DRAFT - Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - June 1, 2022 Edition!
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"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
~ Benjamin Franklin
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The Villages of Westcreek needs your help. We are looking for community members to volunteer to go through the Bexar County COPS training program and help our community be a safer place. This would not be in place of security patrols & off-duty deputies we currently employ to patrol Westcreek, this would offer another layer of patrols for observation & reporting.
If you are interested, please contact the office at 210-679-8761 by Thursday, June 9th.
Link to Bexar County COPS program for more details:
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer, VWOA President
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WELCOME NEWEST ARC MEMBER |
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We would like to welcome our newest member of the Architecture Review Committee, Michael Rico. With Michael joining the team, the committee is now full. We appreciate each of the committee members volunteering and the dedication to keeping our community looking great! It takes time to review Property Improvement Applications & be sure they are within the standards, and if they aren’t, working with homeowners to get the application changed so it can be approved quickly! A huge
thank you to Lynette Bradley-committee chair, regular members Victor Estello, and Michael Rico, and the alternate members Bill Fenstermacher and Matt Ninan.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer, VWOA President
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER SARC CHAIRPERSON |
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The primary responsibility of the Suggestion and Recommendation Committee is to advise and assist the Board in making creative suggestions in the planning of future projects.
The SARC performs functions which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Hold regular meetings on a date set forth by the Chairperson.
- Evaluating current common area needs and present it to the Board in a prioritized manner.
- Evaluating future needs for common areas.
- Working with the Board to stay in line with the Reserve Study and other Budget guidelines.
- Assisting the appropriate committees to implement plans approved by the Board.
- May perform other functions as directed or approved by the Board.
If you are interested in chairing this committee and getting it back up and running, or have questions about what it takes to chair a committee, please email us at Board@VillagesofWestcreek.com.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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OFFICE CLOSURE
Reminder: The office is normally closed on the 3rd Friday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for staff training -- June 17, 2022, this month.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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Community member Zachary Roque took on our dog park as his Eagle Scout project this month. Zachary and an onslaught of volunteers from the community also upgraded the entire area outside the dog park. They freshened up the paint on all the tables and benches and overhauled the horseshoe pits. There are new agility features and an upgraded water bowl inside the dog park, along with a box full of outdoor frisbees and toys to be borrowed while you're enjoying the park with your fur friends!
We would like to recognize Board member Brandon Schuler for his work in getting items donated from Home Depot for this project. THANK YOU to Zachary and ALL the community members who came out to help in 100-degree weather. The park looks AMAZING!
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer, VWOA President
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Any homeowner who has experienced damage to their fence along Talley due to the construction taking place during the expansion project (that has not been repaired at this time), please file a complaint with Texas Sterling's insurance company by visiting: https://texassterling.com/contact-us/ and choosing their South Texas Office.
It is best practice to provide before and after photos when submitting your claim.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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The TX-HAF Program is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Funds for the Program come from the U.S. Department of Treasury, established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The Program provides assistance to eligible homeowners in the form of Principal Reduction Assistance for a modification or Reinstatement of delinquent payments, inclusive of Property Charges such as Taxes and Homeowner’s Association (HOA) fees. The program’s goal is to aid homeowners in avoiding foreclosure on their primary residence by providing mortgage assistance.
Your lender’s agreement to participate may be required since mortgage assistance is provided directly to lenders on the homeowner’s behalf.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
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At the Annual Meeting of the members held on April 21st, representatives from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office shared the following tips.
Basic Tips to help prevent your vehicle from being burglarized or stolen:
- Never leave your car running or with the keys in the ignition unattended, not even for "just a minute."
- Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it's in front of your home or apartment.
- Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight.
- Park in busy, well-lighted areas.
- Carry the registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
- If you have a stereo system in your vehicle, DO NOT drive into the property with it playing loudly, displaying what you have.
- When walking to your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and look around for anything suspicious.
- DON’T take matters into your own hands; leave it to Law Enforcement. To report a crime or suspicious activity Call Bexar County Sheriff’s Office 210-335-6000. For emergencies Call 911.
- If you are a witness to a crime, write down a description of the person(s) observed committing the crime. Be sure to record the type of clothing they are wearing, their race, height, weight, hair, body type, any distinguishing marks (or scars, tattoos), vehicle license plates, etc.
Crime has no ZIP code, nor a special face. Be aware of strangers and your surroundings at ALL times!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Communications Committee Vice Chair
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SNAKE PREVENTION SAFETY TIPS
This past month, more and more homeowners are reporting finding snakes in their yards. Here are some tips to discourage snakes from taking up residence in your landscape by making the area immediately around your home less attractive to snakes for living, lounging, or snacking.
Clear away piles of debris and leaves from your immediate gardening area. Clutter is essentially an open invitation to snakes because it provides a warm, dark place for them to hide. Piles of leaves, compost piles, straw mulch, wood chip mulch, stacks of firewood, and piles of cut grass are all comfortable places that snakes like to hide in, so these should be removed from your yard.
Certain shrubs and other plants provide the perfect hiding spot for a neighborhood snake. Keeping your grass mowed is a good way to prevent snakes from slithering around your yard. Shrubs and packed gardens with thick plants will also attract snakes. If you are very concerned about a potential snake problem, remove or thin these plants out. If you want to keep these plants, however, consider transplanting them to the far side of your yard, away from the foundation of your house.
If you have a rodent or large insect problem, you will want to address this at the same time. Remember that rodents and large insects are a favorite menu item for snakes.
Finally, make sure there are no holes in the exterior walls of your house.
Just remember that snakes are more scared of you, so if you see one, just leave it alone and it will go away. Almost all snake bites happen because the snake was physically bothered or touched. In case you are bitten, seek medical attention RIGHT AWAY!
Next month we will take a look at some of the venomous snakes that you may find in Westcreek.
Submitted by: Joseph Phillips, Homeowner
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VWOA POOL CALENDAR FOR JUNE |
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PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- Cotton, denim, and other natural fibers are getting into the pool filtering systems and causing issues. We respectfully remind everyone that proper trunks, suits, and swim shirts (if being used) must be designed for swimming.
- The Community Center pool lights are being damaged due to kids pulling them out, and swimmers using them as steps to exit the pool. We request your assistance by not using the lights as a step when exiting the pool and by reminding your children not to mess with the lights.
CLICK HERE or click on the calendar above to download it.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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VWOA FOOD TRUCK CALENDAR FOR JUNE |
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CLICK HERE or click on the calendar above to download it.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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ENJOY BINGO on TUESDAY - JUNE 14, 2022 |
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Splash Pad-TABLED until 2023 due to the cost of the project.
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Clock Tower Landscape Design-OPEN- The project was started on May 2, 2022, and they are currently in the middle of the project. Additional electrical work was needed once the area was cleared, and that work is currently underway.
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Monuments at Daisy Field and Potranco-OPEN- The Community Manager is still working with TXDOT to obtain a more current map of the Right of Way at this location.
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Garden Lily and Tally Rd.-TABLED- The Board has decided to table this project until 2022 due to the construction on Talley Road now being completed.
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Mountain Bike Trails-OPEN- The Communities Activities Director was informed that the trail is ready to be cleared and this will entail trimming trees.
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New Pool Furniture and Shade Options-CLOSED- The Community Manager has followed up with the pool company to get the status on when the furniture will be delivered and is awaiting a response.
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RFID Cards at Dog Park-TABLED- This is tabled until after the clock tower landscaping has been completed in Spring 2022.
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Pointe Monument-OPEN- The Board is currently reviewing proposals for trenching to allow electricity to be available on both sides of the monument and landscaping for these new monuments.
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Maintenance Shop Replacement to Include New Concrete Pad-OPENED- The Board has reviewed new proposals that include moving the shop to the overflow parking by the office. They have approved a new maintenance shop from the Infinity vendor in the amount of $18,325.11.
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Maintenance Shop Concrete Pad-OPEN- The Board has reviewed three proposals and approved Lonestar Kustom Construction to proceed with the concrete pad and electrical work in the amount of $28,085.00.
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Approval of Wahoo's Contract-CLOSED- The Board has been provided the Wahoo's schedule and final contract for review and approval.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager
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Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager |
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We are happy to announce that capacity limits have remained at 100% since June 2021.
Guests are now allowed in the fenced areas (Children’s Tot Lot, Basketball Court, Tennis Court, and the Pool) in the Sports Park.
NOTE:
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Guest limit for both Pools is 3 guests per ID with a maximum of 6 per household.
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Guest limit for the Sports Park is that all residents, 12 and older, may sponsor up to 3 guests per card. A written request for a waiver must be submitted to the Community Manager for approval no less than seven days before the required date for additional guests. Residents that sponsor children under age 12 and guests are fully responsible for their behavior and must remain with them until they all leave the park
The basketball court has a capacity limit on the court, and spectators/non-players need to stay outside of the fence.
CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - President, VWOA Board of Directors
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Contract and Facility Rental Information links below!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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HEALTH AND FITNESS CLASS INFORMATION
The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Health and Fitness Programs throughout the year. Please click on the following link to see the latest information about these programs:
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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Beginners Sewing
1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays, 6-8 pm - 2 hours/$100 (6 max participants)
- Must bring their own sewing machine and notions. A supply list will be provided once the instructor receives the listing of all who have signed up.
- Class will focus on a specific project that can be completed within the time allotted and the focus is to learn and master a new technique while having fun doing it. The project will be decided in advance, however future project suggestions are always welcomed.
Beginners Sewing - Open Sew
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6-8 pm - 2 hours/$100 (6 max participants)
- Must bring their own sewing machine and notions.
- Class is open sewing and focus will be whatever project you would like help starting, working on, and/or finishing up.
Sewing Machine Basics
Thursdays, 6-7 pm - 1 hour/$50 (6 max participants)
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Must bring their own sewing machine and notions. A supply list will be provided once the instructor receives the listing of all who have signed up.
- Class will focus on the main character, your sewing machine! The objective is for you to understand what your machine can and can’t do as well as for you to be comfortable troubleshooting the common issues that may arise. This class is highly recommended for all students. There is “some” sewing in this class, but the focus is on establishing a solid foundation with your sewing machine for you to build on.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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Our next scheduled Community-Wide Weekend Yard Sales will be held between the hours of 7:00 am till 7:00 pm on the following dates:
- Saturday, June 11, 2022
- Sunday, June 12, 2022
Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the VWOA website, the day prior to the event.
During the week leading up to your yard sales, the Association will place signs at the major intersections and entrances to the Villages of Westcreek that state: Yard Sales this Weekend.
If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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If you need extra time to pay your assessments, fill out the form on the website below to see if you qualify for a payment plan.
Payment plan requests are reviewed within two business days, and if approved, a payment plan agreement will be emailed to sign and return to our office within five business days.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
SPECIAL NOTE: At the May 19, 2022, Board meeting, it was discussed and decided to no longer charge food trucks to set up and serve our homeowners unless it is an event in which case, the $25 fee still applies. This was decided in order to have more food trucks visit our community and serve our homeowners.
CLICK HERE to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager
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PATIOS
As the spring months come to an end and summer quickly approaches, we have received several Property Improvement Applications (PIAs) for patio construction. Knowledge is power, and we encourage residents to become familiar with the community “Standards” for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance (August 2016). This will serve a dual function 1) Ensure your project is within the approved standards, i.e., require supporting information, documents, materials, size, and location. 2) Expedites the approval process by promptly rendering a decision without delay.
To clarify the “behind the dwelling” description, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) implements the following principle: the proposed improvement is physically behind the dwelling, to not be visible down the right or left side of the dwelling. However, suppose for some reason the homeowner is unable to comply with this criterion, they can request a “5.4 modifications and waivers,” citing the reason why it cannot be placed behind the dwelling.
Lastly, as community servants, we are here to be sensitive to the desires and needs of residents without compromising our primary objective of enhancing and preserving property values throughout the community. Therefore, we will make every reasonable effort to continue to assist homeowners with their requests and any other concern regarding the community “Standards.”
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From the Standards:
6.8 Outdoor Buildings and Structures, in General, include, but are not limited to, storage sheds, workshops, greenhouses, pergolas, gazebos, decks, patios, deck or patio covers, outdoor kitchens, and retaining walls. Any addition to the primary structure is considered an addition when it is used as a living space and is completely enclosed by glass, wood, or other approved material, and/or air conditioning is installed. This requires ARC approval and may require the services of a licensed architect.
Note: No structure, permanent or temporary, may be placed in such a manner as to change the grade (i.e., change the drainage originally designed by the builder).
From 6.8.6.2 Patios:
- Must be placed behind the dwelling but not within the side setbacks.
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If placed over an easement as shown on the Plat/Lot Survey, written approval from all applicable utility companies must accompany the request for ARC approval.
- Must be designed so as not to interfere with drainage patterns as designed by the builder.
- Should be designed to allow water runoff and prevent pooling.
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Require, for the ARC’s review, a PIA describing the materials, size, and proposed color sample along with a Plat/Lot Survey showing the proposed location. (Refer to Appendices B and C for sample PIA and Plat/Lot Survey.)
Note: Patio surface are usually concrete flatwork, but brick, pavers, stone, granite, gravel, flagstone, or tile is approvable. Concrete flatwork can be etched in pattern form, textured, or colored. If colored concrete flatwork is proposed, earth tone or a color that is compatible with the color scheme of the dwelling is recommended.
Submitted by: Victor Estello - Member, Architectural Review Committee
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CLICK HERE to see more about the various VWOA sports programs.
Contact:
Jason Dunbar
VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager
Phone - 210-748-2245
Submitted by: Jason Dunbar - VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager
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Printable Hidden Pictures
Printable Father's Day Word Search
Printable Mazes
Father's Day Coloring Pages
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
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Four Tips for End of Spring/Start of Summer Lawn Care
Top dressing your lawn with a ¼” layer of Cotton Burr Compost can aid in water retention. This would be a great quality to have in your lawn during our long, hot, dry summers. Cotton Burr Compost can also add organic matter back into soils that have been somewhat depleted of them. It can improve the structure of the soil in your lawn by breaking up compacted soils, increasing aeration and offering better drainage. It is recommended that you repeat the top dressing monthly.
Is your lawn taking on a yellow tint? Have you been watering excessively? These are two signs that your lawn may be getting depleted of iron. Watering excessively during periods of high heat tends to cause our lawns to become chlorotic. Applying a chelated iron product like Hi-Yield Iron Plus can put the green back into your turf. The iron in this product is naturally chelated which makes it easier for your lawn to absorb. Always follow the directions on the label for correct application.
Summer pests are headed to your lawn. The time to apply control for grubs and ants is now, and chinch bugs will be following closely behind. You have some options when it comes to pest control. A natural option is to apply beneficial nematodes to your lawn. It is imperative that you water your lawn regularly when and after applying beneficial nematodes to keep them alive and working effectively. Synthetic options for these soil-dwelling pests in your lawn include products that contain Imidacloprid, like Bonide Insect and Grub.
The best time to water your lawn is in the morning hours. Stop watering at night! Warm weather and a wet lawn in the evening is the perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria to develop as the moisture just sits there and festers on the foliage. Watering in the middle of the hot day is no good either as the majority of your water will evaporate too quickly. Look up your city watering day and set your sprinkler systems for the early morning hours. This allows the roots of your turf to get a nice, sufficient drink and any leftover moisture will dissipate as the afternoon warms up. Help yourself avoid dreaded diseases in your lawn such as Brown Patch.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - Communications Committee Secretary
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