  



Gun Safety in a Home

Did you know each year approximately 260 children under 18 in the United States accidentally shoot themselves or someone else after accessing a gun? This is aside from the almost 600 that die by suicide from a firearm each year (Be Smart for Kids.org, 2019).

While firearms may not be present in every home, it is important to take the proper precautions to safely secure firearms in homes where they are present. Children are curious by nature and may not recognize firearm mishandling as a potential threat to self or others.

Be SMART is an acronym used to guide conversations in ensuring safety measures are taken toward responsible gun ownership.

S- Secure all guns in homes and vehicles. This means keeping guns in a proper location, such as a gun safe, unloaded, and locked with a gun lock. Ammo should be kept separate from guns, as well as the gun lock keys.

M- Model responsible behavior. This means not cleaning guns with children in the room and not pointing guns toward people or self.

A- Ask about unsecured guns in other homes. Don't be afraid to have the conversation. Firearms may be handled responsibly in your own home, but practices and storage may vary by household. Ask if there are guns in the home, and how & where they are stored. This is no different than asking about pets, pools, or occupants in another home when children go to play.

R- Recognize the role of guns in suicide. Over 1/3 of child firearm-related deaths are from suicide. These decisions are often impulsive. If someone at home is at risk, take measures to keep them safe.

T- Tell your peers to be SMART. Encourage neighbors, friends, and family members to be responsible gun owners and secure weapons properly.  Talk to children about what to do if they find a firearm. This means don't touch it, and tell an adult. Children should never handle firearms without adult supervision!

References:  Be SMART (2019) retrieved from http://besmartforkids.org/

Submitted by: Jacqueline Khalaf, RN, CPST


Did you know the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is a failure to clean them? Doing laundry is the most likely part of your every-day routine, and taking care of your clothes dryer is key to being fire safe in your home. With a few simple safety tips, you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire.
  • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
  • Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum. 
  • Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time. 
  • Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted, and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you. 
  • Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
  • Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
  • Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and don't overload your dryer.
  • Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

AND DON'T FORGET... 

 

Dryers should be properly grounded. Check the outdoor vent flap to make sure it is not covered by snow. Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, etc. Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances, like gasoline, paint thinner, or similar solvents should be laid outside to dry, then can be washed and dried as usual.

STOPPING AND STARTING - 4 WAY STOP RULES


Recently, the Bexar County Public Works Department installed 4-Way Stop signs at the intersection of Westcreek View and Macey Trail.  We thought it would be helpful to review what the rules are regarding 4-Way Stops.

When you approach a 4-way stop, whether it's at a traffic light or stop sign, it's important to slow down and come to a complete stop. You'll want to pay attention and take notice if there are any other automobiles stopped around you or any vehicles coming up to the 4-way stop.

It's important to make sure that you have come to a complete stop within the indicated lines on the road. You can move forward if you have trouble seeing, but only after you've come to a complete stop. Failing to do so could result in a traffic ticket.

Take a look around and see if there are any other cars at the 4-way stop. Of course, if you're the only vehicle at the stop, then you have the right of way and are free to go. Remember this golden rule: automobiles leave the stop sign or traffic light in the same order in which they arrived at the stop. Therefore, if you arrive at a 4-way stop first, then you get to leave first. If you're the last person to arrive at the stop, then you will have to wait until the other three cars have moved on before you can do the same.

There are times when automobiles will arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time. Therefore, when this occurs, it's important to know which vehicle has the right of way. The car that is farthest to the right is allowed to go first. Though this is the appropriate and legal method, there are still motorists who don't always follow this rule. To avoid accidents, you may choose to wait a few seconds before moving forward. After all, just because it's technically your turn to go, doesn't necessarily mean the other vehicles will allow you to do so.

Submitted by:  Captain M. Garcia #203, Bexar County Constable Office

SpotCrime is an independent, commercial site that provides crime mapping and incident information.

Official Police Reports can be obtained from the BCSO Central Records Office. Contact information, fees, and hours of operation can be found on the Central Records page .

CLICK HERE to view SpotCrime mapping for the Villages of Westcreek.
Submitted by:  Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office



Breakfast Lasagna

Just in time for Mother's Day!

CLICK HERE for recipe
 
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