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

Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association

Communications Committee - April 1, 2025 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.

April Communications Committee Meeting

This meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in the VWOA Community Center. Please click on the link below for the agenda and details:

https://conta.cc/4choTBf

Submitted by: Barbara Lee - VWOA Communications Committee, Chair

The "Meet the Candidates" event will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6 PM. 

Homeowners who missed the deadline for getting on the ballot will have the opportunity to state their intentions to be nominated from the floor at the Annual Meeting of the Members in accordance with our Bylaws. Thus, this would be a good time for these individuals to let the other members of the Association know their qualifications and goals, and encourage them to please consider submitting a write-in vote for him or her.

The Zoom link will be sent out on Constant Contact as we get closer to that date.

Submitted by: Maria - VWOA Community Manager

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

The Annual Meeting of the Members to elect three of our Board members is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6 PM in the Community Center Hall. This meeting will also be available on Zoom.

While the deadline has passed to submit your nomination to appear on the written ballot to be mailed out to the homeowners or on the Electronic Voting System ballots, new nominations will be accepted at the annual meeting. Votes cast at the annual meeting will override previous absentee ballots and Electronic Voting Systems ballots.

Guests at the Members' Annual Meeting include the following:

• Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar and Bexar County SCORE Deputies
• Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 1 Rebecca Clay-Flores
• Bexar County Public Works Department Representative Reggie Fountain 

Submitted by: Maria - VWOA Community Manager

APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH

The Villages of Westcreek would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all the residents who have volunteered to serve our community. Your dedication and commitment to improving our community truly make a difference.

From organizing community events to serving on the Board and committees and volunteering your time and resources, each of you has contributed to the betterment of our community.

Your selflessness and generosity inspire us all, and we are proud to have you as our neighbors and fellow community members. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and service to the Villages of Westcreek community.

Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are all grateful for your contributions. With your continued support, we can continue to make our community a better place for everyone who calls it home.

Once again, thank you to all the residents who volunteered to serve the Villages of Westcreek community. Your service and commitment are greatly appreciated; we are lucky to have you as part of our community.

Submitted by: Maria - VWOA Community Manager

MAILBOX REPLACEMENT UPDATE

We’re excited to announce that the first phase of mailbox replacements for 2025 is complete! During the Quarter 1 Board Meeting in January 2025, the Board of Directors approved the replacement of eight mailbox clusters, and we’re happy to report that all of them have been successfully installed.

We are now working on pricing and preparing for the next phase of mailbox replacements. Please note that our priority at this time is to replace mailboxes that are not receiving mail and have been deemed irreparable. If your mailbox cluster is not receiving mail, and there’s no visible damage or a notice from USPS requesting you contact your HOA, it’s possible that USPS has already submitted an internal work order for repairs.



Stay tuned for further updates and thank you for your continued patience as we work to improve our community!

Submitted by: Maria - VWOA Community Manager

BOARD CANDIDATE - ELAINE MAURER

My name is Elaine Maurer. I have been a resident of the Villages of Westcreek for more than 25 years. My husband John and I have one son and two beautiful granddaughters that also call Westcreek their home.

I retired from Northside ISD where I was a campus Office Manager & Bookkeeper at one of the elementary schools in our community. Through the years, I’ve volunteered on several committees including the Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, Communications Committee, and Chair of the Architectural Review Committee. In my 4 years on the Board, I’ve been the Secretary, Vice President and currently I hold the position of President.

Since being elected I’ve opened lines of communication between our community and the Sheriff’s Office and the County Commissioner’s Office. Thanks to this improvement in communication, we have seen increased patrols, and a decrease in porch pirate theft, we have also worked closely with the Bexar County SCORE unit in breaking up some very large homeless camps within our area, and we now have a direct contact to report recordings of gun shots heard within the community, so they can continue to investigate and apprehend those committing these crimes.

Over the past year I have been working alongside several communities and communicating with Congressman Joaquin Castro’s office to stop USPS mailbox theft & get improvements to the process to obtain held mail. The theft issue is plaguing our city and I won’t stop until we have some sort of plan for a resolution! I have also pushed & led the charge for the purchase & installation of several new mailboxes in the community of which 4 clusters have already been completed and there are more boxes ordered to continue this process in phases! I have been in contact with the DA's office in regard to prosecuting the thieves that have been caught to date since they’ve committed a crime of theft to community property.

Earlier this year I was instrumental in setting up the meeting with Public Works regarding the Military Dr. construction project. This meeting allowed for your voice to be heard by county leaders. So far in 2025, I have asked that we invite Sheriff Salazar & Congressman Castro to our annual meeting so they can hear directly from homeowners and so you can hear what’s being done to mitigate mailbox theft, on all fronts! I’ve also asked for the Site Manager from Public Works to attend our meeting so that again you all can hear directly from them regarding the road construction and other utility projects impacting our community. 

This past year, I assisted in the renegotiation of our Spectrum contract, which lowered our monthly fees and allowed us to bring Spectrum employees on as Westcreek employees and bring more control back to the community, while allowing for Spectrum to continue to manage our financial accounting processes. 

This is the best neighborhood family in San Antonio and as we have grown through the years, in many ways we’ve become disconnected from one another! If elected I will be making it a priority to have our big family return to the roots of a smaller more connected community. I will do this in a variety of ways and will be enlisting your help to make this happen, because without each of you, it just can’t! I humbly ask you to please give me your vote again this April and allow me to continue to serve this wonderful community. I promise to continue to be open, honest, and to let your voice be heard! I will continue my commitment to community safety, beautification & overall improvement, while also continuing to prioritize open communication, and fiscal responsibility! I am proud to call you my neighbors and Westcreek my home! 

BOARD CANDIDATE - LYNETTE BRADLEY

I would love to be considered for the opportunity to become a Board member. I have lived in the community for 17 years after finally finding my dream home. My first home was close by, and I would often drive into the Villages of Westcreek with a sparkle in my eye, saying to myself, someday I will live here. I have always loved the way the neighborhood looked, so well maintained and uniformed. The homes were all so beautiful with well-loved lawns and exteriors. This is where I wanted to be, this is what I wanted to be a part of. It took a few years, but I finally got here! I live in the Estates with my husband and our son who graduated from Brennan. We also have 2 older daughters, a pharmacist and a teacher. And we have 2 grandchildren. One attends Brennan and the other Luna.

As a family, we volunteer for Elf Louise each year, with the exception of COVID impacted years. It’s our family tradition. I have worked for many great organizations: Chase, Citibank and now have been at USAA for almost 16 years. I have held individual contributor roles as well as leadership roles. This has afforded me a wealth of business, organizational and analytical experience which can be applied to areas outside of work and into my everyday life. Several years ago I volunteered to be an alternate member of the ARC (Architectural Review Committee) and was quickly moved to regular member and then Chair. I enjoy reviewing the PIAs (Property Improvement Applications) that are submitted and to be part of the continued maintenance and beautification of this wonderful neighborhood.

As well as being on the ARC, I was also a pioneer member of the Communications Committee and helped bring the Villages of Westcreek to the digital age by creating its Facebook presence. Last year I was a member of the Nomination Committee helping to ensure the election for the new Board members was run seamlessly. As a community member, I asked the Board to extend the decorating days for Halloween to match the winter Holidays and also to have a Halloween decorating contest similar to the Christmas contest. As I drove around the community, I could see how much residents enjoyed decorating for Halloween. This was a way to recognize and include them! It was approved and implemented. This had minimal impact to expenses but brought the community excitement.

This is an example of how your voice can be heard. I encourage each of you to be forthcoming with suggestions, concerns, or ideas. While they may not all be feasible, it doesn’t hurt to try.

Thank you, Lynette

ATTENTION PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREES

I am delighted to help bring this monetary boon to the attention of many public service retirees, including teachers, police, firefighters, government employees, and many others. 

As you may already know, or as you are currently a recipient of restored benefits from Social Security, the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO), 1977, and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), 1983, is ensuring the return of lost benefits to over three million people. H.R. 82, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, was passed by a bipartisan vote on December 20, 2024, to repeal this unfair practice of over four decades.

Benefits are being restored in 2025 but may take up to eighteen months for full implementation. That’s a lot of money for a lot of people, so be patient, check your benefits at SSA.gov, make sure your address and direct deposit information are up to date, and wait. Those who have been impacted will get results.

Source: TRTA The Voice

Submitted by: Barbara Lee - VWOA Communications Committee Chair

DATA STREAM FACILITY PART 2

Last month, we provided information about the new Data Stream facility being built at Military Drive West as you enter the Villages of Westcreek. This month, we will examine how a data center in your neighborhood could bring benefits and drawbacks. 

Potential Benefits: 

Economic Growth:  

• Job Creation: Data centers create construction jobs during building and ongoing jobs for maintenance, security, and IT support. 
• Tax Revenue: They can significantly increase local tax revenue, funding schools, infrastructure, and other community services.
• Attracting Other Businesses: Data centers can attract related businesses, such as technology companies and suppliers, further boosting the local economy. 

Infrastructure Improvements: 

• Upgraded Utilities: Data centers often require upgrades to local power grids and internet infrastructure, which can benefit the entire community. 
• Potential for Community Programs: Some data center operators may invest in local community programs or initiatives. 

Potential Drawbacks: 

Environmental Impact:

• Energy Consumption: Data centers consume large amounts of electricity, potentially straining local power grids and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Water Usage: Some data centers use significant amounts of water for cooling, which could be a concern in water-scarce areas. 
• Noise Pollution: Cooling systems and generators can produce noise, potentially disrupting nearby residents. 

Visual Impact:

• Unattractive Buildings: Data centers are often large, windowless buildings that may not be aesthetically pleasing. 
• Security Fencing: They typically have security fencing and lighting, which can alter the neighborhood's appearance. 

Traffic:

• Construction Traffic: During construction, there will be increased truck traffic, potentially causing congestion and noise. 
• Limited Long-Term Traffic: Once operational, data centers generally have low traffic volume compared to other types of businesses. 

Property Values: 

• Potential Decrease: Some residents may worry that a nearby data center could decrease property values, although this is not always the case. 

References:

• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0mlrx0jxno
• https://www.streamdatacenters.com/locations/san-antonio-iii/ 

Submitted by: Coral Fathy - VWOA Communications Committee Member

Fun Activities in San Antonio with "SA Everyday"

What sets "SA Everyday" apart is its focus on the local community. Our very own Michelle de Jongh curates events that highlight the unique culture and spirit of San Antonio. Experience the zest of local festivals, enjoy food truck gatherings, participate in outdoor concerts, or discover hidden gems around the city—all at your fingertips! Whether you're planning a full day of fun with family or a night out with friends, this weekly roundup is an indispensable tool for your social calendar.  

But it doesn't stop there! So many subscriptions offer generic listings, but "SA Everyday" immerses you in the heart and soul of the community. Michelle’s passion for San Antonio shines through each publication, making it feel like you're receiving personalized recommendations from a friend who knows the city's secrets.  

Don’t miss out on your chance to stay in the loop! Joining the "SA Everyday" family is as easy as sending an email. To subscribe, drop a line at mmsdej@yahoo.com, and get ready to receive your weekly dose of fun!  

So, why wait? Unleash your adventurous spirit and discover all that San Antonio has to offer with "SA Everyday." Your weekends will never be the same again! Let’s make memories, enjoy the local scene, and explore the vibrant life that our beautiful city has in store for us!

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - VWOA Communications Committee, Vice-Chair

HELOTES, TEXAS

Most road trips involve driving for an hour or more to find adventure. But this week, the trip is nearby. It’s just up Loop 1604 from Villages of Westcreek. You’ve probably heard of Helotes, but have you explored it? It’s like a small town in the San Antonio suburbs with free community band performances, Easter Egg Hunt April 12, free movie nights, July 4^th fireworks, and more.

1. Visit the John T. Floore Country Store. This historic venue has hosted some of the biggest names in country music, including Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Sr. Opened in 1942 by the namesake himself, John T. Floore Country Store was not a store at all, but a unique Texas Dance Hall and Cafe. Floore’s, long renowned for its world-famous tamales and homemade bread, offers a full menu of great “Texas Cafe” style food, ice cold beer and a truly unique “Texccentric” atmosphere. Select Sundays feature Dine and Dance with free admission. www.liveatfloores.com/events/

2. The MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes. This monthly arts and crafts fair takes place in the heart of Helotes. Enjoy unique shopping as local craftsman share their treasures. The event is held 9:00 AM-3:00 PM on the first Saturday of every month except May (because of the Cornyval parade). Admission is free.

3. Take a short historic walk.  Check out Old Town Helotes. This .3-mile walking tour features 11 historically significant structures. Along the tour you will see examples of simple structures, primarily of wood and limestone, reminiscent of the German-influenced Hill Country style typical of the area. Old Town Helotes also has antique shops, boutiques, and more.

4. Explore Government Canyon State Natural Area. This park offers more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic views, and the chance to see wildlife up close. You can also camp, attend a program or guided hike, geocache, picnic, take nature photos, and look for birds and other wildlife. Your kids will connect with “natural fun” at the playscape and Discovery Trail. Take a hike to see the only known dinosaur footprints on public land in Bexar County. Scientists think that Acro­can­thosaurus and Sauro­po­sei­don dinosaurs left the tracks nearly 104 million years ago. The natural area is open Friday-Monday. Entrance fees: Adult: $6 Daily; child 12 Years and Under: Free https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon

Other outdoor areas include Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area (9788 Menchaca Road), Helotes Hill Country Zip Lines, Helotes Fitness Park & Disc Golf Course (10483 Parrigin Road), and Helotes City Park & Playground (12951 Bandera Road).

5. Attend a concert or other event at the Helotes Festival Grounds. This venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and rodeos. Coming up Saturday, April 5th, is the San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival. www.sahga.org. Perhaps the most well-known is Cornyval, four days of music, food, and fun. The Helotes Cornyval and PRCA Rodeo 60th Anniversary will be May 1-4, 2025. It also features a parade through Old Town Helotes. www.cornyval.org

6. Visit a winery. Helotes is home to Dawson’s Creek Winery (previously known as Helotes Creek Winery). Take a tour and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying beautiful views of the countryside.

7. The Helotes Area Community Band. Under the direction of Chuck Kuentz, the HACB was organized in July 2008 with seven members and has grown to over 60 active musicians. The HACB performs at least three major concerts each year, including Movie Nights at the Park in the summer and various special events throughout the year.

On a nice spring day, take a short drive down Loop 1604 to Bandera Road. Turn left and explore Helotes yourself. You might enjoy the small town feel that’s still close to home. https://helotes-tx.gov/

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

HOW OVERGROWN GREENERY CREATES HOME SECURITY AND SAFETY ISSUES

It's important for homeowners to maintain the trees and shrubs around their property. Overgrown greenery can create serious security issues for you and your family.

One of the main concerns with overgrown trees and shrubs is that they can provide hiding spots for potential intruders. Burglars may use the plants to enter your home undetected, and overgrown plants can block your view of your property, making it hard to spot suspicious activity.

Another issue is that overgrown trees and shrubs can provide easier access to your home. If a plant is close enough to your house, a determined intruder could use it to climb to an upper-level window or balcony. In some cases, overgrown plants can also provide a ladder-like structure to climb over fences or walls.

Overgrown greenery can also affect your home's lighting, making it easier for intruders to move around unnoticed. This lack of lighting can also make it difficult for security cameras to capture clear footage.

Finally, overgrown trees and shrubs can present a fire hazard. Dead or dry plants can easily catch fire and quickly spread to your home or a neighboring property.

To prevent these security issues, regularly trim and maintain the trees and shrubs around your home. Plants should be kept at a safe distance from your house, especially near windows and doors. Ensure your outdoor lighting is unobstructed to provide adequate lighting at night. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your home and family safe from potential intruders.

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - VWOA Communications Committee, Vice-Chair

We are fortunate to have the Westcreek Sports Program available to our children as a community. This program not only offers opportunities for our kids to develop their athletic abilities but also provides a safe and fun environment for them to learn important life skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

One of the most important factors in the success of the Westcreek Sports Program is the dedicated volunteers who serve as coaches for the various teams. These coaches generously give their time and expertise to help our children improve their skills and reach their full potential.

The impact that these coaches have on our children cannot be overstated. Not only do they teach the fundamentals of the sport, but they also serve as positive role models and mentors for our kids. Through their guidance and encouragement, our children learn important lessons that will benefit them both on and off the field.

It is important that we recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of these volunteer coaches. If you attend a game at the Sports Park, take a moment to thank the coaches for their service to our community and their positive impact on our children's lives.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Westcreek Sports Program coach, please email our Activities Director at Activities@villagesofwestcreek.com. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated and will help ensure this valuable program's continued success for our children.

Submitted by: Austin - VWOA Lead Recreation Specialist

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