Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association 
Communications Committee - April 1, 2020 Edition!




"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts."  

~Abraham Lincoln

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
COVID-19 COMMUNITY UPDATES

As we are all well aware, 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 the spreading of this virus.  
 
With the expanding reach and impact of COVID-19, the Board of Directors has made the following decisions based on the recommendations of National, State, and local governments to limit small gatherings and the spread of the virus within the community. Listed below are some of the actions taken:  
  1. The "Sports Park Fields" and "Walking Track" will remain open at this time.  Per the county's latest declaration of public health emergency, all members of the community should practice social distancing of 6ft or more and group gatherings/activities of 10 or more are not permitted in the park at this time.
  2. The Tot Lot, Basketball Court, and Tennis Courts will be closed until further notice.
  3. The VWOA Office is closed to all foot traffic entering into the building. Please note: We will staff the office to receive homeowner calls, emails and maintain the dropbox for assessments and process mail.
  4. The Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for April 9, 2020, has been canceled.
  5. The Annual Meeting of the Members scheduled for April 16, 2020 is scheduled as planned.  A decision to postpone this meeting has not been made at this time.  We strongly encourage you exercise your right to vote online or by mail.
  6. The "Communications Committee" and the "Suggestions and Recommendations Committee" have canceled their April Meetings.
  7. All community center classes and activities have been canceled until further notice.
  8. The "Easter Egg Hunt" for April 10, 2020, has been canceled.
  9. The Community Center Office will be closed on April 10, 2020 in observance of Good Friday.
  10. Community Yard Sales scheduled for April 11, 2020 have been canceled.
  11. The Community Center Office will be closed on April 11, 2020 due to the restriction of foot traffic.
  12. We posted a link to the Spectrum COVID-19 Community Resource page on the VWOA website. 
We are monitoring the situation closely and will notify the community of any other updates as they impact meetings, activities, and 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.
 
We appreciate your understanding and attempt to keep the community COVID-19 free.
 
Stay Safe Westcreek! - We Can Do This!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The link below provides some helpful resources for homeowners impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak or who have other needs. 

We feel for the homeowners impacted with physical malady and financial distress. While we can't remove the negative impact of the outbreak, we want to help be a part of the solution.

CANDIDATE - RICHARD GENTRY

Hello fellow homeowners, my name is Richard Gentry. I have lived in the Villages of Westcreek for just over 11 years now. I am a father of 3 and my wife is a teacher for NISD. I have worked in the Medical Sales Field for the last 16 years, and before that I served 6 years active duty in the US Army. My family and I all stay very active in the community and in the programs offered here in Westcreek. During my 11 years here, I have served on the Board of Directors for about 7 years with a few breaks in between terms, and I have participated as a coach in all of the youth sports programs for 9 years. I love this community and the people that live here. There are a lot of great things that Westcreek has to offer to all of us and our families, and that is what makes Westcreek such a great place to live.

During my time on the Board, I have consistently pushed for infrastructure improvements, additional adult and youth programs, and transparency from the Board to the community. Some recent achievements from the last 2 years have been additional lighting in the Sports Park, the Sports Park bathroom expansion, replacing the parking cables in the Sport Park parking lot with boulders, nightly constable patrol program for the neighborhood, security camera system in the park, food truck events, new family activity days in the park, and we are currently working on beautifying all of the monuments in the HOA. Even with all of these improvements the Board has still been able to put money into savings and kept the HOA financially sound, without raising the assessments. With that said, we still have plenty of room for improvement, and the Board is currently working on more ideas to keep Westcreek the best community in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

If given the opportunity to serve on the Board for another 2 years, I promise to continue giving the same honesty, dedication, and passion to the HOA that I always have. I'm asking for your vote so that we can all continue with the improvements to our community and the effort to help keep Westcreek a great place to live and raise our families.

CANDIDATE - HEATHER MALLIA

My name is Heather Mallia. I'm a homeschooling mom to two boys, 14 and 11. My husband and I have been married 23 years, eighteen of which we have called Villages of Westcreek home. My hobbies include reading, running, hiking, spending time with my family, Bunco nights in the neighborhood, and volunteering.

I love to stay actively involved in the community. I have previous Board experience, serving as Member-at-Large (now called Assistant Secretary) in 2006 and Vice President in 2007. More recently, I served as Vice President in 2018 and I'm currently serving as Treasurer. My committee experience extends to almost every committee in Westcreek. I am currently serving as Board liaison to the Communications Committee and the Suggestions & Recommendations Committee. I volunteered for the Finance Committee for several years and in 2019 served as the Chairman of that committee. Over the years I have also served on the Sports Park Committee (Chairman), RFID Committee (Secretary), Ad Hoc Fence Committee, Elections Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee. I feel having volunteered in so many different areas within the Villages of Westcreek, I have an extensive understanding of our community's needs and the inner workings of the HOA.

Serving on the Board is a huge commitment that I am prepared and willing to take on. I believe in full transparency by the Board and I'm a huge proponent of open communication. I have always believed that our homeowners deserve a voice and have worked to ensure homeowners' concerns are heard. Together we can ensure decisions made are for the best interest of the homeowners, the Association, and the community as a whole to maintain and increase our property values and to make this neighborhood a great place to live.

CANDIDATE - RICHARD RIGGIE



No Bio or picture submitted!


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

SPECTRUM MOBILE APP NOW AVAILABLE

Exciting news! You now have a mobile app to manage your HOA account!

Spectrum Association Management is extremely excited to announce the launch of our very own mobile app.

The Spectrum HOA app allows you immediate access to your community news and account information, as well as the ability to manage architectural improvement requests, pay assessments, view any violations - plus, see your community's governing documents, community events calendar, and much more!

This new mobile platform gives you the same information as your account on SpectrumAM.com, all at your fingertips!

We invite you to download the app now! Simply follow the directions below:

Step 1: App Installation
Step 2: Log In
  • Already have an account on SpectrumAM.com? Great! Simply use the same email address and password you use on the website.
  • Don't have an account registered yet? No problem! From the Log In screen, click "Register" and complete the form. Once verified, we will email you log in instructions.
Thanks for helping make this upgrade a success! We will continue to improve the features of both the app and the website.

Please visit our Spectrum HOA app launch page here for more information and demo videos.

Regards,

Spectrum Association Management 

F irst and foremost, hi neighborhood! Westcreek Staff misses all the warm smiles, the universal language of kindness. 

Due to the growing reach and impact of the COVID-19, the Board of Directors has made the decision to close the Association's office to all foot traffic coming in the building in an attempt to limit small gatherings and the spread of the virus to our community.  Don't worry, we are still here to help as much as we can! 

The office will still be staffed to receive homeowner calls and emails and to maintain the drop box for assessments and mail. (Please be sure to include the address, if not already listed on the check.)  If you want to pay online, you can create an online account at spectrumam.com.  

All classes that take place at the Westcreek community center will be canceled at this time. The Sports Park fields and walking trail will remain open at this time and we will continue to monitor the situation and will keep communicating any further closures with the community.
 
HELPFUL VWOA CONTACT INFORMATION


Community Manager:  Jfey@spectrumam.com

 

Office Manager:  Officemanager@villagesofwestcreek.com

 

Front Office Staff:  Frontoffice@villagesofwestcreek.com

 

Standards Manager:  Standards@villagesofwestcreek.com

 

Activities Manager:  Activities@villagesofwestcreek.com

 

VWOA Office: 210-679-8761


Shout Out to Gregory Luna Middle School Teachers!!! 

Thank you for driving through the community on Monday, March 23rd.Teachers drove past the following routes: Townhouses on Military and Military Drive West. 

Teachers posted to Facebook: Students/ Families, it was great seeing your smiling faces again. If we missed you today please know we're thinking of you. You Rock Luna!!!

In addition, Westcreek would like to recognize those doing extra to help during the Covid-19:
  • Erin Ward- Volunteering her time to make breakfast for those kids who really need it.
  • Brenda Esparza- Thank you to her husband for doing extra lawn work for his fellow neighbors.
  • Kim Dixon and Tony Sanchez- Thank you for giving back to the community.
  • Erin Locati- Homemade mask needed for North Central Baptist in Stone Oak & Methodist Hospital. Please private message her on Facebook for more information. 
  • Marla Ferguson- Started the neighborhood grocery exchange on Facebook.

Do you know someone who is not receiving our newsletters, community alerts and other important information?  Encourage them to "Get Connected" by: 


Northside ISD counselors are available and want to virtually meet with their students from the safety of their homes.
 
"We know that students may feel uneasy, have questions, or just need a little support at this time of uncertainty," says Dr. Kimberly Ridgley, Executive Director of Social and Emotional Learning. "Counselors care about the wellbeing of all our students, and we are eager to help. If you need something, say something!"
 
Fill out the google request form to meet with your counselor. Once the meeting is scheduled, the student will receive a Google Calendar invite and an email showing the date and time to meet with his/her counselor by Google Chat or Google Hangout. Counselors are also available by email. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be sure to check your google email accounts for appointment confirmations.  

  COMMITTEE MEETING CANCELATIONS

The Communications Committee and Suggestions and Recommendations Committee have canceled their regularly scheduled April meetings.  We will keep you informed as to when these meetings will resume. 


Your 2nd Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on April 1, 2020.

On April 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).




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.



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!


BASIC HOME MAINTENANCE 

The lowdown on Fence Repairs, Replacement and Staining  

A reminder for homeowners who replace, repair, stain or re-stain their fencing.  
  • Six (6') foot vertical pickets and posts must be cedar or treated wood, but not mixed;
  • Picket dimensions must be 1" x 4" x 6' or 1" x 6" x 6', but not mixed;
  • Posts must be 4" x 4" x 6' wood or 6' galvanized steel that is rust coated or aluminum, but not mixed;
  • All posts and framing must be installed inside any fencing that face any street;
  • A manufactured product that has the graining appearance of wood will be considered by the ARC on a case-by-case basis;
  • Prior to staining the fencing, a PIA along with the proposed color sample(s) must be submitted to the ARC for approval (cedar is the preferred color);
  • If staining new fencing, the texture of the wood must be clearly visible;
  • Re-staining the fencing with the same color as previously approved, does not require further approval;
  • When replacing any portion of the fencing that is currently stained, new wood must be stained with the same color as previously approved by the ARC;
  • Painting wooden fencing is not permitted.  
For wooden fencing that is weathered and discolored, pressure washing is an excellent method of reviving the original appearance of the wood before applying the stain.
                                                                                                            
Wood is subject to premature rotting if landscaping materials such as soil, grass, raised flower or vegetable beds, trees, bushes, etc. come into direct contact with the wood. It is recommended that a barrier be installed between the landscaping and the fencing by using materials such as timbers, metal edging or other similiar manufactured products.  A minimum of six (6") inches of space is also recommended between the fencing and any plants to allow fresh air and sunlight to minimize mold from forming on the fencing.
 
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager

LET'S PLAY BINGO


Until further notice, our monthly Bingo Games are now canceled! We will notify the community once it is safe to resume the games. 

Stay Safe Westcreek!

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Dunbar at 210-679-8761!


The Villages of Westcreek offers a wide variety of Sports Programs throughout the year. Visit our "Westcreek Sports Program" website for more detailed information about our specific programs and registration information for 2020! 

JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER

For printable puzzles and fun activities like Mazes, Connect the dots, Hidden pictures, and more, check out this link: 

Submitted by:  Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary


GARDENING IN APRIL

Resilience Gardening: Outside is the Best Place to be Right Now

A Resilience Garden helps provide some of the things you may need, that can be grown rather than obtained from an outside source, if necessary, thereby making your family more self-sufficient.

Take a break from the news and relax for a few minutes to consider why the hobby of gardening rocks.
  • Fresh air and sunshine are two things we are NOT currently being told to avoid. In fact, it's being encouraged. Gardening allows for experiencing both of those things plus much more.
  • Nature has a way of inducing relaxation with its calm, fresh hues. Some people have reported a tranquil feeling when subjected to the color green, while others have felt energized by the fresh feeling the green of nature inspires. Gardening exertions physically release tension in your body. Whether you want to move strenuously or moderately, both levels keep your body moving.
  • When your body is outside in the sunshine it is producing a healthy dose of vitamin D. This important vitamin supports immune health, brain and nervous system health, and lung and cardiovascular health. It also promotes healthy teeth and bones.
  • A garden planted now offers the possibility of: a future harvest of fresh produce or herbs for culinary, medicinal, and aromatherapy purposes.
  • There's something about gardening that gives you an ego boost when you successfully harvest something you planted and cared for.
If past attempts haven't been so successful, don't give up. Learn from your mistakes and try again. Gardening is a world of ups and downs, but the journey makes it worth it. 
 
Lawn Fertilizer

April is the ideal time for fertilizing your turf (after you've mowed actively growing grass twice). Choose a high nitrogen formula to get your turf greening up in no time. Rainbow Gardens carries 19-5-9, which is specially formulated for our region. You can also use it on trees, shrubs, perennials, and veggie gardens. Note: Rainbow Gardens is temporarily offering curbside pickup.

Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz 
   
Submitted by:  Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
ARTEMISIA POWES (artemisia x powes castle)

A beautiful drought tolerant woody perennial valued for its finely dissected, aromatic, silver-gray foliage. An excellent addition to borders and cottage gardens. A perfect companion to vibrant flowering plants and ornamental grasses, adding uniquely contrasting color and texture to waterwise landscapes. Trim yearly to keep full appearance.
  • Light Requirement:  Full sun to part sun/shade
  • Water Demand:  Medium
  • Flower Color:   Purple
  • Height:  1' to 3 '  Width:  3' to 6'
  • Flower:  Yellow  
  • Season:  Sporadic blooms, in late summer




A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF JAVIER SALAZAR

We understand times are tough and businesses need to make money, however, please do not become a part of the problem. The County Judge's Executive Order is enforceable, but we would rather see everyone comply. Anyone who violates the County Judge's Executive Order may be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or confinement for a period not exceeding 180 days. 

For more information on the County Judge's Executive Order visit https://www.bexar.org/DocumentCenter/View/26235/Judge-Wolff-Executive-Order---3-19-2020?bidId
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.
Submitted by:  Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office


SOMETHING FOR ALL AGE GROUPS!

The Villages of Westcreek offers a wide variety of  "Health and Fitness Classes" for our residents! 

Click Here for a complete listing of classes

Useful Links_

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