Stonebridge Ranch January 2017

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PAID Allen, TX Permit 178




STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS JANUARY 2017

Vol. 5, Issue 1

Contents 11

IN EVERY ISSUE 5

From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia

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In the News

11

This Month’s Feature

14

Financial Update

15

Compliance Tips

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Community Calendar

18

Inside the Ranch

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Around the Ranch

18

22

26 Lifestyle 27

Social Scene

SPECIAL SECTIONS 21

Resident Interest

22

Your Home

30

Pet Page

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Stonebridge Ranch News © 2017 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is individually mailed free of charge to all residents of Stonebridge Ranch. Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807. Visit www.allenimage.com.

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from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

publisher/editor Barbara Peavy

office administrator Carrie McCormick

contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia

Board Meeting, November 17, 2016 Comments

2017 is here already. The older I get, the faster the years seem to go by. I hope you and your family were able to attend our annual tree lighting ceremony on December 1, and you had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family. It is my hope that 2017 is a great new year for all of us. On November 18, the Board held a special meeting to review our progress and update the Strategic Plan. Once it is finalized and approved, we will be making that information available to everyone.

Board Meeting

The Board meeting of November 17 was called to order at 1 p.m. Six Board members were present. Director Ron Ferris was not in attendance. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. Two homeowners appeared to discuss needed repairs to a common area fence behind their homes. The next item of business was to ratify the minutes of the previous Board meeting and all decisions made since the last Board meeting.

Todd Holman

Old Business

Erica Lee

New Business

Cheryl Scheuren Unnone David Wiest

cover photo Lauren N. Peterson The air filled with the cheers of

residents and volunteers when the

tree was lit during the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1.

There was no old business to report.

The Board reviewed and approved insurance coverages for the association for 2017. We also tentatively approved the redesign of the pickleball courts at Stonebridge Plaza (we are verifying the dimensions), and the addition of a basketball goal on the main concrete surface of the Plaza. A new monument at the entrance to the Aquatic Center and Plaza area will be constructed. We approved a change to the Kings Lake subdivision association modification guidelines approving additional driveway materials.

Executive Session

The Board received updates from legal counsel on several legal issues. We also reviewed and approved the monthly foreclosure report.

Association Reports

CFO Partridge and Treasurer Counts presented the financials including the Management Report, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Variance Report, A/R Summary, Investment Schedule, Investment Performance History, and the Rate of Return Report. We continue to be in excellent financial condition. Board liaisons presented updates on committee activities reflected in Committee minutes. We also reviewed Strategic plan updates. The meeting adjourned at 5:02 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President

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

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Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Professionally managed by Community Management Associates (CMA) 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 214.733.5800 • fax 214.778.0595 Courtesy Patrol 214.794.4945

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

Association Staff 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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In the news Board of Director Open Positions: Two Candidates to be Voted in at March 2017 Annual Meeting

Among other responsibilities, Board members attend monthly meetings, typically on the fourth Thursday of the month. These in-depth meetings require prep time in reviewing materials, as well as active participation.

At the March 2017 Annual Meeting, the homeowners of the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association will elect two directors, each for a term of three years. Any homeowner member in the association may submit an application for candidacy. Volunteering to serve on the Board of the association is a meaningful and important task. Not only does the Board of Directors govern and safeguard the association’s common property and design standards, they are responsible for the management of association operations and the

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In the news implementation of strategic initiatives to promote and preserve the association. Homeowners interested in submitting their candidacy must fill out the Board Questionnaire found on page 10 of this issue of the Stonebridge Ranch News. (The questionnaire is also available for download at stonebridgeranch.com.) It must be completed along with supplementary materials and returned to the association by Thursday, January 19. Candidate profiles will then be shared in the March issue of the Stonebridge Ranch News. It is impossible to anticipate the variety of situations and issues a board member may face during his or her tenure. However, if you are interested in running, below are four basic guidelines to consider. (For a full accounting of Board of Director responsibilities, interested candidates are also encouraged to read the association governing documents, including the Bylaws and Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. These documents are available at all times for download at stonebridgeranch.com.) Act in good faith for the association’s best interests at all times. Board decisions must take into account what is best for all members of the association, not simply a select few. Any decision must be based on board members’ honest and best judgment of what is best for the association as a whole. Act with appropriate care and caution, seeking advice from experts when appropriate. As volunteers, Board members should exercise the degree of care of an ordinarily prudent person. At times, this involves consulting professional experts if a decision requires knowledge beyond your own expertise. Act within the scope of your authority. It is vital that Board members understand the scope of their authority and not exceed it. This is why Board members must be thoroughly familiar with association governing documents, aware of both requirements and prohibitions regarding their position. Avoid mistakes. You will have to use your best judgment in determining what your fiduciary duty requires of you in any specific situation. Some situations are obviously to be avoided, such as: Board members should not take personal advantage of business opportunities related to association affairs, nor should they accept gifts from vendors seeking to do business with the association. These are just a few things to consider if you are running for a position on the Board. Ultimately, Board members are entrusted with the care, protection and enhancement of the property values of others. They have a fiduciary duty of loyalty to the entire community and must exercise the skill and care that a

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In the news reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances. They must be of strong character, with the ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality. Beyond acting in good faith, candidates should consider related time requirements. Directors must be able to attend monthly Board meetings, the annual 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 beginning at 1 p.m. Directors need to actively participate in these meetings; prep time in reviewing meeting materials is part of this responsibility. Directors must also be prepared to work with a variety of community volunteers. Directors 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. Finally, a strong business background is highly desirable. Board Directors must have a working computer, internet access and a working e-mail account. They must be able to communicate via email and be proficient in the use of such applications as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe PDF. The association thanks all interested homeowners and those who choose to submit for candidacy! F

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In the news

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thIs month’ s feature Top Ten Meters Project Yields a Better Than Expected Return on Investment

Currently, the association is replacing sprinkler heads on certain sloped beds in large watering zones to prevent leakage and improve water usage rates.

In October 2016 (FY17), the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) raised the wholesale water rate to member cities by 24 cents, to $2.53 per 1000 gallons. District officials note that this increase will help pay for key projects in support of future water needs, including the improvement of existing water facilities and the construction of the Trinity River Main Stem Pump Station and the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir.* Though the FY17 increase is a larger wholesale rate increase than in previous years, since FY11, the wholesale rate has been increasing by at least 10 percent each year and likely will continue to do so. The NTMWD predicts an additional rate increase of 29 cents in FY17-18 and another of 28 cents in FY18-19. By FY33-34, the projected water rate could be $4.26 per 1,000 gallons.

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thIs month’ s feature The City of McKinney has been able to absorb some of the rising cost of water in past years. This year, however, the city passed the entire rate increase on to customers effective October 1, 2016. At the date this issue of the Stonebridge Ranch News goes to press, for non-residential customers such as the association, this is noted in the proposed FY17 City of McKinney budget as a 4% increase in the monthly base rate for non-residential irrigation meters and an 8% increase in non-residential volumetric rates.** The rate increase is similar for residential customers, as you may have already noticed via your water bill. The Board of Directors is keenly aware of this continual increase in water rates. Annually, water cost related to the upkeep of our common areas represents the largest single line item on the association’s budget. (For the 2017 budget, see page 14 in this issue.) Director Tom George, liaison to the Landscape & Grounds Committee, understands the increasing price of water is the reality going forward. “We know water rates are going to go up each year,” he says, “and unless we want to increase annual dues every year to pay for this rising cost, we need a focused plan to improve the efficiency of the irrigation system in common areas.” This is why priority #3 of the Strategic Plan authored by the Board focuses entirely on reducing water usage. The goal? To develop an ongoing plan to reduce the consumption of water used to irrigate association common areas while maintaining the health and beauty of the existing landscape. Since 2013, the association has partnered with Smart Outdoor Services (SOS Inc.) to meet this challenge. The first action item, the Top 10 Meters Project, was aimed at lowering water usage of the ten irrigation zones using the most water since 2011. SOS Inc. suggested a variety of updates to our irrigation technology and best practices to help reduce our water consumption. These included pressure regulating each meter (resulting in heavier droplets throughout a zone, less mist, and therefore less evaporation along with lowering sprinkler head maintenance); adding flow meters to allow for immediate leak detection; adding soil moisture sensors to immediately detect when soil is wet enough (signaling sprinkler shut-off); and upgrading the sprinkler controllers to allow for remote monitoring. The upgrades at the top ten meters resulted in 29% less water usage during the first phase of the project. In 2015–2016, the second phase of the program was implemented. The result was a 54% reduction in water usage and a 42.5% reduction in water cost for the impacted irrigation zones. At the October 2016 Board meeting, SOS presented these results via a Return on Investment (ROI) report. The results show a payback of the program cost in less than two years, which was better than initially projected. While this program impacted only a portion of the total irrigation system, it indicates there is opportunity to expand the best practices throughout the entire irrigation system. Tom is pleased to see such a tangible result to a key strategic goal initiated by the Board, noting there was

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thIs month’ s feature such improvement is now in progress: the replacement of heads on sloped beds in large zones. Though Tom says these new “check-valve heads do cost a little more than a regular head,” they prevent the leakage of static water when the system is not on, which is particularly an issue on sloped beds. “Priority #3 of the Strategic Plan is not only about cost-savings for the association,” says Tom, “but we are also trying to preserve a precious natural resource by finding better Wholesale water rates in North Texas have risen at least 10% annually in the last ways to manage our irrigation system. Overall, several years. This trend is predicted to continue. it’s great what we’ve accomplished so far.” *For an in-depth look at current and projected water needs in excitement in the board room when SOS presented their our state, see the 2017 State Water Plan developed by Texas Water findings. “The fact that we are seeing a return in less than two Development Board, http://www.twdb.texas.gov/waterplanning/ years of selective improvement to our infrastructure is very, swp/2017/doc/SWP17-Water-for-Texas.pdf very encouraging,” he says. ** What is the base rate versus the volumetric rate? Per the Given the positive results, naturally the Board is looking City’s website: “Water charges for irrigation meters consist of two ahead to the next step. “We’ll continue in a systematic way to components—base rate and consumption. The base fee is based on identify our biggest opportunities for water savings and the meter size. Consumption [i.e. the volumetric rate] is also billed best possible return on our investment,” says Tom. based on meter size and in 1,000 gallon increments using a tiered “Obviously, with such a large community, we are not going to billing structure.” For more information on water rates and billing, replace the entire system all at once. But we have already built see the City’s website, mckinneytexas.org. Pertinent references are funds into our budget for further improvements, and we will listed when you search for key terms such as “water rate,” “water continue to innovate a controlled program that will address billing,” and “budget”. F the issues for each unique area of the irrigation system.” One

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fInancIal update

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complIance tI ps

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SRCA Offices Closed Walking Club,9 a.m. (BTC)

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

Coffee Talk, 8:30

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

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

Walking Club,9 a.m. (BTC)

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

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

Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)

Coffee Talk, 8:30

Bingo 7 p.m. (CR) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)

MARC Meeting, 8:30 a.m. (BR) Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR)

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

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

Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)

Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)

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

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

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9:30-10:30 am—Stroller

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

Coffee Talk, 8:30

Social Committe noon (BR)

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

Visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com for event details.

Landscape and G Committee, 7 p.

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

Coffee Talk, 8:30

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

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

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

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

january january january january january january


0 a.m. (CR)

r Strides (BTC)

nis Classes, my (BTC)

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

TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

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

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

Grounds .m. (BR)

r Strides (BTC)

nis Classes, my (BTC)

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

0 a.m. (CR)

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

ee Meeting,

r Strides (BTC)

nis Classes, my (BTC)

0 a.m. (CR)

r Strides (BTC)

nis Classes, my (BTC)

y 9 y 10 y 13 y 21 y 21 y 26

9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)

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

Coffee, Cars & Conversation 8:30 a.m. (BTC) Book Exchange, 8:30 a.m. (CR) Playdate in the Park, 9 a.m. (BTC)

Morning Bingo 10 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)

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

book club 7 p.m. (cr) bingo 7 p.m. (cr) allen american hockey (aec) coffee, cars & conversation 8:30 a.m. (BTC)/book exchange (cr) playdate in the park 9 a.m. (btc) morning bingo 10 a.m. (cr)

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InsId e the ranch From Volunteer to Professional: New Director of Operations Brings Board President Experience to His Managerial Role Greg Herbst, the new Director of Operations for Stonebridge Ranch, has a unique perspective on association management. His initial interest began when he moved to McKinney from Plano and built a home in a developer-controlled community. “I became involved in the homeowner ’s association because I was interested in the area staying beautiful and in protecting my home value,” he says. He first volunteered as a Board member during the community’s transition from developer to homeowner control. He was then elected Board President and went on to serve in that capacity for seven years, helping to ensure his community maintained a premier appearance. When he saw a job posting for an association manager position with Community Management Associates, Inc., Greg was ready to make the change. He knew his time as a board member would provide him with valuable insight

Greg Herbst, new Director of Operations, has extensive association experience, both as a Board member and in professional management. as he moved from being a volunteer into a professional capacity. “I thought it would be an advantage,” he says, “and it has been.” Indeed, he is uniquely suited to understand issues from multiple perspectives: those of homeowner, board member and manager. For the last seven years, Greg has overseen multiple portfolios, supporting associations from Allen and McKinney to Frisco and Prosper. Through it all, serving customers well has been one of his top priorities. “The bottom line is always providing great customer service,” he says. In fact, it’s a common thread of his entire career, extending back through his years before association management when he worked for Texas Instruments. While with TI, Greg proved himself in a variety of positions that all added to his managerial skill set. He first began as a Seismic Data Analyst for TI in Denver, translating raw data for oil companies to help them make educated drilling decisions. After transferring to Dallas,

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InsIde the ranch he went on to work as a financial planner, operations manager and a staffing manager—all for TI. “In effect, I had four careers with them,” he says. Now in serving Stonebridge Ranch, Greg is bringing all his skills to bear, both in managing a diverse staff and in striving to provide great customer service. “When I switched to association management from being a Board member,” he says, “I was surprised by the complexity of the environment. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes, and almost all of it depends on inter-relations between different departments.” But this is one reason why he loves his role. “Management has so many layers,” he says. “It’s like peeling an onion. You get comfortable with one layer, and then you realize there is another one. You don’t ever get to the end. There is just more and more to learn, and if you don’t learn it, you can’t reach your potential in terms of how well you can serve people.” Upon his arrival here, Greg said he was immediately impressed with the talent of the Board and committee members who volunteer on behalf of the community. “It’s not an accident this association is successful,” he says. He notes that he has worked with homeowner associations where residents don’t contribute in such a meaningful way. “But here,” he says, “we have volunteers who have been, or are, senior leaders in corporations.

They have a breadth and depth of experience that truly helps the community, and they are very hard-working.” Going forward, he sees one of his key challenges as helping to establish a regular maintenance program to protect the community’s aging amenities. “Things wear out,” he says, “and repair and replacement is becoming more and more important here. We have to be proactive and determine how to stay ahead of it. This extends from the upkeep of amenities themselves to the landscaping. We are a 28-year-old community, and most shrubs and even some trees don’t last that long. Landscaping is what people see, and it’s key to maintaining the appearance of the community.” He also believes in working to enhance lifestyle opportunities for all residents. “What makes Stonebridge Ranch so special is that there are events and amenities for all ages and backgrounds to enjoy,” he says. “The new Stonebridge Plaza is a great example of this priority. It has multiple uses, with the pickleball courts and playgrounds and picnic areas. Now we receive reports that this area is being used constantly. The association took an area that was under-utilized for years, and now someone is always there.” He smiles, “And we’ll continue to look for new ways to meet additional needs. There are challenges to managing such a large association, but it’s wonderful when people get excited about their community.” F

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InsId e the ranch Association Welcomes New Landscape & Grounds Manager At their August 25 meeting, the Board of Directors approved the hiring of a Landscape & Grounds Manager to improve supervision of the association’s 509 acres of common area. Jeff Moore, the man hired for the job, has a long history of ground maintenance. When asked when he began his career, he laughs and says, “Well, I’ve been mowing grass since I was 13 years old. I guess you could say I’ve been in the industry since I was a teenager.” Since his years in the army and in college, Jeff has held a number of interesting positions, all related to either creating or maintaining outdoor landscapes. He has owned his own irrigation and garden and lawn business. For a number of years, he served as a golf course construction superintendent throughout the southern From left to right, Brianna, Tristan, U.S., in locations Tara, Jeff and Maggie. ranging from Texas through Georgia and up to Tennessee. He has also maintained large golf courses. Before joining the Stonebridge Ranch team, he served as a regional manager for a landscaping company based in Louisiana, where he oversaw the outdoor environments of notable clients such as the Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles and Louisiana State University. “The LSU campus was about the size of Stonebridge Ranch,” he says, and then adds with a smile, “though not quite as pretty.”

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Given the range and length of his experience, Jeff brings a mature skill set to his position with Stonebridge Ranch. As the overseer of over 500 acres of common space, Jeff will work closely with the Landscape & Grounds committee to ensure the ongoing beautification of the community. He says his most recent work as a regional manager will be particularly valuable to him as he interacts with our landscaping vendors. “I know how landscapers think,” he says, “because I was one. I understand what they need to do in order to get things accomplished.” In particular in our community, Jeff hopes to streamline the proposal, quote and bidding process for landscaping projects and increase project timeline efficiency. He is also interested in soil science and fertilization methods to improve soil conditions in our common areas. While our landscaping vendors already perform ongoing soil tests, Jeff is eager to dig in and discover what the numbers show. “Everything starts with the soil,” he says. “If you improve the soil, you can’t help but improve the plant material.” Working in the landscaping field suits Jeff’s nature. “I’ve always liked being outside,” he says. “I’ve always liked working with my hands. I like getting up and working early and watching the sun rise.” However, he has many interests beyond plants and soil composition and project bids. He met his wife, Tara, at a dance competition in Dallas. “I’m a rhythm and blues kind of guy,” he says. For years, the two participated in competitive dance together, mostly of West Coast Swing. He is also an avid golfer who began the sport at age six. Another of his hobbies is hunting. In short, he says, straightforward, “I believe in living life with an attitude of abundance, not lack.” Though Jeff spent many years living outside Texas, he was born here in Edinburg. In fact, he is a ninth-generation Texan whose familial ties to the state are deeper than most. Ancestors on his mother’s side were part of the original 300 settlers who fought at the Alamo. His lineage includes two notable Texans, Captain Levi English and John Tumlinson, as well as a grand total of 17 Texas Rangers. Jeff recently moved back here from Louisiana to help his parents, who now live with him and Tara, in hopes of returning the support they have given him throughout his life. (His brother and sister-inlaw also live nearby, here in Stonebridge Ranch, and they play a large part in the support, too.) “All the pieces of the puzzle fell into place,” he says, among them, finding his new position with Stonebridge Ranch. “With my experience,” he says, “I know I could have landed anywhere. But this just felt right.” F


resIdent Interest Call for Volunteers: The Association Thrives with the Help of Homeowners Like You At this year’s Committee Appreciation party in August, Jon Dell’Antonia, Board President, told the gathered volunteers, “The Board couldn’t do what it does without you.” Indeed, a community the size of Stonebridge Ranch succeeds because so many individuals are willing to share their energy and talents. If you are a resident homeowner who is interested in supporting the ongoing work of the association, three committees have open positions: Landscape & Grounds, Modifications At the 2016 Committee Appreciation and Communications. To party, Board President Jon apply, please visit Dell’Antonia noted that the stonebridgeranch.com to association thrives because of download the Committee the dedicated service of so many Volunteer form. volunteers. Completed forms may be emailed to gherbst@cmamanagement.com, faxed to 214.778.0595, or mailed or brought in person to the association office at 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, 75070.

they are submitted to the association. The applications relate to a wide variety of home projects, from pool installations to landscaping and fencing changes. While the review process occurs online, committee members also attend meetings twice a month, at which they review homeowner appeals and other items. Standards remain consistent throughout our community due to their care and attention to detail.

Communications Committee

The goal of the Communications Committee is to oversee the quality and quantity of information that is distributed to homeowners on behalf of the association. Members of the committee work to improve the use of all communication channels, ensuring residents are aware of the benefits and responsibilities of membership in the community. Through homeowner surveys, interviews, etc., the committee also provides feedback from residents back to the Board, measuring the effectiveness of the communication channels currently in use. Their insight and hard work can be seen on the website at stonebridgeranch.com, in bi-weekly email blasts, and in the official monthly association publication, the Stonebridge Ranch News. F

Landscape & Grounds

Landscape & Grounds members assist the Board of Directors by developing and carrying out plans for the preservation and betterment of the common areas owned by the association. Their insight, review and recommendations are vital and relate to all aspects of the community landscaping, grounds and hardscaping. Topics at past meetings have included everything from perennial plant choices to ideas regarding monument refurbishment. Jay Miller, co-chair of the committee, notes, “Working toward the continued beautification and maintenance of the community can be very satisfying.”

Modifications

The Modifications Committee performs the essential function of preserving the aesthetic appeal of Stonebridge Ranch properties in order to protect property values. The volunteer members make a commitment of both study and time. Not only do they read and understand the design guidelines at an in-depth level, but they also have the ongoing responsibility of reviewing all Modification Applications as Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2017

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your home It’s Not Too Late To Winterize Your Home by Todd Holman and staff Due to our unusually warm fall, you may not have winterized your home, but it’s not too late to do it now! Ice storms often occur in Texas during January and February, and it’s good to be prepared. Below are ten tips to help protect your residence and cut down on your energy consumption on chilly winter days. 1. Clean those gutters. Clogged drains can form ice dams and water can back up. Make sure the downspouts are carrying water away from the house to avoid water damage. 2. Block those leaks. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home range from 10% to 20% per year. By performing a “do-ityourself” energy audit of your home, you can detect those drafts and seal them. When performing an audit, look outdoors at all exterior corners, water faucets and areas where siding meets other materials. Inside your home, look for any gaps around items such as electrical outlets, doors and window frames, baseboards, attic hatches, dryer conduits, etc. 3. Insulate yourself! The U.S. Department of Energy provides free information regarding the type and amount of insulation you need given our region. For homes here in North Texas, which is located in zone 3, they recommend an R Value of R30 to R60. Visit www.energy. gov/energysaver/insulation for more information on this topic. 4. Check the furnace. You may detect a strong, odd odor for a short time when firing up your furnace the first time. If the odor lasts, shut down your furnace and call a professional. 5. Get your ducts in a row. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air even reaches the vents. This results in wasted money, not to mention a chilly house. 6. Face your windows. Storm windows can be a particularly helpful retrofit to existing windows if you have singlepane glass. Before installing new windows, note that you’ll need to submit an application to the Modification Committee. The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends: “Caulking and weatherstripping can reduce air leakage around windows. Use caulk for stationary cracks, gaps, or joints less than one-quarter-inch wide, and weatherstripping for building components that move, such as doors and operable windows.” 7. Don’t forget the chimney. Before your first fireplace use every year, it is best to have it inspected by a certified

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your home

chimney sweep. It’s obvious, but if you don’t have a fire burning, keep your damper closed; otherwise, you risk significant draft. Winterizing your chimney might also including plugging and sealing your chimney if you never use it. 8. Reverse the fan. By reversing its direction from the summer operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to re-circulate, keeping you more comfortable. 9. Care for your pipes. A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze can be a real home nightmare. When it’s near or below freezing, the Texas Department of Public Safety recommends allowing hot and cold water to trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall, as well as opening cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks near outside walls. If your pipes do freeze, make sure your family knows how to shut off the water; you’ll need to quickly stop the flow to minimize damage to your home. (Note: never attempt to thaw a pipe using an open flame or torch, and be careful of the potential for electric shock if your home has standing water.) 10.Check the alarms. This is a great time to check the operation of your home’s smoke detectors. Why not take this opportunity to change the batteries? Importantly, some of these tips refer to home maintenance projects. While many exterior home projects require submittal to the Modifications Committee, such as the installation of new windows, others do not require committee approval as long as you stay within the standards outlined in our community Design Guidelines. (Note: the Design Guidelines are always available for download at stonebridgeranch.com.) Here are just a few projects you might complete during winter that don’t require submittal, but which do require adherence to guidelines: maintenance to attic ventilation or rooftop appendages, as well as installation of exterior lighting, storm doors or shutters. Interior home projects also do not require an application. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about a home project you are considering, please call 214.733.5800 to be connected to your village’s compliance coordinator. We love to assist homeowners during the planning stages of home projects, ensuring the submittal process goes smoothly if required. F Todd Holman is a Stonebridge Ranch resident and a member of the Communications Committee.

Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2017

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around the ranch

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around the ranch

Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2017

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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. Every month we have great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of socializing with new friends. At the January meeting, Will Windham, COO of Medical Center of McKinney (MCM), will present an overview of services, including cardiovascular, orthopedics, emergency and trauma, as well as those designed specifically for seniors, women and children. MCM has achieved the prestigious “Top Performance Recognition” for excellence in areas related to heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, stroke and perinatal care. The club will meet in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church (5871 Virginia Parkway in McKinney) on Tuesday, January 17. 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, 2017. 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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socIal scene 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 January 9 at 7 p.m. We meet in the Community Room (6201 Virginia Parkway) and will be discussing At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen. (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.)

Bingo Night If you like games and making new friends, join us on Tuesday, January 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. We are meeting in the Community Room located at the Beach & Tennis Club (6201 Virginia Parkway) for an evening of adults-only bingo and prizes. The winner of each round earns a $5 gift card! Light snacks and refreshments will be served; please note that this event is alcohol-free. 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 sign up online, so hurry to claim your seat at http://whoozin.com/ JKV-N7Y-A9N4. Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2017

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socIal scene Stonebridge Night at the Allen Americans

The Allen Americans Hockey Club would like to invite all Stonebridge Ranch residents to our upcoming game on Friday, January 13! Don’t miss this fun opportunity to socialize with your neighbors AND catch a Kelly Cup Champions home game at a special discounted rate. Tickets are only $14 each! To purchase, visit allenamericans.com/stonebridgeranch. For more information, contact Jared Katz at jkatz@allenamericans. com or 972.912.1019.

Coffee, Cars & Conversation + Playdate in the Park

Join us in the circular drive at the Beach & Tennis Club on Saturday, January 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. If you have a classic or fancy car, you may park it in the circular drive for all to view. If not, come out to meet new friends or neighbors. 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. We will also host a Playdate in the Park from 9 to 10 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, January 21. Join us at the playground beside the tennis courts to meet new friends.

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socIal scene Morning Bingo If you like games and making new friends, join us on Thursday, January 26, 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; please note that this event is alcohol-free. Residents enter for free and are allowed to bring one non-resident guest for a $5 fee. Register online at http://whoozin.com/XXT-DFF-QKX6

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

Upcoming February Events 11

It Takes Two 1, 5, 10K Race

14

Evening Bingo

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Book Club

Marshmallow Roast

Coffee, Cars & Conversation Book Exchange

Playdate in the Park

Adult Big Bass Tournament Travel Club

Morning Bingo Stonebridge Ranch News x January 2017

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Meet Sammy, an 8.5-year-old Labrador mix weighing 52 pounds. He has soft, silvery fur and big brown puppy-dog eyes. Sammy is friendly, loves attention from people and likes to play outside. He gets along with other dogs and enjoys running and playing with them outside. He can be protective of his food, so he should be monitored when eating around other dogs. Sammy loves treats and will even sit or

lie down in exchange for one! He is mostly laid-back and gentle, but does have his moments of puppy energy. If you’re looking for a loyal, loving boy to stay by your side, Sammy is the one for you! He has been neutered, microchipped, received a dental cleaning and all age-appropriate vaccinations. All he’s missing is a family to love for the rest of his days. His adoption fee is only $50, so come meet him today! He’ll be waiting for you! #148392

”Sammy”

”Simba” Meet Simba, a sweet, 18-month-old, 12-pound Domestic Shorthair mix boy. His stylish fur coat is black and soft as satin. He’s very friendly and affectionate and loves being petted and talked with. His favorite toy is a shiny, little crackle ball. Simba has been neutered, tested negative for FeLV, microchipped and has received age-appropriate vaccinations. He is positive for FIV, a treatable but transmittable condition, so he’ll need to be an only cat. An SPCA of Texas Adoption Specialist can tell you about how easy it is to care for a guy like him. He has a relaxing purr song to sing for you. What a special life you will have with each other! #148301 Sammy and Simba are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Call 214742-SPCA (7722) or visit today.

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