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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - August 1, 2019 Edition!
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"Space is not just going up and coming back down again. Space is getting into orbit and being there, living there, establishing a presence, a permanence."
~Buzz Aldrin
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| Let There Be Peace: Guide to Community Conflict Resolution |
Conflict, arguments, and change are natural parts of our lives, as well as the lives of every community. In fact, conflict is inevitable. We aren't going to always agree upon neighborhood changes or, with one another. But, there is a way to handle conflict that will minimize division within a community and allow for it to be a positive force for individual and societal change.
Conflict resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. The disagreement may be personal, financial, political, or emotional. When resolving conflict, it is important to understand about those who ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds may be different from your own. Look at the conflict from your neighbor's point of view and learn more about this person's perspective and motivations. Also, it wouldn't hurt to try and make peace with the individual with whom you have conflict with. You don't need to like a person to still treat them respectfully. Remember, peaceful resolutions will build stronger alliances in the neighborhood. Below are some healthy techniques to utilize that allow for maximum results in conflict resolution:
1. First and foremost keep the conflict off social media.
In today's society, people are so quick to put their conflicts on community sites. After all, there is power in numbers, right? Wrong, instead what ends up happening is a divide amongst people who have no relevance in the conflict. Additionally, once it is on social media there is no taking it back. Screen shots and recordings are all readily available for people to utilize and exacerbate the situation. Remember, it is difficult to read context, emotions, and tone and the majority of time what has been posted isn't necessarily the intent.
2. Understand the conflict.
Clearly define your own position and interest in the conflict and then understand those of whom you are in conflict with. Here are some questions to ask yourself: What do I really care about in this conflict? What do I want? What are my concerns, fears, and hopes? What is the interest of my opposition? If I were in their shoes, what would I really care about in this conflict? If a third party came in, would they be able to convince both parties the proposed agreement was a fair one?
3. Communicate with the opposition.
Here are some tips for a productive talk: Listen to their opinions. They should be important to you because they are the source of the conflict. Let everyone interested in the resolution participate because they all have a stake in it. Don't react to emotional outbursts; instead try an apology because it isn't costly, and it is often a rewarding technique. Be an active listener and be sure to rephrase what you are hearing as a question to ensure clarification. Lastly, only speak about yourself not the other party; that is why you are communicating with them after all.
4. Brainstorm possible solutions.
Look for win-win solutions or compromises in which both parties get something they want. Don't judge or criticize ideas because this will not promote creative thinking. Sometimes, it is the least expected idea that resolves a conflict.
5. Choose the best resolution.
The goal here is to use both parties' skills and resources to get the best result for everyone. Which resolution gives both the most? That resolution is probably the best.
6. Cope with stressful situations and pressure tactics.
You need to be prepared to negotiate and communicate with all kinds of people, both reasonable and unreasonable. Conflicts with neighbors are stressful and tend to put extra pressure on wanting quick decisions. Remember to remain calm and, that it is ok to go slow. Don't get angry or make rushed decisions. Instead, communicate your need to want to think about things prior to a decision being made.
Lastly, some food for thought: "love thy neighbor as thyself." Yes, I went biblical, but you don't need to believe in religion to agree that is kind of a great way to bring peace amongst a community. Treating others as you want to be treated has been a saying that most of us have grown with and instilled in our own children. It's a great reminder that we are all human beings with different stories to share and different stories bring different perspectives. Whether right or wrong, a little understanding can go a long way.
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At the first meeting of the
"Suggestion and Recommendation Committee" (SARC) meeting on July 5th, those in attendance established a regular recurring meeting date and time. Committee meetings will be held on the
1st Monday of the month at 6:00 PM, in the Community Center Conference Room. This is an open meeting and all residents are invited to attend.
The
SARC will meet on
August 5, 2019, at 6:00 PM at the Villages of Westcreek Community Center. Residents who have any suggestions or recommendations to be considered by the committee are encouraged to come out and present them. Even if you don't have one, you are more than welcome to attend to take part in the discussion of whatever ideas the SARC will be discussing.
The
SARC is looking forward to hearing your ideas and acting on them as appropriate - hope to see you there, neighbors!!
Submitted by: Roger M. Larson, VWOA Secretary and SARC Chair
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It's the time of year that we begin to look to the future and plan next year's budget.
The Community Manager and staff have been working over the past month to put together a preliminary 2020 budget to present to the Finance and Reserve Study Committee.
The Finance and Reserve Study Committee will then complete a review and offer input before sending the proposed budget to the Board of Directors for a final vote.
It is my hope that the proposed budget will be ready to present to the Board at the Board of Directors meeting on August 15th.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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As a new member of the Villages of Westcreek Board of Directors, I see an issue that is concerning to me. Some of the members of our association don't or can't pay their annual assessments. This can lead to legal action by the association and, in the worst cases I know, people in Bexar County have lost their homes in foreclosure for not paying their HOA assessments. Yet some don't have a homestead exemption on their property for tax purposes.
If you haven't already done so, filing for a homestead exemption with the Bexar County Appraisal District may reduce your property taxes by more than your annual assessments. (Please note that this only needs to be done once. You do not need to apply again every year.) Many of you in our community can reduce your property taxes further by claiming and qualifying for other exemptions. Some people even qualify for $0 in property taxes based on their specific situation.
CLICK HERE to download a Residence Homestead Exemption Application Form.
CLICK HERE to see a summary of the other types of exemptions that will lower your property taxes.
The Chief Appraiser, Michael Amezquita, and the Assistant Chief Appraiser, Rogelio Sandoval, from the Bexar County Appraisal District will give a presentation on the different property tax exemptions, qualification for the exemptions, and how to apply for the exemptions at our Board of Directors meeting on September 19, 2019. I encourage everyone with questions to attend that meeting.
Submitted by: Daniel Schafer, VWOA Assistant Secretary
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Have you seen painted rocks around the neighborhood lately? Maybe a fierce dinosaur or a cute ladybug hidden under a tree?
There is a global movement to spread kindness and motivational messages through rock painting called The Kindness Rocks Project. The mission of The Kindness Rocks Project is "One message at just the right moment can change someone's day, outlook, life." Resident Michelle Esparza has created our very own Kindness Rocks extension called Westcreek Rocks!
"My family and I all love artwork, so this was a fun idea that could bring us closer to our community," said Michelle Esparza.
Members of Westcreek Rocks! paint and hide rocks throughout the neighborhood. Community members that find these rocks are encouraged to keep or rehide them and also to join the movement by creating and hiding rocks of their own! This is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Michelle said that her 8 year old, who helps paint and hide rocks, was thrilled when one of his classmates found and posted a picture of his rock hidden here in the neighborhood.
"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." - Amelia Earhart
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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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/Change Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;
- Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and 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.
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SALES TAX HOLIDAY - AUGUST 9 - 11, 2019
During this annual sales tax holiday, you can buy most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. The exemption applies to each eligible item sold for less than $100, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items you can buy.This year's sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 9, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 11.
For a complete list of qualifying items or additional details, Visit: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Summer Dance Class for Kids and Adult Beginner Belly Dancing is Bac
k!
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Your 3rd Quarter Assessment of $99.00 was due on July 1, 2019.
On July 29, 2019, 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
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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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The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is happy to announce that the
"Farmers Market" is back for the 2019 Season thru
September 25th!
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 9:00 AM till 4:00 PM
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FARMERS!
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
The Villages of Westcreek launched an experiment to see if there was enough interest and support within the community for us to host local Food Trucks.
What started with just two food trucks serving the community on Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings, has now expanded to several additional trucks offering their cuisine throughout the week.
The support we received from community members and the Food Truck vendors has made this a successful venture.
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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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on
August 10, 2019
. 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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| Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director |
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The Villages of Westcreek is having a
School Supply Drive
during Food Truck Day on August 10, 2019.
Everyone that brings school supplies ($10.00 minimum) receives one raffle ticket their donation.
All donations will be going to New Beginnings Children's Home, Galm, and Ott Elementary.
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2019 LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is happy to announce that our
"2019 Learn to Swim Program" began on June 3rd. Numerous classes will be offered throughout the Pool Season.
REGISTRATION:
- To register for these classes, drop by the VWOA Community Center Office during normal business hours.
- Registration in progress now.
- Registration Fee is $100 per person.
CLASS LOCATION:
- Villages of Westcreek Community Center Pool
- 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253
NOTE:
- All Special Needs Children and Adults Require Adult Assist in Water.
- Private Lessons are Available -@ 9:30 AM - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
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Come join your neighbors in a fun game of Bingo!
Date: 1st Tuesday of the month
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: VWOA Community Center Hall, 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253
To play you will need to make either a $2.00 or Prize donation!
For questions or additional information, contact Jason Dunbar at 210-679-8761!
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The Westcreek Poker Club was established by homeowner Michael Rico to bring community members together for an evening of fun. This club is exclusively for Westcreek residents.
Poker Club Rules:
- Each Westcreek resident must present a current VWOA ID card.
- Each resident may bring one guest to play.
- No alcoholic drinks (food, water, soda, snacks, etc. are okay).
- Sign-in sheet for residents.
- $20 tournament with rebuys and late entries for the first 90 minutes.
- Tournament payouts depend on the number of entries and rebuys.
The Westcreek Poker Club will get together on September 5th at 7:00 PM in the VWOA Community Center Hall.
Same format as before: $20 entry with a starting stack of 12k in chips. *Rebuys and late entries allowed no later than 8:15 PM.
To earn BONUS CHIPS, register by
7:00 PM!
For additional information or questions about the requirements and tournament format, email Michael Rico.
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Sign up during "Early Bird" registration and SAVE $10!
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Registration Dates |
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- Early Bird - December 17, 2018 ~ August 17, 2019
- Regular - August 18, 2019 ~ September 7, 2019
- Late - September 8, 2019 ~ September 21, 2019
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COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND HOME-BASED BUSINESSES
- Business conducted from or within a private lot is not totally disallowed; however, any such business must adhere to all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations as well as the CC&Rs.
- Telecommuting or private consulting are examples of businesses that could be conducted without violating the CC&Rs so long as the traffic into the neighborhood is not increased and no additional vehicle storage is necessary.
- Business or commercial activity to which the general public is invited on a daily basis may not be publicly advertised, promoted or conducted on residential properties.
- Any business, including signs that can be observed from any street is construed as inviting the public.
- Businesses such as daycare services, plant/tree nurseries and auto mechanic shops are not allowed.
REFERENCES:
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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5 TIPS FOR GROWING FALL TOMATOES IN SAN ANTONIO
We are blessed to have two great growing seasons here in San Antonio but they are relatively short. This makes planting your vegetables at the correct time extremely important.
- Choose the right type of tomatoes. Smaller tomato types tend to do better setting fruit in the heat. With larger varieties, by the time it's cooled off enough for them to begin to set fruit, a looming frost is usually right around the corner. If you prefer the larger tomatoes, planting early is even more crucial. The tomato plants at Rainbow Gardens have signs showing the days to harvest for each tomato type. Our average first frost date varies, but is usually around November 23.
- Plant your tomatoes at the right time of the year. Fall tomatoes should be planted no later than the second week of August here in San Antonio. If you plant too late, an early frost can bite your tomato plants before you get a chance to bite one yourself.
- Plant tomatoes deeply and water the same. Tomatoes are one of the few plants that benefit from being planted deeper than their root ball. Remove the lower couple sets of leaves on your tomato transplants and bury your plant to the point right above where you removed the leaves. Be hyper-vigilant about making sure that your tomato transplants are getting adequate water when planting in late summer. Water your garden or pots deeply a day or two before planting to give your tomatoes a great moist start to their roots. After planting, keep in mind that tomato roots run deep so focus watering around the roots and make sure you are watering deep enough to reach them. Mulching your newly planted tomatoes helps retain their soil moisture.
- Protect your early tomatoes. Here's how you get around the heat of the summer when planting your fall tomatoes. Offer your tomatoes some shade during the hottest part of the day. You can achieve this by making a simple lean-to with cardboard and placing it on the west side of your tomato plants where the sun hits hard in the afternoons, or by using a lightweight row cover that will filter out some of the extreme sunlight. If you skip protecting your tomato plants from the sun, prepare to be growing a scorched twig.
- Pinch off side shoots on indeterminate tomatoes. Side shoots are those small, extra leaflets and branches that form in the crooks between the main tomato stem and main tomato branches. By removing a few of these side shoots, you are removing extra branches that compete with the main branches for nutrients. You don't have to remove all of them. You can remove some on the bottom half to create a stronger central stem, and then pinch out a few here and there towards the top as your tomato plant grows to keep it from getting top heavy and unruly. Again, this is advised for indeterminate tomato plants that keep producing and growing, setting fruit incrementally. Don't bother pinching side shoots from determinate tomato plants as they set their fruit all at once.
Here are some other suggested fall veggies that you can plant now. See website for more details.
- If you haven't already done so, plant the following by mid-August: cantaloupe, okra, winter squash, and lima beans.
- You have until Sept. 1 to plant these: eggplant transplants, southern peas, pepper transplants, and tomato transplants.
- From now until mid-September, you can plant Irish potatoes, bush or pole beans, cucumber, summer squash, garlic, and corn (best Aug. 13-23).
- These plants can be planted from now until December: cabbage transplants, kale, kohlrabi, radish, Swiss chard, turnip, broccoli transplants, Brussel sprouts, Chinese cabbage, carrots, cauliflower transplants, collards, leaf lettuce, rutabaga, and mustard.
Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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If your lawn needs a summer feeding, you can do so by early August. Apply slow-release 3-1-2 or 3-0-2 fertilizers or a liquid lawn fertilizer like Medina's Hasta-Gro lawn food.
If your turf grass looks yellow (iron chlorosis), apply a granular or liquid iron supplement. Hi-Yield Iron Plus granules and Dr. Iron are two excellent choices. Avoid Ironite as it doesn't have much effect in our alkaline (high PH) soils.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, also known as Flor de Sangre, Hierba Maria and Milkweed. Expect milkweed to be heavily grazed by caterpillars and aphids, especially in autumn; this is a part of a natural cycle, so resist the urge to spray pesticides on your insects.
If you're trying to help monarch butterflies, be sure to cut tropical milkweed back in December, to discourage them from overwintering; otherwise they may become heavily infested with fungal disease, and transmit it to others in spring. Tropical Milkweed is Deer Resistant.
- Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Water Demand: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange to Red clusters
- Season: Spring thru Fall
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HOW MUCH SHOULD I WATER?
One of the most frequently asked questions that gets around is "how should I be watering?" That is a super loaded question because there are so many factors to consider. Here are some guidelines that will help with all landscapes and lawns of all different stages of growth.
The most general term that has been coined for watering is "infrequent but heavy". The idea is to only water when necessary but, when you water, water heavily. This method will ensure that roots run deep into good soil and will be well regulated during the hottest and coldest weather. Watering infrequently ensures that rot will not develop. Remember that roots for new grass or ground cover may only be 2 to 3 inches below the surface but, the roots for your new trees maybe as much as 2 feet down. You need to water for all depths of the root systems. The irrigation systems help with that but, do require your interaction.
With few exceptions, plant and grass roots need to stay moist, particularly during the first 2 years of installation. The idea behind watering a new landscape is to let the mulch and top layer of soil to dry between watering. Fungal development starts at the "collar" of the plant, by allowing the mulch/top layer of soil to dry will ensure that fungus will not develop.
Brand New Landscapes:
This concept of infrequent but, heavy watering still applies to new landscaping although, the time of year makes a big difference. During the summer, recommend watering every day or twice a day every other day for a short duration. It is important to keep an eye on the base of the plant/grass and make sure it is slightly drying between watering to avoid rot.
Shouldn't my sprinkler system do all the work?
Yes and no. The automatic sprinkler systems are designed to run as long or as short of a duration as you tell it to. Recommend setting the system to water the new landscaping up to 4 weeks. After that, it may be time to reduce the frequency but, increase the interval to make sure you are watering the best way.
Here is a general seasonal schedule for established landscapes:
- Cooler Months December-March: Once a week should be fine. Recommend watering the lawn for 25 to 35 minutes and 60 to 80 minutes with drip irrigation.
- Warmer Months April-August: Twice a week should be fine but, may require a third time if the weather is really hot. Recommend watering the lawn for 25 to 35 minutes per day and 60 to 80 minutes with drip irrigation per day.
- Fall Months September- November: Once a week should be fine but, may require a second watering if the weather is extra warm. Recommend watering the lawn for 25 to 35 minutes and 60 to 80 minutes with drip irrigation.
Source:
Reference:
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins, Communications Committee Member
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House sparrows, known as Passer domesticus and belonging to the group of passerines and order of passeriforms, are also called perching birds. The name "perching birds" directly comes from the orientation of their toes with three pointing forward and one backward.
They are a sexually dimorphic bird species, meaning the genders do not look the same. Males have prominent characteristics such as a black bib and eye mask with a gray cap and dark bills, unlike their female counterparts that have a pale eyebrow stripe, heavy brown steaks of the buff and black wings with pale bills.
Juvenile males
are difficult to determine from females
,
but if seen up close, they
have a bright yellow color at the base of their bill and fleshy flanges.
The sparrow is primarily vegetarian but are also known as opportunistic feeders and will eat table scraps given and will frequently feed from feeders. They do consume invertebrates in small increments during breeding which can be two to three times in an optimal season.
The males start the nests with the female completing it once her mate is chosen. The clutch is generally three to five eggs. The female primarily sits on the nest during incubation, which takes twelve days. When they hatch, they are featherless and blind. Both parents share in feeding and keeping the chicks warm for the first two weeks prior to fledging. They are fed invertebrates to promote rapid growth before they leave the nest. The third week they continue to be fed some by the parents but require less and less dependency upon them.
They are generally heard making repetitive calls to other members of the flock and generally live in groups, even placing their nests in close proximity to the rest of the flock. They are cavity nesters, often building in holes of trees, eaves, small crevices of buildings, and yes even dryer vents. The particular pair pictured here were rescued from a dryer vent and are currently being cared for until which time they can be released back to the wild. Special thanks to our neighbors Diana Lopez, Annette Sanchez, Kenneth "Rush" Percival, Rick Sanchez, and Rick Chavana, for their love, compassion, and dedication given to assure these little ones have a fighting chance.
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August means school days are upon us. Whether walking, biking, or driving to school, remember to discuss these safety tips with your students.
Pedestrians on foot:
- Look left-right- left before crossing streets. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing if possible.
- Cross the street at designated crosswalks.
- Remember to check your second edge - stop at the edge of the parked car or object in the street and check traffic flow again before crossing.
- Travel in groups- talk to children about the buddy system.
- Beware of strangers- teach kids not to talk or get close to unknown persons or vehicles. Report any suspicious activity by calling 911.
For children staying home alone for any period of time, have a plan with a trusted individual or small group that your child can contact for needs. Talk to them about not advertising they are alone.
Bike Riders:
All travelers need to be aware of surroundings, which means phones down and eyes up!
Bicyclists have the same rights as motorized vehicles. Here are some bike safety tips:
- Always use appropriate protective gear- helmet, knee and elbow pads. According to NHTSA, helmets should:
- Fit snug, not tight or loose
- Sit level on head, one to two fingers above eyebrow
- Have "V" strap positioned under and slightly in front of ears
- Position chin strap under chin, no more than one to two fingers should fit under strap
- Follow the rules of the road- stop at stop signs, ride in bike lanes or where safe.
Drivers:
- Remember to STOP for school busses! A stopped school bus with red lights and a stop sign mean pedestrians are travelling to or from the bus. Let passengers load or exit safely.
- No phones or speeding, especially in school zones!
School Sports:
- Athletes need to stay hydrated- talk to your athletes about drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and cool in warm practice temperatures.
Have a Happy and
SAFE new school year!
Resources:
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Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Below are some useful safety tips.
SAFETY TIPS
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
- Today's smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
FACTS
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection.
- Roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- If you have any questions or need help with your smoke alarms we would be glad to help. Please visit us at www.bc2fd.org and submit a request.
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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.
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Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
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We have all heard the term "out of sight, out of mind." We cannot see how healthy our insides are by looking in a mirror, so we tend to not think about it. Thankfully, our bodies are designed to show signs when things are not correctly working as they should. Unfortunately, we tend to focus more on treating the symptoms instead of the root problem. Let's work on taking a step back to start looking at the underlying problems when we exhibit these signs of something being wrong and to address them before things get worse.
Gut health is a topic that people don't talk about very much. Our bodies are loaded with trillions of bacteria but the ones in your gut may have the biggest impact on your well-being. They line your entire digestive system but most live in your intestines and colon, affecting everything from your metabolism to your mood to your immune system.
There are different types of bacteria. Some help your bodies, while others hurt. When your gut flora is out of whack, serious problems can arise. Research suggests your gut bacteria are tied to bloating, inflammation, various skin issues like acne, diabetes, poor sleep, lower levels of happiness (depression), obesity, and colon cancer.
- The gut is packed with nerve endings that communicate with the brain. Your doctor may call this connection the "gut-brain axis." Studies have suggested a link between gut bacteria and disorders of the central nervous system, like anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder.
- Your gut bacteria affect your body's metabolism. Too much bacteria can lead to metabolic syndrome, a condition that often leads to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
- Studies show that people with colon cancer have a different gut microbiota, including higher levels of disease-causing bacteria, than healthy people.
- It is believed that people with rheumatoid arthritis may have greater amounts of a bacteria linked to inflammation than people without it.
- People with Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are believed to have lower levels of certain anti-inflammatory gut bacteria. The exact connection is still unclear. But it's thought that some bacteria may make your body attack your intestines and set the stage for these diseases.
We want to make the bacteria in our bodies healthier by eating more fermented foods and good bacteria. Then you can lose weight and live a happier and healthier life. A healthy gut microbiome is essential, not only to properly break down the foods you're eating, but also for nutrient absorption and toxin elimination. Here are some great food and drinks to support a healthy gut...
- Apple cider vinegar aids in weight loss and it also helps to relieve acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome because of all the beneficial probiotics and amino acids.
- Bone Broth can help heal irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut food intolerances, and so much more.
- Chocolate brands are now making raw and certified organic, prebiotic and probiotic-enhanced bars that contain billions of active bacterial cells to support a healthy and thriving gut microbiome. Just eat in moderation.
- Collagen is the main component of connective tissue, one of the largest proteins in our body. Getting collagen on a daily basis is essential for not only healing an inflamed gut, but it also slows down the aging process both inside our body and out.
- Dairy-free yogurts are much easier for people to digest with active cultures like S.Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L.Acidophilus, and Bifidobacteria. You can add nuts and seeds to boost your protein intake which, along with fiber, is essential for keeping your tummy satisfied and full for a longer period of time. Just watch out for those high in sugar.
- Fermented coffee is a relatively new innovation to hit health food stores thanks to brands like Afineur.
- Fibrous foods help make food move efficiently through the body and help prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, digestive diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and weight gain.
- Garlic is a wonderful prebiotic and even better when eaten raw. Prebiotics help to feed and fuel the existing flora already present in your gut.
- Kefir is a tart, more liquid yogurt that contains at least 3 times live and active strains of bacteria.
- Kimchi is especially beneficial for those suffering from stomach and bowel pain, inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, or other bowel-related diseases.
- Kombucha is not only the most natural way to get a buzz, but it's also probiotic-packed, meaning it's good for your gut since it's made from the fermentation of sugar in tea by bacteria yeasts.
- Kvass will give you a boost of good bacteria to help resist infection all year round.
- Mangos improve your gut health, while helping reduce body fat and controlling blood sugar.
- Miso is rich in probiotics, meaning it can help treat intestinal disorders. It is high in sodium so you'll want to consume it in moderation.
- Onions, as well as Jerusalem artichokes and chicory, are high in prebiotics, which will help promote the growth of good bacteria.
- Sauerkraut is a naturally fermented food that has the microorganisms Lactobacillus bacteria, which helps to lower irritable bowel syndrome symptoms like gas, bloating, and indigestion.
- Wild salmon has an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is critical for healing an inflamed gut and preventing future episodes.
You can't just take probiotics to prevent illness. To achieve healthy gut bacteria, you will need to eat a nutritious diet. Consuming too much fats and sugar, and even being on too many antibiotics, can kill the good bacteria while consuming refined foods feed the bad bacteria. Please feel free to contact me to help you start a healthy meal plan. Exercise can also encourage the growth of a variety of gut bacteria. Having a more varied gut microbiota may promote better health and, in turn, reduce your risk of disease. Westcreek has ongoing classes to join, including a senior fitness class. Working out on your own is great but we are so much more successful when we have accountability in a group setting.
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BAKED SALMON WITH GARLIC
Here is a very gut healthy recipe loaded with probiotics, protein, Omega 3, B12, vitamin D, and selenium. A well-rounded meal is best served with vegetables. The baked salmon would go great with asparagus, tossed spinach, kale, or roasted garlic potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic (small, minced)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (heaping; chopped)
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Dash kosher salt
- Dash black pepper
- 4 salmon fillets (about 4 to 6 ounces each)
- 3 lemons or can use lemon juice
Preparation:
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Lightly grease a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan or line the pan with foil and lightly oil the foil.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, parsley and olive oil; blend the ingredients well.
- Arrange the salmon fillets in the prepared baking pan and spread the garlic and parsley mixture evenly over them. Sprinkle the fillets lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake the salmon for about 20 minutes or until the fillets register 145 F or flake easily with a fork.
- Drizzle the baked salmon fillets with two tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Slice the remaining lemon into wedges and serve them with the salmon.
I am a certified health coach and would love to help you with achieving your health goals. Please feel free to email me at
melissa.motz@yahoo.com
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