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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - May 1, 2020 Edition!
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"You are a person of the greatest importance when you are a mother of a family. Just do your job right and your kids will love you."
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Clock Tower Beautification Project
Over the past several months, the Suggestions & Recommendations Committee (SARC), at the direction of the Board of Directors, has been working on design plans for the beautification of the clock tower island & monument. The SARC has determined the project scope, design layout of new landscape cover, irrigation, and new plantings. This is a large scope multiphase project. The Board approved the SARC's plans in the February Board meeting. This project is still in the bidding phase, but due to COVID-19 is temporarily on hold.
Reserve Study 2020
As previously reported, the Board initiated a 2020 Reserve Study in January. Reserve Advisors have submitted their initial report to the Board and it is currently under review. Once the Reserve Study has been finalized and accepted by the Board, it will be posted under the documents section on the Villages of Westcreek website.
For those unfamiliar with the Reserve Study, it's a long-term capital budget planning tool. This study itemizes the life expectancy and suggested repair timeline for all facilities, amenities, and monuments in the Villages of Westcreek's common areas. We have added many new items to our common areas since the last Reserve Study, such as new Sports Park bathrooms, lighting on the fields and track, refurbishment of both pools, and new handicap accessible picnic tables in the Sports Park. This updated Reserve Study will give management and the Board a better idea of what funds will be needed in our Reserve accounts to plan future repairs and expenditures.
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On April 27th, demolition and reconstruction began on 11 columns along the main thoroughfares. These 11 columns were identified as those most urgently in need of replacement. The funding for these 11 columns was previously approved during the Talley Road column project. All columns within the community have been measured and their degree of tilt recorded, so going forward the HOA can track each column on an annual basis.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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IMPACT ON COMMUNITY GATHERINGS AND AMENITY USE
As we are all well aware, the concern over the
COVID-19
pandemic is a grave issue for our nation and community. The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association wants to make sure we are all doing our part as individuals and as a community to help stay ahead of the curve and slow down the spreading of this virus.
The Board of Directors will follow city, county, and state guidelines to determine the reopening of amenities and classes. The status of the community openings and closures are as follows:
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The
Sports Park Fields, Dog Park
and
Walking Track
will remain open at this time. Per the county's latest declaration of public health emergency, all members of the community should practice social distancing of 6ft or more and group gatherings/activities of 10 or more are not permitted in the park at this time.
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All
VWOA Sports Programs are on hold in compliance with Social Distancing guidelines.
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The
Tot Lot, Basketball Court, and Tennis Courts
will be closed until further notice.
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The opening date for
Pool Season
will be delayed.
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All Community Center
classes and activities
have been canceled until further notice.
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The monthly "Garage Sales" are canceled until further notice.
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The
VWOA Office
is closed to all foot traffic entering into the building. Please note: We will staff the office to receive homeowner calls, emails and maintain the dropbox for assessments and process mail.
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The
Community Center Office
will be closed on Saturday, May 9, 2020 due to the restriction of foot traffic.
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The
Annual Meeting of the Members,
previously scheduled for April 16, 2020, has been postponed. A new date will be set once large gatherings are allowed to resume. A new meeting notice will be mailed to homeowners with the date and time. We strongly encourage you to exercise your right to vote online or by mail.
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Due to the closure of the Community Center, all
Committee and Board Meetings
are suspended until further notice. Should city and county guidelines change, meeting announcements will be sent electronically and posted to the VWOA website.
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A link to the
Spectrum COVID-19 Community Resource
page is on the VWOA website.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will notify the community of any other updates as they impact meetings, activities, and access to amenities, etc. These communications will be sent out in the
"What's the Buzz"
publication and posted on our
website
and
Facebook
page.
We appreciate your understanding and attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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CANDIDATE - RICHARD GENTRY
Hello fellow homeowners, my name is Richard Gentry. I have lived in the Villages of Westcreek for just over 11 years now. I am a father of 3 and my wife is a teacher for NISD. I have worked in the Medical Sales Field for the last 16 years, and before that I served 6 years active duty in the US Army. My family and I all stay very active in the community and in the programs offered here in Westcreek. During my 11 years here, I have served on the Board of Directors for about 7 years with a few breaks in between terms, and I have participated as a coach in all of the youth sports programs for 9 years. I love this community and the people that live here. There are a lot of great things that Westcreek has to offer to all of us and our families, and that is what makes Westcreek such a great place to live.
During my time on the Board, I have consistently pushed for infrastructure improvements, additional adult and youth programs, and transparency from the Board to the community. Some recent achievements from the last 2 years have been additional lighting in the Sports Park, the Sports Park bathroom expansion, replacing the parking cables in the Sport Park parking lot with boulders, nightly constable patrol program for the neighborhood, security camera system in the park, food truck events, new family activity days in the park, and we are currently working on beautifying all of the monuments in the HOA. Even with all of these improvements the Board has still been able to put money into savings and kept the HOA financially sound, without raising the assessments. With that said, we still have plenty of room for improvement, and the Board is currently working on more ideas to keep Westcreek the best community in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
If given the opportunity to serve on the Board for another 2 years, I promise to continue giving the same honesty, dedication, and passion to the HOA that I always have. I'm asking for your vote so that we can all continue with the improvements to our community and the effort to help keep Westcreek a great place to live and raise our families.
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CANDIDATE - HEATHER MALLIA
My name is Heather Mallia. I'm a homeschooling mom to two boys, 14 and 11. My husband and I have been married 23 years, eighteen of which we have called Villages of Westcreek home. My hobbies include reading, running, hiking, spending time with my family, Bunco nights in the neighborhood, and volunteering.
I love to stay actively involved in the community. I have previous Board experience, serving as Member-at-Large (now called Assistant Secretary) in 2006 and Vice President in 2007. More recently, I served as Vice President in 2018 and I'm currently serving as Treasurer. My committee experience extends to almost every committee in Westcreek. I am currently serving as Board liaison to the Communications Committee and the Suggestions & Recommendations Committee. I volunteered for the Finance Committee for several years and in 2019 served as the Chairman of that committee. Over the years I have also served on the Sports Park Committee (Chairman), RFID Committee (Secretary), Ad Hoc Fence Committee, Elections Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee. I feel having volunteered in so many different areas within the Villages of Westcreek, I have an extensive understanding of our community's needs and the inner workings of the HOA.
Serving on the Board is a huge commitment that I am prepared and willing to take on. I believe in full transparency by the Board and I'm a huge proponent of open communication. I have always believed that our homeowners deserve a voice and have worked to ensure homeowners' concerns are heard. Together we can ensure decisions made are for the best interest of the homeowners, the Association, and the community as a whole to maintain and increase our property values and to make this neighborhood a great place to live.
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CANDIDATE - RICHARD RIGGIE
No Bio or picture submitted!
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
The Board understands the effect on the community that
COVID-19 has had and the financial hardships it has created.
If you have been affected and unable to make your 2nd quarter HOA assessment payment, please email the office staff or Community Manager with your request for relief of the late fees assessed. We will review each request on a case by case basis and communicate back to each homeowner individually.
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, Community Manager
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC MEMBERS
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). The ARC shall consist of 3 Regular Members and 2 Alternate Members. You must be a homeowner to be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on this committee.
The primary objective of the ARC is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. The ARC has the authority to:
- Adopt and administer the review process on behalf of the VWOA;
- Review and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for each Property Improvement Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;
- Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance" as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State and local laws; and,
- Make reasonable efforts to assist the applicants with their requests and any other concerns regarding the "Standards."
ARC members will be trained and expected to conduct business using an automated system. This system allows ARC members to view, comment, approve or deny PIAs digitally.
Ideal candidates will
- have access to a computer and internet.
- be available on a consistent basis to meet in person should homeowners request a meeting to discuss their PIA.
- Have knowledge of the VWOA's current standards.
HOW TO APPLY!
CLICK HERE
to send an email to the VWOA Community Manager to submit your name for consideration. Be sure to include your home address, phone number and email address.
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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F
irst and foremost, hi neighborhood! Westcreek Staff misses all the warm smiles,
the
universal language of kindness.
Due to the growing reach and impact of the COVID-19, the Board of Directors has made the decision to close the
Association's
office to all foot traffic coming in the building in an attempt to limit small gatherings and the spread of the virus to our community.
Don't worry,
we are still here to help as much as we can!
The office will still be staffed to receive homeowner calls
and
emails and
to
maintain the drop box for assessments and mail.
(Please be sure to include the address, if not already listed on the check.) If you want to pay online, you can create an online account at spectrumam.com.
All classes that take place at the Westcreek community center will be canceled at this time. The Sports Park fields and walking trail will remain open at this time and we will continue to monitor the situation and will keep communicating any further closures with the community.
Thank you for your understanding and we wish you and your family well!
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We have received many emails asking when the pool will be reopened for the 2020 Pool Season. At the present time, the pool will remain closed.
We will release a plan for re-opening the pool in accordance with the CDC and local regulations. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.
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If you have a "Private Party" booked in May 2020, you should
contact the Westcreek office 210-679-8761 to reschedule a future date.
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SAWS Committed to Continued Assistance on Overdue Bills
As discussions continue about when and how our community reopens, SAWS continues to work to assist our most vulnerable neighbors. Those who have not been able to make a SAWS payment do not need to fear immediate disconnection of their water services. SAWS will work with each customer who is impacted financially by COVID-19 on a long-term payment plan and/or to see if they qualify for one of our Uplift assistance programs.
To provide safe and reliable drinking and wastewater services, SAWS employees have stayed active in the field and behind the scenes. We're committed to providing 24-hour water and wastewater services that you can depend on.
Submitted by: Senior Communications Specialist Daniel Vargas, San Antonio Water System
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Want to learn how to take the 2020 Census?
For the first time, in 2020 the U.S. Census is accepting responses online. The process is quick and secure. You can respond to the census in less time than it takes to finish your morning coffee. You still can respond by phone or mail if you prefer. To learn more about what to expect or to complete the census online, visit
https://2020census.gov
.
Doug, Community Engagement Team,
U.S. Census Bureau
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Do you know someone who is not receiving our newsletters, community alerts and other important information? Encourage them to "Get Connected"
by:
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Your 2nd Quarter Assessment of $99.00 was due on April 1, 2020.
On April 30, 2020, 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).
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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.
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FOOD TRUCKS - A RELIABLE OPTION
With takeout and to-go orders still allowed in San Antonio, food trucks are looking to provide a reliable option for locals. The food truck industry is facing an interesting time as changes to dine-in restaurants resulting from COVID-19 impacted their businesses as well.
Right now, the trucks are allowed to stay open. They are just asking everyone to remember that groups of 10 or more cannot gather. Trucks are taking extra steps to be as sanitary as possible, which includes having extra hand sanitizer.
Now is the time to support our local food trucks.
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
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!
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NEW AND EXISTING LANDSCAPE REMINDER
The lowdown on plantings in front of the home!
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This time of year, many homeowners are landscaping their front yards. If you are considering planting in the front of your home, please remember that plantings
within ten (10') feet of the curb, may not exceed three (3') feet in height as measured from ground level. This is to allow motorists a clear view of pedestrians and street traffic while backing out of driveways and at intersections.
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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WESTCREEK SPORTS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES ON HOLD
Westcreek Sports and Social Activities remain on hold in accordance with the current state situation regarding COVID-19. We are eager to get things going again but are continuing to wait for changes in the current status of social distancing. We continue to monitor the situation and look forward to when we can all get back together. Once we have that date, we will look at the schedule and put a plan in place to get things back to normal and get our community together again with sports and events!
We thank you for your continued support and understanding! As soon as we know more, we will be reaching out with updates. In the meantime, please remain safe and we will see you all soon.
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JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER'S DAY
For printable puzzles and fun activities like Mazes, Connect the dots, Hidden pictures, and more, check out this link:
Mother's Day Coloring Pages
Printable Mazes
Learn to Draw
Simple Crafts for Mother's Day
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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GARDENING IN MAY
Lawns
- If you want to lay sod or seed a new lawn, do so by early May.
- If weeds are present in your lawn, mow and bag the clippings to prevent seeds from spreading. Or you can pull the weeds before mowing.
Fruit/Nuts
- Wait until new growth starts on citrus trees to prune off any damage done by previous freezes. This way you can easily tell what is alive and what isn't.
- Prune trees as needed: Limbs that are hanging over or touching house, branches that block any type of traffic, or that are broken, etc.
- Spray pecan trees for gall insects if you notice green, round swelling on the leaves.
Perennials
- When planning and planting perennials, remember to keep their mature sizes in mind and space them accordingly.
Shrubs
- Prune spring-blooming shrubs when their blooms fade.
- If needed, treat shrubs with iron deficiencies (green veins on yellow/green leaves, especially new leaves) with a chelated iron product.
Veggies
- Stake or cage tomatoes when the first flower appears; place stake on opposite side of the plant's stem.
- Pinch suckers (side shoots) on tomatoes. These are the stems that branch out where the leaves join the stem (in the "elbow).
- Veggie gardens need 1-2" of water each week.
Note: Rainbow Gardens is temporarily offering curbside pickup.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Wright's Skullcap - Scutellaria wrightii
A well behaved perennial with a mounding habit; a welcome addition to your landscape!
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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.
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Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
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