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STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS FEBRUARY 2016
Vol. 4, Issue 2
Contents 14
IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
7
In the News
7
by Sherine George
11
Compliance Tips
13 www.stonebridgeranch.com by Sherine George
14
Inside the Ranch by Pam Grundy
16
Community Calendar
18
Financial Update by Pam Grundy
21 Lifestyle 24
From Your Neighbor by Sherine George
25
Around the Ranch
26
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 10
Photo ID Quiz
12
Pet Page
20
Resident Interest
22
Public Safety
Stonebridge Ranch News © 2016 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 Pam Grundy Nate Russell
cover photo Sherine George
The Association Annual Meeting is scheduled for March 10 Our annual meeting will be coming up on March 10, and along with it, the election of three board members. We will have online voting again this year so please log on and vote. I would also encourage you to attend the annual meeting for a review of our 2015 activities.
December 10, 2015 Board Meeting
The board meeting of December 10 was called to order at 1 p.m. Five board members were present. Vice President Ron Ferris was absent due to illness. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. No homeowners appeared. The first item of business was to ratify all meeting minutes and decisions since the last board meeting.
Old Business
The board reviewed the status of the community room expansion project. Construction was scheduled to begin on December 21, so it should be well under way by the time you read this newsletter. Construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of April, barring any significant weather delays. Our water usage consultant, SOS Outdoor Services, presented a proposal to monitor our irrigation controllers and continue work on upgrading our sprinkler system infrastructure. The board approved moving forward with investigating the 59 meters with usage increases over the base comparison years (2012-13), inventorying the next 10 highest usage meters in preparation for new technology, and continued monitoring of our existing top 10 usage meters. We will also be replacing 497 sprinkler heads in the Liberty and Freedom Park areas with pressure regulated heads as a test to see if they reduce water usage and maintenance. With water rates increasing, we believe it is a good investment to reduce our water usage as much as we can by upgrading our sprinkler systems. Treasurer Counts and CFO Partridge presented an update to the budget plan. We allocated some funds for potential capital improvement projects for 2016.
New Business
We reviewed and approved the 2016 Annual Meeting schedule and logistics. The construction manager we engaged to review potential costs for our proposed Aquatic Center enhancement project presented revised costs at the 95% design level for the Civic Plaza portion of the project. At our January meeting, which should have taken place by the time you read this, we expect to have a guaranteed construction cost to review before we approve any construction. We also reviewed and approved revised guidelines for the Social Committee.
Executive Session
Our legal counsel updated the board on the status of legal issues. We reviewed and made an appropriate decision on one homeowner appeal presented to the board for resolution. The monthly collections report was reviewed and approved.
Association Reports
For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, or call 972.727.4569.
We had our monthly update of the progress on our Strategic Plan. The only item discussed was an update on the Custer Road entry project expected to begin next spring. Board liaisons presented updates on committee activities reflected in committee minutes. The meeting adjourned at 5:14 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President
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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 Pam Grundy—Interim Director of Operations Candace Rickman—Executive Assistant Maria Ford—Compliance Coordinator Erica Peoples— Compliance Coordinator Rony Peterson—Compliance Coordinator Nate Russell—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 Norm Counts—Treasurer Michael Yon—Secretary 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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In the news Stonebridge Ranch, A Rockin’ Place to Live by Sherine George Stonebridge Ranch is renowned for its wonderful quality of life and wide spectrum of activities appealing to all ages and interests. The DFW chapter of CAI (Community Associations Institute) recently featured an article on the SRCA community. Keeping with the issue’s theme of ”rock and roll,” we delivered a lively photo essay about what makes the lifestyle in this community so special!
Stonebridge Ranch, a Rockin’ Place to Live!
Stonebridge Ranch is located in McKinney, Texas, and is ranked #1 on Money Magazine’s list of Best Places to Live in 2014. The community is 35 miles northeast of Dallas and is one of the nation’s most recognized master-planned communities. It is located on over 5,000 acres, with 1,200 acres preserved as open space. Today, Stonebridge Ranch is a community
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In the news with 72 distinctive villages, with homes ranging from the $160s to over $2 million and a diverse population of young families, empty nesters, retirees and singles. The community includes 12 parks, 830 acres of golf courses, lakes, ponds, sailing, fishing and 9,000+ single-family homes, 1700 multifamily units, 280 acres of retail and 270 acres of office space. Rock and roll can’t begin to describe the many lively sounds and sparkling socials that fill just one summer at Stonebridge Ranch. Stonebridge Ranch is a community where all of life’s priorities are carefully and artfully considered. The results are neighborhoods designed to enhance the lives of residents every day, where life is played out on a rich canvas of activities and amenities. An active and innovative Social Committee, with the help of an onsite Lifestyle Director, plans events that draw kids and adults alike. Stonebridge Ranch runs at full swing year ‘round and they pull out all the stops for special occasions, from holidays to the community’s anniversary celebration. Approximately 1000 Stonebridge Ranch residents attended Stonebridge Ranch Day celebrating the community’s 27th anniversary.
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“We were extremely fortunate to have CMA and the Social Committee members work hard to ensure that this day was a beautiful success,” said Michael Yon, board member and liaison to the Social Committee. Following the past two years’ tradition, Stonebridge Ranch Day got off to a lively start with classic cars lining the Beach Club on Saturday morning. About 80 cars from Italian imports, like the beautiful Pantera, to classic Fords and Mustangs were on display that morning. From food trucks to a Beach Club Party (including games and a friendly volleyball tournament) and even a Kid’s Zone, there was no shortage of fun for all who attended. That evening residents grooved to the local and ever-popular Maylee Thomas Band. The night was topped off with a spectacular fireworks show accompanied by live music. “The beat goes on” with the spirited sounds of summer from Memorial Day through the fourth of July. Labor Day weekend promises an impressive wrap-up to the summer social season. Labor Day at the Beach Club starts off with the crowd-favorite DJ, Uptown Sound, who not only gets the party started but emcees the day’s festivities such as bouncy ball races, tug of war, a hula
In the news
hoop contest, limbo and the always popular volleyball tournament. For evening getaways from the summer heat, residents gather around the community veranda, lured by the music of The Bodarks, Toney Walsh and Nick & The Nighthawks, each band offering a varied repertoire of genres for residents to enjoy. Evening on the Veranda, scheduled five times a year, is a relaxing way to for adults to end a busy workweek and enjoy the outdoors. Residents pack their favorite drinks and savor the
soul-soothing music with their neighbors right on the patio overlooking Stonebridge Ranch Lake. Kids also partake in their fair share of the rock and roll in the community. The summer social calendar offers two Kids’ Splash Hops at the community’s Aquatic Center, a junior Olympic-shaped pool and kiddy wading pool with an interactive water feature. Kids from the ages of 10 to 12 years come out for a night of hotdogs and swimming while enjoying lively beats by local teenage bands.
And if that’s not enough, the Social Committee recently developed a fun way to see and experience one of the 12 community parks by creating Playdate in the Park every month. Playdate in the Park features outdoor fun and live music with interactive children’s songs. Not only will homeowners have the opportunity to enjoy parts of Stonebridge that they may not have known existed, but they get the opportunity to meet like-minded moms and dads in the neighborhood. The summer social scene is only a sampling of what the Stonebridge Ranch community offers to its homeowners. The year round social calendar is filled with over 125 exciting events that include train rides at Meet the Easter Bunny and carriage rides at the year-end Tree Lighting Ceremony. “The Social Committee feels that by offering a variety of events and clubs, we are enhancing the sense of community and togetherness in our amazing neighborhood,” said Cheryl Unnone, Social Committee Chairman. “This fall we have added a Book Club, Walking Club and for the preschoolers and parents, Playdate in the Park.” These fabulous events coupled with the wide variety of amenities within the community are just a few reasons that Stonebridge Ranch is a rockin’ place to live! F Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2016
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Photo ID Quiz Answer these true or false questions and then submit your answers to rpeterson@cmamanagement.com. The first three residents to submit the correct answers will each win a $15 Starbucks gift card!
1. You no longer have to wait until the start of summer—you can now come in to the SRCA office Monday through Friday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to obtain your Photo ID. 2. Each resident must have a Stonebridge Ranch photo ID or an ID that includes a current photo and the Stonebridge Ranch address, such as a valid Texas Drivers License, as proof of residency. 3. If the address listed on your driver’s license is your SRCA address, you may use it as your Photo ID. 4. You must be the owner of the home or with the owner listed on the Property Deed to obtain photo IDs. 5. Residents in good standing may use the Beach Club and Aquatic Center at no charge. 6. If you are on a payment plan or have a delinquent balance, your access to association common areas, including the association pools, will be restricted 7. If you are renting the property you will need to have the owner fill out a Transfer of Privileges. 8. In an effort to decrease wait time, you can always print and complete the Photo ID form and bring it to the SRCA office with you. 9. Children (3 years and older) need one of the following documents: a. Birth Certificate b. Adoption Certificate c. Passport 10. To obtain a new Stonebridge Ranch Photo ID, adults will need both of the following documents: a. A valid ID that includes a current photo b. Current billing/bank statement (water, electric, phone, bank, etc.)
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complIance tI ps Pet Compliance by Nate Russell Pets running around a village can be frustrating to any homeowner. That is why the City of McKinney has a leash law in effect providing that no dog or cat can leave any home or fenced backyard area without being leashed and accompanied by its owner. Each owner is responsible for removing animal feces. This applies to cats as well. Cats who wander around the villages are prone to get into trash and have been known to tear up other resident’s porch furniture. Any complaints regarding animal noise or animals running around without owners should be directed to the City of McKinney Animal Control office at 972.547.7445. If you want to build a home for your furry friend, all you need to do is look over the guidelines on our website at www.stonebridgeranch.com. All of our design guidelines are listed for any project you want to begin online. You do not have to submit a modification application for a doghouse as long as you follow the guidelines. Some key pointers on doghouses are: • They can only be in the rear yard or the side yard. • Your doghouse cannot be bigger than 15 square feet. • If you have a doghouse, it has to be behind a 6’ privacy fence or some other form of screen so it cannot be seen from the public right-of-way or golf courses. • You can only have one doghouse per lot. • Doghouses need to be made of wood, plastic or resin construction. If you would like to build a dog run, you once again do not need to submit as long as the guidelines are followed. Here are a few points from the guidelines: • Your fence has to be 5’ or less. • You dog run needs to be smaller than 35 square feet. • If you have a dog run, it has to be behind a 6’ privacy fence or some other form of screen so it cannot be seen from the public right-of-way or golf courses. • You can only have one dog run per lot. • Your dog run needs to have a concrete slab and be cleaned often to avoid a foul smell. If you have any questions about pet guidelines or any other compliance issues, feel free to call us or come see us at the office. We’re here for you and would love to help with any concerns you may have. Please help us keep Stonebridge beautiful and let’s keep our pets safe. Thank you for your compliance! Rony Peterson, Maria Ford, Nate Russell, Erica Peoples, Joyce Martin; CMA Compliance Coordinators, Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc
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”Squeaky” dog friends, so if you have a dog at home already, you can bring them to the shelter to “meet and greet” her to make sure they get along. Squeaky has been spayed, microchipped, has received age-appropriate vaccinations and been dewormed and received flea/tick preventatives. Squeaky is heartworm positive, but thanks to generous donors, her treatments are FREE to her new family after she’s adopted. Please come and visit her. You may find your next best friend. #143405.
”Vicky” Meet Squeaky, a friendly, 3-year-old, 67-pound, shepherd mix that loves to take walks and be petted. She will sit on command (especially if you offer her yummy treats)! Squeaky is laid-back and pretty quiet, but she does know how to run around and have fun. She is very sweet and loves attention from people. Sometimes, she can be choosy about her
Meet Vicky, a sweet, 8-year-old, domestic shorthair mix lady that was surrendered because her family developed an allergy to her. Lots of TLC has made her feel safe and happy. Her dream is to find a comfy, quiet home to live in. Vicky is a very sweet, gentle and laid-back lady. She loves when you pet her and speak to her softly! Her hobbies include watching the feather wand, batting at little crinkle toys and people-watching! Vicky will be a wonderful companion who will love you for the rest of her days. She has been spayed, tested for FIV/FeLV (she’s negative), microchipped, received a dental cleaning and is current on all of her age-appropriate vaccinations. Meet Vicky today! #142582 Squeaky and Vicky are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Call 214742-SPCA (7722) or visit today. F
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www.stonebrIdgeranch.com Vote Online! by Sherine George You’ve probably heard by now, our upcoming Annual Meeting will be held on March 10. As a homeowner, you have the opportunity to vote for candidates to fill the three 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 (starts with 003) 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 12, and will be available through March 7 until 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.
• Board Candidate Bios—Bios 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 compiled 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 10, at Crosspoint Church located at 2101 South Stonebridge Drive. F
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InsId e the ranch Your Vote Counts! by Pam Grundy, Interim Director of Operations to be conducted, a quorum requirement of 10% (940) of the owners in the community must attend the meeting, cast their vote online, 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 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 10. In order for the Annual Meeting to be held and the election of directors
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Each owner that submits their application for the board 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
InsIde the ranch 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 office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway, by fax to 214.778.0595 or emailed to rpeterson@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 12.
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 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 rpeterson@ cmamanagement.com.
Do I need to complete an absentee ballot or a proxy if I will be attending the Annual Meeting? No. Owners attending the Annual Meeting will be given a board director election ballot when they check in at the Annual Meeting. 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. The posting of the elected directors is completed by 3 p.m. If owners have questions regarding online voting, the absentee ballot, proxy or the Annual Meeting, please do not hesitate to contact the association office at 214.733.5800 or email at rpeterson@cmamanagement.com. F
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Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com for event details.
Coffee Talk, 8:30
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)
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Book Club, 7 p.m. (BR)
Bingo 7 p.m. (BR
Travel Club, 9 a.m. (BR)
Modifications Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
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
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
Association Office Closed
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)
Social Committe noon (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Modifications Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (BR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
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3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
february February february february february february february FEBRUARY february february february february
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 3, 10, 17 & 24 5 5, 12, 19 & 26 8 8 10 12 13 19 20 20
0 a.m. (BR)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (BR)
Strides (BTC)
Playdate in the Park, 10 a.m., (WB)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
0 a.m. (BR)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (BR)
R) Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
0 a.m. (BR)
ee Meeting,
r Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Communications Committee Meeting, 9 a.m. (BR) Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR)
1,5 and 10K Race, 7:30 a.m. (BTC)
Valentine Marshmallow Roast, 6-8 p.m. (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Morning Bingo, 9 a.m. (BR) TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (BR)
Coffee, Cars & Conversation, 8:30 a.m. (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Adult Big Bass Tournament, 9 a.m. (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
0 a.m. (BR)
r Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (BR) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
Walking Club 9 AM (BTC) Coffee Talk 8:30 AM (BR) Playdate in the Park 10 AM (EC) TGIF Coffee 1 PM (BR) Travel Club 9 Am (BR) Book club 7 pm (BR) Bingo Night 7 PM (BR) VALENTINE MARSHMALLOW ROAST 6-8 PM (BTC) 1, 5, 10 K Race 7:30 am (Btc) morning bingo 9 a.m. (br) Coffee Cars & Conversation 8:30 AM (BTC) adult big bass tournament 9 AM (Btc)
Stonebridge StonebridgeRanch RanchNews HOAx News February x September 2016 2013 17 17
fInancIal update Inside The Ranch Budget by Pam Grundy, Interim Director of Operations
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 9,401 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 one thousand dollars):
Landscape Maintenance $2,102,000 Electric and Water Utilities
$1,496,000
Taxes, Insurance, Management
$1,302,000
Operating Reserve $1,014,000 Capital Improvements
$592,000
Pools and Lakes $535,000 Community Social Activities
$112,000
Bad Debt Reserve
$12,000
Total $7,165,000
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fInancIal update 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 nondiscretionary, meaning
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
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 call or email if you have comments or questions. F
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resId ent I n terest Playdate in the Park: Willowbrook Park by Sherine George
Willowbrook Park is adjacent to Spring Hill, Willowbrook, Arbor Hollow and Grand Traditions. These neighboring villages enjoy the advantage of having a park that is just a leisurely stroll away. The open green space is perfect for some casual football and kite flying. The park was built around 2002.
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Bring your children for a Crazy Hat Day at Willowbrook Park on Friday, February 5, at 10 a.m. Playdate in the Park was developed by the Social Committee as a fun way to see and experience each of the 12 Stonebridge Ranch Parks through playdates. Each playdate has included a fun theme and you won’t want to miss out on this month’s Crazy Hat Day theme. Willowbrook Park is located at 5912 Berkshire Road. A complete list of the 12 community parks (not to be confused with the six city parks) can be found on our website, www.stonebridgeranch.com. You can find the Stonebridge Ranch Parks webpage from the Amenities drop-down menu. Here you will find pictures and Google Maps indicating the exact location of each park. Playdates in the Park is a great way to meet new neighbors and enjoy one of the many amenities that make Stonebridge Ranch a great place to live. Join us for some fun family outdoor fun at 10 a.m., on the first Friday of every month! F
lIfestyle McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, or you have had a lifestyle change, 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 The League of Women Voters of Collin County will present Making Democracy Work. They will have information about the importance of being a voter, voter turnout, Texas election cycle, what’s on the ballot, how to get information about candidates and elections. Each participant will receive a free “get out the vote” action kit. Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 16, 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 Monday, February 29, at Piazza on the Green as we “Leap into Fashion” at our annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction. The beneficiary of this year’s MLA fashion show fundraiser is Hugs Café and will feature fashions from Cynthia Elliot. The Mission of Hugs Cafe is to create an inviting place of training and employment for adults with special needs while providing dignity, self-worth and developing respect in the community. Hugs Cafe has been in the making for more than 15 years and began as a simple passion for people. Piazza on the Green is located at 6200 TPC Drive in Craig Ranch. Tickets can be purchased online at www. mckinneyladies.org, click on the Fashion Show page to order using PayPal. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. with dinner and fashion show to follow. Join us for a wonderful evening! Mark your calendars! Saturday, April 30 is the date for the Spring MLA Yard Sale! It’s never too late to become a member of MLA. You can join online or at one of our meetings. For more information about our organization, please visit www.mckinneyladies. org or email us at mckinneyladies@yahoo.com. F Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2016
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publIc safety Chimney Safety There’s nothing as serene as a warm, crackling fire on a cold, winter night. There’s also nothing more dangerous if your chimney is damaged. Broken or cracked chimneys can let heat, smoke and toxic gasses, such as carbon monoxide, into your home. Your home could even catch fire. Chimney damage is often obvious, but sometimes it can be hidden. Use the following checklist provided by Ready Virginia! to help ensure that you can enjoy your fireplace and avoid problems—or even a disaster: • Check to see if bricks have fallen or the chimney is leaning.
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• Look for shiny areas on your exterior metal chimney pipe. This could mean the chimney has shifted— during the recent East Coast earthquake, for instance. • Look for cracks at joints where the chimney connects
publIc safety to the firebox, at the roofline and in the attic. • Check for debris that may have fallen into the fireplace. • Use a screwdriver to check the mortar between the bricks or stones. If it crumbles when you pick at it, the chimney may be a hazard and probably needs work. • When in doubt, consult a licensed engineer or contractor. For the name of an inspector, call your insurance or mortgage company. Remember, disasters can happen even in the best of homes. That’s why every home should be equipped with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Here are a few tips: • Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in sleeping areas and on every level of your home and away from air vents. Interconnected smoke alarms are best, because if one sounds, they all sound. • Test smoke alarms monthly, and change alkaline batteries at least once a year. Use a familiar date,
such as your birthday or when you change your clocks, as a reminder. • Prepare and practice a fire escape route with everyone in your home, including children. For more information, visit www.usfa.dhs.gov/ smokealarms. F
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from your neI g hbor Culinary Classics From Your Neighbor owned gas station no longer there), exploring the woods behind Glen Oaks at a secret park called the ‘zipline’ or spending summers at the Beach Club. Otherwise, we were in school at Glen Oaks or Dowell. Tennis with Coach Dave was a right of passage. It was a place where kids of all ages and abilities could come together, learn tennis and feel a part of something important in McKinney.”
Maddie graciously shares a recipe that was gifted to her right before her wedding by her friend Priscilla Darling. It is a recipe that Maddie enjoys making for her family during the cold winter season.
Pulled Pork
Maddie Allen has a very unique experience as a Stonebridge Ranch resident. She grew up in Stonebridge Ranch, living in Spring Hill from 1990 to 2000, and then in Waterbury from 2000 to 2007. She and her sister spent their childhood learning tennis from SRCA Lifestyle Director and Tennis Coach, Dave Wiest. After attending college at TCU, she returned to Stonebridge Ranch and purchased a home with her husband, Winston Allen, in 2014. They currently live in Wren Creek with their 1-1/2-year-old daughter, Mary Eloise, and are expecting another baby girl in February. “Growing up in Stonebridge, lots of life happened within a mile square radius. Our frequent stomping grounds were getting Slurpees at Norbys (old family-
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1 package of pork tenderloin 1 can Rotel 1 large can green chilies 1 large onion, quartered and sliced 1 can black beans 1 can white shoe peg corn Seasonings to taste—Tony Cachere’s adds a punch Put all in crockpot on low for 6 hours or until you can shred with a fork. You can put beans and corn in now or later. Make sure you toss and coat the meat first. Serve with cilantro, hot sauce, sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese or anything else you would like. Put on corn tortillas. 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? Was the recipe in your family? Maybe you discovered it while on vacation? We want to know! Please email your recipe to sgeorge@cmamanagement.com and we will try to include it in an upcoming issue. F
around the ranch
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socIal scene Valentine Marshmallow Roast
Friday, February 12 from 6-8 p.m.
Bring your family and friends for a fun night around a fire pit. Marshmallows and sticks will be provided. Meet us in the circle located outside the Beach Club. For Stonebridge Ranch residents only.
Coffee Talk: Spring Landscaping
Please join us at Coffee Talk on Wednesday, February 17, at 8:30 a.m. Joe Barton from Precision Landscaping will be speaking to us regarding landscaping in the spring and how to prepare. Meet in the main office. Coffee, tea and water will be provided. There will be additional time to socialize before and after the presentation.
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socIal scene Coffee, Cars & Conversation Can’t make it to our weekday Coffee Talk? Join us for refreshments at our upcoming Coffee, Cars & Conversation! SB Residents Only Saturday, February 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Rain or Shine Coffee, water and donuts will be provided. “A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.” Bring your classic/fancy car to park in the circular drive! (Not required to attend.)
Adult Big Bass Tournament
Saturday, February 20 WHERE: Lake Stonebridge Only—No other lakes in
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socIal scene 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 or valid drivers license 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 Beach and Tennis Club between 8:30 and 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 preregistration 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. Fishermen 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 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.
Bingo Night It’s a great time to make new friends so please join us on Wednesday night, February 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. for an evening of Bingo and prizes in the Community Association Office 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 20 who sign up. For more event details and to RSVP go to http:// whoozin.com/RR7-TEE-YD96. This is an adult only event and there is a $5 guest fee for immediate family nonresidents.
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socIal scene Morning Bingo On Friday February 19, Morning Bingo will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Community Association Office located at the Stonebridge Ranch Beach and Tennis Club. We will have donuts and coffee on hand. Seating is limited to the first 20 to register at http://whoozin. com/WH9-37X-Q34E. This is an adult only event for Stonebridge Ranch residents only and there is no charge.
It Takes Two 5K, 10K & Fun Run
It Takes Two 5K, 10K and Sweet Treat 1 Mile Fun Run—February 13 You’ve already got the song in your head, so sign up now for a race where you and a teammate add your times together for prizes! Awards based on your age plus your teammate’s on race day (male/female/coed teams)! Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2016
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socIal scene You don’t have to hold hands the whole way, it isn’t a three-legged race, and you don’t have to cross the finish line together. Turtles grab your rabbits and sign up for this team-based 5k and 10k. Not feeling the 5k or 10k distance? Join us for the Sweet Treat Mile instead—a great way to get started and pick up some sweets along the way. All participants will get a chocolate treat at the finish! For more information and to register, please visit http://www.playtri.com/takestwo. F
Upcoming March Events
4 Playdate in the Park 10 Annual Meeting 12 Coffee, Cars & Conversation 14 Book Club 14 Travel Club 16 Evening Bingo Morning Bingo 18 19 Meet the Easter Bunny 23 Book Exchange & English Tea 24 Book Exchange Walking Club every Monday Coffee Talk every Wednesday TGIF every Friday
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