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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - February 1, 2019 Edition!
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"Tough times never last, but tough people do."
~Robert H. Schuller
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| WHO ARE THE COMMUNITY LEADERS? |
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We've all heard the old African proverb "It takes a village to raise
a child."
After all, it is one of the most widely quoted phrases when examining the partnerships required during the maturation of our youth.
But, what about the maturation of our community?
Let's take a moment to reflect on a shortened version of that phrase to simply say "It takes a village."
It not only takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a village to build a community, and to encourage community involvement.
Stop and take a moment to ask yourself how many times you've looked at our community and wished it would do better.
Take a moment to think about how many times you've complained about what our community lacks.
There is a fallacy that one needs to be in a position of authority to create change, to make a difference, or to be a leader.
The reality is, we are all community leaders if we choose to be a leader in our community.
You see, a community leader is someone who cares deeply about the community they live in.
They not only care deeply but have the ability to influence the people living there.
A community leader feels the sense of responsibility for the well-being and improvement of the neighborhood.
Does this sound like you?
The honest truth is that the day-to-day acts of community leadership are usually not very dramatic; they also don't usually inspire a chorus of recognition.
It is the lady who stands out in the heat, the rain, on the good days, and bad, to help our children cross the street at a busy crosswalk.
It is that person who posts an encouraging word on the local Facebook Page.
It's the member who volunteers their time to run a BINGO game, or the neighbor that opens their home to host a game night.
It is the person who sees and places value in those who don't feel very valuable.
You don't have to be a person in a position of authority or take over someone's leadership role in order to help things go well.
In fact, one way of helping a group function better is by supporting the official leaders.
You can do this by organizing others to help with the work, by listening to one another, and by encouraging each other; especially if someone is feeling discouraged.
Trust me when I say there is room in this world for more community leaders.
One or two leaders can't possible solve all the complex problems that our community faces.
With more leaders, we will do better.
The more people who become leaders and get involved, the more problems we will solve.
So, who are the community leaders? You, the neighbors who make this community a village.
Leadership skills are built step-by-step.
No matter what your skills are right now, you can become a better leader if you work at it.
Leading will help you grow and expand your life.
You may find yourself doing things you never imagined you would.
You may find yourself making the difference that is longed for.
I leave you with this quote from author Yehuda Berg, "A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network.
It's about feeling connected and responsible for what happens.
Humanity is our ultimate community, and everyone plays a crucial role."
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VWOA BOARD APPOINTMENT
We are happy to announce that
Dan Schafer has been appointed by the Board of Directors to fill a vacant position on the Board until the next Annual Meeting of the Members to be held in April 2019.
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Hi, neighbors. My name is Dan Schafer, and I was selected to fill the open position with the VWOA Board of Directors for the next few months until the next election. Even though it's a short time, I'm honored to serve our community. I currently do not have plans to run for election in April. For now I'm just focused on what I can do to continue to make our community a great place to live.
I worked for 3M Company for eleven years before moving from Minnesota to Villages of Westcreek to attend law school sixteen years ago. I've been a licensed attorney for thirteen years and have a law firm that focuses primarily on civil litigation of financial contracts. I'm hoping to use that experience to help serve our community.
My wife, three children, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren live in Villages of Westcreek. We also have two grandbabies arriving in the next few months. With so many of my family living here, I certainly have an interest in our community being the best it can be now and in the future.
I look forward to hearing your concerns and ideas for solutions to issues you see.
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The next Annual Meeting of the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association will be held on April 18, 2019. This year the terms of two Board positions expire and will be up for election at that Annual Meeting. Any homeowner who wishes to serve on the Board may be nominated.
The term of office for Board members is two years. Our association needs people who are willing and able to donate time and effort to serve our community. If you or someone you know is interested, just submit your nomination to the VWOA Office, marked "Attention: Nominations Committee." Be sure to include your name, street address, phone number, and email address. Include a short bio telling us a little about yourself; i.e., how long you've been a homeowner in the Villages of Westcreek, why you would like to serve on the Board, what qualities you possess that you believe would be helpful, maybe even a bit of your work history, family info, and hobbies. Also, include a recent photo suitable of use along with your bio in our newsletter.
If you submit your nomination by noon on February 18, your profile will be included in our March VWOA Newsletter.
However, nominations will be accepted up to and including the date of the Annual Meeting.
There will be two Meet the Candidate events prior to the election. The meetings allow each candidate to express his/her vision on association management and for homeowners to ask a few questions. These events are tentatively scheduled for
March 9 and March 21. By getting your nomination submitted early, you will have an opportunity to be heard at these events.
This is an opportunity to become involved and serve your community as a Board Member. It can be a rewarding experience and your chance to make a difference. If you have questions, just send an email to vwoatreasurer@villagesofwestcreek.com or call the front office at 210-679-8761.
Submitted by: Judi Cannon, VWOA Treasurer & Nominations Committee Chairperson
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LIGHTING PROJECTS
In the January 2019 edition of Westcreek Living, we reported that Phase 1 of the Sports Park lighting project was complete. Phase 1 consisted of two parts:
- rewiring the tree lights in the picnic area and changing those lights to LEDs
- installing five 25' poles, with a total of 15 light fixtures that contain 166 watt LED bulbs around the large soccer field.
The feedback from homeowners has been overwhelmingly positive. The lighting has extended the amount of usable hours for the fields and track and has increased safety. After the completion of Phase 1, a few dim/dark areas were noted which would require a few more lights. At the January 2019 Board meeting, the Board of Directors voted to move forward with the next phase. Phase 2 of the Sports Park lighting project will bring in two additional light poles on the far east end of the park (the backside of the walking trail past the pool house). Fixtures on existing poles will also be changed to brighten dim/dark areas around the track and the far fields. This new phase of lighting will expand the usage area available to homeowners in the dark evening hours. We encourage you to visit the park after dark to see the lights and take advantage of our wonderful amenities!
In other lighting news... the monument lighting project is also underway. Installation was delayed because of a change in maintenance contractors. Our new maintenance crew has been diligently working over the past month to catch up on projects left unfinished by the previous maintenance crew. Over the next couple of months, all monuments will receive new LED lighting as the first phase of monument beautification. The aesthetics of our community are very important to the Board, and monument beautification is a high priority.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, Vice President
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At the VWOA Board of Directors Meeting held on January 17th,
Chris Trevino, PE, CCM from Bexar County Public Works Department/Alamo Regional Mobility Authority, gave a presentation on a project that would install roundabouts at the following locations:
- Military Drive West at Kingsbridge
- Military Drive West at Saxonhill
- Military Drive West at Westcreek Oaks
Based on the feedback they received at the VWOA BOD Meeting, they feel it would be prudent to reschedule the Public Meeting planned for February so they can address the concerns that were raised by the residents.
We will keep you advised when this meeting is rescheduled.
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Your First Quarter Assessment of $99.00 was due on January 1, 2019.
As of January 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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UPDATING YOUR ID CARDS
Are you short on time and have trouble getting to us during our normal office hours? If, for whatever reason, you may not have the chance to update your ID cards, you may drop them off in an envelope at our drop box at the office. We will gladly update your cards (assessments must be up to date) and mail them back to you. Please remove any lanyards from them prior to drop off.
In addition to our normal business hours, the office is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
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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
February 9, 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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Sign up during "Early Bird" registration and SAVE $10!
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Registration Dates |
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- Early Bird - July 1, 2018 ~ March 17, 2019
- Regular - March 18, 2019 ~ April 6, 2019
- Late - April 7, 2019 ~ April 20, 2019
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- Late - January 20, 2019 ~ February 9, 2019
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- Early Bird - July 1, 2018 ~ March 17, 2019
- Regular - March 18, 2019 ~ April 6, 2019
- Late - April 7, 2019 ~ April 27, 2019
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- Early Bird - December 17, 2018 ~ August 17, 2019
- Regular - August 18, 2019 ~ August 31, 2019
- Late - September 1, 2019 ~ September 21, 2019
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The Villages of Westcreek is proud to sponsor programs that foster "Healthy and Fit" lifestyles for the members of our community. We have programs that fit all age groups. Click on the links below to learn more about our current offerings!
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE WESTCREEK POKER CLUB?
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 Poker Club meets the first Thursday of the month!
For additional information or questions about the requirements and tournament format, email
Michael Rico.
CLICK HERE to view the Westcreek Poker Club schedule!
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WASTE DISPOSAL
Recyclables, trash, garbage, refuse, non-hazardous materials, hazardous waste and bulk items must be disposed of in accordance with the state and county laws, as well as the VWOA-CC&Rs and the Standards.
Dumping of unwanted items such as trash, garbage, solid waste, refuse, brush, furniture, fixtures, appliances, and electronic goods is not permitted on any common properties of the Villages of Westcreek including the VWOA's trash receptacles in the Sports Park and at the Community Center. The VWOA will aggressively prosecute violators.
Properties must be maintained in such a manner to prevent the spreading of disease and infestation as well as discouraging rodents, snakes, roaches and other disease-carrying pests from encroaching the property. Residents are encouraged to report violations to the Standards Manager (210-679-8761) who will not divulge the caller's identity.
Options for Disposing Non-Hazardous Items:
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rash, garbage, bulky items and other refuse may be disposed of either by:
- calling your trash pickup company to determine what is and what is not acceptable for pickup;
- calling your trash company regarding specialized services;
- hauling personally to a landfill; or
- hiring a private hauler.
Displaying unwanted items in front of the dwelling either for sale or offered free to
passing pedestrians or motorists is not allowed. (Usable household items may be
given to organizations that accept them for the needy or sold at a garage sale.)
Options for Disposing Hazardous Items:
- Hazardous Household Waste Collection Service is available for residents of Bexar County by calling 1-800-449-7587 between the hours of 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
- There are no free drop-off facilities outside the city of San Antonio.
Source:
CLICK HERE
to view Section 8.4.1 of the Standards regarding the rules for placement of trash and recyclable containers for collection and after they are emptied.
Submitted by Gene Hopkins, Chair, Architectural Review Committee
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The following VWOA rules regarding vehicles are listed as a reminder to our residents:
Vehicles of any type may not be parked on the resident's front yard.
Any vehicle parked on the street with flat tires, must be repaired within the time frame shown on the VWOA Notice or moved out of sight from the street.
Commercial vehicles with a load capacity of one (1) ton or more may not be kept, parked or stored on any lot or parked on any street abutting any lot, unless such vehicle is temporarily parked in connection with services being performed on the property.
Vehicles leaking oil on the driveway, driveway apron, sidewalk or street must be removed and the residue promptly cleaned up for environmental purposes as well as presenting attractive properties. Refusal to clean up the oil and/or repair a leak on their vehicle may be referred to Bexar County Environmental Control.
Any vehicle parked on residential properties or streets that is either wrecked or damaged; on blocks or jacks; and/or missing parts must be moved out of sight from the street within the time frame shown on the VWOA Notice. Exception: Residents may perform regular maintenance or minor repairs on a driveable vehicle, without ARC approval, if completed within two (2) days. Additional days require the approval of the Standards Manager by calling 210-679-8761.
Any recreational vehicle (RV) such as motorhomes, buses, travel trailers, campers, boats and trailers, jet-skis, etc., belonging to residents may not be parked at the residence any longer than one (1) day before leaving on a trip and one (1) day after returning from the trip. For example: If leaving on Saturday morning, the earliest the RV may be parked at the residence is Friday and if returning on Monday, the RV must be removed no later than Tuesday. Motorhomes, buses or trailers may not be used as a guest house on the property or in the street. RVs belonging to visiting non-residents are only allowed two (2) days. Three (3) violations within a ninety (90)-day period will result in escalated action being taken.
Utility/cargo trailers may not be parked in front of the residence any longer than one (1) day. Exception: Extended periods may be granted by the Standards Manager (210-679-8761) for work being performed on the property. Three (3) violations with a ninety (90) day period will result in escalated action.
CLICK HERE
to view additional rules in Section 8.10 of the Standards!
Submitted by Gene Hopkins, Chair, Architectural Review Committee
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According to Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT, 2019), one in five crashes involves a distracted driver. Distracted driving means not paying attention, driver distraction or cell phone use. TXDoT states, "As of September 1, 2017, a new statewide law makes it illegal for all drivers to read, write or send a text and drive in Texas."
In the City of San Antonio (2015), the Hands-Free Ordinance states:
- (b) a person commits an offense if the person uses a hand-held mobile communication device to 1) engage in a call, 2) send, read, or write a text message, 3) view pictures or written text whether transmitted by internet or other electronic means, 4) engage in gaming, or 5) engage in any other use of the device while operating a moving motor vehicle. (see SEC. 19-255 for extent of the ordinance)
One of the strengths of this community is the family-friendly and neighborly orientation. Considering the multitude of school zones and participants in outdoor activities of all ages, let's be extra diligent and remain focused while behind the wheel. Here are some tips to limit distraction while out on the road:
- Put your phone away while driving
- Enable Driving Mode on cell phones that will prompt auto-replies to calls or texts
- If you must acknowledge your phone, get out of traffic and stop in a parking lot before reading or responding
Let's do our part to keep each other safe!
References:
Submitted by: Jacqueline Khalaf, RN, CPST
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If you're thinking about all the fun Valentine's Day possibilities like flowers, chocolates and a candlelit dinner prepared at home for a romantic evening with your valentine, we want to help make it special by offering some useful information and safety tips on using candles for this lovely day.
A candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn, so please "CANDLE WITH CARE."
- Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
- Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn. If you do burn candles, make sure that you...
- Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won't tip over easily.
- Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
- Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
- Don't burn a candle all the way down - put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
- Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
- Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.
Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires - and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. If you have Kids, consider using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach, in a locked cabinet.
FACT: Roughly one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.
Happy Valentine's Day from all of us here at Bexar County 2 Fire Department!
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Crime, or the fear of, provides the impetus for the citizens to become better informed on how to protect themselves and their property.
Getting back to the old adage of being our "brother's keeper," the Neighborhood Watch program is about neighbors watching out for other neighbors. Neighbors are asked to be the eyes and ears in helping the police with apprehending criminals. Neighborhood Watch is not designed to be a substitute for police protection; rather it is an extension or supplement in assisting the police in making neighborhoods safer for all citizens.
Neighborhood Watch operates under two principles: neighbors getting to know and watch out for each other, and neighbors watching out for each other's property as though it were their own. Neighborhood Watch helps to create an identity within the neighborhood, which in turn fosters a sense of pride and belonging for the participants.
The participants make their neighborhood a safer place to live by adopting a more observant and active attitude and, as a result, become more aware of strange cars, persons, or circumstances. This will not take a lot of time and soon will develop into a daily habit of being aware of what is going on in the neighborhood.
If you would like to setup a Neighborhood Watch in your area, please call the Bexar County Crime Prevention Unit at 210-335-6148 or 210-335-6155 for a presentation. This is a FREE service of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.
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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
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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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CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
For someone special this Valentine's Day!
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