Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - October 1, 2021 Edition!
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"Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment."
~Tony Robbins
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OFFICE CLOSURE
The office will be closed, Monday, October 11, 2021, in observance of the Columbus Day Holiday. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
A reminder that the office is closed on the 3rd Friday of the month from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for staff training.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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TRICK OR TREAT RECOMMENDED HOURS
The VWOA Staff would like to wish all residents a Very Safe and Happy Halloween.
The suggested times for trick or treating on Sunday, October 31, 2021, are 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick or treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick or treaters. Help us make this Halloween one to remember!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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Submitted by: Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director |
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In case you missed our Board of Directors Meeting held on September 16, 2021, here is a recap of some of the discussed projects during the meeting.
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Splash Pad- This item was tabled until scope of work is determined. The Community Manager has been working with vendors to secure pricing and what will be needed. Three vendors have been contacted at this time and two are working to provide the information.
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Clock Tower Landscape Design- This item is still open and the Community Manager informed the Board that two vendors have been contacted and provided the design layout. These vendors are working to provide a proposal.
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Monuments at Daisy Field and Potranco Rd.- This item is still open and the Community Manager is still working with TXDOT to obtain permission to place a monument in the right of way.
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Monuments at Garden Lily and Tally Rd.- The Board has decided to table this project until 2022 due to the construction on Talley Road now in progress.
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Clock Tower Repairs- The Board approved a proposal for $4,650 to have the clock tower faces repaired and the clock tower power washed. We are happy to report that this work has been completed!
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Mountain Bike Trails- Jason Dunbar, Activities Director, informed the Board that the homeowners working on marking the trail have requested the overflow parking lot be utilized for parking and access to the bike/walking trails. The Board approved this request.
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New Pool Furniture and Shade Options- The Board and Community Manager are working to obtain quotes for these items for the 2022 pool season.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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BOARD APPROVES NEW ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTIONS |
At the September 16, 2021, Board of Directors Meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed and approved Administrative Resolutions 50, 51, and 52.
These administrative resolutions pertain to pool enclosures, religious displays, and the bidding process in order to be in compliance with the legislative changes from this year's session.
Once these documents have been filed with the county, they will be posted to the VWOA website.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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Please remember that when items are dumped in the easements, such as tree limbs, furniture, old fence posts, and other unwanted items, there is a cost to the entire association to remove them. If you need to dispose these items, please place them out for brush pick up, bulk pick up, or take them to the dump.
Let's work together to keep the Villages of Westcreek beautiful!
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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STREET RESURFACING PROJECT IN THE WOODS AND OAKS |
At present, Bexar County Public Works is working on the streets in the Woods and Oaks. The Chip Seal operations in these villages are in the final stage of completion. This final stage includes street sweeping and putting down the top layer seal coat.
According to the Public Works website, most primary Bexar County streets and roads regularly (every 6-7 years) have a seal coat applied to the pavement. This preventive maintenance activity prolongs the "lifespan" of the road and delays the reconstruction of existing County streets.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the Bexar County Public Works Department at 210-631-0220.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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BRANDON SCHULER STEPS DOWN FROM THE ARC - ASSUMES NEW ROLE ON THE BOARD |
Due to the passing of Senate Bill 1588, starting September 1, 2021, Board Members, their spouses, or members of their household cannot also serve on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
For this reason, Brandon Schuler will be stepping down from the ARC to assume a role on the Board of Directors starting October 1, 2021. The Board of Directors would like to thank Brandon for his service on the ARC as the Chair and for being willing to continue his service on the Board of Directors.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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LYNETTE BRADLEY TO CHAIR THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE |
We are happy to announce that Lynette Bradley will officially assume the role as Chair of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) effective October 1, 2021. Lynette will be replacing Brandon Schuler, who is now serving on the Board of Directors.
The ARC consists of volunteer Homeowners who are sensitive to the desires and needs of residents. 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 request for improvements/changes to the premises;
- Make changes to this document as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State and local laws; and,
- Make reasonable effort to assist the applicant with their requests and any other concerns regarding the Standards.
The following homeowners will serve along with Lynette on the ARC in the following roles:
- Brian Bush - Regular Member
- Barbara Lee - Regular Member
- Bill Fenstermacher - Alternate Member
- Matt Ninan - Alternate Member
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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BOARD APPOINTS NEW ARC MEMBER |
The Board of Directors approved the appointment of Brian Bush as a regular member of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
Brian stated that they bought their home in Westcreek to be closer to family. He joined the ARC with hope to improve overall community involvement and help make our community a coveted place to live!
We welcome and thank Brian for submitting his name for consideration to serve on this vital committee.
Submitted by: Maria Robinson, VWOA Community Manager
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CASINO NIGHT - ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT |
THANK YOU WESTCREEK!
The Villages of Westcreek Staff extends our heartfelt “Thank You” to all the members of the community who made “Casino Night 2021” a great success!
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office 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.
CLICK HERE for the latest status of community openings and closures.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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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.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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Please note that we have updated Pool Schedule effective September 7, 2021!
Everyone 12 and over is required to have an RFID card to use the amenities.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, VWOA Office Manager
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SPORTS PARK RULES
The Sports Park is open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily for the use and enjoyment of all residents of the VWOA that are in good standing and have a current VWOA RFID Card.
KEY REMINDERS
- 3 guests per ID card, 6 per household
- If using the Park’s BBQ pits, do not leave the Park unless the fire is completely out. Personal BBQ grills must be accompanied by a fire extinguisher and are not allowed in the children’s playground, or on volleyball, tennis, or basketball courts. Those using propane are not allowed in the pavilion.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the children’s playground or on the tennis and basketball courts.
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CLICK HERE to review the Sports Park Rules
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, October 9, 2021
- Sunday, October 10, 2021
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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Thinking about extending your driveway?
You can extend your driveway, with the following guidelines (Standards section 6.3.1):
- Broom-finished concrete flatwork or paver stones to match the driveway; or
- Other material such as crushed or decomposed granite, rocks, or gravel as well as flagstones, paver stones, brick, that is or is not mortared in place.
- The width may not exceed the left or right outer edges of the garage beyond the line of your actual garage.
- 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).
If the desired extension is beyond the left or right outer edge of the garage, you can submit for a Walkway. See Standards section 6.3.4 Walkways for more information and guidelines.
What’s the difference?
- Walkways are not considered driveway extensions and may not be parked on.
- Driveway extensions can be used for parking.
Whichever you decide works best for you, the next step is to submit a Property Improvement/Change Application (PIA) to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for approval, along with a copy of the Plat/Lot Survey showing the proposed location, materials, dimensions, and color.
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, Chair Architectural Review Committee
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HOLIDAY DECORATION SCHEDULE
As we approach the Holiday Season, we thought it would be a good time to review the timelines on when you can display your outdoor holiday decorations!
Holiday decorations may be displayed on the premises, without ARC approval. Under our current guidelines, you can display your Christmas/New Year's holiday decorations forty (40) days prior to the holiday but they must be removed no later than 15 days after the holiday.
For all other holidays during the year, the decorations can be displayed 30 days before the holiday and must be removed no later than 15 days following the actual holiday date.
Special event decorations such as birthdays, anniversaries, newborns, returning veterans, etc., may only be displayed on the premises for three (3) days without the Standards Department's approval if the number of decorations are minimal and, the decorations and signs are not placed anywhere else within the Villages of Westcreek, including the properties fronting any entrance to the Villages of Westcreek.
We hope you find the chart below helpful as you decorate for the upcoming Holiday Season!
Halloween
- Decorations Up - October 1, 2021
- Decorations Down - November 15, 2021
Thanksgiving
- Decorations Up - October 26, 2021
- Decorations Down - December 10, 2021
Christmas
- Decorations Up - November 15, 2021
- Decorations Down - January 16, 2022
New Year's
- Decorations Up - December 2, 2021
- Decorations Down - January 16, 2022
Reference: Section 6.7 of the Standards
Submitted by: Lynette Bradley, Chair Architectural Review Committee
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The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Sports Programs throughout the year.
CLICK HERE to visit our Westcreek Sports website for a complete listing of our current sports program and registration information.
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The 2021 Flag Football Season is starting soon.
Submitted by: Jason Dunbar, VWOA Activities Director
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JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN
Halloween Word Puzzles
Fall Word Search
Halloween Connect the Dots
Halloween Coloring Pages
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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5 Opportunities For Fall Gardening in San Antonio
1. Fall is for planting wildflowers.
- Many people don’t think about wildflowers until the bluebonnets show up around April; but wildflower seeds need to be planted in fall to produce their beautiful blooms in spring. If you plant wildflower seeds in spring, they won't have enough time to develop.
- Plant wildflowers from September through November in San Antonio. Choose wildflowers that are native to the region. Choose an area that gets a minimum of 8 hours of sunlight. Choose an area that drains well where the soil is not compacted. Wildflowers do not like standing water around their roots.
2. Fall is for pollinators.
- Most of us are aware of the Monarchs making their way through San Antonio on their migratory path back from Mexico, but other butterflies are also migrating. With many of our perennials putting out a second show of blooms, fall is prime time for pollinators. There is always a need for more plants that attract them.
3. Fall is for a fresh round of vegetables and some fruits.
- Cold-weather fall vegetables: Right on the tail of that second round of warm-weather vegetables is the arrival of cole crops and cold-weather fall vegetable gardening. Get excited about planting broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and more.
- Strawberries: Just like the wildflowers mentioned above, many folks don’t think about them until springtime, not realizing that the right time to plant them is in fall. Fall-planted strawberries out-produce spring-planted strawberries by far.
4. Fall is for dividing and transplanting.
- Transplanting: Fall is the perfect time to transplant a tree, shrub or perennial that you realize might be better off in another area of your landscape. The cooler weather allows the plant to withstand the shock of being dug up and replanted, and gives it the right amount of time to establish strong root growth in its new home.
- Dividing: Since plants will experience less heat stress, fall is the perfect time to dig and divide plants that have become crowded over the years. Some perennials that can be dug up and divided now are: iris, canna, phlox, coneflowers, hardy amaryllis, Shasta daisy, liriope, daylilies, and hosta.
5. Fall is for planting trees and shrubs.
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Trees, shrubs, and woody perennials: There is absolutely no better time than fall to plant these items. Planting in fall gives trees, shrubs and woody perennials all winter and early spring to grow strong roots to be able to withstand our summer heat.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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Mexican Oregano -Poliomentha longiflora
Sun/part shade; semi-evergreen. A perennial shrub well suited for deeper well-drained soils. Mexican oregano grows fairly large; use it more or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed. Blooms appear from late spring through summer. The edible foliage is strongly aromatic, and deer tend to avoid it.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements, and plant features from San Antonio Garden Style!
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