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31
STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS JUNE 2015
Vol. 2, Issue 6
Contents 24
IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
8
26
This Month’s Feature by Sherine George
12
Inside the Ranch by Michael Lesku
13
Compliance Tips by Nate Russell
14 Lifestyle 16
Community Calendar
18
Financial Update by Michael Lesku
20
Your Neighbor by Sherine George
24
From Your Neightbor
25
Around the Ranch Photos by Mike Cawley
26 Stonebridgeranch.com by Sherine George
28
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 10
Resident Interest
15
Pet Page
19
Bits and Pieces
22
Public Safety
Stonebridge Ranch News © 2015 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 Sherine George Michael Lesku Nate Russell
cover photo Sherine George
Summer is almost here and the water restrictions have been lifted
Summer seems to come around quicker each year. Hard to believe another year has passed. The pools are now open on their regular schedule. Last year at this time, the lakes were really down and we had water restrictions. Thanks to all of the recent rains, the restrictions have now been lifted and we can once again water twice a week, if needed. Hopefully, we will continue to have periodic rains to keep the lakes full. Candidate forums were held for City Council District 2, 4 and at-large candidates on April 23 and 28, to provide an opportunity for homeowners to see and hear from the candidates for these positions. Elections have consequences and we felt it was important to sponsor these forums to give our homeowners a way to hear from the candidates.
April 23 Board Meeting
The board meeting of April 23 was called to order at 1 p.m. All board members were present. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. Five homeowners from Falcon Creek attended to discuss fencing along the alleys in their village. The first item of business was to ratify all decisions since the last board meeting and approve the March board minutes.
Old Business
Director Campbell presented conceptual plans and cost estimates associated with the enhancement of the Aquatics Center and the development of the vacant land adjacent to the Aquatics Center into a Civic Plaza. The board unanimously voted to authorize McCaskill Design Group to prepare design and construction documents for the Aquatic Center Enhancement and Civic Plaza development projects. There is additional information about this project in an article in this month’s magazine. Treasurer MacFee presented potential funding options for the board to consider for the Aquatic Center enhancements. The board then reviewed and discussed various examples of fences that may require some level of maintenance to determine where violations should be issued. The board tabled this issue pending additional information. Director George presented the bid summary for the Virginia Road entry landscape enhancement project and the design agreement for the Custer Road entry enhancement project. The board unanimously voted to approve both projects.
New Business
The board reviewed the timeline for landscape maintenance bid specifications and the timing to send out the bid specs. We place our landscaping contracts for competitive bidding every three years. We then reviewed and approved a revised policy for the Communications Committee, further defining their editorial review and approval policy. The board discussed and approved a proposal from the Communications Committee on the production and distribution of a resident disaster preparedness brochure in an upcoming issue of the Stonebridge Ranch magazine. The board then considered and unanimously approved a re-plat in Coronado Village to allow for construction of three new homes. Prior to this re-plat, there were four lots, but one of them was too small to allow anything to be built on it so we approved re-platting the four lots into three.
Executive Session
The board reviewed and approved the Collections report for delinquent accounts and heard an update on legal issues. We approved an appeal of a violation and closed it. We also reviewed and made appropriate decisions on three homeowner violations that were presented to the board for resolution. We also discussed fencing standards for homes that have alleys behind them. No action was taken.
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.
Director of Operations Lesku reviewed the Strategic Plan updates for 2015. Updates included status reports on the Virginia and Custer Road entry enhancements, progress on the Top Ten Meter Project, Community Room expansion plans and disaster preparedness plans. Board liaisons presented updates on committee activities reflected in the April committee minutes. Watch the Stonebridge website and the monthly calendar in the magazine for even more planned events. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2015
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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 Michael Lesku—Director of Operations Renee Mooney—Receptionist Laura Parker—Receptionist Candace Rickman—Executive Assistant Maria Ford—Compliance Coordinator Erica Peoples— Compliance Coordinator Rony Peterson—Compliance Coordinator Nate Russell—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 Norm Counts—Director Tom George—Director Bill Campbell—Director Stonebridge Ranch News is the only authorized and official monthly publication for the residents of the Stonebridge Ranch community, with news and calendar of community events endorsed by the Stonebridge Ranch Association and its members. Stonebridge Ranch News is published for the residents of Stonebridge Ranch for informational purposes only. The Stonebridge Ranch Association does not guarantee any work or claims made by the advertisers and claims no responsibility or liability for statements made in the publication. Stonebridge Ranch does not in any way endorse or support, nor does it take any credit or responsibility for the services, paid or volunteer, nor statements made in articles or letters published herein not endorsed by the Association or the group decision of the Board of Directors.
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thIs month’ s feature Amenities Master Plan by Sherine George The second initiative for the 2015 Strategic Plan is the Amenities Master Plan. The board of directors and the Amenities Committee have made considerable headway on the initiative, which started with a bus tour of a dozen design firms around the community. After being provided a design challenge, three consultants were chosen and ultimately, the board and committee finalized on one design firm. SRCA spoke with board director and liaison to the Amenities Committee, Bill Campbell, on the progress the board has made since then.
SRCA: Why is this initiative so important? And how did this initiative come about?
BC: SBR celebrated its 26th anniversary last year. During that time, we have replaced and repaired our amenities, but have never upgraded them or built new ones. We have grown in population over the years to the point now where we are over 9,000 homes with over 30,000 residents. During our strategic planning session, this became a top priority as the board discussed the aging amenities and
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our growth in population. We felt it was the prudent thing to do if we were going to be true to our mission statement of being the premier master-planned community of choice in North Texas.
SRCA: The last time we spoke, you shared that SRCA had selected a consultant—David McCaskill Design Group (DMDG). What progress has been made since then?
BC: DMDG has completed 99% of the work that we asked them to do. They did a complete inventory of all the amenities within SBR. They cataloged their inventory and presented it to the Amenities Committee and the board of directors. They presented ideas for improvements that could be made to the existing amenities and also ideas for the adjacent green spaces where no amenities exist currently. These ideas were examined and discussed with the Amenities Committee and, ultimately, the committee recommended to the board that we move ahead with the Aquatic Center project, which will include the vacant land south of the pool. The board accepted this recommendation.
thIs month’ s feature Now DMDG is working to refine the initial ideas to meet our budgetary requirements. The next step will be full board approval with a plan not to exceed budget. DMDG will begin working on design documents for construction. We anticipate engaging a construction management firm to work along with DMDG to assure that we meet our budgetary goals for the project. If all goes well, we will break ground on the construction this fall after the pool closes and have all the improvement done by summer 2016!
SRCA: What are the top amenities projects? What is the timeline for these projects?
BC: The Aquatic Center was the number one project. We did not rank the remaining projects, but a list (in no particular order) of the other projects that we will consider include: Nora Haney Park; Tennis and Beach Club; Fountain View Phase III; La Cima open space; Serenity Park area; Regent’s Park area open space; and Autumn Ridge hike and bike trail. The plan was to focus all the energy on the Aquatic Center. Once that project is off and rolling, and when we get additional budget authorization from the board, we will look at which projects come next.
SRCA: As a homeowner can I access a copy of the common area amenities inventory?
BC: Yes, just visit www.stonebridgeranch.com. It is in
the Documents Library under the category, Amenities Information. The document is titled Amenities Inventory.
SRCA: Previously you had mentioned that part of the master plan process would be gauging feedback from Stonebridge Ranch homeowners. Has the board formed a plan to do that? BC: As DMDG begins the construction document process, we plan to hold public meetings to get input from residents on the design for the Aquatic Center and adjacent improvements. Please pay attention to our communication channels for information on when those meetings will take place.
SRCA: What is the take-away for Stonebridge Ranch residents in regards to the Amenities Master Plan? What’s in it for them?
BC: With SBR now being 25 years old, we have undertaken a plan to keep us current and relevant. McKinney is the #1 Best Place to Live in America according to Money magazine. SBR is a HUGE part of that. Your board has committed financial resources and board, committee, consultant and staff time to keeping SBR updated and looking beautiful. You, as a homeowner, will continue to see your quality of life at the level you have come to expect, and your investment in your home will remain strong, sound and safe. We are committed to the next 25 years of SBR being at the same high level of quality as the first. F
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resId ent I n terest Water Conservation in the Home
The Facts About Leaks
• The average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, or the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry. • Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. • Common types of leaks found in the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable. • Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills. • Keep your home leak-free by repairing dripping faucets, toilet flappers and showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts don’t require a major investment. • Most common leaks can be eliminated after retrofitting a household with new WaterSense labeled fixtures and other high-efficiency appliances
How to Use Leak Detector Tablets
1. Remove the lid to your toilet. 2. Place the blue pills found in the packet in tank part of your toilet. 3. Wait about 15 minutes. 4. If the water in your toilet becomes blue, it means you have a leak. Learn how to fix a leak on the Environmental Protection Agency website, www.epa.gov/watersense.
Common Leaks Toilets
• If your toilet is leaking, the cause is often an old, faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on it. It’s usually best to replace the whole rubber flapper—a relatively easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project that pays for itself in no time. • If you do need to replace the entire toilet, look for a WaterSense labeled model. If the average family replaces its older, inefficient toilets with new WaterSense labeled ones, it could save 13,000 gallons per year. Retrofitting the house could save the family nearly $2,400 in water and wastewater bills over the lifetime of the toilets.
Faucets
• A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That’s the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers! • Leaky faucets can be fixed by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replacing them if necessary. If you are replacing a faucet, look for the WaterSense label.
Showerheads
• A showerhead leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That’s the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher.
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resIdent Interest
• Most leaky showerheads can be fixed by ensuring a tight connection using pipe tape and a wrench. If you are replacing a showerhead, look for one that has earned the WaterSense label.
Outdoors
• An irrigation system should be checked each spring before use to make sure it was not damaged by frost or freezing. An irrigation system that has a leak 1/32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.
• To ensure that your in-ground irrigation system is not leaking water, consult with a WaterSense irrigation partner who has passed a certification program focused on water efficiency; look for a WaterSense irrigation partner. • Check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks while you run your hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench. F
Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2015
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InsId e the ranch City Revises Water Restrictions McKinney’s Drought Contingency Plan Terminated and Water Conservation Plan Implemented
by Michael Lesku On April 10, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) issued a news release indicating water supply reservoirs had reached sufficient levels and capacities to terminate all stages of the Drought Contingency Plan. Effective May 1, they terminated the Drought Contingency Plan and implemented the Water Conservation Plan. In accordance with the recommendation from the NTMWD, the city manager has issued an Administrative Directive terminating the city’s Drought Contingency Plan and activating the Landscape Water Management Plan. Please contact the city’s Water/Waste Water Department at 972.547.7360 for questions or updates regarding watering restrictions. Highlights of the Landscape Water Management Plan are as follows: • All residential, commercial and common areas will be allowed to water lawns/landscape on the designated trash pickup day and three days later, as needed. • Irrigation systems with registered and properly programmed and functioning ET controllers shall be exempt from water restriction schedules. • Golf course greens and active athletic fields are exempt from the water restriction schedules. • Newly planted landscape is exempt from water restriction schedules for a period of 30 days from the date it was installed. Overseeding is not exempt. • Automated lawn/landscape irrigation from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April 1 to October 31) during precipitation events and during freezing temperatures is prohibited. • Water waste during irrigation activities is prohibited. • Filling lakes or ponds in excess of 500 square feet with treated water is prohibited.
Penalties
Violating 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
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complIance tI ps Compliance Quiz by Nate Russell We are officially in the heat of summer. And while all that Texas heat might be getting you down, we have something to get you up—free Starbucks gift cards! Yes, it’s time for our bi-monthly compliance quiz. As always, the first three correct responses will receive a $15 Starbucks gift card. Please send all responses to nrussell@ cmamanagement.com. Also, please send suggestions for different gift card types you would like to see as prizes. All of the answers can be found in the Design Guidelines on the website at www.stonebridgeranch.com. The association has recently updated its Design Guidelines. Please reference the Documents tab of our website to review all of the changes. If you ever have any questions on the interpretation of the guidelines, feel free to give us a call or come see us at the office. Thank you for your compliance! F Rony Peterson, Maria Ford, Nate Russell, Erica Peoples, Joyce Martin; CMA Compliance Coordinators, Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc.
Answer Options: •Arbor/Pergola •Playhouse •Exterior Lighting •Satellite Dish •Sign 1. Required to be aimed or screened so as to not glare on your neighbors. Seasonal _______ may be displayed one month prior to the holiday and must be removed no later than one week after the date of the holiday being celebrated. 2. Located in side or rear yard only. Must have 10 foot clearance from any playhouse, storage building or any other attached structure. 3. Security/alarm ______ are permitted in the front yard. No ______ shall be attached to any structure or fence. 4. Shall be made of wood, plastic or resin construction. Paint and roofing shall match or complement that of the house. 5. Color shall be dark bronze, dark gray, dark green or black. Placement of the ______ shall be in the least obtrusive location, preferably in the rear or side yard.
Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2015
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lIfestyle McKinney Ladies Association
The McKinney Ladies Association presented $6,000 to Shiloh Place of McKinney on April 13, after a highly successful Spring Fashion Show fundraiser in early March. “We are so happy to be able to present this money to Shiloh Place, which is a wonderful ministry to single moms and their children,” said Tammy de Wet, a McKinney business owner who served as fashion show chairwoman. “Shiloh Place offers housing, childcare and tuition assistance for up to two years to ladies that qualify for their program. MLA is proud to support this outstanding agency.” MLA President Cynthia Nelson thanked everyone who attended the fashion show, donated silent auction items and served as models. “We were thrilled to partner with some wonderful McKinney businesses during our fashion show,” Nelson said. “On behalf of the MLA Board of Directors, I would like to publicly thank our key partners, The Sanctuary, Cynthia Elliot Boutique and Shear Image Salon.”
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 On June 16, performers will be the McKinney Summer Musicals. The program will include comments from Kevyn Robertson, director of the theatrical presentation, Camelot, followed by performances by one or more cast members to give us a small glimpse of what to expect in the show. Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 16, 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.
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McKinney Boyd Bailadoras
Recently the McKinney Boyd High School Bailadoras drill team travelled to Galveston to compete at the Showtime Nationals Dance Competition. After a two-day contest facing challenging competition, the Bailadoras not only came away as national champions, but for the first time in the history of the organization, they swept the competition and brought home the title of Overall National Grand Champions for a medium high school team! The Bailadoras won 1st place with their team contemporary, prop and kick routines, and 2nd place with their pom routine. The Bailadora Elite Team won 1st place with their jazz, contemporary and hip-hop routines. The Bailadora officers won 1st place with their contemporary, lyrical and open routines and 3rd place with their hip-hop. These young women represented not only McKinney Boyd High School, but also the City of McKinney, very well. Over the two days, the judges were so impressed by the performances of this talented group, they chose to award the Bailadoras a special “Applause Award” for precision demonstrated consistently throughout the competition. The Bailadoras were founded nine years ago. Out of those nine years, they have been crowned national champions three times: 2010, 2012 and 2015. This success demonstrates not only the team’s talent, but the time, dedication and hard work put forth by these young ladies. Under the leadership of Mrs. Caris Dunn, the director, and Mrs. Hannah Gassett, the assistant director, the Bailadoras have become a top performing arts program that is recognized across the state and nationally. The Bailadoras performed their award-winning dances at their annual spring show on May 1 and 2. F
”Baci” & ”Dulce”
Baci was born in February and is now ready for his forever home! This little guy loves to go exploring, especially outside. He’s playful but also so, so sweet. He gives kisses every time you pick him up! He is a short-haired dachshund/terrier mix. Dulce is Baci’s sister and littermate and she is also ready for her forever home! Dulce loves to run like a crazy girl outside and she’s also super sweet. Every time you pick her up, get ready for the kisses! She got the long hair of the family and they will both be about 10 pounds when they are full-grown. They both are very good with other dogs, cats and people of all ages. Their adoption donation is $250 each and includes all of their puppy shots, spay/neuter and microchip. Their mom, a long haired dachshund/terrier mix, was pulled from a rural shelter before we knew she was pregnant so, unfortunately, we don’t know what breed their dad was. If you would like to meet these adorable puppies, please apply online at: http:// legacyhumanesociety.org/adoptfoster/ adoption-application/ and their foster mom will be in contact within 24 hours. F Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2015
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Beach Club Family Pool Party, 6 p.m. (BTC) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 a.m.-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Teen Mixer, 8:30 p.m. (AC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 a.m.-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) Amenities Meeting, 7 p.m. (BR)
9-10 am—Stroller Stride 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 a.m.-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
8 a.m.-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
8 a.m.-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
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Coffee Talk, 8:30
9-10 am—Stroller Stride
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Social Committe 9 a.m. (BR)
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9-10 am—Stroller Stride
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR)
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 a.m.-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
9-10 am—Stroller Stride
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
june 1 june 5, 12, 19 & 2 june 3, 10, 17 & 2 june 6 stonebridge
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)
0 a.m. (CR)
es (BTC)
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
es (BTC)
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
ee Meeting,
es (BTC)
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Stonebridge Singles Brunch & Tour, 12 p.m. (Off Site)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Movie Night, 9 p.m. (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Communications Committee Meeting, 9 a.m. (BR)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) Evening on the Veranda, 8:30 p.m. (BTC) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) Coffee, Cars & Conversation, 8:30 a.m. (CR)
Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR) Kid’s Splash Hop, 8:30 p.m. (AC)
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 8 a.m.-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
es (BTC)
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
Beach Club family pool party 6 p.m. (BTC) 26 TGIF Coffee 1 p.m. (cr) 24 coffee talk 8:30 a.m. (CR) stonebridge singles brunch & tour 12 p.m. (off site)
june 8
Teen Mixer 8:30 p.m. (AC)
june 11 Movie Night 9 p.m. (BTC) june 12 evening on the veranda 8:30 p.m. (btc) june 18 Kid’s splash hop 8:30 p.m. (AC) june 20 coffee, cars & conversation 8:30 a.m. (cr)
Stonebridge Ranch HOA News News x Junex September 2015 2013
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fInancIal update Inside the Ranch 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 2015, the association will spend approximately $1.4 million in utilities, of which $1.25 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 time and effort spent on the part of the association to improve the efficiency of the irrigation system, reduce the amount of water used to sustain the common area landscape and reduce the overall annual water expense and its impact on owner assessments. To that end, the association recently approved some test sites where pressure regulators, flow sensors and upgraded ET irrigation controllers have been installed to help improve efficiency and reduce consumption. If successful, this model can then be replicated throughout the remaining common area landscape.
Irrigating the Association Common Area Landscape • Stonebridge Ranch has 519 acres of common areas. • The 2015 budget for common area irrigation is $1.25 million. 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
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bIts & pIe ces
How Well Do You Know the Pool Rules? The first three respondents to answer these True or False questions correctly will get a $15 Starbucks gift card! Please send your responses to sgeorge@ cmamanagement.com
1. The photo ID schedule can be found on the website, www.stonebridgeranch.com. 2. Children three years and older need a birth certificate, adoption certificate, passport or state issued ID card to access the SRCA amenities. 3. Please note that acceptable forms of ID required to access the community amenities, including the association pools, include a current photo and your Stonebridge Ranch address, such as a valid Texas drivers license. 4. If you have a form of ID that fits the abovementioned criteria, you do not need to obtain an SRCA photo ID. 5. All residents must carry appropriate ID to fish at any of the community lakes and to use the community pools. 6. All residents must be current on their account to obtain an ID to access the pools. 7. Having the proper identification and keeping your account in good standing will ensure hassle-free access to the pools. Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2015
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your neIg hbor Resident Spotlight: Everett and Merritt Sjolseth by Sherine George Hasbro Community Action Hero Award. Together the brothers have completed service projects ranging from collecting and distributing Homeless Care Kits and Chemo Care Kits, to collecting and donating over 1,200 books for the Children’s Medical Center. Since starting service projects in 2012, the boys have served over 3000 community service hours each. Everett and Merritt, who have lived in Briar Ridge for over six years, shared with SRCA some of their favorite memories of doing service projects.
SRCA: When did you start doing service projects?
Everett: When I was five and Merritt was three.
What are some of your favorite projects? Merritt Sjolseth making Chemo Care Kits. Everett and Merritt Sjolseth (eight and six years old, respectively) were featured on the cover of American Profile, a national magazine with 16 million readers. In 2012, as a kindergartner, Everett was a semi-finalist for the National
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Merritt: Cleaning the creek.
SRCA: Which creek?
Merritt: The creek by my school, Glen Oaks. And, I also like doing the Kindness Kits where we add fun things for acts of kindness and do things like Chemo Care Kits and the one in the sock—the Homeless Care Kit.
your neIghbor How does giving back make you feel?
Merritt: It just makes our family happy, and I feel like I accomplished something good.
Can other kids do what you are doing?
Everett: Yes! Anyone can, even from the age of, like, 2 and older. Anyone that wants to make a difference, can. When I first started doing this, people told us we were too young. But, we did it anyway, and this is our third year of doing it. We proved them wrong.
How can other kids get involved in giving back to the community?
Merritt Sjolseth
Merritt: They can join us, and we can do it together, like bringing supplies to the homeless shelter or doing projects like busy books for sick kids in the hospital. Everett: For the young ones, giving to others, like people in the nursing home flowers, or making sure you give compliments. Merritt: For other kids, they can pick up litter and make Chemo Care Kits. I remember we would bring in our neighbors’ trashcans when we first started doing our acts of kindness. Really, anything they can do when they find someone that needs help. And, everyone needs help. Everett and Merritt’s dedication to giving back to the community has inspired many parents and children to do the same. For families looking for innovative ways to give back, Everett and Merritt suggest visiting penniesoftime.com. F
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publIc safety Do You Dig Living in Stonebridge Ranch? Call 811 First! Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney is a great place to live—voted the number one place to live in the nation by Money magazine! Beautiful homes, lovely parks, golf, swimming—it’s all there. That’s how it appears to the naked eye. But that’s only part of the picture—and what you can’t see can hurt you. Texas has over 425,000 miles of buried pipelines and cables. They’re everywhere, and more are put down every day. Protecting that buried infrastructure from damage is where Texas811 comes in. Texas811 is the non-profit “call before you dig” entity in Texas and is part of the nationally mandated 811 system headquartered at call811.com. You don’t have to be a professional excavator to call 811. Even the simple act of a homeowner planting a tree or putting in a fence using hand shovels or post hole diggers could end with a severed telecommunications line or punctured gas or water line. So, after you’ve received any necessary approvals from your homeowner ’s association for a project requiring digging, before you break the ground, dial 811. A friendly
operator will take your dig site information and contact relevant utilities. In turn, the utilities will paint and/or flag the approximate location of their buried lines, alerting you to what’s below. When you return to put up that fence or plant that tree, you’ll see markings or colored flags telling you where NOT to dig. The colors painted on the ground are not random. Each indicates exactly what’s beneath the surface.
Red—Electric
Orange—Telecommunications/Alarms Green—Sewer or Drains
Yellow—Natural Gas or Petroleum Products Blue—Potable Water
White—Proposed Excavation
Pink—Temporary Survey Markings
There is no worse feeling than accidentally cutting through a buried pipeline or telecommunications cable. It’s embarrassing, it’s expensive, and in the case of buried petroleum, gas or electric mains, it can be fatal, too.
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publIc safety You might be asking, why do I have to do all of this?
Effective September 1, 2007, the Railroad Commission adopted Title 16, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Part I Chapter 18 entitled Underground Pipeline Damage Prevention to increase pipeline safety in Texas and to reduce damage to underground pipelines resulting from the movement of earth by persons in the vicinity of those pipelines, which is the number one cause of pipeline incidents in the state.
Texas law requires you to call 811 at least 48 hours before you dig/excavate, excluding weekends and legal holidays. There is no cost to the caller. Title 16 TAC Chapter 18 defines excavation as the movement of earth by any means. This includes inserting, moving or removing any object in the ground, even fence
posts, rods, stakes, picks, shovels or other hand tools. When a pipeline is damaged, notify the pipeline operator immediately through the One-Call Notification Center (811) within two hours of the incident. Pipeline damage includes, but is not limited to: 1) Defacing, scraping, displacement, penetration, destruction or partial or complete severance of an underground pipeline or of any protective coating, housing or other protective device of an underground pipeline; 2) Weakening of structural or lateral support of an underground pipeline that affects the integrity of the pipeline; or 3) Failure to properly replace the backfill surrounding an underground pipeline. A Texas Damage Reporting Form (TDRF) must be filed with the Railroad Commission at www.rrc.texas.gov within 10 working days of the incident. A working day is every day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. For more information about the RRC Pipeline Damage Prevention Program, please visit our website at http://www.rrc.texas.gov/pipelinesafety/pipeline-damage-prevention-program/. Remember, the 811 call is free, and the locate service is free. If that’s not enough, it’s also Texas law. Visit us at www.texas811.org and know what’s below. Call 811 before you dig. F
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from your neI g hbor Culinary Classics From Your Neighbor active five-year-old son. They love living in Stonebridge Ranch because of the beautiful neighborhoods, parks and amazing schools. Samuel especially enjoys spending summer days at the Beach Club and Aquatic Center. With summer nearly here, Priscilla wanted to share her quick and easy corn casserole recipe. The recipe has been in her family for many years and is always a favorite at family gatherings and potlucks. Priscilla says the recipe “is perfect for any time of the year, but especially popular in the summer months and can be doubled when necessary. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!”
Corn Casserole
Priscilla Wertenberger and her family have been living in Falcon Creek for over six years. She and her husband David are the parents of Samuel, their very
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 2 eggs, beaten 8 oz. sour cream 1-14-17 oz. can creamed corn 1-15 oz. can whole corn, drained (Fresh cooked corn may be used in place of canned whole corn) 1 package Jiffy corn muffin mix Dash of salt, pepper *Optional: Add chopped jalapeno to mix before baking, sprinkle cheddar cheese over top during last 5 minutes, until melted. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients. Pour into a greased 2- or 3-quart casserole dish and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. We are working towards a Stonebridge Ranch cookbook. Please join in on the fun and share your favorite recipe with us—and the story behind it! Did you serve it at your wedding? Is the recipe in your family? Maybe you discovered it while on vacation? We want to know! Please email your recipe to sgeorge@cmamanagement.com and we will try to include it in our upcoming issue. F
around the ranch
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www.stonebrI dgeranch.com www.StonebridgeRanch.com by Sherine George As the hurried excitement of summer draws near, don’t forget to utilize the community website, www. stonebridgeranch.com. You can plan anything from family trips to the Aquatic Center to a quiet Evening on the Veranda. Just visit the community website and look for the blue calendar icon along the right hand corner of the homepage. Click on the icon and view this month’s events and meetings. Note that the Community Calendar is updated on a monthly basis. To read more about each event, just click on the link that interests you. Perhaps you want to be notified of events as they come up? Log in to the website, go to My Profile and select the types of events you’re interested in and how far in advance you’d like to be notified. The appropriate notifications will be emailed to you. Maybe you are interested in knowing what days you can take your kids to the Aquatic Center? The Aquatic
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Center schedule, as well as the following items, can be found under the Amenities drop-down menu. • Aquatics Center Schedule • Beach Club Schedule • Swim Lesson Schedule • Aqua Aerobics Schedule • Photo ID Schedule • Tennis Class Information If you recently moved to Stonebridge Ranch and have not obtained your ID, be sure to do so during our scheduled photo ID sessions. Each year, SRCA posts a photo ID schedule for residents interested in using the community amenities. Based on resident feedback, we have extended our photo ID schedule, providing you with more dates and times to obtain your ID. We have added an additional 40 hours per week to the schedule. Feel free to swing by on your lunch break (Monday-Friday) or even on your way home from work (we are open until 7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays!)
www.stonebrIdgeranch.com session. The photo ID form located in the Forms and Applications section of the Document Library can be printed and completed in advance to help reduce your wait time at your photo ID session. Please keep the following information in mind when obtaining a photo ID.
• All residents must carry appropriate ID to
Please note that acceptable forms of ID required to access the community amenities, including the association pools, include a current photo and your Stonebridge Ranch address, such as a valid Texas drivers license. If you have a form of ID that fits this criteria, you do not need to obtain an SRCA photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID that fits the abovementioned criteria, please note that you will be asked to fill out a photo ID form when you attend your photo ID
fish at any of the community lakes and to use the community pools. • Children three years and older need a birth certificate, adoption certificate, passport or state-issued ID card. • All residents must be current on their account to obtain an ID. Residents with an outstanding account balance will be denied access. Having the proper identification and keeping your account in good standing will ensure hassle free access to the pools. Our website houses a plethora of information right at your fingertips. Remember, you can even sign up through the website to receive weekly SRCA e-news on community news and events. Visit www. stonebridgeranch.com and click on Sign up for E-news, under the Quick Links section and get up-to-date information delivered to your inbox! F
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socIal scene Summer Camps 2015 10 & Under
10 & Under tennis is an exciting new play format for learning tennis, designed to bring kids into the game by adapting the equipment, court dimensions and the scoring to the age and size of the children. 10 & Under tennis enables kids to have more enjoyable experiences early on in the learning process and having fun is the number one factor in keeping kids involved. Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost: $65 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 ability level. All aspects of the game will be covered in this class. Time: 10 a.m. to 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 a.m. to 11 a.m.—Drills & Fitness 12 p.m. to 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 Date: July 27-30
Tennis Camp Dates:
Week 1, Jun. 8-11; Week 2, Jun. 15-18; Week 3, Jun. 22-25; Week 4, Jun. 29-Jul. 2; Week 5, Jul. 6-9; Week 6, Jul. 13-16; Week 7, Jul. 20-23; Week 8, Jul. 27-30; Week 9, Aug. 3-6; Week 10, Aug. 10-13; Week 11, Aug. 17-20.
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.selecttennisacademy.com 1/2 hour before class time. A 10% discount will be given to all students signing up for multiple weeks who pay by check. It is the parent’s responsibility to take off the 10% prior to sending the check. Discount is not given when paying by credit card. Registration can also be done online at www. selecttennisacademy.com or mail to Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071, attn: Dave Wiest.
Coffee, Cars & Conversation
Can’t make it to our weekday Coffee Talk? Join us for refreshments at our upcoming Coffee, Cars & Conversation on Saturday, June 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m., SBR Community Room (near the entrance of the Beach Club). Stonebridge residents only. Coffee, water and donuts will be provided. Bring your classic/fancy car to park in the circular drive!
Family Movie Night Remember drive-in theatres? It’s 2015, and the next best thing to pulling up your car and popping in a static-filled speaker is bringing a blanket, cooler and the kids and watching a movie on a big outdoor screen! Join us “hill-side”
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socIal scene by the basketball and tennis courts for Big Hero 6 on Thursday, June 11 at 9 p.m. Robotics prodigy Hiro (Ryan Potter) lives in the city of San Fransokyo. Next to his older brother, Tadashi, Hiro’s closest companion is Baymax (Scott Adsit), a robot whose sole purpose is to take care of people. When a devastating turn of events throws Hiro into the middle of a dangerous plot, he transforms Baymax and his other friends, Go Go Tamago (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and Fred (T.J. Miller) into a band of high-tech heroes. The movie will begin right at dusk, about 9 p.m. The association will provide popcorn for the event, but feel free to bring snacks (plastic containers, please!) and don’t forget the bug spray.
Family Beach Party We had great turnouts last summer at our family beach parties and the Social Committee has one lined up every month this summer. They are a great way to spend Monday nights, so don’t miss out. Our first beach party of the summer is scheduled for Monday, June 1, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with music by Nick & The Nighthawks. 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 Stonebridge ID or other form of ID with current Stonebridge Ranch address is required. Coolers are permitted, but no glass containers. There is a $5 non-resident guest fee. Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2015
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socIal scene Evening on the Veranda Looking for a relaxing way to end a busy week? The Social Committee has planned a great event for you to enjoy the outdoors, listen to some great music and sip your favorite beverage. Grab your folding chair and join us at the Beach and Tennis Club, located at 6201 Virginia Pkwy., for an Evening on the Veranda on Friday, June 12, 9-11 p.m. with The Bodarks. Glass containers are prohibited, so be sure to purchase aluminum or plastic containers. This is an adult only event. The Beach and Tennis Club is a smoke-free event and you must be 21 years old to enter. Light snacks, sodas and water will be available. Gates open at 8:30 p.m. and live music begins at 9 p.m. Photo ID or current driver’s license with a Stonebridge address is required and there is a $5 fee for non-resident guests. You can view the Bodarks online or visit their Facebook Page.
Kids Splash Hop at the Aquatic Center
On Thursday, June 18, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., a Splash Hop will be held at the Aquatic Center for ages 10-12 years only. Consider it a “date night,� mom and dad, and drop off the kids. 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 be playing. 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 by 10:30 p.m.
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socIal scene Teen Mixer Swim Party A Teen Mixer will be held at the Aquatic Center on Monday, June 8 from 8:30-10:30 p.m., for ages 12-15. This event will feature a D.J., Game Truck, swimming and a hot dog cookout. 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 Truck with wet bathing suits.
Stonebridge Singles Brunch/Tour Where: Harvest Restaurant, 112 E. Louisiana Street, McKinney When: Saturday, June 6, 12 p.m. Are you single? Come join us! We will be enjoying brunch at Harvest in downtown McKinney. At 3 p.m., we will tour the historic Heard-Craig House located at 205 W. Hunt Street in McKinney. Please email Cindy to RSVP at galvanlaw@att.net by May 23.
Adult Big Bass Tournament Winners Congratulations to James Alford who took first place with a 17-1/2-inch bass and Cindy Galvan placed second with a 16-1/2-inch bass. The tournament was held on Saturday, April 18, at Stonebridge Lake. F
Upcoming July Events
4 Activities at the Beach and Sand Castle Building Contest
13 Beach Club Family Pool Party 21 Travel Club
25 Stonebridge Ranch Day
26 Stonebridge Ranch Day Run Coffee Talk every Wednesday Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2015
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