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STONEBRIDGE RANCH HOA NEWS JANUARY 2014

Vol. 2, Issue 1

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 5

From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia

Compliance Tips

Inside the HOA by Michael Lesku

In the News by Tricia Scruggs

Community Calendar

Financial Update by Michael Lesku

26 Lifestyle 28

Social Scene

SPECIAL SECTIONS 18

Bits and Pieces

Fiscal Connection

Pet Page

Health & Wellness

Stonebridge Ranch HOA News © 2013 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 HOA NEWS

publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

advertising sales Sue Hardesty

contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Michael Lesku Lisa Pogacnik Tricia Scruggs Shannon Sheriff

cover photo Shannon Sheriff

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

On behalf of the board, we wish you all a prosperous and happy new year. It is hard to believe that another year is beginning. It seems like we just celebrated Stonebridge Ranch’s 25th anniversary this past summer. I hope the next 25 years prove as successful. Now that Stonebridge Ranch has been under homeowner control for the past six years, the board decided that it was time to develop a strategic plan to provide guidance and direction to this board and future boards. I am pleased to report that at the conclusion of the meeting, we did develop a plan. There is still much work to be done to begin implementation, but this is an important and vital first step. More information will be released as soon as the board finalizes the documents and formally adopts the plan. Our annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2014. At that meeting we will be electing two directors, each to serve on the board of directors for a period of three years. If you are interested in submitting an application to run for a board position, now is the time to do that. There is additional information in this issue of the magazine on the process to apply. Nov 14, 2013 Board Meeting The board meeting of November 14 was called to order at 7:55 a.m. The reason for the early start was that we scheduled the remainder of the day after the board meeting and the next day (November 14-15) to spend time developing a strategic plan for Stonebridge Ranch. It is a tribute to this board that they are willing to devote that much time for the betterment of Stonebridge Ranch and its homeowners. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. No homeowners appeared. Old Business The board approved the October 1 board meeting minutes and committee appointments. There was no other old business. New Business The 2014 board monthly meeting schedule was discussed and approved. We then reviewed the electrical usage report. We recently changed our electricity supplier in those areas where we could, which resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in our electric rates. This report compared our new electric rates against our old rates for the association in those areas where we have competitive providers. Some of our common areas are served by co-ops, which are not subject to those regulations. We were also able to go back four years to recover sales tax, which should not have been charged for electrical use in the common areas. We have recovered $19,000 so far with more to come. Sales tax is no longer being charged to the association in those areas. The board approved revisions to the landscape and grounds committee organizational guidelines and to the design guidelines regarding trash totes. A five foot high, L-shaped fence may now be installed for the sole purpose of screening trash/recycle bins. This is NOT a requirement, but an option for those who wish to provide screening via a fence for these totes. You must submit a request following the guidelines prior to installation of the fence. The board discussed and approved our annual insurance policies. We carry insurance for personal property, general liability, business auto, workers compensation, fidelity, special events liability and an umbrella policy. We also carry Directors & Officers liability insurance. The board reviewed the management report, social committee report and heard reports from the board liaisons for each standing committee. Executive Session A homeowner addressed the board about weeds growing in the common area behind the alley of Palo Duro Canyon Drive. The board voted to remove the grass and replace it with crushed granite to permanently resolve the issue. The board then reviewed the management contract with CMA and recommended some changes. We also reviewed and approved the collection report, discussed the landscaping contracts, discussed year end personnel evaluations and had a legal update from the association’s attorney. The meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

Stonebridge Ranch Community Association 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 Shannon Sheriff—Assistant Manager Candace Rickman—Community Service Coordinator Denise Spain—Senior Compliance Coordinator Courtney Birmingham—Compliance Coordinator Rony Peterson—Compliance Coordinator Joyce Martin—M.A.R.C. Compliance Coordinator Lisa Pogacnik—Web Administrator Michael Cawley—Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Torres—Maintenance Assistant David Wiest—Lifestyle Director Lynette Rowell—Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors Jon C. Dell’Antonia—President Ron Ferris—Vice-President Lars Rosene—Secretary Richard MacFee—Treasurer Tom George—Director Michael Yon—Director Bill Campbell—Director Stonebridge Ranch Homeowners Association 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 HOA and its members. Stonebridge Ranch HOA News is published for the residents of Stonebridge Ranch for informational purposes only. The Stonebridge Ranch HOA 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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which can be done at one time with about a week for recovery, or which can be spread out over multiple treatments. There are a lot of options with this, and its very effective.”

Rejuvenate and restore your skin with laser resurfacing done with reduced recovery time at Setty Plastic Surgery

After their immediate results, patients who undergo SmartSkin CO2 resurfacing can expect to see continued improvement as the skin renews itself over the following weeks. “After doing this, our patients have said that people tell them they look brighter and younger,” Dr. Setty says. “They love it because the skin is softer, firmer and younger-looking. And when combined with other procedures such as Botox or fillers, we can really give someone nearly the results of a facelift, using nonsurgical procedures.”

Board-certified surgeon Dr. Naveen Setty

“Skin resurfacing is a very effective treatment that’s been around for a long time,” Dr. Setty explains. “What’s new about this technology is that the recovery time has been greatly reduced because of the fractional laser.” Instead of treating the entire skin surface, fractional lasers work in microscopic dots, damaging the skin less and allowing for faster healing. They also have the added benefit of being more adjustable.

Dr. Setty is a board-certified plastic surgeon well trained in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, with further specialization in surgery of the hand. He chose to go into this particular field because of a car accident he was involved in during high school. “Plastic surgery is close to my heart because I myself had to undergo reconstructive surgery for burns I received in that accident,” he says. “That treatment had such an impact on me and I try to carry that patient perspective into my practice today.”

“Now, we can have patients come in on Friday and go back to work on Monday with healthier-looking skin and none of the redness to their skin,” Dr. Setty says. “Other patients may require more aggressive treatment,

In 2008, Dr. Setty moved from the East Coast to Texas and started his plastic surgery practice in Plano, then moving his thriving practice to McKinney in 2012. He lives with his wife and son in Fairview.

The latest nonsurgical technology in skin resurfacing is the SmartSkin CO2 procedure, performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Naveen Setty. The treatment can be customized for a patient’s individual needs and is effective on wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, sun damage and surgical or traumatic scars. The SmartSkin procedure utilizes a fractional CO2 laser that can be used on the face, neck, chest and hands and is precise enough to treat even the more delicate areas around the face such as the eyelid and around the mouth.

Greater adjustability

Setty Plastic Surgery 175 Ridge Road, Suite 200 • McKinney • 214.842.6960

w w w. s e t t y p l a s t i c s . c o m

complIance tI p s Trash Totes: Stonebridge Ranch Board Approves New Alternatives At a recent board of directors meeting, the board adopted new guidelines to screen those blue and green monsters from plain sight. The new guidelines offer alternatives to residents to help eliminate one of the single greatest causes of compliance complaints— neighbors looking at neighbors overstuffed waste bins. Stonebridge Ranch has always required that trash totes not be visible when viewing them from the center front of a resident’s home. That requirement remains in place. Ron Ferris, board vice president and liaison to both the modifications committee and the master architectural review committee (MARC), describes the problem, “Trash totes are ugly—they cause 20-25% of all compliance complaints, often generated by neighbors calling in. Yet, in the past, people have had very few options to deal with the problem.” Before adopting the new guidelines residents had basically two choices: screen the totes with dense vegetation (not always feasible) or put them in the backyard or garage. “Who wants trash totes next to their pool?” Ferris asks. “And, with active families, garages are filled with children’s bikes and other equipment. There’s no room for totes. And, many people don’t like the idea of smelly, rodent attracting waste bins in their garages.” So, at Ferris’ direction both the modifications committee and the MARC set to work to see what could be done to help solve the problem. What they came up with, in addition to the existing options, is the ability to install an L-shaped fence on either the left or right side of the house (corner lots must place the screening fence on the interior side of the lot). Here’s what’s different from existing rules or general perimeter fencing requirements (residents must apply for and receive approval before constructing a tote screening fence): • The tote screening fences may be set back only 2 feet from the front of the house (as compared to 10 feet for perimeter fences). • Fences must be L-shaped. • The height cannot exceed fifty inches (as compared to six feet—72 inches—for perimeter fencing).

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complIance tI ps • Fence length is limited to five feet (60 inches) from the corner of the house and may not cross the property line. • The return (which runs parallel to the side property line) must be a minimum of 36 inches (three feet) and may not exceed 48 inches (4 feet). • Screening fences must be made of cedar or redwood and match existing fencing for style, including having a trim cap and smooth pickets facing outwards. • Fences cannot block or obstruct utility meters. • A front-facing gate may be permitted if approved in advance by the modifications committee. The modifications committee must also approve any other deviations in advance. • Applications to the modifications committee must follow all guidelines but do not need to include a neighbor acknowledgement form. The new option is available to all villages except for Kings Lake, which has unique fencing requirements and is considering this and other alternatives. “I want to stress that this is an additional option, not a requirement,” Ferris points out. “In all my years on the board and the modifications committee,

working with over 60 changes we’ve made to various requirements, I think this is the most positive step we’ve ever taken. I’m very optimistic this alternative will go a long way to solving the trash tote problem.” To submit an application to install a tote screening fence or for more information on guidelines and modifications please visit www.stonebridgeranch.com or call the office at 214-733-5800. The compliance team of Denise Spain, Rony Peterson and Courtney Birmingham are ready to assist. F

Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

InsId e the hoa Why should I pay my assessment dues on time? by Michael Lesku It’s that time of the year again. Your 2014 annual assessment statement has arrived in the mail with a due date of January 1, 2014. The board of directors voted this year not to increase the assessment fee. It is the same amount as your 2013 assessment ($740). For those of you who might be inclined to put it off or say “I’m just not paying it,” please think again. It can get very expensive to put off payment of your annual assessment. All Stonebridge Ranch homeowners accepted this obligation when they purchased their homes in Stonebridge Ranch in return for services and amenities shared by all Stonebridge Ranch residents. Unfortunately, there are always a few homeowners who do not pay their assessments. The association carries approximately $70,481 worth of bad debt in the annual operating budget for property owners who fail to fulfill their annual financial obligation to the association. The goal of this communication is to educate all Stonebridge Ranch residents on the association’s procedure for handling delinquent accounts and the costs associated with the various steps. In doing so, the goal is for the association to have fewer delinquent accounts and reduce the cost to manage this process. Assessment fees are due January 1, 2014, and are considered delinquent at the end of the business day on January 31, 2014. So what happens if you have not paid your assessment by that date? There is a standard procedure for addressing delinquent assessments which is addressed below: 1. On February 1, a delinquent letter is sent to the property owner from the management company informing the owner that the assessments are now delinquent. In addition, a late charge is added to your account and monthly interest charges on the delinquent assessment balance begins.

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2. On March 1, a default letter is sent to the property owner from the management company informing the owner that their homeowner account is in default and will be turned over to legal for collection. In addition, a late charge is added to your account and monthly interest charges continue to accrue. 3. On April 1, a demand letter is sent from a collection attorney. 4. On May 1, a lien notice is then sent from a collection attorney. 5. On June 1, the collection attorney sends a foreclosure notice. So, you can see that by June 1, just 5 months after the annual assessment of $740 was due, you now owe the association significantly more. It does not stop there—more notices and fees continue to add to your account. Please do not let this happen to you! If you are having difficulty, get on a payment plan as soon as you know you will not be able to pay the assessment by the due date. This process does not happen overnight, but it does take less than a year. Shown below are the costs associated with each of the steps in the order in which they occur. None of these fees represent a profit for the association. These are hard costs charged by the collection attorney and the management company for their time and expenses. Add them all together and you will more than double your assessment. Interest at the rate of 10% is added each month to the delinquent assessment amount in addition to the following charges: Late charge …………………………………………….$25.00 Delinquent letter………………………………………$15.00 Default letter (certified) ………………………………$25.00 Demand letter ……………………………..…….……$195.00 Notice of lien …………………………….………..… $235.00 Foreclosure actions……………………….…………$1,083.00 As you know, Stonebridge Ranch homeowners are not immune to financial difficulty. There are situations that can create a financial burden. For those with financial difficulty, contact the CMA corporate office for assistance at 972. 943.2828. Payments can be mailed to the address on the statement. On-line payment and credit card payments are acceptable. There is also a payment plan available for those who need it. See the association website, www. stonebridgeranch.com, for details. The Stonebridge Ranch Community Association can accept your payment at the association office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. F

In the news Board Of Directors Open Positions Two Positions Open for Board Directors The Stonebridge Ranch HOA will be electing two (2) directors, each for a term of three (3) years, to serve on the board of directors at the annual membership meeting on March 6, 2014. Members of the community who meet the qualifications are encouraged to submit the board candidate questionnaire and a short bio to the association office by January 24th, 2014. Biographical information about each candidate will be published in the March edition of the Stonebridge Ranch Magazine and mailed to all homeowners prior to the annual meeting.

Being a Board Member is an Important Commitment

Board members are entrusted with the care, protection and enhancement of the property values of others. They have a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty to the Stonebridge Ranch community. Exercising the skill and care that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances and that undivided loyalty and honesty requires avoiding decisions or actions against the interests of the association or for his/her own benefit or the benefit of a third person.

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Considerations for a Potential Board Member

A board director will need to be well informed about the business of the association, which will require becoming familiar with the association governing documents and reports. Directors must be able to attend monthly board meetings, the annual membership meeting and any other special meetings that may be scheduled throughout the year. Monthly board meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Directors need to not only attend board meetings, but participate in them as well. This includes spending time reviewing meeting-related information and reports prior to the meeting and from time to time may require visual inspections of properties within the association. Directors also serve as liaisons to board appointed committees. Board liaisons attend scheduled committee meetings and serve as a conduit between the board of directors and the committee. Board directors must also be of strong character, with the ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality. A strong business background is highly desirable. Board directors must have a working computer, internet access and a working email account, and must be able to communicate via email and be able toÂ open and work Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets and PDF documents.

Board of directors candidate questionnaire

The questionnaire can be found on page 14 in this edition of the Stonebridge Ranch Magazine and online in the

In the news documents & forms library of the association website, www.stonebridgeranch.com. Please include a summary of your professional and volunteer experience, the number of years you have been a resident of Stonebridge Ranch and any other information about yourself you feel may be of interest to homeowners when making their decision on whom to vote for. All board director candidates will also be asked to answer questions relating to the primary function of the board of directors, what areas candidates feel the board of directors need to address in 2014 and what areas candidates feel they can make the greatest contribution to the community. All completed board of directors candidate questionnaires and biographies should be submitted no later that 5 p.m. on Friday, January 24, to the association office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway or emailed to mlesku@cmamanagement.com. Thank you in advance to those homeowners that have chosen to serve the community.

Board roles President (chair)

The president’s most important role is that of leader of the board. The president should understand the roles of the other board members since he or she depends on board members for specific information and action. The president should encourage the other board members

to contribute to association operations and complete assigned tasks in a timely fashion. The president should also look to board members for leadership guidance.

Vice President

The role of the vice president is not only to be prepared to carry on the role of the board president in his or her absence, but also to contribute to the association’s operations and provide leadership and guidance to the board.

Secretary

The secretary, as the “official recorder” of the association’s activities, is responsible for ensuring that board meeting minutes are taken along with attesting to the validity of documents by signing them. As a board member, the secretary is also encouraged to contribute to association operations and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

Treasurer

The treasurer is the CFO of the association. The duties of the treasurer include ensuring the preparation of financial reports, annual budgets and understanding replacement reserve funds. As a board member, the treasurer is also encouraged to contribute to association operations and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

Board Member

Even though you may not have specific responsibilities, you may be asked by the president to take on a task such as board liaison to a board-appointed committee or a specific project. You will also have a role in contributing to association operations. F

Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

2014 ANNUAL ELECTIONS CANDIDATE FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS QUESTIONNAIRE

Name: ______________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________ ______________ _______________ (home) (work) (cell) Email: _______________________________________________________________ ********** (Please provide your answers on a separate sheet.)********** 1. Briefly introduce yourself. Include background (business, association or other experience), the number of years you have been a resident, etc. 2. Are you in compliance with all Association Covenants, Regulations, and Rules? Do you currently have a past due Association account balance? Do you currently have any pending Association violations? If not in compliance or if any past due balances or violations, please explain. 3. What do you feel is the primary function of the Board of Directors of the Association? 4. Specifically, which areas do you feel need the Board of Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention? 5. Are you a resident owner in Stonebridge Ranch? 6. In which areas do you feel you could make the greatest contribution: architectural control, capital improvements, repair/replacement, finance, maintenance landscape & grounds, communications, amenities or social events? Please return this form with your response no later than January 24th, 2014 to mlesku@cmamanagement.com or to the following address: Stonebridge Ranch Community Association 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 The Board would like to communicate to every candidate the expected time commitment when serving on the Board. Typically, the Board meets during the workday once a month for a minimum of 4 hours and each Board Member is assigned as a liaison to one of the Board Committees that may meet once or twice a month for 1 to 2 hours. In addition, the candidate should have a working computer, internet access, email account, and be proficient in general business application programs such as Word, Excel, Power Point, and PDF documents. I acknowledge that by filing as a candidate for the Board of Directors, if elected, I will accept the responsibilities as described in the Bylaws, the time commitment and computer requirements as noted above. I am aware that the information provided on this questionnaire will be available to the membership. ____________________________________ ___________________ Signature Date

Clarity, Simplicity, Transparency It’s a recurring theme for financial planners Lance Alston and Tiffany Finney-Johnson—a potential client walks into the office looking for minor tweaking of their “financial plan” which consists of a mess of investments and no actual plan what-so-ever. This scenario is all too common in today’s complicated financial landscape, and it prompted Alston and Finney-Johnson to create New Dimensions Wealth Management after more than two decades of combined experience in the industry. Their new breed of financial planning firm is based on the principles of clarity, simplicity and transparency.

Clarity: A Financial Plan with Clear Objectives Every client at New Dimensions starts with a financial profile which helps establish clear objectives for their financial future. Armed with this information, Alston and Finney-Johnson design a plan for each client that goes far beyond investments and includes factors such as insurance, retirement, education and estate planning. This comprehensive approach makes it easier to see past temporary economic distractions and maintain a sharp focus on long-term goals.

Simplicity: Total Market Investing “Investing is not hard; it’s also not the most important piece of the financial plan,” asserts Alston. Once the critical non-investment pieces of the plan are in place, low-cost passive investments are the tools used by New Dimensions to build a portfolio. Alston’s advice to clients: “Don’t invest your retirement savings in anything you can’t explain to a 5th Grader.” This emphasis on long-term financial planning over short-term investing noise is fundamentally different from the big banks and brokerage houses. Alston and Finney-Johnson understand that it’s not possible for individuals, including the money managers of oversized and overpriced investment firms, to outsmart the collective intelligence of the market. Their

simple and cost effective approach to investing is supported by decades of research and the 2013 Nobel Prize in Economics.

Transparency: Understanding the Cost of Investing New Dimensions believes a comprehensive financial plan combined with a simple total market portfolio should be accessible and affordable. “Often investors aren’t aware of the total cost of their investments because so much is hidden. But we want to talk about fees, because a difference of one percent in fees can make or break a financial plan,” explains Finney-Johnson. “Investors should demand a Fee-Only planner who is transparent with all fees.” People are inclined to make choices that are emotionally charged when the stakes are high, as in a bad economy or looming retirement, but a financial plan helps take the emotional aspect out of the equation. “A written financial plan makes it so much easier to stay on track and achieve your financial goals.” Alston agrees, “Financial planning may not change your lifestyle, but it just might change your life.”

January 8, 15, 22 & 29 coffee talk 8:30 a.m. (CR) January 14 bingo 7 p.m. (CR) January 18

Self Defense Class 1 p.m. (SK)

January 28

Travel Club 9 a.m. (CR)

January 30

Cooking Class 11 a.m. (SBCC)

Coffee Talk, 8 (CR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)

Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)

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4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes,

Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

Modifications Meeting 6 p.m. (BR) Bingo, 7 p.m. (CR) 4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis C Select Tennis Academ 6-7 pm—Fit4 Baby (CR)

Coffee Talk, 8 (CR) Social Comm Meeting, 9 a.

:30-10:30 am—Stroller S

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis C Select Tennis Academ 6-7 pm—Fit4 Baby (CR)

Coffee Talk, 8 (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis C Select Tennis Academy 6-7 pm—Fit 4Baby (CR)

Coffee Talk, 8 (CR)

Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR) Modifications Meeting 6 p.m. (BR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller S

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis C Select Tennis Academy 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

8:30 a.m. Strides (BTC)

Classes, my (BTC) )

8:30 a.m.

mittee .m. (BR)

Self Defense Class, 1 p.m. (SK)

Strides (BTC)

Classes, my (BTC) )

8:30 a.m. Strides (BTC)

Classes, y (BTC) )

8:30 a.m.

Strides (BTC)

Classes, y (BTC)

Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR) 4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

Cooking Class, 11 a.m. (SBCC) 4-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.

Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

bIt s & pI eces Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Self Defense Class Since violence against women does not discriminate against age, class or race. It is important that all women, no matter how young or old, are taught the basic means to defend themselves. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-defense offers possibilities for both reacting to and preventing violent situations. It gives women both physical and critical tools to respond to potentially harmful and life threatening encounters.

The seminar will cover situations including home security, car jacking awareness, rape prevention, family protection, situational awareness, fundamental striking and ground defense. Self defense techniques will be taught then attendees would be able to utilize their new skills on black belt instructors who will be fully geared. Classes are January 18, 2014, 1-3 p.m., at Sidekicks Martial Arts. No charge for this class and open to the first 30 Stonebridge residents to sign up by emailing Sidekicks Martial Arts @mckinney@sidekickskarate.com.

Cooking Class A cooking class will be held at the Stonebridge Ranch Country Club, 7003 Beacon Hill Road on Thursday, January 30, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is limited to the first 18 Stonebridge Ranch residents that sign up. Chef Jamie Samford will be demonstrating for the audience some of his culinary techniques. The class will be held upstairs in the Breakers Room and SRCA staff will be on hand to greet participants at 10:45 a.m. The cost is $25 per person. Please make your check payable to: SRCA, 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071. Payment should be dropped off at the association office within three days after the RSVP to secure your spot. This is an adult only event and no refunds! RSVP by emailing Dave Wiest, Lifestyle Director at dwiest@cmamanagement.com. F

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At Palmer Family Law Group PLLC, they believe that divorce doesn’t have to be so hard. “What we try to do is get people through a divorce in the healthiest way possible so that everyone can move on to the next chapter in their lives, in the best way possible,” says Dana, creator of the Soft Divorce® brand. “We don’t define success by the other party’s failure. Instead, our goal is for our client, their children, and even their soon-to-be-ex-spouse, to be as healthy as possible after the divorce.”

A better way to divorce

Dana C. Palmer

It’s a concept that Dana created after focusing his law firm in McKinney on family law in 2011. “I opened the firm in 2006, practicing a wide variety of cases. I soon realized that family law cases provided me with the biggest opportunity to help people and that’s when I decided to narrow my focus,” Dana says. Quickly, he says, he saw that when

divorce is approached as a battle, with each spouse trying to extract as much money as possible from the other, then no one ‘wins.’ “I’m the type of person who is always looking for a better way to do something—and when I find that better way, I feel compelled to share it with others,” Dana explains. “That’s why I’m now sharing the Soft Divorce® program worldwide.” Soft Divorce® is a concept and framework of the best practices in family law and divorce procedures that aim to keep divorces civil, family-oriented, healthy and as painfree and stress-free as possible. “I believe in Soft Divorce® because it’s better than a ‘hard divorce.’” Dana says. “At the end of the day, former spouses will always be parents together and they need to have the best possible relationship with one another, as well as with their kids. A Soft Divorce® allows for that.”

Happier, healthier results Of course, the firm’s approach doesn’t mean that they’ll simply “lie down” and take whatever the other party’s attorney is offering. “There are times that we have to, and we do, ‘play hard-ball,’” Dana says. “We go into court knowing that we’ve taken the high road, but we’re willing to do whatever it takes to get the healthy result we’re after.” When prospective clients first hear about the firm’s Soft Divorce brand, Dana says, they’re often relieved to discover that there’s a healthier way to go through the divorce process. “You always see on TV and hear about divorces where people end up hating each other and losing so much,” he says. “We show people a different and better way.” For more information, please call or visit our website.

fIs cal connectI o n Inside The HOA 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 9,006 $100,000 households and 30,000 $305,000 residents. Residents collectively $522,000 own 519 acres of common land, multiple lakes and ponds and 12 neighborhood parks and recreation areas. In addition, $867,000 there are two large swimming pool areas. Maintaining and enhancing $1,647,000 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.

$89,000

$1,753,000 $1,755,000

Landscape Maintenance

Electric and Water Utilities

Taxes, Insurance, Management Operating Reserve Pools and Lakes

Capital Improvements Bad Debt Reserve

Community Social Activities The graph and chart show you where we spend our money (amounts rounded to nearest one thousand dollars): Landscape Maintenance

$1,753,000

Electric and Water Utilities

$1,755,000

Taxes, Insurance, Management

$1,647,000

Operating Reserve $867,000 Pools and Lakes

$522,000

Capital Improvements

$305,000

Bad Debt Reserve

$100,000

Community Social Activities

$89,000

Total $7,038,000 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 call or email if you have comments or questions. F

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fInancIal update 2014 budget summary Revenue

Assessment Revenues—$6,620,390.62

For Class A members, the assessment is calculated by multiplying the 2013 Collin County Appraisal District tax roll times $.2718 per $100 of value. For Class AA, the assessment is $740.00 per platted lot. The developer and builders pay full assessment on lots.

Working Capital/Member Fees—$115,190.22

Building Maintenance and Repairs Building Maintenance—$9,327.94

Electrical, plumbing and general building maintenance supplies.

Building Repairs—$2,064.30

Electrical, carpentry and miscellaneous repair.

Courtesy Patrol—$94,380.86

Contractual courtesy patrol and telephone service.

Lakes—$31,298.41

Other Income-$61,517.53

Contractual maintenance of lakes, chemicals and minor fountain repairs.

Activities Income—$32,968.86

Costs associated with community compliance inspections.

Amount collected at closing per the association documents. Income from collections, document submittals and policy fees. Income generated through various activities such as aerobics, yoga, tennis lessons and swim lessons.

Travel Reimbursements—$22,245.24 Sport Courts & Fields—$8,285.60

Amenity Revenues—$68,325.13

Miscellaneous repairs to tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds and baseball, football and soccer fields.

Investment Revenues—$140,009.37

Funds to build new amenities or update existing amenities.

Income from pool/pavilion and community center rental. Interest and Dividend income earned from the association’s short term and long term investments.

Total revenue—$7,038,401.73

Expenses

Administrative—$1,670,632.40

Administrative expenses include management fees, legal, mailings, audit and tax preparation, supplies, faxes, insurance, federal income and property taxes for common areas, bank charges, sales tax and record storage.

Capital Improvements—$305,576.03

Repair & Replacement Reserves—$866,761.56

Annual contribution for repairs and replacement of association assets held in reserve per reserve study.

Total expenses—$7,038,401.73

Net income per budget (0.00)

Community Activities—$88,668.85

Special events and activities for the enjoyment of the entire community and annual meeting expenses.

Landscape & Common Area Maintenance Utilities—$1,713,319.48 Water and electric expenses for common areas.

Maintenance—$1,566,594.30

Contractual maintenance for common areas, color, trees, drainage, mulch and landscape improvements.

Fountains—$6,220.75

Maintenance, repair and service for all association fountains.

Irrigation—$160,250.34 Irrigation repairs.

Aquatic Center—$131,060.33

Contractual pool maintenance, lifeguard services, gate guards, telephones, chemicals, pool permit, pool equipment and repairs, signage and gate repairs.

Community Center—$2,344.34

Janitorial expenses and HVAC maintenance for community center.

Pool/Pavilion—$359,371.00

Contractual pool maintenance, lifeguard services, gate guards, telephones, chemicals, pool permit, pool equipment and repairs, janitorial supplies, plumbing, signage and gate repairs. Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

Bonded Dachshund pair Bruno and his long time companion, Pepper, were taken to a high kill shelter when their elderly human companion had to be placed in a nursing home. The shelter staff loved them so they sent out a plea for their rescue and a CCHS foster heard the story and took them into the foster care program! They are both absolute sweethearts. They love to take leisurely strolls and explore the yard, but their favorite thing to do is cuddle with their foster parents. Pepper and Bruno sleep quietly throughout the night in their crates. They do well with kiddos of all ages and doggies of all sizes and would likely do well with cats. They can both be trusted to roam free in the house while the foster parents are away. They are crate trained and housetrained, and do well in the car and on leash. Bruno is 9-10 years old and weighs about 17 pounds. He is neutered, heartworm negative, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. Pepper is 10-11 years old, is heartworm negative, neutered, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. Bruno and Pepper are a bonded couple thus will need to be adopted together. If you have been searching for wonderful old souls with a lot of love to give, please fill out an application online at www.collincountyhumanesociety.org and their foster family will be in touch.

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health & wellness Moving Toward Balance in the New Year By Lisa Jones The New Year’s resolution; we all make them and we all break them. Last year’s Harris Interactive poll conducted among 3,036 U.S. adults showed the top resolutions were: lose weight (21 percent), improve finances (14 percent), exercise (14 percent), get a new job (10 percent), eat more healthfully (7 percent), stop smoking, manage stress better and improve a relationship (5 percent each). This month’s article is going to focus on health-related resolutions: losing weight, exercising, eating better and managing your stress. Let’s take a look at losing weight first. Despite good intentions, our nation’s people just keep getting heavier. It is projected that obesity rates in every state are on course to top 44 percent by 2030. People tend to think about “losing weight” and “exercising” as two

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separate resolutions. Science used to advise putting energy into tackling one behavioral change at a time; newer research has shown that combining two related resolutions (exercise + lose weight, save money + stick to a budget)

health & wellness makes it more likely you’ll stick to both. Next up is exercise. While health club attendance surges 30-50 percent at the beginning of the year, it returns to normal by March. It’s hard to incorporate exercise into a busy life when you travel for work, volunteer and take your kids to numerous activities. Research has shown that “selfmonitoring” increases the probability of you keeping your resolution. Try MyFitnessPal, a tracking app that’s a streamlined upgrade of the paper fitness diary. My husband and his friend both lost 30 pounds with the assistance of MyFitnessPal this past year. Another great one is RunKeeper. Eating healthy: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control tells us that only 33 percent of adults eat the recommended daily amount of fruit, and only 27 percent get enough vegetables. Start by satisfying your afternoon munchies with an apple instead of a cookie. If you do this 10 times in a row, you’ll actually start to crave the fruit at that time of day. Look at the food you purchase. Start reading labels. Check for the “big 3”—hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and food dyes. The FDA has recently stated all manufacturers need to start phasing out the use of hydrogenated oils. Check for how much is live source vs. prepared or frozen in your cart. Remember the best food in your body is not the kind that was meant to stay in the freezer for a year. Speed has become the name of the game when it comes to dinner. This does not mean that we have to give up great taste. There are websites to assist in the “30 minute meal” planning. I recommend the following: Allrecipes.com, thefoodnetwork.com, cookinglight.com and tasteofhome.com. Precious time spent in the kitchen cooking with your children will go a long way in preparing them for better eating habits. And lastly, manage stress better. We don’t know how to give ourselves a break. In 2010, Americans neglected to take 424 million paid vacation days that were due to them. That sounds a bit out of control. Imagine being paid to rest. Find a strategy that helps you achieve your overall goal (meditating, taking a yoga class, using your vacation days). We all spend time at the computer so start figuring out ways to get up and walk around. Set a reminder on your iphone for every 2 hours to stretch. Find a partner to go for a walk with you either at lunch or right after work. I find one of the best ways to reduce stress is to think about what brings you joy. We’ve lost the art of simply having fun. Over the years, I’ve come to know, both through my own practice and through my students, many of the obstacles can be overcome from taking on something different. Hopefully I’ve provided some tools to help you work past those obstacles and lead you to succeed in a taste of something “new.” Blessings to you in 2014! F Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

lIfestyle St. Gabriel’s Mango Lecture Series All are invited to come and hear A True Story about

the Power of Choice with Dr. Michael J. Norman.

Answering a two-line classified ad in the newspaper had life-changing consequences for a trustingly naive doctor fresh out of school, just starting his career and life as a

new father. He innocently takes a part-time chiropractic job from employers who were later found to be an

organized crime ring. Hear how one man rises from the forces of evil through his renewed faith in Christ.

The lecture will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic

Community Church, 110 St. Gabriel Way, McKinney on Monday, January 20 at 7 p.m.

There will be a ”Q&A” session as well as a book

signing.

Admission to the lecture is free. For information call

972.542.7170 Ext. 413.

The McKinney Ladies Association The McKinney Ladies Association (MLA) formally

invites you to the group’s “New Year/New You” event at 7 p.m., Monday, January 13, at All About U Salon, 3751 Stonebridge Drive in McKinney.

During this January meeting, MLA members will learn

ways to make positive changes to enrich their lives and update their look.

While the meeting is free to attend, participants are

asked to bring items that will benefit Shiloh Place, a non-profit, Christ-centered housing ministry in

McKinney that provides hope and stability to single mothers through a supportive, structured program.

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lIfestyle Shiloh Place, MLA’s January outreach beneficiary, is

have great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments

• tall kitchen trash bags

you to join us for our monthly coffee meeting. For more

always in need of the following: • printer paper • toilet paper

• gift cards, especially gas cards (i.e. RaceTrack), Walmart and Target

• donations (cash or check)

The McKinney Ladies Association is dedicated to

supporting the children and families of our community

through special events and fundraising efforts organized by MLA. Connect with MLA by visiting the group’s

website, www.mckinneyladies.org, where you can sign

up for the monthly MLA e-newsletter. Look for MLA on Facebook at “McKinney LadiesAssociation” and on Twitter at @McKinneyLadies.

McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, come join us

for fun, information and friendship. Every month we

and lots of good socializing with new friends. We invite information on Newcomers, visit www. mckinneynewcomers.com.

Our program will feature Andrew Jones

representing Fair & Square Imports, a retail store located in historic downtown McKinney. Fair & Square imports

and carries products from some of the poorest regions

around the world to ultimately help break the cycle of

poverty. Fair trade is a system that not only aims to pay

fair wages, but also ensures safe working conditions that are environmentally friendly, making sure there is no

child exploitation and gives opportunity for women to

earn income. The goods they carry are from 30 different developing countries, including gifts, home goods and

decor, jewelry, coffee, accessories and cultural treasures that positively impact our world for the better.

Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its

meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 21 in the Eva Joplin Hall at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Parkway. Social time with refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

socIal scene Stonebridge Ranch Beach & Tennis Club 2014 Winter Junior Tennis Program Session Dates: January 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 30 February 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 27 10 & Under Tennis - Mighty Mites (ages: 4-6)

This class will get children off to a great start playing tennis using the new 10 & Under format introduced by the USTA using smaller racquets, larger balls and smaller courts. This class will enhance handeye coordination, movement, balance and begin grooving efficient stroke patterns. Days: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 4-5 p.m. Cost: $125 per month

10 & Under Tennis - Junior Development (ages: 7-10)

This class teaches students the skills needed to play and enjoy tennis using the 10 & Under Format introduced by the USTA. Players will use lowcompression balls and play on smaller courts. Days: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday Time: 4-5 p.m. Cost: $125 per month

Future Stars (ages: 11 & up)

Future Stars is designed for beginner and intermediate tennis players ages 11 and up. Players will learn solid fundamentals so they will continue to improve and enjoy tennis. Days: Monday & Wednesday Time: 5-6 p.m. Cost: $125 per month

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socIal scene Tennis Academy

For players who are competing monthly in ZAT, Champ and Super Champ tournaments. Topics covered include stroke production, tactics and strategy, quickness drills, mental toughness and point play. Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Time: 5-7 p.m. Cost: $215 for two days per week per month; $290 for three days per week per month; $355 for four days per week per month To register online, please visit www. TennisCoachDave.com or call Dave Wiest at (214)7335810 or Luis Herrera at (214) 733-5811.

Bingo Night Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to make new friends so please join us on Tuesday night, January 14, 2014, 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 dessert will be served. You are also invited to bring your own beverage of choice! Seating is limited to the first 40 who sign up with Dave Wiest at dweist@cmamanagement.com. This is an adult only event.

Coffee Talk Wednesdays: 8:30-9:30 a.m. January 7, 15, 22 & 29, 2014 Coffee Talk is held every Wednesday in the Stonebridge Ranch Community Room and is open to Stonebridge Ranch residents. Coffee Talk is a great way to meet new neighbors and discuss issues that are important to you. This activity will be held weekly and when the weather warms up we will move outdoors to the veranda overlooking the Beach Club and Lake Stonebridge. Please RSVP by emailing Dave Wiest, Lifestyle Director at dwiest@cmamanagement.com. F Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x January 2014

socIal scene Bringing together residents who are interested in traveling… All residents interested in travel decide where and when to explore and see the sights. For example, if camping in a RV is your interest, you can meet residents with a similar interest and make plans to travel together or get recommendations of places to go. Anyone with an idea can make it happen. We are hoping to hear many ideas about interesting and scenic places to visit that are within a day’s drive from the DFW area. These could be interesting small towns, state parks, or who knows what adventures are ahead… Some may be interested in learning about interesting B&Bs or cabins in the surrounding areas. Any accommodations— from plain to fancy, are of interest—as long as you think it’s a neat place to stay. There may also be interest in longer trips. We will welcome any and all ideas you might have. Come travel or share with us—thanks!!! The Stonebridge Ranch Travel Club will meet the last Tuesday of each month in the Community Room from 9-10 a.m. RSVP to David Wiest, Lifestyle Director at dwiest@cmamanagement.com.

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