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STONEBRIDGE RANCH HOA NEWS JUNE 2014
Vol. 2, Issue 6
Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
8
In the News by Sherine George
10
This Month’s Feature by Sherine George
12 www.stonebridgeranch.com by Sherine George 14
Inside the HOA by Michael Lesku
15
Compliance Tips
16
Community Calendar
18
Financial Update by Michael Lesku
20
Your Neighbor by Sherine George
27
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 19
Around the Ranch
23
Bits & Pieces
24
Landscape & Garden
26
Resident Interest
Stonebridge Ranch HOA News © 2014 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is individually mailed free of charge to all residents of Stonebridge Ranch. Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807. Visit www.allenimage.com.
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from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH HOA NEWS
publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
office administrator Carrie McCormick
contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Courtney Birmingham Sherine George Amanda Griffin Michael Lesku
cover photo KwikImage.com
Summer is almost here It is hard to believe that summer is nearly here again. The pools are open and outdoor activities are in full swing. In this issue of the magazine, you will find an update on the progress we are making on our strategic plan.
April 17 Board Meeting
The board meeting of April 17 was called to order at 1 p.m. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. No homeowners appeared. The first item of business was to ratify the March 20 board meeting minutes, committee appointments and a capital improvements RFP to select a firm to assist us in determining which future capital improvements we may want to consider.
Old Business
Assistant Police Chief Scott Brewer attended our meeting to bring us up to date on the enforcement activities the police department is using with respect to usage of golf carts in the city. Emphasis is being placed on activities related to unlicensed drivers of golf carts or similar type vehicles. The police and the board are quite concerned about safety issues for all of our residents, and do not want to see anyone hurt as a result of the reckless driving of golf carts within Stonebridge Ranch. Earlier this year, the board discussed purchasing several laptop computers for use by board members as we switched to electronic board binders instead of hard copy binders. After trying the new process for several months, we are going to continue using electronic binders but board members opted to use their own electronic devices so the association will not be pursuing this purchase.
New Business
The board approved an RFP, as we do periodically, to consider proposals from firms to manage our investment portfolio. We then discussed and approved a policy covering the use of Stonebridge Lake for various activities including the use of it as a launching platform for fireworks displays. Valley Crest, one of our landscape maintenance vendors, introduced their new team of managers who now are in charge of maintenance activities for us. The board then reviewed and accepted the monthly violations summary report, strategic planning report and heard committee reports from the board liaisons. All of the committees are very active and working diligently on association activities.
Executive Session
For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, call 972.727.4569 or email sue@allenimage.com.
The board approved the violations report, collections report, collections committee report and received a legal issues update from the association’s attorney. The board then reviewed and renewed a lower cost, revised contract for our copier lease. The meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x June 2014
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Stonebridge Ranch Community Association 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 214.733.5800 • fax 214.778.0595 Courtesy Patrol 214.794.4945
Association Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Association Staff Michael Lesku—Director of Operations Shannon Sheriff—Assistant Manager Candace Rickman—Community Service Coordinator Courtney Birmingham—Compliance Coordinator Maria Ford—Compliance Coordinator Rony Peterson—Compliance Coordinator Joyce Martin—M.A.R.C. Compliance Coordinator Sherine George—Communications Coordinator Michael Cawley—Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Torres—Maintenance Assistant David Wiest—Lifestyle Director Lynette Rowell—Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors Jon Dell’Antonia—President Ron Ferris—Vice-President Richard MacFee—Treasurer Michael Yon—Secretary David Counts—Director Tom George—Director Bill Campbell—Director Stonebridge Ranch Homeowners Association News is the only authorized and official monthly publication for the residents of the Stonebridge Ranch community, with news and calendar of community events endorsed by the Stonebridge Ranch HOA and its members. Stonebridge Ranch HOA News is published for the residents of Stonebridge Ranch for informational purposes only. The Stonebridge Ranch HOA does not guarantee any work or claims made by the advertisers and claims no responsibility or liability for statements made in the publication. Stonebridge Ranch does not in any way endorse or support, nor does it take any credit or responsibility for the services, paid or volunteer, nor statements made in articles or letters published herein not endorsed by the Association or the group decision of the Board of Directors.
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In the news Meals on Wheels by Sherine George At 50, Ray Ricchi decided he was through chasing the corporate carrot. “I wanted to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.” His heart was always in service, so he researched local nonprofits. Through the suggestion of a friend, he delved deeper into the needs of the elderly population in Collin County. Although green to the nonprofit world, he stepped in as executive director of Meals on Wheels (MOW) in 2013. “I’m embarrassed to admit this. Even after living in McKinney for 22 years, being involved in my children’s school, being the chairman of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and city councilman for 6 years, I really didn’t know what Meals on Wheels provided for the senior community. We don’t just serve meals, we are a one-stop information and service agency for senior citizens in Collin County.” Meals on Wheels is a private nonprofit that serves the needs of the growing elderly population in Collin County. “The common misconception is that we deliver meals to those that can’t afford it,” says Ricchi. “The reality is that we feed hungry people. It can be a 60-year old who is homebound, a senior that is physically challenged or a disabled veteran.” The agency serves those who are unable to prepare their own meals and are nutritionally at risk. Ricchi is currently working on a program in partnership with other local service groups to feed
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school-aged children during the summer. Currently meals are prepared in a central kitchen in McKinney. Around 11:30 each day, the MOW kitchen doors close, but the facility still has the workers and capacity to make more meals. Ricchi hopes to utilize their current assets and logistics to meet the needs of school-aged children. To do so, he will ultimately need more volunteers. Volunteers are the heart of the MOW operation. Former public school teacher and university professor Diane Clay and her husband Gary, a professor of Educational Leadership at UNT, have been volunteering
In the news
Volunteers Diane and Gary Clay for Meals on Wheels since 2007. “I was delivering meals on my own at first,” reveals Diane. However, she asked her husband to substitute on her delivery routes while recovering from a surgery. “Now, Gary is hooked. You really get attached to the people you serve.” Seven years later, the couple still come in together to deliver meals. When asked why they volunteer, Gary responds, “It’s the feeling of joy you get when you provide people not just their meals, but support and encouragement. We are blessed with food and shelter that others don’t have. They might not even have access to family and friends. So we are happy that we can make a difference in someone else’s life.” The Clays have built lasting relationships with the clients they serve. They bring pet treats for their clients who are pet owners. They even changed their route
around so they can see their chattiest client last and spend more time with her. “She is a former teacher as well. So we really connect with her.” The Clays share that on one occasion a client didn’t respond to the doorbell. They followed procedure and called Meals on Wheels. They found that the client had collapsed inside her home. Like most MOW clients, the client lived alone. Luckily she survived. Without the Clays there to deliver meals and, in turn, check up on her, the outcome could have been much worse. The need for volunteers is always growing. “Today we served 1,025 meals,” says Ricchi. “Our volunteers donate their own time, cars and mileage. We have a very lean operation—90 percent of every dollar goes to feeding our clients.” MOW faces the challenge of identifying and feeding a rising number of people, a need that can be met with the helping hand of a volunteer. Volunteers are encouraged to deliver meals with others—even minors are allowed to accompany an adult on the Meals on Wheels routes. Ricchi welcomes more volunteers. “Next time you meet a friend for a cup of coffee, consider delivering a meal as well. It’s something you can do in your spare time while having coffee! You can deliver once a year or once a week. It’s up to you. No matter what, you are making a positive impact on the lives around you.” For volunteer opportunities, please contact MOW Volunteer Coordinator, Patricia Clampitt. Email her at clampittp@mowcc.com or call her at 972.632.3125. F
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thIs month’ s feature Get to Know the Strategic Plan! Strategic Plan Progress Report by Sherine George By now you may have heard about the development of the Stonebridge Ranch Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan was created to provide the community a sense of direction and to outline measurable goals. It spells out where we are headed in the next several years and how we are going to get there. It will help guide in making day-to-day decisions, evaluating progress and changing approaches when necessary. It serves the goal of helping our association do a better job because it focuses the energy, resources and time of everyone in the organization in the same direction. Collectively, the Strategic Plan helps support the association’s long-term vision to protect and enhance the property value of every home in Stonebridge Ranch. In the past few months, many efforts have been made towards achieving the nine objectives in the Strategic Plan. The following outlines a brief progress report on where we are in accomplishing each of our objectives. 1. Update the Master Landscape Plan. The target funding amount is $300,000 annually, over 7 years ($2.1M total). Status: The association secured services of a local landscape design group to conduct a beta test on the costs of the updated Master Landscape Plan. The landscape and grounds committee has been working closely with the design group. The committee will review the results of the beta test submitted by the design group and provide appropriate feedback to the board of directors. 2. Create and implement a long term Capital Improvement Plan that includes both the addition of new common area amenities and the enhancement of existing amenities at a target funding rate of 1.5% of annual assessments. Status: The association has been researching various consulting groups in efforts to weigh the costs and benefits of either the addition of new common area amenities or the enhancement of existing amenities. The amenities committee prepared a RFQ (Request for Qualifications) that will be utilized in selecting a consulting group who will, in turn, assist in drafting the Capital Improvement Plan. On April 15 the association toured the community along with twelve representatives from seven consulting groups. The target dates for the selection of the consulting group and the approval of the Capital Improvement Plan are June 2014 and August 2014, respectively. 3. Develop a Communications Action Plan to consolidate
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thIs month’ s feature the association’s existing communication channels and potential future channels. Status: The communications committee is working with the board of directors in creating an Annual Editorial Calendar that will address all channels of communication to Stonebridge Ranch residents (e-news, HOA News and website). 4. Develop an ongoing plan for resource conservation to reduce the association’s operating costs. Status: The board of directors has been working to identify key areas where operational costs may be reduced without sacrificing quality, standards or service levels. Currently the association is working with a Dallas-based water conservation company in an ongoing audit, in which data testing is conducted to see if small changes can be made in an effort towards water conservation. 5. On an ongoing basis, manage the cost of ownership of the HOA by increasing efficiencies and/or reducing costs. Status: The association hired a consulting group to audit the community phone lines. Through the result of their findings, the association has renegotiated our contract with our service provider saving Stonebridge Ranch approximately $12,000 a year. 6. Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan. The plan should include the most likely perils that could occur in North Texas. Status: The association continues to have ongoing meetings with the city of McKinney to collaborate on a Disaster Recovery Plan. 7. Focus on city and state government related issues that would effect association operations. Status: The association continues to work closely with the City of McKinney. Assistant Chief Brewer met with the board of directors in the April board meeting to discuss stricter golf cart enforcement for minors. 8. Identify and maintain oversight for any association common area lake and dam issues. Status: The ad hoc lakes and dams committee was formed in February 2014. The committee worked with a local lake-mapping and dredging consultant in evaluating the sediment accumulation in the association lakes. After considerable review of the most recent lakemapping reports, it was recommended that the association investigate sediment removal options for the Quail Creek Lake. 9. Clarify maintenance responsibilities of the country club and the association. Status: The association has been working with Stonebridge Ranch Country Club to repair split rail fencing along major thoroughfares. Ongoing repairs and replacements will be made as needed. F
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www.stonebrI dgeranch.com Website refresh by Sherine George Have you gotten a chance to look at the Stonebridge Ranch website lately? There are some refreshing updates to www.stonebridgeranch.com that will help you navigate the website with a little more ease. You will note that we no longer have menu items on the left-hand side. We took the information that was previously there and consolidated it to fit along the top menu bar selections. This not only allows for a more appealing look, but all the information is now condensed to one place so you don’t have to go looking for it! An added feature includes a Help Me Find/Quick Links section in the right-hand corner of the homepage. This section lists the most sought out documents and links on our website. You will also notice the latest articles pertaining to our community are listed under Talk of the Town. Additionally the Login section is now visible and placed in the top right-hand corner. But why bother logging in if you have already paid your dues? Logging in can also help you do a plethora of things that you couldn’t do by just visiting the website: • Submit a modification request • Pay online • Check violations
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• Check your account information • Resident connect (Compare prices and order local telephone, long distance service, cable and high-speed internet access and more.) • Visit “My Profile” where you can: • Sign up and receive e-statements (statements sent via email versus paper notices) • Change your password • Update your mailing address • Receive email notifications about community events and committee meetings (You can even select how many days in advance you will receive the notifications!) • Edit the way your name and address appear on the Online Directory And as always, you can get to know what’s going on in your community by signing up for the SRCA e-news (found under the Help Me Find/Quick Links section). The e-news is a snapshot of the newsworthy items and events happening in your community. So next time you find yourself wondering how to make a modification request or what social events are coming up, remember, the information is right at your fingertips! F
InsId e the hoa City of McKinney Continues with Stage 3 Water Restrictions by Michael Lesku The City of McKinney will be continuing with Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan at the recommendation of the North Texas Municipal Water District. Please contact the city’s Water/Waste Department at 972.547.7360 for questions or updates regarding watering restrictions.
Current Outdoor Watering Restrictions
Landscape watering with an irrigation system is allowed only one day per week if needed, based on the residential trash pickup day for that collection zone. Commercial properties’ watering schedules are determined by the residential trash zone where the property is located. Outdoor watering is not allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. No hosing of paved areas, buildings or windows is allowed at any time. Operation of ornamental fountains or other amenities that use treated water is not permitted. No washing or rinsing of vehicles by free-running hose, or use of water that allows runoff or other water waste. Hydro seeding, hydro mulching or sprigging is not allowed. No landscape watering is permitted during any form of precipitation or freezing temperatures.
Permissible Watering
You may wash your car with a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle. You may irrigate with sources of water other than treated water from the city. You may water foundations, new landscaping, new plantings (first year) of shrubs and
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trees for up to two hours on any day by a hand-held hose, soaker hose or dedicated zoning using a drip irrigation system. An exception is allowed for new landscapes; they may be watered as necessary for 30 days from the date of installation with proof of purchase or certificate of completion. The city suggests that residents and businesses postpone any new landscaping until the current drought situation has passed. If you have an ET/Smart Irrigation System that is properly functioning and registered with the city prior to June 1, 2013, you can irrigate without day-ofweek restrictions, but not between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. You may replace swimming pool water lost through normal water loss. You may water public athletic fields up to two times a week if the fields are used for competition at least once a week.
Penalties
Violating Stage 3 water restrictions could result in a penalty. Penalties will be solely enforced by the City of McKinney and delivered through your regular water bill. Failure to pay can result in the water to your home or business being shut off. Please call the City of McKinney at 972.547.7448 for questions regarding water violation penalties. This information is from the City of McKinney website and is subject to change without notice. Please visit the City of McKinney at www.mckinneytexas.org/waterrestrictions for updates. F
complIance tI ps To Submit or Not to Submit...That is the Question by Courtney Birmingham I want to make an improvement, should I submit an application? Following is a list of the most common items that you Do or DO NOT submit for. Please note that you must still meet the requirements of the guidelines for those items that you do not submit for.
DO submit (and follow guidelines): Additions/remodels Arbors Awnings Color changes (ext. paint) Decks and patios Driveway gates driveways/parking pads
Fencing changes repainting/restaining Flagpoles Fountains over 3’ in height Gazebos Hot tubs/spas Landscaping—tree removal
Any interior work on the home Attic ventilations/Rooftop appendages Basketball goals Birdhouses Dog houses/dog runs Gutters/Downspouts
Outdoor fireplaces barbeque pits Painting and coatings Patio roof covers Play equipment Playhouses Pools/ponds
Rainwater collection device Retaining walls Roofing Materials Solar energy devices Sports courts Storage sheds
DO NOT submit (but follow guidelines): House numbers Lighting (exterior) Mailboxes Outdoor shade structures— temporary Painting the home (the same colors) Religious display items
Satellite dishes Screen/storm doors Shutters Signs Sunscreen Trampolines Vegetable gardens
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Beach Club Pool Party, 6 p.m. (BR) Special Board Meeting, 3-6 p.m. (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30 a
Amenities Commitee Meeting, 7-9 p.m. (BR)
Landscape & Grou 7-9 p.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 6-7 pm—Fit4 Baby (CR)
Teen Mixer, 8:30 p.m. (AC)
MARC Meeting 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Smmer Tennis Camps begin, 8 a.m. (BTC)
Modifications Committee Meeting, 5-7 p.m. (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (BR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (BR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 6-7 pm—Fit4 Baby (CR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Social Committee (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
MARC Meeting 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)
Modifications Committee Meeting, 5-7 p.m. (BR) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 6-7 pm—Fit 4Baby (CR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30 a 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 6-7 pm—Fit4Baby (CR)
june 2
june 4, 11, 18,
june 9
june 12
june 19 K
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Evening on the Veranda, 7 p.m. (BTC)
a.m. (CR)
unds Meeting, Strides (BTC)
nnis Camps, my (BTC) )
a.m. (CR) Strides (BTC)
nnis Camps, my (BTC) )
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Photo ID Session, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (CR) Movie Night, 9 p.m. (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Communications Committee e Meeting, 9 a.m. Meeting, 9-10 a.m. (BR)
nnis Camps, my (BTC) )
Photo ID Session, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (CR) Kids Splash Hop, 8:30 p.m. (AC)
Board of Directors Meeting, 1-5 p.m. (BR)
Strides (BTC)
Photo ID Session, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (CR)
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9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Photo ID Session, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (CR)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
a.m. (CR)
nnis Camps, my (BTC)
Photo ID Session, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
a.m. (CR)
Strides (BTC)
Photo ID Session, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (CR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Photo ID Session, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (CR)
Karaoke Party, 8:30 p.m. (AC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Camps, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
beach club pool party 6 p.m. (btc) coffee talk 8:30 a.m. (CR)
teen mixer 8:30 p.m. (ac)
movie night 9 p.m. (btc)
Kids Splash Hop 8:30 p.m. (AC)
karaoke party 8:30 p.m. (ac) Stonebridge Stonebridge Ranch Ranch HOA HOA News News xx June June 2014 September 2014 2013
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fInancIal update Inside the HOA Budget by Michael Lesku As we enter in the summer season, I thought it would be appropriate to look at one of the association’s largest expense categories—utilities—with focus on the largest contributor—water. In 2014, the association will spend approximately $1.7 million in utilities, of which $1.5 million will be dedicated to water for the following purposes: 1) To irrigate all 519 acres of common area landscape and; 2) To maintain water levels at both association pools. Given the “drought” conditions North Texas has experienced over the past several years, there has been a significant amount of effort spent on the part of the association to improve the efficiency of the association’s irrigation system, reduce the amount of water used to sustain the association’s common area landscape and to reduce the overall annual water expense and its impact on owner assessments. Since 2006, when the City of McKinney introduced water restrictions which mandated reductions to common area landscape irrigation to two days per week, consumption of water used to irrigate the common area landscape has been reduced from 334.4 million gallons consumed in 2005 to 267.5 million gallons consumed in
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2013. This reduction represents a 21% reduction in consumption! However, the price per gallon charged by the City of McKinney for water has increased by 32% over that same period. This increase in rate has negatively impacted the association’s operating budget and has ultimately lead to increases in owner assessments in 2011 and 2012. Irrigating the Association Common Area Landscape • Stonebridge Ranch has 519 acres of common areas. • The 2014 budget for common area irrigation is $1.5 million. • City rates for water have increased by 32% since 2008. As the director of operations for the SRCA, one of my key responsibilities is to work with the association’s landscape maintenance partners to find ways to further reduce consumption of water while not compromising the quality and health of the common area landscape. This goal has been, and will remain, a top priority. As always, I’m available by phone or email if you have comments or questions. F
around the ranch Meet the Easter Bunny
Stonebridge Ranch Night at the Rough Riders
Evening on the Veranda
“My tennis team was looking for a fun activity to spend with our husbands and we chose the Evening on the Veranda. The casual atmosphere and the cool music was the perfect way to spend the evening.� Paula Mattei, 8-year resident of LaCima Village
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your neIg hbor Resident Spotlight: Johnny Quinn by Sherine George been busy traveling the world, but he graciously answered a few questions for us about his life here in Stonebridge Ranch.
How long have you been living in Stonebridge Ranch? I have been living in Stonebridge since I was 6 years old—so I’ve been living here for 24 years!
What is your favorite thing to do in the community?
My fiancé Amanda and I have a boxer, Scout. We enjoy taking her on walks. We also run and bike with her, so we really benefit from the hike and bike trails here in the community.
Tell me a story about your childhood. Johnny Quinn, long time resident of Stonebridge Ranch, is no stranger to fame. However, it wasn’t his NFL career that catapulted his name in social media. It was the photo he tweeted of a bathroom door he busted through after becoming trapped inside with no response to his pleas for help. What makes the story even more interesting is that the bathroom door incident happened at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where Quinn represented the U.S. in the men’s four-man bobsled competition. Since then Quinn has
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During the summers my friends and I rode our bikes to the Beach Club. We were always playing on the volleyball courts or using paddleboats. It was a lot of fun growing up here in the Stonebridge community. I am lucky to have had such an active lifestyle as a kid and I really enjoyed it. Looking back, my parents made a great choice when deciding to raise us (my brother and I) here in Stonebridge Ranch.
Tell me about your background leading up to the Olympics. Why the bobsled?
I never grew up with this dream to compete in the Olympics. I have a professional football background. I
your neIghbor By the age of 26, I had been cut three times and then blew out my knee. It was a very humbling experience. The USA bobsled team looks for either football players or athletes with a track and field background. In fact, there are only two of us that have had the privilege to play in the NFL and also compete for the U.S. bobsled team— Herschel Walker and myself. My dream as a kid was always to play in the National Football League, but to be an Olympian, to walk the opening ceremony and to compete on behalf of the U.S. was pretty special.
What was it like in Sochi?
played for the Buffalo Bills in 2007, the Green Bay Packers in 2008 and then the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in 2009.
I ran into a little issue with my bathroom door. I thought the Russians did a phenomenal job hosting a safe and successful Olympic game. I had nine people come and enjoy that experience with me. It was awesome. It is such an honor just to be a small part of the 230-athlete delegation that the U.S. sent to compete. To go through that adversity in my 20’s, being cut in football and then leading up to the Olympics, made all my sacrifices worth it.
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your neIg hbor Did the bathroom door incident and then the elevator incident have an effect on how you felt going in to compete? (Quinn later found himself stuck in an elevator while in Sochi.)
No, not at all. The only thing that matters is your teammates and executing your game plan. Everything else is just a distraction. As a professional athlete, you have to understand what the distractions are. The thing about the door happened so early on. It really was a non-issue.
Do you mind revealing something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
I am a small business owner (The Athlete Watch). I help athletes in the college recruiting process. I am also a nutritional coach. I had so many people pour great information into my life that I am able to help people of all ages accomplish their health and wellness goals.
When are you getting married? Tell me about the proposal.
I am getting married on May 3. I actually proposed in Stonebridge! It was in the Bella Donna Chapel at Adriatica. We had a picnic and it was a pretty special moment.
What factors in your life contributed to your successes so far?
I had a great support system growing up. My family instilled in me that as long as you work hard, you can accomplish anything that you put your mind to. My faith has brought me through my tough times, through the struggle, through the heartbreak‌ It has been so sweet how everything has turned out. F
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bIts & pIe ces Welcome to Stonebridge Ranch There are numerous construction projects underway in the community. You have probably seen some of the activity as you drive to and from your homes. Please join us in welcoming the following new businesses into the community. 209 Salon Adriatica Audiology & Hearing Centers Baylor Family Medicine Blink Eyecare Burress Snellings Law Office
Nom Noms Mexican Grill & Chill North Texas Medical Partners Periodontist Dental Implants, David Philofsky DDS, MS
Fabulous Car Wash
Pioneer Ridge Gracious Living
Frisco Infertility
Second Evolution
Goody Asian Cuisine & Grill
Texas Health Physicians Group—McKinney Internal & Sports Medicine
Donut Kitchen
Goodyear Guitar Sanctuary Harry’s at the Harbor Legacy RX
Texas Pediatric Dentistry Thinique
Magnolia Family Dental
Total Nutrition
Mariannes
Village at Stonebridge Assisted Living and Memory Care
McKinney Salons of Volterra Med-Post Urgent Care
Yogi’s Yogurt
McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, come join us for fun, information and friendship. Every month we have a great program, speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of good socializing with new friends. For more information on Newcomers, visit www. mckinneynewcomers.com. This month’s program will be a feature presentation of Footloose by McKinney Summer Musicals. Their mission is to provide high-quality musical theatre, and to promote, improve and sustain the fine arts and education in the McKinney community. Performances for Footloose will be held at McKinney Boyd High School Auditorium. For more information, please visit their website, www. mckinneysummermusicals.com. Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 17 in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Parkway in McKinney. Social time with refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m. F Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x June 2014
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landscape & garden Water Conservation by Amanda Griffin Water restrictions make for stressful times when you have made an investment in your landscape. The purpose of water restrictions is to conserve water for the critical uses in a community. Everyone has to make sacrifices to get through the restrictive time. That sacrifice does not have to include landscape loss if you prioritize, upgrade your sprinkler system and actively manage your water use. Prioritize the spaces in your lawn for maximum water savings. Let your turf grow a little longer and reduce the watering time. Most common turf species used locally can survive once or twice a week watering, if done properly. Buzzing off your turf keeps it in a continual state of stress and keeps it from seeking deep water. Keep it hardy by giving it a strong foundation of roots and shading that root zone with beautiful long blades. For example, if the blade of your St. Augustine turf doesn’t touch your top knuckle when you place the tip of your finger at soil level, it is being mowed too short and is costing you more water to keep the stunted grass alive. Let it grow so you can focus your water use on your trees and bedding areas, which represent a much larger value in your property. Cut back or eliminate thirsty annuals and plant hardy
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or drought tolerant perennials instead, or forego spring color completely. Leaving a flower bed fallow and covered with mulch still looks tidy while allowing your soil to grow some beneficial organisms and keeping it healthy for future planting. Give kudos to SRCA for prioritizing in this way, and cutting out color in this critical time of drought. Upgrade your sprinkler system to make it more efficient. Making your system more efficient means that more water gets to the right place in the watering time, making it easier to comply with watering restrictions while still preserving your landscape health. It also means that less water is wasted flowing down the sidewalk or puddling in low-lying areas, thus reducing mosquitos and saving water and money. Find a licensed Texas irrigator who cares about water conservation and get an irrigation efficiency evaluation. The best part is efficiency improvements will keep giving you savings even after the water restrictions are lifted! The single largest opportunity for water savings is in the active management of your sprinkler system. Irrigation controllers need to be adjusted monthly (or more to really fine tune) by someone who is familiar with the landscape,
landscape & garden
the sprinkler system and has water savings in mind while making the adjustment (this is probably not your mowing guy. He just wants stuff not to die on his watch, so he is more likely to turn water up than down). Virtually every irrigation manufacturer has video tutorials or user manuals online to help you run your controller. Utilize the features on your controller by setting up different programs based on individual zones’ water needs, using multiple start times to maximize water absorption in your soil profile on your water days and keeping compliant with restrictions. Not sure how to do these things? Check with your licensed irrigator. An important part of management is keeping your system in good repair. Inspecting—by you or a licensed
irrigator—your system can save you hundreds by catching a leak early before your water savings literally go down the drain. Landscape management decisions include keeping at least 2 inches of mulch on all of your landscape beds, especially in the summer. Mulch shades bedding plants’ root zones, decreases evaporation and contributes to soil quality as it breaks down in your beds. It takes effort to keep your landscape alive during times of water restrictions. Employ your landscape and irrigation professional to help. Discuss your priorities, examine every option for savings and actively manage your landscape to minimize losses. These efforts will keep you compliant with water restrictions and continue to help you save water even when water restrictions are relaxed. Building a hardy landscape that can live on less water will help your water budget going forward, and you can feel good about contributing to the community, while resting in the confidence that your landscape is hardy, healthy and water smart. Amanda Griffin is a Certified Irrigation Contractor and Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor and an EPA WaterSense partner, TXLI#10969. She can be found on LinkedIn. SOS Inc. delivers water conservation options in existing irrigation systems, as well as water education and water management. www.save-both.com. F
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resId ent I n terest McKinney Medical Center Contest Winners Please join us in congratulating fellow Stonebridge Ranch residents Addison Cusack and Brendan Stutler for their win in naming two McKinney Medical Center surgical robots. Both Addison and Brendan competed with fellow McKinney ISD elementary school students in picking the top names for the surgical robots. Addison’s name for the MAKO orthopedic robot is HOPE (Helping Other People Electronically) and Brendan’s name for the da Vinci surgical robot is MONA (McKinney’s Own NonInvasive Assistant). The names were selected from hundreds of submissions by a panel of judges including physicians and hospital representatives. They received a family membership to the Heard Museum for one year and an opportunity to come into the operating room and meet their robot and the surgeons who use this technology daily. They were also given an opportunity to test-drive their robot! F
Save the Date! Stonebridge Ranch Day Saturday, July 26 Classic Car Show Beach Club Pool Party Volleyball Tournament Food Trucks Kid’s Zone Concert Fireworks Show Stonebridge Ranch Day Run
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socIal scene Teen Mixer A Teen Mixer will be held at the Aquatic Center on Monday, June 9, 8:30-10:30p.m., for students who just finished the 6th, 7th or 8th grade. This event will feature two game trucks, swimming, a hot dog cookout and a musical performance from School of Rock. There is no charge for SBR residents, however there is a $5 charge for non-residents. Please bring a change of clothing since you will not be allowed to enter the game trucks with wet bathing suits.
Kids Splash Hop at the Aquatic Center What’s more fun on a hot summer night than a neighborhood pool party just for kids? On Thursday, June 19 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., a Splash Hop will be held at the Aquatic Center for ages 10-12 years only. Mom and dad, drop off the kids and consider it a “date night.” There will be plenty of security with a pool manager, lifeguards and the McKinney Police Department in attendance. Hot dogs will be served and a disc jockey will provide entertainment. There is no charge for SBR residents; however there is a $5 charge for non-residents. The front gate will be monitored by the McKinney Police Department and children will not be allowed outside the gates once they are checked in. Parents should plan on picking up their children INSIDE the gate at 10:30 p.m. Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x June 2014
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socIal scene Family Beach Party We had great turnouts at our Family Beach Parties last summer, so make sure you don’t miss out this year! On Monday, June 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., a family beach party will be held with musical guest Nick & the Nighthawks. Nick and the Nighthawks play guitar-driven originals and covers. The covers span all genres from the 50’s to present day. This blazing 3-piece routinely performs country, blues, classic rock and jazz standards. The originals draw heavily from songs of current and past guitar greats. 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. This is a swimming event and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Valid ID required: Stonebridge ID or other form of ID with current Stonebridge Ranch address. Coolers are permitted, but no glass containers. There is a $5 nonresident guest fee.
Family Movie Night Remember drive-in theatres? Well you don’t have to be nostalgic anymore! Bring a blanket, cooler and the kids and watch a movie on a big outdoor screen! Join us “hill-side” at the Beach Club by the basketball and tennis courts on Thursday, June 12 at 9 p.m. for the #1 animated film of all time, Frozen. Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey— teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The movie will begin right at dusk (9 p.m.) Be sure to bring snacks and beverages (in plastic containers) and don’t forget the bug spray! One hr. 48 min.; Rated PG; Animation/Action/ Adventure/Comedy; Director: Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck; Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana.
Karaoke Pool Party Start the summer off with a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Bring the gang out to the Aquatic Center on Thursday, June 26 from 8:30-10:30 p.m., for a swim AND karaoke party! We had a great turnout for this event last summer with many great karaoke performers. Even if you don’t sing, this night is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Hot dogs will be served until supplies run out. BYOB, NO glass containers please. Non-resident guest fee is $5.
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socIal scene Summer Camps 2014 10 & Under
Having fun is the number one factor in keeping kids involved. Ten & Under Tennis is an exciting new play format for learning tennis. It is designed to bring kids into the game by adapting the equipment, court dimensions and the scoring to the age and size of the children. Ten & Under Tennis enables kids to have more enjoyable experiences early on in the learning process. Time: 10-11 a.m. Cost: $60 per week.
Future Star Camp (ages 11 & up)
This class is designed for beginner and intermediate players ages 11 and up. Players will be placed in groups according to level of ability. All aspects of the game will be covered in this class. Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $85 per week
Tennis Academy
For players who are competing in ZAT, Champ and Super Champ tournaments. Topics covered include stroke production, tactics and strategy, quickness drills and mental toughness and match play. Players should be at a high level of fitness before attending this camp. Time: 8-11 a.m.—Drills & Fitness 12-2 p.m.—Match Play Cost: Full Camp—$299 per week; Morning Session only—$199 per week; Match Camp Session only— $165 per week (space limited )
14th Annual Summer Spectacular Kid’s Camp
This camp is for kids ages 6-10 and includes tennis, swimming, arts and crafts and lunch. Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $150 for one camp and $280 for both camps Week I—July 28-31, Week II—August 4-7 Camp Dates: Week 1—June 9-12, Week 2—June 16-19, Week 3—June 23-26, Week 4—June 30-July 3, Week 5—July 7-10, Week 6—July 14-17, Week 7—July 21-24, Week 8—July 28-31, Week 9—August 4-7, Week 10—August 11-14, Week 11—August 18-21. Camp policies and procedures: Due to inclement weather, Fridays will be used as make-up days for all camps. If you are uncertain whether classes will be held or not due to inclement weather, a message will be posted on www.TennisCoachDave.com one-half hour before class time. A 10% discount will be given to all students signing up for multiple weeks. It is the parent’s responsibility to take off the 10% prior to sending the check. Registration can also be done online at www. TennisCoachDave.com or mail to Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 attn. Dave Wiest. F Stonebridge Ranch HOA News x June 2014
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