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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - November 1, 2020 Edition!
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Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.
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Fellow Homeowners,
The Board of Directors, which consists of 5 elected members, has a vacancy that we are looking to fill. Under our By-laws, the remaining Board members are to vote on a replacement to serve until the term expires at the Annual Meeting in April 2021. In accordance with the VWOA Bylaws, paragraph 7.04, "vacancies on the Board of Directors caused by death, resignation, or disqualification...shall be filled by vote of the majority of the remaining Directors...and each person so elected shall be a Director until a successor is elected at the next annual meeting of the Association." If you are interested, please submit the following information, along with a brief resume (200-300 words), to [email protected].
- Name:
- Address:
- Phone:
- Email:
Each volunteer will be considered and interviewed as resumes are received until the Board makes an appointment. Sincerely, VWOA Board of Directors
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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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HOLIDAY DECORATION SCHEDULE
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 January 16th.
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!
| HOLIDAY |
DECORATIONS UP
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DECORATIONS DOWN
| Halloween
| October 1st | November 15th | | Thanksgiving | October 27th | December 11th | Christmas and New Year's
| November 15th | January 16th |
Reference: Section 6.7 of the Standards
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager |
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Election Day Vote Centers are open November 3rd, 7 AM until 7 PM
Voters can visit any of our Vote Centers to vote on election day.
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POLITICAL SIGNS
Signs expressing support for an individual political candidate or party or local bond issue or referendum may be placed in a private front yard no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to a primary or general election and must be removed no later than ten (10) days after the election unless the candidate is involved in a runoff election.
Such political signs shall not exceed five (5') square feet and must be professionally produced. Homemade signs are not permitted. The limit for political signs is one (1) per candidate or ballot item per lot.
Note: Banners may be approved by the ARC on a case-by-case basis.
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards 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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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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The VWOA Office will be closed as follows:
Veterans Day - November 11th
Thanksgiving - November 25th, 26th and 27th
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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020. 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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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FARMERS!
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is happy to announce that the "Farmers Market" is back! 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 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM
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Your 4th Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on October 1, 2020.
On October 30, 2020, 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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Solar or accent low voltage/wattage lighting placed along driveways, walkways or flowerbeds do not require ARC approval. However, visible string, rope, or net lighting is not allowed in front of the dwelling except for holidays.
Any other lighting placed/installed outside the dwelling in the front or above the fence line in the rear requires a PIA to be submitted to the ARC for prior approval along with a copy of the Plat/Lot Survey showing the proposed location and the wattage. Placement/position must prevent glaring onto any street or neighboring properties. (Refer to VWOA-CC&Rs, Article X, Section 10.09; and Article XIII, Sec 13.03 g.)
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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As you drive through our community, do you ever see a maintenance issue that you would like to see addressed by the Owners' Association? Maybe it's a problem with a specific property not being maintained in accordance with our governing documents or an issue with property maintained by the Association.
If you answered "Yes," the Association needs your help in identifying these areas so they can address these problems to protect the property values in Westcreek. Listed below are three optional ways you can report an issue to the Association. Option 1 - Report a Violation Online
This is one of the simplest ways to report an issue. The online tool takes a few minutes to complete and has an option where you can upload an image to your report. Click here to report a violation online! Option 2 - Report a Violation by Phone
Call 210-679-8761 and speak to the Standards Manager. Option 3 - Report a Violation by Email
Send an email to [email protected]. Include the address of the violation and a description of the violation. You should also include your contact information in the event we need further information. No matter how you choose to report an issue, please be sure to include the property address of the alleged violation along with your contact information in the event we need to follow-up with you. Under no circumstances will the Association disclose the name of any party reporting an alleged violation. These reports are confidential. Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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SOCCER PROGRAM COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following safety guidelines have been approved by the Board of Directors to provide a safe Soccer Program during COVID-19.
- If you are experiencing any symptoms or feel you may have contacted anyone who may have COVID-19, please refrain from attending.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be available at the park as well as the league tent.
- There will be no after-game handshaking lines. We will line up and pass by with positive words and "Good Game."
- Players on the sidelines will need to remain distanced from one another.
- Please keep spectators to family only, and we ask you to use your best judgment when bringing an extended family.
- Spectators are to remain 6 feet apart while at the park and watching games. If this cannot be achieved, masks will be required within 6 feet of other groups.
- Feel free to add whatever additional precautions you feel safest with for you, your family, and those around you.
We thank you for your continued support and understanding! If there are any changes or updates, we will communicate them to the community. In the meantime, please remain safe, and we will see you all soon.
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JUST IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Word Search
Printable Thanksgiving Bingo
Thanksgiving Activities: Mad Libs, Word Scramble, & More
Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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TIME FOR FALL LAWN FEEDING
Fall lawn fertilizing/winterizing time is upon us. Make your lawn winter hardy, and promote fast green up when spring arrives again. A healthy, well-fed lawn is the best defense against disease, insect problems, and weed infestation. Don't skip this fall gardening chore.
Apply winterizing formulas for winter hardiness. Ratios vary, but make sure they are "winter" or "fall" formulas designed for southern grasses. Rainbow Garden's 18-6-12 winterizer formula is a great choice.
Here are 5 important things to keep in mind during the fall gardening season.
- Plant, plant, plant! Fall is the best time to plant. Take advantage of fall sales, grow cuttings, sow seeds, etc.
- Dividing and Transplanting. November is prime time to move plants that might not have been planted in the right place and to divide plants that have outgrown their original planting plots.
- Watering. One of the quickest ways to invite disease into your turf is by watering at night. Water in the early morning hours instead and only as needed.
- Color. Choose a mixture of perennials and annuals so you will always have some color. Mass plantings of annual color look best, while perennials need more space between plantings so they can reach their maximum potential. Low-growing annuals are great for planting over areas where you have spring bulbs buried.
- Mulch. While leaves make excellent mulch material, full-size original state leaves should not be left to decompose on the lawn. Your turf still needs sunlight and leaves can block the rays. But don't throw them away. Collect and put in your compost piles, store in black trash bags and allow them to break down for future use, collect and use as mulch in your garden beds, or mow over them to mulch them and they can then break down on the lawn.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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FALL ZINNIAS - (Zinnia marylandica, Zinnia hybrida, and Zinnia elegans)
The Profusion and Zahara series of zinnia produce disease resistant mounds of color that last until frost when planted in late summer. The more traditional flowers of the Dreamland and Magellan series can also be enjoyed at this time of year while avoiding the disease issues that can show up in the spring. All have vibrant colors with the cool nights of fall on sturdy compact plants.
Click here to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements and plant features from Texas Superstar!
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The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.
Did you know Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment? Here are some safety tips to keep your Thanksgiving day safe.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don't trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children - up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Should you need us... We'll be there for you! From all of us here at Bexar County 2 Fire Department.
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