Fire Inspector: Tim Zelenak Ext. 2990 | tzelenak@windcrest-tx.gov
Police Department: Chief Jim Cole Ext. 2130 | jcole@windcrest-tx.gov
Code Enforcement | Animal Control 210-655-2666
City Website: www.windcrest-tx.gov
Windcrest Economic Development Corporation
Director: Mario Hernandez
210-469-6802 | marioh@satx.rr.com
Coordinator: Karen K. Nelson
210-469-6800 | knelson@windcrest-tx.gov
Bexar County Water District #10 General Manager: David Wallace
210-655-2888 | gmbcwcid10@gmail.com
Mon – Thu 8 AM – 4 PM | Fri 8 AM – 3 PM Water Emergencies: 210-422-4159
24-Hour Police Non-Emergency 210-655-2666
ALL EMERGENCIES
FIRE – EMS – POLICE
24 HOURS A DAY 911 SUICIDE & CRISIS HOTLINE - CALL 988
Mayor’s Message Dan Reese
Welcome to Fall! We are in the middle of football season. Our yearly National Night Out is celebrated on October 1st, and this year we'd like to emphasize the traditional concept of encouraging neighbors to get outside to get to know each other to help keep an eye out for one another.
Windcrest Volunteer Program/Block Coordinator - You may have seen people wearing t-shirts with the “Windcrest Volunteer” logo around our community and at city events. These individuals are part of the Windcrest Volunteer citizen group with the goal of assisting their neighbors with small tasks they are not able to complete themselves. The group also helps with city and civic events as they can. If you have a little extra time and want to help your neighbors and your community, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Anita Luna-Caulk. The City website has a way for you to identify yourself as someone who might be able to help. Simply, go on the City of Windcrest website, www.windcrest-tx.gov, from the home page, select “Community” then “Get Involved.” From the “Get Involved” page, scroll to the Volunteer Interest Form and complete. You can select one or many projects/activities you would be interested in volunteering for. This group is also a great way to meet your neighbors. If you know of a project that might be a good fit for the group, please contact Anita at her email: volunteer@windcrest-tx.gov.
Use this QR code to go to the website to register for the Volunteer Program
Windcrest International Business Park (WIBP) – Hopefully, you have seen this large sign on the access road along I-35. I particularly like the fact that “Windcrest” is the most prominent part of the sign. There is a lot of activity going on at the old Rackspace property. The owners, Industrial Commercial Properties (ICP), are busy getting the property ready for new occupants. They expect the Austin based business “Nadine West” to locate their headquarters on site in February. Other businesses are in the works and hopefully, we will be able to make more announcements soon. The transition of the property provides opportunities for other businesses. With the termination of the previous agreement, Windcrest will now not be required to split the property and sales taxes on the other commercial properties to the South of the WIBP property toward Eisenhauer Rd.
Windcrest Elections – Windcrest Citizens will be voting on Places 1, 2 and 3 on our City Council in November. Here are some important dates:
• October 7, 2024, Monday – Last day to register to vote.
• October 21, 2024, Monday – First day of early voting by personal appearance.
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• October 25, 2024, Friday – Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked).
• November 1, 2024, Friday – Last day of early voting by personal appearance.
• November 5, 2024, Tuesday – Election Day.
The closest polling place will be at our own Takas Park Civic Center at 9310 Jim Seal Drive.
“Coffee with the Mayor” continues to be very helpful for me as well as those who can participate. Meetings are every Saturday at 8:30 am at Las Palapas on Walzem Road. You are welcome to come and go as you please and have coffee on me!
“Code Enforcement & Compliance
By Daniel Fox, Police Code Compliance Agent
We would like to remind you to cut your grass regularly. Maintaining a well-groomed lawn goes beyond mere aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in promoting the health of your outdoor space and the well-being of those who enjoy it. Regular grass cutting is a fundamental aspect of lawn care that offers a myriad of benefits, ranging from enhancing the visual appeal of your property to safeguarding against potential health hazards.
• Benefits to keeping your grass well-trimmed:
• Increase the aesthetic of your home and property value
• Reduce allergens
• Pest control
• Preventing falls
• Promoting biodiversity
• Sustainability
• Prevent soil erosion
Remember to please properly dispose of fallen tree branches. Be sure to have your tree trimmed high enough that it won't disrupt passing fire trucks. If you have an oak tree, be sure to first get a Tree Trimming Permit from the Windcrest Permits Department.
By Jennifer Newman, President, WEDC Board
the importance of creating a city master plan
In the ever-evolving landscape of Windcrest, Texas, having a comprehensive City Master Plan is crucial for guiding our community's growth and ensuring a high quality of life for all residents. A City Master Plan serves as a strategic blueprint that helps shape the future of our city, balancing development with sustainability and addressing the needs and aspirations of our residents.
Creating a City Master Plan is vital for several reasons. First, it provides a clear vision for the future, helping city leaders, businesses, and residents understand where we are heading and what we hope to achieve. This vision includes everything from infrastructure improvements to zoning regulations, land use, transportation, and public spaces.
Second, a Master Plan ensures that growth is managed responsibly. By outlining guidelines for development, the plan helps prevent haphazard or unchecked expansion that could strain city resources or detract from the character of our community. It also identifies opportunities for economic development while preserving the charm and uniqueness of Windcrest.
Third, the planning process fosters community engagement. Residents have the opportunity to voice their opinions, share their ideas, and contribute to the future of Windcrest. This collaborative approach ensures that the Master Plan reflects the collective vision of our community, making it a true representation of our shared goals.
A City Master Plan is not just a document—it's a roadmap to Windcrest's thriving, sustainable, and vibrant future. Let's work together to shape our city's future with purpose and vision.
We build our life one decision at a time.
Unknown Author
Light Up Theme
This year, Windcrest is lighting up the holiday season with a special theme: "Blue Sapphire" As we commemorate our City's 65th anniversary, we invite all residents and businesses to participate in the annual Light-Up event. Here are the exciting categories you can enter:
Best Street and/or Cul-de-sac: Celebrate the 65th anniversary with your neighbors by creating a spectacular display. This category rewards the street or cul-de-sac with the most dazzling decorations, emphasizing the "Blue Sapphire" theme. (Each house on the street can also enter individual categories.)
Craft / Best Use of Homemade Décor: Show off your creativity and craftsmanship by incorporating homemade decorations into your display. This category highlights the best use of handcrafted items, with a focus on integrating the "Blue Sapphire" theme.
Best Multimedia: Bring your decorations to life with multimedia elements. This category honors the best use of choreographed lights, sounds, movies, or animations. Incorporate elements that reflect the "Blue Sapphire" theme and the spirit of Windcrest's 65th anniversary.
Best Use of Inflatables: Transform your yard into a festive wonderland with inflatable decorations. This category awards the most impressive display of inflatables, ideally featuring elements that align with this year's theme.
Religious: Create a display that reflects the true spirit of the season with a religious theme. This category celebrates the best-decorated home with religious elements, enhanced by incorporating the "Blue Sapphire" theme.
Best Use of Lights: Illuminate the night with a breathtaking light display. This category recognizes the house with the most effective and stunning use of lights, focusing on this year’s theme.
Most Welcoming: Make your home the most inviting on the block. This category awards the best-decorated and most welcoming mailbox, doorway, or porch area, incorporating elements of the "Blue Sapphire" theme to mark Windcrest's 65th anniversary.
Best Business: Businesses can join the festivities by decorating their storefronts. This category honors the business with the best decorations featuring the "Blue Sapphire" theme to celebrate the city’s anniversary.
In addition to the above categories, two special Overall Awards will be given:
Best in Show: The overall best-decorated house in Windcrest. This prestigious award goes to the home that stands out the most in creativity, execution, and alignment with the "Blue Sapphire" theme.
Best Use of Theme: This award goes to the house that best embodies the "Blue Sapphire" theme, showcasing creativity and spirit in celebrating Windcrest's 65th anniversary.
We hope everyone will join in the fun and help make this year’s Windcrest Light-Up a truly sparkling celebration of our City's 65th anniversary!
Community First
POLICE DEPARTMENT
By Jim Cole Windcrest Chief of Police
Thank you to everyone that participated in National Night Out, an event that brings forward a positive relationship between the Police and the Community we serve. We have Trunk or Treat coming up October 31 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at City Hall. We are accepting candy donations. All donations will be inspected before distribution to families. Stop by to show off your costumes and fill your candy bags before heading over to the haunted house next door!
F.D.News
FIRE DEPARTMENT
By Ivan Hernandez Windcrest Fire Chief
Losing your memory and ability to think and reason is a frightening feeling. Several neurological conditions that affect the brain and worsen over time are classified under the general term, Dementia, and many of our very own senior citizens are being affected by these conditions on a daily basis. The signs of dementia are so subtle that they may not be immediately recognized. Some people may even dismiss them as a normal aspect of aging. It is critical to understand and recognize the signs of dementia so that you or a loved one can receive immediate treatment and live as comfortably as possible. Please consider visiting a physician if any of the following top ten signs of dementia apply to you or a loved one:
• Frequent Memory Loss
• Losing Track of Time and Place
• Decreased or Poor Judgment
• Difficulty with Familiar and Daily Tasks
• Personality and Mood Changes
• Misplacing Things
• Inability to Concentrate
• Social Withdrawal
• Problems with Language
• Repeating Things
Wearing the Windcrest Badge
Highlighting Badge 703
Wearing Badge 703, Heleina Floyd is the newest member of the Windcrest Police Department. Before joining the department she attended St. Edwards University where she played soccer and got a degree in forensic science. She is excited to build new connections with the people she works with and the community. In her free time she enjoys staying active, working out, and trying new recipes.
A Message From Fire Inspector, Tim Zelenak
With Halloween upon us, here are some trick-or-treat safety tips for you and your little monsters:
• When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out of.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
• Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily.
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-olanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trickor-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames and be sure they know how to stop drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.
With these precautions in mind, you can focus on making this Halloween a night of unforgettable fun and excitement. Stay safe, be cautious, and enjoy all the treats (and a few tricks) that come your way!
Election time is here. On November 5, 2024, the City of Windcrest will hold a General Election for City Councilmember Place 1, and City Councilmember Place 3. Registered voters will be able to vote early and on voting day at 9310 Jim Seal Dr. at the Takas Park Civic Center. You may refer to the Elections webpage for the early voting calendar, https://www.windcresttx.gov/510/City-Elections
You may also refer to the CoW Elections webpage, https://www. windcrest-tx.gov/510/City- Elections, to view the sample ballot. Last day to register to vote is Monday, October 7. You may pick up a voter registration application at City Hall located at 8601 Midcrown at the Administration/Court window, Monday –Friday 8AM – 4PM.
November 5, 2024 Election Day Calendar
Monday, October 7: Last day for submitting voter registration application in time to vote at the election or for requesting transfer of registration in time to vote in new precinct not in the same county and territory.
Monday, October 21: First Day for early voting by personal appearance.
Friday, November 1: Last day for early voting by personal appearance.
Refer to the City of Windcrest Elections Page for additional information regarding the proposed charter amendments and election information. You may also call Bexar County Elections Department for information regarding vote center sites at 210355-8683.
Time for a Seasonal Spruce-Up
By Donna Fossum, SAWS Gardenstyle San Antonio
In South Texas, we’re fortunate to have milder winter weather in November and December. That makes it the perfect time to get outdoors and tend to some landscape chores. And while you’re out in your yard, it’s a great time to start planning your holiday scheme, too.
I don’t know about you, but after a brutal, hot summer I am so ready to spend lots of time outside tootling about my yard and making it pretty.
Here’s an easy way to get started with these “Ps”:
• Planting – fall is the ideal time in South Texas to plant trees and perennials.
• Pruning – late November through the middle of February is the best time to prune trees and large shrubs.
• Planning – think about what fared well and what didn’t this past year. For example, if you’ve replaced turf more than twice in the past five years, now is a good time to go in another direction.
• Provide – fall and early winter are the most important times to provide nutrition and organic matter to plants.
Use slow release products like winter fertilizer, organic blends, or compost.
Always call 811 before you begin an excavation project, even small ones, so that all utilities can be identified and marked. Dig with care. Damages are avoided when safe digging procedures are followed. So call 811 before you dig!
LIONS CLUB NEWS
By Lion Tim Flick
Get ready Windcrest, our awesome Chili Cornbread dinner is right around the corner. So be sure to contact one of your neighborhood Lions Club members and get your tickets early! As always, children under 10 (eating in) are free. We also have vegetarian chili. We can’t wait to see you there
WWC 1st VP, Jan Roberts (on the left) with Kimberly Parker
Windcrest Volunteer Group Neighbors helping Neighbors CLUB
The Windcrest Women’s Club kicked off its 20242025 season in August with a birthday celebration for some of our members, and a presentation on the State of the City by Mayor Dan Reese!
Join us on October 23rd at 6:30pm at Windcrest’s Red Lobster! Dining is optional - fun is free! Laura Sutton, from Child Advocates of San Antonio (CASA), will be our guest speaker. She will be sharing information with us on how their volunteer program advocates for child welfare in Bexar County.
Light Up is just around the corner! It’s a BLUE SAPPHIRE Christmas! Stay tuned for more information on all of the exciting events in store as we celebrate our City’s 65th Anniversary!
Remember, it’s never too late to join the Windcrest Women’s Club! Membership is open year-round, visit our website WindcrestWomensClub.org.
Join the Windcrest Volunteer Group: Make a Difference in Your Community
The Windcrest Volunteer Group has been hard at work, making a significant impact in our community. Recently, a dedicated team of volunteers braved the summer heat to distribute door hangers across the city. With just seven volunteers, they managed to distribute 239 door hangers in just one hour! This accomplishment highlights the power of teamwork and the commitment of our core group of volunteers.
However, the Windcrest Volunteer Group is eager to grow and expand its efforts. We are currently seeking 5-10 more volunteers who are willing to commit to the group and help us fulfill our motto: Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Whether you can commit fully or even just a little more often, your participation will make a huge difference.
Volunteering with the Windcrest Volunteer Group is a fantastic way to give back to the community, meet new people, and become one of the shining stars of Windcrest. If you're interested in joining our efforts and making a positive impact, please reach out to Anita via email (aluna-caulk@windcrest-tx. gov). We would love to welcome more dedicated individuals to our team. Together, we can continue to make Windcrest a better place for everyone!
2024 windcrest share the lights project - christmas light exchange
It is that time of year again to Share the Lights! For 65 years Windcrest Residents have been decorating our homes with Christmas displays to the awe and wonder of residents and visitors from near and far. Sometimes over the years, residents have had lights that they no longer use in their displays. New residents may not have yet had the time to purchase lights to decorate their homes.
For the past five years, Windcrest has had a program where residents can donate their working Christmas lights for other residents in need. It was a small beginning the first year, ten residents donated lights and eight families benefited. Last year more residents donated and over twenty-five families benefited. You do not need to give lights to get lights. The lights donated do need to be working. The lights are given ‘as is,’ and on a first come basis.
Do you have working Christmas lights in your garage or attic that you will not be using this year? Consider donating them to this year's Windcrest Share the Lights Project. Boxes will be at City Hall for your donations from Tuesday, October 15th through Wednesday, November 20th. If you have lights but need them picked up at your home, call Cindy Strzelecki at 210-812-7500.
Donated Lights will be available from 10 am – 1 pm on two Saturdays, November 23th and the 30th in the parking lot at City Hall. This is a wonderful way to recycle working lights and have at least one set of lights on every home in Windcrest during our Light Up!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!
GARDEN CLUB
By: Narquiz Cervantes
The days of 100-degree heat now seem to be over and cooler days are officially here. Our Fall Plant sale will be on October 12, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Windcrest United Methodist Church. There will be many plant varieties to choose from to help add a touch of green to your home interior or exterior. Mark your calendar! Next month we will have our November 12th meeting from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Civic Center at Takas Park. Our guest speaker will be Jamie Whitfield, chairman of the San Antonio Garden Center Christmas Cheer. The Christmas Cheer provides holiday decorations to non-profit organizations and personal gift bags to underprivileged children, youth, and adults. And a final congratulations to all of our season’s Yard Award winners who keep Windcrest looking beautiful and green even through our challenging climate. We welcome new members to the Windcrest Garden Club, so come by and join us at our Oct 12th plant sale or Nov. 12th meeting.
National Feral Cat Day is October 16th. This is the day we recognize all the cats that live among us but have no home address. They may have been born to a mom that was abandoned and have had little to no contact with a human. Or they may be what we also call “a community cat” that was abandoned by their humans. Fortunately, in 2009, our community adopted the TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) program that helps to deal with these cats that have no home address. Now we have a whole lot of folks who have stepped up to help care, feed, and neuter/ spay these cats…we call them TNR caregivers. Thanks to the hard work of these individuals, we have seen a reduction in the number of cats that are living in colonies all around Windcrest. If you see someone providing for these feral cats, be sure to tell them “thank you” for doing a job that requires dedication and a huge heart! Give us a call if you are interested in learning more about TNR! Reminder….we have a craft booth at BFI Treasures at 5121 Crestway Drive. Since we are a 501c3, we can also accept any donations made to our organization. Hopefully we will see you at our upcoming meeting where we share lots of good laughs, storytelling, and a real concern for each other. Check us out!!! As I write this, Matthew and Isabel are still available for adoption!
Animal Care & Control
Meet Hickory. She is a sweet girl ready for a new home! If you are interested in adopting her or any of the animals within our care, please call our Police Department at 210655-2666 and ask for an Animal Control Officer. You can see more pets available for adoption at www.windcrest-tx. gov/animals
Remember to register your dogs with Windcrest Animal Control every year.
2-1-1 is a free, anonymous social service hotline that helps people find information and resources in their community.
Windcrest Golf
by Mary Wold
The excitement of the World Series, the thrill of Friday night football, the joy of your favorite pigskin teamall fun to watch, but PARTICIPATE -that’s golf, and Windcrest Golf offers great deals! Ladies Play every Thursday, Tee time is 9am. We welcome all levels of lady golfers. For more info please call Mary 210-6089645.
If you are a good writer or have ideas, suggestions or articles for the newsletter, please email: publicrelations@windcrest-tx. gov
OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION
ORGANIZATIONS:
American Legion - Jack Leonhardt - jackleonhardt@aol.com
Boy Scout of America: Justin Buckner - 210-744-7296 - buckj64@gmail.com
FIT High-Performance Tennis Academy & Pickleball Center - 210-405-3781www.fithptennisacademy.com
