T
the City of Lights
LIGHT UP CEREMONY Saturday, Dec. 12th 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
City Hall FREE to everyone! A monthly newsletter for the residents of the City of Windcrest published by Neighborhood News ™ Inc.
Volume 15 Issue 12 DECEMBER 2015
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city of
City of Windcrest
8601 Midcrown Windcrest, TX 78239-2598
City Administration
8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday 210-655-0022 City Manager – Rafael Castillo ext. 2120 rcastillo@windcrest-tx.gov
City Council
Mayor – Alan E. Baxter 210-846-5507 abaxter@windcrest-tx.gov Place 1 - Gerd Jacobi 210-657-9547 gjacobi@windcrest-tx.gov Place 2 - Jim Shelton 210-650-5584 jshelton@windcrest-tx.gov Place 3 - Pamela Dodson, Mayor Pro-tem 210-562-0299 pdodson@windcrest-tx.gov Place 4 – James McFall 210-473-7902 jmcfall@windcrest-tx.gov Place 5 – John Gretz 210-646-7956 jgretz@windcrest-tx.gov
Departments 210-655-0022 Finance – Sarah Mangham ext. 2410 smangham@windcrest-tx.gov Permits/FD Admin - Courtney Clark ext. 2320 cclark@windcrest-tx.gov City Secretary/Municipal Court Kelly Rodriguez ext. 2250 krodriguez@windcrest-tx.gov Public Works – Tom Garcia ext. 2490 tgarcia@windcrest-tx.gov Police Department – Chief Al Ballew 210-655-2666 aballew@windcrest-tx.gov Code Enforcement Unit 210-655-2666 Animal Control Unit 210-655-2666 Fire Department – Chief Josh Brown ext. 2180
Boards and Commissions EDC – Tim Maloney tmaloney@windcrest-tx.gov P & Z – Col. Henry Berman 210-655-5650 WCCPD - Dr. William Mueller 210-654-7377 (no email) Parks and Rec – Jan Leaders 210-386-8764 saljkl29@gmail.com Board of Adjustments – Veronica Dixon 210-273-6081 Newsletter – Kelly Hamilton 210-314-9783 khamilton@windcrest-tx.gov Firemen’s Pension - Chief Josh Brown ext. 2180 Jbrown@windcrest-tx.gov President of Windcrest Little League -Marshal Valadez
Websites
www.ci.windcrest.tx.us www.Windcrest-TX.com www.GoWindcrest.com www.DevelopWindcrest.org www.WindcrestWindfall.com www.Facebook.com/TheCityof Windcrest www.Twitter.com/Cityof Windcrest Post Office M-F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 210-655-0022 ext. 2420 Bexar County Water District #10 General Manager - Adam Telfer 210-655-2888 atelferbexarcountywcid10@gmail.com 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday Water Emergencies 210-422-4159 Police Business & 24 Hour Dispatch 210-655-2666 ALL EMERGENCIES FIRE·AMBULANCE POLICE 24 HOURS A DAY
911
M
ayor’s Message
Dear Friends, Neighbors and Citizens,
abaxter@windcrest-tx.gov
December is upon us. I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving. The Holiday Season is here. It is a time that we get to spend shopping, decorating, and most importantly, spending quality family time together. This year’s Light-Up Ceremony will be bigger and better than ever – at least that’s the plan. We hope the weather will cooperate. Please enjoy this lovely time of year and enjoy the Light-Up along with the out of town visitors. We are the City of Lights, and it is our time to shine! This is the biggest event and marketing tool of our city. It is also the biggest fundraiser for many of our charitable organizations. Please participate in this great tradition and decorate your houses and businesses. As a city, we have a lot to be thankful for. There has been tremendous support from our city’s best asset, our residents, with regards to citizens volunteering for the different committees and commissions. We are continuing to witness the growth of TEAM WINDCREST - both city pride and citizen participation is growing. We encourage you to remain active and involved, and we promise that we will continue to modify, change and refine how we do business. As we all know: If we stay the same, we cannot improve. Elections Results: There was an election for the Mayor, two Windcrest City Council Positions (CP), and Charter Amendments held on November 3rd. The results are in, and the votes have been counted, certified and validated. For Mayor, I was re-elected for my third term. I am humbled and very appreciative. For CP #4, Kimberly Wright was elected and for CP #5, Matt Vandenberg was elected. All Charter Amendments passed. Thank you to all that exercised one of the most important rights we have in this country – your right to vote. Thank you to all the volunteers regardless of who you supported. Thank you to everyone that ran. Special Thanks to James McFall and John Gretz for their service the last four years to Windcrest as Council Persons. Women’s Club Presents the 2015 Windcrest Light-Up & Save the Dates: We want to keep reminding everyone that this year’s theme is = "Windcrest has it all from Sleigh Bells to Cowboy Boots this Holiday Season." It is time to execute your decorating ideas. I have received quite a few comments on the theme and people are excited. I believe this year’s Light-Up will be the grandest ever. Good luck to everyone entering the Light-Up Contest! Some save the dates: Friday, December 4 - Deadline to enter the Contests, Tuesday, December 8 - Judging, Saturday, December 12 Light-Up, Thursday, January 7 - the Award Ceremony at Takas Park. Let’s make this Light-Up the best ever! Friday, December 4th: This is the last day to turn in your application for to enter the Light-Up contest. Every house in Windcrest was mailed an application. You can also pick one up at City Hall. There are many categories, so if you want to have a chance to win an award and go into the Windcrest history books, please fill out one of these applications and turn it in to City Hall. Tuesday, December 8th: This is the day that the Women’s Club judges all those houses that have entered. They ask that you have your lights on at 6 PM and keep them on until 11 PM. It takes hours to judge and they need all this time to determine the winners. Thanks to the Women’s Club for continuing this tradition. Continued on page 3 >>
D.A. DESIGNS
Cherished Child Development Center at John Calvin Presbyterian Church 8102 Midcrown @ Walzem Windcrest, TX 78239
The Holiday Ho Season is here and, We w want to wish all of you a Me Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
NOW ENROLLING Ages s 6 weeks – 5 years y
T Th Thank a all of you for your support.
CALL (210) 601-2436 or
For affordable d bl lloving i g dday care, call 210-657-9575 or email jcpcpreschool@sbcglobal.net
Email deanallendesigns@gmail.com
Locally owned and operated 2
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER << Continued from page 2
Park Renovations: You may have noticed that the much anticipated renovations of the Autumn Sunset Park and the Duck Pond are underway. Presently, new sidewalks are being constructed, drainage concerns are being addressed and new fixtures will be added (benches, trash containers and lights). Once complete, this area will closely mirror the Takas Park Pond. It will look terrific, and will really add value to these great amenities. Pardon our dust! We believe it will be worth the inconvenience. A huge thank you goes out to our Parks and Rec Commission.
Saturday, December 12th: This is the Light-Up Party/Ceremony at City Hall, and the first official day of Light-Up. It is open to the public and free at City Hall. You do not want to miss this night of fun. This year the Light -Up Ceremony will be the biggest and best ever! It is from 6 – 9 PM at City Hall. December 12 – 31st: This is when people from all over come to see our beautiful city. We are internationally recognized for our lights. Last year, the Firefighters passed out over 10,000 maps and asked for donations. They brought in over $30,000 for the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department. The first day the maps will be available will be at the Light-Up Ceremony December 12th at City Hall. Come get a map and see where the winners are located. Tour the city and enjoy the Holiday Season.
Economic Development: There are many things happening. We have Public Hearings scheduled for various areas. There are plans for more building on Eisenhower Road and Midcrown (the annexed area) for more mixed industrial space. Eastpoint Group has received positive feedback with regards to the industrial building space currently under construction that they are developing. Thus, they are expanding their efforts. Behind the IN-N-Out Burger will be a Holiday Inn Express Hotel. The developers are asking for a re-plat to accommodate the added parking spaces needed for the development of this hotel. Additionally, there is a hearing for a re-plat of the lot where the former Pear Tree Inn stood. It has almost been completely demolished. A restaurant will be taking the place of this lot. Again, the hearing is to re-plat to address parking issues. There is so much more coming to fruition. Stay tuned for more updates in future Newsletters.
Thursday, January 10, 2016: This is the Awards Ceremony for the Light-Up winners. It is open to all Windcrest citizens to come and applaud the winners. It is a free event and will be at Takas Park Civic Center. It starts at 7 PM. All the winners will be receiving professional photographs of their house, a beautiful plaque and a cash award. The Grand Prize winner will receive a special plaque that will be made in duplicate. This plaque will be displayed at City Hall in perpetuity. A new tradition this administration started four years ago. We have the Light-Up Wall of Fame. There is entertainment, and free food and drinks (non-alcoholic) while supplies last. More information about this celebration will be in the January Newsletter. Please mark your calendars for this special day.
Volunteering and Participating: We need more people on the Newsletter Committee, Windcrest Citizens’ Patrol and Animal Task Force. Please call Kelly Hamilton at City Hall if you wish to volunteer. Remember that there are still places of service within the City. If you want to participate or volunteer in any area of the City, you won’t be turned away. Give me a call or email me to get involved.
Garage Sale Location for Charitable/Civic Organizations Based in Windcrest (re-cap): Overall, we believe this event was a success; however, the weather did not cooperate with us. Several charities took advantage of the City Hall parking lot to sell items and take donations. Hopefully, this will be continued in future Garage Sale Weekends. There will be another City Wide Garage Sale in the spring. These dates will be announced soon.
Please email me if you wish me to add something to my article. When you visit City Hall, please stop in and say hello. Remember that I welcome and answer every phone call and email. My cell phone is published in the Newsletter, but here it is = 210846-5507. I return all calls and texts.
Windcrest Gift Store – OPEN: One of my goals was to open a gift shop where people can purchase items branded with the Windcrest logo, as well as our flags. Well, it has finally opened. It is located next to the Post Office at City Hall. Please come by and check it out. We will add inventory slowly. It is a great pace to do some Christmas shopping. I promise you will get compliments when people see Windcrest on your chest or hat. We are – “The City of Lights.� I am hopeful that Council will agree that any profits will go towards the various charities based in Windcrest.
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From Your Mayor Pro-Tem
Councilmember
Pam Dodson
John Gretz jgretz@windcrest-tx.gov
pdodson@windcrest-tx.gov Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I want to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY and BLESSED NEW YEAR!!
I am proud to have served the citizens of Windcrest as a member of our EDC and as a council member for two terms. Today, Windcrest is financially rock solid and the past city leadership inefficiency that led to the Cain brother fiasco, Windcrest could have easily gone bankrupt! As a retired Air Force personnel officer (people stuff) with an undergraduate degree in psychology (people stuff) and a graduate degree in human resources development (more people stuff)…small town Windcrest “politics” has truly tested me. I am also a certified special education teacher (much more people stuff) who served 10+ years across the special education spectrum in classrooms with young adults who tested my sanity each and every day! However, I run into many of my past students often and they have not forgotten me. That is really special as I helped them grow in their journey through life!
Councilmember Jim Shelton alamojim@sbcglobal.net
On November 6th I had the pleasure of watching the Red River Conference Cross Country College Championship right here in Windcrest. Thanks to Mayor Alan Baxter, who also is the Senior Associate Athletic Director at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), the event was presented by the City of Windcrest and the Windcrest Golf Club. There were nine colleges and universities from five states participating. Approximately 240 young men and women were competing. The Windcrest Drury Inn extended special rates for the athletes and their families, and all rooms were filled. Our city was certainly highlighted and the Golf Club gained needed revenue. There were some great runners involved. The men from OLLU won their first conference championship and the OLLU women repeated as champions! CONGRATULATIONS to ALL of those who participated; it was a great event to watch!
With that, I look forward to the day that Windcrest “politics” will be a smooth journey that we can all be proud of! After all, it’s just people stuff!
Councilmember Gerd E. Jacobi gjacobi@sbcglobal.net
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!
As you have seen in most of my articles I would mention that we need to keep going forward and continue to make this the best city possible for everyone. I hope that this will continue. Only people with a positive attitude and a sense of business can keep our city moving in the right direction. Personality conflicts stop progress. Well cross trained loyal employees and all of our wonderful volunteers keep our city moving forward without them our city would regress and not move forward.
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Our city beautification is in high swing. The signs put up by both Autumn Sunset and Brook Falls ponds about working on our ponds were not political signs but actual information signs telling residence that work was, and now is, going to start. If you drive by Autumn Sunset park you will see the work in progress already. During last month’s garage sale many people have commented how nice and orderly our city is.
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A Merry Christmas to All residence in Windcrest 4
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
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City Secretary News, Kelly Rodriguez
Councilmember James McFall
krodriguez@windcrest-tx.gov
jmcfall@windcrest-tx.gov
During the month of October the Mayor and Council passed a Resolution that you may be interested in. Please note that the links after the statements are links to the meetings on the City of Windcrest website. To view the whole discussion of the City Council simply type it in to the search bar on your internet browser.
I want to thank all of the citizens who have supported me during my tenure as a Windcrest City Council Person. It has been my honor to serve this great community and I know we moved our great city forward. While I may be leaving the City Council it does not mean that I will not be active in our community. Windcrest is a great place to live and I will always do what I can to keep our City on the right course.
RESOLUTIONS SCCM 10.05.15 http://windcresttx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_ id=8&clip_id=1593
Thank you again for your support over the years and may you and the ones you care for have a safe and joyful holiday season.
2015-561(R), a resolution approving the proposal from Texas Mutual Insurance Company for the provision of workers compensation insurance to be effective October 1, 2015. City Hall will be closed December 24 & 25, 2015 in observance of Christmas and December 31 – Jan 1, 2015 for New Years.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS Chief of Police A. O. “Al” Ballew
By the time you read this, the Holiday Season will be upon us! The Windcrest Police Department prides itself on a low crime rate and quick response times. We are proactive, committed to preventing crime versus responding to it! Holiday crime can be prevented! The Windcrest Police Department will initiate “Operation Grinch” beginning Thanksgiving Day and will continue throughout the Holiday Season patrolling in marked vehicles, on bikes and undercover. We operate on a “Zero Tolerance” philosophy and we want to send a strong and clear message to all Criminals…You are not welcome in the City of Windcrest! Please report all suspicious activity to the Windcrest Police Department at (210) 6552666, you are never wasting our time and your call can make a difference!
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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS Chief Joshua Brown, jbrown@windcrest-tx.gov We are more than excited to FILL THE BOOT, Windcrest! Our annual Fill the Boot will kick off December 12th and go through December 24th. Our Fire Fighters will be out, in front of our Fire Station each night, beginning at 6 p.m. All donations collected during our Fill the Boot campaign will benefit the Windcrest Fire Department, as well as the Windcrest Angel Program – which helps our local families in need with shelter, food, clothing, toys, and books.
FREE TRAINING! CERT is about disaster readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest amount of time. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.
57th Annual Windcrest Light-Up Ceremony is scheduled to amaze on Saturday, December 12th at 6 pm Santa Claus is coming back into our wonderful City that evening. He will be taking his ride into town and making his way to City Hall on our Fire Truck. Santa will be available for pictures at 7 pm in “Santa’s Workshop”, which will be hosted in our Fire Bay. Light-Up Maps: Our Fire Fighters will be passing out the maps that show our Winners throughout our Fill the Boot Campaign. Donations are requested, and truly appreciated!
There are many jobs within CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. Following a disaster, CERT members also needed for documentation, comforting others, logistics, communication skills through HAM Radio, use of the Incident Command System etc. Non-disaster related team activities may include keeping databases, developing a website, writing a newsletter, planning activities, helping with special events and organizing exercises and activities.
Santa Parade –We have saved the date with Santa for December 20th. Pictures with Santa will start at 1 pm, and will be followed by our Parade of Fire Trucks. Our route information will be available at City Hall. Lastly, with winter approaching we wanted to remind all of our cherished citizens to allow us the opportunity to check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors before turning on your furnaces. You may call us directly @ (210)599-6007.
If interested in this training, the next CERT training will be held at the Windcrest Civic Center from Friday, Feb. 19th 6:00 to 10:00, Saturday, Feb. 20th 8:30 to 4:30 and Sunday, Feb. 21st 8:30 to 3:30. Please contact Kathie Maloney, 210-887-5069 or teamwindcrest@ gmail.com to register. Visit CERT’s website, http://www. citizencorps.gov/cert/certinaction/index.shtm for more info & FAQ.
We wish you and yours a very, Merry Christmas as well as the happiest of New Years! Courtney Tipton Fire Department Administrative Assistant
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city of
FROM THE DESK OF TOM GARCIA
CODE ENFORCEMENT UNIT The Christmas Season is upon us and as you know our city is nationally famous for its Christmas lights. With this in mind, please check your properties and make sure trailers, inoperable vehicles and general rubbish are removed from view or disposed of properly. Hundreds, if not thousands of vehicles will be traveling on our streets and through our neighborhoods, so please keep as many vehicles off the street as possible during Christmas light viewing hours. You will need to plan ahead for trips to work, stores or just to get in and out of the city. Keep your properties secured during the heightened activity and if you have any low hanging branches or bushes over the street and side walks. Take a few minutes to trim them up and away from these areas if needed.
Director of Public Works tgarcia@windcrest-tx.gov Merry Christmas to everyone. Hope this newsletter finds you and your family in good health and wonderful spirits. We want to extend congratulations to all the winners of the citywide Christmas decorating contest. Your Participation, whether large or small, is a vital part of keeping the fantastic tradition of our city as the City of Lights. I come across people on a regular basis that still ask about the Lights in Windcrest. What a great tradition to have. Keep up the good work Windcrest. The Large Christmas tree in front of City hall is decorated just a little differently this year. The addition of the large red bows gives the overall presentation some Christmas pop. We hope you and your family enjoy it.
If you have any junk metal that needs to be removed or maybe a vehicle you want to get rid of, check with the local charities and donate these items. This will also help clean your property and provide you with a charitable tax deduction. Remember, this is also the season when leaves fall. You can blow your leaves to the street; however, you must pick them up. Do not litter please!
Happy Holidays from Public Works Tom Garcia Public Works Director
If you need any assistance or want to report a violation of the Windcrest City Code, please contact the Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit via email or the Windcrest Police Department Dispatcher at 210-6552666.
8
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
MUNICIPAL COURT REPORT By Kelly Rodriguez, Municipal Court Clerk, krodriguez@windcrest-tx.gov (210) 655-0022 ext 2250
On behalf of the entire Windcrest EDC we want to wish everyone a very joyful Holiday Season. We have not been resting here as our city continues to grow. It appears that we will exceed our expected revenue this year by over 10% and this coming year looks just as promising. With over 40 Million Dollars in projects slated to start in the next six months the future for our great City is looking good. We have even more businesses that we are working on that we hope will see the great value and opportunity here in the City of Windcrest. We had the Grand Openings of the UPS Store and Celebrate Dental this last month and we are looking forward to the coming year as more businesses are slated to come to Windcrest.
Municipal Court Week You are sitting in traffic waiting to make a right turn. You look over and there is a parking lot that accesses the road you are wanting to turn on. It would be so easy to cut across that parking lot to avoid all that traffic!!! Can you do it? The law says NO! Chapter 545 of the Texas Transportation Code Subchapter 1 545.423 says (a) An operator may not cross a sidewalk or drive through a driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance without stopping the vehicle and (b) An operator may not cross or drive in or on a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance at an intersection to turn right or left from one highway to another highway.
I would like to thank our board members: Tim Maloney – Board President, Col. Roy Wratislaw – Board Vice President, Ms. Lisa Pepi – Board Treasurer, Rebekah Gergen – Board Secretary, Col. Irv Gerrow – Board Member, Col. Sue Alexander – Board Member and Mr. Leonard Neeper – Board Member for their tireless work in helping to make Windcrest grow!
TOTAL CITY REVENUE FROM COURT Here is a 4 year comparison chart of the money collected from fines and fees. For more information please contact Kelly Rodriguez, Assistant Court Administrator at (210)655-0022 ext 2150 or krodriguez@windcrest-tx.gov.
Please stay tuned to our Website: www.developWindcrest.org and our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information about what is going on. If you have any questions please feel free to contact RColunga@Windcrest-TX.gov or call us 210-967-9381. Once again have a great Holiday Season!
Joe Almanza
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Women’s Club News Kathy Littlefield (210) 413-6018 October and November were fun filled months for the Windcrest Women's Club. We have had interesting and informative speakers and an enjoyable Fashion Show at the Petroleum Club with fashions from Graciela's at the Yard. Our “Christmas Celebration Social” will be held on December 10th, at the Civic Center, starting at 6:00p.m. To 10:00p.m. Catered and served by Ann Marie's, the cost is $25.00 each. Music will be presented by Tom Garcia. When making your reservation to Diane Stake -946-7589 or Hazel Freeman – 655-3919, give them the names of two (2) favorite tunes you would like played. Tom will add them to his list of our favorites. We know you are thinking about your Christmas decorations. The theme this year is “Sleigh Bells and Cowboy Boots.” All applications for JUDGING must be in by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH by 4:30p.m. Judging will be the evening of December 8th. For judging, lights should be on from 6:00p.m. to 11:00p.m. All judges are non-residents of Windcrest. The Light-up ceremony will be held
(210) 656-0433 5200 Crestway Store Hours: M - F 10am - 5pm Sat 10am-2pm
on Saturday, December 12 th at Windcrest City Hall. Bring your family and enjoy the official lighting of the Christmas tree starting at 6:00p.m. The Windcrest Women's Club Community Service Committee has been busy making and now providing 1,000 bows to decorate your mailbox, lamppost, front door, car, dog, hat or anything that suits your fancy. We are asking for a $3.00 donation for one (1) bow or a $5.00 donation for two (2) bows. All proceeds go to the new Windcrest Elementary School Library. We thank you for your support of this project. Our “New Year” will be off to a good start on January 27, 2016 with a coffee at the Windcrest Civic Center starting at 10:00a.m. Speakers will be Sonia Vasquez, WWII POW in Nazi Germany and Col. Charlotte Phillips, USA (Ret.) Please come join us. All ladies of Windcrest are invited to join our organization. Dues are $20.00 and we meet August through May. Call Lu Nix (655-2361) for additional information. Thank you and enjoy the Holidays! Kathy Littlefield
Christmas Sale! Sale! 15% off Christmas
Ladies making & selling bows with H E Buddy Jamie Whitfield, Lea Fagin, Buddy, Majie Takas & Kathy Littlefield
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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
Windcrest GARDEN CLUB G Lois Wooten Mark your calendar and save the date. Monday, 7 December, will be our annual Christmas Potluck. So, put on your Christmas Spirit and bring a friend along with a favorite dish to share with the Club. Also we will have another Silent Auction to help build Community Service Project’s funds. Bring your checkbooks and capture one of items available including handmade linens and gift certificates from Williams Confectionary Crafts or Anne Marie’s Carriage House Bistro. Hostesses are Marie Bourne, Elaine Morrissey, Annette Hoffman, and Betty Riggs. You don’t want to miss this popular event and you’ll want to kick-off the Holiday Season with fellow plant lovers. Guests are always welcome! The Garden Club had an amazing time on 2 November, with our guest speaker, Sylvie Rodgers. Sylvie is a long time area Master Gardener, Certified Naturalist and has extensive training in Native Landscape Design. Sylvie shared some very interesting facts about plants which we commonly call weeds and how important they are to our environment. Along with curbing soil erosion, many are essential to butterflies, birds and other “critter’s’” life cycles. Of course, we all agreed, they are really beautiful too! We also had a wonderful amount of plants donated to help fund our Community Projects which include Christmas Coats for Kids at Windcrest Elementary School. Our hostesses, Ann Lemelle, Lois Wooton, Concha Garces, Pat Couch, Majie Takas, and Pat Kendrick, put out a spread worthy of any Thanksgiving November! You can be sure 2016, will not find the Garden Club resting on its laurels. SAVE THESE DATES!
Garden Club Members, (L-R) Ada Storm, Dee Wright, & Carolyn Freeman, Club President, share a great static display of wildflowers used during Sylvia Rogers (far R) presentation at the 2 November meeting.
r Monday, 4 January, at 10a.m. will find us getting great tips, tricks & useful information from our own Master Gardeners. Bring your questions for the “Circle of Gardeners” to the Windcrest Civic Center. Hostesses will be Judy Barta, Kelly Kennedy, Jeannie Douglas, Chris Krauss, Phil Douglas, and Barbara Horvath. r Monday, 1 February, at 10a.m. we’ll meet at the Windcrest Civic Center to hear Sir Oliver Smith share great ideas and uses for own native plants to bring color and beauty into our landscapes. This will also be another opportunity to bring those plants you’ve been coaxing along to help build our Community Service funds. Our hostesses will be Elaine Trembley, Lyn Cook, Diane Stake, Rosalinda Messer, Sue Jackson, and Mari Gentet. r Monday, 7 March, at 10a.m. well do a “make & take” at the Windcrest Civic Center. The very talented Betty Riggs will walk us through making your very own terrarium garden. If you want to make one to take home, bring a glass container. Soil, charcoal, and pebbles will be provided. Hostesses will be Joan Vanacek, Rebecca McGinty, Sondra Bump, Kathy Littlefield, Myrna Waters, and Linda Oliver. It’s never too late to join the Windcrest Garden Club. Membership is open to area men and women and you do not have to live in Windcrest. Dues are $10.00 for the September 2015 to May 2016 season’s membership. Just come to a meeting or see any member for more info.
E. L. Smith Plumbing Since 1948
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Shirley Noll, Club Horticulturist, & Sandra Bump, Master Gardener, describe the many donated plants at the 2 November Windcrest Garden Club meeting.
210-736-1606 M-8217
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city of
NEWS FROM NEISD Please contact Gwen Wilson for more information about the NEISD PTA program and how you can participate. (210)4370551 or aggwen@aim.com
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION We are making progress! It has been long over due but we are going to have wonderful parks in Windcrest once again. This picture, in Autumn Sunset park, doesn't look like much right now but it does indicate the old broken sidewalks are being replaced with new, safer ones. No more stubbing our feet while walking around the ponds and through the parks. Hopefully rainy weather doesn't delay work too long but rain is needed so we can be patient. Once this park is complete the contractor will move onto Brook Falls. Lighting, new trash receptacles and benches will complete the parks new look. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your Parks & Recreation Commission.
WINDCREST LIONS CLUB Thank you for supporting the Lion's Club charities this year. We wish you peace and joy during this beautiful season and a wonderful new year! We hope you can come to a Lions Club meeting in 2016. Regards, Jack Leonhardt, Lions Club Secretary 12
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
TxWeACT
WINDCREST ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL UNIT
WINDCREST ANIMAL CONTROL TASK FORCE
Officers A. Fuentes and G. Bayer
- Pam Dodson
Preparing Your Pets for the Winter Weather! Do not leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops this winter season. While outside for walks or when let outside to relieve themselves, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, the wind chill factor can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold weather and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage.
It is Christmas time again… We will be collecting for the “Fill the Boot” during the Christmas Light up Season. The volunteer firemen will do the collecting until Christmas Eve and then the ladies from TxWeACT will step in to raise funds for our cause starting on Christmas Day. Be sure to come by and get a map of the winners and say hello.
Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because cold weather and the effort to stay warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic food and water bowls at all times when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
Also don’t forget the immunization clinics the third Saturdays in January and February. You will also be able to register your pets at that time. Have a great Christmas Season!!
Also remember that Antifreeze is a deadly poison and is extremely harmful to people and animals. It has a sweet taste and may attract animals. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze and all household chemicals, locked up and out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family. Have a safe winter season and don’t forget to take special care of your pets.
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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
Don’t forget the 57th Annual Windcrest Light Up Celebration
is on Saturday, December 12th from 6:00 pm– 9:00 pm This year we will have Santa and Mrs. Clause once again as well as snow for the kids, and young at heart, as well as warm refreshments, children’s choirs and a lot of Winter fun. Photos with Santa will begin at 7:00 pm. The Awards Ceremony will be held at Takas Park Civic Center on Thursday, January 7th. We look forward to a festive and safe holiday season with all of you.
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8601 Midcrown Windcrest, TX 78239-2598
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO,TX PERMIT NO. 1568
the City of Lights
Time Dated
CUTOFF DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2015 NEWSLETTER NOTICES TO CITY HALL:
To provide timely information in the next Newsletter, notices must be in the Administration Office by noon on December 6, and announce activities occurring after December 30 only. Please e-mail articles to newsletter@windcrest-tx.gov in ‘Word’ documents only so articles can be edited for misspellings, etc. which cannot be done in PDF or any other format. Also, please provide a contact name & phone number for City Hall.
OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION ORGANIZATIONS: Little League – Marshal Valadez windcrestlittleleague@gmail.com Lion’s Club – Marlene Patton 210-393-7383 marpatton@aol.com Girl Scouts - Jane Schumacher 210-349-2404 ext. 237 jschumacher@girlscouts-swtx.org Boy Scouts - John Echevarria 210-341-8611 ext. 123 jechevar@bsamail.com Cub Scouts – Alfred A. Cortez 210-967-7369 aacortez@earthlink.net Swim Team – Robert Hoffman 210-287-1798 windcrestdolphins@hotmail.com Optimist Club - Mitch Weidenbach 210-653-3287 Women’s Club - Lea Fagin - 653-2036 American Legion - Buddy Cooper - 210-656-3426 Golf Course – Jeri Cruz Tennis Center - Scott McKay 210-590-8500 scottmckay@satx.rr.com Citizen’s Patrol Team 1 Captain - Col. Henry Berman 210-655-5650 Citizen’s Patrol Team 2 Captain - Nello Rosania 210-657-5704 Citizen’s Patrol Team 3 Captain - James Mackey Citizen’s Patrol Team 4 Captain - Helma Ann Martinez 210-599-8583 Garden Club - Carolyn Freeman - 655-5816 Friends of the Park - Scott Gorton (President) 210- 216-7666 scottl@satx.rr.com CERT - Kathy Maloney - 210-887-5069 teamwindcrest@gmail.com Animal Task Force - Pam Dodson 210-562-0299 pdodson@windcrest-tx.com
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: Economic Development Corporation Tim Maloney Lisa M. Pepi Beckie Gergen Leonard Neeper Col. Sue Alexander Col. Roy E. Wratislaw Col. Irv Gerrow Planning & Zoning Commission Col. Henry Berman Nikki Walker Ronald Armes Larry Robinson Jaqueline Wickware Rainbeau Presti Majie Takas Board of Adjustments Veronica Dixon Alan Thompson Gayle Scheibler Rick Cockerham Jim Martin WCCPD Board of Directors Dr. William Mueller Bill Lambrides Wesley Manning Edwin Miles William Roberts, Jr. Margaret J. Weidenbach ( Jeanie)
Parks & Recreation Commission Joann Hillard Mike Scott Dennis Dooley Jay Eldridge Jan Leaders Bill Zulaica Ann Marie Arnicar Windcrest Pool Manager Jonathan Hays 210-454-6883
BCWCID #10 Dan Reese Newsletter Committee Mayor Alan Baxter Col. Henry Berman Gayle Baker Veronica Dixon Carolyn Freeman Ruth Fritz Kelly Hamilton Ursula Schaub David Diaz Rick Cockerham Liz Dick Gwen Wilson
*MEETING DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME
City Meetings in Windcrest City Hall Council Chambers Municipal Court
Dec 1, 8, 15
4:00 p.m.
Water District
Dec 10
6:30 p.m.
Planning & Zoning
Dec 3
6:00 p.m.
Board of Adjustment
Dec 14
6:00 p.m.
SCCM / Public Hearing
Dec 7
6:00 p.m.
Citizen Code Committee
Dec 16
6:00 p.m.
Parks & Recreation
Dec 9
6:00 p.m.
RCCM
Dec 21
5:15 p.m.
WEDC
Dec 10
6:00 p.m.
City Holiday
Dec 24, 25, 31
CLOSED
Articles that appear in the City of Windcrest newsletter do not necessarily reflect the official position of Neighborhood News, Inc. and their publication does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in the City of Windcrest newsletter does not constitute an endorsement by Neighborhood News, Inc. or the City of Windcrest of the goods or services advertised. Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors beyond the cost of the actual ad space. Any publication of Neighborhood News, Inc., whether draft or final is the sole property of Neighborhood News, Inc. and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express written consent of Neighborhood News, Inc. © Neighborhood News, Inc.
For updated informa on go to www.ci.windcrest.tx.us