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STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS JULY 2016
Vol. 4, Issue 7
Contents 18
IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
7
Strategic Plan Update by Erica Lee
10
This Month’s Feature by Erica Lee
12 Lifestyle 15
Inside the Ranch by Erica Lee
16
Community Calendar
18
Compliance Tips by Erica Lee
25
Around the Ranch
26
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 14
Pet Page
20
Resident Interest
10
Stonebridge Ranch News © 2016 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is individually mailed free of charge to all residents of Stonebridge Ranch. Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807. Visit www.allenimage.com.
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from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS
publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
office administrator Carrie McCormick
contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Erica Lee
cover photo Erica Lee A young resident enjoys Chalk Day at Playdate in the Park, May 21, 2016.
Board Meeting, May 26
The board meeting of May 26 was called to order at 1 p.m. All board members were present. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. One homeowner appeared to discuss some missing landscaping in front of the Woodland Bridge village entrance sign. Four homeowners appeared to discuss modifications to a home. The next item of business was to ratify all decisions since the last board meeting and approve appointments to the Communications and Social Committees.
Old Business
The board reviewed the status of the Community room expansion project. Our contractor has really let us down. The project is several months behind schedule with many items still to be completed. Maybe it will be finished by the end of June. I am past trying to predict the completion of this project. We had an update on the status of the redesign plans for enhancing the Custer Road entrance project. RFPs have been issued. Construction is proceeding on the Civic Plaza project and is scheduled for completion in late summer. It is proceeding on schedule. We also adopted a schedule for reviewing board governing documents on an annual basis to insure they are current and up-to-date. This is something we have not done in the past and we need to review and update them.
New Business
We reviewed and adopted changes to our Collections Committee guidelines. All the board members signed the Conflict of Interest policy, which is an annual requirement to maintain our tax-exempt status. A homeowner requested we install a basketball court in a city park for use by our homeowners. We decided not to entertain this idea because we do not believe it is prudent to spend our finances on a property that we do not own or control. We approved a design to reinstall a monument entrance sign at the entrance to Fountainview village. This sign was removed when Custer Road was reconstructed.
Executive Session
We reviewed six violations presented to the board for review and made appropriate decisions—one for garage door repair, two for fence maintenance and repairs, one for trash removal in a side yard, one for dead landscaping and one for exterior maintenance of a home. We reviewed and approved the foreclosure report. We also reviewed a request to sell a lot in our common area to a homeowner. However, these lots are part of the association’s common area and are not available for sale as outlined in our CC&Rs.
Association Reports
For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, or call 972.727.4569.
The board reviewed and approved the Financial Management Report, Balance Sheet, Variance Report, Income Statement, A/R Schedules and Investment Schedule. We also reviewed updates to our Strategic Plan. Board liaisons presented updates on committee activities reflected in Committee minutes. The meeting adjourned at 5:08 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President
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Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Professionally managed by Community Management Associates (CMA) 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 214.733.5800 • fax 214.778.0595 Courtesy Patrol 214.794.4945
Association Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Association Staff Scott Albert—Director of Operations Rony Peterson—Executive Assistant Tamra Collins—Community Services Coordinator Erica Lee—Communications Coordinator Angie Beené—Compliance Coordinator Sandra Gillespie—Compliance Coordinator Michelle Pryor—Compliance Coordinator Nate Russell—Compliance Coordinator Joyce Martin—M.A.R.C. Compliance Coordinator Michael Cawley—Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Torres—Maintenance Assistant David Wiest—Lifestyle Director Lynette Rowell—Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors Jon Dell’Antonia—President Ron Ferris—Vice-President Norm Counts—Treasurer Michael Yon—Secretary Tom George—Director Bill Campbell—Director 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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strategIc plan update Conserving Water During Drought Conditions: a Collaborative Effort between Homeowners and the Association by Erica Lee Water is a precious commodity in North Texas. According to National Weather Service (NWS) research, weather records have shown a slight improvement in drought conditions across the Texas panhandle in 2015. 1 Conditions in our area are now categorized as “severe” rather than “exceptional.” Despite an increase in spring rains this year, however, at the time this issue of the Stonebridge Ranch News goes to press, almost 2,000 cities in North Texas (including McKinney) remain under water restrictions. Our city is served by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), which asserts that water conservation continues to be “critical” across our area. 2 However, the NTMWD feels hopeful about conservation activities across our region. During the drought period from 2011-2015, the NTMWD experienced sizable reductions in water deliveries within the region served. These reductions (an estimated 200 million gallons per The heavier the water droplets released from your sprinklers, the less day during peak summer months and an average annual water evaporates and is lost.
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strategIc plan update reduction in water deliveries of 10 to 12%) to conservation strategies which Texans adopted region-wide as the drought advanced. While water conservation is more valued here in Texas than ever before, Tom George, board director and liaison to the Landscape and Grounds committee, notes that “water conservation can be a complex subject.” Indeed, the landscaping decisions we face as homeowners and as an association hinge on many forces outside of our control, including governmental regulations and recommendations; water costs; advances in conservation technology and knowledge; growing population densities in surrounding areas; and, of course, the fickle behavior of Mother Nature herself. Notably for all of us in McKinney, water costs are going up, and beginning this year, the city is passing the full increases on to residents. Costs this year are projected to increase 11%, from a rate of $3.41 to $3.79 per 1000 gallons of water. Beyond all these practical considerations are the emotions we feel when looking at our surroundings. In such a large community where landscaped beauty has long been prized, implementing conservation techniques during drought conditions can be an adjustment. Finding a way to conserve water while also cutting landscaping operating costs has been a key strategic challenge faced by the board of directors in recent years. In 2013, the board began consulting with Smart Outdoor Services (SOS) to find ways to reduce irrigation expenses and water usage rates. With their help, the board focused first on the Top Ten Meter project: lowering water usage through the association’s highest-volume meters. In 2014 and 2015, numerous improvements were implemented to reach this strategic goal. The association first installed pressure regulators at the top 10 meters. Tom says this “resulted in a substantial reduction in water usage,” estimated at 29% less water usage than the average meter. Tom notes that the association also installed the use of water flow meters for early leak detection; utilized more detailed programming of smart controllers; implemented zone mapping; and instituted more frequent on-site inspections for leaking heads and valves. Just this year, the association has seen an important expansion of the program with the 59 Meter Project. Due to the proven cost savings and reduction in water usage with the first 10, these improvements are now being implemented across all remaining association meters. Further, the board has implemented a trial program to install check valves and pressure regulators directly at specific irrigation heads on sloped beds. If the ROI is determined worthwhile through the trial program, the association will expand it throughout common areas with topology challenges as another way to conserve water. As the NTMWD notes, we can only conserve water if
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strategIc plan update we do so together. Significant water conservation across a region is the result of the millions of choices we make at the ground level. Let’s work together to further reduce our consumption rates within our community. A few tips for homeowners:
1. Please help the association reduce waste by reporting any issues you see with sprinklers.
As noted above, the association has instituted more frequent inspections to check for leaking valves, etc. Because association personnel cannot be in all places at all times, we thank you for reporting any leak issues you see. Please contact the SRCA office during working hours (M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 214.733.5800) to alert us to the location of leaking sprinklers. Outside of these hours, please contact the SRCA Courtesy Patrol at 214.794.4945. Also, please note that association procedures are in place to prevent sprinklers from coming on when rain is falling. If you see sprinklers on during a rainstorm, please contact us at the above numbers as well.
2. In your own yard, replace your old irrigation controller with one which has water conservation settings.
Advanced ET irrigation controllers automatically adjust your watering schedule based on current weather conditions and estimated plant demand. These must be registered with the City of McKinney; some residents may
be eligible for a rebate. See the City of McKinney website for details.
3. Update your sprinkler head spray nozzles.
Make the change to water-conserving, multi-stream nozzles. These release heavier droplets, so less water evaporates and less water is displaced by wind.
4. Install drip irrigation.
Many existing systems can be converted to drip irrigation, which is significantly more efficient than spray irrigation.
5. Install a rain barrel.
For homeowners wishing to install a rain barrel, the first step is to submit an application to the modification committee. The application will include the proposed location, screen device information and system details (i.e. color, material, size, type, etc.). See the Design Guidelines on the website for full details of what is required to get the process started. F Sources:
1 Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle Drought Center: Summary. (2016 May 19) Retrieved from http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/?n=drought
2 Update on Water Supply and Planning for Future Water Needs. (2016 May
19) Retrieved from https://ntmwd.com/downloads/presentations/2016-03-23%20 Legislators%20briefing%20-%20Water%20Supply%20and%20Key%20 Projects%20Update_FINAL.pdf
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thIs month’ s feature One of North America’s Fastest-Growing Sports Finds a Home in Stonebridge Ranch by Erica Lee What is pickleball? It’s a question we’ve heard hundreds of times in the association office since the plans for the new Civic Plaza were announced in April. Many residents know that we’ll have six new pickleball courts once construction is finished later this year. However, many have not heard of the sport, or if they have, they have no idea how it’s played. Stonebridge Ranch resident Kathy Martin has been playing the sport for about 4 years. Her love for the game is so sincere that she says, “I can make a believer out of anyone. When you see how many times players smile on the court, you’ll know what a fun time it is. I can’t really explain [the joy]—it’s just something you have to see for yourself.” Juanita Vincent, an ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), agrees. She held a recent pickleball clinic at the Old Settler’s Park gym, teaching Kathy and other McKinney residents some master-level techniques. “You get addicted,” Juanita says. She says noise tests have been conducted to measure the decibel level of the ball hitting the paddle, and all they’ve proven is the fun of the game. “The noise tests show
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that all the sounds of laughter on the court are louder than the sounds of the ball,” she says with a grin. So what is this sport with the funny name? Many players describe it as a cross between tennis, badminton and pingpong, and indeed, pickleball is a game derived from elements of all three. It was first played in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, by two families whose children were suffering from the summer doldrums. The fathers of the two families fabricated a new game for their bored kids using an abandoned badminton court and a mash-up of old sports equipment, which included ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. To play pickleball today, all you need is a regulation-sized paddle (which is slightly larger and more square than a ping-pong paddle), a perforated plastic ball, and a pickleball court (which has its own dimensions, court markings and a net height just 36 inches off the ground). The simplicity of the equipment may make you wonder: what accounts for the sports’ booming popularity? Kathy can list a host of reasons, including the amount of calories she
thIs month’ s feature Though pickleball has a reputation as a sport for seniors, both Kathy and Juanita affirm that the game is for everyone, including children, young adults and people with special needs. Juanita began teaching her grandson the sport at age two. “It was great for teaching him eye-hand coordination,” she says. Kathy loves that it’s a game the whole family can enjoy together. Recently, she convinced her kin to attend an open clinic while on vacation together. Though previously they’d teased her passion for the game, after that clinic they realized its charm. She says her son-in-law picked her up off the ground after the clinic, spun her around and proclaimed, “I love pickleball!” Kathy’s eyes light up as she recalls the Soon the Civic Plaza will resound with the unique terminology of pickleball, a family fun. “It was a great moment in time.” fast-growing sport of humble, family-oriented origins. Of course, we can’t wait to see residents enjoying burns every game. But more important, she says, it’s a sport the game on our own courts. Soon, we will be able to hear which has a very low barrier to entry. “Anybody can pick up players using the game’s quirky terminology as they enjoy the the rules quickly,” she says, “and begin to succeed really fast.” new Civic Plaza. What’s a “dink,” you ask? In pickleball, this Juanita agrees with this assessment, saying it’s easy for people is when a player makes a paddle-face open soft shot, one so of all ages and abilities “to see improvement” within a few gentle it just barely clears the net to drop into the non-volley hours of initial play. However, its popularity is also due to its zone. No need to wonder what players mean when you hear complexity. “Yes, it’s easy to learn,” says Juanita, “but it’s them refer to the “kitchen.” That’s the area players cannot difficult to master.” For both women, the ability to grow with enter to return a ball until the ball first bounces. And the word the game through hours of play is as important to its appeal. “I “pickleball” itself? For a whole new generation of players here want to play, and I want to play now,” says Kathy. “But,” she in Stonebridge Ranch, we hope it’s a word that will simply adds with a serious laugh, “I want to play well!” mean one thing—fun! F
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lIfestyle McKinney Senior Symposium and Health Fair The McKinney Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it will host its first Senior Symposium and Health Fair Event at Stonebridge United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chamber President Lisa Hermes said, “We are encouraging all senior members of the community and their families to attend this inaugural event. A wide range of valuable information, services and products that can help enhance the quality of life of our seniors will be available.” The free event is organized by the Senior Service Alliance (SSA), which is a program of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. Committee Chair Sherry Christiaens noted, “The Senior Services Alliance is a network of chamber business professionals who are extremely passionate about helping the senior community and their families by educating them on the various care options that are available to them and by providing them top quality products and services.”
Members of SSA represent various types of businesses, such as independent and assisted living communities, memory care communities, estate planners and doctors and clinics. “Seniors and their families will have the opportunity to meet these exhibitors, ask questions, and get to know more about the products and services they can offer,” Christiaens added. Breakout sessions during the symposium will include discussions from industry experts on topics such as continuum of care, healthy lifestyle and legal issues. An in-depth discussion on the topic of Medicare will be presented during the lunch break. “This fun, educational event for the senior community and their families shouldn’t be missed. There will be raffles, prizes, giveaways and lots of new and helpful resources,” stated Hermes. “I would like to thank the SSA leadership for organizing this event, as well as the Title Sponsor, Grand Brook Memory Care, and the Presenting Sponsor, Medical Center of McKinney. This much needed event would not have
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lIfestyle been possible without their support and the support of all the sponsors.” Register at McKinneyChamber.com/seniorsymposium. 200 complimentary lunch boxes will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
McKinney Ladies Association
The McKinney Ladies Association will present two $2,500 scholarships to children of McKinney First Responders on June 26 at the benefit dinner for the McKinney Public Safety Children’s Scholarship Foundation. MLA has donated over $22,000 in scholarships since 2013 to the children of McKinney’s First Responders. These funds come from the
proceeds of our Spring and Fall Yard Sales held at Stonebridge Methodist Church. For meeting details or more information about this women’s service organization, please visit www. McKinneyLadies.org.
McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, or you have had a lifestyle change, come join us for fun, information and friendship at our monthly Coffee Meeting. Every month we have great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of socializing with new friends. For more information on Newcomers, visit www.mckinneynewcomers.com Our meeting this month is on Tuesday, July 19 at 10 a.m., in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Pkwy. Social time with refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m. Lisa Jones, a yoga instructor, will give a presentation on the benefits of yoga. Lisa has been practicing yoga for 29 years and teaching for 15, and she loves to share her knowledge and wisdom. She is a certified Yoga Therapist with an emphasis on cardiac and cancer care. She believes that with clean eating, prayer and meditation, a path to a healthier you is boundless. F
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”Bijoux” Meet Bijoux, whose name means jewel, or small and elegant in French! Like her name suggests, she is a petite, 11-yearold, female Jack Russell Terrier mix weighing 17-pounds. Despite her age, she has a ton of energy and excitement for life. You wouldn’t know from her cheerful personality, but she hasn’t had the easiest life. This is her third time to be at the SPCA of Texas, but it’s due to no fault of her own. She might just have too much spunk and energy for some other pets, so she may do best in a home without other animals. Bijoux
loves to snuggle and be close to people. She likes playing outside, running fast and chasing tennis balls. She’s very smart and knows how to sit, lie down, shake and come. She’s also crate trained and housetrained and has been spayed, received a dental cleaning, microchipped and is current on all of her age-appropriate vaccinations. Come meet her today and you’ll be fast friends! #72760
”TW” Meet TW, a 2-1/2-year-old, 11-pound, male Domestic Shorthair mix cat. His coat is mostly red with white tabby markings. He came to the SPCA when a kind human found him wandering the streets. Here, he has a warm, cozy place to stay until he meets his forever family! He’s very friendly and likes meeting new people. He loves to be petted! The staff and volunteers give him lots of love and attention, but he’d like to have a home to call his own. His favorite toys are the small cloth mice with tails— he even likes to sleep with them! He is positive for FIV, a treatable but transmittable condition, so he’ll need to go to a home with no other cats. An adoption counselor will be happy to tell you all about taking care of this special guy. TW has been neutered, tested for FeLV (he’s negative), microchipped and has received age-appropriate vaccinations. Come get acquainted with him today! #146848 Bijoux and TW are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Hours are noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week Call 214.742.SPCA (7722) or visit today.
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InsIde the ranch Communications Committee Thanks All Who Participated in Survey by Erica Lee
The communications committee thanks all residents who participated in the Resident Survey this year. 499 residents participated in the 2016 survey, compared to 889 in 2012 and 381 in 2011. The decrease in responses may be related to a technological glitch which prevented access to the survey for a short time. Though we quickly caught and corrected the issue, we do apologize for any frustration it may have caused. A broad overview of the data shows positive findings. As in past years, Stonebridge Ranch can be characterized as a community that is engaged and generally satisfied overall. This year, the topics of most importance are: types of landscaping within the community, compliance and enforcement of violations, and the quality of aging amenities. Trending downward in importance are topics such as safety and security and landscaping as it relates specifically to drought. Trending upward is an interest in our amenities as they compare to those of surrounding communities. Overall, residents gave high marks to the SRCA’s quality of landscaping, the responsiveness of CMA staff, and the oversight provided by the board of directors. As in years past, the survey reflected several paradoxes: some residents see the enforcement of compliance as being too stringent, while others believe it’s too lax; some residents desire new or revitalized amenities along with simultaneously decreased dues. Although the majority of responding residents were aware of the Strategic Plan now in action under the board’s direction,
40% were not. The board of directors gave an update regarding the progress of this plan at the Annual Meeting in March. You can access a PDF of their presentation on www.stonebridgeranch.com (see the page titled ”Annual Meeting” under the tab “Community Information”). As in years past, the community affirms itself to be well-informed overall. Strong support remains for the continuation of all current communication channels, including the Stonebridge Ranch News (in magazine format), bi-weekly email blasts and neighborhood signs. As it relates to feedback received from this year ’s survey, additional articles in future issues of the Stonebridge Ranch News will detail any follow-up actions by the board and the committees. Thanks again to all who provided comments. We appreciated hearing from you! F
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july 3 concert on the circle 7:30 p.m. (btc) July 4 4th of July activities at the beach 11 a.m. (BTC) july 8 Playdate in the Park 9 AM (btc) july 11 beach club pool party 6 p.m. (btc) july 11 Book club 7 pm (CR) bingo night 7 pm (cR) july 12 july 16 stonebridge ranch day run 8:30 a.m. (btc)
Concert on the Circle, 7:30 p.m. (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
4th of July Activities at the Beach, 11 a.m. (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Walking Club, 8 a.m. (BTC) Beach Club Pool Party, 6 p.m. (BTC) Book Club, 7 p.m. (CR)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com for event details.
july 19 T july 23 july 23 july 23 SBR july 29
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR) Bingo 7 p.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Walking Club, 8 a.m. (BTC)
Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
Coffee Talk, 8:30
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
Coffee Talk Spea (CR)
Social Committe noon (BR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 6-8:05 pm—Soccer Sparks (NHP)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
Walking Club, 8 a.m. (BTC)
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 6-8:05 pm—Soccer Sparks (NHP)
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8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Te Select Tennis Acade 9:30-10:30 am—Strolle
Travel Club 9 Am (cR) sbr day car show 8 a.m. (btc) sbr day pool party 3 p.m. (btc) SBR Day concert & fireworks show 7:30 p.m. (btc) sbr night at roughriders 7 p.m. (dpr)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
aker, 8:30 a.m.
ee Meeting,
nnis Classes, my (BTC) r Strides (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
ennis Classes, emy (BTC) er Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)
0 a.m. (CR)
nnis Classes, my (BTC) r Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Playdate in the Park, 9 a.m. (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
nnis Classes, my (BTC) r Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Stonebridge Ranch Day Run 8:30 a.m. (BTC)
Stonebridge Ranch Day (BTC) • Car Show, 8 a.m. • Pool Party 3 p.m. • Mars Hill Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. • Fireworks Show, 9:45 p.m.
Stonebridge Night at the RoughRiders, 7 p.m. (DPR)
Stonebridge September 2013 News xx July Stonebridge Ranch Ranch HOA NewsNews Julyx 2016 2016
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complIance tI p s McKinney Leash Law: What’s Affiliative Eye Gaze Got to Do With It? by Erica Lee
A sweet pup in leash compliance demonstrates the affiliative eye gaze so crucial to the dog-owner bond. If you are a dog owner, you likely know that gaze. It’s the one your trusted canine companion reserves for you, and who can blame you if it’s irresistible? Treats usually follow The Gaze. Hugs usually follow The Gaze. In response to the way those deep brown eyes stare, you may even blow air-kisses at your sweet pooch (there’s no shame in admitting it). While it’s long been common knowledge that dogs and owners communicate with their eyes, The Gaze may actually be responsible for the long-lasting friendship between canines and mankind. Animal behaviorists at Azabu University in Japan have discovered that bonding between dogs and their owners is remarkably similar to bonding between parents and their human infants. Data collected by researcher Takefumi Kikusui shows that oxytocin levels rise in both owners and animals when they gaze at each other during a 30-minute period. Associated with trust and maternal bonding, oxytocin is the hormone which encourages bonding between parents and their (human) infants.1 Though eye-gaze between animals and humans is often associated with threatening behavior, Kikusui says the research leads him to speculate that “some small population of [the] ancestor of dogs” showed an affiliative eye gaze toward humans, rather than an aggressive one. Whether the ancestor animal did so knowingly or not, this gesture utilized “a natural system meant for bonding a parent with his or her child.” 1
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complIance tI ps Given the very real depth of the bond between owner and dog, it is understandably difficult for some dog owners to believe their beloved pets could ever be considered a danger. The fact remains, however, that the love between man and dog does not guarantee safety. Animals do not always act as we expect them to or as they have been trained. This is just as true when dogs are outside the home as when they are in it, surrounded by familiar stimuli. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the 4.5 million dog-bite injuries reported each year in the U.S. actually occur within the home.2 Given the potential for pets to act outside of their training even when in familiar surroundings, many cities across the U.S. employ what is commonly referred to as a “leash law.” This type of law is in effect here in McKinney and is outlined in the city’s animal control ordinances (of which a key purpose is to “protect the public health, safety and welfare” of all residents). Sec. 26-14 of the animal control ordinances deals specifically with the restraint of animals. Importantly for residents in Stonebridge Ranch, where owners are often seen walking their dogs on the sidewalks and in open areas, the leash law requires the use of a hand-held leash “no more than six feet in length” at all times. 3 While it may be tempting to utilize open areas within Stonebridge Ranch as off-leash play areas, according to city law, unrestrained dogs are not allowed in any of our shared spaces. As we have moved into warmer weather, the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association has received reports from concerned homeowners who have noted dog owners gathering in various open areas to allow their animals to play off-leash together. Along with violating the city’s animal control ordinance, such gatherings within our community have also led to an increase in pet waste at such sites. We remind resident dog owners: even though your pet may be a trusted member of your family, city laws are designed to protect your neighbors from unpredicted animal behaviors, and they are in effect within and without our community’s boundaries. Further, the City of McKinney also requires pet owners to pick up all of their pet’s waste. Failure to do so can result in a citation. Though the association can help to make homeowners aware of local ordinances, please keep in mind that we are not the enforcing agency of city laws. Concerns regarding off-leash pets should be directed to the City of McKinney Animal Control. F Sources:
1 “Dogs and People Bond Through Eye Contact.” (2016 May 19) http://www. cbsnews.com/news/dogs-and-people-bond-through-eye-contact/
2 “Preventing Dog Bites.” (2016 May 19) http://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-biteprevention/index.html
3 “Code of Ordinances of City of McKinney.” (2016 May 19) https://www2.municode.com/library/tx/mckinney/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPAGEOR_ CH26ANCO
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resId ent I n terest Living Roof, Living Legacy: The Remarkable Journey of McKinney Boyd High School’s Engineering Club by Erica Lee
Living roof team members gather in front of the PowerPoint presentation they use to share their dream with mentors, partners and potential benefactors.
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On April 18, 2016, a group of 17 McKinney Boyd High School students (12 of them Stonebridge Ranch residents) waited nervously before the MISD School Board of Trustees. This was the moment that would decide the fate of their dream. The dream had already led them all on an incredible journey, and they certainly were not ready for it to end. When a unanimous vote was cast in their favor, April 18 became a date the students and their parents will always remember. Junior Emem Okan says, “There are some things in life that stick with you. You’ll just always
resIdent Interest remember how you felt in that moment.” She wasn’t the only team member who shed tears that day. Junior Adam Emerich agrees with a smile, “When we got approval from the board [to go to the City of McKinney], I admit it. I cried.” Junior Sarah Grubbs recalls the pause after the ultimate question—“All who oppose?”—was asked. “I’ve never appreciated silence more,” she affirms. At stake was their dream to not only design, but to build, a living (aka green) roof for their school. They had envisioned a master-planned space where students could gather and where events, classes and labs could be held in state-of-the-art, energy-efficient surroundings. Though there are other schools in the country with living roofs, if these 16- and 17-year-olds succeed, McKinney Boyd High School will be the only school in the country to have such a roof designed and built by its own students. Their extraordinary journey began in the fall of 2014, when engineering teacher Sherri Hurley, sponsor of the McKinney Boyd engineering club, challenged the original 15 members of the team to “leave a legacy” for their school. Though the seed of this story belongs to Sherri Hurley, she says, “I want to give these students all the credit. I’m so proud of them. I loved their idea when they brought it to me, but I admit I was a little intimidated by it.” She smiles and adds, “And now they have impressed every single person they’ve worked with. They are going to see this through.”
Like her teacher, Emem sees the unique alchemy of the team’s student members as a deciding factor in the positive outcome they have achieved so far. “Certain things in life are meant to happen,” she says. “Like this. This specific group of people came together. We came to this one city in Texas from different backgrounds, different states… even different countries! Then we were put together in the same school, and in the same classes…” Her smile is joyous as she ponders the magic of cooperating on such a large project with her peers. Adam agrees. “We just all understand each other,” he says, noting that there is a special “energy between everyone” in the group. Teammate Andrew Riding chimes in with a laugh, “Some of us went to elementary school together, but we didn’t actually know each other until we got into this project.” The team’s heart-felt energy has certainly carried them through a remarkable set of challenges. The first challenge was to simply decide a project of focus. Recalling those early days after she gave her “leave a legacy” challenge, Sherri says, “It took them several months to figure out what they wanted to do.” The students themselves crack jokes and tease each other when they highlight their first steps. “Somebody suggested we should build a horse’s head out of die-case metal,” says Adam, noting that the McKinney Boyd mascot is a Bronco. When they brought the idea to their teacher, she said, “Go bigger.” From there, they suggested building a full-size horse statue to put in front of their school. “Go bigger,” said Sherri. Even when they
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resId ent I n terest toyed with making the statue somehow mechanical, she said, “Go bigger.” That’s when the magic sparks struck. The students had been discussing living roofs in one of their engineering classes. One day, Adam and Emem were scrolling through pictures of living roofs, and it dawned on them that building a living roof would be a true legacy project for their school, one that would actually grow beyond them after their graduation. When they brought the idea to their teammates at their next meeting, almost everyone was immediately on board and eager to get to work. The only hesitation a few of the students felt was the same hesitation Sherri expressed. “Can we really do this?”
The Living Roof team members inspect the sparse concrete area where they intend to build their dream. The students were able to carry their idea further than anyone imagined, in part, because their excitement for the project was contagious. Just as Sherri had planted an idea in them, the students approached an impressive number of mentors in a wide variety of fields and planted that same idea. “So far,” says Adam with wonder, “everyone we approach with our idea has wanted to work with us.” To date, 47 professionals have given the students over 500 hours (totaling over $120,000 in donated fees) to walk them through every part of the project. This cooperation with mentors outside of their school is one aspect that Junior Austin Williams appreciates the most about this project. “This truly is a community-wide endeavor. We are partnering with professionals and companies outside of our school… Our educational values and our purpose are part of a real-world community.” In order to actually build the living roof, the students are now working to obtain the proper building permits from the City of McKinney. But to even approach the City of McKinney, the students needed the approval of their school board. This is why April 18, 2016 was so special. It was the culmination of over a year’s worth of work, and there was no guarantee the team’s excitement and sacrifices would pay off. But each of the team members had certainly given up much to see the project as far as possible. Among them, the students have sacrificed time spent on other hobbies and ambitions, including ballet,
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resIdent Interest poetry slams, gaming conventions, soccer and other school clubs. Junior Nathan Bray has his student pilot’s license and has even cut back on his time spent in the air. “Oh, and all the sleep!” shouts junior Zachary Post. “We can all vouch for losing sleep.” This prompts all the team members to laugh and to nod their heads, and Adam says, “One time we were working past midnight [at the school], and we set the school alarms off. That was exciting.” Ultimately, Emem says, “We just make the time,” proving this is a true labor of love. As engineers-in-training, of course the students were methodical in their approach to designing the living roof. They divided into sub-teams and found the professional mentors needed to help them master each piece of the puzzle. They can now speak eloquently on a dizzying array of topics, including (but not limited to): non-intrusive pavers; water-proofing barriers, beam analysis, and structural load calculations (they did all the load calculations themselves, which were verified by a structural engineer); soil breakdown; native Texas plants; vertical gardening and aquaponics (the living portions of the roof will include fescue grass, crepe myrtles, gardenias and ivy); sustainable water features and evaporation-resistant drip irrigation (there is to be a waterfall to provide ambient sound on the roof, which along with the irrigation will require 4,500 gallons per week and will be depend on cost-effective and sustainable methods of collecting AC-unit condensation and rainwater); LED lighting; hail-resistant solar panels (the team decided against wind energy because the ongoing budget for maintaining a turbine would be prohibitive); net zero energy consumption (any overages of energy collected through the living roof will be fed right back into the energy grid); the 2012 International Building Code (the first version to cover green roofs); ADA compliance; the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status; and grant-writing, speech-making, event fundraising, and networking with corporate sponsors. Reflecting on everything they had to learn to put their proposal together, Austin calls the project “all-inclusive.” He says, “We are better equipped to do things like networking and event planning in ‘real life.’ Now I’m not afraid to make cold calls… I’m glad [the project] made it this far; it’s given us exposure to the adult world.” Junior Sophie Aldurete agrees. “Knowing I can do something this big at this age proves I’ll be able to do even more when I’m older.” Matt Williams, junior, chimes in and says, “We can only get better!” Emem smiles at his comment. “Especially for teenagers like us, being able to communicate with people and actually be engaged with an audience is a real skill.” But the benefits of the project go beyond learning practical knowledge and skills. The co-ed team has gelled in a rare way. Sarah joined the engineering club primarily because she had witnessed the special connection between the living roof team members. “The living roof team is very social,” she says. “It’s a support group.” The students spend a lot of time together beyond working on their project. They have gone roller-skating,
ice-skating and golfing. They host their own engineering club parties, which have been known to include dance-offs, pizza consumption, loud music, and, yes, the playing of video games. “There are usually three cars of us when we go anywhere,” says Matt. Sophie’s mother, Carol, is the president of the team’s booster club. “Here’s a parent’s perspective,” she says with pride in her voice. “As the middle child, Sophie rarely gets a chance to talk. Her siblings are very social.” But after they received a recent phone bill, Carol was asked by her husband, “Guess who had the most text messages this month?” She responded with every family member’s name until she finally landed on the name of her middle child. “Sophie? Yes, Sophie!” According to Carol, “She went from having the least amount of text messages to the most—over 3000 in one month.” Sophie smiles shyly and confirms that almost all of her texts are communications with her living roof team members. Just as they have been helped every step along the way by mentors, so the students are becoming mentors and leaders in their own right. Seven members of the team have earned internships with engineering firms in the DFW area. Since visiting two local middle schools to share their story with prospective Boyd students, the engineering club has more than doubled, growing from 50 to 120 students in the last year alone. Emem is especially emotional when she notes that female participation in the club has grown over 350% since the living roof project began. In a field long dominated by men, she says:
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resId ent I n terest “We can help create a whole new generation of STEM professionals.” The living roof team has also earned unusual status in their school, one that once was reserved for athletic teams. Now that they have reached the last stage of the project, fund-raising, they have their own booster club. “Isn’t that funny?” says Carol. “When I was in school, only the football team had a booster club.” The students have widespread school support from administrators, teachers, and students alike. Of their principal, Adam says, “She is completely on board. She loved the idea from the beginning.” Especially important to future generations at the school, the living roof team has even calculated plans for how the school will cover the cost of long-term maintenance. Emem says, “When we Junior Adam Emerich describes the area where the holding tank for the sustainably tell our fellow students about it, their eyes light collected water will be placed. up. They really do want to see it happen.” space below, which will have a special ventilating system If it does happen, a rarely used space located behind the designed with the help of an architect. This space will meet the school will become a hub of activity. Now, the open concrete current needs of the art students. Above, and handicapped plot is used only by art students when working on projects accessible, the living roof design will include a wide grassy requiring ventilation. The space, however, is surrounded on area where students can relax in a calming atmosphere between three sides by three-story brick walls and lacks any type of roof classes year-round. covering, so it often goes unused due to seasonal conditions in It will include a special LED large-screen TV, which Texas. Once the living roof is built, it will shield an open-air teachers of all subjects can use as a projector when hosting classes outside during daylight hours. Biology teachers will be able to conduct real-world plant labs with their students in a truly unique school environment. McKinney Boyd P.A.L.S. students will also be included in an ongoing way, working with McKinney Master Gardeners to help with gardening and maintenance. The living roof team can’t wait to see all the ways the space is used, beyond what they themselves have dreamed. With all the planning and designing behind them, the students have moved on to fundraising. All that stands between them and their dream is an approximate total of $445,500 for construction costs. They are currently collecting funds from individual donors, applying for grants, and hosting an array of ticketed events which are open to the public, including music concerts and a classic car show and car smash. The students quote one early mentor who jumped at the chance to help them. “Who would expect teenagers to be doing all this?” They themselves are surprised by what they have accomplished, making the living roof a dream which has truly changed them all on its way to becoming reality. When asked how they want their experience to be described, these Stonebridge Ranch students shout a variety of answers. All of them are smiling and some of them are even teary-eyed as their words fill the air: “I didn’t know I was capable of this.” “This club is my family, my tribe.” “We are making something real. We have an impact.” “We are finding out who we are as people.” “This is a defining moment of our lives.” F
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around the ranch
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socIal scene
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socIal scene Concert on the Circle To kick off a special 4th of July weekend in Stonebridge Ranch, the Social Committee has planned a live concert in the circular drive at the Beach and Tennis Club. Join us on July 3 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. to enjoy musical guest Coverband (see a preview at dfwcoverband.com). Coverband plays a variety of high-energy music from the 70’s and 80’s, as well as some of today’s top hits. There’s plenty of room, and all ages are welcome. Pack your cooler and folding chairs and bring your family or neighbors along to enjoy a special night out. (For the safety of residents, glass containers and smoking are prohibited.) To whet your appetite for an evening of fun-filled music and ensure you bring your dancing shoes, here are just a few of the titles of songs Coverband plays: ”Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey; ”What I Like About You” by the Romantics; ”Come Together” by the Beatles; and ”Dancing Queen” by Abba.
4th of July at the Beach Club Let’s celebrate our nation together as a community. Bring the family to create special memories on July 4 at the Beach Club. The event begins at 11 a.m. and will include hula-hoop contests, tug of war and bouncy ball races, and a variety of other games, fun and music. Our annual and much-beloved Sand Castle Contest will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. (Only sand castles which are begun after 2 p.m. will be considered.) Teams can be composed of up to five members; children and adults are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to the first-place team in each of the following categories: most patriotic, best animal or reptile, and most creative.
Playdate in the Park This July 8 at 9 a.m., meet us at the Beach and Tennis Club playground for Red, White and Blue Parade Day. Wear your red, white and blue, and dress up your favorite stuffed animal in the same colors. We will have our very own parade! (Parents, please check the website front page at stonebridgeranch.com for any last-minute changes due to weather.)
Family Beach Party Our Family Beach Parties have been a huge hit in recent
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socIal scene summers. They are a great way to spend a Monday night, so don’t miss out! Our first party of the season will be held on July 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Our featured disc jockey will be Uptown Sound, who will take text requests at 214.491.8283. Space is limited to the first 500 residents and guests. Hot dogs will be served until supplies run out (one per person), so if you have a big appetite, pack a picnic basket. Because this is a swimming event, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Valid ID is required to enter; see the website at stonebridgeranch.com for complete photo ID requirements. Non-residents pay a $5 fee (guest passes may not be used for this event). Coolers are permitted, but for the safety of all residents, glass containers and smoking are prohibited.
Book Club Looking for some good books to read by the pool this summer? Check out the next two books the Book Club is reading: Unnatural Causes by PD James and When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. We present two book options every month; feel free to read one or both. You are welcome to sit in on our meetings even if you haven’t read the book. We always enjoy interesting discussion. On July 11, meet us at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. The next month’s books are posted on the website calendar at stonebridgeranch.com. We’re always searching for new authors to read, too. Please send book ideas to dwiest@cmamanagement.com.
July Bingo Night Please join us on Tuesday night, July 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. for an evening of Bingo and prizes. We’ll meet in the Community Room located at the Beach and Tennis Club. Light snacks and refreshments are provided at this adult-only, alcohol-free event. Seating is limited to the first 50 who sign up at http://whoozin.com/PJR-JHR- RYC4. Residents play for free. Immediate family non-resident guests are welcome and pay a $5 fee. Our regular Bingo players are a lively crowd, so join us for a night of belly laughter and competitive cheer!
Stonebridge Ranch Day Kick-off Run To build excitement leading up to Stonebridge Ranch Day (July 23), this year you can enjoy a special run the weekend prior to our biggest community event. Hosted by PlayTri, the Stonebridge Ranch Day kick-off run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Beach and Tennis Club on July 16. The event includes distances for all ages, with a 10k, 5k and a special 1k fun run for the whole
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socIal scene family. Spectators are welcome, so bring your family out to cheer you on! For more information, visit playtri.com or email info@playtri.com.
Coffee Talk: Special Presentation Once a month, we invite a guest speaker to our Coffee Talk meet-up. On Wednesday, July 20, please join us in the Community Room at the Beach and Tennis Club to welcome Martha Cavazos Fipps. Martha provides environmental education from the City of McKinney and will present the city’s environmental programs with us. Her presentation will begin at 9 a.m. and will last for 30 minutes. She will cover interesting topics such as what happens when grease is poured down the drain (find out the high cost) and how to request a free pick-up for hazardous waste products. She will also provide free gifts for all attendees. Check the website calendar for the date and topic of the next presentation. If you know of a possible speaker topic for our group, please send your suggestions to dwiest@ cmamanagement.com.
SBR Family Night with the RoughRiders Come enjoy a night of fun at the ballpark on Friday, July 29. The Frisco Roughriders are up against the Corpus Christi Hooks. Tickets are only $20 and include: unlimited hotdogs, brats, chips and peanuts; unlimited Dr. Pepper products; a RoughRiders souvenir and game program; and the postgame fireworks show. Start time is 7:05 p.m. For questions or to order tickets, please call Monica Mann at 972.334.1938 or email mmann@ridersbaseball.com. Deadline to sign up is July 11.
Coffee Meet-ups Coffee Talk meets every Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. TGIF Coffee meets every Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. Both groups meet in the newly remodeled Community Room. See our answers below to some commonly asked questions regarding these groups.
What are Coffee Talk and TGIF Coffee?
Both groups provide a recurring and welcoming gathering place for Stonebridge Ranch residents. We encourage new residents (and those who have been here awhile, too!) to give these groups a try. We love to answer questions and help each other learn more about our
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socIal scene community and the surrounding area. We hold one group in the morning (Coffee Talk) and the other in the afternoon (TGIF Coffee) to accommodate more schedules. We have also added a related Coffee, Cars and Conversation, which takes place on the third Saturday of every month in the circular drive at the Beach and Tennis Club. Residents bring their fancy or classic cars to the drive and enjoy coffee and donuts together.
I haven’t been to any Stonebridge Ranch functions before. Will I feel out of place if I’m coming alone? No, not at all. We are a friendly, welcoming group; our members love to talk to anybody and everybody! New residents are always surprised by the welcoming spirit. Our coffee groups consist of some core members from the Social Committee, along with other residents. New residents often attend, as does a board member or two.
What actually happens at these meet-ups?
Numerous conversations break out, and sometimes a singular topic is discussed by the whole group. Many times, residents move from place to place to discuss topics as they come up across the room. Most conversations turn to restaurants, local trip ideas, general talk about McKinney and the surrounding area, home repair, etc. There always seems to be something to talk about.
Walking Club Stonebridge Ranch Walking Club members usually walk 2.5 miles on a quick 40-minute route which gives a few hills for challenge. If an even surface is more your style, however, we can also lead the way to a 2.25 mile route. It has less elevation and also can be completed in about 40 minutes. Meet us in the upper parking lot near the Beach and Tennis Club. Our core group is friendly and talkative, so if walking and talking is your idea of fun please join us! F
Upcoming August Events 5 Playdate in the Park 8 Family Beach Club Pool Party 8 Book Club 9 Evening Bingo 11 Kid’s Splash Hop 16 Travel Club 20 Coffee, Cars & Conversation 20 Playdate in the Park Walking Club—Mondays Coffee Talk—Wednesdays TGIF—Fridays
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