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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - October 1, 2019 Edition!
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"Honest communication is built on truth and integrity and upon respect of the one for the other."
~Benjamin E. Mays
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| Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and with good reason! Did you know that between 20 and 59 percent of the world's female population are exposed to domestic violence? In San Antonio alone, there were 22 domestic violence deaths in 2018. In fact, last year, San Antonio held the record high for domestic violence cases in all of Texas.
There is no universal definition of domestic violence however, the term is used most commonly when referring to the violence experienced between two current or former partners. Domestic violence can be physical or psychological, and it can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner.
Insults, threats, emotional abuse and sexual coercion all constitute domestic violence. While the dynamics of the relationship vary from person to person, it generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. Some perpetrators may even use children and pets as emotional leverage to get what they want from the victim.
Victims of domestic violence and abuse experience a diminished self-worth, depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. It often takes a very long time and professional help for victims to overcome the damaging emotional and physical effects their abuser caused. But, there is hope. If you are in an abusive or violent relationship, you are NOT alone, and it is NOT your fault. There is help for you and there is hope for your future. There are currently 4 domestic violence and abuse shelters and programs in San Antonio:
Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. Hotline: 210-733-8810
The Salvation Army Emergency Women & Children Shelter Phone: 210-352-2046
Visitation House Ministries Phone: 210-735-6910
Catholic Charity Guadalupe Home Hotline: 210-476-0707
Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Now is the time to take a stand and support survivors by speaking out against domestic violence. Again, if you need assistance or want to speak with a trained peer advocate about domestic violence, you can contact one of the following:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline 1-800-331-9474
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The three previous Westcreek Living Newsletters introduced the Suggestion and Recommendations Committee (or "SARC"). The SARC monthly meeting is an excellent place to discuss ideas and submit suggestions to benefit the rest of the community. The SARC meets on the first Monday of the month from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the VWOA conference room. The October meeting will be held on Monday, the 7th, at 6:00 PM. Please consider joining us.
Status of the suggestions from the first three meetings
:
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Suggestion #
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Suggestion
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Status
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1,2,4
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Coordinate Quarterly Safety Training events by professionals; e.g. "Stop the Bleed," "CPR Training." "Active Shooter," etc.
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Recommendation #1 to the Board.
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3
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Consider establishing a Westcreek Curb Appeal Program.
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Under SARC review.
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5
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Establish a Public Document Review Team or Committee to review our public documents before they are filed with the county.
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Recommendation #2 to the Board.
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6
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Hooks and benches in Pool Restrooms to aid in changing clothes.
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Recommendation #3 to the Board.
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7
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Rescind all versions of AR-46 and replace with a new AR.
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Recommendation #4 to the Board.
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8
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Community Service Lawn Mowing by Teenagers.
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Under SARC review.
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9
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ADA Compliant walkway in Sports Park
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Recommendation #5 to the Board.
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10
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Search for new SARC Chairperson
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Recommendation #6 to the Board.
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Submitted by: Francis Lomax, SARC Secretary
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At the Board of Directors Meeting in September, representatives from the
Bexar County Appraisal District gave an informative overview of the many tax exemptions that property owners may take advantage of. For those who could not attend this meeting, we are providing a
link to the BCAD Tax Information document that summarizes these exemptions.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Chair Communications Committee
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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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As we approach the Holiday Season, we thought it would be a good time to review the timelines on when you can display your outdoor holiday decorations!
Holiday decorations may be displayed on the premises, without ARC approval. Under our current guidelines, you can display your Christmas/New Year's holiday decorations
forty (40) days prior to the holiday but they must be removed no later than 15 days after the holiday.
For all other holidays during the year, the decorations can be displayed 30 days before the holiday and must be removed no later than 15 days following the actual holiday date.
Special event decorations such as birthdays, anniversaries, newborns, returning veterans, etc., may only be displayed on the premises for three (3) days without the Standards Department's approval if the number of decorations are minimal and, the decorations and signs are not placed anywhere else within the Villages of Westcreek, including the properties fronting any entrance to the Villages of Westcreek.
We hope you find the chart below helpful as you decorate for the upcoming Holiday Season!
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HOLIDAY
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DECORATIONS UP
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DECORATIONS DOWN
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Halloween
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October 1st |
November 16th |
| Thanksgiving |
October 29th |
December 13th |
Christmas and New Year's
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November 15th |
January 16th |
Reference: Section 6.7 of the Standards
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins, Communications Committee Member
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Trash and recyclable containers and any other refuse for trash pickup are to be placed in the street next to the curb and may not be put out earlier than 5:00 PM the day before the scheduled collection day and are to be stored out of sight from the street by 9:00 AM the following day.
The containers are to be stored behind the front fencing or in the garage to present a safe, clean and attractive appearance of the property.
Remember, curb appeal sells homes!
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins, Communications Committee Member
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The VWOA Office will be closed in observance of Columbus Day on
Monday, October
14, 2019!
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The Community Center and Sports Park pools will be closing for the season on Sunday- October 27, 2019!
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Your 4th Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on October 1, 2019.
On October 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
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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
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!
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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on
October 12, 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
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The two keys to a successful yard sale are 1) getting people there and 2) getting them to buy your stuff.
In the Villages of Westcreek, sales may be held on the second Saturday of each month. The HOA allows 3 commercially produced signs. Be sure to use a wide marker to write your address clearly on the sign. If possible, add a dark directional arrow to help customers find your house.
Garage sales are listed on the VWOA website. If you wish to have your street and village included on that list, you must call the office at 210-679-8761 no later than noon on the Friday before the sale.
But don't use 3 signs and the website as your only advertising. There are many web sites where you can post yard sales for free. Post your sale on any or all of the following free sites:
Remember, these sites are free so don't skimp on wording. List as much information as possible in your post or include photos of your items. Writing "too much to list" is a common practice, but it doesn't entice anyone to attend. A much better approach is to list items or categories such as "children's clothes," "tools," "bicycles," "Halloween décor," etc. Customers interested in any of those groups will want to visit your sale. Be sure to include start/end times, your address, and any other helpful information.
The best way to boost sales: put prices on items. Many people will leave a sale if there are no prices or if they have to keep asking. There are cheap pre-printed price stickers or you can get plain stickers and write your own prices on them. If you really want to get rid of your stuff, price it low. If you are trying to get top dollar, you might need to sell items individually on those web sites above. It's a good idea to keep prices to 25 cent increments so it's relatively easy to add up a buyer's total.
Other tips to help make the day less stressful for you:
- Have change. Get at least $40 in change-ones, fives, tens. If your prices are in 25-cent increments, you will only need quarters for coins. If you are selling higher priced items, like furniture, you should have more change.
- Use a fanny pack or nail apron for money. This allows more mobility and safety than a money box.
- Tables. Use as many as you can and try not to put stuff on the ground or in crammed boxes.
- Rearrange items as needed to fill in empty spaces on your tables.
- Extension cord or batteries to test out any electrical items.
- Measuring tape for furniture.
- Pen/tape/paper. You might need to mark big items as Sold, change prices or include info about an item.
- Plastic grocery bags and packaging wrap/newspaper for breakables.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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ATTENTION VENDORS!
Vendors who register for the Fall Market Day and Fall Festival events will get both for $40!
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This event will be held at the VWOA Community Center in the overflow parking lot!
CLICK HERE
for Fall Market Day Vendor Registration Form!
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This event will be held at the VWOA Sports Park!
CLICK HERE
for Fall Festival Vendor Registration Form!
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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 Westcreek Poker Club will get together on October 3rd 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 8:15 PM.
To earn BONUS CHIPS, register by
7:00 PM!
For additional information or questions about the requirements and tournament format, email Michael Rico.
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Come join your neighbors in a fun game of Bingo!
Date: 1st 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!
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The Villages of Westcreek
offers a wide variety of Sport Programs
throughout the year. Visit our "Westcreek Sports Program" website for more detailed information about our specific programs and registration information!
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VEHICLES
As a reminder to our residents, the following applies to any vehicle:
- Vehicles of any type may not be parked on any common property within the Villages of Westcreek or on front yards, sidewalks and driveway aprons that connect to sidewalks. Parking on sidewalks and driveway aprons that prohibit the pedestrian's full access is subject to ticketing by law enforcement.
- Any vehicle parked on the street with flat tires, must be repaired within the time frame shown on the VWOA Notice or moved out of sight from the street.
- Commercial vehicles with a load capacity of one (1) ton or more may not be kept, parked or stored on any lot or parked on any street abutting any lot, unless such vehicle is parked temporarily in connection with services being performed on the property.
- Vehicles leaking oil on the driveway, driveway apron, sidewalk or street must be removed and the residue promptly cleaned up for environmental purposes as well as presenting attractive properties.
- Any vehicle parked on residential properties or streets that is either wrecked or damaged; on blocks or jacks; and/or missing parts must be moved out of sight from the street within the time frame shown on the VWOA Notice.
- Exception: Residents may perform regular maintenance or minor repairs on a driveable vehicle, without ARC approval, if completed within two (2) days. Additional days require the approval of the Standards Manager by calling 210-679-8761.
- Any recreational vehicle (RV) such as motorhomes, buses, travel trailers, campers, boats and trailers, jet-skis, etc., belonging to residents may not be parked at the residence any longer than one (1) day before leaving on a trip and one (1) day after returning from the trip.
- For example: If leaving on Saturday morning, the earliest the RV may be parked at the residence is Friday and if returning on Monday, the RV must be removed no later than Tuesday. Motorhomes, buses or trailers may not be used as a guest house on the property or in the street. RVs belonging to visiting non-residents are only allowed two (2) days. Three (3) violations within a ninety (90)-day period will result in escalated action being taken.
- Utility/cargo trailers may not be parked in front of the residence any longer than one (1) day. Additional days require the approval of the Standards Manager by calling 210-679-8761 if the work is being performed on the property. Three (3) violations with a ninety (90) day period will result in escalated action.
References:
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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PLANT WILDFLOWER SEEDS IN OCTOBER
It's just about time to plant bluebonnet and other wildflower seeds if you want beautiful flowers in spring. Plant the seeds in October and November (early October is best). Texas bluebonnets germinate in the fall and grow throughout the winter, and usually bloom around the end of March to mid-May.
You can learn more about planting and growing wildflowers at an upcoming free seminar at Rainbow Gardens (see below).
- Secrets of a Successful Wildflower Meadow (Free seminar) October 5 at 10am at Rainbow Gardens Bandera, 8516 Bandera Road. 210-680-2394.
- Guest speaker is John R Thomas, owner and founder of Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg. Listen to the expert explain when and how to plant wildflowers successfully in your area. Free but best to RSVP to reserve your seat. There will be a Seed Bomb Workshop following the Wildflower seminar.
- Seed Bomb Workshop October 5 at about 11:30am at Rainbow Gardens Bandera, 8516 Bandera Road. 210-680-2394
- Make wildflower seed bombs as gifts or to later distribute in gardens, parks, roadsides, or even private property (with permission). What better way to help pollinators than planting the wildflowers they need to thrive. Get your hands dirty and have some fun. Make and Take $5 for 20 bombs.
FIVE FACTS AND TIPS ABOUT BLUEBONNETS
- Bluebonnets Need Fall. Bluebonnet seeds need to be planted in early fall. They need all the time from fall to spring to get established and grow. They way these wildflowers work is: they bloom in spring, go to seed in summer, and germinate in early fall. Planting bluebonnet seeds (and other wildflowers) at the wrong time of year is the number one reason people are unsuccessful.
- Bluebonnets Have Small Appetites. Bluebonnets do not need fertilizer. You should give your wildflowers a specific area or bed to grow in, but you don't need to go overboard with too much prepping of the area like you would a perennial, annual, or vegetable bed.
- Bluebonnets Aren't Very Thirsty. Sow your bluebonnet seeds in an area that drains well. For the first 4 to 6 weeks after sowing your bluebonnet seeds, make sure the area gets frequent, but light, watering. Hopefully fall rains will help out a little. While you do need to water your newly sown seeds or transplants to get them established, the rest of the time you can let them fend for themselves and rely on natural rainfall (except water a little during extended drought).
- Bluebonnets Attract Pollinators in a Unique Way. The white spot on bluebonnets contains patterns that are invisible to us but provide bees a virtual landing pad. The white spot that reflects ultra violet light signals that the bluebonnet is ready to be pollinated. The white spot then turns to a magenta color when the bluebonnets are no longer as fertile, and since the bees don't register this color, they move on down the pasture.
- Bluebonnets Are Tough. The seed coats of bluebonnets are thick and tough enough to protect them from dry periods and flash fires.
- Mulch. The mulch in your gardens should be checked each season. Mulch applied during the fall season helps to suppress weeds in the garden, and helps to regulate temperatures in the soil. The difference between a tender perennial that survives a Texas winter and one that does not sometimes comes down to whether or not the plant was sufficiently mulched to protect it. Stock up now and tackle this garden chore when the weather cools and is pleasant to work in.
- Aphids. They may be showing up in hordes on your milkweed. DON'T spray them with any type of pesticide, even organic. You don't want to endanger the Monarchs that will come through soon. Blast the aphids daily with a spray of water from the hose to cut down on their population. Be patient and soon lace wing larvae and ladybugs will find them and make a meal out of them.
- Soil Drainage. If you plan to do a lot of planting this fall, take time now to assess if you need to prepare soil areas where good drainage is an issue. If you can't amend the ground soil enough to get good drainage, you may need to look into building raised beds.
- Roses. Keep your roses in tip top shape while they are getting ready for their fall bloom show. Keep them fertilized and well-watered but avoid wetting the foliage, which can breed fungus issues.
TREES AND SHRUBS
- Trees and shrubs are wonderful to plant in the fall but wait until our heat breaks. The extended forecast shows in about 2 weeks it will start to cool. That is when we can plant the other cool season veggies and fall color annuals.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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CALENDULA (
POT MARIGOLD)
If you're looking for fall color, to spice up your front porch or garden, you might like this one.
They make a great bed, border, container or cottage garden plant.
This plant forms a nice round mound and will grow to a height of 12-18 inches. It will last to the first freeze and may reseed.
- Light Requirement: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water Demand: Supplemental Water Requirement
- Flower Color: Vibrant yellows, oranges and purple
- Season: Fall
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Black-Bellied Whistling Duck - Picture courtesy of Bill Fenstermacher
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BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK
The Black-Bellied Whistling-Duck is also known as the Black-Bellied Tree-Duck, Red-Billed Tree-Duck, Tree Duck, and Whistling Duck. They have a general lifespan of 6-8 years,are 19-22 inches, have a wing span of 35 inches, and weigh about 1.5-1.8 pounds. They are scientifically known as Dendrocygna autumnalis from the Anatidae bird family, which also contains all ducks, geese, and swans.
This particular duck can be found in woodlands, rice fields, swamps, wetlands, lagoons, mud flats, golf courses, and large parks. Most notably they are located in eastern and southern Texas and down to the Mexican, Central America, and South American coasts, although they can stretch as far as Brazil and even into northern Argentina. Small populations are also seen in Cuba and Florida.
Their appearance is speculate-shaped bills, webbed feet, and very long necks; which is why sometimes they are mistaken for an exotic goose. Their bills are red or reddish-pink in color with a gray nail at the tip. The face, chin, and throat are a grayish-white, with prominent white eye rings. The back, crown, neck, lower neck, breast, and mantle are brown or chestnut in color. White stripes are noted along their wing spans, often more noted in flight. Their abdomen, buttocks, and tail are black with the under tail having gray and black speckles.
The feet of the tree duck are pinkish-red in color and their eyes are black.
The tree duck has a noisy squeak-like call with twittering sounds and a raspy alarm call when feeling threatened
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These ducks do not migrate and mate for life. During breeding season the female selects a nesting cavity and lays very little nesting material. Nesting cavities are generally 8-30 feet above the ground, but in some instances they will nest on the ground under hefty clumps of grasses or weeds. The brood is typically 12-16 eggs while other nesting sites may occur with up to a total of 100 possible eggs although not all are meant to hatch, but are for practice. For the selected nesting site, the incubation period is 25-30 days which both parents take part in. The chick will leave the nest after only 24hrs,
but the parents will guide and protect them for 140-150 days. Most often 1 brood per season is expected but rarely 2 broods are possible.
Nutritionally they are herbivorous,
eating many plant sources, aquatic vegetation, seeds, and grains. They will consume insects, spiders, and mollusks during the breeding season and a source of protein for their growing young. They not only graze in water and on the ground, but also often at night.
The tree duck is susceptible to lead poisoning from fishing sinkers and fishing line tangles that have been discarded improperly.
They are not generally seen in backyards of birders, but providing ground feeding such as cracked corn or millet can attract them. They will also nest in nesting boxes or snags that have been preserved as nesting sites. Visiting marshy areas, large parks, or ponds will assist in sighting these tree dwelling birds.
References:
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/black-bellied-whistling-duck
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HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Trick or Treat, stay safe near the street. As many families will partake in Halloween festivities, here are some helpful tips to keep your little ghosts, goblins, or Fortnite llamas, safe:
Consider this:
"Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year."- Safe Kids Worldwide
- Stick to well-lit and familiar areas when choosing trick or treat routes.
- Always ensure a trusted adult accompanies children while trick-or-treating.
- Use sidewalks where possible.
- When crossing streets, look left-right-left before crossing. Try to stick to crosswalks and corners, as there tends to be extra vehicular traffic on residential streets.
- Use flashlights, reflective strips, glow-bands or sticks for pedestrian visibility.
- Ensure your child's sight is not obstructed if using a mask as part of their costume.
Drivers, anticipate heavy foot traffic from trick or treaters- drive extra slow and turn on headlights earlier for better identification of pedestrians.
Treat Safety:
- Never enter a home to get candy or treats.
- Have all candy checked by an adult carefully. If candy appears tampered with or something seems odd, it's better to throw it out.
- Be aware of non-edible treats given out, such as small toys, which may be choking hazards for kids.
Sweet treats aren't for everyone:
- Consider non-sweet options for those with food allergies or Type 1 diabetes (the type most commonly diagnosed in childhood). Dairy or nut allergies are just a few common allergies experienced and can lead to serious medical complications.
- Consider offering a non-edible option (stickers, toys) to ensure children with limitations feel included.
The
Food Allergy Research & Education's (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project has tips listed for becoming part of this allergy awareness movement. Some of the suggestions are listed below:
- Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters
- Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to indicate to passersby that you have non-food treats available
- Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map
- Spread the word! Share the Teal Pumpkin Project with your friends and family
Lastly, if you experience trick or treaters who seem older in age, consider the possibility of other medical conditions such as Autism or developmental delays before turning them away.
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!
Sources:
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FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
IS OCTOBER 6th -12th
As Fire Prevention Week approaches, Bexar County 2 Fire Department reminds residents:
Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!
October - The Bexar County 2 Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)-the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years-to promote this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!" The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
NFPA statistics show that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016. "These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. "In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out."
While NFPA and Bexar County 2 Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
"Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go," said Division Chief Rudy Khalaf. "No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately."
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Bexar County please contact the
Bexar County 2 Fire Department
www.bc2fd.org.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit
www.fpw.org.
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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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SUGAR AND ITS SIDE EFFECTS
Last month we learned about cravings but why is it so important to stop these cravings? There are absolutely no nutritional benefits associated with the consumption of simple carbs and sugar. There is no protein, vitamins, minerals or essential fats - just empty calories! Sugar has become a big marketing business and is found in almost every item we consume, from carbs that turn into sugar when consumed, natural sugars, artificial sugars, to the long list of disguised hidden sugars. It is very addictive, and the food industry adds different forms of sugar to make you want to buy more of their product.
Being overweight is not the only side effect of consuming too much sugar. Our bodies were not created to handle the large amount of sugar most of us are consuming and it is toxic to our bodies
. Overconsumption of sugar can wreak havoc on your brain. It impairs memory and learning skills. It may cause or contribute to depression and anxiety. It's a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Sugar also suppresses our immune system, which makes it easier to get sick. This is a large reason so many of us get sick from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas. It is not just being around others who are possibly sick but that we eat so many sweets and carbs that we make it easier for our bodies to catch viruses.
Make sure that you are not consuming more that the daily recommended sugar consumption. Stay within the following range:
- Children under 6 months: 0
- Children: 3-4 tsp (12-16g)
- Preteen: 5 tsp (25g)
- Adult women & teens: 6-8 tsp (24-32g)
- Adult men: 9 tsp (36g)
*4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon
It is quite easy to exceed the recommendation in just a couple of items so be smart when choosing your snacks.
Being healthy does have a lot to do with what you eat, and don't eat, but healthy movement plays a big factor as well. Westcreek is offering fun sequence dancing that not only helps you burn fat, but helps improve flexibility, endurance, and muscle toning.
I am a certified health coach and would love to help you with achieving your health goals. Please feel free to email me at
melissa.motz@yahoo.com
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ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
Here is a very tasty zucchini lasagna recipe that I hope your family will enjoy:
Zucchini Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ lb 93% lean ground beef or turkey
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 9 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8" thick - total weight 3.75 pounds
- 15 oz part-skim ricotta
- 16 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 large egg
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, brown meat and season with salt. When cooked, drain in colander to remove any fat. Add olive oil to the pan and sauté garlic and onions about 2 minutes. Return the meat to the pan, add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for at least 30-40 minutes, covered. Do not add extra water, the sauce should be thick.
- Meanwhile, slice zucchini into 1/8" thick slices, lightly salt and set aside for 10 minutes. Zucchini has a lot of water when cooked; salting it takes out a lot of moisture. After 10 minutes, blot excess moisture with a paper towel.
- On a gas grill or grill pan, grill zucchini on each side, until cooked, about 1-2 minutes per side. Place on paper towels to soak any excess moisture.
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and egg. Stir well.
- In a 9x12 casserole spread some sauce on the bottom and layer the zucchini to cover. Then place some of the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with the mozzarella cheese and repeat the process until all your ingredients are used up. Top with sauce and mozzarella and cover with foil.
- Bake 45 minutes covered at 350°, then uncovered 15 minutes. Let stand about 5 - 10 minutes before serving.
Makes 8 servings
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SEQUENCE DANCING COMES TO WESTCREEK
If you are a big fan of
"Dancing with the Stars" you may be happy to learn that t
he Villages of Westcreek is now offering a new class called "Sequence Dancing" starting on October 7, 2019. "Sequence Dancing" is a subcategory of ballroom dancing where all couples perform the same set of steps and movements simultaneously. Sequence dancing encompasses many different rhythms, such as waltz, tango, salsa, and swing, as well as many others.
This dance style (Sequence) is perhaps the first of its kind ever to be introduced to the social dance community at large here in South Texas, if not the entire country. This is an unparalleled opportunity for social dancers who are tired of doing the same old dance styles and steps, to the same old music at their usual 'dance haunts.' You can be part of a pioneer group in this historical (in the social dance scene) movement for next to nothing. The instructor Andi Ahmad states that his goal for the dancers is to "help rejuvenate and rekindle the standard of their dance life and repertoire."
These classes are for anyone who wants to enjoy partner dancing in a healthy day time social and community environment (minus the sleaze and rowdiness of nightclubs and some dance halls). Anyone can benefit from this class. One does not necessarily have to be an experienced or high-level ballroom or social dancer, although prior dance experience will undoubtedly be an advantage. Sequence Dancing is a great stepping stone for those who want to learn how to dance, but do not currently have or want to commit the financial resources at an expensive dance studio.
Initially, this class will be targeting senior citizens. The class will meet every Monday from 2 pm till 4 pm at the VWOA Community Center Hall. It is open to all adults (18 and above). Grandparents may bring their grand-kids along, provided that they are properly supervised, and not allowed to run loose on the dance floor.
Here are some handy links should one choose to glean further info on Sequence dancing:
For questions and additional information about this class contact:
Instructor: Andi Ahmad
Text Inquiries: 210-426-4559
Class Cost: $6.00 per session
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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SOMETHING FOR ALL AGE GROUPS!
The Villages of Westcreek offers a wide variety of
"Health and Fitness Classes" for our residents!
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