"Building a Stronger Community Through Education, Information, and Inspiration"

Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association

Communications Committee - December 1, 2024 Edition!

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GOT A NEIGHBOR YOU WANT TO RECOGNIZE?

Remember that neighbors don’t have to live next door, just someone who lives in Westcreek. It could be as simple as a mom who helps out by picking up a child from school, a neighbor who cuts your yard for you just because, or brings in your trash cans. It does not have to be a grand gesture, just something that made your life easier, made you happy, or was just thoughtful.

If you would like to recognize their good deeds and show your appreciation, please submit your recommendation by a deadline of the 20^th day of the month prior to publication to: frontoffice@villagesofwestcreek.com.

As we approach the holiday season, we wanted to take a moment to extend warm wishes to you and your loved ones. This time of year is a special opportunity to spread kindness and joy and celebrate the spirit of community that we are so fortunate to have here in the Villages of Westcreek.

As the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, we are grateful for the amazing people who make our community such a special place to live. Your dedication to making this a safe, welcoming, and supportive community is truly inspiring, and we are honored to serve alongside you.

As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, let us spread love and kindness and give back to our community whenever possible. We hope that your holiday season is filled with warmth, laughter, and love and that you are able to create many happy memories with those closest to you.



On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, we wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. May the new year bring you peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager

December Communications Committee Meeting

This meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 2, 2024, in the VWOA Community Center. Please click on the link below for the agenda and details:

https://conta.cc/3YZym9K

Submitted by: Francis Lomax - VWOA Communications Committee Chairman

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPEN MEETING

WHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, @ 2:00 PM (CDT)

NOTE: This will be a Zoom meeting.

Please click on the following link to view the agenda:

Meeting Agenda

Please use the following information to join the meeting via the internet: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89984024153?pwd=aZ1zpQuqgLZpFab7XDQda3Q0lAvFvn.1

Meeting ID: 899 8402 4153

Passcode: 723019

You may also call in using one of the numbers in the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbPt5yb0bn

SANTA'S FIRE ENGINE RUN IS COMING TO WESTCREEK

Are you looking for a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit with your little ones? Look no further than the Bexar County ESD No. 2 Fire Department's annual Santa Run, coming to the Villages of Westcreek on December 12th and 13th! (Note: These are not firm dates. Please use the button below to check details as the dates approach.)

This beloved community event is a great way to make lasting memories with your family while enjoying the holiday season. The Santa Run is a chance for local families to see Santa Claus himself as he rides atop a firetruck through the streets of Westcreek, spreading cheer and good tidings to all. Check the fire department's schedule to see if Santa Claus will be going down your street.

But the Santa Run isn't just about Santa Claus. It's also an opportunity to show your support for the brave men and women of the Bexar County ESD No. 2 Fire Department, who work tirelessly to keep our community safe all year long. By coming out to the Santa Run with your family, you can show your appreciation for their hard work while having a great time with your loved ones.

So mark your calendars for December 12th and 13th to join in the festive fun! Whether you're young or old, the Santa Run is sure to put a smile on your face and get you in the holiday spirit. We hope to see you there!

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - VWOA Communications Committee, Vice-Chair

HOW SERVANT LEADERSHIP CAN HELP OUR COMMUNITY THRIVE

As members of the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association, we are all invested in the success and well-being of our neighborhood. However, in these uncertain times, the challenges we face as a community can seem daunting. That's why it's so important for us to come together, support each other, and embrace the principles of servant leadership.

Servant leadership is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of others first and leading by example. It's about listening to others, empowering them to act, and working collaboratively to achieve common goals. By embracing the principles of servant leadership, we can help our community adapt and thrive in the face of any challenge.

One key tenet of servant leadership is empathy. As community members, we need to take the time to understand our neighbors' needs and concerns. We can do this by actively listening to their feedback and ideas, engaging in open and honest communication, and demonstrating a willingness to learn from their perspectives.

Another important aspect of servant leadership is empowerment. We must encourage our fellow community members to take ownership of their ideas and initiatives. This means providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed and recognizing and celebrating their achievements.

Finally, servant leadership is about collaboration. We need to work together as a community to achieve our shared goals. This means setting aside our agendas and working towards a common purpose. By doing so, we can pool our resources, knowledge, and skills to achieve greater outcomes than we could.

So, how can you become a servant leader in our community? You can start by looking for opportunities to help others. This means volunteering your time to help with community events or initiatives or reaching out to neighbors who might need a helping hand. You can also lead on projects that benefit the community, such as organizing a neighborhood clean-up or advocating for improvements to our common areas.

In conclusion, by embracing the principles of servant leadership, we can help our community adapt and thrive in these challenging times. By listening to others, empowering them to act, and collaborating towards shared goals, we can build a stronger, more resilient community that benefits us all. So, let's all strive to be servant leaders and do our part to improve our community.

Submitted by: VWOA Board of Directors

Please be aware that temporary stop signs have been installed at the following intersections:

• Knobsby Way and Military Dr. (The Oaks)
• Courtland Oaks and Military Dr. (The Pointe)

Drivers should be aware of these changes and proceed with caution at these intersections until further notice.

For questions, please contact Bexar County Public Works at (210) 335-6700.

Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - VWOA Board of Directors, President

The Importance of Respectful Flag Disposal: What Every American Should Know

As patriotic Americans, we often hang the US flag outside our homes or businesses to show our love and support for our country. However, the flag can become damaged or tattered over time due to weather conditions or other factors. When this happens, it's important to dispose of the flag respectfully and properly.

First and foremost, it's important to understand when it's time to retire Old Glory. The US Flag Code states that a flag should be retired when it is no longer a fitting emblem for display. This can mean the flag has become torn, faded, or otherwise damaged to the point where it no longer represents the ideals and values of our country. It's important to note that simply being dirty or slightly worn is not necessarily cause for retirement.

Once you've determined that your flag needs to be retired, it's important to dispose of it respectfully. One option is to bring your flag to a collection box, typically found at community centers or other public locations. Our community has a collection box at the Community Center, which is open during regular business hours.

When dropping off your flag, it's important to fold it properly before placing it in the collection box. The flag should be folded in the traditional triangular manner, with the blue field of stars visible on the outside. This is a sign of respect and honor for the flag.

It's important to never dispose of a damaged or tattered flag in the trash. This is not only disrespectful, but it goes against the US Flag Code. Handling the flag with care and respect is important, even in retirement.

Submitted by: Brandon Schuler - VWOA Board of Directors, Vice President  

Starting January 1, 2025, the new quarterly assessment will be $130.68 (totaling $522.72 annually). Homeowners who have established autopay through their banks or the SpectrumAM Homeowner Portal are encouraged to update their payment amounts to ensure timely processing and avoid any late fees associated with unpaid assessments.

Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - VWOA Board of Directors, President

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

Fredericksburg is a charming town in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, only about 72 miles north of Villages of Westcreek. Known for its rich history, beautiful vineyards, and picturesque scenery, Fredericksburg is a great place to visit any time. But during the Christmas season, or Weihnachtszeit, Fredericksburg makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie.

From Thanksgiving through the first week of January, you can experience their Christmas Night of Lights every evening at Marktplatz. Music begins at 5:00 pm and a 10-minute audio program with a countdown begins at 6:00 pm, concluding with the lighting of a 30-ft. Community Christmas Tree and 26-ft. tall authentic German Christmas Pyramid.

Main Street is festively decorated for shopping at the town’s more than 150 locally owned shops, boutiques, and art galleries. At this time of year, you can take the family to skate at the nearby outdoor ice skating rink, Eisbahn. Come-and-go passes are $15 including skate rental. Passes are $10 on Tuesdays.

One of the most popular year-round attractions in Fredericksburg is the National Museum of the Pacific War. This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and memorabilia from World War II's Pacific theater. Visitors can tour the museum's galleries and learn about the war's impact on the Pacific region, as well as the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women.

Fredericksburg also has plenty of excellent wineries and vineyards to explore. Take a tour of the Grape Creek Vineyards or the Becker Vineyards and sample some of the region's best wines. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Wildseed Farm is the nation’s largest working wildflower farm. This 200-acre wildflower farm and vineyard includes a half-mile walking trail and gardens. In the tasting room you can sample the estate grapes, featured in their award-winning wines, or grab a cold beer in the Brewbonnet. Spend the day on the farm and shop for gifts, seeds, plants, and more.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the town is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and the Pedernales Falls State Park. Visitors can hike, bike, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

On the third weekend of most months (Friday-Sunday), you can shop till you drop at Fredericksburg Trade Days. It’s just 7 miles east of Fredericksburg on Hwy 290, across from the Wildseed Farms. There you will find 7 barns & acres with 350+ vendors of antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, ranch furniture, hunting accessories, candles, unique clothing, jewelry, food and more. Admission is free ($5 parking is good for the whole weekend).

Fredericksburg is only about a 1-hour drive from Villages of Westcreek. It’s a wonderful destination for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing getaway or an old-fashioned Christmas. Whether you're interested in history, wine, nature, or simply enjoying the simple pleasures of small-town life, there's something for everyone in this charming Texas Hill Country town. www.visitfredericksburgtx.com

Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - VWOA Communications Committee, Secretary

As we approach the holiday season, it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding the display of decorations in our community. The newly revised Standards state that holiday decorations may be displayed on the premises without ARC approval. However, specific guidelines must be followed regarding when and how long decorations can be displayed.

HOLIDAY DECORATING SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Thanksgiving

• Decorations Down - December 13, 2024

Christmas

• Decorations Up - November 15, 2024
• Decorations Down - January 16, 2025

New Year's

• Decorations Up - November 22, 2024
• Decorations Down - January 16, 2025



Standards Reference: Article 6.7

For specific questions about the Standards, you can contact the Standards Manager at Frontoffice@villagesofwestcreek.com.  

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - VWOA Architectural Review Committee, Chair

The VWOA is dedicated to protecting your property, and we would appreciate your help working with BCSO and our security patrols.

Please check your mailbox EVERY DAY, and inspect it right after the mail carrier delivers it. Remember, thieves can only take your mail if there's something to steal!

Please remove all valuables or anything that appears valuable from your vehicle each night at 9:00 PM and lock the doors. It is important to note that thieves are not breaking into vehicles; they simply open doors that have been inadvertently left unlocked.

If you observe any suspicious activity, please immediately report it to the BCSO by calling 911 or the non-emergency number 210-335-6000. Remember that social media is not the appropriate platform for reporting what you witnessed. By working together to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and secure our valuables, we can hopefully reduce criminal activity in our area.

Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - VWOA Board of Directors, President

Porch pirate season is underway, and it's important to take steps to protect your packages from theft. There are several ways to avoid porch pirates, including having your package rerouted to only be delivered when you're there, sending it to a neighbor who is home, changing your delivery for signatures only, or sending it to your workplace.

One effective method is to get permission to ship all your packages to your work address. This way, they won't be left unguarded at your doorstep for hours, and anyone walking by could snatch them. If this option works for you, encourage friends and family members to ship packages to your work address as well.

Another option is to ask a trusted friend or neighbor to receive your packages for you. If they are retired or work from home, they may be happy to let you have packages delivered to them for safekeeping.

If neither of those options works, consider using a service that lets you arrange for a package to be held at a warehouse until you arrive home. You can then arrange delivery during evening hours that better suit your schedule.

Finally, setting up a live-recording video camera aimed at your porch can help you spot a theft as it happens and alert law enforcement officials. The camera may also provide a video to help identify the thieves.

Remember, it's important to take steps to protect your packages from porch pirates. Don't let your packages fall into the wrong hands—take action today to keep them safe and secure.

Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - President, VWOA Board of Directors

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

With the holiday season approaching, it's crucial to take measures to safeguard your home and loved ones from the risk of fire. This time of year is often marked by cooking, decorating, and entertaining, which can inadvertently lead to accidents. Here are some detailed tips to help you keep your home safe:

1. Check your smoke detectors: It's essential to ensure that your smoke detectors are in good working condition and that you have enough of them installed throughout your home. Regularly test them to ensure they're functioning correctly, and replace the batteries if necessary.

2. Be careful with candles: Candles are a great way to create a cozy and warm atmosphere in your home, but they can also be a potential fire hazard if not used correctly. Be sure to keep them away from flammable objects, never leave them unattended, and use candle holders that can catch any dripping wax.

3. Keep your Christmas tree watered: If you have a live Christmas tree, it's important to water it regularly. A dry tree is a major fire hazard, especially when exposed to nearby heat sources. Keep it well-hydrated and away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, and heaters.

4. Don't overload electrical outlets: During the holiday season, it's common to have numerous lights and decorations that require electrical outlets. However, overloading your electrical outlets can be dangerous and lead to a fire hazard. Be sure to spread out your decorations and use multiple outlets.

5. Keep a fire extinguisher handy: Having a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location can be a lifesaver in case of emergency. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where it is and how to use it.

By following these detailed tips, you can minimize the risk of fire and ensure the safety of your loved ones and home during the holiday season. Remember to remain vigilant and always be mindful of potential hazards to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - VWOA Communications Committee, Vice-Chair

As we approach the upcoming New Year celebration, it's important to remember that fireworks will likely be a part of it. However, it's also important to remember the potential threat of house fires that come with it. To help you protect your and your neighbor's homes from fireworks-related fires, we've compiled some simple tips to follow.

First, it is important to ensure your gutters are cleared of flammable debris, such as leaves and twigs. All it takes is a stray spark from a firework to ignite a fire that could quickly engulf your gutters and roof. Dispose of any debris in your landscape, as it can also catch fire easily.

Also, it is good to water your landscape and fence line before starting your fireworks celebration. Watering will help prevent potential fires in your landscape from spreading towards your home and causing damage.

Lastly, if you plan on using fireworks during your celebration, please look at the Fire Marshal's website for information on the prohibited use of fireworks. Properly disposing of fireworks after use is important to avoid any potential accidents. Please make sure to soak them in water for several hours before disposing of them in a metal container. Never attempt to relight a firework that didn't go off—wait for it to cool down and dispose of it accordingly.

These simple tips can help protect your home and ensure a safe and fun New Year celebration!

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - VWOA Communications Committee, Vice-Chair

BUYING/SELLING A HOME IN 2025



The new year brings with it many promises for a more stable business of buying or selling a home. In the mix of the holidays and looking forward to a move in 2025, the idea may be daunting. However, some things to keep in mind to simplify the process and relieve stress may be helpful, and no one is better at guiding you through a real estate transaction than a REALTOR, a trusted professional who can assist you from beginning to end in understanding local conditions, finding market properties, negotiating, and keeping the transaction on track through closing.

Considering the market: The median price of homes is expected to decline slightly. This is reliant on interest rates remaining the same or slightly declining, all of which helps with affordability. 

Negotiating: First, there are no rules that set the amount brokers charge for services. It is an independent business decision up to each broker and client. Second, a REALTOR will work professionally and diligently with a client to negotiate the best price to sell or buy a home.

Transacting: With all the required documents and timely submissions in a transaction, a REALTOR will help you stay up to date and on time, communicating all requests or findings. As for financing, when utilized correctly, grant programs allow home buyers to bring to closing as little as 1% of the sales price.

Your REALTOR can make your next move as smooth as possible.  With the knowledge and skills of a professional, informed decisions will be made to reach your real estate goals.

Submitted by: Barbara Lee, REALTOR, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services (BHHS)

Submitted by: Ashley - Resident Specialist

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