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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - December 1, 2020 Edition!
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All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Early in the pandemic, Marla Gill Ferguson determined that she wouldn't let any of her neighbors go hungry. She started a neighborhood food pantry and, through many kind donations, has kept it filled with basic groceries and food items. Every 7-10 days, she fills bags with whatever goods she has in her pantry and delivers to seven Westcreek families who are facing challenges during this year.
Marla was in a Facebook grocery exchange group early this year. After the lockdown, she noticed more people needing things. She cleared a space in her garage and set up the pantry. Through word of mouth, donations started coming in. "People have been bringing items since March," she said. Then, also by word of mouth, requests came.
The Oaks resident says she makes no judgment; there is no need for anyone to prove anything. And she keeps everyone completely anonymous. Every week or so, she texts all the recipients that she is making a delivery. One friend bakes cookies to include with the groceries. "They are so appreciative," Marla said about the recipients.
Generally people donate non-perishable goods. But sometimes there are other items. "We rarely have fresh produce," she said. "But when we do, I get it out quickly. Or if I have an overabundance, I will let them know by text" and they can contact her or stop at her house. Although donations have slowed, Marla said she still has plenty to give. "On a personal level, it's given me something to focus on and feel like I'm doing something."
In addition to the regular pantry, Marla and other neighbors joined efforts to provide everything for a Thanksgiving feast for six families. They are hoping to do the same for Christmas.
Marla worries that some Westcreek neighbors might be struggling to put food on the table but don't know about the pantry. She is happy to promote the service to others who might need it or who might want to donate. If you'd like to contact her, call or text 808-554-1471. You also can send her a personal message through Facebook on her personal page: www.facebook.com/marla.g.ferguson. Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary |
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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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MONUMENT UPDATE
As you may have noticed, the Association has begun work on The Oaks monument located at Military Drive West and Saxonhill. The Board and Staff is hopeful that the work will be completed during the month of December.
In addition, the Association is looking for a location within the community to re-purpose the light fixture that was located next to the original monument.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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SANTA IN THE PARK CANCELED
We are sad to report that due to the current situation with COVID-19, and in an abundance of caution, we will not be hosting the "Santa in the Park" event this year. We look forward to bringing this event back next year.
Santa recommends that everyone follows the CDC guidelines relating to Holiday gatherings so that we can get together soon!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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SANTA RUN SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!
Santa's favorite Fire Department is delivering Santa nightly to the neighborhoods of Bexar County ESD No. 2.
CLICK HERE to see dates, times and the street routes Santa will be using in your neighborhood.
Submitted by: Bexar County ESD No. 2. |
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
| | 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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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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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, December 12, 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 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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ITEMS NOT REQUIRING ARC APPROVAL
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A list of items that do not require ARC approval can be found in Appendix A of the Standards for Architectural Design and Maintenance. Note: Any items not listed in Appendix A require ARC approval prior to making any improvements/or changes. If considering improvements/changes that are not described in the Standards or CC&R's call the Standards Superintendent for guidance or submit a Property Improvement Application (PIA) to the ARC.
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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WESTCREEK 2021 SPRING FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Age Group: Coed, ages 5 through 16
Registration dates and Fees:
- Early Bird - November 13, 2020 thru December 6, 2020
- $60.00 per child & $45.00 for additional children
- Coach - $45.00 per child
- 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 10, 2021
- Make-up date March 17, 2021
As always, coaches are needed!
Click here for details!
Contact Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director at 210-679-8847 or by email at [email protected]!
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JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
Christmas Mad Libs
Dear Santa Stationery Printable I Spy Printable Coloring Pages (Santa, Winter, Religious)
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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GARDENING IN DECEMBER
Propagating Plants
The time is now to take cuttings of your warm-weather herbs and plants that won't take the cold temperatures of winter, like basil. Check out Rainbow Gardens' propagation page to get tips on multiple methods for taking cuttings. www.rainbowgardens.biz/garden-tips/propagating-plants/Use Those Leaves
Leaves are falling all around, but don't let them stay upon the ground. Leaves fallen on turf need to be raked up or finely mulched so that sunlight can still penetrate to the root of turfgrass. Mix leaves into your compost bins, store them in black trash bags so they can break down for later use, and pile them around cold sensitive plants to act as mulch and winter protection. Instead of looking at fallen leaves as a chore, think of them as a free gardening benefit.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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CPS Energy offers a great opportunity to save money and energy while planting a tree for your home or business with their Green Shade Tree Rebate program. Planting trees can offer shade to your property to assist in saving energy that is expelled through the use of air conditioners when trying to cool down homes and businesses. And, of course, trees are amazing for the environment. CPS offers a $50 rebate per tree planted when you apply and follow their guidelines in their Green Shade Tree Rebate program.
CPS Tree Rebate Program Requirements
- Trees must be purchased between October 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021 .
- Trees must be a variety from the qualifying list of trees specified by CPS Energy.
- Trees must be 5 gallon or larger in size.
- A lifetime limit of 5 rebates is offered per address.
- Program is awarded on a first come, first serve basis until the funds for the program have been depleted.
- Application for program must be submitted no later than May 15, 2021, and must include a photocopy of the receipt from time of purchase of the tree, AND a photocopy of your most recent CPS energy bill.
CPS Green Shade Rebate Program Maintenance Guidelines
In order to be in compliance of the Green Shade Rebate program, you will also need to follow their specified guidelines for taking care of your tree, before and after it has been planted.
www.cpsenergy.com/en/my-home/savenow/rebates-rebate/green-shade-tree-rebate/green-shade-rebate-guidelines.html
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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GALEANA SAGE - Salvia darcyi
Darcyi is a low perennial sage, with sticky triangular leaves and a sharp fragrance. Dramatic red flower spikes bloom all season long, especially in autumn. Salvia darcyi is well-behaved in the garden, endures for years, tolerates extreme cold, and makes a good companion for some of the smaller red salvias. For better looking specimen, give it water at least once a month in summer.
Click here to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements and plant features from San Antonio Garden Style!
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FIREPLACE SAFETY
Did you know that the leading cause of accidental fires in American homes comes from fuel burning appliances?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, solid fuel burning appliances account for 5 to 10 percent of all household fires, and cause major damage for homeowners. The main causes of fire include: inadequate clearance between the wood burner and walls, floors and furniture; creosote buildup in the chimney; poorly or improperly installed chimneys and improper installation of the wood burner itself. These wood burning and fireplace safety tips can help keep you and your family safe this winter. Fireplace Safety Tips
- Read the instructions for your wood burning stove and follow them carefully.
- Do not use flammable or combustible liquid (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, etc.) to start a fire.
- Do not burn plastics, wood or garbage that has been painted or treated with chemicals. These materials can create toxic gases and can cause corrosion in the vent, chimney and heater.
- Burn wood recommended by the manufacturer only.
- Put ashes in a metal container with a metal lid. Then place this container onto a concrete surface away from combustible materials outside. These embers may still be hot for several days, so always dispose of them with caution.
- Place both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, and test these units regularly.
- Place a multi-purpose fire extinguisher near your wood burner. The extinguisher should be UL listed or Factory Manual (FM) approved and have a rating of 2A-10B: C at minimum.
- Inspect the firebrick liner in your stove, if you have one. Should the liner show signs of wear, replace it immediately and do not use the unit until the liner is replaced.
- Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will allow the fire to heat up which will, in turn, force toxic carbon monoxide into your house.
- Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.
Solid fuel units tend to require a lot more maintenance than other heating systems. Therefore, regular inspections and care are needed to protect your home and family against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Have a wonderful Holiday! 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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PORCH PIRATE SEASON IS UNDERWAY
Best ways to avoid porch pirates is to have your package rerouted to only when you're there, have it sent to a neighbor that is going to be home, change your package delivery for signatures only, or have it sent to where you work.
Get permission to ship all your packages to work. That way, they aren't left unguarded at your doorstep for hours while anyone walking by could snatch them. If this arrangement works out, be sure to tell all your friends and family members to ship packages to your work address.
Ask a friend or neighbor to receive your packages for you. You might not be home on workdays, but plenty of people are. Trusted friends who are retired or who work at home might be happy to let you have packages delivered to them for safekeeping.
If a neighbor can't receive your packages and you can't get them at work, another option is available. Try a service that lets you arrange for a package to be held at a warehouse until you arrive home. Then you can arrange delivery for evening hours that better suit you.
Set up a live recording video camera aimed at your porch. That could allow you to spot a theft as it happens and alert law enforcement officials, or at least provide you with a video that might help identify the thieves.
Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
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