Stonebridge Ranch February 2017 by Moonlight Graphics

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PAID Allen, TX Permit 178

STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS FEBRUARY 2017

Vol. 5, Issue 2

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 5

From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia

This Month’s Feature

Inside the Ranch

Community Calendar

Compliance Tips

22 Lifestyle 25

Around the Ranch

Social Scene

SPECIAL SECTIONS 11

Bits and Pieces

Resident Interest

Pet Page

Stonebridge Ranch News © 2017 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is produced at no cost to the association and mailed to all Stonebridge Ranch residents free of charge. 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 Erica Lee Cheryl Scheuren Unnone David Wiest

cover photo Erica Lee Hosted one Saturday each month at 6201 Virginia Parkway, Coffee, Cars and Conversation is a fun, come-and-go social event. At the gathering on December 18, members of the Social Committee warmly welcomed other residents to the circle drive.

Board Meeting, December 15, 2016 Comments

We officially welcome our two newest additions to the Stonebridge Ranch family. Melton Ridge, a new development consisting of 124 homes located on Custer Road just north of the Kroger store at Eldorado and Custer, is beginning construction; and Sorrento, a new development of 34 homes at Eldorado and Stonebridge Drive, is scheduled for construction later this year. In this month’s issue, you will also find information about our Annual Meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m., March 9, 2017 at Crosspoint Church. We will be electing two Board members at this year’s Annual Meeting. Candidate bios and questionnaires will be in the March issue.

Board Meeting

The Board meeting of December 15, 2016 was called to order at 1 p.m. All Board members were present. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. One homeowner appeared to discuss violations in the Crimson Ridge Village. The next item of business was to ratify the minutes of the previous Board meeting and all decisions made since the last Board meeting including the landscape colors to be planted in the spring.

Old Business

The Board reviewed and approved the changes to the pickle ball courts at Stonebridge Plaza to bring them into compliance with the official pickle ball court sizes. We also approved the addition of a basketball goal to the Plaza area. Our water management consultant presented the next recommendation for updating more of our sprinkler systems. We approved taking the next ten highest usage meters and associated sprinklers and upgrading them since the savings we will receive exceed the cost. With water rates continuing to increase, this is an area worth the investment. The Board reviewed and approved the charter for the Appeals Committee. This committee will review and make decisions on behalf of the Board on any violation or construction appeals. The committee voting members are all Board members. The Board also reviewed and approved the updated charter for the Collections Committee. In its continuing review of all Board guidelines, we updated the Amenities Committee charter, the pool guest policy, the policy on the usage of the Board room for events and the social events inclement weather policy.

New Business

The Board reviewed and approved a series of design guidelines changes. We also reviewed the logistics for our Annual Meeting scheduled for March 9, 2017. Thanks to the Communications Committee, we reviewed and approved a Style Guide so we will have consistency of our publications particularly with the monthly magazine. We reviewed our year-end financial projections. We continue to be in excellent financial condition.

Executive Session

For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, or call 972.727.4569.

The Board reviewed and approved an appeal for a driveway material issue. We also reviewed and approved the monthly foreclosure report. Finally, we discussed the future production of an electronic version of a booklet specifically addressed to new homeowners in Stonebridge Ranch.

Association Reports

Board liaisons presented updates on committee activities reflected in Committee minutes. We also reviewed and finalized the 2017 Strategic Plan. The meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

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 Office Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Association Staff Greg Herbst—Director of Operations Angie Beené—Compliance Coordinator Michael Cawley—Maintenance Supervisor Tamra Collins—Community Services Coordinator Sandra Gillespie—Compliance Coordinator Erica Lee—Communications Coordinator Joyce Martin—M.A.R.C. Compliance Coordinator Jeff Moore—Landscape & Grounds Manager Rony Peterson—Executive Assistant Michelle Pryor—Compliance Coordinator Lynette Rowell—Administrative Assistant Nate Russell—Senior Compliance Coordinator Jeff Torres—Maintenance Assistant David Wiest—Lifestyle Director

Board of Directors Jon Dell’Antonia—President Ron Ferris—Vice-President Norm Counts—Treasurer Michael Yon—Secretary Tom George—Director Bill Campbell—Director Donald Hanson—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 The Annual Meeting is Almost Here: 6 Reasons To Participate, Whether In-Person or By Proxy or Absentee Ballot One of our most important yearly events is around the corner: the Annual Meeting of the homeowners of the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc. (SRCA). This year, the meeting will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Crosspoint Church (located at 2101 S. Stonebridge Drive). Requirements surrounding the Annual Meeting, including achieving a quorum and voting, are outlined in the SRCA bylaws under Article II.* If you’ve never attended one of the association Annual Meetings, you may wonder why it is so important and how it relates to the strength of the association. If so, read ahead to learn more! 1. More than a social event, the Annual Meeting is a legal proceeding. The SRCA is a non-profit legal entity, and the Annual Meeting of the membership is required and outlined by the SRCA governing bylaws. As stated in Section 2.3: “Regular Annual Meetings of the

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membership shall be set by the Board so as to occur within 90 days after the close of the association’s fiscal year.” Aspects of the meeting, such as voting and achieving a quorum, are further guided by Texas State Law (see the Texas State Property Code, Title 11, Chapter 209). 2. The success of the meeting is determined by homeowner participation. With the Board President and other Board members presiding over the meeting, it is held for the benefit of all of the association’s homeowners. This is the time set aside for you to vote for members of the Board of Directors and to learn crucial information about the status of your association. The meeting isn’t “just for show.” In fact, it can commence only if a minimum number of homeowners—a quorum—actively participate, either in person or by voting in absentee. This requirement is outlined in Section 2:10 of the SRCA

thIs month’ s feature

If you choose to vote by proxy or absentee ballot, you can email your form to rpeterson@cmamanagement.com, or you can mail it or bring it by in person to the office at 6201 Virginia Parkway. Ballots are due March 6.

bylaws, which specifies a quorum as: “the presence in person or by proxy of Members representing at least ten percent (10%) of the total votes in the Association.” (For voting information, see ”Your Voting Questions Answered” on page of 18 this issue.)

If a quorum is not achieved, the cost to the association could be as much as $30,000. The Board and management staff work hard to ensure the Annual Meeting goes off without a hitch every year. Like any large-scale event, the meeting requires planning, staffing and funding, as well as the signing of contracts. Venue rental

Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

thIs month’ s feature and vote tabulation are part of this, and we do not want association funds to go to waste. If the association does not meet the quorum requirements and must reconvene the Annual Meeting at a different time, the projected cost to the association could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Please help us achieve a quorum on March 9! 4. Association leaders are elected at the Annual Meeting. The seven members of the SRCA Board of Directors make decisions that affect the operation of the association, from signing vendor contracts to approving the annual budget and overseeing the maintenance of common property. They serve three-year terms, which are staggered to ensure an orderly turnover of the Board. At this year ’s meeting, two members will be elected by their fellow property owners to preserve and protect the interests of the association. The members of the Board serve because you elect them, so don’t miss the opportunity to vote. (By the way, if you can’t attend the Annual Meeting, you can still participate by voting online, mailing in your ballot, or assigning your vote to a proxy. See ”Your Voting Questions Answered” on page 18 of this issue.) 5. At the Annual Meeting, the Board presents a “State of the Association” address. Just as the U.S. President personally addresses our country’s citizens through the annual State of the Union speech, the Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for the Association Board to speak directly to the homeowners they represent. As a team, the Board members will discuss the successes of the previous year in every area from finance to social events. They will also look ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the association in the future. You can expect to hear about progress we’ve made through the Strategic Plan, which the Board first developed and adopted in 2013, as well as how the Plan goals and objectives have evolved since last year’s meeting. 6. The meeting provides a unique opportunity for you to participate. There are actually countless opportunities for residents of Stonebridge Ranch to contribute to the health of the community. Each time you respond to a resident survey, read an article in the Stonebridge Ranch News, attend a social event, or contact the SRCA staff with a question, you are contributing to our collective success. The Annual Meeting is simply a capstone event for participation, whether you vote online, by proxy or absentee ballot, or attend in person. Come to vote and to meet and mingle with your Board, the management staff and other residents. We hope to see you there! F *Want to read the governing documents in detail? The Association Bylaws are always available for download at www.stonebridgeranch.com.

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bIts & pIe ces Green Belts in Stonebridge Ranch Include Protected Native Areas Stonebridge Ranch covers a wide area with over 5,000 acres of developed lots. The association also owns over 500 acres of open land, providing numerous areas where residents can enjoy seeing a bit of nature. Maintaining the look and feel of all this shared common space is an impressive undertaking, requiring year-round, big-picture strategy, as well as attention to the most specific details. From planning mowing schedules to irrigation upkeep, from choosing planting placements to determining the correct care for aging trees, there are many decisions to be made by our landscaping vendors and management staff.

imminent danger to human life, the association is not to perform any type of maintenance within these protected spaces. Why? Commonly referred to as “404 Areas”, these locations are protected under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, one of the first and most influential U.S. environmental laws. The objective of the Clean Water Act is to maintain and restore the integrity of the nation’s waters through a variety of means, including protecting designated wetlands from development and working to reduce soil loss due to runoff from rain. Sometimes residents call the association office to inquire about landscaping maintenance for one of these areas. They ask the association to cut tree limbs, mow, or perform weed maintenance and the like. But because these spaces are protected, our maintenance is limited to the boundary lines and can go no further. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these green pockets of untamed nature. Ever wonder what this land looked like before development here? These areas give us a tiny glimpse into the past! F

Association common area includes native lands, commonly called “404 Areas,” which are protected by the United States Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act. But did you know that some portions of our green belts are under the protection of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and as such, they are designated as “no maintenance” zones? As you drive, walk or jog through our community, you may have noticed these locations. Each one is marked with a special blue sign that says: “Undisturbed Native Area—USACE 404.” Unless there is a hazard or Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

InsId e the ranch Puppy Raising for a Cause: Local Boy Scout and His Family Welcome an Assistance Dog in Training into Their Lives

Sam and Arlene pose with his younger sister, Sage, who supports her brother’s project by making and selling dog toys.

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When Boy Scout Sam Korman, age 14, began planning his community service project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, his parents, Chris and Tania, did not anticipate that it would require adding a member to their family. But, Sam, a canine lover, knew he “wanted to do something with dogs,” and so he approached his parents about raising a puppy to become a service animal. “At first,” recalls Sam with a smile, “my mom said, ‘No.’” The family already had two dogs, and Tania knew the commitment would be a daily one requiring months, if not years, to complete. Sam was persistent, however, and research led him to Canine Companions for

InsIde the ranch Independence. The nonprofit organization provides highly trained service animals free of charge to individuals with disabilities. The Korman family was impressed by the organization. “They have a great matching program,” says Sam, “and they have a great support network for puppy raisers.” Ultimately, Sam’s Eagle Scout proposal was accepted not only by his Boy Scouts of America Review Board, but by his parents as well (who were required to co-sign as puppy volunteers with Sam because he is under age 18).

In March of 2016, the Stonebridge Ranch residents welcomed an 8-week-old golden retriever named Arlene into their home. In some ways, raising a puppy to be a service animal is like raising any other dog. Arlene loves playing with the family dogs and is full of energy. During her first weeks with the Kormans, when it happened to be raining almost daily, “There was puppy mud through our whole house,” recalls Sam’s younger sister, Sage. But successfully raising a puppy to become a full-time service animal is no small feat. Among other requirements, puppy raisers with Canine Companions must provide a safe environment, submit monthly reports, attend approved obedience classes, teach the puppy manners and basic commands, provide financially for all the puppy’s needs (including food and medical), and take the puppy on age-appropriate socialization outings to prepare them for their working life. All this is done selflessly with the knowledge that the animal ultimately belongs to someone else.

Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

InsId e the ranch Now a day in the life of Sam is synonymous with a day in the life of Arlene. Each day, he walks her at 5:30 in the morning before going to school, when he then leaves her in the care of Tania. After he returns, he does his homework and then spends time training her every evening. Says Sam, “The manual for puppy volunteers is over 300 pages long. There are over 30 commands she needs. I have to learn what she already knows and what she doesn’t.” Says Chris of the commitment made by his son, “It’s a big task. You’re with her every hour of the day. When Sam’s home, she is by his side pretty much every hour.” Within her first eight months, Arlene graduated from basic to advanced puppy training with Sam’s help. She gained a variety of commands including: stand, car, back, bed, don’t, side, heel, ok, wait and release. (She also knows, “shake,” but for a dog like Arlene, this command is much more—it’s part of her training to learn to turn lights on and off.) Sam has also trained her in cradling, which requires Arlene to lie on her back against Sam’s chest for long periods of time. Typically dogs feel defensive in this trusting position, but owners of assistance dogs can benefit from this powerfully comforting pose. Says Sam, “I think she does recognize when she’s working. Once her vest goes on, she changes from a normal house dog.”

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Even when Arlene was a young pup, Sam began training her ability to ignore food temptations by spelling her name on the ground in kibble. Though the ultimate responsibility belongs to Sam, raising Arlene is in some ways a family project. Sage has helped raise funds for Arlene’s care by making and selling dog toys. Chris recalls a family outing to Costco when Arlene reacted nervously to blow-up lawn ornaments on display for Halloween. “In her working life, she can’t be spooked by anything, so we eased her

InsIde the ranch in with repeated exposure to desensitize her.” One of the biggest tests is taking Arlene to restaurants, which are full of distractions and where she must resist eating anything dropped to the floor. On a recent family outing, Arlene remained unseen under the table and successfully resisted all food temptations. “The ultimate goal is for the dog to be so well-behaved that other restaurant-goers don’t know she’s there,” says Chris. If all goes as planned, in November of 2017 Arlene will graduate from Sam’s care at the Korman household. She’ll live full-time at the Kinkeade Campus (the Canine Companions Regional Center in Irving, Texas) with on-site instructors. There, she will undergo six to nine months of additional professional training. If she proves she has what it takes, Arlene will then be paired with the recipient who can receive the most independence and benefit from her unique skill set. Courtney Craig, PR Coordinator for the Irving campus, references all that goes into raising an assistance dog, including the countless volunteer hours, donations from across the U.S., and the full-time, at-facility training provided by Canine Companion professionals. “A dog like Arlene is the star piece of a big puzzle,” she says. “We carefully screen the dogs regarding their temperament and energy level to see where and who

they can serve best. People say they are blown away by our matches; we are known for putting the right dog with the right person.” The Kormans are already preparing themselves for the day Arlene graduates to a life of full-time service. Says Chris, who keeps examples of the heart-felt ”Thank You’s” from past assistance dog recipients on his phone, “We know this dog doesn’t belong to us. She’s passing through our lives and we want to make sure she’s in the best position to help someone else.” The family has already attended two graduation ceremonies. At these events, the original puppy volunteers reunite with the animals they initiated on an incredible journey. Then, during the ceremony, each volunteer crosses the stage with the animal and passes the leash to the recipient. “It’s gut-wrenching to watch,” says Chris, but it clearly also inspires the whole Korman family. When Arlene’s turn comes, says Sam, looking down at the golden dog waiting patiently at his feet, “I’ll be the one to hand the leash. That will be me.” F For more information about Canine Companions for Independence, including details about how to become a volunteer puppy raiser, visit www.cci.org. Do

you know a Stonebridge Ranch resident who has an inspiring story to share? Email article ideas to elee@cmamanagement.com.

Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

Coffee Talk, 8:3

9:30-10:30 am—Strolle

3:30-7 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ

Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC) Communications Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m. (BR)

Amenities Meeting, 7 p.m. (BR)

Coffee Talk, 8:30

Bingo 7 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Strolle

3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

3:30-7 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ

Walking Club,9 a.m. (BTC)

MARC Meeting, 8:30 a.m. (BR)

Coffee Talk, 8:3

Book Club, 7 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

Visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com for event details.

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre

Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)

Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre

3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

Walking Club,9 a.m. (BTC)

MARC Meeting, 8:30 a.m. (BR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)

3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

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9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

Social Committe noon (BR)

9:30-10:30 am—Strolle

3:30-7 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ

Coffee Talk, 8:30

9:30-10:30 am—Strolle

3:30-7 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ

FEBRUARY 7 february 11 i february 13 b february 17 february 18 february 18 february 18 february 18 a february 21 FEBRUARY 23

30 a.m. (CR)

er Strides (BTC)

Finance Committee Meeting, 3 p.m. (BR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

nnis Classes, my (BTC)

3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

0 a.m. (CR)

Landscape and Grounds Committee, 9:30 a.m. (BR)

er Strides (BTC)

nnis Classes, my (BTC)

3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

30 a.m. (CR)

nnis Classes, my (BTC)

0 a.m. (CR)

er Strides (BTC)

nnis Classes, my (BTC)

TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)

Marshmallow Roast, 6 p.m. (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

Visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com for event details.

It Takes Two Run, 8 a.m. (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)

ee Meeting,

er Strides (BTC)

TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

Morning Bingo 9 a.m. (CR)

TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)

Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

Fishing Instruction Seminar, 8 a.m. (CR) Coffee, Cars & Conversation 8:30 a.m. (BTC) Book Exchange, 8:30 a.m. (CR) Playdate in the Park, 9 a.m. (BTC) Adult Big Bass Tournament, 9 a.m. (BTC)

3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

BIngo 7 p.m. (cr) it takes two run 8 a.m. (btc) book club 7 p.m. (cr) marshmallow roast 6 p.m. (BTC) Fishing instruction seminar 8 a.m. (cr) coffee, cars & conversation 8:30 a.m. (BTC)/book exchange (cr) playdate in the park 9 a.m. (btc) adult big bass tournament 9 a.m. (btc) travel club 9 a.m. (cr) BIngo 9 a.m. (cr)

Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

resId ent I n terest A Quorum Made Easy: Your Voting Questions Answered

In order to conduct the 2017 election of members to the Board of Directors, we’re required to have a quorum of 10% of members in the association. If you own a lot* in Stonebridge Ranch, you can help the association meet its quorum requirement by attending the meeting on March 9 and voting in person, or by voting in one of three absentee ways: online through the website at www.stonebridgeranch.com, mailing an absentee ballot, or by assigning your vote through the proxy form. Read on for answers to the most common voting questions.

How do I find out more about the candidates running for the Board?

To establish their candidacy to the Board of Directors, interested homeowners submitted the 2017 Candidate for Board of Directors Questionnaire,† which allows candidates to share their qualifications for serving as a SRCA Director. The candidates’ questionnaires are made available to their fellow owners as part of the annual meeting notice‡ and are also published in the March issue of the Stonebridge Ranch News and posted on the association website, www.stonebridgeranch.com.

How do I cast my vote if I cannot attend the meeting on March 9?

Owners can cast their vote by completing an absentee ballot or by casting their vote online. The absentee ballot can be found in the annual meeting notice or via download from the association website. The absentee ballot includes the names of each candidate running for the Board, and voters need to select two candidates. The completed ballots are due by March 6 at 5 p.m. CST. They may be mailed or delivered in person to the association office (6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071), faxed to 214.778.0595, or emailed to rpeterson@ cmamanagement.com. Absentee ballots that are incomplete or turned in after the vote is called for in the meeting do not count in the election. Online voting is super easy and allows you to participate without leaving the comfort of your home! It will be available at www.stonebridgranch.com from February 10 until March 6, closing at 5 p.m. CST. If you choose this option, you’ll simply

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resIdent Interest visit our website and click on the “Vote Online Now” button. From there, you’ll fill in a short form and cast your vote. Importantly, please note that you’ll need to enter your unique registration code, which will be provided in the annual meeting notice you receive in the mail. Once you’ve cast your vote, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Can I assign my vote to another owner attending the Annual Meeting?

Yes, owners can assign their vote by completing the proxy form, which is provided in the Annual Meeting notice and on the association website and is due by March 6, 5 p.m. CST. Owners need to choose if they want to assign their vote to the Board or to another owner attending the meeting. Alternatively, owners can assign the “quorum only” option, through which they do not vote in the Board election but do put their proxy ballot towards the 10% quorum requirement. Completed proxy forms can be mailed or delivered in person to the association office (6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071), faxed to 214.778.0595, or emailed to rpeterson@cmamanagement.com. Proxy forms that are incomplete or turned in after the vote is called for in the meeting do not count in the election.

Do I need to complete an absentee ballot or a proxy if I will be attending the Annual Meeting?

No. Owners attending the meeting will be given an election ballot when they check in. During the portion of the meeting when the election is conducted, each owner will cast

his or her 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 Association Board.

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 that day (Friday, March 10), the names of the candidates elected to the Board will be posted on the home page of the website by 3 p.m. We sincerely thank all owners who choose to participate in the vote for Directors and in the Annual Meeting, whether in person or by absentee ballot or proxy. If you have questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate to call the association staff at 214.733.5800 or email rpeterson@ cmamanagement.com. F *One vote per lot is allowed in the election.

†The 2017 Candidate Questionnaire was made available in the January issue of the Stonebridge Ranch News and beginning January 1 on the website at www. stonebridgeranch.com. It was due to the association on January 19.

‡The annual meeting notice is sent to each lot owner’s mailing address. It includes meeting and voting information and candidate bios, as well as proxy, ballot and question forms. The documents included with the Annual Meeting notice are

also publicly available online (not including the private voting number which is provided to each lot owner in their mailed packet).

Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

complIance tI p s For An Inviting Entry, Use a Fresh Coat of Paint Have you heard of this trend? From posts on do-it-yourself blogs to howto’s on home improvement TV shows, property owners are being told to paint their front doors radical colors in order to give their homes curb appeal. Since this trend emerged, compliance staff in Stonebridge Ranch have seen an increase in the use of non-compliant paint colors on front doors. If you have been considering a paint change to your entryway, please take a moment to read further. While aesthetic tastes differ from person to person and often change over time, the association design guidelines provide a constant benchmark that protects more than the look and feel of a single home. Not only are architectural standards in place to One way to brighten the look of your entryway? Simply update your front door with a fresh preserve your own premier curb appeal, coat of the existing paint color. but that of your next door neighbor ’s your home. Because many trees are bare of leaves, it’s home as well, and the property values of your village as even easier in the winter to see where paint and/or stain a whole. may be in need of a touch-up or a complete re-do. Any What do the Design Guidelines Say About Front Door noticeable paint or coating failures (such as peeling, Color Changes? flaking, chalking or chipping), as well as any surface If your front entrance is looking a bit drab, the deterioration, require repair or maintenance and possibly quickest and easiest facelift is to simply repaint your a surface recoating. front door and/or adjacent window shutters their existing color. If you choose this route, no submission to Paint and Environmental Considerations Responsible painting includes not only the planning, the Modifications Committee is necessary. If, however, but the cleanup as well. If you paint your front door, you wish to change the paint or stain color, we have a shutters, or entire house, you may have extra paint left process in place to help. You’ll need to submit an over when the project is complete. It’s not a bad idea to application. You can do this through the online form at keep some on hand for touch-ups, of course. If, however, www.stonebridgranch.com or by downloading the you’re left with paint that you need to dispose of, please application and returning it to the association office at keep in mind the following tips from the City of 6201 Virginia Parkway. McKinney. (See www.mckinneytexas.org for full details When preparing your submission, please keep in and restrictions.) mind that your front door color should complement the • You can call for a Household Hazardous Waste siding and masonry color of your home. Door colors are (HHW) appointment at 972.547.7385 or order an HHW typically chosen to accent or highlight architectural pickup online through the City website. features. Note that you’ll need to include a sample and the exact paint color with your application. • HHW collection appointments occur on your regular

The Importance of Upkeep

Beyond color consistency, another important aspect of exterior paint is the upkeep. The Design Guidelines stipulate that all exterior surfaces should be maintained in good and reasonable condition. Now is the perfect time of year to take a good, hard look at the outside of

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trash and recycling collection day.

• If you are a resident of McKinney, there is no additional fee for this service. • Wait for the City of McKinney staff to pick up HHW chemical waste at your home, as the city’s facility is

complIance tI ps not licensed by the State of Texas as an HHW drop-off center. • All HHW items, including paint, should be clearly labeled and kept in their original container, since the city does not collect unlabeled materials. • For your own safety and those around you, NEVER mix HHW materials

Happy—Approved—Painting!

Ultimately, the Design Guidelines are meant to protect the very thing that those DIY, bright-paint posts talk about: your home’s curb appeal. By keeping the aesthetic within standards, and by keeping your paint job fresh and clean, you can do just that—and help preserve the look and feel of your neighbors’ curb appeal, too. For more detail on the Stonebridge Ranch community standards, visit www.stonebridgranch.com to download the Design Guidelines. (The sections titled “Color Changes” and “Paintings and Coatings” are a great place to start your reading.) Please also consider your village compliance coordinator a valuable resource. Each coordinator regularly walks homeowners through the application process and is here to help make it as easy as possible for you, too. Please call 214.733.5800 if you have any paint-related or other exterior home modification questions. F

Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

lIfestyle McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, or if you have had a lifestyle change, come join the McKinney Area Newcomers Club for fun, information and friendship at our monthly Coffee Meeting. On the third Tuesday of each month, we enjoy great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of socializing with new friends. At the February 21 meeting, our guest speaker is Jim Anderson, a Dallas Historian. He will give a presentation on the historic preservation in Dallas, how it was created and became the catalyst for today’s successful downtown. The club meets in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Parkway, McKinney. Social time with refreshments begins at 9:30 a.m. The meeting follows at 10 a.m. For more information on Newcomers, visit www.mckinneynewcomers.com.

Stonebridge United Methodist Church to Host Yard Sale Event

Stonebridge United Methodist Church will host a yard sale on Saturday, April 29 in their parking lot at 1800 S. Stonebridge Drive in McKinney. The sale is scheduled from 7 a.m. to noon and is replacing the long-running, biannual McKinney Ladies Association (MLA) yard sale. Though MLA is no longer in existence, in 2016 the organization reached out to transition the yard sale event to Stonebridge United Methodist Church. This sale has been located in the vicinity of Stonebridge Ranch for over 15 years, providing residents of the community a place to sell their gently-used items.* To participate in the sale, you’ll need to reserve a space to sell your items (no concessions). Simply go online to www.mysumc.org/events, download the form, and send it to the church office. The cost to reserve one of the spaces is $45. Sellers’ reservations must be received by April 1. There will be $1 admission fee per adult to shop, and the sale will once again offer concessions. All proceeds from the event benefit the Stonebridge United Methodist Church Youth Fund. *As a reminder, direct sale activities (garage, yard, estate) are not permitted at

residences by the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions.

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”Simba” of toys and eat yummy treats. If you come visit him, he just knows you’ll see what an awesome fellow he is and want to take him home. He is positive for FIV, a manageable but transmittable disease, so he’ll need to be the only cat in the home. Simba has been neutered, microchipped, tested negative for FeLV and has received all age-appropriate vaccinations. Come meet him today, he knows you will be the best of friends! #148301

Say hello to Simba, who just can’t wait to be king! He’s a 2-year-old Domestic Shorthair mix with sleek black fur and bright yellow-green eyes. Like his namesake, he is friendly, loyal, playful and adventurous. He will roar (or meow) excitedly every time you come to visit him. He loves to be petted, play with all kinds

”Madison” Introducing Madison, a lovely, laid-back lady looking for a lap to lie on. She is a 2 1/2-year-old Domestic Shorthair mix with gorgeous brown tabby fur. She adores long naps, basking in the sunshine, eating delicious treats and lots of petting. She was surrendered to the SPCA of Texas on June 27. She knows that she’s a gem and will wait patiently for the perfect person to share her life with. She’s quiet, gentle and very sweet. She can be a little shy, so she may do best in a home without dogs or small children. Madison has been spayed, microchipped and has received all age-appropriate vaccinations. Please come meet her today! You will fall in love with her! #135099 Simba and Madison are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit today.

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around the ranch

Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

socIal scene Bingo Night

Join us on Tuesday, February 7, from 7 to 9 p.m., for an evening of BINGO fun! We are meeting in the Community Room located next to the entrance of the Beach Club (6201 Virginia Parkway). The winner of each round earns a $5 gift card! Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Residents enter for free and are allowed to bring one non-resident guest for a $5 fee. Seating is limited to the first 40 who RSVP. Sign up at http://whoozin.com/ AJK-U9H-9GEV to claim your seat!

Book Club

Our book club is a small and lively group. New readers and sit-ins are always welcome even if you haven’t read the book. Join us at our next meeting on Monday, February 13, at 7 p.m. We meet in the Community Room (6201 Virginia Parkway) and will be discussing Old Man’s War by John Scalzi. You can always prepare by finding the next month’s book selection on the Community Calendar at stonebridgeranch.com. Send book ideas to dwiest@ cmamanagement.com.

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socIal scene It Takes Two Races

On Saturday, February 11, in conjunction with our partner PlayTri, the association will host an “It Takes Two” 5K, 10K and Sweet Treat 1 Mile Fun Run. You don’t have to hold hands the whole way, and this isn’t a three-legged race. You don’t even have to cross the finish line together, so 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. It’s a great way to get your Valentine holiday started and pick up some sweets along the way. All participants will earn a long-sleeve shirt and a chocolate treat at the finish! Awards will be given based on your age + your teammate’s. Male, female and coed teams are all permitted. If you are aren’t interested in running as a team, that’s okay, too! You can also register as an individual. Please visit http://www.playtri.com/ takestwo for more info and to register.

Marshmallow Roast We held our first Marshmallow Roast last year, and it was a heart-warming smash hit. Let’s share even more smiles and roast more ooey-gooey marshmallows this year to keep the event growing and glowing! We’ll meet Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

socIal scene

on Friday, February 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the circle drive at the Beach & Tennis Club (6201 Virginia Parkway). Fire pits, marshmallows and sticks will be provided. For Stonebridge Ranch residents only, the event also includes a train ride, campfire music and hot chocolate!

Adult Big Bass Tournament

On Saturday, February 18, residents (age 18+) are invited to compete in the Adult Big Bass Tournament at Stonebridge Lake. The entry fee is $10 per person and must be paid in cash on the day of the tournament. Only residents of Stonebridge Ranch (ages 18+) will be allowed to enter; a valid Stonebridge Ranch ID or driver â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license is required. First place will win 100% of the entry fees. In the case of a tie, prize money will be equally split. Fish caught from any other body of water other than Stonebridge Lake will not be considered. Only paid contestants are allowed to fish in the lake during this event. (Spectators, including children, are not allowed to do so.) Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. at tournament check-in, located at the Beach & Tennis Club (6201

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socIal scene Virginia Parkway). After check-in, fishermen can proceed to any part of Stonebridge Lake to fish but may not pass through the Beach Club gates or across private property. The tournament will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, with no casting permitted before 9 a.m. The rules are as follows. You may fish from the bank only; wading, tubes and boats are NOT permitted. Fisherman may carry several rods but fish with only one at a time. Only artificial bait is allowed; no live bait permitted. 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. Final weigh-in will be held at noon, though fish may be brought to the judges’ table to be measured at any time during tournament hours. Fish must be brought in alive and breathing at weigh-in. They will be returned to the lake after weigh-in. Participants will be given a stringer, weigh-in bag and should bring their ONE biggest fish to the weigh-in. All contestants who are not in line by noon to weigh their entries will be disqualified. The tournament judge will give all participants the official time the morning of the event.

Fishing Instruction Texas is a great state for bass fishing, and Stonebridge Lake has its share of big fish. For anyone who is new to bass fishing but would like to participate in the Adult Big Bass Tournament on February 18, we can help you get started. A 30-minute class will be held in the Community Room beginning at 8 a.m. We’ll talk about the basics of bass fishing, from knot tying to rig set-ups. We’ll have a variety of hooks, sinkers and bait on hand to get you ready for the competition!

Coffee, Cars & Conversation & Playdate in the Park Join us in the circular drive at the Beach & Tennis Club on Saturday, February 18, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. All residents are invited to come out and meet new pals and neighbors. If you have a classic or fancy car you may park it in the circular drive for all to view. Coffee and donuts will be provided. During this event, a Book, CD & DVD Exchange will be held in the Community Room located by the Beach Club entrance. Take as many items as you would like, but please replace them with the same amount. Stonebridge Ranch News x February 2017

socIal scene

We will also host a Playdate in the Park from 9 to 10 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, February 18, where kids and their parents can make new friends. Join us at the playground beside the tennis courts!

Morning Bingo Upcoming March Events 9

Annual Homeowners

Meeting 13

Book Club

Evening Bingo

Coffee, Cars &

Conversation 18

Kite & Chalk Art Festival

Playdate in the Park

Book Exchange

Travel Club

Morning Bingo

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If you like games and making new friends, join us on Thursday, February 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. We are meeting in the Community Room located at the Beach & Tennis Club (6201 Virginia Parkway) for a morning of adults-only bingo and prizes. The winner of each round earns a $5 gift card! Light snacks and refreshments will be served at this alcohol-free event. Residents enter at no charge and are allowed to bring one non-resident guest for a $5 fee. Register online at http://whoozin.com/ GYR-RWY-9WPE to claim your seat.

Weekly Meet-Ups Each week, there are numerous activities located near the Beach & Tennis Club at 6201 Virginia Parkway. The Walking Club meets on Mondays at 9 a.m. in the upper parking lot near the Beach Club. Coffee Talk meets on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room (located next door to the Beach Club gates). TGIF Coffee meets at 1 to 2 p.m. on Fridays in the Community Room. F