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


 
 

"When one neighbor helps another, we strengthen our communities."

~Jennifer Pahlka
 
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

The Board of Directors and the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association have the responsibility to ensure the VWOA's deed restrictions are applied fairly and consistently to all properties within the community. The purpose of deed restrictions is to preserve the community's standard appearance and help maintain or increase property values. 

One question the Board frequently is asked deals with enforcement of our Deed Restrictions. Specifically, why does it take so long for the VWOA to bring properties that violate our deed restrictions into compliance?   

In general, most homeowners in our community have pride in their homeownership and take action to correct a violation in a very timely manner. For the small percentage of homeowners who ignore their property violations, there is a process that the VWOA must adhere to and, at times, can be a lengthy process. With all violations, the Standards Department follows the escalation process outlined in our governing documents and Texas Property Code.  

While it may appear that a specific property is not being addressed, chances are that is not the case. The Standards Department currently has over 1,500 active violations in our community and 250+ new or escalated violations every week. Once the violation escalates to the point of seeking legal remedies, the Board is required to review the property's file and vote to escalate it to the attorney's office. Typically there are 15-20 properties a month that reach the level of needing legal attention. Once the property is referred to the attorney, the process can take several months and be quite costly to the property owner.

While the Standards Department can not divulge the details of violations on properties in the community, if you have a property or concern that you would like to bring to their attention, please feel free to email  [email protected].

Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer

PROJECT TO IMPACT SPORTS PARK

SAWS notified the Board of Directors at the end of January that they will be installing a water line through the middle of the community Sports Park.  

SAWS has an easement and this potential project has been anticipated for many years, but no definitive project date was ever assigned until now.  SAWS estimates this project will only take a few weeks.  Members of the Board have met with the Project Manager to discuss the scope of work and impact to our amenities.  As the project progresses, certain areas of the fields will be closed.  We have been reassured that they will work around the heritage oaks in the park and any items damaged such as irrigation, sod, field goals, lights, etc., will be replaced.  The Community Activities Department will work with the project manager to minimize interference in our sports programs.

We would like to ask that homeowners not allow their kids to pull up any flags or stakes in the work area that could be marking utilities in that space.

Please make sure you are signed up for Constant Contact to receive updates on closures within the Sports Park.

Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer

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.
  • Please note that the "SMASH Class" has restarted! 
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
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: [email protected]
Front Office Staff Email: [email protected]

Submitted by:  Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager


ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE VACANCY

We still have a vacancy for another Alternate 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

OFFICENEWS

OFFICEOPENINGVWOA OFFICE OPENING

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.

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

Please cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when entering the VWOA building.
  • 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.
RFIDCardsRFID 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.
Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, March 13, 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:

Your 2nd Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on April 1, 2021.

On January 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 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!




RAIN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

 

Hopefully, we have put this winter weather behind us. The extreme weather conditions in February highlighted the importance of maintaining our rain gutters and downspouts. We are starting to see gutters pulling away from structures. This is due to the build-up of organic debris in addition to the accumulation of snow and ice. These conditions, if not corrected, can lead to damaged fascia boards, rot, and mold.

If you are considering replacing your old, outdated gutters, please note the following guidelines in the standards:

"The color of the gutters and downspouts may not be reflective, bright or bold and must be compatible with the dwelling's exterior. Downspouts must also be positioned to prevent soil erosion and control runoff to prevent damage to adjoining properties. If these terms are met, ARC approval is not required. All gutters and downspouts must be maintained in good working order and kept free of leaves. Sagging gutters must be re-secured to the house. (Refer to VWOA-CC&Rs, Article IX, Section 9.14; and Article X, Section 10.06)."

References:
Submitted by: Brandon Schuler, Architectural Review Committee Member


Westcreek Sports Spring 2021 Soccer
  • Coed, ages 3 through 16
Registration Dates:
Early bird - February 26, 2021, through March 20, 2021
  • $60.00 per child & $45.00 for additional children
  • Coach- $45.00 per child
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
REGISTRATION LINK 

SmashSMASH DANCE IS BACK!

SMASH Classes every Wednesday!

Registration is now in progress!

CLICK HERE for details!



CLICK HERE to visit the South Texas Camp Gladiator website for detail information!



JUST IN TIME FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Pi Day Activities-March 14
Submitted by:  Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary


Are My Plants Coming Back After The Freeze?

How do you know when a plant is damaged by freeze beyond revival? It's not a quick or easy answer. Sometimes it truly is a waiting game. Sometimes it is a guessing game. Due to the many microclimates in our city, and even in our own landscapes, you have to really investigate your plants individually. Our best advice with this recent freeze is to use these guidelines, and that's all they are, to assess freeze damage in your plants and to help figure out what to do next.

What to do with your plants after the freeze

Freeze damage usually makes plant material look dark, with a water soaked appearance. The black color of the plant material turns to brown and then dries. Now what?
  1. Wait! Don't hastily pull out freeze damaged plants. Native plants and zone 8 perennials and shrubs might start generating new growth within the next few weeks if the weather continues to warm. Plants that love the hot weather will take much longer to reach out from their roots.
  2. Don't be so hasty to prune freeze damaged plants. Yes, freeze damaged plants are ugly, but if you can stand the ugly for a little while longer, it can help protect the rest of the plant if there is another late freeze.
  3. Waiting to prune until warmer weather when new growth starts to develop also helps you know where you should make your cuts. When you do prune in a few weeks, make selective cuts. Start at the farthest part of branches, limbs and stems, and make gradual cuts until you hit fresh plant material.
  4. Assess your plants. Assess if a plant has been freeze damaged by using a knife or your fingernail to gently scrape back bark on a branch. Check for healthy plant tissue that will look light cream to green in color. Then go back to guideline #2 and wait.
  5. Have an extremely attentive eye when assessing freeze damage. If you don't get down and peer closely, pushing damaged shoots aside, you just might miss the tender new shoots coming up from the roots.
  6. Wait to fertilize, but offer normal amounts of water (don't go overboard). You don't need to fertilize and push new growth just yet. Let's make sure we are out of the woods with the cold snaps. Water, however, can help plants recover. Check the soil around your damaged plants like you normally would. (Stick in finger 2 inches to feel for moisture.) If dry, water normally.
  7. Wait and decide if you even want the freeze damaged plant. No need to run out to the nursery to buy another plant to replace the exact species if you don't really think you like it much. If you know you don't care much about the plant, it's damaged and you just don't want to wait, then you can yank it out. You only need to fight the wait for those plants you truly love. Maybe you can replace the jilted plant with a beautiful native that is more apt to beat the weather odds anyways.
So what can you DO while we are telling you to wait?
  1. Research new plants. Take a look at the Rainbow Gardens Plant Finder tool that is located on the Learning Center page. This tool is great for researching plants you are thinking of incorporating into your landscape. Make a wish list that you can cross reference with plants at Rainbow Gardens.
  2. Buy your soil, soil amendments, and compost to prepare for spring planting.
  3. Take a moment to mourn your plants if you need to, then take a deep breath and think warm thoughts of spring. It is still coming.
Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz 

Submitted by:  Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary

COMMON BOXWOOD - buxus sempervirens

With their tiny evergreen leaves and their ability to regrow thickly after pruning, boxwoods have long been favored when a sheared hedge is desired.  In South Texas, boxwood is commonly maintained as a foundation hedge.

The good news is that this is a freeze hardy plant!

 Click here to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements and plant features from San Antonio Garden Style!



THE SILENT KILLER

What you need to know about Carbon Monoxide (CO)
 
Most people have heard of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and know that it's dangerous.
But it's often a mystery of where it comes from, how it's produced, its physical symptoms, and what precautions can be taken to ensure it doesn't endanger you. Or worse, kill you.
THE LEADING CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL POISONING DEATHS IN NORTH AMERICA

Get the right facts about this silent killer that answer:
  • What is CO?
  • What are the Sources of CO?
  • What are the Myths and Misconceptions about CO?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas, often referred to as 'the silent killer' because you can't see it, touch it or smell it.
This odorless gas is produced as a byproduct of combustion when common fuel-burning appliances and equipment that use natural gas, oil, wood, propane and kerosene, don't get enough air to burn up completely.  When this happens, CO can build up, especially in a confined room or space - and this can lead to toxic effects on humans and pets.
Portable Fuel Burner
Most of these sources are associated with malfunctioning fuel-burning equipment and appliances - and poor venting and confined spaces, like a furnace room, garage, cabin, tent, RV, boat cabin or camper.

While carbon monoxide doesn't have an off-season, it certainly has a major presence in the summer, when many of us are dealing with certain fuel-burning equipment that we use on a seasonal basis.
Of course, the cooler seasons often keep us indoors, and confined spaces, poor venting or limited air-flow also contribute to the CO hazard.

COMMON SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE

Most households that have natural gas have, on average, 2-4 appliances that produce carbon monoxide.
These appliances include:
  • Furnace
  • Gas water heater
  • Gas fireplace
  • Gas stove
  • Gas dryer
  • Gas barbecue
  • Portable generators
  • Fuel-burning space heaters
Poor maintenance/Improper venting

Poor maintenance of these appliances, damaged or blocked venting, or inadequate airflow can cause dangerous levels of CO to build up inside your home, garage, cottage - virtually any enclosed space under certain conditions.
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