Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - September 1, 2021 Edition!
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“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
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The VWOA office will be closed, Monday, September 6, 2021, in observance of the Labor Day Holiday. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
A reminder that the office is closed on the 3rd Friday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for staff training.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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Submitted by: Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director
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On August 10, 2021, the Finance and Reserve Study Committee conducted a thorough line-by-line review of the Proposed 2022 Budget. The committee then submitted the proposed budget to the Board of Directors for the final vote.
Homeowners were given the opportunity to ask questions about the budget at the August 26th Board Meeting. The Board then proceeded to vote in favor of passing the 2022 Budget.
The most significant item of note in the passing of the 2022 Budget is that there will be NO INCREASE in annual assessments! This will be the sixth consecutive year of no increase in assessments.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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In case you missed our Board of Directors Meeting held on August 26, 2021, here is a recap of some of the discussed projects during the meeting.
Splash Pad- This is still tabled at this time; however, the Community Manager is researching the cost of the installation. The Community Manager has contacted 3 vendors for proposals.
Clock Tower Landscape Design- The Community Manager has contacted two different landscaping companies to provide proposals based on the plans submitted.
Monuments at Garden Lily and Talley Rd plus Daisy Field and Potranco Road- The Community Manager has contacted the county and has a meeting set for the location off Garden Lily and Talley Road. The area located off Daisy Field and Potranco Rd. is a TxDOT right of way, and they have informed the Community Manager that permanent structures are not typically allowed.
Clock Tower Repairs- Four different vendors have been out to assess this project and compose a proposal to present to the Board of Directors.
Mountain Bike Trails- The Board voted and approved to receive homeowner proposals for ideas to utilize the 12 acres owned by the Association in High Point. Jason Dunbar is currently working with homeowners who are using a BCAD layout to design the trails.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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Please remember that when items are dumped in the easements, such as tree limbs, furniture, old fence posts, and other unwanted items, there is a cost to the entire association to remove them. If you need to dispose these items, please place them out for brush pick up, bulk pick up, or take them to the dump.
Let's work together to keep the Villages of Westcreek beautiful!
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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STREET RESURFACING PROJECT IN THE WOODS AND OAKS
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At present, Bexar County Public Works is working on the streets in the Woods and Oaks. The Chip Seal operations in these villages are in the final stage of completion. This final stage includes street sweeping and putting down the top layer seal coat.
According to the Public Works website, most primary Bexar County streets and roads regularly (every 6-7 years) have a seal coat applied to the pavement. This preventive maintenance activity prolongs the "lifespan" of the road and delays the reconstruction of existing County streets.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the Bexar County Public Works Department at 210-631-0220.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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ELAINE MAURER STEPS DOWN FROM THE ARC
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Due to the passing of Senate Bill 1588, starting September 1, 2021, Board Members, their spouses, or members of their household cannot also serve on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
For this reason, starting September 1, 2021, Elaine Maurer will be stepping down from the ARC to continue her service on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors would like to thank Elaine for her service on the ARC as the Chair and for being willing to continue her service on the Board of Directors.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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BOARD APPOINTS NEW ARC MEMBER
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At the Board of Directors meeting held on August 26, 2021, the Board approved the appointment of Barbara Lee as a regular member of the Architectural Review Committee.
Barbara has been a homeowner in our community since 2003. Barbara stated that she “loved the Sports Park” and its proximity to her home in Westcreek Gardens. Her commitment to our community is to spread the message of progress, collaboration, and unity that our community embodies.
We welcome and thank Barbara for submitting her name for consideration to serve on this vital committee.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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COVID-19 AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS
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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: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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We are happy to announce that capacity limits were raised to 100% starting June 1st.
Guests are now allowed in the fenced areas, including the pool (3 guests per ID but 6 per household).
The basketball court still has a capacity limit on the court and spectators/non-players need to stay outside of the fence.
CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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Contract and Facility Rental Information links below!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS INFORMATION
The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Health and Fitness Programs throughout the year.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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Please note that we have updated Pool Schedule effective September 7, 2021!
Everyone 12 and over is required to have an RFID card to use the amenities.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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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
- 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.
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CLICK HERE to review the Sports Park Rules
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
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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
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Our next scheduled Community-Wide Weekend Yard Sales will be held between the hours of 7:00 am till 7:00 pm on the following dates:
- Saturday, September 11, 2021
- Sunday, September 12, 2021
Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the VWOA website, the day prior to the event.
During the week leading up to your yard sales, the Association will place signs at the major intersections and entrances to the Villages of Westcreek that state: Yard Sales this Weekend.
If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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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.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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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!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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Do I need Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval to plant a tree?
ARC approval is not required if a tree is either: a) removed completely; b) replaced with one (1) of the same species and planted at least ten (10’) feet from the curb, including corner lots.
However, plantings that alter the character of the landscape require ARC approval. If you are considering planting a new tree, review Standards Section 6.11.2 and submit a Property Improvement Application (PIA), selecting “Plantings” as the category.
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, ARC Member
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“The fall may be the best season to plant, surpassing even the spring.
Many people prefer January through March for planting, but the fall months of September through December have distinct advantages. Fall planting follows the heat of summer before a cool winter season, and trees and shrubs planted in the fall use this to good advantage.
Plant roots grow anytime the soil temperature is 40 degrees or higher, which may occur all winter in Texas. During the winter months, the root systems of the fall-planted specimens develop and become established. When spring arrives, this expanded root system can support and take advantage of the full surge of spring growth.”
Source: Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University College Station, TX
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, ARC Member
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The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Sports Programs throughout the year.
Click Here to visit our Westcreek Sports website for a complete listing of our current sports program and registration information.
Submitted by: Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director
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JUST IN TIME FOR FALL
Crafts and Activities for Fall
Printable Mazes
Printable Word Search
Printable Crossword Puzzles
Printable Math Puzzles
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Water Conservation Tools and Tips
Conserving water doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. A few adjustments to your watering habits and/or some tweaks to your landscape setup can have you conserving more water than you realize. Here are a few water conservation suggestions.
1. Drip Irrigation
- Drip irrigation slowly releases water straight to the roots of your plants as opposed to sprinklers. Overhead sprinklers end up watering foliage, watering weeds, resulting in runoff, and wasted in spaces between plants.
- Hardware stores carry all types of drip irrigation systems, from beginner kits, to individual pieces. If you buy a beginner kit, make sure to also purchase a filter, pressure regulator, and a timer. Choose a kit that you can add on to later, if desired. Figure out where you want your main hoses (or pipes) to run to and from, measuring the distance, so you know how much tubing you need to purchase. Calculate how many emitters you need for each plant.
2. Rain Barrels
- Rain barrels are usually situated under downspouts from roofs or gutters, capturing water that would normally be wasted running down the driveway. They usually have a hose connection attached to the barrel for ease of expressing the water. Water in rain barrels is non-potable and unsafe to drink, but your plants, lawns, and veggies will love it. Just remember to wash your vegetables in clean drinking water thoroughly before consuming.
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Note: ARC approval is not required if they are placed behind the fence to restrict their visibility from the street. If placed in front of the dwelling, they may be approvable, if they are adequately screened or are decorative and blend in with the outside appearance of the dwelling.
3. Adjusting Watering Times
- Even when water restrictions are not enforced, you should adjust your watering schedule. Watering in earlier morning hours offers your plants the best opportunity to retain their moisture. If you water during the heat of the day, a lot of it evaporates, leaving your plants thirsty.
- Also, pay attention to how you water. Plants desire a deep drink of water delivered directly to their roots. Dribbling water on top of their foliage encourages disease. Deep, infrequent watering allows plants to go longer between water, resulting in water conservation in the long run.
4. Shift Potted Plants Around
- Potted plants need more water than plants in the ground. Their confined roots can’t search the soil for moisture. They rely on you to give them water. But they can be moved around to help conserve water. Springtime plants that enjoyed full sun can be moved in the summer so they can receive morning sun and afternoon shade. They won’t need as much water and may thrive in their new location. Grouping pots of different heights together where taller plants can provide shade for shorter plants is another idea.
5. Mulch
- Mulch provides a barrier on the soil that prevents water from evaporating, keeps soil cooler, and also helps to eliminate the risk of disease from the soil-borne pathogens splashing onto the foliage of your plants. You can use mulch to build a watering berm around your newly planted trees and shrubs, mulch your veggie and annual/perennial gardens, and even add mulch to your pots to help conserve water. Bonus: if you choose an organic mulch like pine bark, the mulch will slowly break down and add nutrients to your soil.
6. Plant Xeriscape/Native Plants
- Choose native or xeriscape plants that don’t need as much water in the first place. Rainbow Gardens has a huge selection of xeriscape and drought-tolerant, native plants.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Ghost Plant - Graptopetalum paraguayense
Sun or bright shade. Evergreen to at least 7 degrees F. Rosettes form atop the brittle stems, with thick blue-gray, pink, and brown leaves and white, star-shaped flowers in spring. Ghost plant is carefree and easily re-rooted when the rosettes break off. It benefits from good drainage; be especially careful to protect it from moisture during winter. Despite the botanical name (Paraguay), ghost plant is believed to be a native of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements, and plant features from San Antonio Garden Style!
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