Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - April 1, 2021 Edition!

CLICK HERE to view as webpage!


"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life."


~Charles Darwin
GUY OLIVER
March 4, 1943 - March 30, 2021
The VWOA Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Guy Oliver, who passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. As you may know, Guy was a devoted volunteer, serving on the Board of Directors and numerous committees throughout the years. He freely gave of his time and talents to do what he could to serve the Villages of Westcreek. 
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE

As required by the governing documents of the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association Inc., a meeting of the membership will be held on April 15, 2021, at 6:00 pm either in person at the Villages of Westcreek Community Center at 12395 Military Dr. W, San Antonio, Texas 78253 or via Zoom based on the local COVID-19 guidelines at the time of the meeting.

CLICK HERE for the official announcement and meeting agenda!

Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
KEVIN DRUMMONDS
I am a 22-year veteran of the Air Force, retiring in December of 1998. My wife Rhonda and I have lived in Westcreek since 1997, where we raised two children who now have families of their own and have given us three grandchildren. I served on the VWOA Board of Directors several times since 2000 in all Officer positions. I served on the Board that built the pavilion in the park and planned, funded, and initiated action on the community center. We purchased the 25 acres that the community center sits on even before the bridge was built.

My objectives continue to ensure fiscal responsibility, increase property values and maintain transparency in all association business and meetings. I believe in a strong financial strategy and hard work that has accounted for many new additions to the community, including but not limited to: new playground equipment for the tot lot; refurbishment of the sports fields and increased lighting throughout the park; upgrade and maintenance of the major street fences and monuments; a new monument in the clock tower; opening the pool for adult accompanied swim for longer hours as well as more days during the summer; park monitors on duty to ensure the facilities are maintained and available to members when they want/need them; and much, much more.

Hopefully you have enjoyed these upgrades and agree with us when we say "Westcreek is a great place to live." I continue to believe that communications and openness in all actions of the Board and staff are vital to maintaining and improving the trust of the homeowners in those that manage our community. I played a key role in opening all meetings to the homeowners, requiring minutes from all committees, and ensuring greater detail was included in those minutes. I hope to continue to work toward a high degree of customer service, transparency, and professionalism in all our dealings. This includes all forms of communications, whether it be telephone, email, meetings, or even one-on-one. In addition, those elected as our representatives as well as our staff should be held accountable to do the Association's business in the light of day and with a high degree of fiduciary responsibility and personal integrity. The ability to manage a budget within our available resources is our highest, if not the highest, priority. 

Finally, security of our families, our property, and our community as a whole is also very high on our agenda. Bottom line: Westcreek has always been a great place to live. If we inform and involve the homeowners in our decisions, do our business in the open, make sound budget decisions, and work together to keep our community safe, we will make this an even greater place to live.
ELAINE MAURER
My name is Elaine Maurer. I have been a resident of the Villages of Westcreek for over 20 years.  My husband John and I have been married for 30 years and we have one son. He and his wife are raising our two beautiful granddaughters, right here in Westcreek.

I retired from Northside ISD 4 years ago. I feel blessed to have worked so close to home, at both of the elementary schools in our community. Most recently, I worked at Paul Ott where I was the campus Office Manager & Bookkeeper. I have a great deal of experience working within a budget, and I feel this would benefit the community in helping to keep our assessments low.   

Through the years, I've volunteered on several committees to include the Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, Communications Committee, and I'm currently the Chair of the Architectural Review Committee. Recently I expressed interest in the open Board of Directors position of Assistant Secretary, and in December of 2020, I interviewed and was selected to fill the position. I am also the Watch Captain for my village on the Villages of Westcreek Neighborhood Watch Facebook group, where my goal is to bring my village neighbors closer together while also deterring crime through communication and observation. 

As you can see I have been very connected to our community in a variety of ways over the last 20 years. This is the best community in San Antonio and I knew as soon as my husband and I moved back here, this was exactly where I wanted to raise our family! 
 
Please give me your vote, and allow me to continue to serve this wonderful community. I am so proud to call this neighborhood my home! 
ERIK TSCHETTER
Hello, my name is Erik Tschetter, I'm 46 years old and have lived in Westcreek since moving my family to Texas in 2006. 

I've been married for nearly 23 years and we have 4 children. When we arrived there was nothing but great neighbors, a Bill Miller's and a Shell station around here. Since then we've lived in 2 houses in Westcreek; we've worked our kids through Galm, Luna and Brennan; swam through hot summers in the pools; sweat through games and practices at the park; taught the kids to drive on the streets; and celebrated scores of holidays watching fireworks in the sky. 

The years we've spent in the Villages of Westcreek have been amazing, and we're lucky to be here.

Thanks for your attention,

Erik
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.

CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager


POOL SEASON STARTS TODAY!

This year the Board voted to open the Community Center Pool a month early. The pool season will begin under the same COVID-19 restrictions that were in place at the end of last season. The Board will readdress the capacity limits on a continuous basis.


COMMUNITY CENTER POOL REGULAR SEASON

  • April 1st - October 31st
  • CLOSED MONDAYS for cleaning & maintenance. 

Early Morning Lap Swim: 5 am - 7 am
 
Recreational Swim:

  • 10 am till 12:15 pm open. Closure from 12:15 pm till 1 pm for sanitizing.
  • 1 pm till 3:15 pm open. Closure from 3:15 pm till 4 pm for sanitizing.
  • 4 pm till 6:15 pm open. Closure from 6:15 pm till 7 pm for sanitizing.
  • 7 pm till 10 pm open. Closed for the day at 10 pm.

SPORTS PARK POOL REGULAR SEASON

  • June 5th - September 6th
  • CLOSED TUESDAYS for cleaning & maintenance.
  • The Sports Park Pool will only be opened on weekends during the months of May, September, and October.

Recreational Swim:

  • 10 am till 12:15 pm open. Closure from 12:15 pm till 1 pm for sanitizing.
  • 1 pm till 3:15 pm open. Closure from 3:15 pm till 4 pm for sanitizing.
  • 4 pm till 6:15 pm open. Closure from 6:15 pm till 7 pm for sanitizing.
  • 7 pm till 10 pm open. Closed for the day at 10 pm.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Homeowners will be responsible for bringing their own furniture; the normal pool furniture will not be out for use.
  • RFID cards will still be mandatory to enter the pool for any residents 12 years of age or older.
  • NO guests allowed, residents ONLY.
  • Access will be first come first serve; there will be no reservation times or sign-up sheets available. 
  • Click here for the COVID-19 Pool Rules!

Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
NOW HIRING POOL MONITORS

The VWOA is currently recruiting for Pool Monitors for the 2021 Pool Season. We are looking for applicants who are customer-friendly and service-oriented.

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older and legally able to work in the U.S. High School Students are encouraged to apply.

Pay: $10.00/Hour

Please note the following:
  • These are Part-time positions
  • You must be available during pool hours of 10 am to 10 pm
  • You must be able to work outside for the whole shift
  • You must be able and willing to enforce pool rules

Work tasks/duties include the following:
  • Sign in guests
  • Verify Valid IDs
  • Clean pool
  • Test chemical reads for pools
  • Stock bathrooms
  • Clean bathrooms
  • Maintain pool area

Applications are available at the VWOA Office during normal business hours!

Submitted by: Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director
VWOA SIGN POLICY UPDATE
The VWOA Board of Directors has approved a recommendation from the Architectural Review Committee to amend the Sign Policy to address Decorations for Special Events such as Student/School Spirit months and Girl Scout Cookie and Boy Scout Popcorn Programs. Below, please find a quick snapshot of the new guidelines.
School/Student Spirit Month is designated for 30 days each quarter in the months of January, April, July, October. 

Guidelines

  • 3 signs maximum to be displayed at one time. If more than 3 signs are needed, the homeowner would need to submit a PIA.
  • No more than 20 feet from the front of the home.
  • Sign size should be no more than 5 square feet total, affixed to a stand, and secured in the ground.
  • No homemade signs or signs with vulgar or profane language.

Girl Scout Cookie Program and Boy Scout Popcorn Program signage to be displayed 30 days from the beginning date of the selling season each year.

Guidelines

  • One sign maximum to be displayed.
  • No more than 20 feet from the front of the home.
  • Sign size should be no more than 5 square feet total, affixed to a stand, and secured in the ground.
  • No homemade signs.

Submitted by: Architectural Review Committee
BOARD APPROVES NEW TOWING POLICY

At the Board of Directors meeting held on February 25, 2021, the Board voted to implement a new towing policy. This policy is applicable to all Common Areas within the Villages of Westcreek and the privately owned streets in the Gardens. 

Appropriate signage has already been placed in these areas. Once a vehicle is towed by the towing company, neither the Board nor the Association will have the authority to waive any fees on behalf of the violator. A violator will be responsible for any towing fees that are charged to the violator to retrieve the vehicle.

CLICK HERE to view the VWOA Resolution: Parking and Towing Policy (Common Area)

Submitted by: VWOA Board of Directors

SPORTS PARK RULES

The Sports Park is open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily for the use and enjoyment of all residents of the VWOA that are in good standing and have a current VWOA RFID Card.


KEY REMINDERS

  • 3 guests per ID card, 6 per household
  • Still no gatherings over 10 people
  • No guests in any gated common areas at the park
  • If using the Park’s BBQ pits, do not leave the Park unless the fire is completely out. Personal BBQ grills must be accompanied by a fire extinguisher and are not allowed in the children’s playground, or on volleyball, tennis, or basketball courts. Those using propane are not allowed in the pavilion.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the children’s playground or on the tennis and basketball courts
  • CLICK HERE to review the Sports Park Rules

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager

Amenity Reservations for the Community Center, Pools, and Sports Park Pavilion are currently on pause due to COVID-19 restrictions. If the situation changes, we will open up these venues for reservations.

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause our residents.

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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.

Community Manager Email:  CM@villagesofwestcreek.com
Front Office Staff Email:  FrontOffice@villagesofwestcreek.com

Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager


The VWOA office will be closed on April 2, 2021, in observance of Good Friday!



Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE VACANCY
We still have a vacancy for a permanent member of the Architectural Review Committee.  

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
CLICK HERE for information on how we are addressing safety precautions while conducting business at the Community Center!

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager

Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, April 10, 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.

References:


Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
Your 2nd Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on April 1, 2021.

On April 30, 2021, all accounts with outstanding balances began incurring a late fee of $20.00, plus a delinquent interest charge.

CLICK HERE for more information about how to pay your assessments and our Billing/Collection Policy.
  
NOTE: The Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays. In addition, the Office is open on the 2nd Saturday each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

PAYMENT OPTIONS 
  • Payments can still be made here at the VWOA onsite office during business hours.
  • Payments may also be mailed to our office, made payable to VWOA, at 12395 Military Dr. West, San Antonio, TX 78253. You can also mail your payment directly to Spectrum Association Management, P.O. Box 299008, Lewisville, TX 75029. Mailed payments are processed electronically; please do not send cash! 
  • You may drop off cash (in a sealed envelope), check, or money order at the dropbox, 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).

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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.



Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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!

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PETS

Walkers must clean-up after their pets, not only for sanitary purposes but also for the consideration of their neighbors and others. Currently, there are no areas within the Villages of Westcreek that are specifically designated for walking pets.


Submitted by: Brandon Schuler, Architectural Review Committee Member

Westcreek Sports Spring 2021 Soccer
  • Coed, ages 3 through 16

Registration Dates:

Regular - March 21, 2021, through April 10, 2021
  • $70.00 per child & $55.00 for additional children
  • Coach- $55.00 per child
Late - April 11, 2021, through April 17, 2021
  • $80.00 per child & $65.00 for additional children
  • Coach- $65.00 per child

Proposed Schedule:
  • Practice begins the week of May 3, 2021
  • Practice day and time determined by the coach
  • First game is May 8, 2021
  • Last Regular Season Game is June 19, 2021
  • End of Season Tournament June 26, 2021


Submitted by: Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director
SMASH DANCE IS BACK!

SMASH Classes every Wednesday!

Registration is now in progress!

CLICK HERE  for details!

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
CLICK HERE to visit the South Texas Camp Gladiator website for detailed information!

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager

JUST IN TIME FOR APRIL FOOLS' DAY AND EASTER


Easy and Safe Family Pranks for April Fools’ Day

How to Fold an Origami Easter Bunny

Easter Coloring Pages

Easter Activities: Mazes, Scrambles, Dot-to-Dot

Printable I Spy Easter Game

Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
Spring Veggie Planting Tips

Choose: Smaller fruiting tomatoes just do better here in San Antonio than larger fruiting tomatoes do. (Larger tomatoes take longer to develop and by the time they start to produce, the heat starts to shut them down.)

Water: Remember to water your gardens AND your nursery transplants a day or two before planting them so they have the best environment for their roots to start off in.

Observe: Newly planted veggies look delectable to pests. Early detection is key to preventing extreme damage. Visit your gardens daily and use a keen eye. (Peek under leaves where pests love to hide.)

Try: Experiment with a new veggie each season, but don't go overboard. Plant mostly what you know you will eat after harvest but leave room for a new variety or type of veggie in hopes of finding a new favorite.

Tips for Successful Annuals

Opt for annuals that are in bud as opposed to full bloom if you can find them. This means a longer flowering period for you once you get them home and planted.

Don't bury your annuals too deep. They should be set in holes dug only as deep as the soil line in your nursery containers.

Feed your annuals every 3-4 weeks for best results. Annuals are heavy feeders.

If you find your annuals getting leggy and scraggly: first make sure they are receiving adequate light for their variety. Next, try pinching them back as many annuals will benefit from this simple task and will be more lush and full with new growth.

Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
Black Dalea - Dalea frutescens
Deciduous; nearly evergreen, with silver fernlike leaves. Purple or pink blooms appear intermittently from spring through fall. Dalea is a low mounding shrub, resembling lavender, lantana, or a small Texas sage; it makes a great groundcover for rocky areas with rocky soil or extreme heat. Use it around strongly formed plants like agaves. Dalea is fairly easy to establish, but provide good drainage, avoid fertilizer, and don’t overwater (especially in winter).

CLICK HERE to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements, and plant features from San Antonio Garden Style!
FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTIONS
We provide free Child Safety Seat inspections here at Bexar County ESD No. 2. We will guide you step-by-step during your installation to give you the peace of mind you deserve. You can reach us at public.relations@bc2fd.org to schedule your appointment.