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

Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association

Communications Committee - May 2024, Edition!

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GOT A NEIGHBOR YOU WANT TO RECOGNIZE?

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

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

CELEBRATING WESTCREEK MOMS

As Mother's Day approaches, we want to take a moment to celebrate and honor all the amazing moms in the Villages of Westcreek. Your tireless dedication and unwavering love for your families are truly inspiring.

You do it all with grace and patience, from late-night feedings and early-morning wake-ups to helping with homework and cheering on your kids at their sporting events. Your selflessness and kindness make our community a better place, and we are grateful for everything you do.

Being a mom is not easy, but you make it look effortless. You are always there for your children, no matter what, and your unwavering support and encouragement help them become the best versions of themselves.

So, on this special day, we want to say thank you. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make, the love you give, and the ways you make our community a brighter and happier place. You are truly appreciated, and we hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day filled with love and joy.

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States observed every year on the last Monday of May. It honors and remembers the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day's history dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War when people began holding tributes to fallen soldiers.

The first official observance of Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Over time, the holiday became known as Memorial Day, and it was expanded to honor all American soldiers who died in any war.

One way to observe Memorial Day is to visit Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. This peaceful and solemn place is where we can pay our respects to the men and women who gave their lives for our country. We can place flowers or flags on their graves to show our gratitude.

Finally, we can observe Memorial Day by participating in the National Moment of Remembrance. This moment of silence takes place at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day, and it is a way to honor the memory of our fallen soldiers no matter where we are.

In conclusion, Memorial Day is an important holiday that reminds us to honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. We can observe this holiday by visiting the local Fort Sam Houston National Cemetary and participating in the National Moment of Remembrance. Let us never forget the sacrifice that these soldiers made for our country.

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

The Villages of Westcreek Board of Directors Election was held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, to elect three members to serve on the Board.

Following the Annual Meeting of the Members, the Board Members held an organizational meeting and voted to approve the following Board members to serve as Officers of the Association. Elaine Maurer was elected President of the Board of Directors, while Brandon Schuler was elected Vice President. Brian Bush was elected Treasurer, Victor Estello was elected Secretary, and Lynette Bradley was elected Assistant Secretary.

We congratulate the newly elected officers and wish them all the best in their new roles. We appreciate their willingness to serve the community and contribute to making the Villages of Westcreek a better place to live.

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

Heather Mallia was a true inspiration to our community. Her dedication to volunteering was unmatched, and her selflessness is a model for us all. Heather was awarded the Volunteer of the Year posthumously at the Members Annual Meeting last month, and we would like to highlight some of her incredible contributions to Westcreek.

Heather served on every Board position except for President simply because she didn't like speaking in front of crowds or leading meetings. However, this did not stop her from serving on numerous committees, including the Fence Committee, RFID Committee, Sports Park Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Communications Committee, Nominations Committee, and Finance Committee.

Heather and her husband, Jason, along with their two sons, have been part of the Westcreek community for over twenty years. Heather served for at least 15 of those years, and she may have been the only resident to walk every street in Westcreek several times over!

Heather's passing has left a void in our community. Still, we can honor her memory by following her example and volunteering our time and resources to make Westcreek a better place. We encourage everyone to consider volunteering in our community in her honor. It would make Heather happy and strengthen our community. Let us all strive to be like Heather and positively impact the lives of those around us.

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

Hold on to your seats, folks, because I have exciting news about the Sports Park Fields that will knock your socks off! You may have noticed that we took a break from soccer season, but let me tell you, it was worth it. We have invested a whopping $101,000 to revamp these fields, and the results will be spectacular!

Thanks to the Westcreek Sports program, we were able to secure $70,000 for the project. But let me tell you, we had to work hard to ensure every penny is spent wisely. We negotiated with our contractor, who went above and beyond to help us stay within budget. In the end, we managed to bring down the cost from the initial quote of $180,000. Talk about a win-win situation!

The fields suffered damage from multiple sources, including the SAWS pipeline work, drought, termites, and hogs. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to restore them to their former glory. We had to do a lot of irrigation work, prepare the grounds properly, and lay down high-quality topsoil. But the real star of the show is the 68,450 sq. ft. of Bermuda Grass that now covers the fields like a luxurious carpet.

I know you're itching to get out there and kick a ball around, but hold your horses! Until further notice, the fields are off-limits. We take the upkeep of our fields very seriously, and we don't want anyone to damage the grass while it's still settling in. If we catch anyone on the fields, we kindly ask you to leave the park immediately. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the fields for years to come.

Speaking of upkeep, we've had some trouble with hogs wreaking havoc on our fields. But fear not, my friends, for we have a solution! We've put out bait around the perimeter of the park that will keep the hogs at bay. Yes, it does have a bit of a smell, but our landscape company assures us that it works wonders. If it does work, we'll use it in other areas around Westcreek with resident approval.

So, there you have it, folks—the Sports Park Fields will be back and better than ever! Stay tuned for updates on when the fields will be publicly available.

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

MAILBOX REPLACEMENT UPDATE

The mailbox replacement project is currently underway, and we're excited to share some updates with the community. The old mailboxes have been marked and ordered, and we're eagerly awaiting the arrival of 16 new units. Once they arrive, we'll notify the post office so they can prepare for the installation process. 

As we move forward with this project, we want to ensure everyone in the community knows what's happening. We'll send regular email updates through Constant Contact to keep everyone informed in between newsletter updates. 

We also want to remind everyone to check their mail every day. With the new mailboxes, we hope to make it even easier for everyone to receive their mail promptly and efficiently. 

We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we work through this project. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!

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

We want to provide you with an update on the assessment rates for the year 2024. The annual assessment fee is $475.20, which can also be paid quarterly at a rate of $118.80. If you choose to pay quarterly, please note the following due dates:

Quarter 1: Due date - 1/1/2024, Finance charge applied - 1/30/2024

Quarter 2: Due date - 4/1/2024, Finance charge applied - 4/30/2024

Quarter 3: Due date - 7/1/2024, Finance charge applied - 7/30/2024

Quarter 4: Due date - 10/1/2024, Finance charge applied - 10/30/2024

As we have completed Quarter 2, we would like to provide you with an update on the payment status. The total dues paid to date are $292,569.00, and we would like to bring to your attention that dues past due are $141,223.00 in red.

To avoid finance charges, please Click here to learn more about our billing procedure schedule. This will inform you of when finance charges are applied and how to avoid them. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further queries.

Submitted by: Brian Bush - VWOA Board of Directors, Treasurer

Good afternoon, residents of Villages of Westcreek, Fronterra at Westpointe, and Caracol Creek. I hope you all are doing well and had a chance to partake in some Fiesta activities! It’s been almost two weeks since our previous update on April 18^th. As stressed before, we are committed to providing timely updates through the completion of this project and will continue to send updates as work progresses or otherwise needed. Below are key updates since our last communication.

• Our overall schedule for substantial project completion is now anticipated for early August. At the intersection of Westcreek Oaks, unknown buried CPS Energy gas valves were discovered and need to be relocated which requires significant excavation at this intersection. We anticipate this work and the remaining gas work to be completed the week of May 20^th. This has delayed the traffic switch to the north side of the road previously anticipated for the end of April. We also had a few weather delays recently which impacted progress. 
• As soon as the joint-bid CPS Energy underground gas main work is complete, the contractor will resume re-grading areas along the north side of W Military Drive to allow a final asphalt surface to be placed. We now anticipate the traffic switch in early June.
• Curb ramps, concrete gutter connections at new drainage inlets, and sidewalk gaps along the north side of W Military Drive should be completed next week, if not sooner.

We are continuing to look for opportunities to expedite the completion of the project, or other means to bring some relief to the community sooner. One of the strategies we are exploring is to open up segments of W Military Drive once they are completed to better facilitate access in the area. Since there is less underground utility work to be done along the south side of W Military Drive, this should be feasible. Once the paving along the north side of W Military Drive is complete and the traffic switch is implemented, we will focus paving efforts on the south side between Kingsbridge and Loop 1604 in order to open up this portion of the project to two-way traffic. We are still several weeks away from this and will have more details with our next update but wanted to give you insight to what is being discussed.

Again, thank you for your patience as the project progresses!

ART REINHARDT, PE, CFM

Director of Public Works/County Engineer

County of Bexar | 1948 Probandt St, San Antonio, Texas 78214

210.335.6782 | art.reinhardt@bexar.org

If you're looking for ways to get involved in your community and make a difference, why not consider volunteering to serve on one of the many committees that help keep the neighborhood running smoothly? You have a wide variety, including Architectural Review, Strategic Planning, Suggestion and Recommendations, Communications, Finance, and Nomination committees, in addition to community-wide events.

To get started, contact the Villages of Westcreek Community Manager by email at cm@villagesofwestcreek.com or 210-679-8761. The Community Manager will be able to provide you with more information about the different committees and help you find the right fit for your skills and interests.

Volunteering on a committee is a great way to meet your neighbors, have a say in community decisions, and contribute to the overall well-being of the Villages of Westcreek. So don't hesitate - reach out today and see how you can make a difference in your community!

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

JOHNSON CITY, TEXAS

Johnson City is a small town located in the Texas Hill Country. Although it may not be as well-known as some of the larger cities in Texas, it certainly has plenty to offer visitors who are looking for a fun and unique experience. It’s about 73 miles north of Villages of Westcreek, along US 281, about 30 miles east of Fredericksburg. 

One of the most popular attractions in Johnson City is the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of the 36th President of the United States. Visitors can tour the ranch where Johnson lived and worked, as well as the Texas White House, which was his residence during his presidency.

If you're in the mood for some outdoor adventure, the Pedernales Falls State Park is a must-visit. This beautiful park features over 5,000 acres of natural beauty, including hiking trails, swimming holes, and picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and camping in the park.

The city is home to a variety of other interesting attractions. The Science Mill is a family-friendly museum that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. Visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that teach about everything from robotics to renewable energy.

Are you a biker at heart? Stop in at the Texas Vintage Motorcycle Museum to see vintage motorcycles from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.

For an unusual experience, check out the Exotic Resort Zoo, home to 700+ animals representing 45+ species. You’ll find water buffalo, emu, rhea, bison, antelope, kangaroo, black sheep, yak, oryx, elk, zebra, wallaby, Watusi, and more. Drive through in your own vehicle or take the guided tractor tour. There also is a petting zoo. Create fun memories for a lifetime while learning about conservation and preservation efforts.

For a taste of local flavor, visit some of the restaurants and shops in downtown Johnson City. The Pecan Street Brewing Company is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts and Fat Boys Burgers is dog-friendly. You can also browse for souvenirs and gifts at Old Annex Market, Black Spur Emporium, the Rustic Charm Market, Vintage 205, or the Old Lumberyard Shops.

Johnson City is a great destination for anyone who is looking for a fun and unique travel experience. 

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

INSIDE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE VWOA AND BCSO

The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association has increased the yearly budget for 2024 to $140K for security and patrols in the Sports Park and throughout the community.

The Association has formed a great partnership with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) to eliminate the homeless camps on Westcreek Property, spending an additional $20K to clean up those areas. BCSO has also increased traffic patrols to reduce speeding and those disregarding traffic signs. To avoid getting a ticket, check out the brochure for tips, such as leaving 5 minutes early to drop your kids off at school and being a courteous driver.

These initiatives have helped the BCSO to successfully apprehend mail and car thieves on various occasions. Additionally, increasing private patrols during the day has helped decrease porch pirate activity and mail theft during the day.

The community NEEDS YOUR HELP to make it more difficult for criminals to be successful! Remember to check your mail daily, lock your cars, and remove valuables nightly. The HOA gets requests often to put in more lighting in the community. We are asking you to please, turn on your porch light every night. Lastly lock your windows & doors. These simple steps make you and your home less of a target.

To report suspicious activity, call the BCSO non-emergency number at 210-335-6000. For emergencies call 911. Please call BEFORE posting on social media.

Lastly, sign up for COPS as extra eyes and ears for the community and BCSO. They will provide training, so please see the brochure for more information.

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

SELECTING THE PROPER MOWING HEIGHT

Mowing your lawn is an essential part of lawn care. However, you must set your mower at the correct height for your grass type. In San Antonio, Texas, there are several turfgrass species to choose from, including Common Bermuda and Hybrid Bermuda, Emerald Zoysia, El Tora, Jamur Zoysia, Floratam St Augustine and Raleigh St Augustine. Each type of grass has its recommended mowing height to help it thrive. 

Common Bermuda and Hybrid Bermuda grasses are the most popular grasses used in San Antonio due to their ability to withstand heat and drought. You should mow these grasses from 1 inch to 1.5 inches. Cutting too low can damage the grass while mowing too high can cause thatch buildup and reduce the density of the lawn. 

Due to their low maintenance and beautiful appearance, Emerald Zoysia, El Tora, and Jamur Zoysia are other popular grasses in San Antonio. These grasses should be mowed from 1.5 inches to 2 inches. Cutting too low can cause scalping while mowing too high can lead to thatch buildup. 

Floratam St Augustine is a widely used grass in San Antonio due to its ability to tolerate shade and high traffic. It should be mowed at a height of 3.5 inches to 4 inches. Mowing too low can cause scalping while mowing too high can cause thatch buildup. 

Raleigh St Augustine is another popular grass in San Antonio due to its ability to withstand the heat and humidity of the region. It should be mowed at a height of 3.5 inches to 4 inches. Mowing too low can cause scalping, while cutting too high can cause thatch buildup. 

In conclusion, mowing your lawn at the proper height is crucial to maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn in San Antonio. It is essential to know the recommended mowing height for each type of grass to avoid damage and ensure optimal growth. By following these recommendations, you can maintain a lush, green lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Submitted by: Coral Fathy - VWOA Communications Committee, Member

FRAMING YOUR FUTURE AND BECOMING A POSITIVE LEADER!

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to help your child build valuable leadership skills and make a positive impact in their community? Look no further than the Blue Star Youth Leadership Academy, now offered for FREE to the children of the Villages of Westcreek. This class meets every Tuesday at 6:00 pm at the Community Center.

For over 20 years, the Blue Star Youth Leadership Academy has been helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed in life. This 16-week program, broken into 2 blocks of 8 weeks, is designed for children aged 13 to 16 and focuses on providing positive learning experiences to build strengths to overcome challenges faced by youth.

Your child will learn valuable leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making, as well as the importance of community involvement and service. And with a safe and supportive environment, you can rest easy knowing your child will be learning and growing in the best possible way.

We urge all parents to seriously consider this program for their children. It's an incredible opportunity for young people to develop their leadership skills and make a real difference in their communities. Don't miss out on this amazing chance to give your child the tools they need to succeed!

For more information about the Blue Star Youth Leadership Academy and registering your child, please visit https://www.yiosa.org/event-details/blue-star-youth-leadership-academy-2024-02-06-18-00-1.

Click here to download the program brochure.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity for your child!

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

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