Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association

Communications Committee - September 1, 2023, Edition!

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I'd like to take a moment to recognize Kim Dixon for all her incredible work for our community.

She's been instrumental in getting deer crossing signs put in, as well as flashing stop signs installed. Kim has also worked tirelessly to ensure that any signs that have been knocked down are replaced promptly and that SAWS is always notified of any water main breaks. Additionally, she's been a driving force in having potholes repaired along our streets and fighting to have the roundabouts that were planned for Westcreek Oaks & W. Military Dr. removed. Thanks to her efforts, the roundabout at Sage Run & Cottonwood Way has been made much safer for our kids to navigate.

There's no doubt that Kim has made a positive impact on our community, and we are all grateful for her hard work and dedication.

Submitted by: VWOA Board of Directors and Staff

A week ago Tuesday, my husband Steve was walking the dog, trying to help strengthen his legs. When he was almost home he collapsed in the street. I wasn’t home but one of our neighbors found him and she called her parents. They came and also a retired paramedic. They called 911 and fortunately our neighbor was driving home and saw our dog Chloe. They took her home and Steve was off to the hospital again.

Anyway, I don’t know who the neighbor was but wanted to shout out to them and thank them from the bottom of my heart. This is what our neighborhood is all about, kindness, caring and compassion. I hope someday I will be in the right place to help someone in need and pay it forward.

Thanks so much!.

Submitted by: Deborah Young, VWOA Resident

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.

COMMUNITY UPDATES



• Monuments at Daisy Field and Potranco-OPEN- Maria Robinson reached out to her contact at TXDOT after the last Board meeting to confirm and get clarification on the right-of-way location. She is currently still awaiting a response. 

• Garden Lily and Tally Rd.-OPEN- Maria Robinson informed those in attendance that she had been in contact with the county to get the information regarding permitting and placing a monument in this location. Jason Dunbar has contacted the monument company, and they are working on sketches.

• Maintenance Shop Replacement -OPEN- The contract for this has been signed and the deposit invoice has been paid. This project is currently scheduled to begin after completion of the concrete pad and electrical installation.  

• Maintenance Shop Concrete Pad-OPEN- The Community Manager and Assistant Community Manager are working to set up a meeting with the vendor to discuss the process moving forward as the HOA continues to experience roadblocks with the county in the permitting process.  

• Standards Revision-CLOSED-The approved Standards Revision has been signed, filed with the county, and uploaded to the community website. A motion was made by Elaine Maurer to close this item, the motion was seconded by Brian Bush, and all Board members were in favor.  

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager

The Bexar County Public Works have released the latest Military Drive West Construction Project update. The Board of Directors and Villages of Westcreek Staff are doing their best to keep residents informed about the progress of the project.

According to the latest update, the new traffic lights will be set to red and flashing during the next phase of construction to act as a 4-way stop. The Public Works department understands that there have been concerns about turning on the traffic signals without proper notification, but they will make sure to flash the lights to get residents used to them being there. Turn-on dates will also be provided via electronic message boards on both ends of the project prior to full operation of the signals. 

It is worth noting that there are currently 134 working days remaining in the contract for this project. If we take an average of 20 working days per month, we can roughly estimate that there are still about 6 months left before the contractor incurs liquidated damages. However, this is not an exact estimate of when the project will be completed, but it gives an idea of what days they have left before the company incurs liquidated damages, which will be handled through the county. If anyone has any questions, please contact Bexar County Public Works at 210-335-6700.

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager

As concerned citizens, we urge all residents of our community to attend the upcoming Town Hall presentation from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. The topic of "One Pill Can Kill" is one that is incredibly important, especially in light of the ongoing fentanyl epidemic.

Fentanyl is an incredibly potent and dangerous drug that has been responsible for countless deaths across the country. It is often mixed with other substances and sold on the street, making it incredibly difficult to detect. Even a single pill can be lethal, and it is imperative that we educate ourselves and our loved ones about the dangers of this drug.

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office presentation promises to be informative and engaging, with experts on hand to answer any questions you may have. By attending, you will not only be learning about the dangers of fentanyl, but you will also be taking an important step toward keeping our community safe.

We hope to see you all there as we work together to combat this deadly epidemic and protect those we care about. Remember, one pill can kill, but we can make a difference together.

RESOURCE: One Pill Can Kill | DEA.gov

Submitted by: Maria Robinson - VWOA Community Manager

Our primary responsibility is to review and evaluate all financial statements and submit written recommendations to the Board. Additionally, we advise on short-term and long-term investment of association funds, assist in selecting an auditor, and aid other committees in preparing budget requests.

We also work with the Board to develop an operating budget, a schedule of capital repair and replacement expenditures, and a budget for projected capital improvements. As requested, we assist the general membership in interpreting the annual budget.

If you have a background in finance, accounting or have a general interest in asset management, we encourage you to join our committee. As a member, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community and help ensure a financially stable future for our association.

Please contact the Community Manager if you are interested in volunteering or have questions about the committee's responsibilities. You can reach her at 210-679-8761 or by mail at cm@villagesofwestcreek.com.

ZOOM MEETING DETAILS

Friday, September 15, 2023, at 3 pm.

The Zoom Link will be emailed to all those that volunteer to serve on this committee!

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

As we approach the holiday season, it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding the display of decorations in our community. The newly revised Standards state that holiday decorations may be displayed on the premises without ARC approval. However, specific guidelines regarding when and how long decorations can be displayed must be followed.

HOLIDAY DECORATING SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Halloween

• Decorations Up - September 21, 2023
• Decorations Down - November 15, 2023

Thanksgiving

• Decorations Up - October 24, 2023
• Decorations Down - December 8, 2023

Christmas

• Decorations Up - November 15, 2023
• Decorations Down - January 16, 2024

New Year's

• Decorations Up - November 22, 2023
• Decorations Down - January 16, 2024

It's important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all residents in our community. Let's spread holiday cheer within the appropriate timeframe and keep our surroundings beautiful and welcoming.

Standards Reference: Article 6.7

For specific questions about the Standards, you can contact the Standards Manager at standards@villagesofwestcreek.com.  

Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher - Alternate Member, VWOA Architectural Review Committee

The Villages of Westcreek is gearing up for its annual holiday decorating contests! As we approach the holiday season, residents are excited to participate in the Halloween and Christmas decorating competitions. The dates for judging will be announced soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for updates.

To give more homes the chance to showcase their creativity, the community has decided that if you placed first, second, or third in the previous year's competition, you will not be eligible to compete this year. However, you can enter again the following year.

This is an excellent opportunity for everyone in the community to get involved and show off their holiday spirit. We can't wait to see the festive and creative displays that residents come up with this year. So, start planning your decorations and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!

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

WESTCREEK RESIDENTS MAKING AN IMPACT

Thank you, Westcreek community, for your amazing support of our School Supply Drive for our community schools!

Your contributions significantly impacted students' lives, providing them with much-needed supplies to succeed in school. We are grateful for your kindness and support.

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

CASINO NIGHT LUAU 2023

The Staff of the Villages of Westcreek Owners Association would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the members of our community who made the recent "Casino Night Luau 2023" event a huge success! We sincerely hope that everyone had a fantastic time, and we can't wait to have you join us again for the next one.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Submitted by: Anysa - VWOA Lead Residential Specialist

We are thrilled to announce that Barbara Lee, a beloved longtime resident, has joined the Villages of Westcreek Communications Committee. She will be working with us on the publication of Westcreek Living, where she will undoubtedly bring her expertise and skill sets as a former English Teacher. We are confident that her contributions will significantly enhance the quality of our community newsletter, and we look forward to working with her.

Please join us in welcoming Barbara Lee to the Communications Committee!

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

As the summer days come to a close, it's important to remember that school is now back in session. With the start of the school year, it's essential for residents of the Villages of Westcreek to take extra precautions when driving through school zones.

School zones are designed to ensure the safety of our children as they walk or bike to school. These zones are marked with special signs and are typically located near schools or other areas where children are likely to be present.

When driving through a school zone, it's important to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for children crossing the street or walking along the sidewalk. Avoid distractions such as cell phones or loud music, and be prepared to stop at any time.

Remember, it's not just the speed limit that's important in school zones. You should also pay attention to other rules of the road, such as stopping for school buses with flashing lights and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep our children safe as they head back to school this fall. Let's work together to make the Villages of Westcreek a safe community for all.

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

September is a crucial month as it marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this time, it's vital that we come together as a community to support those struggling with their mental health, educate ourselves about the warning signs of suicide, and learn how we can help those in crisis. 

If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, know that there are many resources available to offer help and support. These resources include hotlines, support groups, and therapy. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always hope. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and knowing that help is available is crucial. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can work towards creating a world where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death. Let's use this month to spread love and compassion and make a positive difference in the lives of people around us. 

For more information and resources, please visit the following websites:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: https://save.org/
• Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/
• Veterans Suicide Prevention: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/suicide-prevention/

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

Hoarding and collecting are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different from one another. Hoarding refers to the excessive accumulation of objects or possessions to the point where they become a health and safety hazard, while collecting is a hobby or passion that involves the acquisition of specific items or objects.

Hoarding is a mental disorder that affects an estimated 2-5% of the population. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. People who hoard often have difficulty letting go of possessions, even if they are broken, useless, or unsanitary. This can lead to cluttered living spaces, unsanitary conditions, and even fire hazards.

On the other hand, collecting is a hobby that many people around the world enjoy. Collectors are often passionate about a particular item or category of items, such as stamps, coins, or figurines. They may spend years searching for rare or valuable pieces to add to their collection and take great pride in displaying and caring for their treasures.

While hoarding and collecting may seem similar on the surface, the two have some key differences. Collectors are usually organized and selective in their acquisitions, while hoarders often accumulate items indiscriminately. Collectors also typically have a clear goal or purpose in their hobby, while hoarders may not be able to articulate why they are holding onto certain items.

In conclusion, it is important to understand the differences between hoarding and collecting. While collecting can be a healthy and enjoyable hobby, hoarding is a serious disorder that requires professional help. If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, it is important to seek out resources and support to address the underlying issues.

Next month we will address the impact of Hoarding on the community!

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

As we grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult to carry out daily activities without assistance. This is why it is important to lend a helping hand to our elderly neighbors who may be struggling with various tasks.  There are numerous ways in which we can help our elderly neighbors and make their lives easier.

One of the simplest ways to help is by offering to run errands for them.  This could include picking up groceries, medication, or other necessary items.  It may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a huge difference in their day-to-day lives.

Another way to help is by simply checking in on them regularly.  A quick phone call or visit can go a long way in making them feel less isolated and more connected to their community.  It also gives them someone to talk to and share their thoughts and feelings with.

If your elderly neighbor needs assistance with household chores, offer to help with tasks such as cleaning, laundry, or yard work.  These tasks can become increasingly difficult as we age, and having a helping hand can make all the difference.

Finally, it is important to be patient and understanding when interacting with our elderly neighbors.  They may move at a slower pace or have difficulty hearing or seeing but treating them with kindness and respect can make all the difference in their day.

In conclusion, helping our elderly neighbors can make a huge difference in their lives. Simple acts of kindness and assistance can go a long way in making them feel valued and connected to their community.  So why not lend a helping hand and make a difference today?

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

RECYCLING IN WESTCREEK

Are you passionate about recycling? Then join me on the journey! There's always room for one more to keep our environment clean and green. As you know, the waste management companies that service our area include Tiger Sanitation, Frontier, and Republic. Depending on which company you use, their collection days may vary a bit. 

There is some skepticism in Westcreek about whether the recycling programs are truly working. Some people believe that recyclables and regular waste are being disposed of in landfills. But after contacting each company and speaking with their representatives, I can assure you that they do recycle and stay true to their agreements. 

The biggest concern is actually with individual households doing their part to recycle as much as possible. Common recyclables include paper, plastic (not bags), cans, and cardboard. Unfortunately, none of the waste management companies accept glass, meaning it ends up in landfills. However, there is hope on the horizon. 

A new multi-million dollar MRF facility (Material Recycling, Reclamation, Re-use, Recovery Facility) is being built in southeast San Antonio on Freeport Road. This facility will increase efficiency, improve recycling, and reduce waste, including glass. 

Recycling is as easy as 1-2-3. Keep your container in an accessible location, rinse items if they contained food, and do not use or recycle plastic bags, as they can shut down an entire recycling plant. Instead, take them to your local grocer. Once you establish the habit of recycling, you'll be amazed at how easy and fulfilling it is. And don't forget to share your passion with others. Together, we can achieve our common goal of a cleaner, more friendly environment.

Next month we will explore options on how to recycle old electronic equipment.

Submitted by: Barbara Lee, VWOA Communications Committee Member

Digging and Planting Trees and Shrubs? Call 811 First!

Fall is generally the best time for planting trees, shrubs, and perennials in South Texas. After you research which plants you want to incorporate into your landscape and where you want to place them, there is one more step to take before you dig.

If you are planning on planting trees and shrubs, and even some larger perennials, you need to know what lies underground in the area you desire to plant in. CPS has a tagline, “call before you dig.” You really need to make sure you know where any electric, gas, phone, and water lines are that might be running through your property. Call 811 a few days before you want to plant. Explain your planting plans and a crew will come out and mark your property.

Reasons to Call 811 Before Planting Trees and Shrubs

You may be surprised to find that some utility lines are not buried very deep at all, especially after years of soil erosion has taken place. Calling 811 can possibly save your life (eliminating the possibility of shock if your shovel hits a power line). Plus, it’s the law. If you decide to risk it, not call, and end up damaging a line, you may find yourself paying a hefty fine and possibly be cited with a Class B misdemeanor. 

Make your calls in September and early October and you’ll be ready to plant trees and shrubs starting mid-October and on. 

You can access the call811.com website for more details: https://call811.com/

Information courtesy of Rainbow Gardens www.rainbowgardens.biz.

Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh - VWOA Communications Committee Secretary

The Villages of Westcreek offers a variety of Health and Fitness Programs throughout the year. Please click on the following link to see the latest information about these programs:  https://villagesofwestcreek.com/recreation/healthandfitness/

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

We just wanted to inform you that the pool schedule will change starting on September 5th. As summer comes to an end, we want to make sure everyone is aware of the new schedule. Be sure to keep an eye on the schedule for any updates or changes throughout the season. Stay safe, and have fun!

ENJOY BINGO on Tuesday, September 12^th at 1:00 PM

Did you know that the Village of Westcreek hosts Bingo Games in the Community Center every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.? It's a great opportunity to have some fun and connect with your amazing neighbors. This game is suitable for all ages so that parents can bring their kids along, too! You'll enjoy an hour of fun and prizes for just $2 per person (or a prize donation).

We would love to have you join us for this fun and friendly game. Let's make it a memorable day! We hope to see you there.

Submitted by: Melissa Garcia - VWOA Office Manager

Looking for something more advanced and competitive for your player?

Westcreek Sports has teamed up with Rush Soccer to provide your children with the next level of soccer education and play. Rush is offering competitive soccer and coaching for your child's development. Rush offers access to their global network of over 160 clubs worldwide; with guest play options locally, nationally, and globally. Take your game to the next level! Rush is also giving free coaching education, bring your team or player to Rush! Club Soccer at an affordable cost! For more information check out their website:  www.rushsouthtexas.com.

Submitted by: Jason Dunbar - VWOA Parks and Recreation Manager

Phone -210-748-2245