Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - March 1, 2022 Edition!
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"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."
~ Will Rogers
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Click on each Candidate's Name
to view their Profile/Bio
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The first " Meet the Candidates" Zoom Meeting is scheduled for March 12th at 11:00 AM. Watch for details in upcoming announcements via Constant Contact and the VWOA Website!
Submitted by: Francis Lomax - Chair, VWOA Communications Committee
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The annual meeting to elect some of our Board members is on April 21st. The Association is looking for civic-minded volunteers to fill three positions on the Board of Directors this year. A good Board of Directors is essential for a great Association - one that its members can be proud of and want to live in. Each Board of Directors' term is two years. After each annual election, the Board members conduct an organizational meeting to determine which officer position they will fulfill.
The deadline for getting your photo and profile/bio on the ballots to be mailed has passed. However, you can still submit them, and they will be updated in the VWOA March Newsletter and on the VWOA website.
Submitted by: Francis Lomax - Chair, VWOA Communications Committee
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC REGULAR MEMBER
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill a Regular Member vacancy on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). You must be a homeowner to be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on this committee.
The primary objective of the ARC is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. The ARC has the authority to:
- Adopt and administer the review process on behalf of the VWOA;
- Review and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for each Property Improvement Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;
- Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance" as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State and local laws; and,
- Make reasonable efforts to assist the applicants with their requests and any other concerns regarding the "Standards."
ARC members will be trained and expected to conduct business using an automated system. This system allows ARC members to view, comment, approve or deny PIAs digitally.
Ideal candidates will
- have access to a computer and internet.
- be available on a consistent basis to meet in person should homeowners request a meeting to discuss their PIA.
- Have knowledge of the VWOA's current standards.
Additional duties and responsibilities are outlined in the "Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (Article IX - Architectural Review Committee)" and "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance."
HOW TO APPLY!
CLICK HERE to send an email to the VWOA Community Manager to submit your name for consideration. Be sure to include your home address, phone number and email address.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - Vice President, VWOA Board of Directors
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SAWS Pipeline Construction Project |
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The SAWS pipeline construction project is scheduled to begin in the Sports Park the week of February 28th and continue through March. The area shown above in blue will be fenced off and not be usable while the work is being completed. The rest of the park will remain open while this work is completed; with a portion of the track and over-flow parking lot being affected. Thank you all for your patience and understanding in this matter.
Submitted by: Jason Dunbar, VWOA Parks & Recreation Manager
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OFFICE CLOSURE
Reminder: The office is closed on the 3rd Friday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for staff training. Therefore, for March, it will be on the 18th.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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Did you ever wonder what happens to your lawn and garden debris when you blow it into the streets?
The answer is that this debris usually ends up in the stormwater drainage system where, over time, it can clog pipes, resulting in street flooding. The water can also back up into homes. When the water flow in the drainage system is impeded, it also creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed and flourish.
You can help our community by keeping the streets and drainage areas around your property clean and clear of litter, leaves, and grass clippings.
Here are some tips on how to dispose of your garden waste:
- Compost your leaves and grass clippings.
- Invest in a mulching mower during the mowing season and leave your mulched grass clippings/leaves on the lawn.
- For significant accumulations, you can bag and dispose of them on your trash collection day.
Let's work together to keep the Villages of Westcreek beautiful and safe!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Vice Chair
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DATE: Saturday, March 5, 2022
TIME: 8:00AM- 12:00PM - OR UNTIL DUMPSTERS GET FULL
WHERE: Villages of Westcreek Sports Park, 12354 Military Drive West, San Antonio, TX 78253 - Note: Entry to park from west side of Military Drive Only!
This event is free to the residents of the Villages of Westcreek.
You will be required to have a valid Villages of Westcreek RFID card. If you need to update your RFID card, please make sure you do it before 5:00 PM Friday, March 4, 2022.
Limit 1 vehicle load per household.
Every homeowner must be able to dispose of their trash into the dumpsters. If you need assistance, please plan accordingly.
Trash dumpsters are for regular trash only! Metal dumpsters will be labeled accordingly.
The following items are not acceptable for disposal:
No items that contain hazardous materials including but not limited to:
Drums, paint, solvents, TVs, chemicals, oils, batteries, antifreeze, gas cylinders, refrigerators, freon, gasoline, flammable liquids, explosives, tree stumps, tires, foam, rubber, nor other various items that contain hazardous materials.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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Enjoy Some BINGO on TUESDAY - March 8th, 2022 |
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IT IS TIME TO "SPRING AHEAD"
Sunday, March 13th, at 2:00 AM is the official start of Daylight Savings Time. Your clock needs to be moved forward one hour; unless it is smart enough to automatically do it for you.
Submitted by Francis Lomax, Chairman, VWOA Communications Committee
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We need your assistance to partner with us in calling 911 for the Bexar County Sheriff's Office every time you hear gunshots, and as soon as you hear them.
Have the officer respond to your home so he or she can follow up with you. Next, call the VWOA Office (210-679-8761) and let them know where and when it happened and, if possible, the officer's name, case number, and any other details.
We will then forward that information to the off-duty deputies who live in Westcreek that we pay to patrol our area during their off-duty hours at night. If the off-duty deputies are patrolling when you call 911, they will hear the dispatcher and may respond in their personal vehicle (they will have credentials).
The Board & Staff are taking this seriously, however it is a police matter. After a lengthy discussion with representatives from the sheriff's office, this is what they have asked us to do. We want to reassure you that the sheriff's office is fully aware of what has been transpiring in our area and will take an active approach to resolve it.
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - Vice President, VWOA Board of Directors
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There has been an uptick in theft all over the city. The VWOA itself has also been a victim of thieves in recent months. According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the best defense is to deter the thieves and make it harder for them. Here is what they have suggested.
Lock your vehicles and double check that they are locked nightly, just like you do with your front door. Use a steering wheel lock (The Club) and locking lug nuts, as well as a tail gate lock for trucks. Remove ALL valuables from your car. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE FIREARMS in your vehicle at any time.
Check your gate latches/locks and lock the doors to your home. Many smart locks can be programmed to lock automatically nightly at a certain time. Be sure windows are locked & check them regularly.
If your street is dark, turn on your outside lights nightly. You can get simple dusk to dawn bulbs that will turn on automatically. Light up both the back and front yard, but be courteous and ensure your lights don’t shine on your neighbor's home or in their windows.
If you have cameras, double check that they are functional and that parameters are set to capture your entire yard.
Check your mail daily. Thieves can’t steal anything if the box is empty!
Get to know your neighbors. If something doesn’t look right, call the sheriff's office. If you're going out of town, have a neighbor collect your mail and check on your house.
Please Be Safe!
Submitted by: Elaine Maurer - Vice President, VWOA Board of Directors
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In case you missed our Board of Directors Meeting held on February 17, 2022, here is a recap of some of the projects discussed.
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Splash Pad-TABLED until the scope of work is determined. The Community Manager has provided the Board with the proposals for labor and parts to review.
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Clock Tower Landscape Design-OPEN- The deposit has been paid to Summit to place this project on their schedule and begin in March 2022.
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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-OPEN- 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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Holiday Lighting/Decorations-CLOSED- This has been completed and the wreaths removed. This will be removed at the next meeting and on meeting minutes.
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Pointe Monument-OPEN- The old monuments have been removed and the electricity has been installed. CPS now needs to come out and activate the meter so the base can be poured for the monument.
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Cacti Removal/Tree Trimming/Shredding-OPENED- This is being completed today, Feb. 17, 2022, by Summit Landscaping and is taking place by the dog park.
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Maintenance Shop Replacement-OPENED- The Board is reviewing options for the replacement of the maintenance shop and the location of the shop. Proposals are being obtained for the shop and pouring of the foundation.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager |
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COVID-19 AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS |
The Board understands the effect on the community that COVID-19 has had and the financial hardships it has created.
If you have been affected and unable to make your HOA assessment payments, please email the office staff or Community Manager with your request for relief of the late fees assessed. We will review each request on a case-by-case basis and communicate back to each homeowner individually.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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We are happy to announce that capacity limits were raised to 100% starting June 1st.
Guests are now allowed in the fenced areas (Children’s Tot Lot, Basketball Court, Tennis Court and the Pool) in the Sports Park. NOTE: 3 guests per ID but 6 per household.
The basketball court still has a capacity limit on the court and spectators/non-players need to stay outside of the fence.
We will also be asking all staff, volunteers, and homeowners to wear a mask when you're in the office, until further notice, due to the recent surge of COVID. Protecting one another is of the utmost importance, and we thank you for your cooperation!
CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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POLITICAL SIGNS
Signs expressing support for an individual political candidate, or party, or local bond issue, or referendum, may be placed in a private front yard no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to a primary or general election and must be removed no later than ten (10) days after the election unless the candidate is involved in a runoff election.
Such political signs shall not exceed five (5') square feet and must be professionally produced. Homemade signs are not permitted. The limit for political signs is one (1) per candidate or ballot item per lot.
Note: Banners may be approved by the ARC on a case-by-case basis.
References:
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Contract and Facility Rental Information links below!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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The Villages of Westcreek Staff extends our heartfelt “Thank You” to all the members of the community who made “Casino Night 2022” a great success!
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.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
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CLICK HERE for information on how we are addressing safety precautions while conducting business at the Community Center!
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, March 12, 2022
- Sunday, March 13, 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
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!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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What can you do without prior Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval?
Here are a few items from the Standards for easy access. No need to submit a request.
Collapsible/Portable Structures –
Canopies, gazebos, tents, and such, can be used temporarily for special occasions but for no more than (3) days. These do not require prior ARC approval but can only be used behind the dwelling and stored away following the event.
Window Solar Screens –
May be installed on the outside windows of the dwelling without ARC approval if the color is compatible with the dwelling’s brick and trim. These must be maintained, repaired, or replaced when needed. Any other type of window coverings including reflective screening are not permitted.
Trampolines –
Trampolines do not require ARC approval if placed behind the dwelling and in a location to minimize visibility from the street. Placement may not be closer than two (2’) feet from any fencing.
Exterior Lighting –
Solar or accent low voltage/wattage lighting placed along driveways, walkways or flowerbeds do not require ARC approval. However, visible string, rope, or net lighting is not allowed in front of the dwelling except for holidays. Any other lighting placed/installed outside the dwelling in the front or above the fence line in the rear requires prior ARC approval.
Exterior Paint –
If you are considering freshening up your exterior paint, and you are using the same color, you are not required to get prior ARC approval. This is encouraged to help keep your home looking attractive. Paint away!
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, Chair, Architectural Review Committee
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2022 Spring Soccer Starts Saturday, April 30th
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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Attention Readers
Are you looking for a new book or two to read? Do you want this search to be easy and convenient? The answer to this desire is closer and easier than you could imagine!! Because of an overabundance of books currently spilling over the shelves at our resident lending library located in the lobby of Westcreek’s Community Center, a new rule is now being enforced. In the past in order to take a book to read, you needed to donate a book. Now you are asked to help yourself to the books. No donation is required or needed until further notice. Help your community clear out some room on these shelves while at the same time obtaining new reading materials.
Submitted by: Ann Lomax
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JUST IN TIME FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Pi Day Activities-March 14
St. Patrick's Day Mazes
St. Patrick's Day Hidden Pictures
St. Patrick's Day Cryptogram Word Puzzles
100 Spring Crafts & Kids Activities
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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LANDSCAPE PLANTINGS:
USING SHRUBS IN DIFFERENT WAYS
Using shrubs as landscape plantings is a wonderful way to upgrade and add value to your home. They can create interesting focal points or make wonderful backdrops to your perennial and annual gardens. Shrubs can provide structure to your landscape or provide privacy in specific areas.
Types of Landscape Plantings Using Shrubs
Foundation Plantings: These are generally shrubs that are planted somewhere around or along the home’s foundation. These smaller-sized shrubs offer homeowners an opportunity to cover up areas that may not be as appealing to the eye, such as raw concrete around the base of your home’s foundation, or any other feature you might not necessarily want to look at.
Entryway shrubs are considered foundation plantings. Corner shrubs are foundation shrubs or small trees that are generally taller than the rest of your plants and are used to aesthetically frame your home.
It is imperative to research the mature size of the shrub you desire. You must provide ample space and the appropriate distance from your house to give shrubs enough room to fully mature.
Privacy Plantings: This generally means that the shrubs are taller varieties that grow in a dense form, leaving little to no open spaces between limbs and foliage. These shrubs can offer a private retreat from those “too close” neighbors or provide a screen from a less than pleasant view. They can even provide protection and act as a windbreaker or sound barrier. Choose evergreen plants for privacy plantings so that they keep their foliage and continue their privacy attributes year-round.
A few options for privacy: Xylosmas, Oleanders, Pineapple Guava, Wax Myrtles, Star Jasmine, Indian Hawthorne.
Mass Plantings: Mass plantings are when plants of similar color, texture and size are grouped together and planted closely to create a dramatic, and bold display. You can often see seasonal mass plantings of annuals outside of neighborhoods or shopping centers (pansies in the winter, vinca in the summer). Groundcovers are mass plantings. Hedges are a form of mass plantings for shrubs. Flowering shrubs also look great planted in mass.
Focal Points: Focal point plants lead your eye straight to them. They are stand-alone specimens, or they are smartly placed near other plants that you want to lead into. Focal point plants have some type of feature that draws the eye to them. It might be something like the fire-orange blooms on a Pride of Barbados, color-changing foliage (think Japanese Maple with its blazing red leaves in fall), or a seasonal bloomer like Redbud, a favorite Texas native. Focal points in your landscape can also be objects like a bubbling fountain, bird bath, or a garden bench.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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