news summary message from the board · may 6 6:30 crime & safety meeting may 19 7 pm hoa open...
TRANSCRIPT
Published Monthly by Neighborhood News, Inc.Published Monthly by Neighborhood News, Inc.
2020 is the year we are going green with the amenity forms. Each year, Spectrum gets stacks and stacks of amenity forms. This year we have implemented an online renewal form. You can renew your card and get a replacement card if needed. Please log into your account on the www.SpectrumAM.com website. Then select the “Amenities” tab under “Community Info” to fill out the online waiver. If you have any issues going online, Encino Park residents can still come to the onsite office to receive a card as well. If you have any questions, please call the office at 210-497-3022.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONOFFICE PHONE
210-497-3022
ADDRESS1923 ENCINO RIO, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78259SPECTRUM ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT
210-494-0659
OFFICE HOURSMONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY
9:00AM-2:00PMWEDNESDAY
4:00PM-7:00PM
NEWS SUMMARYImportant Upcoming Dates............... 2
Over 50 Club ...................................... 2
Did You Know? .................................. 3
Crime & Safety ................................... 3
Out To Lunch ..................................... 4
Women’s Club News ........................ 4
Yard of The Month / Volunteers ........ 5
Letter to the Editor ............................. 6
Mosquito Bite Prevention .................. 7
Community Service Award ............... 8
Spring Home Maintenance ............... 8
Spring Care Tips for Pets .................. 9
Avoid Utility Scams ..........................10
Teen Directory / Classifieds .............11
APRIL 2020APRIL 2020
Thanks to all Encino Park residents who have been sheltering in place! We appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep the neighborhood healthy. By now you know that we have cancelled all events scheduled at the Community Center which includes HOA-sponsored events as well as committee and club meetings. Our Community Manager is working remotely but available by phone or email (210-497-3022 or [email protected], respectively.) With things changing almost daily, it’s important that we all have means to keep informed. The City’s ReadySouthTX app has been great with up-to-date postings on their guidelines and recommendations at the national and local levels.
We would like to be able to reach more Encino Park residents with our eblasts should we need to get a message out quickly; however, not even half of our residents have registered their emails with Spectrum. Now would be a good time to consider that so that you can receive important messages from the HOA Board. To do so, go to https://spectrum.cincwebaxis.com/cinc/register/. By registering you can:
A. Receive important eblasts about current and future events and updates. B. Report common area issues. C. See past and current open board meeting minutes. D. Register your pool amenity card or purchase new ones. E. Pay your HOA assessment. F. Use the Chat feature to ask questions.
The March open board meeting was held by conference call and we are still planning to hold the next meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 PM. Notification will be sent out by eblast with the details later.
The Board hopes everyone stays healthy and safe during this difficult time. It’s a great time to do those chores around the property that need attention. If you are out and about and as you social distance, watch out for the many walkers and bike riders. Take care!
Message From The BoardBy Jason Williamson
LETTER FROM THE OFFICE:
Page 2 THE ENCINO PARK NEWS
Non-Emergency NumbersConstable Precinct 3: 210-335-4750
SAPD: 210-207-7273
IMPORTANTUPCOMING DATES!
APRIL - ALL EVENTS ARE CANCELLED FOR THE MONTH
April 21
7:00 PMHOA Open Board Meeting by Conference Call
BELOW EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
May 2
9 - 1 Citizens on Patrol Training*
May 6
6:30 Crime & Safety Meeting
May 19
7 PMHOA Open Board Meeting Poo Opens - Daily
May 23
1-9 PM Pool Opens - Daily
Call the Encino Park HOA office with questions (210-497-3022)
* 13030 Jones Maltsberger Road (northside substation)
BOARD OF [email protected]
DYAN MONTESCLAROS – PRESIDENT
RANDY SMITH – VICE PRESIDENT
KEVIN NICKELS – SECRETARY
CINDY CRAFT – TREASURER
JASON WILLIAMSON – PARLIAMENTARIAN
DOUG BOCK – MEMBER AT LARGE
DELISA LEOPOLD – MEMBER AT LARGE
KENNY SPEAR – MEMBER AT LARGE
PEGGY WARDLAW – MEMBER AT LARGE
COMMITTEE & CLUB CHAIRPERSONS
Architectural Control 210-497-3022Block Captain - Gail Lamb/Daphne Sohocki 210-901-9936Crime & Safety Committee - Dyan Montesclaros 210-481-7890Involvement Committee - Dyan Montesclaros 210-481-7890Men’s Group - Randy Smith 210-497-3022Over 50 Club - Dalia Benzick 210-498-3022Park Committee - Varsin Archer 210-497-3022Pet Finder - Cindy Haines 210-497-3049Pool Committee - Jason Williamson 210-497-3022Swim Team - Randy Smith 210-497-3022Women’s Club - Anne Frazer 210-355-0448
TO VOLUNTEER FOR A COMMITTEE, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE.
ENCINO PARK SWIMMING POOL - 210-497-4333
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: SPECTRUMAM.COM
INFORMATIONAL: ENCINOPARKHOA.COM
After one month of taking the lead, our new President, Ms. Dalia Benzick, has taken the reins and is off and presiding over the Club. Our only meeting in March was an outing to Kneaders Restaurant where we enjoyed fresh sandwiches and soups and salads. We talked till we were done and then talked about next time.
The COVID-19 (Corona Virus) interrupted our March meetings and at this writing, we don’t know what April holds for us. So, we keep in touch via the phone. We are in the at-risk group, so we are following the protocol and keeping to ourselves a lot.
When things are back to normal and we can meet again in groups, we invite you to join us. We meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Center. We are a fun group of more than fifty-somethings who play cards, dominoes, Rummikub and other games and occasionally bingo and bunco. For more information, call the office at 210-497-3022.
OVER 50 CLUBDyan Montesclaros
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APRIL 2020 Page 3
For the past five years, the Board has hosted an Open House in April. We had all the Encino Park Committees
and Clubs and City and County agencies like SAWS, CPS, 311, etc. share info about themselves.
The past couple of years we have invited Encino Park business owners and local businesses to share info about their services and products.Because it hasn’t been as well attended by residents as we hoped it would be, this year we are planning to combine it with National Night Out which will be Tuesday, October 6.
The Board will provide food (yet to be determined), and we plan to invite all residents and similar participants as in the past. We thought this was a way to have neighbors who don’t have block captains, and therefore, don’t get together for National Night Out, the opportunity to mingle together. Of course, those blocks who get together and want to continue most definitely can.
If you would like to help plan this event, email us at [email protected] or call the office at 210-497-3022.
CRIME & SAFETY COMMITTEE
The Crime and Safety Committee met with our Constable Jaime Perales last month. He shared some of the things he looks out for while patrolling our neighborhood and we shared some of the things we’ve noticed in our patrols. A few items worth mentioning:
• We have improved in the number of open garage doors at night. However, there are still a few left open. He reminded us that open garage doors are an invitation to thieves to take what they want. So, let’s keep them closed at night and when not attended during the day.
• We discussed the incidences that occur during spring break. He suggested parents keep their kids occupied so they keep out of trouble.
• There have been a series of vehicle break-ins in ours and surrounding neighborhoods. Some of these have been teenagers. He advised us that even if nothing is taken, it is still a crime and there are serious consequences if caught. People are being caught on security cameras, so don’t do it.
• Some people acting as solicitors are scoping out houses when they canvass a neighborhood; so be aware when you hold conversations with them of what you let them see in your house.
SAPD will be hosting a Citizens on Patrol training on Saturday, May 2, 9AM-1PM at the northside substation, 13030 Jones Maltsberger Road. The training will educate attendees on how we can help them with our observations and reports of out-of-the-normal things. The training can help you no matter where you live and whether you plan to patrol the neighborhood or not. Another learning is the difference between 311 services and law enforcement. 311 services cover a lot of things that many people think law enforcement is responsible for.
The first Wednesday of each month, the Crime and Safety Committee meets at 6:30 PM. We discuss our observations during patrols, meet with our Constable and/or SAFFE Officer to discuss what we need to pay attention to in our neighborhood and learn what’s going on in others around us.
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Page 4 THE ENCINO PARK NEWS
By the time this newsletter reaches your mailbox, the Encino Park community may still be sad about the cancelation of our annual Easter Egg Hunt due to the city’s COVID-19 social-distancing guidelines. Hopefully this wonderful event will be allowed next year, and we can look forward to it being better than ever!
Our March 16th women’s club meeting was also canceled, and our meeting in April will be, too. As such, elections for the new women’s club board will happen via email this month. I know most, if not all, of us ladies are missing each other and appreciating each other more than ever during this difficult time. Social distancing can feel hard, but it’s obviously needed to keep as many people safe and healthy as possible. The way I see it: We are not “Stuck at Home,” but “Safe at Home,” instead.
The neighborhood garage sale scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 1st and 2nd will have to be postponed for now in order to remain in compliance with state and city executive orders. The women’s club will determine if we will have the garage sale later this year and will keep everyone informed of whatever decisions are made.
Hopefully we will be able to hold our final meeting on May 11th at 6:30 p.m. The agenda includes a catered, sit-down banquet, introduction of the 2020/2021 women’s club board, recognizing the recipients of the scholarship awards, and honoring a resident for his/her service to our community.
One positive outcome of staying home I’m sure we’ve all noticed is the increased number of connections made with neighbors, as we all get outside to exercise, enjoy the sunshine, and help each other out. I’d like to encourage the women of Encino Park to consider joining our lovely group when it is safe to do so again. That same neighborly spirit is alive and well in our women’s club!
WOMEN’S CLUB NEWSBy Holly Slaughter
OUT TO LUNCH
This month we will return to one of our favorite places, “The Bread Box” at The Alley on Bitters. We always enjoy their delicious food and warm hospitality. We will go on Monday, April, 20, at 11:30. Wear your Fiesta attire and join us! Please note that if we have a larger group they may only offer us 3 entrée selections from which to choose, but I guarantee each of the choices will be scrumptious. Call Janet at 210-481-9956 by Thursday the 16th if you plan to go. Carpooling will be available.
In February we celebrated Mardi Gras at Bourbon Street Seafood. The twelve of us who were able to attend enjoyed the wonderful food, great service, decorations, beads, and King Cake. It was a festive time!
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APRIL 2020 Page 5
Spring is here and so is our Yard of the Month challenge. The purpose of this program is to highlight neighbors who demonstrate exemplary efforts in maintaining their property and its curb appeal. For the months of April through September, the Community Involvement Committee will choose a yard that meets the following criteria: lawn is mowed, trimmed, weed free; driveways, walks and curbs are edged; all foliage is neatly pruned, healthy and alive; landscaping has a design and is colorful; there is no unsightly debris; and, of course, the owner must be in good standing with the Association.
The winning residents will be notified usually the tenth of the month. Then at the monthly Board meeting, the residents are presented with a sign they can place in their yard as well as a $25 gift card from Home Depot. A picture will appear in the Newsletter and be posted on the website. Participants may only receive Yard of the Month one time in a year. (Signs should be returned to the Office at the end of the challenge period.) So, come on and join the challenge.
We appreciate all our neighbors who take pride in their yards and the Committee looks forward to seeing them all during our drives through the neighborhood.
WANTED: VOLUNTEERSWe have several Committees who plan things for our neighborhood. We have a few residents who have joined the Committees, but we are looking for more. You can have a part in planning activities that bring neighbors together and improve our community. To volunteer, [email protected] or call the office at 210-497-3022. Our Committees are: Crime & Safety, Involvement, Park and Pool.
Please pick up after your pets. Take a plastic bag with you on your walks and dispose of it properly. Obey the leash law. All dogs and cats must be confined to their owner’s property at all times except when on a leash.
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Page 6 THE ENCINO PARK NEWS
Dear Editor,
It seems certain times of the year, solicitors come knocking at our doors. I have a sign posted; why isn’t that good enough to keep them away? ~B., Encino Crown
Dear B.,
We all find ourselves annoyed with solicitors from time to time. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to prevent people from going door-to-door. However, here is what SAPD advises us: Put a sign visible near or on your door that says, “No Soliciting”. Of course, the sign won’t stop someone from approaching and ringing your doorbell. With the sign up, you can advise whoever comes to your door as a solicitor to leave immediately or you will call the police. If the solicitor doesn’t leave while on your property, this would be considered trespassing, and actions can be taken. It is recommended for you to call the non-emergency number for SAPD (210-207-7273). Most of the time when you let the solicitors know that you are calling the police, they will leave. You should still report this to the non-emergency line. The police usually dispatch an officer to your home, who will then look for the person, inquire about their business permit, and ask them to leave on your behalf.
Our entire neighborhood has posted “No Soliciting” signs at some of the entrances; however, this is not blanket coverage for all homes. It is enforceable unless a sign is on your specific property and may only deter those who truly appreciate the sign’s request. Keep in mind, not everyone who goes door-to-door is a solicitor. For example, not all religious groups who go house-to-house are considered solicitors, even if unwanted by some.
Our Constable has reported to the Crime & Safety Committee that there are some people masquerading as solicitors but who are really casing homes. So, be careful when you do open your door and do not let a stranger see too much of the inside of the house. For this reason, many have chosen to install security camera doorbells. You can check to see who is at the door without even being home or, if home, choose to open the door or not.
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APRIL 2020 Page 7
HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES
Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. They live indoors and outdoors. Protect your family from mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
Use insect repellent• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect
repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
• Always follow product label instructions.• Reapply insect repellent as directed.
� Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing. � If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and
insect repellent second.• The effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents,
including some natural repellents, is not known.
What to wear• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.• Treat items such as boots, pants, socks, and tents with permethrin
or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. � Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes.
� Permethrin-treated clothing will protect you after multiple washings. See product information to find out how long the protection will last.
� If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions.• Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.
Protect babies and children• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.• When using insect repellent on your child:
� Always follow label instructions. � Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus
(OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
� Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
� Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
Control mosquitoes indoors• Keep windows and doors shut and use air conditioning if possible.• Use, install, or repair window and door screens.• Once a week, empty or throw out any items that hold water like
vases and flowerpot saucers.• Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill
mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately, but may need to be reapplied. Always follow label instructions.
Control mosquitoes outdoors• Once a week, empty or throw out any items that hold water like
vases and flowerpot saucers.• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, rain barrels, etc.)• For containers without lids, use mesh with holes smaller than an
adult mosquito.• Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be
used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.• Use an outdoor insect spray in dark humid areas where mosquitoes
rest, like under patio furniture or in the carpet or garage. Always follow label instructions.
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover vent or plumbing pipe openings using mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html
News that’sclose to home.
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Page 8 THE ENCINO PARK NEWS
KNOW SOMEONE WHO VOLUNTEERS FOR THE
COMMUNITY?Currently, the Encino Park Women’s Club awards a Community Service Award to an Encino Park resident who is nominated and voted on by its membership who volunteers their service to the Encino Park neighborhood and/or other organizations in need. The Women’s Club honors their recipient with an engraved key chain presented at their end-of-year banquet and the honoree’s name engraved on a plaque mounted in the Community Center with past honorees.
Using this model, the HOA would like to initiate a Community Service recognition program and acknowledge an individual at the annual meeting held in October.
If you know of an Encino Park resident who actively volunteers themselves in the service of others, please submit your candidate; provide their name, contact information and a brief write-up of their actions that you would like to highlight. Also, please provide your contact information in case we need more information.
Please send this to [email protected] or drop it off at the office.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Now is a great time to prepare your home for Spring. Here are a few general home maintenance tips to consider this time of year:
� Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and filter. � Replace the furnace. It may be especially filthy after the winter months.
� Inspect the roof for water damage. It’s also a good idea to check any fences, carports and sheds. Tip: Check the south end of your roof first; it is the first to show wear.
� Test the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
� Clear the gutters of any buildup to allow for proper functioning.
� Start the grass revival cycle by aerating, thatching and fertilizing.
� Be sure no inside or outside vents are blocked by fallen debris.
� Clean the windows and screens. Repair any holes in screens or replace them if needed.
� Inspect and repair siding and peeling paint. Fix or replace damaged siding. Strip peeling paint and replace it with a new coat.
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APRIL 2020 Page 9
Spring Care Tips for Your Pet
Sweets and TreatsIf the Easter bunny brought chocolate treats for your family, make sure to store them in a safe place. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are the most toxic for your pet, while white chocolate and milk chocolate don’t pose quite as much of a risk. However, no amount of chocolate is good for your animal. If your pet ingests chocolate, call your vet for guidance.
A Yellow Lab in a Field of WildflowersWith gardening in full swing during the spring, pay special attention on whether you include poisonous plants to your garden and landscape. Popular outdoor plants that are poisonous to cats and dogs include rhododendron, sago palm, and azalea, to name a few.
Spring CleaningSpring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Almost all cleaning products, even all natural ones, contain chemicals that may be harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage. Please visit the National Capitol Poison Center for more information.
Let it GrowFertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep lawns and gardens healthy and green, but they have ingredients that may be dangerous if your pet ingests them. Always store these products in out-of-the-way places. Many popular springtime plants are also highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if eaten.
GesundheitLike us, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pesky Little CrittersApril showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet.
Out and AboutWarmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information.
Source: www.vetdogs.org
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Page 10 THE ENCINO PARK NEWS
Better Business Bureau
REPORTAvoid Utility Scams at HomeBy Jason MezaRegional Director - San Antonio
As the spring temperature rises, so do the number of scammers impersonating water, electric, and gas company representatives. They frequently threaten residents with deactivation of service or misrepresent utility companies to secure business. This scam is most common in the spring/summer months.
How the Scam Works:Utility company imposters will typically reach you with a telephone call or knock on your door claiming to be a representative from SAWS, CPS Energy or a utility contractor. In the most common scenario, the scammer informs you that payment is overdue, and the utility will be shut off if you don’t pay up immediately. But in other cases, registered solar companies solicit customers door-to-door to promote solar rebates through CPS Energy – which can lead to confusion with a potential scammer.
Scammers use a variety of other tricks to prey on utility customers. A “representative” may appear at your door in a plausible work uniform claiming that the electric meter is not working properly and must be immediately replaced. In a particularly alarming form
of this con, the scammer may gain access to your home to perform “repairs” or an “energy audit” with the intent of stealing your valuables. These cons may also involve promises of energy discounts with the aim of taking your money or personal information.
CPS Energy will never: Call to demand payment by cash, credit card or gift cards at your home or business, Request credit card or banking information over the telephone or ask to enter your home unless you have initiated a request for a specific service.
Tips to Spot This Scam: • Prepaid debit cards and wire transfers are a red flag. If a
caller specifically asks you to pay by prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer, this is a huge warning sign. Your utility company will accept a check or credit card. Both offer additional protection for disputing a charge.
• Pressure to pay immediately. Scammers will press for immediate payment and may try to intimidate you into giving them your personal and banking information. Don’t confirm your identity or account details.
Protect Yourself Against This Scam:• Call customer service. Con artists can manipulate caller ID
to appear as if a utility company is calling. If you feel pressured for immediate action by a caller, hang up and call the customer service number on your utility bill. This will ensure you are speaking to a real representative.
• Never allow anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem. Further, ask utility employees for proper identification before letting them enter.
APRIL 2020 Page 11
ENCINO PARK TEEN DIRECTORY
Name Age Contact Services
Carson Benavides 12 210 727-8607 Dog walking, pet-sitting
Emma Cline 13 210-912-9588 Pet-sitting
Caleb Dunlap 15 210-287-4211 Pet-sitting/Power washing
James Fry 15 210-307-7188 Pet-sitting, lawn mowing
Joseph Fry 17 210-505-1541Wi-Fi, Computer, Printer Help, Lawn mowing
Deven Garcia 16 210-643-3000Lawn mowing, Power washing & Pet-sitting
Matthew Garcia 14 210-643-3000Lawn mowing, Power washing & Pet-sitting
Javier Garrido 210-997-0771 Dog walking, lawn mowing, Bilingual
Hannah Hansen 17 210-316-0998 Babysitting
Julia Hendrix 13 210-363-7642 Babysitting, pet-sitting, dog walking
Timothy Massa 17 210-913-8126 Pet-sitting
Maria Palacios 17 210-838-7214 Pet-sitting
Vincent Prusinsky 14 210-722-5545
Lawn mowing, pet-sitting and teach youth basketball lessons
Kort Robinson 11 210-777-2622 Lawn mowing & pet-sitting
Eoin Shearer 12 210-663-1606Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Lawn Mowing
Teen Service listings are free to all Encino Park residents under nineteen (19) years of age. Classified ads are free to Encino Park residents. Ads will run for one month only, unless the advertiser calls and requests renewal. To place, remove, or edit a teen directory listing or classified ad, call 210-558-3160 or email [email protected]. Please put “Encino Park Resident” in the subject line.
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CLASSIFIED ADSWANTED: Looking for research and writing assistance. If you are interested please email a resume and a writing sample to [email protected] or fax to 210-314-8328. Excellent writing skills and organization needed. Great for sophomores and seniors. Norma Campos – 210-784-0972.
Encino Park Homeowners Associationc/o Spectrum Association Management, LP17319 San Pedro, Suite 318San Antonio, TX 78232
Time Dated
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDSAN ANTONIO,TXPERMIT NO.1568
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Published and distributed by:Neighborhood News, Inc.3740 Colony Drive Suite LL100San Antonio, TX 78230(210) 558-3160 * (210) 558-3163 fax
Kindly RSVP by April 28th
(210) 209-8404 www.independencehill.com
Full Service Apartments, Assisted Living and Neighborhood of Homes EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITYLic #100102
We look forward to seeing you onTHURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
10:00AM20500 Huebner Road
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attend this informative seminar and learn how to take advantage of your exisiting Long Term Care insurance and also about the little known VA benefit through the Aid & Attendance Program. This seminar is for veterans and anyone who owns a
Long Term Care Policy!
BENEFITS that can Help Cover Costs
for Senior Living