 |
|
Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - July 1, 2019 Edition!
|
|
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
~Desmond Tutu
|
| What's the Point of Being a Good Person? |
|
"Treat others the way you want to be treated." How many times have you heard that? How many times have you said that? In theory, that's a great way to live. Give love if you want love, be kind if you want kindness in return, respect people so you are respected, don't lie if you don't want to be lied to, the list could go on. But what happens when you do all these things and follow this philosophy only to not have others do unto you what you have done to them? It hurts and can make us feel bad like we've done something wrong. Let's face it, we may be strong, we may meditate, we may try to create this protective bubble around us, but nothing can truly stop us from encountering bad people. People who have no desire to treat others the way they like to be treated. How many times have you wondered if being a good person was even worth it? Especially when there may be so many things going against you; like when your good deeds go unnoticed.
It is only natural for frustrations and feelings of powerless to find a place in our heart, mind, and soul; however, it is important to never stop being a good person because of bad people.
Good people give light where the world is dark.
Good people give a special sort of sparkle to human relationships. Being a good person will always come back to us. It might not be in ways of recognition, or returned kindness but maybe just in the form of our own internal gratification. The most important thing isn't how others see us but how we see ourselves. It is that we feel comfortable with the way we love life and those around us. We all know the world isn't fair, and I can totally appreciate how this may affect the way others act and feel. But I came to the realization that just because others around me are unhappy, it doesn't mean I have to be unhappy, too. Sometimes taking the higher road and being the bigger person pays off.
The bottom line is be a good person for you. If it makes you feel good to make others happy, then continue to make others happy. Unfortunately, you will always encounter people who will continuously try to bring you down or question your purpose in being kind. But understand that this comes from their insecurities, not you! Insecurities are powerful and can really control one's life. Don't let it control yours. At some point, your good deeds will no longer go unnoticed and someone will appreciate you. Your kindness at some point in time just may be what saves another person.
I leave you with one of my most favorite quotes on this topic and it comes from authors Marc and Angel Chernoff,
"Never regret being a good person to the wrong people. Your behavior says everything about you, and their behavior says enough about them."
|
|
Greetings from your newly appointed VWOA Treasurer!
Although this will be my first time serving as Treasurer in the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association, I do have two years experience as the Ott Elementary PTA Treasurer.
I have also served for the past 5 years on the VWOA Finance and Reserve Study Committee. So, I am well acquainted with the VWOA Budget and the unique needs of our community. I look forward to my new role on the Board and continued involvement in our amazing and improving neighborhood.
As we enter the 3rd quarter of our budget year, I'm pleased to say we are operating under budget on expenses. The Board and management are continually looking for ways to save while simultaneously maintaining and actively upgrading our shared amenities. Homeowners can do their part by staying current with assessments and being involved.
Improving our Community is a Team Sport!
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
|
Living in this community definitely has its perks. We have two pools to help cool us off from the Texas summer heat, a large and well-maintained sports park to have picnics and for our kids to play in, as well as constable officers who keep our community safe for everyone. We truly are lucky.
With all this, have you ever looked around our community and had an idea as to how to improve it for our neighbors as well as ourselves? Well, you are in luck! The Villages of Westcreek Board of Directors established a Suggestion and Recommendations Committee (or "SARC"). The SARC was established to help facilitate ideas from the community and submit formal recommendations to the Board.
Residents can present a suggestion or recommendation to the committee, which will review, discuss, and research it. If feasible, the SARC will present it to the Board of Directors for discussion and/or vote. While the SARC is a great way to improve our neighborhood, it does not work without participation and YOU!!
The
SARC will meet on
July 5, 2019, at 10:00 AM 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
|
|
|
OUR VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
We all have heard the saying that
"It Takes a Village." Today, we celebrate the
1st Anniversary of our monthly publication
"Westcreek Living." The 1st edition was launched on July 1, 2018, by the VWOA Communications Committee and a group of volunteers who could be best described as versatile, optimistic, lovable, understanding, nice, talented, energetic, enthusiastic, and resilient.
These
AMAZING VOLUNTEERS
have stepped up each month to produce this publication. They have freely chosen to work for us without a fee, by sharing their time and talents. So this month, it only seems appropriate that we, the VWOA Staff, thank the following members of our community who have contributed to the success of
"Westcreek Living."
Each of you is a model of what is great about our community.
Communications Committee Members
|
Our Contributors
|
|
- Bill Fenstermacher - Chair
- Francis Lomax - Vice Chair
- Michelle de Jongh - Secretary
- Coral Fathy - Member
- Barbara Hopkins - Member
- Gene Hopkins - Member
- Joyce Oliver - Member
- Guy Oliver - Member
|
- Angie Clancy
- Rudy Khalaf
- Jacqueline Khalaf
- Melissa Motz
- Synina Percival
- Heather Mallia
- Judi Cannon
- Richard Gentry
- Glennda Bruce
|
- Michael Rico
- Neil Ignacio
- Brenda Gonzalez
- Rainbow Gardens
- Captain M. Garcia, Bexar County Constable Office
- Bexar County Sheriff's Office
|
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, Community Manager
|
In the first edition of "Westcreek Living," our featured article was about a mural created by
Adriana M. Garcia for the San Pedro Creek Culture Park. Adriana's parents, Francisco and Evelyn Garcia, live in the Villages of Westcreek and are depicted in the artwork entitled, "De Todos Caminos Somos Todos Uno (From All Roads, We Are All One)."
We are happy to report that Americans for the Arts recently honored Adriana for her work for the San Pedro Creek Culture Park. Her mural was one of the top 50 projects in the United States, selected
from 361 applications. Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
|
|
FIREWORKS USAGE IN WESTCREEK ... WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
U
nless a fire ban is in effect, fireworks are permitted outside the City Limits, but not on:
- Utility easements and any other easements
- Greenbelts
- All grassy and weeded areas
- Any common properties within the Villages of Westcreek
|
- Military Drive West
- Westcreek Oaks Drive
- Westcreek View Drive
- Grosenbacher Road
|
All trash/debris must be removed from the streets/lawns by 9:00 AM the following morning.
The Bexar County Fire Marshal's website addresses additional rules as follows:
A person may not:
- explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization;
- sell at retail, explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed;
- explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;
- ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle;
- place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle;
- sell, store, manufacture, distribute, or display fireworks except as provided by the rules adopted by the commissioner; or
- manufacture, distribute, sell, or use fireworks in a public fireworks display or for agricultural, industrial, or wildlife control purposes without an appropriate license or permit.
Penalties:
- A violation of any of the above that results in property damage in an amount of less than $200 and does not result in bodily injury or death, or a violation of Section 2154.254 (a) or (b), is a Class C misdemeanor.
- A new state law enacted in September 2018 also gives fire professionals and law enforcement the authority to charge a person with arson if they recklessly cause a fire that damages a structure or properties such as motor vehicles. If a person is found guilty under this law, the penalty can include fines up to $10,000 and incarceration.
REFERENCES:
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins, Communications Committee Member
|
Like most residents in the Villages of Westcreek, I love where I live! When you think about it, although this is an older established community, we have a lot to be proud of.
That being said, there seems to be an infestation of bugs in our neighborhood ... or should I say "Litterbugs!" Walking and driving along our major streets in our community, I see signs of these pesky pests everywhere. Littering, if left unchecked, can become the blight of our neighborhood and the environment.
The sad thing is that litter takes away from the beauty of our community. The good thing is that we can all do something about it. We just need to recognize that littering is a behavioral problem and only we can change this behavior. So let's look at some of the behavioral things we can do.
- Set an example for others, especially children, by not littering.
- Carry a litterbag in your car.
- Make sure trash cans have lids that can be securely fastened. If you have curbside trash collection, don't put loose trash in boxes.
- Tie papers in a bundle before placing them in a curbside recycling bin.
- If you or a member of your family is involved in a civic group, scouting, or recreational sports program, encourage the group to "adopt" a spot in our community and maintain it on a regular basis.
- If you walk the neighborhood, take a trash bag with you to pick up litter. You stay fit while you're helping keep Westcreek beautiful.
- Make litterbags for your bicycle, and give them to your friends, too.
- Report areas where people have illegally dumped garbage and debris to our HOA or local highway or public works departments and ask that the material be removed.
- Volunteer to help organize a cleanup.
Remember that littered environments attract more litter. If we ensure consistent and ongoing clean-up efforts and promote a sense of personal responsibility, we can decrease the amount of existing litter. In addition, we can reduce the cost to the VWOA because we keep our community clean and attractive within budget.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
|
LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS - NEW LAWS BEGIN
Listed below are some of the new Texas laws signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. For each of these, the link will take you to the "history" tab for a summary of information. If you click on the "text" tab, you will get the text of the enrolled bill plus bill analysis and summaries.
| Bill Number |
Relates to |
HB496
|
traumatic injury response protocol and the use of bleeding control stations in public schools.
|
HB37
|
the creation of the criminal offense of mail theft.
|
HB3
|
public school finance and public education; creating a criminal offense; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
|
SB2
|
ad valorem taxation; authorizing fees.
|
HB302
|
the carrying, storage, or possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition by certain persons on certain residential or commercial property.
|
HB1025
|
membership on and the eligibility of certain persons to serve on the board of certain property owners' associations.
|
HB2554
|
regulation of the display of signs containing political advertising.
|
SB741
|
restrictive covenants regarding firearms or firearm ammunition.
|
SB1845
|
the amendment of the dedicatory instruments of certain mixed-use real estate developments.
|
| HB234 |
the local regulation of the sale of lemonade or other beverages by children.
|
If you would like to look at longer lists of bills that passed, you can find them on the
General Reports
tab on Texas Legislature Online -- There you can find a list of bills signed by the Governor, filed without the governor's signature and bills that are effective on certain dates.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
|
NEW VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC COMING TO WESTOVER HILLS
Veterans living in our community will be glad to hear this! The
Rivard Report published an article recently about a new
VA Outpatient Clinic being planned to be built in Westover Hills. The new outpatient clinic will be providing a wide range of health care services for veterans.
Rivard is reporting that the "new clinic
will provide a centralized location for coordinated health care services in primary care, mental health, specialty care, consolidated medical-surgical specialties, diagnostic services, dental, eye care, women's health, radiology, and pharmacy."
CLICK HERE to read the full
Rivard Report article!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
|
|
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association Office will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2019.
|
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association Office will be open from 9:00 AM till 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 13, 2019.
|
|
Summer Dance Class for Kids and Adult Beginner Belly Dancing is Bac
k!
|
|
|
MARKET DAY VENDORS WANTED!
This event will be held in the Community Center overflow lot. Please bring your table, chairs, and tent to set up your spot. Vendors can set up beginning at 8:00 AM.
Slots for this event are $25 per.
Receipt of payment will place you on the authorized vendor list, and you will get a vendor pass at that time.
|
|
Your 3rd Quarter Assessment of $99.00 will be due on July 1, 2019.
On July 29, 2019, all accounts with outstanding balances begin incurring a late fee of $20.00, plus a delinquent interest charge.
CLICK HERE
for more information about how to pay your assessments and our
Billing/Collection Policy
.
NOTE
: The Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays. In addition, the Office is open on the 2nd Saturday each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Payments can still be made here at the VWOA onsite office during business hours.
- Payments may also be mailed to our office, made payable to VWOA, at 12395 Military Dr. West, San Antonio, TX 78253. You can also mail your payment directly to Spectrum Association Management, P.O. Box 299008, Lewisville, TX 75029. Mailed payments are processed electronically; please do not send cash!
- You may drop off cash (in a sealed envelope), check, or money-order at the drop box, located to the right of our front entry doors at the business office. Make sure you include your address on your check/money order.
- Cash is accepted in the office.
- Card Payments will be accepted only after the homeowner is registered with Spectrumam.com.
- Pay by Phone- 1-877-342-6233 (your account number needed).
|
|
If you need extra time to pay your assessments, fill out the form on the website below to see if you qualify for a payment plan. Payment plan requests are reviewed within two business days, and if approved, a payment plan agreement will be emailed to sign and return to our office within five business days.
|
|
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is happy to announce that the
"Farmers Market" is back for the 2019 Season thru August 7th!
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!
|
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!
|
Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on
July 13, 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.
|
| Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director |
CLICK HERE for additional information and registration for our 2019 Fall Soccer Program!
|
|
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!
|
|
British Soccer & Tetra Brazil have combined & Challenger International Soccer Camps will be coming to our community this summer!
Challenger Sports, the leading soccer camp company in North America, is combining the most popular elements of their two existing industry-leading camp programs, British Soccer and Tetra Brazil, integrating them into a collection of the most effective soccer practices used by youth teams around the world.
The new Challenger International Soccer Camp reflects the truly global nature of the sport today and provides young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.
We have taken the best coaching methodologies and practices from England, Brazil, Spain, USA and France and have woven them together in a multi-faceted on and off-field coaching experience.
LOCAL PROGRAM:
Villages of Westcreek
- Location: VWOA Sports Park, 12354 Military Drive West, San Antonio, TX 78253-6021
- When: July 15 - July 19
- Every participant also gets a Free T-Shirt and a Free Soccer Ball regardless of when they register for the week long camp.
Improve your game with the most popular soccer camp in the USA and Canada!
- Incredible Coaching Staff
- Develop new skills and refine existing ones
- Play with more confidence and have more fun
- Learn the NAIA Champions of Character traits; respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership
- Represent your country in your very own World Cup
- Any camp or clinic participant will receive the iChallenge App and 20 free skill-building videos!
|
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
|
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 this month on July 25th 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.
|
|
|
|
Sign up during "Early Bird" registration and SAVE $10!
| Sports |
Registration Dates |
|
|
- Early Bird - December 17, 2018 ~ August 17, 2019
- Regular - August 18, 2019 ~ August 31, 2019
- Late - September 1, 2019 ~ September 21, 2019
|
|
THE DANGER OF MOLD OUTSIDE AND INSIDE YOUR HOUSE
You may be wondering if you need to worry about mold on the exterior surfaces of your home the way you do about mold inside your home. After all, mold is also common outdoors. You can't be expected to prevent mold spores from forming on the outside of your home or to keep moisture off the exterior of your home.
Although it is hard to prevent mold on the home's exterior, there are things you can do to protect your home from mold growth. If steps are not taken to remove and control the mold from forming, it can damage your home and affect the health of all who reside in the home.
How to prevent mold from forming on your home's exterior:
- Make sure rain gutters are kept in good repair, free of leaves and other debris and that they direct rain water away from the home.
- Keep the roof in good repair, free of leaves and other debris.
- Consider using materials less susceptible than wood to mold-related damage, such as brick or stone, when possible.
- Use mold-resistant paint.
Mold is a problem for several reasons:
- Mold on your home's exterior can greatly reduce the value of your property.
- Outside mold doesn't always stay outside. It can also find its way into your attic.
- Outside mold does carry health risks. However, the risks are not as great as mold is inside your home. Most people don't spend a lot of time outdoors near their homes, and even if you do, the concentration of mold will be less out there in the open air than it would be indoors. Children are particularly susceptible to mold-related health problems, so mold around play areas is especially hazardous.
- Mold can damage your home, whether it grows inside or outside. Some materials are more easily damaged than others.
- Most homeowners dislike the look of mold growing on the exterior of their homes.
Removing the mold:
- Generally the exterior home's surfaces are washed, and sometimes with a power washer that could damage your siding. There are several great products for removing mold and mildew from all sorts of surfaces, including wood, siding and masonry. Here is the Top 10 Mold Removal Products of 2019.
- If you are removing the mold, wear goggles and a mask to protect your health. Also, ventilate the area well to reduce the inhaling of the fumes.
- If you need help removing mold and mildew from your home's exterior, we recommend that you consult a professional that washes exterior home surfaces, including walls, decks, and other surfaces. The professional may also recommend a different mold removal product for you to consider.
Remove mold from under sinks in the following order:
- Identify the cause of the mold. The problem may be poor ventilation, a leaking pipe or high humidity.
- Dry all wet or damp items in the area properly. Remove anything stored in the cabinet then discard anything that can't be dried within a 48 hour time period.
- Wear gloves, goggles and a mask to protect your health. Also, ventilate the area well to reduce the inhaling of the fumes.
- Scrub off the mold with detergent and water and allow the area to dry completely.
- Clean everything thoroughly. Mix 1/2 cup of bleach to one gallon of water to create a simple and effective disinfectant. Spray or apply the solution to everything that has come in contact with mold and allow the disinfectant to dry on the surface instead of wiping it off.
- Properly clean and disinfect the entire area after the problem has been fixed and everything is removed.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
REFERENCES:
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Tyrik Green, Standards Manager
|
|
GARDEN TIPS FOR JULY
- After bouts of summer rain, watch for pillbugs, slugs and snails on the hunt to munch on your plants. Sluggo Plus works great to keep them at bay.
- Now that it's consistently hot, try to do your harvesting in the cooler mornings. Herb oils are most concentrated then, and quality of veggies and fruits are better when harvested "cooler."
- Pumpkins and winter squash should be planted by early or mid-July as they take 80-100 days for maturity and you probably would like to harvest them by October.
- Container plants will need more frequent watering now that it's really heating up. Adequate soil moisture is needed for fruits like peaches, plums, blackberries, and blueberries for good fruit quality.
- Water lawns deeply and infrequently. A good rule of thumb is to water with your system until you see the start of runoff (water that the soil is not absorbing). Turn the system off for an hour and repeat the process. This allows your soil to absorb the recommended 1" of water a week.
- Mosquitoes are a summer nuisance. Help eliminate possible breeding grounds by replacing water in birdbaths and checking for and removing any standing areas of water left behind from rain.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
|
White grubs are the larval form of the Chafer beetle, commonly known as a May beetle or June bug. The beetles mate by early June, then dive into your lawn to lay their eggs. A couple weeks later, the eggs hatch into larva which begin eating, growing, and molting, then eating more as they get bigger.
Grub damage presents as irregular, brown patches in the
turf. It also can present as holes dug in the turf; raccoons, skunks, and armadillos dig in search of them for a tasty snack.
You also can check for certain signs that you have grubs. Inspect the damaged turf areas at the root level. If you can you pick up the leftover, damaged grass easily, as if there are little to no roots still holding it in place, then you have grubs. Or you can cut a square foot patch of turf (get some of the damaged area plus some of the healthier adjacent to it) and dig down about 4 inches. If you see 5 or more grubs in that area, treatment is warranted.
Grubs can be treated organically with nematodes or synthetically with insecticides containing the active ingredient imidacloprid. (Note: the same treatments will work on chinch bugs as well.)
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
|
Firecracker Shrub (
Hamelia patens). A
lso known as Mexican firebush and Hummingbird bush. The f
lowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Normally grows to 3 feet by 3 feet.
- Light Requirement: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Water Demand: moderate
- Flower Color: Red/Orange
- Season: Spring thru Fall
|
|
|
|
|
Photo of "Chewy"- Courtesy of DeeDee Valerio |
THE UMBRELLA COCKATOO
The Umbrella Cockatoo, also commonly called the white cockatoo and white-crested Cockatoo, was discovered on The Maluku Islands and native to the tropics of Indonesia. Scientifically they are referred to as Cacatua Alba. Their average life span is 70-80 years or possibly longer in captivity with proper care. They range between 18-24 inches in length.
In the wild, their habitats of choice include mangroves, swamps, and open woodlands. They also reside along rivers and crop clearings as this provides ample food sources.
As a protected, species it is unlawful to hunt or trap them for pet trade.
Color is mostly white with under wing and tail markings that are subtle yellow. Most notably is the crest on the crown of their heads. When the crest is extended can mean a variety of things such as excitement, fear, curiosity, or it can be a warning that they want to be left alone and can bite when not respected. Gentle and good tempered by nature, they bond for life with a mate or caregiver and should that "mate" pass away, they can become quite depressed. They are a super affectionate species and can become obsessed with their caregivers and require extensive attention and care. They enjoy snuggling with an item or person of choice and prefer to not be separated. Neither do they like confinement.
As a large parrot breed, they require excessive room to play and a large cage. If the enclosure is not of sufficient size, it can lead to self-mutilation and infections. They are intelligent and can learn tricks and mimic speech. They often are very vocal and loud when they want attention or become bored. One must dedicate a variety of toys and 1-2 hours per day to play and interact with your feathered friend. Swings and ladders are a great way to expend their energy in a positive way. Be sure to provide toys that keep their beaks busy. Coconut variety toys are a good option but may require frequent replacement as well as other toys. Providing 10-12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night promotes well-being and health.
Diet and nutrition are also important and they tend to be big eaters. Some good choices include, but are not limited to, vegetables, quinoa, sprouts, fruit, high quality grains, almonds walnuts, milk thistle or flaxseed with supplemental pellet diet and plenty of fresh water. For parrot lovers who don't mind loud noises and have ample time to love and devote to their bird, an umbrella cockatoo could be one to consider since they give as much as they require of their caretaker.
SOURCE:
www.thesprucepets.com/umbrella-cockatoo
|
DANGERS OF SUMMERTIME HEAT VEHICULAR HEATSTROKE
On average, 38 children die in the United States every year from being left in a hot car. Last year, 52 children died from heatstroke after being left in a hot vehicle-5 in Texas. (kidsandcars.org, 2019)
Here are some facts:
- The temperature in a vehicle increases by 80% within the first 10 minutes.
- Cracking a window does not help or slow the heating process.
- Children have died from being left in a vehicle with a recorded temperature in the 60's.
Children should never be left in a vehicle! Not even for a minute. Additional risks associated with leaving a child in a vehicle include injury or abduction. (helpandhope.org, 2019)
Why does it happen?
Many adults feel like this could never happen to them. So why does it happen? Contributing factors can lead to memory failure or "Autopilot" mode:
- Change in routine- i.e. One parent usually takes child to daycare, but other did today
- Fatigue- think lack of sleep from new or sick baby
- Stress
- Distraction or Interruption- think phone calls
- Lack of cues- diaper bag in back instead of front or car seat moved
So what can we do to prevent such tragedies?
- Talk to your daycare and arrange for them to call if your child does not present when expected.
- Place your cell phone/work badge/or one of the shoes you are wearing in the back seat prompting you to check the back seat.
- Place the diaper bag or a reminding cue in the front seat next to you.
Some vehicle and car seat manufacturers have implemented reminder technologies such as vehicle alarms or car seat alerts via app download.
- If you see a child left alone in a hot car, take action and call 911!
- Pets should also not be left in vehicles, even with windows cracked.
Hot Surfaces
While enjoying the outdoors, don't forget about hot surfaces such as playground equipment and streets or walking surfaces.
- Never allow children to play on surfaces before you check the temperature.
- Walking surfaces should be checked (streets/sidewalks, etc.) to protect bare feet or four-legged friends prior to walking.
References:
Submitted by: Jacqueline Khalaf, RN, CPST
|
|
|
|
More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year, according to the
National Fire Protection Association. Each year, fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries. Bexar County 2 Fire department would like to share some firework & safety information on how people can enjoy fireworks safely if they follow a few simple safety tips:
Sparklers
- Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but they are a lot more dangerous than most people think. Parents don't realize they burn at about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and many children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.
Bottle Rockets
- These small rockets are attached to a stick, lit by a fuse and typically fired from a bottle. Teens have been known to have bottle rocket wars, firing them at one another and causing chest, head and eye injuries.
Firecrackers
- Firecrackers are designed to explode on the ground. They are often linked together by one long fuse and explode in a series. They are designed to be very noisy, but they also can cause burns and other serious injuries.
Roman Candles
- Roman candles eject multiple exploding shells from a tube the user holds in his or her hand. There have been numerous reports of children losing fingers, severe burns and other injuries, which are sometimes caused when the device gets jammed.
Two Words About M-class Fireworks ...
Just don't.
- You hear them go off every year: M-80s, M-100s, even M-250s. The unmistakable explosions associated with these devices can rattle the windows of homes for blocks. They are produced illegally and without quality control, have short fuses and cause hundreds of extremely severe injuries each year. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives outlines the risks of these explosive devices.
Be Prepared for an Accident or Injury
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
Let's not forget the safety of our pets!
- Don't bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
- If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
- Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
- Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.
We here at Bexar County 2 Fire hope these firework safety tips minimize injury and maximize your holiday celebration. Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the show. Should you need us, we are just a phone call away!
|
We are now in the midst of Hurricane season. When Hurriance Harvey hit the Houston area dropping over 50 inches of rain, San Antonio got a wake-up call. This devastating storm could have easily impacted our communities.
It's
time to prepare for how we can minimize the impact of such a devastating storm on ourselves and our
families.
Listed below are some helpful resources to help you prepare:
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
|
|
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.
|
|
Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
|
|
Water is important to nearly every part of your body. Every organ of our body needs water to function. It carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells, converts food to energy, and many more benefits listed in the image. Not only will hitting your daily recommended intake help you maintain your current state of being, it may even improve your overall health. Here are some ideas for how you can be sure you drink enough:
- Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.
- Keep track of your intake. Aim to take in optimum amounts every day, a minimum of half your body weight in ounces or 64 oz a day.
- Pace yourself to approach half of your recommended consumption by midday. You can always finish about an hour before you plan to sleep.
We lose electrolytes through sweat and urine. When you drink too much you can end up flushing out electrolytes so you can add lemon/lime, Himalayan sea salt, and sugar to your water. The easiest way to get electrolytes is with sports drink but they have way too much sugar so grab coconut water or a sports drink low in sugar such as Powerade Zero. Next time you're in need of an electrolyte boost, you can also try these 4 foods:
- Milk and yogurt are excellent sources of the electrolyte calcium
- Bananas are known to be the king of all potassium containing fruits and veggies
- Watermelon
- Avocado
It is good to drink water before or with each meal but drinking too much can end up flushing out nutrients. In last month's article I mentioned the importance of eating every 2-3 hours so drinking 8-12 oz in between will help you achieve your daily goals. Many of us don't drink enough water and tend to dismiss our signs of dehydration so look for these signs:
- Darker urine
- Dry mouth
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Leg cramps
If you are not a fan of drinking water, you can get creative and naturally infuse your water with the following:
- Lemon Balm...Has many benefits that you can find at https://draxe.com/lemon-balm/
- Lemon & Ginger...Try swapping in lemongrass for a fresh, green flavor
- Grapefruit Basil...Incredibly refreshing and tangy - with minimal calories
- Strawberry Jalapeno...Discard the seeds for a less fiery result
- Pineapple Mint
- Blueberry Lime Cilantro...Don't like cilantro? Basil works beautifully, too
- Watermelon Cucumber
- Raspberry Lemon...Like pink lemonade, without the added sugar
- Blackberry & Sage...Sweet and savory combos are key to keeping your hydration goals on track
- Apple Cinnamon...Firm, tart apples, like Granny Smith or Pink Lady, hold up best. A whole cinnamon stick is a must
In addition to staying hydrated, don't forget to keep your body moving. Moving our bodies daily is so vital for our mental health, our strength, and for healthy skin. By getting ourselves moving a little more each day, we are helping our bodies and minds function at their best. We don't have to be burning an extra 1000 calories to do so. Simply incorporating Yoga into your routine can help enhance your health, increase strength and flexibility and reduce symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.
|
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Bake Dip
As we are coming up on 4th of July, many of us will be attending gatherings with a dish in hand. This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a very popular dish that is always the first to be devoured at our events. Instead of using chips as a dip, bring along some cut up vegetables such as celery or pepper scoops.
Ingredients:
- 14 oz raw chicken breast
- 2 oz of 2% reduced fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of Franks Hot Wing Sauce
- 1/4 cup light Hidden Valley Ranch
- 2 tsp reduced fat cream cheese
- 1.5 cups of celery cut into sticks
- 1.5 cups of bell peppers
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake chicken breasts for 30-35 minutes or until cooked. Remove chicken breasts from pan and chop the chicken into small pieces. Place chicken inside of a baking dish. Set aside. In a small saucepan, combine Frank's Hot Wings Sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until cream cheese melts. Once melted, pour the sauce mixture over chicken. Then sprinkle with reduced fat cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Use the vegetables for scooping!
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
.
|
WHAT IS YOGA? -
Yoga is a very ancient eastern discipline and philosophy that helps us to develop flexibility and strength in our bodies, and happiness and peace in our minds. It teaches us that happiness is our natural state. When the body and the mind are out of balance, we do not feel this happiness. With the help of yoga poses, breathing exercises, and focusing within, we bring back this harmony to our body and mind and come back to this natural state of happiness and bliss.
BENEFITS OF YOGA -
Yoga offers numerous benefits on physiological, mental, and emotional levels. Deep breathing can help to balance our energy by bringing a sense of calm, and it can be mood-enhancing as it combats anxiety, depression, and insomnia over time. Yoga also sharpens our focus and attention, enabling us to live more fully in the present moment. It can be a gateway to developing a meditation practice. The physical practice of yoga improves circulation and reduces tension as well as increasing strength, flexibility, and balance; it can also help to prevent several common diseases within the body. The benefits are endless!
WESTCREEK YOGA CLASSES -
The Villages of Westcreek is happy to offer three Yoga classes each week to our residents! Listed below is a brief description of each of our classes, along with class time and instructor contact information!
Gentle Flow Yoga:
- Gentle Flow Yoga is offered on Friday mornings at 9:30 AM and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 PM; classes last approximately an hour. Gentle Flow Yoga is appropriate for all levels, and everyone is welcome to join this gentle practice which combines yoga postures, breathing exercises, flowing movements, and self-awareness to bring stress relief, balance, and strength to our lives and to facilitate the cultivation of mindfulness. Poses will be offered in seated, kneeling, standing, and supine positions and props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters will be available to make a variety of postures available to all. Typical movements include sun salutations, gentle back bends and forward folds, spinal twists, inversions, and standing and seated balance postures. All classes will close with a few moments of quiet, meditative reflection with the goal of grounding the body and the mind.
- For additional information or questions about this class, contact Danica Guerrero via email at morningstar74000@gmail.com. You can also visit her Facebook page at Courageous Yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga:
- Come breathe and flow as you synchronize breath and movement in this active class which will offer more experienced yoga postures and suggest more challenging variations of classic postures. We will flow through sun salutations and a variety of standing and balance postures every week. Vinyasa is suitable for all levels' practitioners, but previous knowledge and practice of the postures would help with the faster pace of this type of yoga. All classes will close with a few moments of quiet, meditative reflection.
- Vinyasa Yoga meets every Mondays at 9:30 AM at the Villages of Westcreek Community Center. For additional information or questions about this class, contact Mayra Whitcomb via email at mayra.yogini@gmail.com. You can also visit her Facebook page at Yoga d'Vida.
Danica and Mayra
hope that everybody in our community will come to the community center to try and experience this form of self-development, self-discovery, and self-healing.
|
Classes meet every
Tuesday as follows:
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM and
7:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Price:
- Daily pass- $10 (17 and under $8)
- 5-punch pass- $40
- *additional 10% for Westcreek non-residents
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
