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

Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association

Communications Committee - June 2024, Edition!

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THE GARDENS' SUMMER KICKOFF BBQ UNITES NEIGHBORS

I was thrilled to witness the unity of The Gardens community as they organized a delightful BBQ party to welcome the summer. The collaborative effort of the neighborhood residents truly fostered a strong sense of community.

Special thanks to Barbara Lee, Joyce Oliver, Lee Kudasz, Olga Rodriguez, and Brad Butterweck for their exceptional planning and organization of this event. This heartwarming gathering exemplifies how neighbors can come together, get acquainted, and build a close-knit community block by block.

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.

Father's Day is a special time of year when we celebrate and honor all the amazing dads in the Villages of Westcreek. These fathers work tirelessly to provide for their families, teach their children important life lessons, and offer unwavering support and love each and every day.

We want to take a moment to recognize all of the incredible dads in our community and thank you for everything you do. Whether you are a new dad, a seasoned father, or a grandfather, we appreciate all that you bring to our community.

To all the dads in the Villages of Westcreek, we wish you a happy Father's Day filled with love, joy, and appreciation. You are an important part of our community, and we are grateful for all that you do. Thank you for being amazing role models, providers, and sources of unconditional love for your families.

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

Our Neighborhood Today is the latest addition to your SpectrumAM app, designed to ignite your curiosity and keep you connected to the pulse of your neighborhood!

Uncover new events around your city, find essential services tailored to your needs, from home improvement to healthcare and beyond. All while staying up-to-date with the pulse of your community through local news.

What can I expect?

Our Neighborhood Today is powered by AI, ensuring that the content you receive is perfectly tailored to your local area's interests.

Even more, the content we curate will be positive and uplifting. No more worrying about what you'll see on the local news channel on TV. You'll hear about the latest local events, news and more, here on Our Neighborhood Today.

Benefits:

• Discover new events, breaking news and developments, and the latest buzz in your local community
• Enjoy curated content specifically designed for your local area
• Foster a strong sense of community and belonging

Your association will be one of the first to enjoy Our Neighborhood Today! We request your feedback as your participation is vital to the growth and success of this new feature. See a post you don't like? Give it a Thumbs Down! See a post you like? Give it a Thumbs Up to specially curate the content you see to your own special preferences.

We are so excited to deliver this new experience for you. Find Our Neighborhood Today directly on the SpectrumAM app! You can easily reach this feature by navigating to the Our Neighborhood Today tab in the menu bar.

Let the discovery begin!

Regards,

Spectrum Association Management

NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR MAINTENANCE TEAM

We are thrilled to announce the newest members of our onsite maintenance department! Christian is joining us as our lead maintenance man, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team. We are also delighted to welcome back Benny, who is excited to return to a community he loves working in.

If you see Christian and Benny around the community, whether they're making repairs, tidying up, or trimming trees, please take a moment to say hello and warmly welcome them!

CHRISTIAN

BENNY

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 of May 30th, the Association has collected $740,820 in assessments from January 1st. However, there are still $69,454 in past due assessments.

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

SPORTS PARK AMENITIES UPDATE

Thanks to Austin and Keith's hard work, the tennis courts have received a much-needed cleaning. They have prepared the courts and added new lines to accommodate Pickleball. We invite everyone to come and enjoy a game on the freshly updated courts!

The soccer and football fields look fantastic! The grass on the soccer fields is the same quality as the one used on the Aggie and Longhorn football fields, which the same company installed. Next week, we will be seeding the football field with new soil, and we kindly ask everyone to refrain from accessing the blocked-off areas to allow the grass to establish itself.

In response to recent issues, we have adjusted the pool hours to end at 9:30 p.m. instead of 10:00 p.m. This change will ensure that all residents have enough time to leave the pool and the park before we close the gates at 10:00 p.m., thus avoiding the need for unnecessary overtime pay for our staff and security.

We sincerely appreciate the dedication and effort of our staff in getting everything ready for the bustling summer season at our pools and park!

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

MAILBOX REPLACEMENT UPDATE

The initial batch of mailboxes has been ordered and is scheduled for installation in the coming weeks. As we await coordination with the USPS for the exact installation date, it's important to note that these four sets of mailboxes have been significantly impacted by vandals and thefts, leading some residents to continue picking up their mail daily at the post office. The first set of mailboxes to be replaced are as follows:

• THE SUMMIT
• Creekbow
• THE WOODS
• Foxford & Crumpet
• Oakcask & Foxford
• Foxford & Whitecross

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

The Best Way to Contact VWOA Staff and Board of Directors

Social media has become increasingly popular in recent years for communicating with businesses and organizations. However, when it comes to contacting the VWOA (Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association) Staff and Board of Directors, there is a better option: calling or emailing them directly.

Residents of the Villages of Westcreek can contact the VWOA Staff and Board of Directors by calling 210-679-8761 during normal business hours. Alternatively, you can send an email to the appropriate email address. The email addresses are as follows:

• Board: board@villagesofwestcreek.com
• Community Manager: cm@villagesofwestcreek.com
• Office Manager: officemanager@villagesofwestcreek.com
• Standards Manager: standards@villagesofwestcreek.com
• Activities Manager: activities@villagesofwestcreek.com
• Front Office: frontoffice@villagesofwestcreek.com

Whether you have concerns, questions, complaints, or feedback, contacting the VWOA Staff and Board of Directors by phone or email is the best option. By doing so, you can be sure that your message will be received and addressed in a timely manner.

While social media can be a useful tool for communication, it can also be unreliable and impersonal. By contacting the VWOA Staff and Board of Directors directly, you can have a more personalized and effective dialogue with them. It also ensures that your message is received by the appropriate person and not lost in the noise of social media.

So, remember, the VWOA Staff and Board of Directors are just one call or email away. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns you may have. They are here to serve the residents of the Villages of Westcreek and are committed to providing the best possible service.

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

TACKLING LITTERING THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTION

Littering is a pressing issue that continues to plague the Villages of Westcreek, and its impact on our community cannot be overlooked. Despite the efforts of the staff to stay on top of this, we need your help. It's time for us as a community to take collective action and make a positive change in our neighborhood.

The sight of litter strewn across our streets, parks, and common areas not only tarnishes the beauty of our community but also poses significant environmental and health hazards. From plastic bags and bottles to food wrappers and cigarette butts, the presence of litter diminishes the overall appeal of our neighborhood and affects our quality of life.

Instead of just complaining about the problem, it's time for each one of us to take responsibility and contribute to the solution. Imagine the impact we could make if every resident took a proactive approach to combat littering. As we take our daily strolls around the neighborhood, let's make it a habit to carry a bag and pick up trash along the way. If everyone in our community committed to this simple act, the transformation in the appearance of our neighborhood would be remarkable.

Let's unite around the common goal of keeping our community clean and litter-free. By taking small actions individually, we can collectively create a significant positive impact. It's time for us to show our pride in the Villages of Westcreek by actively working to remove litter whenever we encounter it.

Together, we can make a difference. Let's work hand in hand to create a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant community for ourselves and for future generations.

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

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.

Early registration will kick off on June 17th and run through June 30th, offering a special discount for those who sign up early. 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

Good afternoon, residents of Villages of Westcreek, Fronterra at Westpointe, and Caracol Creek. It’s been a couple of weeks since our last update and we wanted to inform you of some upcoming milestones as we have good news to share. We believe by late June, we will be at a point to open W Military Drive to two-way traffic along the entire project limits. To do this, we’ve made some adjustments to the project phasing now that we are getting ready to start paving the north side of the roadway. Here’s what you need to know:

• Since our last update on April 30^th, the CPS Energy underground gas main work has been completed and the contractor is finishing re-grading areas along the north side of W Military Drive to allow a final asphalt surface to be placed. We anticipate paving to start early next week and should only take 3-4 working days, weather permitting.

• Here’s where plans change from our previous communication. To expedite opening the entire project limits to two-way traffic, we will focus on paving the south side of the road between Knobsby Way and Loop 1604. During this operation, traffic along the north side of W Military Drive will move in a westbound manner (opposite of how it is today). Folks wanting to travel east to Loop 1604 will use Westcreek Oaks. We expect this change to occur by June 6^th and be in place for a couple of weeks until mid-June, weather permitting. 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. Please see the directional arrows in the attached exhibit showing travel patterns.

• Once this work is complete, we can than open W Military Drive to two-way traffic while the remaining street reconstruction and sidewalk work is completed. The road will still be under construction, but you will be able to travel both eastbound and westbound. We are still on schedule for substantial project completion in August.

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

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

CASTROVILLE, TEXAS

Are you looking for a nice weekend not too far from home? Castroville is a charming town only 13 miles from Villages of Westcreek along US 90. While there, it’s easy to forget that the hustle of San Antonio is just a short drive away.

Castroville is known as The Little Alsace of Texas. It was founded in 1844 by Henri Castro and families from the French region of Alsace who raised the town on a land grant along the Medina River. Castroville is a historic community and continues to preserve and showcase the unique Alsatian architecture of the many historic homes and sites throughout the city.

One of the best ways to experience Castroville's storied past is by taking a Historic Walking Tour to view more than 70 homes and structures built between 1844 and 1920. A free map with descriptions of each can be obtained at the Steinbach Haus Visitor's Center, 100 Karm St., or the Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Other points of interest:

• The historic Landmark Inn State Historic Site is open for business once again and has eight rooms available for overnight accommodations, all furnished with antiques and authentic reproductions.
• Castroville Regional Park is a great place for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park is a premier birding destination, featuring more than 160 species of birds plus it has one of only three butterfly gardens in the state with 65 species of butterflies sighted.
• Castroville is also known as the poppy capital of Texas. Between March and late April, they pop up on every street and completely fill some spaces.
• Castroville Pottery offers handmade pottery that is both beautiful and functional. It's a great way to support local businesses and get a taste of the town's culture. There are several antique and vintage shops as well.
• The city has delicious treats at Haby's Alsatian Bakery, numerous restaurants, Medina River Winery, and the popular Dziuk's Meat Market, a Castroville staple since 1975 (be sure to try the jerky).
• Several outfitters in the area offer guided hunts for deer, wild hogs, and other game. Or try skydiving at Skydive Castroville. https://skydivecastroville.com/
• The annual Tour De Castroville is every April. Walk/Run, 5K/10K, along the Castroville Historic Walking Tour Route, or bicycle, 30mi/60mi, on a scenic loop through Castroville and into neighboring towns.

Other festive events:

• Alsatian Festival in April, Old-Fashioned 4th of July Weekend, Old Fashion Christmas (includes arts and crafts fair with 250+ booths), Candlelight Home Tour in December, St. Louis Day in August, and City-Wide Yard Sales on the first Saturday of June and November.

No matter what your interests are, Castroville has something for everyone. Plan your next day trip or weekend getaway to this quiet nearby Texas town and experience all that it has to offer.

Click here to learn more about Castroville!

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

Living a minimalist lifestyle is becoming more popular as people realize the benefits of simplifying their lives. Minimalism is not just about owning fewer things; it’s a mindset that can lead to greater happiness, less stress, and more freedom. You might want to start here:

Declutter your space – Start by decluttering your home, possibly one room at a time. Go through each one at your own pace and get rid of anything you don’t use or haven’t used in over a year. Be ruthless, and only keep the truly important things. The rest may be donated, sold or passed on to your progeny.

Simplify your wardrobe – Stick to a few basic pieces that can be mixed and matched. This may save you time and money and help you avoid the temptation to buy more clothes. As a professional I know the mixing and matching has helped enormously, but if it hasn’t been worn much, or is showing it has been worn too much, let it go.

Focus on experiences – Instead of focusing on material possessions, focus on experiences. Spend time with loved ones, maybe some relatives with whom you have lost touch, travel, try new ideas, explore new places, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Small trips can lead to bigger ones, but the fulfillment is often a personal one. Think of what makes you happy.

Practice gratitude – Focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have. It is a difficult achievement to “keep up with the Joneses”. Appreciate the things that truly matter in your life that bring you peace.

Be mindful of consumption – Avoid impulse purchases, purchasing only things that you need or love. I will often leave an item for another day, and if I think of it often, return to buy it. If I forget, it was not something I needed. This helps your attempt at minimalism in your environment and of most importance helps you save money for a more important moment.

On a personal note, I started with my books, none of which are important to anyone else, but are those that I have pored over through the years. They went to the library, donation stations, and finally, Half-Price Books. They were my friends at one time, only to become a hoarding threat, and that is not a minimalist characteristic. So get started, and enjoy the journey of some of those memories that come to mind in the process.

Submitted by Barbara Lee - VWOA Communications Committee, Member

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY

Emergencies can happen at any time, whether it be a natural disaster, power outage, or a medical emergency. It’s important to be prepared for any situation, especially when it comes to your home. Here are some tips for emergency preparedness for your home.

1. Create an Emergency Kit: The first step to emergency preparedness is to create an emergency kit. This should include items such as non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and any necessary medication. Keep your emergency kit in a designated spot that is easily accessible.

2. Have a Plan: It’s important to have a plan in case of an emergency. This should include knowing how to evacuate your home if necessary and where to meet family members. Make sure to practice this plan with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

3. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about any potential emergencies in your area. This can include signing up for local emergency alerts or simply keeping an eye on the news. Being aware of potential emergencies can help you better prepare for them.

4. Secure Your Home: Make sure your home is secure in case of an emergency. This can include having smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as securing any loose items in your home that could become a hazard during an emergency.

5. Have a Backup Power Source: It’s important to have a backup power source in case of a power outage. This can include a generator or even portable chargers for your phone or other electronic devices.

By following these tips, you can better prepare yourself and your home for any potential emergencies. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared than caught off guard.



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

Gardening in San Antonio, Texas can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating when pests invade your garden and damage your plants. While chemical pesticides are effective, they can harm beneficial insects and pollute the environment. Luckily, there are many natural pest control methods that can help keep your garden healthy and pest-free.

1. Companion Planting: Companion planting is a practice where you plant certain plants together that have a mutually beneficial relationship. Some plants repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that can control pests. For example, planting marigolds with your vegetables can help repel nematodes, while planting herbs like parsley, dill, and fennel can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that control aphids and other pests.

2. Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural oil extracted from the neem tree. It is an effective insecticide and fungicide that can control a wide range of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. It works by disrupting the insect's hormonal balance, preventing it from feeding and laying eggs. To use neem oil, mix it with water and spray it on the affected plants. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to help the oil stick to the leaves.

3. Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It is an effective insecticide that can control ants, cockroaches, fleas, and other pests. Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating the insect's exoskeleton, causing it to die. To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it around the base of your plants or directly on the pests.

4. Homemade Insecticidal Soap: Insecticidal soap is a natural insecticide made from soap and water. It works by breaking down the insect's outer coating, causing it to dehydrate and die. To make insecticidal soap, mix one tablespoon of liquid soap with one quart of water. Spray the solution directly on the pests. Be sure to test the solution on a small area of your plant before applying it to the entire plant.

By using these natural pest control methods, you can keep your garden healthy and pest-free without harming beneficial insects or polluting the environment. Remember to monitor your garden regularly and take action at the first sign of pests. With a little effort and patience, you can have a thriving garden in San Antonio, Texas.

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

The Sports Park pool schedule will change throughout the first week of June 2024 due to the swim team practice.

Mon. June 3rd

Closed from

4:30 pm-7:30 pm

Tues. June 4th

Closed for cleaning

Wed. June 5th

Closed from

4:30 pm-7:30 pm

Thurs. June 6th

Closed from

4:30 pm-7:30 pm

Fri. June 7th

Regular hours 10 am-9:30 pm

We are excited to announce that starting June 1st, the Community Center Pool will be open from 10:00 am-9:30 pm and will be closed Mondays for cleaning

Submitted by: Melissa - VWOA Assistant Community Manager

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