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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - January 1, 2021 Edition!
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Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.
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NEW BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED!
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Elaine Maurer has been selected to fill the vacant Assistant Secretary position until the next election in April 2021. The Board unanimously voted in favor of Elaine's nomination during the December 2020 Board meeting.
Elaine has been a resident of the Villages of Westcreek for over 20 years. She has previously volunteered on the Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, and Communications Committee. Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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VILLAGE MONUMENTS REPLACEMENT
As you know, in 2020, the Board of Directors had embarked on a project to replace the Village monuments located throughout the community. During the latter half of 2020, we replaced the monuments for "The Woods, Country Oaks, and The Oaks" located along Military Drive West. Each new monument is custom-made with a natural stone façade, with built-in lighting. Hopefully, this will cut down on the vandalism and theft of lighting fixtures we have had in the past.
Next on our monument replacement schedule will be for the "Royal Oaks." Work will commence once the Board gives final approval on "The Oaks" monument.
CLOCK TOWER REPAIRS
The Clock Tower has needed repairs for some time now. As of this writing, we plan to commence the Clock Tower repairs in January. Repair work includes all new internal components from Belgium and face cleaning. Once the Clock Tower repairs are complete, we will be fixing the lighting issues at the Tower. We are happy to report that the cost of the repair work at the Clock Tower was under Budget!
TREE TRIMMING
The Maintenance Department is continuing their work with Tree trimming and mulching throughout the community. Plans are being put in place to reseed the Sports Fields this spring.
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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IMPACT ON COMMUNITY GATHERINGS AND AMENITY USE
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 this virus's spreading.
The Board of Directors will follow city, county, and state guidelines to determine the reopening of amenities and classes. The current status of community openings and closures are as follows:
AMENITY/ACTIVITIES OPENINGS AND RESTARTS
- The Sports Park Fields, Dog Park, Walking Track, Tot Lot, Basketball Court, and Tennis Courts are OPEN. Per the county's latest declaration of a public health emergency, all community members should practice social distancing of 6ft or more.
- VWOA Sports Programs have resumed.
- Monthly "Garage Sales" are permitted on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Estate Sales are also allowed.
- The VWOA Office has reopened. See details in the "Front and Center Office News" section of this newsletter. Masks are required for entry.
- Please check with the VWOA Office for the most up-to-date Facility Rental guidelines.
MEETINGS AND CLASSES
- We have suspended all "in-person" Committee and Board Meetings until further notice. These meetings are being held on Zoom. Meeting announcements and Zoom links will be sent to all registered emails and posted to the VWOA website.
- All Community Center classes and activities have been canceled until further notice.
FUTURE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
- The Board and Staff are monitoring the situation closely and will notify the community of any other updates as they impact meetings, activities, 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.
- A link to the Spectrum COVID-19 Community Resource page is on the VWOA website.
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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COVID-19 AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS
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 HOA assessment payments, 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, VWOA 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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The VWOA office will be closed as follows:
- January 1st - New Year's Day
- January 18th- MLK
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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The Villages of Westcreek would like to thank each individual who adopted from the Angel Tree.
We were definitely overwhelmed by the generosity of The Villages of Westcreek community and the employees in making sure the children of the New Beginnings Children's Home had a wonderful Christmas this year.
Each person gave so willingly while knowing very little about the child-beyond his or her first name and age-for whom they had purchased gifts.
If you contributed, it was greatly appreciated by the children for whom you purchased gifts. Also, we would like to recognize Heather Mallia for taking the time to deliver the Christmas gifts. (Thank you)
On behalf of The Villages of Westcreek Staff & New Beginnings Children's Home, we would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so grateful for your support.
Wishing you all the best for a successful 2021!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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VWOA OFFICE OPENING
We are happy to announce the office is open for regular business (M-F 9am-6pm). The plexiglass barriers are up for the safety of the staff and residents. We are committed to the health and safety of our residents, and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, individuals are required to wear masks and practice social distancing when they are in the building.
On June 22, 2020, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff put out an executive order to all commercial entities in Bexar County which requires visitors to wear a mask in order to enter business premises and receive services. With this being said, please cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when entering the Villages of Westcreek Community Center.
Please note the following: - Limit 4 people maximum in the lobby.
- If you need to meet with specific staff members, you will need to schedule an appointment by calling 210-679-8761.
SOCIAL DISTANCING Social distancing, also called "physical distancing," means keeping space between yourself and other people. To practice social or physical distancing: - Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people.
- Tape Markings will be set up outside of the VWOA office for Social Distancing.
- Do not gather in groups.
FACE MASKS REQUIRED - Cloth face coverings should NOT be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.
RFID CARDS We are happy to announce that we have started the process of issuing residents their Radio Frequency Identification Cards. Simply come to the office during our regular business hours (Mon- Fri 9am-6pm). RFID cards will be issued in the Community Center Hall. - Please enter the side entrance by the Community Center Pool.
- All residents and children over 12 will need to be issued an RFID Card.
- This process can take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to issue the new cards to each household since we must take new photos of each cardholder.
- Limit 4 people maximum in the Community Center Hall.
RFID CARDS WILL BE ISSUED DURING THE FOLLOWING HOURS: - Morning Session -10 am till 1 pm.
- Closed for Sanitizing - 1 pm till 2 pm.
- Afternoon Session - 2 pm till 5 pm.
RFID CARD FEES: - First RFID Card for Homeowners is FREE.
- Replacement RFID cards fee is $20.00.
- Tenant's RFID cards fee is $10.00 (Updated Lease Needed).
If you need a Replacement RFID card or Tenant's RFID card, please drop by the VWOA Office first to prepay your fees. |
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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021.
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.
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Your 1st Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on January 1, 2021.
On January 30, 2021, all accounts with outstanding balances begin 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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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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Painting all or any exterior part of the dwelling or outdoor storage sheds, the same color as previously approved, does not require ARC approval. All paintable surfaces must be maintained in attractive condition. If faded, chipped, mildewed or discolored, those areas must be repainted.
When painting any structure a different color, a PIA along with proposed color sample(s) and a color picture must be submitted to the ARC for approval. (Refer to VWOA-CC&Rs, Article XIII, Section 13.03 s.) Note: All structures must be painted to match. Colors are limited to shades of 'earth tone' and, most importantly, must be compatible with the masonry on the main dwelling. 'Earth tone' as defined herein, are the varying shades of white, beige, brown, tan, green, red, blue, gray and some shades of terra cotta. Other variations of 'earth tone' colors may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Paint colors of the dwelling such as purple, yellow, orange and pink are not approvable as well as bright or bold colors of red, blue and green. Paint colors on fascia boards, trim, garage and other doors, rain gutters, or any wooden accent must compliment the principal color of the dwelling.
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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WESTCREEK 2021 SPRING FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Just a last minute reminder that Spring Flag Football registration will be closing on January 10, 2021. We are hoping to start the season as planned, but we are closely monitoring the COVID spikes.
We are encouraging everyone to register so we can start the season as planned. We are closely monitoring city, county, and state guidelines regarding COVID-19 and in the event the Spring Flag Football season is cancelled before it starts, we will issue full refunds.
The safety of our community remains our primary concern but we also want to be able to allow our children to get out there and live their lives, get some exercise, socialize and have some fun. Please be sure to register your player before January 10th.
Age Group: Coed, ages 5 through 16
Registration dates and Fees:
- Regular - December 7, 2020 thru January 3, 2021
- $70.00 per child & $55.00 for additional children
- Coach- $55.00 per child
- Late - January 4, 2021 thru January 10, 2021
- $80.00 per child & $65.00 for additional children
- Coach - $65.00 per child
Practice
- Practice begins the first week of the season - January 25, 2021
- Practice day and time determined by the coach
Games
- First game is February 6, 2021
- Last Regular Season Game is March 3, 2021
- End of Season Tournament March 20, 2021
- Make-up date March 17, 2021
As always, coaches are needed!
Click here for details!
Contact Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director at 210-748-2245 or by email at [email protected]!
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SMASH DANCE IS BACK!
Registration is now in progress!
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JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEW YEAR
Printable New Year's I Spy Game
Winter Mad-Libs
Winter Word Search
Winter Word Decoder
Winter Connect the Dots
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Winter Tips and Care for Houseplants
It's often common to neglect houseplants while we enjoy outdoor spring and fall gardening. Then, during the cooler months of winter, all our attention turns to the indoor houseplants and we remember how much we love them. But we must be careful not to heap too much attention on them.
Watering and Fertilizing Houseplants Through Winter
Houseplants do not need fertilizer throughout the winter. Winter is a period of time when your houseplants are resting and doing very little growing. You'd be wasting money on fertilizer and upsetting the natural growing cycle of houseplants. The same reason that houseplants don't need fertilizer is the same reason they don't need as much water during the winter. Growth is slowed down, and nutrients and water are not as much of a demand for houseplants' vitality. Overwatering your houseplant could cause root rot and eventual death. Overwatering plants throughout winter also leaves the soggy soil susceptible to growing a fungus, which can lead to a fungus gnat infestation. Don't let your eyes be the judge of when you need to water your houseplants. Use your finger. Even though the top of the soil may look dry, you need to stick your finger down in it and only water your houseplants when the soil is dry at least 2 inches down.
What to Offer Houseplants Through Winter
What you can do for your houseplants in winter is to make sure they get the sunlight that they need. Sunlight shifts during winter and is not as strong as it is during summer. You may need to move houseplants to a south-facing or west-facing window to get the most sunlight possible. Rotate your houseplants each time you water them to make sure each side is receiving an equal amount of sunlight to ensure uniform growth. Make sure not to place them on windowsills where their foliage could touch a cold window or where they might feel a frosty draft. You can also make sure your houseplants are comfy with the temperature and humidity in your home. Heaters dry the air and reduce the humidity. Setting your houseplants on a drainage saucer with a layer of rocks or pebbles and a little bit of water will create needed humidity for your plants. Just make sure your pots aren't sitting in water; the pebbles should offer enough of a barrier. As for the temperature in your home, the most important thing is to keep your houseplants away from areas where the temperature fluctuates. Try not to situate your plants by radiators, directly under vents, by drafty windows, or near a lit fireplace.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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There are many cultivars. Nepeta cataria is the classic catnip; Faasen's catmint (Nepeta x fasseenii) is a Dutch hybrid that has bloomed all summer long, even in the Texas plains - making it a favorite for not only cats but butterflies as well.
Chemical attractants in the stems and leaves keep cats excited and (hopefully) too distracted to use the landscape as a potty.
Click here to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements and plant features from San Antonio Garden Style!
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WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT AND WHAT SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE?
An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a School District, Library District or Hospital District. Depending on the ESD's creation documents, an ESD can provide fire protection, emergency medical services or both. A board of five commissioners governs ESDs and operate independently from the county government. In most counties in Texas, the County Commissioners Court appoints the commissioners to two-year terms. Commissioners are elected for ESDs in Harris, Orange, and Smith counties, as well as for ESDs that exist in more than one county.
The voters approved Bexar County ESD No. 2 in May of 2003. We provide the following services: Emergency Medical Care
Bexar County 2 Fire Department provides Emergency Medical Care as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) First Responders. When responding to medical emergencies, responders use the same equipment and abide by the same standards as the transporting ambulance provider. All of our members are certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Approximately 50% of our 80 member staff are certified at a higher level certification such as EMT-Advanced and EMT-Paramedic. The District is currently in the planning stages of becoming a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) capable ambulance provider. We are extremely excited about the increased level of service this will bring to the residents of Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 2. Special Operations
The Special Operations Division is a part of the Emergency Response at Bexar County 2 Fire Department. All personnel under Special Operations are certified firefighters and receive specialized training in HazMat, Swift Water, Wildland or Search and Rescue. These sections provide specialized responses to hazardous materials spills; all water emergencies, including standing or swift; major disaster responses, manmade or natural; and weapons of mass destruction responses, providing decontamination and initial medical treatment.
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