passages - Great Northwest
Transcription
passages - Great Northwest
HONORING ONE OF SAPD’S FINEST DISPOSING OF WHAT ARE LEAF BAGS MR&R RESERVES P. 6 P. 14 Passages P. 3 July 2016 Volume 38 No. 7 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. INTRODUCING DIRECTOR GENE GUIDO It is my privilege to announce the appointment of Mr. Gene Guido to the Board of Directors. Gene will fill the unexpired term of Eileen Berg. Gene has served our community in several areas during the last couple of years, such as strategic planning. He comes to the Board with new ideas and enthusiasm. We look forward to his willingness to step up and serve our community. Please welcome him to the GNW Board of Directors. Ida Rodkey Director Gene Guido BOARD p. 2-3 My name is Gene Guido Jr. I’ve lived in the GNW for 28 years. My two kids now have their own careers, so they have left the nest. Now, I live with my wife Diana. I served in the military for seven years. For 39 years, I worked for Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads as a conductor. In my retirement, I enjoy being a member of Christopher Columbus Italian society, meaning I help out at spaghetti dinners. I have enjoyed making friends while being a member of Cellular on Patrol, Neighborhood Watch and Dog Walker Watch along with friends of the Strategic Planning Committee. I hope to learn from the Board and contribute. Thanks, Gene Guido COMMUNITY p. 6-7 COMMUNITY TOOLSHED New Program Offers Property Improvement Tools to Residents at No Cost Original Story by Dale Russell Code Connection - March/April 2016 Issue Development Services Department (DSD) is proud to offer the Community Toolshed. What is it? The Toolshed contains a collection of hand and gas powered tools that can be used at NO COST by residents, businesses, and community groups of San Antonio to clean and improve their properties. They can also be borrowed for community projects within the city limits. The tools available for loan include lawnmowers, leaf blowers, rakes, shovels, tree pruners, weed eaters, and wheel-barrows. Borrowing the tools is easy. You must fill out a short application, a release form and make a reservation. Tools are checked out on Friday mornings and returned on Monday mornings, within one week in order to ensure their availability for use by others. You will be responsible to pick up and drop off the tools. If you are interested in getting more information about the program , please call us at 210.207.4084 or by going to our web site at https:// www.sanantonio.gov/ces/resources/toolshed. aspx. The Community Tool Shed is centrally located in the downtown area. GNW NEWS p. 10-11 • 40 Anniversary & Fourth of July Celebration • A-Team Triumps in Silver Creek Greenbelt • Improvements at Oscar Perez Park • Board Briefs • O.W.L.S.: A Trip to Flatonia and Schulenburg • 2017 Bond Program th • Goodbye for Now: Director Eileen Berg Resigns EVENTS & RECREATION p. 4-5 • July Calendar • Tips to Cope with the Summer Heat • Important Dates • Book Club: The Melody Lingers On POOL SCHEDULE BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS FITNESS CORNER p. 8 p. 8-9 p. 9 p. 13 • A Day in the Life of a GNW Security Officer • New Self-Help Program For Deed Restriction Violations • Great Northwest Library Events • GNWatch Collects Donations for Battered Women and Children’s Shelter • Employee of the Month: Mia Stives MONTHLY REPORTS SAFETY & PROPERTY p. 12 PROPERTY TIPS p. 14 • Free Landfill Day CLASSIFIEDS p. 15 LODGE PARTIES p. 16 BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS p. 16 BOARD SPOTLIGHT 2 • 2016 JULY Board P a s s ag e s Chairwoman of the Board Ida Rodkey Vice Chair Brian Stives Photographs taken at Great Northwest events and/or on GNW property are the property of GNW and can be used in Great Northwest media, on our website, Facebook, in Passages, on marketing materials, or for any purpose as decided exclusively by GNW. Advertising in Passages does not imply endorsement by the Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc. Any erroneous statement will be corrected if brought to the attention of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at any time. Submit articles, photos, and other information via email to: editor@greatnorthwest. org PUBLISHER Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc. 8809 Timberwilde Dr San Antonio, TX 78250 Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 7 PM Office: 210.681.2983 Fax: 210.681.2986 GNW@greatnorthwest. org www.greatnorthwest.org facebook.com/GNWCIA EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Cynthia C. E. Gates, CMCA ®, PCAM ®, Community Manager CM@greatnorthwest.org 210.681.2983 EXT. 105 PRODUCTION EDITOR Ashley Frolick, Media Specialist Passages Editor communicate@greatnorthwest.org 210.681.2983 EXT. 109 Directors 2015—2016 Established in 1976 Mission: To improve the quality of life of Association members, and preserve and increase the value of Association members’ properties. The Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc. and its monthly publication, Passages, is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates for political office. Passages is delivered by carriers to the door of each home in our Association on a bi-monthly basis. of COMMUNITY MANAGER’S CORNER JULY 2016 • 3 GOODBYE FOR NOW Director Eileen Berg Resigns from Board IDA RODKEY Board Directors Ericka Barrera-Mahoney Jo Ann Fernandez Gene Guido Essy Lechon Mel Stallings BOARD SPOTLIGHT: th 40 Anniversary & Fourth of July Celebration Chairwoman of the Board The Board of Directors of the Great Northwest has regretfully accepted the resignation of Eileen Berg. Eileen has served on the board for the past seven years. We are sorry to see her leave and she will certainly be missed. She accomplished so many good things while serving the community. When it came to a party, it was Eileen that worked to pull it all together. During her tenure she served as the Events and Lifestyle Team Leader, spending many long, hard hours working to make events happen. Behind the scenes she and her husband have contributed so much to making our community a better place to live. We express our deepest appreciation for all her work and dedication to the Great Northwest and wish her well in her new endeavors . Ida Rodkey MEL STALLINGS Director Wanna have a fantastic Fourth? Join the Great Northwest as we celebrate our 40th anniversary and our nation’s independence with a parade, free catered barb-cue and swim fest. It all begins at 10:00 o’clock at the Zachry Middle School parking lot when we depart for the annual parade. We will proceed along Timber Path to the GNW Lodge. The parade will be led by the Honor Guard from Lackland Air Force Base. Over 100 participants will be attending in floats, classic cars, marching units and more. They will celebrate the event along with the spectators that line the streets to observe the patriotically dressed entourage. Of particular note is the kazoo band that will strut their stuff and play their rousing renditions of your favorite songs. Upon arrival at the Lodge there will be speeches by several dignitaries and presentation of congratulatory proclamations as we celebrate our 40th year as a homeowner’s association. A catered bar-b-cue lunch will be served from 12:30 to 1:00 o’clock. You must have a ticket to get your free meal. Children can opt for a hot dog plate instead of the brisket plate. The remainder of the afternoon can be enjoyed by relaxing with a cooling swim in the pool. Both pools will be open for your enjoyment. The staff and numerous volunteers have been planning and organizing for this event since January. Everyone involved in setting up the event hopes that you are able to attend and have a safe Fourth of July! GOD BLESS GNW & AMERICA! Mel Stallings Board Briefs Each Board meeting takes a couple of hours as the Board considers items of business on the agenda. While Board Briefs list decisions made by the Board, Members are encouraged to attend meetings to hear the Board as it discusses and debates matters upon which decisions must be made. May 19, 2016 Regular Meeting The Board selected Allen, Stein & Durbin, P.C. as the new general and collections attorney. The Board also reviewed bids for pool light installations, and selected H3o to install in-pool lights at both Emerald Valley and Silver Creek pools. The Board followed CM Gates recommendation and approved closing the Association Capital Bank Accounts and move funds to Community Association Bank. CM Gates presented copier contract bids, and the Board approved to a 60 month lease with Knight Office Solutions. The Board rescinded a previous motion to engage Account Services for six months, following the recommendation of CM Gates. June 02, 2016 Executive Meeting The Board discussed the budget and gifts for Officer Daniel Robles’ retirement reception, and approved a $200 budget for the reception party, and a gift of an Honorary Membership. MR&R Reserves are Insurance for the Association to Maintain Property Values Cindy Gates, CMCA®, PCAM® Community Manager I love it when I talk with owners who ask me a question about an article I write for Passages, which is what happened after a recent issue was published. A resident said, “Your article says that we were able to sweep an additional $95,000 into our reserve account from last year. Why do we need that much money in reserves? We’re just a little neighborhood association.” The short answer is we need money if a vehicle, the Lodge roof, Emerald Valley pool plaster, etc., needs to be replaced. A little more comprehensive answer is that our Reserve Study is a critical component used by the Board and management to plan for major common area repair and replacement expenses. As the physical assets of the community age and deteriorate, it is important to accumulate money to keep up with the list of physical assets that need to be repaired or replaced. A Reserve Study is the art and science of anticipating and preparing for major common area repair and replacement expenses. Partially art because we are making projections about the future. Partially science, because the process of listing each item in the study includes an analysis of its current condition or remaining useful life, and repair/replacement cost of the items for which the Association is obligated to maintain. Reserve expenses, which we call MR&R, or Major Repair and Replacement items are the larger infrequent expenses that require significant advance planning. Operating expense are those ongoing daily, weekly or monthly expenses that occur and reoccur throughout the year. Reserveable items must be a common area maintenance responsibility and have a limited life. At GNW these items must be predictable and above $3,000. Small items are taken care of from the operating account and budget. Unpredictable expenses such as damage incurred from a fire or flooding would not be paid for from reserves or operating budgets, but rather through an insurance claim. So earlier this year we referred to old studies and major projects undertaken since the last study was done in 2012 by volunteers. We undertook a physical analysis of all reserveable components and updated the MR&R schedule. This schedule was sent to a Association Reserves, a national reserve study company, that did the financial analysis. We believe this is the best combination of components identified by management using local prices for expense projections, and the software of a national reserve study firm. The resulting physical analysis was 227 lines, or asset items and the financial result is as follows. $ 559,521 Current Reserve Balance in study 1,874,529 Fully Funded Reserve Balance 29.8% Percent Funded Fair Position of funding, just above 30% which is considered weak, and below 70% that is considered strong How much MR&R reserves is enough? We often use our Reserve cash balance as a measure, which today is healthier than it’s ever been. But the true measure is whether the funds are adequate for the needs of the Association. That decision is one the Board will be reviewing, debating, and grappling. In that analysis three things are for sure: the Great Northwest is not just a “little neighborhood association”, and our annual Reserve Study update will be a vital tool in the Board’s ability to identify funding needs and options as it monitors a predictable, but moving target. And third an overriding goal will be to maintain consistent contributions over the years so that each owner pays their fair share of the deterioration in direct proportion to the amount of time they are owners. Cindy JULY CALENDAR 4 • 2016 JULY July 4 JULY 4 / 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE 10 AM From Zachry Middle School Through Timber Path To GNW Lodge - 8809 Timberwilde Celebrate July 4 and 40 years of the Great Northwest at the GNW Annual July 4th Parade. Pick a spot anywhere on Timber Path between Zachry Middle School and the GNW Lodge. With over 100 participants, we will start the July 4th day with a bang! 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE BBQ Pool Party 12:30 PM We’re celebrating 40 years with a huge BBQ bash. The party starts at 12 PM. July 5 ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE MEETING 4:30 PM—5:30 PM Olivia Theriot Room - Silver Creek The ACC meets every other Monday to review, approve, or disapprove any improvements on any and all lots. July 7 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7 PM Olivia Theriot Room - Silver Creek Interested in community issues? Homeowners may attend and observe community discussions. July 12 O.W.L.S. LUNCHEON 11:30 AM Callanen Hall - Silver Creek Join the Older, Wiser, Leisurely Seniors for their monthly luncheon at the lodge. July 18 ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE MEETING 4:30 PM—5:30 PM Olivia Theriot Room - Silver Creek The ACC meets every other Monday to review, approve, or disapprove any improvements on any and all lots. July 20 BOOK CLUB 7:00 PM Olivia Theriot Room - Silver Creek Join us to review The Melody Lingers On by Mary Higgins Clark. It is not required to have read the book to attend. July 21 REGULAR BOARD MEETING 7:00 PM—9:30 PM Callanen Hall - Silver Creek Want to give your input about community issues? Come partake in community discussions. July 29 FAMILY DIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT 8:30 PM Silver Creek Pool - $5 per family It’s the last Dive-In Movie Night of the summer! Join us as we watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens. $5 per family. EVERY WEEK AT THE GREAT NORTHWEST MONDAYS POKER 7:00 PM—9:00 PM Silver Creek 1st & 3rd Mondays TUESDAYS ZUMBA 6:00 PM—7:00 PM Silver Creek $5 per person MAHJONG 6:30 PM Silver Creek $5 per person WEDNESDAYS DOMINOES 11:00 AM—1:00 PM Emerald Valley CHESS 6:00 PM—9:00 PM Emerald Valley THURSDAYS LINE DANCING 10:00 AM—11:30 PM Silver Creek ZUMBA 6:00 PM—7:00 PM Silver Creek (Moved to Emerald Valley on April 21) RECREATION Tips to Cope with the Summer Heat TY SIMPSON Recreational Manager We see many swimmers throughout the summer – many of which stay all day, every day. It is important to follow some simple guidelines during summer play: 1. Apply sunscreen throughout the day – not just once a day. 2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Stay away from sugary sodas and salty candies. 3. Many people think that Gatorade or sports drinks substitute water intake. This is FALSE. Sports drinks contain high amounts of salts, for the purpose of replenishing the salt lost during activity. 4. Rule of thumb – Drink water BEFORE and DURING activity. Drink sports drinks AFTER. TySimpson@greatnorthwest.org JULY 2016 • 5 IMPORTANT DATES • Water Aerobics & Swim Lessons: Still Taking Registrations • Swim Lessons: 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Monday-Thursday at Emerald Valley • Water Aerobics: 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Emerald Valley • Fall Soccer Registration: Starts Monday, July 25 and remains open until league is full. REGISTER EARLY to ensure your spot. Don’t hesitate! SPECIAL REMINDER • Don’t forget about the Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 4th. The parade route begins at Zachry Middle School at 10:00am and ends at Silver Creek Pool. ADULT SWIM HOURS • Silver Creek Saturday & Sunday: 10 - 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 8 - 9 p.m. • Emerald Valley Tuesday - Friday: 10 - 11 a.m. 2016 SWIM LESSONS Swim lessons are held in 2 week sessions. Each session is MondayThursday, and each class is 40 minutes. • Session 3: July 11 - 21 Register by July 5 • Session 4: July 25 - August 4 Register by July 18 • Session 5: August 8 - 18 Register by August 1 Learn more by logging on to greatnorthwest.org COMMUNITY 6 • 2016 JULY HONORING ONE OF SAPD’S FINEST RENEE TOWNSEND GNWatch / C.O.P.S. / D.W.W. Team Leader Photo by Ashley Frolick Photo by Bill McDonough Top: Officer Daniel Robles, joined by his wife and son, receives an Honorary Membership from Chairwoman Ida Rodkey. July brings mixed emotions to our Great Northwest Neighborhood Watch Teams. One of SAPD’s finest, Officer Danny Robles, will be retiring and leaving a great void in the San Antonio Fear Free Environment (SAFFE) Officer Team at the Prue Road Substation. Over the years, Officer Robles has been a wonderful neighbor, friend, and protector in our community. He has educated our children during McGruff Puppet Shows, provided traffic safety during our GNW 4th of July Parades, assisted neighbors by boarding up homes after break ins, attended many of our neighborhood watch meetings, painted over graffiti in our neighborhood and brought out young people to teach them to take pride in their community, and helped us launch our Dog Walker Watch program. We wish you all the very best on your retirement, Officer Robles; you will be greatly missed! Last, but not least, if you would like to host a National Night Out party in your neighborhood on October 4th, please give me a call. Registration is underway right now. What better way to get to know your neighbors than to turn on the porch light, break out the lawn chairs, and visit with one another. Our Teams want to remind everyone to have a safe, enjoyable summer. If you see something, say something. Watch out for yourself and your neighbors! Stay safe, my friends! For more information on the Great Northwest Watch, Cellular On Patrol or Dog Walker Watch, contact our Team Leader, Renee Townsend, at (210) 264-4259 or mutti2two@gmail.com Renee Townsend | mutti2two@gmail.com Bottom: Officer Robles talks to two residents at the GNWatch Retirement Potluck on June 6, 2016. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Host a party for the 33rd Annual National Night Out Tuesday, October 4, 2016 Contact Renee Townsend for more info: mutti2two@gmail.com | (210) 264-4259 COMMUNITY JULY 2016 • 7 A-Team Triumphs in Silver Creek Greenbelt Connie Stallings A-Team Leader A Trip to Flatonia and Schulenburg JANET ANDERSON O.W.L.S. Communications Officer Photos by Connie Stallings After repeated cancellations due to heavy rains, 15 dedicated A-Team members gathered on Saturday, June 18th to clean-up the greenbelt behind the Silver Creek Lodge. Several of our A-Team members have been working on this project for months. On Saturday, our larger group manned weed eaters, loppers, chainsaws and rakes, and we hauled several trailer loads to the brush pile. Working as a well-oiled machine for six hours in the brutal Texas sun, the team made a tremendous difference. As you walk the greenbelt, there a sense of peace, as if you are walking in a forest; it is a place where you can find a connection with Mother Nature. The Silver Creek greenbelt is a work in progress, and we all have the same vision. One day there will be a walking path from Timberwilde to Tezel Road. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the 15 A-Team members who came out and made this a very successful event. Most of all, I would like to thank GNW Lifeguard Sam Womack for cooking our lunch during his break! As we continue to improve our community, please watch for future opportunities to help us with greenbelt clean-ups. For more information about the A-Team, contact Connie Stallings, 210-416-8595(cell), 210-684-2139 or connie_stallings@sbcglobal.net. Connie Stallings | connie_stallings@sbcglobal.net On June 21, the OWLS took I-10 all the way up to Flatonia, TX to visit the Arnim Museum, where the group found out how folks lived in the 1800’s to early 1900’s. They also visited the Railroad Museum and learned how the town was developed by F.W. Flato in 1865 (hence the town name of Flatonia). Afterwards, the OWLS ate dinner at Robert’s Steak House and spend the night at the Flatonia Best Western hotel. The next morning, the group drove 12 miles to Schulenburg for visit the famous Painted Churches in a tour given by the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. They returned to the Great Northwest Lodge later that afternoon. All were happy and tired, but glad they had taken the time to be together. July 4th In July, the OWLS are joining in the annual July 4th parade. The OWLS KAZOO BAND and float will take off from Zachry Middle School at 10 a.m. The group will perform the National Anthem. There will be a practice for the KAZOO BAND on July 4th at 9 a.m. at the Lodge. The next luncheon will be on July 12th. We’ll have hot dogs with all the trimmings, paid for by the OWLS. Members, please bring a covered dish to share. For more information about joining the OWLS, call 6812983. Book Club: The Melody Lingers On JOANN SANDERSON Book Club Co-Chairman On Wednesday, July 20, at 7:00 p.m. the book club will meet at the Silver Creek Lodge to discuss The Melody Lingers On by international best-selling author, Mary Higgins Clark. The title comes from the lyrics of an Irving Berlin tune: “The song is ended But the melody lingers on. You and the song are gone But the melody lingers on.” This song plays on a music box which wealthy financier Parker Bennet gave his wife as a birthday present. The “notorious scoundrel” Parker disappears shortly after his financial scam, resulting in unsuspecting clients loosing billions of dollars, is discovered. His stranded sailboat is found in the Caribbean, but no body is located. FBI agents initiate a hunt to determine if he fled or if he is dead. Lane Harmon, an assistant interior decorator assigned to relocate some furnishings from his mansion, becomes involved in the investigation when Parker’s son, Eric, shows a romantic interest in her. Investigators follow Parker’s trail by questioning people who may have been involved in the financial scheme and/or who may know his whereabouts. Two characters emerge as leading suspects: the son, Eric, and a distraught victim of Parker’s financial scheme. However, others may have been conspiring to aid and abet Parker: other victims of financial loss, members of his family, his household staff, business associates, and a former mistress. A series of questions emerging from the investigation sustains the suspense. Was Eric’s romantic interest in Lane sincere or does he have devious motives for his courtship? What dark secrets revealed from Eric’s past put Lane and her daughter Katie in danger? Who collaborated in the extortion and/or the conspiracy to hide Parker’s whereabouts? Was the money located? Are innocent suspects exonerated? Was the music box just a sentimental gift, the song just a haunting, romantic tune? Or do the lyrics foreshadow love that would be compromised by the tragic consequences of greed and corruption? Was Parker found? Was justice served? And there is the mystery presented at book club meetings--how do the members rate this reading experience? Will its melody linger on? August Selection The Texicans by Nina Vida Facilitator—JoAnn Sanderson Members will vote for book selections for future meetings at this July meeting. We welcome you to join our group on the third Wednesday of the month. You do not need to inform us should you choose to participate. If you want more information, please email: TXSun@satx.rr.com or Code318@aol.com July 8 • 2016 JULY Sun Mon Tue Wed FITNESS CORNER • BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS Thu Fri H igh S teppers Sat Thursdays 10 a.m. ► Silver Creek Lodge ► $2 per class FITNESS CORNER Tue Wed Dance, dance, dance! That’s what we do! Every Thursday morning at 10 a.m., the High Steppers engage in a series of 12 Line Dances for exercise and enjoyment! Dances may include may include the tango, mambo, rhumba, waltz, or cumbia! Instructors are Kum Cha Jahn and Janet Anderson. SA T umble T ots Mondays 11 a.m. & Wednesdays 6 p.m. ► Silver Creek Lodge ► $10 Pre-registration Join instructor Krystal Mora in this fun filled class is designed to build a foundation for developmental and creative movement while learning simple tumbling terms and techniques. Your child must be able to particiapte in the class without a caregiver, with one instructor, and a small group of children of the same age (3 to 5 years). 210-326-3234 Fun in the Sun Snacks August Mon umble . $2 Hot Dog! ‘n’ Trimmings $3.75 COMBO: Hot Dog! + Chips & Soda $4 Cranberry & Pistachio Chicken Salad Sandwich $5 COMBO: Cranberry & Pistachio Chicken Salad Sandwich + Chips & Soda Dance. Move. T Off the Deep End Dogs & Sandwiches Sun JULY 2016 • 9 Thu Fri $1.50 Icy Jumbo Sour Pickles $1.50 Twix M&M’s Peanut $1 All other candy $1 Chips Butter L♥vers Popcorn Poolside Drinks $1 Sodas ♦ Water ♦ Gatorade Polar Bear Ice Cream $1.50 Nestle Drum Sticks Snickers Bar $1.50 ICEE Tubes F it C amp with T abitha Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. ► Silver Creek Lodge ► $5 per class This 45 minute class uses body weight as the resistance with HIIT and Tabata style circuit training. Tabitha is a nationally certified personal trainer with years of experience helping both men and woman reach their fitness goals. All fitness levels are welcome. 210-790-9727 Tuesday & Thursday 6:15 p.m. ► Silver Creek Lodge ► $5 per class (Moved to Emerald Valley on July 21) ► No prior experience needed. ► No membership fees. ► No contracts or paperwork! Be ready to SWEAT and BURN the calories and fat. Wear comfy clothes and closed shoes to class. D on ’ t think about it , just do it ! Lance Meyer Photography Capturing Life’s Special Moments We provide Photography, EdiƟng, and Print Services for all your needs: Weddings, Portraits, Headshots, Senior & Model Shoots, Sports, Maternity, Infant, ParƟes, & Specialty Events. Call us for scheduling, quesƟons about addiƟonal services, and pricing. (210) 264-5766 / 685-3086 www.lancemeyerphotography.com AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING 210-325-7884 David B. Hiller Owner Email: dhiller@dcacservice.com www.dcacservice.com Install All Major Brands Service & Maintenance Licensed & Bonded TACLB16003C GNW NEWS 10 • 2016 JULY Improvements at G reat N orthwest L ibrary E vents Oscar Perez Memorial Park Ribbon Cutting STORY COURTESY OF CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 STAFF July 1 | Hispanic Genealogy | 10 am Dinosaur George | 2 pm & 4 pm Teen Gaming | 2 pm July 10 | San Antonio Heartwarmers: Blankets for Critters | 2 pm July 11 | Teen Anime Night | 6:30 pm No Experience Needed Art | 2 pm Computer Tutoring | 6 pm July 14 | Great Northwest Book & Club Group | 1 pm M onth : J une 2016 Every month, we spotlight an employee who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. This month, we chose Cafe Manager Mia Stives. Mia has done an amazing job of making sure the cafe is run smoothly. A. I manage the Barefoot Café in the front, handle the cashier, and check for member cards before people come into the pool. A. This is my second summer here. Q.What do you like most about your job? Teen Writer’s Guild | 6:30 pm Computer Tutoring | 6 pm July 27 | Super Smash Bros Tournament for Teens | 2 pm July 29 | Finding Female Ancestors GNWatch Collects Donations for Battered Women and Children’s Shelter Q. Congratulations on being selected as Employee of the month. Tell us what you do at the Great Northwest. July 18 | Yummy & Creative | 2-4 pm July 25 | No Experience Needed Art | 2 pm Councilman Ray Lopez, City Officials and residents celebrated the completion of improvements for Oscar Perez Memorial Park. Improvements at the Park included an 8ft new concrete walking trail over the existing trail to provide a smooth surface for joggers, walkers, and parents with strollers. Additional improvements included a new concrete gathering area with associated site furniture. The budgeted amount for these improvements was $350,000 funded by the City’s 2012-2017 Bond Program. “I am excited about the improvements that are occurring in City parks within District 6,” stated Councilman Ray Lopez, District 6. “This is one more project I’m pleased to be able to deliver to the area. The Oscar Perez Memorial Park will allow families to spend time together thus building a stronger neighborhood.” of the Q. How long have you been working at the pools? July 23 | Essential Oils: 101 Back to School | 1 pm Great Northwest residents Aubrey and Teresa Johnson and Connie Stallings, help cut the ribbon at Oscar Perez Park alongside Councilman Ray Lopez and District 6 staff. E mployee JULY 2016 • 11 July 15 | Preserving Family Treasures | 10 am July 20 | Teen Gaming | 12:15 pm Photo Courtesy of District 6 GNW NEWS A. I like working with people and being able to talk to residents. Q. What do you to do in the future and how do you think this job will help you get there? A. I am graduating next year in marketing, so I am hoping to get a position at a theme-park or a hotel. Being able to work with people is important for that field. I plan to work with people in the same, relaxed environment. The GNWatch Team held a successful donation drive for the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter from May 5 through June 17. With the generous donations from the community, GNWatch was able to collect more than 100 needed items. Thanks to all who donated. Family Violence Prevention Services DURING THE WEEK ABC Club | Sundays-Tuesdays | 10:15 a Kids Time | Sundays | Varying Times Senior Hula Dance Class | Saturdays | 12:30 pm STEM Challenge | Tuesdays | Varying Times 2017 Bond Program: District Residents Needed for Bond Committees Dear Constituents and Neighbors, Our office has been compiling a list of opportunities for major roadway, drainage, parks, facilities, and other possible projects throughout District 6 for the 2017-2022 Bond Program. The bond is scheduled to go before the voters in May 2017. We have taken your suggestions and are obtaining cost estimates for all project improvements. Once this process is completed the city manager’s office will be reviewing and preparing for full council approval in August 2016. Towards the end of this summer we will be looking for District 6 folks to be members on the different public Bond Committees. The committees will meet in the fall to make recommendations back to council for final approval. If you are interested in being on a Bond Committee please call my office at (210) 207-3749 for more information. Sincerely, Ray Lopez The Battered Women and Children’s Shelter is a part of the Family Violence Prevention Service, Inc. Their mission is to break the cycle of violence and to strengthen families by providing the necessary tools for self-sufficiency through delivery of emergency shelter, transitional housing, education, effective parenting education, and specialized intervention with youth and the elderly. Established in 1977, Family Violence Prevention Services served over 8,000 victims of domestic violence – primarily women and children – in 2015. Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It has devastating effects on those abused, as well as family members, friends, coworkers and our community as a whole. Nationally, 1 out of 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. In Texas, it is more than 1 out of 3 – nearly 38% of women. Research consistently indicates that less than one-third of all domestic violence incidents are ever reported to law enforcement. FVPS provides a comprehensive range of services that foster long-term stability and freedom from violence. Intervention with children is a priority, in order to heal families and stop the intergenerational cycle of violence. Victims stay in abusive relationships for a number of reasons: fear; lack of awareness of what constitutes abuse; poverty (lack of housing options, lack of transportation, inability to afford legal services); and barriers associated with poor mental and physical health. FVPS addresses all these issues. If you were unable to donate during the drive, you can still contribute directly to the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter. For more information, call (210) 733-8810. 12 • 2016 JULY MONTHLY SECURITY ACTIVITY REPORT Activity from June 1, 2016 —June 31, 2016 Below is the list of calls/responses the Security Department made during June 2016. Abbreviations of sub-divisions are as follows: Silver Creek (S/C); Timberwilde (T/W); Ridge Creek (R/C); Village Northwest (VNW); Commons (C); and Emerald Valley (EV). SC TW RC VNW C SCC EV TOTAL Alarms 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Animal Complaints 6 0 3 1 0 0 1 11 Assaults 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Assist Public 20 1 4 4 1 2 11 43 Burglary Res/ Bldg 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 Burglary Vehicle 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 5 Criminal Mischief 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 Criminal Trespass 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Disturbances 7 0 4 1 0 1 6 19 Lost/Found Property 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 Public Intoxication 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Harassment Threats 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Salesman/ Soliciting 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 Suspicious Activity 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 7 Suspicious Pers./Veh. 13 0 3 3 0 1 5 25 Thefts 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 5 Traffic Complaints 4 0 1 0 2 0 0 7 TOTALS 65 2 18 10 4 7 37 143 ACC Stats All exterior construction, additions, changes or alterations must be approved by an “Architectural Control Committee,” as per section 5A.2-5A.9 of the deed restrictions. May 2016 Cliff Walk: Storage shed Ridge Oak: New roof, paint home Ridge Arbor: Screen doors Timber Cross: New windows, new siding Timberwilde: Solar panels Timberhurst: New fence, paint home Timber Place: Covered patio Encino Village: New roof SAFETY & PROPERTY SECURITY RESIDENTIAL SERVICES REPORT Activity from June 1, 2016 —June 31, 2016 Valley Hill: Covered patio Timber Cross: New privacy fence Timber Lodge: Storage shed Timberwick: New roof Timber Hunt: New roof Ridge Mill: New metal roof Village Park: New roof, solar panels Shady Green: Storage shed For more information pick up a copy of the GNW deed restrictions and the exterior design guidelines at the GNW Lodge or call DRACO at 210.681.2983 ext. 111. Below is the list of responses the security department made when assisting the public during June 2016. Abbreviations of sub-divisions are as follows: Silver Creek (S/C); Timberwilde (T/W); Ridge Creek (R/C); Village Northwest (VNW); Commons (C); Stage Coach Crossing (SCC) and Emerald Valley (EV). SC TW RC VNW C SCC EV TOTAL Alarms 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Facility Check 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 Lost/ Found Animals 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 Jump Start Battery 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 Home/ Veh. Lockouts 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Open Doors 8 1 1 2 0 2 4 18 Vehicle Lights Left On 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Welfare Checks 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 4 Out-ofTown 369 0 36 19 0 14 51 489 Special Watch 24 0 0 0 0 10 12 46 TOTALS 409 1 38 23 0 26 73 570 DEED RESTRICTION Activity from May 5, 2016 —June 2, 2016 Below is the list of calls/complaints to the Deed Restriction Department made during May 5, 2016 - June 6, 2016. Calls per day: 8-15. Correction Rate: 93% Abbreviations of sub-divisions are as follows: Silver Creek (SC); Timberwilde (TW); Ridge Creek (RC); Sage Coach Crossing (SCC); Commons (C); Village Northwest (VNW); and Emerald Valley (EV). Complaint SC TW RC SCC C VNW EV TOTAL Nuisance 41 19 41 13 16 19 71 220 Inoperable Vehicle 6 0 3 1 0 0 2 12 Basketball Hoop 8 2 5 0 1 0 7 23 Fence/ Garage Door 6 0 2 1 5 2 10 26 Overgrown Grass 136 41 115 47 51 63 201 654 Boats/ Trailers 3 1 5 0 1 3 6 19 TOTALS 200 63 171 62 74 87 297 954 A Day JULY 2016 • 13 in the ROGER BURTON Life of a GNW Security Officer Security Chief A full-time, Great Northwest Security Officer usually works 12 hour shifts four days a week. In the example of a midnight shift, the officer reports for duty and immediately contacts the day shift officer. He gets a briefing on all passon tasks and activities which occurred during the previous shift. He checks the bulletin board for any inter-office memos. and then checks the duty schedule for any Out-of-Town and Special Watch requests which require attention during his shift. He takes over all equipment necessary to complete his duties (cell phone/radio, vehicle keys, flashlight and etc.), then checks the vehicle for mechanical problems, damage and cleanliness. Afterwards, picks up any mail which may need delivering. Finally, he reviews any activities which require any of the facilities to be opened. This is just the beginning of his shift. At the end of the business day, all exterior and interior doors and windows of the Lodge are secured. All interior lights and turned off, while all exterior lights are turned on. The officer ensures the security camera monitors are properly set and recording. Once the Lodge is secured, he activates the building alarm. During the summer months when the swimming pools are open, the officer also collects all monies from the pool supervisor. Money bags are taken to the Lodge where they are secured. The officer then turns on all security lights, patio lights and courtyard lights at the Emerald Valley pool. Once the swimming pools are closed, he checks secures all the facilities and activates the alarms. During the evening, he checks any person using the courts for their membership cards. Any per- son without a card, or with an outdated membership card, is asked to leave. Both the Emerald Valley and Ridge Creek parks are examined for any damage or graffiti and closed at dusk. The basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts are also checked for damage at their respective closing times. After checking the soccer fields, the officer locks the gates and turns off Photo by Ashley Frolick the lights. The officer continues makSecurity Officer Ruben Garcia answers a call about a fire on June 23, just one of the many ing periodic checks calls he will answer on his 12 hour shift. of all Association facilities during his officer with violations concerning vehicles, RV’s, shift. Travel Trailers and people parking on the grass. Now remember, during all his tasks, the This brings us to the end of our shift. officer is also required to take calls from resi Before returning to the office for shift dents, get all pertinent information of the call, and change, the officer refuels the vehicle if needed. respond, if necessary. Reports are completed He returns to his station to be relieved and brief for all calls received. Most calls that we respond the oncoming duty officer of all the activities durto are for assisting the public in some way, such ing his shift. as taking reports for lost and found pets, helping As you can see, GNW security officers with lockouts, and welfare and facility checks. keep quite busy during their shift. On average, We also contact the residents when we notice they receive as many as 3-6 calls per shift, all their garage door and vehicle doors open. which require responses and reports. Of course Other calls we receive are for disturbancthere is the occasional shift that can be very es, suspicious activities, and suspicious persons boring. Please feel free to call when you feel the and vehicles. We respond to calls for burglary need to report a crime. of homes and vehicles and contact SAPD when necessary. We also assist the Deed Restriction The New Self-Help Program for Deed Restriction Violations JOSE MORLETT Deed Restriction and Architectural Control Officer We understand that no one likes to get a violation notice, but unfortunately, there are times it has to be done to maintain the property. If you’re not sure what the rules and regulations are, please refer to the booklet you received when you moved in, or pick one up from the Lodge. The first violation notice is a warning. If the violation isn’t solved after the first warning, one of three letters will be sent out with fines for unresolved violations. To help prevent paying a violation fine, The GNW has started a new self-help program to allow residents to either fix or correct the violation on their own or pick one of three vendors who agree to help the GNW residents with the violations. By choosing one of three vendors, all three vendors agreed to give a 15% discount to the GNW resident. All three vendors will be on our new deed restriction notices. For further information, please contact the deed restriction officer at (210) 681-2983 or draco1@greatnorthwest.org. 210.681.2983 | draco1@Greatnorthwest.org PROPERTY TIPS 14 • 2016 JULY Properly Disposing of Leaf Bags FREE LANDFILL DAY: Drop unwanted brush, bulky waste, and household hazardous items The City of San Antonio’s Solid Waste Management Department has a announced a Free Landfill Day on Saturday, July 9. Take advantage of cleaning out your unwanted brush, bulky waste, and household hazardous items, and help keep the Great Northwest clean in the process. You can drop off your items from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at participating locations. Only San Antonio residential Solid Waste Rate payers may participate. Requirements are: • Must be a City of San Antonio solid waste fee rate payer • Bring a valid picture ID • Bring a copy of your most recent CPS Energy Statement showing payment of City Services for Solid Waste Fee • Cover your loads with a tarp (by law, City Ordinance #722272) • NO roofing materials, sheet rock, dirt, brick, lumber or construction materials will be acceptedNO industrial, commercial or construction waste will be accepted Forget all those idealistic images of playing in autumn colored leaves. Leaf bags on the curb can become an eyesore and a nuisance for the community. An observant person may be wondering why all this talk about leaf bags in mid-June, when the scorching sun is already leaving a trail of dying grass in its wake. Surprisingly, leaf bags continue to be a problem for the GNW Deed Restriction Violation team. Let’s start off with the basics. Deed Restraction 6.5 (e) states: “No item of any kind will be left in view from the street unless it is decorative in nature or decorative landscaping.” Some examples of items not allowed are: firewood, furniture, car parts, 55 gallon barrels, BBQ Grills, tree limbs, and, of course, the titular leaf bag. When leaf bags are left out in loose bags, animals can rip it open and cause a huge mess. It may also become a mushy issue if it rains on your bags. Your neighbors may not appreciate the leftover eyesore. Thankfully, the City of San Antonio can help you leave your leaf bag woes behind. Residential solid waste customers may request two free of charge collections for leaves per fiscal year. Use them wisely. Additional collections within the same fiscal year may be requested but are subject to a fee. Note that the City will only pick up leaves placed in paper bags or cardboard boxes and must meet these specifications: Paper Bags • • • • • • • total material not to exceed eight (8) cubic yards not to exceed fifty (50) bags individual bag must not weigh more than forty (40) pounds must be of two-ply Kraft (lawn and leaf paper bags) must have a wet strength of forty (40) pounds must be securely closed must be resistant to breakage when lifted Lawn and leaf paper bags can be purchased from various homeimprovement, grocery, and department stores. Participating locations are: CLASSIFIEDS ______________________________________ 210-521-9111. PERFORMING ARTS ______________________________________ VILLARREAL LAWN & HANDYMAN Lawn & Handyman Services. Call Mike for free estimate. 210-717-1665 GREATER SA ACADEMY OF BALLET Free trial class! Dance classes ages 3 and up. Greatersanantonioacademyofballet.com. For more info call 210-5161617 ______________________________________ • • • • • • Appliances Bagged litter (only at landfills) Brush Carpet Fencing Material Furniture LOCAL SERVICES ______________________________________ MOBILE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS For all your computer needs. Windows only! Onsite repair. No need to travel. Call today! 210-549-7160. MAC / iPHONE / iPAD HELP Training, upgrades, networking, troubleshooting. 210-273-5927 www.Macanswers.com AMIGOS AIR CONDITIONING Reasonable Pricing, same day service, locally based veteran owned, at rating w/ Better Business Bureau. “Doing it right the first time.” RUUD Dealer. 210-3937422. FREE TV ANTENNAS 5235836 3 T PLUMBING Family Owned & Christian Based. Call Bryan, Master Plumber (LIC#M39336) at 210-323-6066. plumbermant@yahoo. com. www.3tplumbing.com • • • • Mattresses Tires (limit 6 passenger car tires per household) Toilets Water Heaters Informational flyers will be available at the Great Northwest Lodge info center, at 8809 Timberwilde St. MARTY’S LAWN SERVICES Lawn Services: $25 to $50. Pressure washing available. Call Tony at 210-5223736 or Marty at 210-322-4619 MOVING? Let me help you find your next house or apt. No worries about high pressure. Joshua 210-705-3674. AUTO REPAIR GNW residents auto repair and service. Servicing most makes and models. Call Andrew @ 443-564-9100 or Robert @ 210-516-5615. Accepted Materials: JULY 2016 • 15 MARBACH ROAD STORAGE 9975 Marbach Rd. 673-1927. 6’x6’ $43/ month – 10’x10’ $59/month. Open & inside parking - RV’s, Boats, Motorhomes. 24hr security. 2 door/barnstyle indoor storages. 6’x6’ - 11’x30’. $9.50 SERVICE CALL Repairs for Refrigerators, Stoves, Washers, Dryers, and freezers. 1 year warranty. Quick service. Contact Marcus at 210291-5431. GENERAL CARPENTRY Semi-retired carpenter. General carpentry. Call Mike 951-294-0682 AFTER HOURS NOTARY Now serving the GNW! Call 210-7405079. Notario Publico – se habla espanol lla me 210-740-5079. GLR CONCRETE Driveways patios sidewalk. No job to big or too small. Reliable and trustworthy. Free estimates 210-420-7253. CANTU PLUMBING With Sewer Camera Inspection. License #RMPM12400. Insured for your protection. Residential and Commercial. Call 256-1868. PET SITTER NIGHT & DAY 20 yrs experience! Ask for Donna. Call ______________________________________ REAL ESTATE ______________________________________. REALTOR SERVICES Want to sell your home or buy a home? Please call me at 210-884-4364. Toni Saldana with Icon Realty ______________________________________ WANTED ______________________________________ CASH FOR iPHONES, iPADS Have a damaged Apple device you don’t use? I’ll buy it for cash! Must be unlocked! Text 210-608-7023 _____________________________________ FOR SALE ______________________________________ CUSTOM CAT TOWERS I make & sell cat trees. Prices start @ $15 & up — uniqueartcattowers.com. Art Martinez — 210-719-3495. YOUR CLASSIFIED COULD BE HERE 210.681.2983 8809 Timberwilde ADVERTISE IN PASSAGES DISPLAY ADS Starting at $50 bimonthly Size and Prices vary CLASSIFIED ADS Residents: FREE: first 4 lines $3: per line after 4 th line (for part-time services or for sale items) Businesses / Full-Time Services $15: first 4 lines $3: per line after 4 th line Residents in good standing receive 30% off For more info: 210.681.2983 ext. 109 communicate@ greatnorthwest.org 16 • 2016 JULY June is for Baby Showers! We’ve had not one, not two, but three baby showers in the month of June at the Emerald Valley Lodge (Flores Hall). For three weekends in a row, festive baby shower decor graced the hall. Here are some of the highlights: BBQ Girl’s Baby Shower Rodriguez Family ffordable REMODELING DESIGNS • Patio Covers • Kitchens • Room Additions • Bathrooms 210-724-9145 Serving San Antonio AffordableRD@gmail.com BBB • Licensed • Insured • Bonded Need to host a party? Call 210.681.2983 to learn more about renting out the GNW Halls and Pools Nautical Themed Boy’s Baby Shower Doax Family