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PAID Allen, TX Permit 178
STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS FEBRUARY 2015
Vol. 3, Issue 2
Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 5
20
10
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
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This Month’s Feature by Michael Lesku
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Inside the Ranch by Michael Lesku
12 www.stonebridgeranch.com by Sherine George
13
From Your Neighbor
14
Compliance Tips by Nate Russell
15
Public Safety
16
Community Calendar
18
Financial Update by Michael Lesku
20
Your Neighbor by Sherine George
23 Lifestyle 24
Around the Ranch
28
Social Scene
8 13
SPECIAL SECTIONS 19
Pet Page
26
Bits and Pieces
Stonebridge Ranch News © 2015 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is individually mailed free of charge to all residents of Stonebridge Ranch. Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807. Visit www.allenimage.com.
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from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS
publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
office administrator Carrie McCormick
contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Sherine George Michael Lesku Nate Russell
cover photo Sherine George
The Annual Meeting is Scheduled for March 5 2015 is already nearly a month old. Our Annual Meeting will be coming up on March 5, and along with it, the election of two board members. By the time you read this, the City of McKinney should have completed the installation of traffic signals at the intersections of Custer Road and Bristol, Cottonwood North and Cottonwood South—a muchneeded addition to improve safer access to Custer Road for the villages in those areas. The new Emergency Care center operated by the McKinney Medical Center should be open at the SE corner of Custer Road and Hwy. 380. I hope you never need to use it, but if you do, it is nice to have it so close.
December 11, 2014 Board Meeting
The board meeting of December 11 was called to order at 1 p.m. All board members were present. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. Three homeowners appeared. One asked some questions about the Reserve Fund, and the other two had some questions about the appeals process. The first item of business was to approve the November 13 board minutes.
Old Business
The board reviewed and approved a proposal from our irrigation consultants to upgrade and manage the top ten areas of our irrigation system that consume the most water. The upgrades will consist of new controllers, pressure regulators and hydrozoning (applying the appropriate amount of water to differing areas of landscaping instead of just watering everything the same amount). We believe these changes could result in a significant savings in our use of landscape watering.
New Business
The board received an update from Chase Parks Grants on the potential for our association to qualify for grants for our parks, ponds and landscaping; and federal grants for water conservation and energy efficiency. This investigation is in the early stages and we will have to see if there is a potential for us to qualify for any grants. We then heard and approved a proposal from an accounting firm who specializes in obtaining tax-exempt status for associations like ours. He will be filing the application on our behalf and representing us in any hearings involved in this process. If we are successful, this could result in some significant savings. We reviewed the logistics for the 2015 Annual Meeting scheduled for March 5, and the board member election process. We also reviewed and approved the revisions to our Strategic Plan. Also on our agenda was a discussion of the recent approval by the City of McKinney to continue the annual landscape reimbursement of $3800/acre we receive. This agreement is for the next two years and is the amount the city would spend maintaining the medians in Stonebridge Ranch if they were to do it. We spend nearly three times that much to maintain our medians at the level we enjoy every day.
Executive Session
The board reviewed and approved the collections report for delinquent accounts. We reviewed and made appropriate decisions on five homeowner violations that were presented to the board for resolution including one appeal, which was denied. We received an update on legal issues from the association director. For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, or call 972.727.4569.
Association Reports
The board reviewed and approved the financial reports. We then heard an update of progress on our Strategic Plan and heard reports from all board liaisons on their respective committee activities. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2015
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Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Professionally managed by Community Management Associates (CMA) 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 214.733.5800 • fax 214.778.0595 Courtesy Patrol 214.794.4945
Association Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Association Staff Michael Lesku—Director of Operations Renee Mooney—Receptionist Laura Parker—Receptionist Candace Rickman—Executive Assistant Nate Russell—Compliance Coordinator Maria Ford—Compliance Coordinator Rony Peterson—Compliance Coordinator Joyce Martin—M.A.R.C. Compliance Coordinator Sherine George—Communications Coordinator Michael Cawley—Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Torres—Maintenance Assistant David Wiest—Lifestyle Director Lynette Rowell—Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors Jon Dell’Antonia—President Ron Ferris—Vice-President Richard MacFee—Treasurer Michael Yon—Secretary Norm Counts—Director Tom George—Director Bill Campbell—Director Stonebridge Ranch News is the only authorized and official monthly publication for the residents of the Stonebridge Ranch community, with news and calendar of community events endorsed by the Stonebridge Ranch Association and its members. Stonebridge Ranch News is published for the residents of Stonebridge Ranch for informational purposes only. The Stonebridge Ranch Association does not guarantee any work or claims made by the advertisers and claims no responsibility or liability for statements made in the publication. Stonebridge Ranch does not in any way endorse or support, nor does it take any credit or responsibility for the services, paid or volunteer, nor statements made in articles or letters published herein not endorsed by the association or the group decision of the board of directors.
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thIs month’ s feature 2015 Association Annual Meeting to be Held on Thursday, March 5 by Michael Lesku The 2015 Stonebridge Ranch Annual Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Crosspoint Church, located at 2101 South Stonebridge Drive. This meeting is required to be held by the association Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R’s) and allows the association to conduct its business for the year, including the election of board directors.
The Annual Meeting Agenda
The items covered at the Annual Meeting include the election of directors, annual reports from the association board, management and committees along with a “State of the City” presentation by McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller. After the meeting has been adjourned and as time permits, the association board will take questions from residents.
Election of Directors
Two board director positions will be up for election at this year’s Annual Meeting. The term for a board director is
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three years. The election of directors is very important as it provides residents with the opportunity to influence the leadership of the community. In order to be eligible to run for the board, each candidate must be an owner in the Stonebridge Ranch community. In order to help residents “get to know” the board director candidates, each candidate will be required, as part of the application process, to complete a questionnaire that includes the following questions: • What do you feel is the primary function of the Community Association Board of Directors? • What areas do you feel need the board of directors attention in 2015? • In what areas do you feel you could make the greatest contribution to the association? The completed candidate questionnaires will be included in the March edition of the Stonebridge Ranch News magazine, on the association website, www.
thIs month’ s feature review of the 2015 budget. The association’s financial advisor and auditor will also be on hand to answer owner questions. This portion of the meeting is a great opportunity for owners to learn more about the association’s operations and financial performance.
Quorum Requirements
stonebridgeranch.com and in the 2015 Annual Meeting notice, which will be mailed to owners in mid-February. Owners will be able to cast their vote online and by absentee ballot beginning February 4 and at the Annual Meeting on March 5.
Annual Reports
The association board of directors, committees and management will present reports to the owners on accomplishments in 2014 and goals set for 2015. The 2014 year-end financial report will be presented along with a
In order for the meeting to be held, a minimum of 10% of the owners in the association need to either attend the meeting, cast their vote online, assign their vote via proxy to the board of directors or someone they know who will be attending the meeting, or complete and submit to the association office an absentee ballot. With 9,218 homes/lots in the community the association needs 922 owners to either vote online, attend the meeting, complete a proxy or cast their vote via an absentee ballot. If the 10% quorum requirement is not met, the meeting cannot take place and will have to be reconvened. Reconvening the Annual Meeting is a costly process and one the association would like to avoid. The cost to the association to reconvene the Annual Meeting can be as high as $18,000! Help the association meet its quorum requirements and avoid the expense of reconvening the Annual Meeting by voting online, attending the meeting, completing a proxy or absentee ballot. Thank you in advance to all Stonebridge Ranch owners for helping the association reach its quorum requirements. F
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InsId e the ranch Your Vote Counts! by Michael Lesku Each year, owners have the opportunity to influence the leadership of the association by casting their vote in the annual election of directors, which is held at the association’s Annual Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 5. In order for the Annual Meeting to be held and the election of directors to be conducted, a quorum requirement of 10% (922) of the owners in the community must attend the meeting, cast their vote online, vote by absentee ballot or assign their vote to another member attending the Annual Meeting by completing the proxy form. Failure to meet the Annual Meeting quorum requirements will result in the election not being held and the meeting being reconvened. The projected cost to the association to reconvene the Annual Meeting is approximately $18,000! Please help the association avoid the cost of reconvening the Annual Meeting by participating in the Annual Meeting election.
How do I find out more about the candidates running for the board of directors? Each owner that submits their application for the board
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director election is required to submit a candidate questionnaire that is designed to help educate owners as to the candidate’s desire and qualifications for serving on the board of directors. These candidate questionnaires are then made available to owners as part of the Annual Meeting notice, published in the March issue of the Stonebridge Ranch News magazine and posted on the association website, www. stonebridgeranch.com.
How do I cast my vote if I cannot attend the Annual Meeting?
Owners can cast their vote in the election of directors by completing and submitting, to the association office, a completed absentee ballot or by casting their vote online. The absentee ballot can be found in the Annual Meeting notice or on the association website. The absentee ballot includes the names of each candidate running for the board of directors. Owners need to select the two candidates they would like to see serve on the board of directors and then complete the owner information section at the bottom of the ballot. The completed ballots can be mailed or delivered to the association
InsIde the ranch only� option by which the owner elects not to vote, but to have their proxy count towards the 10% quorum requirement. Completed proxy forms can be mailed or delivered to the association office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway, by fax to 214.778.0595 or emailed to crickman@cmamanagement.com.
Do I need to complete an absentee ballot or a proxy if I will be attending the Annual Meeting?
office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway, by fax to 214.778.0595 or emailed to crickman@cmamanagement.com. Online voting instructions can be found in the Annual Meeting notice or on the association website. Online voting will be available beginning February 4.
Can I assign my vote to another owner attending the Annual Meeting?
Yes, owners can assign their vote to the board of directors or to another owner attending the Annual Meeting by completing the proxy form. The proxy form can be found in the Annual Meeting notice and on the association website. Owners need to choose if they want to assign their vote to the board, to another owner attending the meeting or select the “quorum
No. Owners attending the Annual Meeting will be given a board director election ballot when they check in. During the portion of the meeting when the election is conducted, the owner will cast their vote for a maximum of two candidates. The ballots will then be collected and tabulated along with the submitted absentee ballots, proxies and online votes to determine which two candidates have been elected to the Stonebridge Ranch Board of Directors.
How do I find out which candidates were elected to the board of directors?
Due to the large volume of votes cast in the election, the ballots and proxies are tabulated the day following the election. Once the vote tabulations have been verified, the names of the candidates elected to the board will be posted on the home page of the website, which will be completed by 3 p.m. If owners have questions regarding online voting, absentee ballots, proxy or the Annual Meeting, please do not hesitate to contact the association office at 214.733.5800 or email mlesku@cmamanagement.com. F
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www.stonebrI dgeranch.com Make Your Vote Count—Online by Sherine George You’ve probably heard by now, our upcoming Annual Meeting will be held on March 5. As a homeowner, you have the opportunity to vote for candidates to fill the two open positions on the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Board of Directors. No need to fret if you can’t make it to the Annual Meeting, you can cast your vote from the comfort of your home through online voting! Simply visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com, click the “Vote Online Now” button, fill in the short form and cast your vote. It’s that simple. You will need to enter the unique registration code from the Annual Meeting Notice you received in the mail. Once your vote is cast, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Online voting will be open February 4, and will be available through March 2, at 5 p.m. All Annual Meeting documents can be found on the association website at www.StonebridgeRanch.com as they become available. All documents and forms can be downloaded and printed. Documents include: • Annual Meeting Notice—Important details about the Annual Meeting. Your registration code to vote online is also included in the Annual Meeting Notice.
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• Board Candidate Bios—A bio for all candidates are available online for your perusal. • Board Roles—Description of each of the board positions. • Proxy Form—The proxy form is used to assign your vote to another homeowner who will be attending the Annual Meeting in the event you are unable to attend. • Proxy Instructions—Instructions on using the proxy form. • Absentee Ballot—The absentee ballot is used to cast your vote if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting and choose not to vote online. • Absentee Ballot Instructions—Instructions for using the absentee ballot. • Questions and Answer Form—This form should be completed to ask questions you have for the board of directors. The board will attempt to answer all questions at the Annual Meeting. All questions and answers will be complied after the Annual Meeting and posted online at www.StonebridgeRanch.com. • Online Voting—Instructions for online voting. The Annual Meeting will be held on March 5 at Crosspoint Church, 2101 South Stonebridge Drive. F
from your neIghbor Culinary Classics From Your Neighbor The Santos family moved to Texas six-and-a-half years ago from Alaska— and have been Stonebridge Ranch residents ever since. They currently live in Briar Ridge. Jeff Santos graciously shared his heirloom recipe from his mother’s side of the famiy—the Dockter family. The Dockters (grandparents and greatgradparents) are Germans from Russia and immigrated to the U.S. from Neudorf, Russia, at the turn of the century through Ellis Island. “My family is quite large—with 100 cousins! Just mentioning piggies will elicit moans of envy and quite possibly a stream of cars filled with hungry aunts, uncles and cousins in the driveway. Many lighthearted scuffles have occurred over the last piggie in the pot! Every gathering of the Dockter clan includes this dish along with several others. They bring back tremendous memories for all of us with each bite. I am happy to share this recipe with you all.” -Jeff Santos The following recipe is for Pigs in Blankets or Holapsie. It is part of a large collection with the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia.
small bowl and pour over the top. Pour in stewed tomatoes and cover with remaining sauerkraut. Cook on medium-low heat for two hours. We are working towards a Stonebridge Ranch cookbook. Please join in on the fun and share your favorite recipe with us—and the story behind it! Did you serve it at your wedding? Is the recipe in your family? We want to know! Please email your recipe to sgeorge@cmamanagement.com and we will try to include it in our upcoming issue. F
Pigs in Blankets
1 large head of cabbage 1 c. long grain uncooked rice 1-20-oz. jar good quality sauerkraut 2 pounds ground pork 1 pound ground beef 1-16-oz. can of stewed tomatoes 1-8-oz. can of tomato paste 1/4 c. ketchup 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 tsp. Kosher salt 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. black pepper Wash cabbage head thoroughly and cut out core. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and one tsp. salt to boil and carefully place cabbage in the pot. Boil for 15 minutes to wilt cabbage leaves. Remove and let cool. After cooling, carefully remove all leaves from cabbage head and place on a plate or platter. In a large bowl, combine meats, 1 tsp. each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onions, rice and ketchup. Mix well. Using the meat mixture, make 2- to 3-inch meatballs and wrap in cabbage. Place these in a large pot, lightly sprayed with olive oil. With each couple of layers, sprinkle with a little sauerkraut. Makes about 25 “piggies”. Once filled, mix tomato paste and 4 oz. of water in a Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2015
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complIance tI p s Happy Valentine’s Day, Stonebridge Ranch! by Nate Russell This month we are giving away $15 Starbucks gift cards to the first three people who correctly answer this month’s quiz—perfect as a little something extra for your significant other or as a way to treat yourself. Finding the answers is easy as all of the guidelines are listed on the Stonebridge Ranch website at www. stonebridgeranch.com. The website is one of the best tools available to homeowners. It contains the guidelines for any project you wish to begin, contact information for the office and the community calendar, which lists all the upcoming events. All of the questions have come straight out of the Design Guidelines on the website. Please send your answers to nrussell@cmamanagement.com. Or if you want to swing by and say hi, just come by the association office and I will go over your answers with you. Thank you for your compliance! Rony Peterson, Maria Ford, Nate Russell, Joyce Martin are CMA Compliance Coordinators for Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc. F
Answer Choices: • Trash Tote Screening • Arbor/Pergola • Mailbox • Storage Shed • Play house/Play Equipment
1. Cannot exceed 12’ (feet) in height. Must be constructed of either cedar or redwood. Must have an open roof
2. May not exceed 8’ (feet) tall. Must be screened behind a 6’ (feet) privacy fence. Must have a minimum of 3’ (feet), 5’ (feet) where available, setback from property lines.
3. May not exceed 13’ (feet) tall Must have a minimum of 10’ (feet) setback from property lines Must be earth tone in color
4. Must be setback 2’ (feet) from either the left or right front corner of the dwelling. Must be “L” shaped. May not exceed 50” (inches) in height.
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5. Must conform to village standards. May not exceed 4’ (feet) in height. Must be replaced with same design as the original.
publIc safety Cooler Weather Requires Caution with Home Heating Many people use furnaces, space heaters and fireplaces during the cool evenings and chilly mornings this time of year. Residents should be aware that improperly maintained heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. The main factor contributing to home heating fires is failure to adequately clean heating equipment, primarily chimneys. The McKinney Fire Department recommends heating equipment be cleaned and inspected yearly by a qualified professional before heating season begins. Fireplaces should also have a sturdy screen to prevent sparks flying into the room, and cooled ashes should be placed in a metal container and stored a safe distance from the home. Portable and stationary space heaters account for 33 percent of home heating fires and four out of five deaths. Upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses, bedding or curtains placed too closely to heaters is a leading factor in fatal home heating fires. A three-foot “all clear” zone around space heaters should be enforced and space heaters should be turned off when leaving a room or going to bed. The McKinney Fire Department recommends all fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside of the home to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Install
and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to alert of a possible leak, and never light an appliance if a gas odor is detected. Leave the home immediately and call 911. Remember, working smoke alarms save lives—test yours every month! The McKinney Fire Department wants residents to stay warm and safe. Practicing a few simple safety tips and precautions can prevent most home heating fires. For additional cold weather safety tips, visit www.mckinneyfire. org or call 972.547.2893. F
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Coffee Talk, 8:30
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) Amenities Meeting, 7 p.m. (BR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Bingo, 7 p.m. (CR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30 Social Committee 9 a.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30 a
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
Stonebridge Singles, 7 p.m. (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academy
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
february 4, 11, 18 & 25 february 10 february 17
coffee talk 8:30 a bingo, 7 p.m. (cr) travel club meet
february 21 Sb Ranch half m february 24 stonebridge sing february 28 adult big bass to
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a.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
r Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
a.m. (CR) e Meeting, Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Communications Committee Meeting, 9 a.m. (BR)
nis Classes, y (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
SB Ranch Half Marathon 7:30 a.m. (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
a.m. (CR) Strides (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Adult Big Bass Tournament, 9 a.m. (BTC)
a.m. (CR) ) ting 9 a.m. (cr)
marathon 7:30 a.m. (btc) gles 7 p.m. (btc) ournament 9 a.m. (btc)
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fInancIal update Inside The Ranch Budget by Michael Lesku In a series of articles we want to peel the budget onion to allow residents to see where their money goes and what they’re getting. Stonebridge Ranch is really a city within a city—with 9,218 households and 30,000 residents. Residents collectively own 519 acres of common land, multiple lakes and ponds and 12 neighborhood parks and recreation areas. In addition, there are two large swimming pool areas. Maintaining and enhancing our common facilities is the key reason why Stonebridge Ranch is one of the most attractive communities in the area. This translates into improved property values for residents. Developers have told us that a property inside Stonebridge Ranch is typically worth $30,000 more than a similar property elsewhere. The graph and chart below shows you where we spend our money (amounts rounded to nearest thousand dollars):
Landscape Maintenance Taxes, Insurance, Management Electric and Water Utilities Operating Reserve Pools and Lakes Capital Improvements Community Social Activities Bad Debt Reserve Total
$2,041,000 $1,913,000 $1,463,000 $947,000 $547,000 $101,000 $95,000 $72,000 $7,179,000
What do these figures tell us? Most of our budget is dedicated to maintaining the common grounds and facilities that we enjoy. However, just maintaining what we have increases in cost every year. So, we have to work harder and smarter to get more out of every dollar we spend in order to minimize annual assessment increases. Looked at another way, well over 90% of our budget is non-discretionary meaning that expenses must be incurred if we are to maintain the quality of our community—lawns and plants have to be watered; pools must be maintained and taxes have to be paid. In my next article, we’ll delve into what’s behind the cost of maintaining our common area grounds. Please email me at mlesku@cmamanagement.com or call 214.733.5801 if you have comments or questions. F
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”Olivia”
Olivia is a two- to three-year-old, 47-pound basset mix who came to us in pretty bad shape, but she has now recovered and is ready for her furever home! Olivia is housebroken, gets along with all other doggies, love kids and loves to play, but most importantly she LOVES to snuggle! Olivia will make a great companion for just about any home. She is currently being treated for heartworms, but thankfully will be rid of those nasty things soon! She is up-to-date on all vaccinations. If you would like to meet Olivia, please fill out an online application! http://legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptfoster/adoption-application. Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2015
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your neIg hbor Resident Spotlight—Jacqueline Walsh Christensen by Sherine George
SB Ranch News recently spoke with Jacqueline Christensen, who has served three years as a member of the Modifications Committee.
SB: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What brought you to Stonebridge?
My husband, Marc, and I moved to Aspendale in Stonebridge seven years ago from Albuquerque, New Mexico. One of our daughters lived in Stonebridge with her husband and each time we visited them we fell more in love with the area.
SB: Why did you decide to get involved with the Modifications Committee?
When we decided to move here and build a home, I retired from my long-held position as Vice-President of Government Relations and Public Policy and Chief Lobbyist with the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico’s largest business organization.
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While I continued to act as the chamber ’s lobbyist during legislative sessions in the ensuing years, I still felt that I wanted to be involved in my new community. Having been licensed and active as a general contractor (mostly residential construction) for over twenty years prior to working for the chamber, I thought the Modifications Committee would be a good match. Additionally, while with the chamber, I was closely involved with local and statewide HOAs on policy and government matters.
SB: What does the Modifications Committee do?
We review applications from Stonebridge homeowners who wish to make modifications to their existing homes while meeting the association guidelines. These can vary from fencing, pools and patios, landscaping, retaining walls, painting, roofing and a number of other changes or additions.
your neIghbor grounds to the committee, which is important. Even board member Ron Ferris, who serves as our liaison and advisor, has a strong background in community governance, community associations and other important areas. All of this makes for a great committee representing Stonebridge.
SB: What have you learned about Stonebridge Ranch by serving on the committee?
SB: What kind of community members serve the Modifications Committee? Do you need a specific skill set or background to be a Modifications Committee member?
Our members have a broad background ranging from architecture, engineering, construction to real estate. However, other members bring totally different back
That Stonebridge serves all its homeowners in so many ways that are beneficial to those who live here. However, I have noticed from my service on the committee that there are homeowners who don’t realize that they need to submit for most modifications they are planning. As a result, they move forward with oftenexpensive changes, which may later have to be modified in order to meet requirements. I would encourage everyone to submit their plans in advance in order to avoid what can, in some cases, be costly changes to already completed work.
SB: Outside of serving the community through the Modifications Committee what other hobbies or special interests do you have?
My husband and I travel often, both internationally and locally. Additionally, I am an avid reader, especially of history books, and I am involved in tracing and historically proving my family’s genealogy.
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your neIg hbor Texas and one in Seattle. They have given us five grandchildren with the oldest a sophomore at Texas A & M and the youngest in kindergarten.Â
SB: Can you share something about yourself that may surprise others?
I had my pilot’s license at age 19, was an airline stewardess for Delta right out of college, and owned and operated a major thoroughbred breeding and racing operation in New Mexico on the side.
SB: What qualities, would you say, make Stonebridge Ranch the premier community in the north Texas area?
SB: Tell us about your family.
My husband, Marc Christensen, is a retired senior executive with the major electricity provider in New Mexico. We have four children, three of whom live in East
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The neighborhoods are architecturally lovely and well-planned; the landscaping throughout the area is fabulous (especially after New Mexico) and well-maintained; the friendliness of those living here is exceptional; the amenities available to residents are numerous; and the association works very hard to both maintain the quality of Stonebridge Ranch and to provide numerous activities for the residents and opportunities for involvement in our community. F
lIfestyle McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, come join us for fun, information and friendship at our monthly Coffee Meeting. Every month we have great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of socializing with new friends. For more information on Newcomers, visit www. mckinneynewcomers.com. Our speaker for the February 17 meeting is Stacie Durham, the Public Information and Community Outreach Officer for the McKinney Fire Department. She will speak about the McKinney Citizens Fire Academy. They are taking applications for the academy that will begin in March. It is a great way to become informed about the community emergency services and meet new people and become involved in the community. Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Parkway in McKinney. Social time with refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m.
McKinney Ladies Association Join us in February to support the upcoming Spring Fashion Show fundraiser. MLA invites you to save the date for the annual Spring Fashion Show fundraiser. This year ’s can’t-miss event is set for 6 p.m., March 2 at The Sanctuary in McKinney. The McKinney Ladies Association’s second meeting of 2015 will be at 7 p.m., Monday, February 9, at Sheila Johnson’s home, where MLA members and friends will assemble gift baskets for the upcoming MLA Spring Fashion Show fundraiser. Please visit www.McKinneyLadies.org to find out the location and details, and be sure to sign up for the MLA newsletter. To donate items for Spring Fashion Show gift baskets—which will be available to bid on during the fundraiser—or to be a sponsor for the event, please email mlafashionshow@yahoo.com. The beneficiary of this year ’s MLA Fashion Show fundraiser is Shiloh Place of McKinney, a ministry to single mothers and their children that offers housing, childcare and tuition assistance for up to two years. Shiloh Place’s mission is to equip single mothers with financial independence and personal wholeness by addressing their educational, emotional and spiritual needs. Shiloh Place is proud to serve as a temporary stop on the road from poverty to stability. Mothers accepted into the program must demonstrate commitment and hard work. F Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2015
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around the ranch
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around the ranch
Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x February 2015
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bIt s & pI eces Village Spotlight: Woodland Bridge One of the smallest villages in Stonebridge Ranch is the charming Woodland Bridge Village. The community is nestled directly across the street from Nora Haney Park at the intersection of Lake Forest and Glen Oaks Drive. The village consists of 30 Darling Homes, with the first home built in the year 2000. “Our homes have a French-chateau flair with a mix of stucco and brick exteriors,” said Laura Parker, eight-year resident of Woodland Bridge. The homes proudly boast panoramic views of the nearby golf course, lake and greenbelt. From cookie exchanges to Oktoberfest the community is deeply connected with one
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another through various social activities. Monica Moman organizes the communication and planning of these events. If you live in Woodland Bridge, please email mpmoman@gmail.com to receive news about the community’s social events. Looking to get your village featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine? Send pictures and tidbits on what makes your community unique to sgeorge@cmamanagement. comF
bIts & pIe ces Curious About All Of Those Puzzle Answers? A few of our readers were curious to know the answers to the games featured in our previous editions. Read below and see if you got the answers correct!
November: Is Compliance Puzzling You? Across: 2) fountain 5) satellite 7) doghouse 9) application 10) cedar Down: 1) Bermuda 3) trampoline 4) redwood 6) basketball 8) gazebo
December: Is Compliance Puzzling You? Across: 1) bamboo 5) exterior 6) six 7) shared 8) double 9) one 10) equipment Down 2) birdhouse 3) metal 4) eighteen
Tiffany Chen and her mother catching the Nutcracker at the Winspear in Dallas.
December: How Well Do You Know Your Board Members? Norm Counts Ron Ferris Rich Macfee Bill Campbell Michael Yon Tom George Jon Dell’Antonia
Congratulations to our repeat winner Tiffany Chen! “I have lived in the Somerset Village for the last year and a half. I enjoy living in Stonebridge Ranch because of the friendly and courteous neighbors, the walking and jogging trails, and it is a nice quiet retreat from working in Dallas all week. I look forward to reading the monthly magazine so I can stay updated on the happenings around the community, and I like to try out the recipes every now and then!” F Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2015
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socIal scene Adult Big Bass Tournament
When: February 28
Where: Lake Stonebridge Only—No other lakes in Stonebridge Ranch are permitted during this tournament.
Entry Fee: $10 per person (cash only). Must be at least 18 years old to enter.
Prizes: 1st Place—100% of all entry fees. In case of a tie, prize money will be split.
Who: Stonebridge Ranch residents only. SB photo ID is required. Only paid contestants are allowed to fish during this event. Spectators and children are not allowed to fish during tournament hours.
Registration: Bring $10 cash to the tournament check-in
located at the Beach and Tennis Club, 8:30-9 a.m. After check-in, fishermen can proceed to any part of Lake
Stonebridge to fish, except through the Beach Club gates or on private property. No pre-registration required.
Time: Tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. No casting until 9 a.m.
Rules: Fishing is permitted from the bank only; wading, tubes and boats are NOT permitted. Fisherman may
carry several rods, but only fish with one at a time. Only artificial bait is allowed (no live bait). The big bass will be determined by length, not weight. The fish will be
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socIal scene measured with the jaw closed and the tail pinched to obtain maximum overall length.
Weigh-In: Final weigh-in will be held at noon, although fish may be brought in to the judges’ table to be measured at
any time during tournament hours. Fish must be brought in alive and breathing at weigh-in. Participants will be given a stringer, weigh-in bag and should only bring
their ONE biggest fish to the weigh-in. All contestants who are not in line by noon to weigh fish will be
disqualified. Tournament judge will give all participants the official time the morning of the event.
It’s Time To Get Healthy!
Stonebridge Ranch Half Marathon Saturday, February 21, 7:30 a.m. Have you got your health goal planned yet for 2015?
Need some motivation to get in shape? Then sign up to Run the Ranch! Join us this February for the Stonebridge Ranch Half Marathon, Half Marathon two-person relay and the
5K. Exciting news: We have added a relay this year so you
can bring a friend and race as a team! Get your friends and family involved and sign up today! All Half Marathon and
Half Marathon relay participants get an extra large finisher medal!
Registration is only $70 for the half marathon, $100 for
the half marathon relay team and $25 for the 5K!
Stonebridge Ranch Residents get a $10 discount on the half marathon (use code SBRESIDENTHALF) and $5 discount on the 5K (use code SBRESIDENT5K).
Register at: http://www.playtri.com/sbrhalf.
If volunteering is more your style…we will put you on
the course! The best race day “cheering” locations are on the course. Please email info@playtri.com to volunteer.
Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2015
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socIal scene Bingo Night
It’s a great time to make new friends, so please join us on Tuesday night, February 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., for an evening of bingo and prizes in the community room located at the Stonebridge Ranch Beach and Tennis Club. Light snacks and refreshments will be served and please NO alcoholic beverages. Seating is limited to the first 28 who sign up by emailing David Wiest, Lifestyle Director at dwiest@cmamanagement.com. This is an adult only event for Stonebridge Ranch residents only and there is no charge. F
Upcoming March Events 17—Bingo 17—Travel Club 28—Meet the Easter Bunny 31—Stonebridge Singles Coffee Talk will be held every Wednesday except on March 11, during spring break. 3 0 www.stonebridgeranch.com