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STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS JUNE 2016
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Vol. 4, Issue 6
Contents 14
IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
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This Month’s Feature
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by Erica Lee
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In the News by Erica Lee
13 Lifestyle 14
Compliance Tips
16
Community Calendar
18
Inside the Ranch by Erica Lee
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Around the Ranch
26
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 20
Pet Page
22
Resident Interest by Erica Lee
Stonebridge Ranch News © 2016 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is individually mailed free of charge to all residents of Stonebridge Ranch. Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807. Visit www.allenimage.com.
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from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS
publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
office administrator Carrie McCormick
contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Erica Lee
cover photo Erica Lee
Summer is fast approaching! Beginning May 31, the pools will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Beach Club will be closed on Mondays for cleaning and the Aquatic Center on Tuesdays. If you are not aware, there are now two new restaurants in Adriactica. In addition to Harry’s on the Harbor, Starwood Café and Gregory’s Bistro are now open.
April 28 Board Meeting
The board meeting of April 28 was called to order at 1 p.m. Six board members were present. Board member Norm Counts did not attend. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. No homeowners appeared. The next item of business was to ratify all decisions since the last board meeting and approve an appointment to the Finance committee.
Old Business
The board reviewed the status of the Community room expansion project. While it is behind schedule, it should be completed and open for activities sometime in May. We had updates on the status of the redesign plans for enhancing the Custer Road and Stonebridge Ranch entrance and on the Civic Plaza project. Construction has begun on the Plaza project and is scheduled for completion in late summer. We also had an update from our sprinkler system consultant about how our water management activities are progressing.
New Business
We reviewed and made changes to the following board bylaws: 1. Conditions under which a director can be removed from office. 2. How board vacancies are filled. 3. Procedures for removing a committee member from a committee. 4. Terms of office for board members. We approved a requirement to the design guidelines that we have a scaled site plan (actual dimensions) for most modification submittals. We also clarified how to determine the setback for the front return fence. We had an update on the number of storm-related submittals for roofs, fences, etc. we have had since the storms of March 24. That number is approaching 100 requests. We extended the emergency declaration on submittals for storm-related repairs until May 31, 2016. This declaration allows for a faster approval process.
Executive Session
One homeowner appeared to appeal a violation. We also reviewed three other appeals of violations and made appropriate decisions. We also approved the foreclosure report. We had a discussion about the content of board minutes and discussed the activities of the Social Committee.
Association Reports
For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, or call 972.727.4569.
The board reviewed and approved the Financial Management Report, Balance Sheet, Variance Report, Income Statement, A/R Schedules and Investment Schedule. Board liaisons presented updates on committee activities reflected in committee minutes. The meeting adjourned at 5:11 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2016
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Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Professionally managed by Community Management Associates (CMA) 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071 214.733.5800 • fax 214.778.0595 Courtesy Patrol 214.794.4945
Association Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Association Staff Scott Albert—Director of Operations Rony Peterson—Executive Assistant Tamra Collins—Community Services Coordinator Erica Lee—Communications Coordinator Angie Beené—Compliance Coordinator Michelle Pryor—Compliance Coordinator Nate Russell—Compliance Coordinator Joyce Martin—M.A.R.C. Compliance Coordinator Michael Cawley—Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Torres—Maintenance Assistant David Wiest—Lifestyle Director Lynette Rowell—Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors Jon Dell’Antonia—President Ron Ferris—Vice-President Norm Counts—Treasurer Michael Yon—Secretary Tom George—Director Bill Campbell—Director Donald Hanson—Director
Stonebridge Ranch News is the only authorized and official monthly publication for the residents of the Stonebridge Ranch community, with news and calendar of community events endorsed by the Stonebridge Ranch Association and its members. Stonebridge Ranch News is published for the residents of Stonebridge Ranch for informational purposes only. The Stonebridge Ranch Association does not guarantee any work or claims made by the advertisers and claims no responsibility or liability for statements made in the publication. Stonebridge Ranch does not in any way endorse or support, nor does it take any credit or responsibility for the services, paid or volunteer, nor statements made in articles or letters published herein not endorsed by the Association or the group decision of the Board of Directors.
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thIs month’ s feature Planning for Stonebridge’s Future Requires the Most Educated of Guessing by Erica Lee Throughout the centuries, humankind has utilized various methods (with debatable accuracy, of course) to guess the future. These include, among countless others, carromancy (observing melting wax), molybdomancy (interpreting the hissing sounds made by molten lead), and perhaps most romantically, phyllorhodomancy (interpreting the sound made by slapping a rose petal against the hand). The proliferation of such methods across cultures points to a fascinating human conundrum: we don’t know the future, but we do know that it will affect us. As always, the future of Stonebridge Ranch itself will be here before we know it. In the past year, the board of directors (BOD) has made great strides in helping residents prepare for the unknown. Stonebridge’s first-ever Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Plan was implemented at the
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thIs month’ s feature suggestion of Secretary Michael Yon. The plan details guidelines for response to all kinds of Texas perils, such as tornadoes, hail, and heavy winds, and it includes guidelines for communicating with residents at such times. Board Treasurer Norm Counts credits the disaster plan with expanding his thinking about what he and the Finance Committee might accomplish in order to protect the stability of the association. “We don’t want to sit back and wait for bad things to happen to us [financially],” he says. “We want to be prepared by asking, ‘What could possibly affect the association’s budget, and what do we need to be ready?’” Though Norm says the purpose of the Finance Committee as outlined in its guidelines is “pretty basic,” (that is, the commission to “advise the BOD relating to budgeting, investing association funds, and accounting matters”), he credits the board with utilizing both board and committee members to the very best of their abilities. “Luckily, the board wants each of us to use our unique talents beyond the minimal requirements. When I came into the position as treasurer, I said, ‘Of course, we know we can put together a budget. But what else can we do?’ This isn’t just about a spreadsheet or debits on the left and credits on the right.”
Finance Committee Members: Steve Belt, Daniel Bentley, Matt Groves (Secretary), Chuck Hoffman, John Kovach, Bill Marley, and Alan Weintraub. Board Treasurer and Finance Committee liaison: Norm Counts For Norm and the rest of the Finance Committee, the proactive answer has been to think and plan strategically. Not only are they intent on managing the operating budget effectively each year, but they also want to manage the association’s Repair and Replacement Reserves to prepare for future costs. “We have over 1000 physical assets to care for,” Norm says, “and the value of all those assets is in the millions. Really, it’s like running a small city here, and our challenge is: can we grow the reserve so we don’t have to collect more assessments to cover the costs of upkeep and inflation?” To meet their goal of securing the present while planning for the future, the Finance Committee is taking the following steps in key areas. 1. The board and the finance committee have conducted a reserve study with a reserve engineer to ascertain where Stonebridge assets are in their lifecycles and when they will likely need repair. The reserve study attempts to predict out to 30 years and includes research into the possible costs of repair and rebuilding that will be needed, factoring in future inflation. ”Of course, it’s impossible to know when something will need to be repaired or how much it will cost to fix it, ” says Norm.
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thIs month’ s feature ”But we can quantify possibilities for how good or bad things could be, and what resources we might need to meet a variety of conditions.” 2. The Finance Committee is also taking a close look at the association’s investments. Norm says the committee wants “to be risk-averse” in their decisions regarding association funds, “but not so conservative in investments that association funds see zero return. This is the really interesting part of the job: to see if we can avoid raising assessments by growing what we have already in reserve.” Recently, the committee prepared a report for the BOD which details the results of a series of “stress tests” applied to the investment portfolio. The portfolio’s strength was tested by a third party against possible future economic conditions, continuation of current conditions, ideal growth, inflationary growth, stagflation and recession. “The good news,” Norm says, “is that we found our allocation of the fund is at an optimal place of risk and return. We found that we can respond to the full range of possible stresses.” 3. Currently, the committee and the association’s management company, CMA, are using the association’s historical financial data to model current and future revenue streams. Because their basic charge includes overseeing the budget, the finance committee is using this data to estimate possible future costs and estimate if known revenue streams can cover such costs. They are
also looking into current capital projects to better report on project spending in parallel with project schedule completions, as well as looking closely into current operating expenses, the value of signed contracts, and actual spending to date. “A lot of what we’re working on has to do with making data more visible and providing greater transparency,” says Norm. The committee is also providing supplemental reporting to the BOD to make recommendations regarding the equity portion of the association’s balance sheet. 4. Norm himself is creating a “book of knowledge” to pass along to successors. “I want to leave a document behind to help my successors ‘get a jump on’ things when it’s their turn,” he says. Like the other board members, he is intent on utilizing his extensive professional experience to help the association. “Inherently, I’ve always been a tactical thinker,” he says. “Much of my experience is in optimizing processes. We board members have been given a governance structure, and we are all asking ourselves, ”Now, what are we doing with this to make the association stronger? How can we make life better for our residents overall?” For Norm and the finance committee, the answers to these questions lie in gathering their extensive resources (personal experience, reports from third-party professionals, historical budget data, etc.) to ensure they are making the most educated guesses possible regarding the association’s financial future. F
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In the news Stonebridge Ranch Day 2016 is Sure to Put a Smile on Your Face by Erica Lee
Stonebridge Ranch Day, celebrated this year on July 23, is our biggest celebration of the year. Residents of Stonebridge converge at the Beach and Tennis Club to enjoy food, music and festivities in honor of our unique community and the amazing people who live and volunteer here. This year, we applaud 28 rich years of Stonebridge Ranch history. Want a bit of perspective on how much the world has changed since the very first Stonebridge Ranch lot was developed? In 1988, the Disney film Who Framed Roger Rabbit hit theaters; the first recorded computer malware, the Morris Worm, was launched; the Soviet Union began their withdrawal from Afghanistan after 8 years of conflict; and George H.W. Bush was elected for his first term as president. Through all the changes in our world in the years since, Stonebridge Ranch has been the place so many love to call “home.”
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While some of our residents have lived here from the very beginning, most of us have not. This is why our annual Stonebridge Ranch celebrations are so special. The population of Stonebridge Ranch is always changing. The neighbors you have today may not be your neighbors tomorrow. So why not come on out together and celebrate what we have here and now in Stonebridge Ranch? Stonebridge Ranch Day is sure to be full of smiles, laughter and good cheer, and by the time the fireworks are exploding over the lake in the evening, the air is sure to be filled with the “awwws” and “ooohs” of residents young and old. We can’t wait to see you there!
Classic Car Show, 8 to 11 a.m.
Come out to see over 80 classic cars on display. You can introduce your kids to classic cars of all kinds, or come out to remind yourself of the glory days of your own adolescence!
In the news
Stonebridge Ranch Day will include 5 rockin’ water slides and a Zorb Ball Zone (aka human hamster balls). Trophies will be given in the following categories: Best in Show Car, Best in Show Truck, People’s Choice Award and Sponsor’s Choice Award.
Beach Club Pool Party & Kid Zone, 3 to 8 p.m.
The Beach Club will be the place to be on July 23! DJ Uptown Sound will keep you on your feet with the latest pop music. (A number of our youngest residents were spotted happily bopping to his beats at the Meet the Easter Bunny event in April!) The afternoon will include fun group games, Sky High and Trivia, with prizes for the winners. We’ll even have five large water slides and a Zorba Ball Zone for your extrahilarious enjoyment.
Food Trucks, 3 to 9:30 p.m.
Keep up your strength for the fun at the beach by purchasing food from the trucks parked in the circle. This year’s vendors include crowd favorites Cajun Tailgators, The Stutterin Pig BBQ, Kona Ice, D-lish Dallas and more.
Volleyball Tournament, 4 to 6 p.m.
Why not show off your unique serve and spike style by joining the Volleyball Tournament? We have room for up to twelve four-person teams. Each team must have at least one Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2016
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In the news male and one female member. Winners earn prizes! Sign up at http:// whoozin.com/3EK-KYJ-UMTQ by providing your team name and the names of all of your teammates.
Concert in the Circle, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
This year, the party doesn’t end with the DJ at the beach. That’s just the lead-up to the high-energy sounds of the Mars Hill Band. One of Dallas’ top party bands, Mars Hill excites the crowd with the widest variety of hit songs. Enjoy their charisma and sound as you amble on over to claim your spot for the fireworks show over the Stonebridge Lake dam.
Fireworks Show, 9:45 p.m.
We’ll cap this special day off as we always do—with a gorgeous fireworks show over Stonebridge Lake dam. Bring a blanket, join your family and neighbors, and enjoy all the colorful sparks as they light up the sky and mirror in the water below. F
Fireworks reflect in the waters of Lake Stonebridge during the grand finale of Stonebridge Ranch Day 2015.
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lIfestyle McKinney Ladies Association The McKinney Ladies Association presented $5,000 to Hugs Cafe on April 11 after a successful Spring Fashion Show fundraiser on February 29 at the Piazza on the Green. “We are so happy to be able to present this money to Hugs Cafe, a non-profit café that is run and operated primarily by special needs adults,” said Tammy de Wet, fashion show chairwoman. “The mission of Hugs Café is to create an inviting place of training and employment while providing dignity and self-worth to their teammates and to complete the goal of changing the world one ’hug’ at a time! MLA is proud to support this outstanding place to eat and work.” MLA President Cynthia Nelson thanked everyone who attended the fashion show, donated silent auction items and served as models. “We were thrilled to have the teammates from Hugs as our models and we were able 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, Kathi Stefanu—Keller Williams, Brian Hazelwood at Independence Title, Cynthia Elliot Boutique and Shear Image Salon.”
McKinney Garden Club Tour
For this year’s tour, we have seven beautiful homes and gardens. Five are in historic McKinney and two are in the Hidden Forest area of Eldorado. Each home is truly unique and all have beautiful gardens for you to enjoy! What a delightful way to enjoy a Saturday and show your support. F
Tour tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at the following locations: Calloway’s Nursery—121 and Eldorado Parkway, McKinney Diggin’it—507 Tennessee Street, McKinney Little Red Hen—McKinney Downtown Square Patina Green—McKinney Downtown Square Plum Creek Primitives—McKinney Downtown Square McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau—200 W. Virginia Street, McKinney Shades of Green—7401 Coit Road, Frisco Market Street—Eldorado Parkway, McKinney
You can also pay by Paypal at the club’s website, www.mckinneygardenclub.org.
Please join the McKinney Garden Club members as they host their 2016 Garden and Home Tour “Decades in Bloom” on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This club has been working to beautify our community for 86 years as the McKinney Garden Club was founded in 1930! This tour is the club’s major fundraiser and it is held every two years. Proceeds from the tour are used to fund beautification projects and scholarships for local students. Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2016
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complIance tI p s Installing a Pool? Five Helpful Tips to Ease the Process by Erica Lee Installing a backyard pool begins with a vision. Perhaps you want your own private oasis where you can de-stress. Maybe you dream of teaching your kids to swim there, or of hosting family BBQs in the summer. You may even be looking for the perfect spot to staycation for the rest of your life! Behind every backyard pool dream, however, there are many practical matters to consider. Once the pool is installed, pool owners become well versed in maintenance and safety. And in the planning stages, there are many decisions to make as you factor in your backyard terrain, soil type, desired pool features and more.
We’re here to make pool installation compliance easy, so that you can easily meet association guidelines as a first step. We know you can’t wait to get to the fun part—relaxing on your own backyard “beach”—and we want to help! Below is our list of the top five things to remember when planning your own pool installation.
1. Appearance matters.
Association guidelines require that pools and associated decks be located in the side or rear yards, and not within easements or 5’ of any property line. The pool equipment must be fully screened on all sides with a 6’ cedar privacy fence. Pneumatic pool enclosures are not allowed.
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complIance tI ps adjacent properties in any way, nor can finished grades direct concentrated water or pool overflow onto adjacent yards, common areas or golf courses.
4. Documentation is key.
When you make modifications to the outside of your home, you need to submit the project for approval by the Modifications Committee. This process requires documentation, including: a site/ grading plan showing the proposed pool, associated decking, and 5’ easement; description (including location) of all related equipment (i.e. lighting and screening); and construction plans drawn to scale.
5. Your Compliance Coordinator is here for you.
2. Go for quality!
Above-ground pools, masonry block, vinyl lined and low-hung vinyl lined pools are not permitted.
3. Consider your neighbors.
Access for construction must be through your property and approved prior to the beginning of any work, and all excess soil must be properly removed during installation. Your backyard oasis cannot alter or impair drainage to
Most important of all, if you are planning a pool installation, please know that we want to help make the project a success! Every village has an assigned Compliance Coordinator who will be happy to walk you through this early phase of your project. If you have any questions, please call us at 214.733.5800, or visit us at the association office at 6201 Virginia Parkway. Happy swimming, one and all! F Angie BeenĂŠ, Nate Russell, Michelle Pryor, Joyce Martin; CMA Compliance Coordinators, Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc
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June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 coffee talk 8:30 AM (CR) june 3 Playdate in the Park 9 AM (btc) june 3, 10, 17 & 24 tgif 1 pm (CR) June 6, 13, 20 & 27 Walking club 9 am (Btc) june 6 beach club pool party 6 pm (btc) june 10 evening on the veranda 8:30 pm (btc) june 13 Book club 7 pm (CR) JUNE 13 teen mixer 8:30 pm (AC) june 14 bingo night 7 pm (cR) june 18 coffee, cars & conversation 8:30 am (BTC) june 18 Playdate in the Park 9:30 AM (btc) june 21 Travel Club 9 Am (cR) june 23 kids splash hop 8:30 pm (ac)
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Beach Club Pool Party, 6 p.m. (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com for event details.
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 4:30-6:25 pm—Soccer Sparks (NHP)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC) Book Club, 7 p.m. (CR)
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)
Teen Mixer, 8:30 p.m. (AC)
Bingo 7 p.m. (CR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 4:30-6:25 pm—Soccer Sparks (NHP)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)
Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
Coffee Talk, 8:30
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Social Committe noon (BR) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 4:30-6:25 pm—Soccer Sparks (NHP)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
Walking Club, 9 a.m. (BTC)
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 4:30-6:25 pm—Soccer Sparks (NHP)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
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9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Barre (BTC)
Playdate in the Park, 9 a.m. (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
nnis Classes, my (BTC) r Strides (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
nnis Classes, my (BTC) r Strides (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
ee Meeting,
nis Classes, my (BTC) Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Evening on the Veranda, 8:30 p.m. (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR) Movie Night, 9 p.m. (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Kids Splash Hop, 8:30 p.m. (AC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Coffee, Cars & Conversation, 8:30 a.m. (BTC) Playdate in the Park, 9:30 a.m. (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
nnis Classes, my (BTC) r Strides (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Stonebridge Ranch HOA News News x Junex September 2016 2016 2013 June
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InsId e the ranch Stonebridge Residents Keep Over 480 Years of Tradition Alive by Erica Lee A hush falls over the great room of the community association office. The only sounds are those of the dice turning in the caller’s hands as the players shuffle their pinto beans against the tables and in the palms of their hands. This is the moment of anticipation before the game begins and we all feel it—anything could happen! Then the first number is called: “B-5”, and the game moves quickly on from there as the players shift in their seats, peering over their cards, murmuring and whispering to their neighbors. The reactions are varied and heartfelt after every number is called. “Yes!” “Aww.” “Boo!” “Missed me by one.” “Where are the B’s?” “Ha! Ha! Ha!” On occasion, you’ll even see a silent fist-pump. This is Bingo Night at Stonebridge Ranch, and it is an evening filled with relaxed and friendly drama of the best kind. There is a table covered with fresh snacks and a cooler full of chilled sodas and water bottles. The players sit at white card tables, each with two red-and-white Bingo cards before them. Styrofoam bowls filled with plenty of dry pinto beans for marking squares are within easy reach of every hand. During the first round, when a player comes within one square of making “Bingo!”, she shouts “one away!” and the rest of the room groans. After several more calls, shouts of “one away!” can be heard from every corner of the room. Such a long, drawn-out round is the most exciting of all, as everyone waits on the brink of knowing who will win the $5 gift card. “It’s great when we have half the room calling one-aways,” says David Wiest, Stonebridge Ranch Lifestyle Director. “Everyone likes to tease each other and have a good time.” Finally a voice at a far table yells, “Bingo!” and the room fills with the sounds of friends analyzing their luck and the patterns they’ve made with their beans. Player Sharon Harrison winks at me as the person next to her grumbles, “Boo! Hiss!” good-naturedly. “We’re all really very supportive,” she laughs. “Some of us just take it a little more seriously than others.” Historians date the beginning of Bingo back as far as 1530,
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InsIde the ranch when a lottery game called “Il Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia” developed in the high courts of Italy. The version of the game played today by Stonebridge Ranch residents looks different, of course, having matriculated from Italy through the high courts of France and later through the carnivals and fairs of early America. The first American rule book was published in 1933 by Hugh J. Ward and was called “Beano” due to the use of beans for marking squares. This may be the root for the development of the name “Bingo,” which some claim is easier to say when you are calling out with excitement. (All together, let’s try it now! “Beano!” “Bingo!” “Beano!” “Bingo!”) To keep the game interesting, Stonebridge players utilize bingo patterns. When a player wins a round, he or she picks a $5 gift card (currently, the choices are for Whataburger, McDonald’s and Subway) and then chooses the next bingo pattern. The patterns offer innumerable variations for where the beans will be laid on each card. They are identified by whimsical, supposedly representative names such as Arrow Up, Goal Post, Smile Face and Texas Longhorn. When the ”Missing Link” is chosen, player Jo Ellerbee groans and quips,
“I want to play the ‘Telephone Pole’ one… which is—in my opinion—really a dragonfly!” During one break in the game, David stops by the table where Kathy Walling sits next to her husband, Mike. “Remember the night Mike wanted to call the ‘Heart’ for Valentine’s Day?” Kathy grins and pats her husband on the shoulder. “I was so proud!” she laughs. Later, when Kathy wins a round, Sharon calls across the table to Mike, “Maybe she’ll take you to McDonald’s this week!” The room is full of old and new friends. “I see people here I don’t see anywhere else,” says Sharon. A number of the regular players met on the Alaskan cruise taken by the Travel Club in August 2015. “Bingo night is just a lot of fun. A really great group of people come,” says Bruce Singer (who, incidentally, arrived early and called out “Bingo!” a few times in the empty room, telling David slyly, “I’m just practicing my win.”) David thinks the mix of camaraderie, socializing and relaxed excitement of the game keep people coming back to Bingo Nights. “It’s a game that everybody knows how to play, and everyone has an equal chance of winning,” he says. “We’ve gotten to know one another over the years. We kid around a lot, and we have fun. That’s what it’s all about.” F
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”Gizmo” as she’s close to you! Gizmo also enjoys going for walks and playing outside with toys. This gorgeous girl will make a great addition to any home. She has been spayed, microchipped and is current on all of her age-appropriate vaccinations. What more could you ask for? Gizmo’s got it all! Come meet her today, and you’ll fall in love! #145896
”George” Gizmo is a friendly, four-year-old, wire-haired dachshund/terrier mix—she’s quite the cutie. She loves being around people and will run to greet anyone she meets. When you pet her, she will roll over on her side and give you kisses. She loves to sit in your lap and be held—she’s happy as long
Meet George, a handsome, one-year-old, domestic cat who was surrendered to the SPCA of Texas because his previous owner had too many animals. George is very friendly, loving and laid-back. He loves to be petted and he enjoys lounging around in his condo with his fellow felines. George is a calm, quiet cat who likes to spend his time curled up in his cubby. He’d love to be your lap cat and cuddle buddy while you spend lazy days watching movies or reading books.
George has been neutered, microchipped and is current on all of his age-appropriate vaccinations. All he needs is a forever family to love! Come meet him today! #146039 Gizmo and George are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, 8411 Stacy Road. Call 214742-SPCA (7722) or visit today. F
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around the ranch
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resId ent I n terest Year-Round and Behind the Scenes: Stonebridge Volunteers Work to Build Homes for Wounded Veterans by Erica Lee
Attendees enjoy the high-energy concert every year for free.
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Most days of the year, the open field to the north of Stonebridge Lake dam is quiet; home to barn swallows, common grackles, and the occasional triathlete running up and down the steep embankment. But one day of the year, the Adriatica field hosts the Smiles Charity Concert and Family Festival, one of the highest-profile annual charity events held in McKinney. The free event is high profile, in part, because it draws such a large crowd every year. In 2011, the concert drew a record 15,000 cheering fans. Even in muddy conditions following a heavy rain, when Bret Michaels headlined in 2014, over 10,000 people came out to enjoy the fun. Beyond the
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Volunteers Wendy Shelley, Karen Holden, Jan Ferris and Jodie Collins can’t stop smiling when asked about their work with Smiles Charity.
thousands of fans who attend for free, over 500 volunteers work the concert. Buses provided by Durham School Services ferry attendees to the venue from nearby participating church parking lots. In keeping with its timing near Memorial Day, for the last 5 years the concert has provided new homes for the families of military veterans. This year’s home recipient is Sergeant Peter Strauch, a single father of two who suffered a traumatic brain injury during his second deployment in Afghanistan. The event always includes a spectacular fireworks show which can be seen for miles around. The crowd is also treated to a flyover by WWII-era military planes, which take off from the Aero Country Airport. Behind these spectacular results, there is a relatively small planning committee of 25 people, almost all of whom are residents of Stonebridge Ranch. The effort to make the one-day event a complete success requires their year-round attention and expertise in a wide variety of areas, from communications to fundraising. The committee begins planning its next event only 3 weeks after the field is cleared each year. They then meet once a month through the fall, twice a month in the late winter months, and even more often throughout the spring. In the weeks leading up to the event, the commitment is a daily one. Many of the committee members serve the Smiles Charity around their time spent at full-time jobs and raising families. Most of their meetings are held in the evenings to
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resId ent I n terest accommodate their busy schedules. Committee member Karen Holden smiles and says, “Every day I’m responding to Smiles emails, sending them to other volunteers and asking, ‘Should we do this? Is anyone interested in taking this project on?’” Her fellow member Jan Ferris chimes in, “That’s why you’re always getting emails from me at 4 in the morning!” Jan (described by Karen as the “finance guru” and by fellow committee member Jodie Collins as the “one who keeps us all in line”) has been involved almost from the beginning. Jan says, “The very first concert 9 years ago was put together by only two women. There was no committee then.” In the years since, more and more people have joined the planning committee allowing the charity to Faces young and old can be seen in the crowd at the annual event. expand and do even more. So far, Smiles Charity has nothing in return. The least we can do is put together this helped build 11 homes in North Texas, with the twelfth now event.” Her voice trails off when she is asked to reflect on the under construction and the thirteenth to be built with the funds committee’s success. “You know, I’ve never sat down and from this year’s concert. “Over the years, we’ve been so excited really thought about it…This is just what we do. We all just to bring on new members,” says Karen. Though she’s pitch in and help each other. I trust everyone to do what they supported the charity in various ways over the years, she now say they’ll do.” spends most of her time mentoring the charity’s junior board. Fellow committee member Jodie Collins breaks in with a Jan herself was instrumental in helping the charity obtain heart-felt smile. “There is blood, sweat and tears, but I love it,” 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and is always on hand to help process she affirms. the annual 990 forms required by the IRS. “Now we partner Jodie describes the day of the concert when she and the with very big, complicated organizations,” Jan says, “some of other members work non-stop to make sure every aspect of the them national companies.” She laughs to remember the history. event goes off without a hitch. “We don’t see much of the “In the concert’s fourth year,” she says, “there were only 12 of concert because we are busy,” she says. She asks Karen, Wendy us and something like 10,000 people attended. And everyone and Jan: “Remember the year that guy proposed to that girl kept saying, ‘How could 12 housewives pull off something so on-stage?” “Yeah, I didn’t see that,” says Wendy, and the three amazing?’ That’s what they kept saying! ‘How could 12 unpaid other women laugh, nodding their heads. “We don’t celebrate housewives make this happen?’” until 3 in the morning,” smiles Karen. Wendy adds, “That’s Committee member Wendy Shelley says this is one aspect when we look out over the field and say, ‘WOW. We did it which moves her most about her work with the charity. “We again.’” Jan chuckles lovingly, recalling one recent year which are all volunteers and have no paid staff members. 100% of the was wetter than the others. Her fellow volunteers laugh, too, proceeds go to the recipients,” she says. “Members of the when she says triumphantly, “Yeah! And we did it through military give so much to us, day in and day out, asking for rain, in three inches of mud!” The women always try to take at least a few moments to enjoy the festival itself, however, and to reflect on what it’s all about. When asked what it is like to look out over a crowd of 15,000 people, to hear the music and the cheers, and to know that your efforts have been integral to making it happen, Wendy says, “Yeah, I get goosebumps. It takes my breath away.” Jodie says, “You see this sea of people, all holding their cell phones up and swaying…” She mimics the movement with her arm in the air, and a smile breaks across her face. “But it’s the end result that makes it all worth it.” She refers to the emotion she feels on the day of a Home Dedication when the charity hands the next recipients the keys to their new home. Her eyes glow with emotion and she says, “I used to volunteer for a lot of things, but this is the one thing I’ll never give up. This is the one that holds a sweet spot in my heart.” The Maylee Thomas Band performs for the Smiles concert crowd. The planning committee succeeds, in part, because each
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resIdent Interest person brings a unique skill set to the table. “We all just sort of fell into what we are doing,” says Jodie. Finance guru Jan currently works for a title company, and she says, “I love being able to apply the skills from my paying job to [Smiles].” She describes the process of working with their homebuilder partner, Centurion American, and the title company to process the paperwork for last year’s recipient. “There are other charities that put people in new homes, but the residents still don’t own the homes, and they may never own them. But our recipients do: these homes are truly provided mortgage-free.” Her face lights up when she says, “You should have seen the eyes of last year’s recipient. He walked in, signed a few papers, and that was it. The home was his; he couldn’t believe it. I loved that it all went so smoothly.” Another important key to the success of the committee is the friendship that exists between its members. Jan says, “We’ve all become very good friends. We socialize together even when we aren’t working on Smiles.” When these four particular Stonebridge Ranch residents are in a room together, indeed, the flow of their conversation itself is proof of how long and closely they have worked together. They finish each other’s sentences and rely on each other to remember details from years past. “When was [our headliner] Little Big Town?” asks Jodie. The women all chime in with various answers, and it is Jan who is correct (confirmed after Wendy delves into old emails on her smartphone). “We’ve done so many of these, they all start to blur together,” Jodie laughs good-naturedly. Even though the Smiles Charity Concert and Family Festival is free to anyone who wants to come, it also provides concert attendees a chance to help a stranger in need. Volunteers are on hand with buckets collecting donations. The amount suggested by the charity is $5, but some people give even more. “One year,” says Jan, “We had checks ranging from $100 to $1,000. I couldn’t believe it.” And this, says Wendy, is the other aspect she loves most about volunteering for Smiles. “Regular people can put $5 in a bucket at a concert. And then, there is this tangible thing… There is a house that you gave $5 to help build.” Karen agrees. “This truly is a community event,” she says, noting that it brings together volunteers, corporate sponsors, nearby participating organizations and thousands of residents of McKinney. But in fact, none of it could happen without the behind-thescenes residents of Stonebridge Ranch who are the planning committee’s heart and soul. “We just do it,” says Jodie. Wendy agrees with her: “It’s the end result that makes it all worth it.” Jan says, “Our motto is really true: ’Build a home, create a smile.’” Karen’s eyes get misty when she recalls all the Home Dedications she has attended through the years. “Seeing a family get a home… The feeling I get…” Her own smile is wide and bright and lasting. “It’s so totally worth it.” F
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socIal scene Playdate in the Park
Young Stonebridge Ranch residents hunt for treasure during Playdate in the Park Pirate Day, April 4, 2016. Join us at the Beach and Tennis Club playground on June 3 at 9 a.m. for a special sandbox day! We can’t wait to see what sand creations we can make together. Parents, please be sure to check the Stonebridge Ranch website for any last minute changes due to the weather.
Family Beach Party
Our summer family beach parties are a great way to cool off and enjoy time with your neighbors. Our summer parties at the Beach are a popular way to spend a Monday night, so don’t miss out! This year on June 6, we are hosting a family beach party with musical guest Nickel & Dime from 6 to 8:30 pm. Note that space is limited to the first 500 residents and guests. Hot dogs will be served (one per person) until supplies run out, so if you have a big appetite, pack a picnic basket. Note that coolers are permitted but glass containers are strictly prohibited. This is a swimming event, so children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. A valid form of ID is required to enter; make sure your child has a current pool
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socIal scene pass. Granny passes and guest passes may not be used for this event. Non-residents pay a $5 fee.
Evening on the Veranda Looking for a relaxing way to end a busy week? Join us at the Beach and Tennis Club on Friday, June 10 for Evening on the Veranda from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Residents will be serenaded by Toney Walsh, who is back for his second year after drawing our largest Evening on the Veranda crowd in 2015. Along with his 5-piece band, Toney features popular standards by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr., and Mel Torme. As a Memphis native, Toney also loves to perform the classic hit songs by Elvis. (See him at Toneywalsh.com.) The event is BYOB, so ask your spouse or neighbors along and be sure to pack your favorite libations and camp chairs. (Note that glass containers are strictly prohibited.) Also, be sure to arrange a babysitter, as this is an adultonly, non-swimming, smoke-free event. You must be 21 years 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 is required, and there is a $5 fee for non-resident guests.
Teen Mixer Swim Party A Teen Mixer (ages 13-15 only) will be held at the Aquatic Center on Monday, June 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event will feature a DJ, game trucks, swimming and a hot dog cookout. There is no charge for SBR residents with current pool ID. Non-residents must pay $5. Teens, make sure to bring a change of clothing, as you will not be allowed to enter the game trucks while wearing wet bathing suits. Last year over 130 teens were in attendance and we expect an even bigger turnout this year.
Book Club In April, the Book Club discussed the book The Boys in the Boat, a #1 New York Times Bestseller by Daniel James Brown. This book follows “nine Americans and their epic quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.” The day following the meeting, many club members traveled to Dallas to meet the author and hear a presentation regarding his research. It included vintage video footage of the American gold-winning Olympic race! Looking ahead, we ask: is your summer reading list already filled? If not, check out the next two books we’re reading for our June 13 meeting (7 p.m. in the Community Room at 6201 Virginia Parkway). We’ve chosen Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver and The Guernsey Literary and Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2016
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socIal scene Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. (Please note that going forward, we will be reading two books every month. You can choose to read one or both, and sit-ins are always welcome, even if you haven’t read our selection.) Send book ideas to cunnone@gmail.com.
Book Club members greet Daniel James Brown, author of bestseller Boys in the Boat at an event in Dallas.
June Bingo Night Join us on Tuesday, June 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. for an adult-only evening of bingo and prizes! We’ll gather in the Community Room at the Beach and Tennis Club. Light snacks and refreshments will be served (please, no alcoholic beverages). Seating is limited to the first 50 who sign up at http://whoozin.com/34Q-REM-MKFV. Though the event is free to SBR residents, non-residents pay a $5 fee to attend.
Coffee Talk Please join for a special Coffee Talk on June 15 in the Community Room at the Beach and Tennis Club. The start time is 8:30 a.m., so bring a neighbor and start your day off together! We’ll have a special guest, Randy Haak, who is an Awareness & Education Officer for the McKinney Police Dept. He will speak from 9 to 9:30 am regarding the McKinney National Night Out event taking place on August 2. He will take audience questions on this subject or any other Neighborhood Watch program. (Please note: we will be offering monthly Coffee Talk presentations starting with this June meeting. Check the website calendar for the date and topic of the next presentation. If you have an idea for a topic, please send to dwiest@cmamanagement.com.)
Family Movie Night Remember drive-in theatres? It’s 2016, and the next best thing to pulling up your car and listening in a staticfilled speaker is Stonebridge Ranch Family Movie Night! On Thursday, June 16 at 9 p.m., bring your whole family,
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socIal scene blankets, and a cooler of treats as we watch a movie together on a big outdoor screen. The film of the night is the PG-rated movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, starring Harrison Ford. We’ll be “hill-side” by the basketball and tennis courts at the Beach and Tennis Club, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Coffee, Cars & Conversation Plus Book, CD and DVD Exchange If you missed the March Book Exchange, no worries! Join us on June 18 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. during Coffee, Cars & Conversation at the association office. Be sure to bring in your old books, CDs and DVDs. For every item you bring in, you can take one. We have a large selection left from the March exchange, so there are plenty of items for you to peruse. (All leftover items will be donated.) Here’s your chance to enjoy some free coffee, to check out some classic and super cars, to chat with your neighbors, and to find some new, gently-used books to read!
Saturday Playdate in the Park Join us for a special Saturday edition of Playdate in the Park. We’ll meet at the Beach and Tennis Club playground on June 18 at 9 a.m.. The theme will be “Chalk Day” and chalk will be provided. We hope to see you there! (Parents, please be sure to check the Stonebridge Ranch website for any last minute changes due to the weather.)
Splash Hop What’s more fun on a hot summer night than a neighborhood pool party just for kids? The social committee is sponsoring a special kids-only Splash Hop at the Aquatic Center on Thursday, June 23. The event is for ages 10-12 only and will last from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Consider it a “date night,” mom and dad, and drop off the kids! There will be plenty of security in attendance, including a pool manager and lifeguards, as well as the McKinney Police Department monitoring the front gate. Hot dogs will be served and the kids will enjoy the tunes of a disc jockey. The event is free to SBR residents, so make sure your children have a current pool ID. All non-residents will pay a $5 fee. Please note that children will not be allowed outside the gates without a parent once they are checked in. Parents must pick up their children inside the gate by 10:30 p.m. Stonebridge Ranch News x June 2016
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socIal scene Coffee Groups We sponsor three coffee groups to accommodate various schedules. Coffee Talk meets every Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room. TGIF Coffee meets every Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Community Room. Coffee, Cars & Conversation meets on the third Saturday of every month. We’d love to see you at any of these groups! See our FAQ below for answers to questions frequently asked about our coffee groups.
What are the Coffee Groups?
don’t know much about the community or are looking for new friends. Often, a board member or two may visit as well.
What actually happens at the groups?
Numerous conversations usually break out, and sometimes a singular topic is discussed. Many times, residents move from place to place to talk about a topic that has come up across the room. Most conversations turn to restaurants, local trip ideas, info regarding McKinney and the surrounding area, home repair tips, and the like. We love to share what we know with each other. Please feel welcome to join us any time!
Travel Club
All three are recurring and welcoming gathering places where long-time and new residents can meet to learn more about each other and our community.
I haven’t been to these groups. Will I feel out of place coming alone?
Not at all! Each group is friendly and welcoming and its members can’t wait to meet you! New residents are always surprised by the kind and happy spirit of the groups, and by the fact that there are absolutely no cliques. Many of our core members are long-time SBR residents and Social Committee members who love to be engaged and involved. They are eager to serve as a resource for new residents who
Upcoming July Events: 3 Concert in the Circle 4 4th of July at the Beach Club 8 Playdate in the Park 11 Family Beach Club Pool Party 11 Book Club 12 Evening Bingo 16 Stonebridge Ranch Day 1, 5, & 10K Run 19 Travel Club 23 Stonebridge Ranch Day 29 Stonebridge Night @ The Frisco RoughRiders Walking Club—Mondays Coffee Talk—Wednesdays TGIF—Fridays
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Members of the Travel Club visit the Homestead Heritage Traditional Crafts Village, April 13, 2016. The Stonebridge Ranch Travel Club meets the third Monday of every month in the Community Room. In April, Travel Club members took a day trip to Homestead Heritage Traditional Crafts Village located near Waco. The village consists of woodcraft, blacksmith, textile and pottery buildings and features a restored 200-year-old grist mill. We visited each of the village’s buildings and witnessed demonstrations showing how handcrafted products are produced.
Walking Club The Stonebridge Ranch Walking Club meets every Monday at 9 a.m. in the upper parking lot near the Beach and Tennis Club. We currently walk 2.25 miles in about 45 minutes. (If you don’t want to walk that far, it’s no problem! You can turn back any time.) All types of walkers are welcome, so bring your dogs or strollers along. We have walkers of all strides, fast and slow, so you are sure to find a buddy along the route! F