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

Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association

Communications Committee - July 2024, Edition!

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Gratitude for Neighborly Assistance: The Story of John and Elaine Maurer

A heartfelt thank you to my amazing neighbors, John and Elaine Maurer! I am incredibly grateful for your kindness and assistance when I needed help.

After a bad fall left me with injuries to my foot, knees, wrists, and shoulder, I reached out on social media for assistance in planting some plants in the garden. Elaine contacted me and informed me that John wanted to help plant them for me at no charge. Just a few hours later, John dropped by and planted the plants despite the hot and humid weather with high heat indexes. John, your selfless act of kindness touched my heart, and every time I look at those plants, I'm reminded of the wonderful people who make up our community. Thank you both for your incredible generosity and support.

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher

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.

VWOA Board of Directors (BOD) Announce Changes to Open Meetings

At the June VWOA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting, the Board voted to change its open meetings schedule. In a significant decision impacting community engagement, the BOD has decided that these meetings will now take place on the third Thursday of the second month of each quarter. Additionally, these meetings will be designed as hybrid events, allowing for both in-person attendance and online participation.

This change aims to provide greater accessibility and flexibility for residents and stakeholders to participate. The move to hybrid meetings reflects the Board's commitment to embracing modern communication technologies while maintaining face-to-face interaction and collaboration opportunities.

The revised meeting schedule and format are expected to enhance transparency and inclusivity, enabling a wider range of community members to engage with the VWOA BOD and contribute to discussions on matters that affect the community.

Overall, the VWOA BOD's decision to transition to hybrid meetings signals a proactive approach to adapting to its constituents' evolving needs and preferences, ultimately fostering a more connected and participatory community.

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

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

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

WESTCREEK LIVING IS CELEBRATING 6 YEARS OF PUBLICATION

We want to take a moment to offer our hearty congratulations to the VWOA Communications Committee for publishing "Westcreek Living" for the past six years. Westcreek Living is the longest monthly newsletter in the history of the VWOA.

The Communications Committee created and recommended the concept, initial design, and layout of the monthly newsletter. Members volunteered to put the newsletter together, resulting in time and cost savings for our Association. This publication is 100% volunteer-driven and exemplifies what our volunteers can do.

The Communications Committee's contributions to the Villages of Westcreek are invaluable, and we are grateful for their impact. Once again, on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and community, congratulations and thank you for your dedication!

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

As you begin to plan for back-to-school shopping, keep in mind Texas has a tax-free weekend coming in August. Consider waiting for these extra savings.

You can pay no tax on clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies from Friday, August 9, through Sunday, August 11, 2024.

CLICK HERE for more information on what is included and what is not for the Sales Tax Holiday!

Submitted by: Lynette Bradley - VWOA Board of Directors, Assistant Secretary

Prepare for an exciting 2024 Fall soccer season as we unveil our new sports fields. Our fields have undergone significant improvements to ensure a safer and more enjoyable playing experience for our coaches and players.

Parents will have until August 4th to register their kids. You can register online at www.westcreeksports.com.

Practices will commence on August 26th, with the first game scheduled for September 7th. The regular season will last eight weeks, with an additional week designated as a make-up date. The season will culminate with the 2024 Fall Westcreek Soccer Tournament on November 9th.

Austin, VWOA Lead Recreational Specialist

ATTENTION ALL RESIDENTS OF THE GARDENS

The VWOA will be conducting street sweeping on July 3, 2024. Please be aware that the contractor will only perform this activity on the streets in the Gardens, which are the only streets in our community owned by the VWOA.

If you are a resident of the Gardens, please park all vehicles in your garage or driveway to ensure that the contractor can sweep the streets without any obstacles.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our neighborhood clean and well-maintained.

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

The next phase of construction that we wrote to you about in the June 12th email was delayed approximately one week due to last week’s weather. However, our contractor is now able to complete this work, and traffic will revert back to a one-way configuration for approximately one week beginning Monday, July 1st.  During this operation, traffic along the north side of W. Military Drive will move in a westbound manner. Folks wanting to travel east to Loop 1604 will use Westcreek Oaks, as previously communicated. During this timeframe, the contractor will be removing the top layer of existing asphalt (“milling”) and then overlaying it with new asphalt between Knobsby Way and Loop 1604. This will complete all paving from Courtland Oaks/Knobsby Way to Loop 1604. Two-way traffic along W. Military Drive is anticipated to resume by July 10th.

In addition, you may have noticed a large steel plate on the roadway at the intersection of Westcreek Oaks. A small void was uncovered a few days ago requiring our contractor to investigate its origins. Our contractor has investigated and plans to backfill and restore the area next week as well.

Thank you again for your patience as we continue to complete this project.

Click here to view the updated detour map!

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

BULVERDE, TEXAS

The City of Bulverde is known as The Front Porch of the Texas Hill Country. It is in a picturesque place of rolling hills and valleys, only a few miles from Canyon Lake, the Honey Creek Recreational Area and Guadalupe State Park. Bulverde is 19 miles west of New Braunfels and 22 miles north of downtown San Antonio. It’s less than a one-hour-drive from Villages of Westcreek at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 281 and State Highway 46.

The Old Village of Bulverde, known simply as “The Village,” is located in historic downtown Bulverde and is the site of a growing community of artists, handcrafters, antique and vintage merchants, and food and wine enthusiasts. Visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bulverdetexas

Tejas Rodeo Company, which calls itself the “Greatest Show on Dirt,” has rodeos every Saturday night March-November. It’s only $30 for ages 13 and older; $20 for ages 3-12. www.tejasrodeo.com

Bulverde Market Day is held on the 2nd & 4th Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at 2545 Bulverde Road. It’s open all year, rain or shine. This market is home to 25+ makers of art, products, and specialty foods.  Upcoming markets: July 13 & 27

Other sites of interest include:

• The Farmyard petting zoo and pony rides. www.thefarmyard.org/
• Bulverde Community Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including basketball courts, a playground, and a picnic area.
• Guadalupe River State Park
• Honey Creek State Natural Area
• Numerous distilleries, wineries, and vineyards

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

In a few days, we will celebrate the Fourth of July. Like years past, you can count on fireworks being a part of the celebration. Fireworks also bring on the threat of house fires. With that in mind, we would like to share some simple tips on protecting your home from fires caused by fireworks.

CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS

Most homeowners are guilty of having gutters filled with leaves, twigs, and other flammable debris. It just takes a stray spark from a firework to set off a fire that suddenly engulfs your gutters and roof. To avoid this, please ensure all your gutters are cleaned and cleared. Also, make sure you have no accumulation of leaves on your roof. Dispose of all the debris in your landscape because it can just as quickly catch fire.

WATER YOUR LANDSCAPE

Another tip is to water your landscape and fence line before you and your neighbors start a fireworks celebration. A fire in your landscape can quickly spread toward your home and cause fire damage.

If you plan to include fireworks in your celebration, please review the Fire Marshal's website for information regarding the Prohibited use of Fireworks.

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

Abandoned vehicles on public streets can be a nuisance and a safety hazard, especially when left unattended for extended periods. In the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas, rules and regulations are in place to deal with abandoned vehicles.

What is Considered an Abandoned Vehicle?

• An abandoned vehicle is a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer left unattended on a public street, highway, or right-of-way for more than 48 hours. The vehicle must also be inoperable, wrecked, dismantled, or partially dismantled.

Are Vehicles on Public Streets Considered Abandoned if They Don't Have a License Plate Affixed to the Vehicle?

• Yes, a vehicle on a public street without a license plate affixed to it can be considered abandoned if it meets the above criteria. Even if the vehicle is parked legally, it can be classified as abandoned if left unattended for over 48 hours and is inoperable, wrecked, dismantled, or partially dismantled.

Who Has Jurisdiction to Enforce It?

• The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction over the unincorporated areas of Bexar County. It is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations related to abandoned vehicles. If you see an abandoned vehicle on a public street in the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, you can report it to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office will investigate the report and take appropriate action.

What Happens to Abandoned Vehicles?

• If a vehicle is determined to be abandoned, the Sheriff's Office will post a notice on the vehicle indicating that it will be removed within a certain period of time. If the vehicle owner does not claim it within the specified time, it will be towed and impounded. The vehicle's owner will pay all towing and impound fees. If the owner does not claim the vehicle and pay the fees within a certain period of time, the vehicle may be sold at public auction.

In Conclusion

Abandoned vehicles on public streets can be a nuisance and a safety hazard. In the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction to enforce the rules and regulations related to abandoned vehicles. If you see an abandoned vehicle on a public street, you can report it to the Sheriff's Office, and they will take appropriate action. Remember that it is the responsibility of vehicle owners to dispose of their vehicles properly, and failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.

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

The Villages of Westcreek is a beautiful community that boasts of its abundance of oak trees. These trees are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide numerous benefits to the environment and the community itself. However, there is a threat that could potentially wipe out these trees, and that is oak wilt.

Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects oak trees, and it can spread quickly through root grafts or by sap-feeding beetles. Once infected, the tree's water-conducting system is disrupted, and it eventually dies. The disease has been found in the Villages of Westcreek, and it is essential to take preventative measures to protect these trees.

One of the best ways to protect your trees is to avoid pruning them during the spring months, which includes the beginning of February through the end of June. Oak wilt is most likely to spread during this time, so it is best to prune during the fall and winter when the beetles are less active and when the fungal mats where the beetles pick up the oak wilt fungal spores are not fresh. When pruning oaks, even in fall and winter, always paint open cuts on the tree immediately after each cut. This includes any damage or wounds to any part of the tree (branches, trunk, or roots) that exposes live wood, similar to pruning, as any fresh wound can attract the beetles carrying oak wilt spores. Regular paint or spray paint from the hardware store is adequate. Tree wound products are fine as well, but not necessary. Note: if you are pruning non-oak species, like elms, ashes, crape myrtles, etc., it is not necessary to paint cuts made on these trees and is actually not advised.

If you suspect that your tree is infected with oak wilt, it is essential to contact a certified arborist immediately. They can diagnose the tree and recommend the best course of action to prevent the spread of the disease. Keep in mind that the continual two-year drought has had a negative impact on our trees, so make sure you get a confirmation of oak wilt from a qualified and certified arborist before moving forward with oak wilt treatments because drought stress symptoms can be easily confused with oak wilt symptoms.

In conclusion, the oak trees in the Villages of Westcreek are an essential part of the community, and it is crucial to take preventative measures to protect them from oak wilt. By avoiding pruning during the spring and early summer, painting all open wounds and cuts on oaks immediately, and contacting a certified arborist if you suspect an infection, we can preserve these beautiful trees for future generations to enjoy. For more information on oak wilt, visit https://texasoakwilt.org/

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

YOGA FOR ALL

If you wake up in the morning not feeling too energized, maybe a bit achy, grab a coffee, sit down and turn on chair yoga. Truly a way to get your day going with your body ready for all the tasks at hand, yoga will not only boost your energy level but ensure the bones and muscles are prepared for the day. Personally, I have found yoga to be an answer to a prayer, and it doesn’t cost one red cent.

The benefits of yoga are well worth the effort as I have experienced as a 70+ woman. I have regained the well-being I had been slowly losing over time: flexibility, strength, mobility, mental clarity, stress relief, and many more. My preference is chair yoga. Yours may be other, just check it out on YouTube.

YOUTUBE!? Yes, you can find everything on YouTube. There are many instructors and many forms of yoga. Search for the one that is just right for you. I have. It’s chair yoga with some standing variations that serve my purpose, and such a variety that targets specific areas of my body as needed, never boring. You will need nothing to start, only the internet or your television for YouTube. Work out in your pajamas or sportswear any time of the day or night, and having a partner for accountability makes it more fun. 

So don’t waste any more time, get up and get going, your quality of life is in your hands. And if I may make a suggestion, try Lauren Eckstrom’s Senior Shape, working at your own pace as she often quotes “you just do you”.

Submitted by: Barbara Lee - 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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