STANDARD RATE U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Allen, TX Permit 178
19
STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS MARCH 2015
Vol. 2, Issue 3
Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 5
From the President by Jon Dell’Antonia
8
Candidate Bios
16
Community Calendar
18
Financial Update
28
by Michael Lesku
19
From Your Neighbor
20
This Month’s Feature by Michael Lesku
22
Compliance Tips by Nate Russell
24 Lifestyle 25
Around the Ranch
27 www.stonebridgeranch.com by Sherine George
30
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 26
Bits and Pieces
28
Resident Interest by Sherine George
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.
4 www.stonebridgeranch.com
30
from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH HOA NEWS
publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
office administrator Carrie McCormick
contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Sherine George Michael Lesku Nate Russell
cover photo Kwik Image
It’s Annual Meeting time again.
Our annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Crosspoint Church, 2101 S. Stonebridge Drive. We will have presentations from board members about 2014 activities, as well as a presentation by the mayor of McKinney about things happening in McKinney. We will also be electing two board members to the association’s board of directors. We held a reception for new homeowners at the Stonebridge Country Club on February 5. This is something we started last year to welcome new homeowners that have moved into Stonebridge Ranch in the past six months, to provide them with an opportunity to learn about their community and all it has to offer. All board members and committee members participate in this event. I have given up trying to predict when the City of McKinney will complete the installation of traffic signals at the intersections of Custer Road and Bristol, Cottonwood North and Cottonwood South. Every date from the city that I have published in the newsletter has been overly optimistic. They will be finished when they are finished.
January 22 Board Meeting
The board meeting of January 22 was called to order at 1 p.m. Six board members were present, Director Ron Ferris was excused. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. No homeowners appeared. The first item of business was to approve the December 12 board minutes.
Old Business
The board reviewed an article prepared by Treasurer MacFee on the Reserve Fund and approved it to be posted to the association’s website and the Stonebridge Ranch News Magazine.
New Business
The board adopted a protocol for requesting legal opinions. It then reviewed and approved the 2015 annual meeting notice documents. We then reviewed recommendations for trees that need to be replaced in various common areas. This will be happening over the next several months. Halff and Associates presented an emergency action plan for one of our dams as required by the state. The board reviewed and approved a construction project to update the Virginia entry. We also reviewed the Amenities Master Plan report comparing our facilities with those in surrounding areas. This is the first step in determining what future amenities we may want to consider for Stonebridge Ranch. Finally, we reviewed and approved the initial work on our Disaster Recovery Plan. There is still more to be done, but we have a great start.
Executive Session
The board reviewed and approved the Collections report for delinquent accounts. We reviewed and made appropriate decisions on three homeowner violations that were presented to the board for resolution and received an update on legal issues from the Association Director.
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 reports including the Accounts Receivable report and the Investment report. We collected 99.4% of our 2014 homeowner’s dues—a tribute to the excellent homeowners in Stonebridge Ranch. We then had an update on progress on our Strategic Plan and heard reports from all board liaisons on their respective committee activities. We also adopted a revised community room policy for its use. One of the things we are going to look into is the potential of expanding the community room to accommodate more homeowners in the activities that take place in that room. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
5
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.
6 www.stonebridgeranch.com
candId ate bI o s Board of Directors Candidates
This year, Stonebridge Ranch Community Association will be electing two (2) members to the board of directors. Each candidate was offered an optional opportunity to post an online video introducing the candidate and a photo along with their bio. Neither the video nor picture was
required, but some candidates did take advantage of this opportunity. This information is also available to you on our website, www. stonebridgeranch.com. Additionally, each candidate was asked to answer and submit an application that contained six questions. The signed questionnaires with answers from each candidate are provided on the following pages along with their biographical information. Please review the following candidate submittals carefully and cast your vote. You can vote online by visiting www.stonebridgeranch. com, or you can complete and submit the blue absentee ballot or complete and submit the yellow proxy mailed to you. If you submit a proxy, it will be used to assign your vote to another designated member, while your absentee ballot is used to cast your vote for the election of directors.
Creighton Bowsher
8 www.stonebridgeranch.com
candIdate bI os Creighton Bowsher 1. I have lived in Stonebridge Ranch (Grand Traditions) since 2010 with my wife, Shilo Bowsher, and two daughters, Alexa, 11, and Kylie, 5, and we have absolutely loved it. My wife is legally blind and the tight-knit community and facilities have been a blessing to our family. My oldest daughter attends Evans Middle School and is active in band and volleyball. My youngest just began kindergarten at Wolford Elementary and is majoring in humor! I currently work at DynCorp International and am a finance director over a $200 million business unit. My education includes an MBA from SMU in Corporate Finance and a BBA from UTA in Business. I have over 10 years of experience in construction contracting in a number of areas including project management and business development.
I would love an opportunity to serve my community as a member of the board of directors and believe I can bring experience and expertise to the team.
2. I am currently in compliance with all covenants, regulations and rules and do not have any outstanding violations. I currently have two charges under appeal by the board of directors for less than $100. 3. I believe the primary function of the board of directors is to serve the interests of the residents of the homeowners association to include, but not limited to, preservation of home and property values, maintenance and enhancement of amenities and social activities and enforcement of the rules and regulations as set by the community. 4. I feel that the board of directors should focus on the sub associations, monitor the continuous changing of the school boundaries and maintenance enforcement now that many of the neighborhoods are aged between 10-20 years. 5. I am a resident owner in Stonebridge Ranch. 6. Based on my experience, I can provide the most value in the areas of finance, capital improvements and repair/ replacement.
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
9
candId ate bI o s Jon C. Dell’Antonia
10 www.stonebridgeranch.com
candIdate bI os Jon C. Dell’Antonia 1. I currently serve as the president of the Stonebridge Ranch HOA Board. I have served two terms on the board including serving as Board President for the past two-and-a-half years and would like to continue serving the Stonebridge community on the board. We have many significant initiatives that are in the early stages and I would like to see them through. During my tenure as president, I initiated our first Strategic Plan to provide future direction to the organization. I am a very involved board member and really enjoy serving and actively participating on the board. I have the time and interest to serve and know that I have genuinely contributed to the success of Stonebridge Ranch.
My wife and I moved to LaCima Haven in Stonebridge Ranch in early December 2008, from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where I was heavily involved in the community for the 18 years that I lived there. I am continuing that community involvement here in McKinney as Treasurer of the Main Street Board. My community experience in Oshkosh was extensive, including 10 years service on the city council (same form of government as McKinney) and serving two years as mayor.
I retired from OshKosh B’Gosh, Inc. where I was Vice President of Information Technology and a member of the executive committee of the company for 16 years. Prior to that, I was Vice President of Information Technology for the Coleman Company.
I have a BS in Business Administration and am a U.S. Army veteran.
5. Yes. I live in LaCima Haven. 6. Having been a board member for the past 6 years, I believe my greatest contribution would be to continue making a positive impact on the operations of our HOA including continuing to recommend changes to our operational policies and procedures to ensure our HOA continues to be one of the best in the area.
Another area where I would make a significant contribution is in continuity of service on the board. Continuity is important to maintain the effective management of our association. By the end of next year, if reelected, I will be the only member of the board that will have more than five years of experience. This will leave our seven-person board with significantly less experience than it currently enjoys. Re-electing me will ensure we have someone with long-term service on the board to provide the continuity and leadership needed for a productive and efficient board focused on the needs and concerns of our community.
2. Yes, I am in compliance with all Association Covenants, Regulations and Rules. I am current on all association dues, have a zero balance and have no pending violations. 3. To protect the value of our homeowner’s property by maintaining and improving our community and responding to the concerns of its residents. 4. Managing our use of water to find ways to use less while maintaining our investment in landscaping. Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
11
candId ate bI o s Tom George
1 2 www.stonebridgeranch.com
candIdate bI os Tom George 1. My name is Tom George and I am running for re-election to the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Board of Directors.
I enjoy the work I have been doing on the board and serving the homeowners of Stonebridge Ranch. We are fortunate to live in Stonebridge Ranch with its many trees, hike and bike trails, rolling hills, attractive amenities and active lifestyle. My focus is to preserve these and the financial health of the community, which in turn protects homeowner property value.
My wife, Carol, and I have lived in Stonebridge Ranch Tanglewood Villas since 2007. We are very fortunate that our son’s and daughter’s families live nearby along with our four grandchildren. Our children grew up in Plano were we lived for 18 years. Prior to moving back to North Texas when I retired, Carol and I lived in Austin for seven years.
Community Association Experience: • Joined the board in 2012 and serve as the Board Liaison to the Landscape and Grounds Committee and a member of the Compliance Sub-committee • Served on the Communication Committee as member and then as chairman of the committee from 2008 to 2012.
Professional Experience: • Retired in 2007, with 35 years experience in the semiconductor industry in a variety executive roles including VP of Sales and Marketing • Strong interpersonal skills and problem solving with broad international experience • Worked both in large corporate organizations and an entrepreneurial start-up company through the IPO stage in a variety of leadership roles • Additional experience in product engineering, manufacturing engineering and sales management
Education • The Ohio State University-Bachelor in Electrical Engineering • Arizona State University-Masters in Business Administration 2. I am compliant with Association Covenants, Regulations and Rules. I have no past due association balances or pending association violations. 3. Having served on the board, I know the key priorities are being a good steward of the financial resources of the association and enforcing the association guidelines,
both of which are critical in preserving homeowner value. Also important are oversight of operations performed by the management company and review of association policies with an eye on the vision and mission established by the board. 4. As a mature community of 26 years, one key challenge is to develop a comprehensive plan to refresh the common area landscape and preserving the natural beauty of our community. Another key challenge is water conservation given the drought conditions these past two years, with the notion that water is a precious resource and must be carefully managed. 5. I have owned a home in Tanglewood Villas since 2007. 6. I would like the opportunity to continue serving on the board and the Landscape and Grounds Committee in order to complete several important projects where I am currently involved: specifically, re-landscaping the entrances at both Virginia and Custer Road, the entrance to Cascade Village and using perennial plants in lieu of annual plants at key entrances. Other projects include conversion of mulch to groundcover, transition to drought-tolerant plants and updating the global landscape plan. A critical element in completing these projects is risk management, given city water restrictions and the drought conditions we have been experiencing. Toward this end, I have led a group of experts in updating the association landscape palette to ensure all plant types are well adapted to our local climate and are drought tolerant. Included on the group of experts were horticulturalists, plant nursery professionals and a landscape maintenance expert.
Previously, while on the Communication Committee, I was involved in three homeowner surveys and a homeowner focus group study. By participating in these homeowner feedback events, I have a strong understanding of the homeowner perspective of the role of the association. I have, and will continue to use, this knowledge in shaping board decisions to ensure a strong sense of community in Stonebridge Ranch. Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
13
candId ate bI o s David Hain
1 4 www.stonebridgeranch.com
David Hain Dear Board of HOA Stonebridge Ranch, My name is David Hain and I have recently retired and am looking for opportunities to contribute to my community. As a retired business owner, I am all too familiar with budgets and financial decisions. I am in compliance with all HOA rules. The purpose of the board is to maintain and improve the home values and quality of life for the homeowners. I have lived in SBR since 2001 and recently paid off my mortgage. That should give you an idea of my fiscal philosophy. I feel that financial areas are my area of expertise. Being retired, I have ample time available to invest with the board and the operation of the HOA. Sincerely yours, Dr. David Hain
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
15
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Amenities Meeting, 7 p.m. (BR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC))
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR) Spring Break Tennis Camp, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
Spring Break Ten 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (B
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Bingo, 7 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
Social Committee 9 a.m. (BR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academ
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30 a
Modifications Meeting, 6 p.m. (BR)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tenn Select Tennis Academy
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Stonebridge Singles Planning Session, 7 p.m. (BTC) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
1 6 www.stonebridgeranch.com
MAR MAR march
March march March march
a.m. (CR) Annual Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (CPC) Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
nnis Camp, BTC)
Communications Committee Meeting, 9 a.m. (BR)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)
r Strides (BTC)
Spring Break Tennis Camp, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
a.m. (CR)
e Meeting,
Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR)
3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
a.m. (CR) Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, y (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Strides (BTC)
nis Classes, my (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 3:30-7 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9:30-10:30 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Meet the Easter Bunny, 10 a.m. (BTC) Hula Spring Singles Party, 11 a.m. (Franconia Brewing)
RCH 4, 18 & 25 coffee talk 8:30 a.m. (CR) RCH 5 ANNUAL meeting 6:30 p.m. (cpc) march 17 travel club meeting 9 a.m. (cr)
arch 17 bingo 7 p.m. (cr) march 28 meet the easter bunny 10 a.m. (btc) arch 28 Hula spring singles party 11 A.M. (Franconia Brewing) march 31 stonebridge singles planning session 7 p.m. (btc)
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
17
fInancIal update Repair and Replacement Reserve 2015 by Michael Lesku The Repair and Replacement Reserve is the association’s fourth largest expense category. The purpose of the reserve is to maintain the association’s commonly-owned amenities without the need for a special assessment. The Repair and Replacement Reserve funds are allocated for the repair and replacement of the association’s existing commonly owned amenities. Note that the Repair and Replacement Reserve is separate from the association’s Annual Operating Budget, which is used to fund the day-to-day operational needs of the association. The value of the association’s commonly-owned amenities totals $7.7M. These amenities may vary in size and use, but all serve collectively to enhance the homeowner experience and property values within Stonebridge Ranch. Within the 5000 acres of Stonebridge Ranch, some of the more notable amenities include the Beach Club, Aquatics Center, Nora Haney Park, tennis courts, playgrounds, parks, 514 acres of common area landscape and 21 miles of fencing and stone monuments throughout all community and village entrances. The following list consists of major assets that the association seeks to repair/replace in 2015: • Landscape updates ($300,000) • Monument repair and refurbish ($84,000) • Parks’ equipment repair and replacement ($100,000) • Lake dredging ($330,000) • Fence repair and replacement ($200,100) Contributions to the Repair and Replacement Reserve are made annually as part of the annual budgeting process. The funds are then invested by a third-party investment firm contracted by the association. The firm invests the Repair and Replacement Reserve funds as outlined in the board-approved Investment Policy. The Investment Policy emphasizes minimizing risk while maximizing returns and providing liquidity. The value of the Repair and Replacement Reserve as of April 30 was $5.0M. Repair and Replacement Reserve projects are determined and prioritized through an onsite inspection of the common area amenities conducted by a certified Reserve Study Engineer. The engineer inspects all of the association’s amenities and makes a determination as to how soon the amenity will need to be repaired or replaced. The engineer’s evaluations are then incorporated into a 30-year repair and replacement schedule that is consistent with the Repair and Replacement Reserve’s fund balance levels and meets the association’s obligations to maintain the common area amenities without the need for a special assessment. For more information on the Repair and Replacement Reserve, please visit our website, www.stonebridgeranch.com, select the Considering Stonebridge drop-down menu under Community Information and click on the Financial Status link. F
1 8 www.stonebridgeranch.com
from your neIghbor Culinary Classics From Your Neighbor Connie Hollstein-Drexel raised her 4 children in Caddo Mills while watching Stonebridge develop through the 1970s. She always knew that Stonebridge Ranch would be a great place to live—and in 2002, her dream came true when her family moved to Woodhaven Village. “We are blessed with wonderful neighbors; the area is quiet and would be hard to leave,” states Connie. ”The common grounds are well-maintained and when we have visitors, they always comment on how beautiful the community is.” She kindly shares the following recipe passed down from her Grandmother Heaton that lived during the Dust Bowl in the 1920s and the Depression in the 1930s. She continues, “My mother served this pie to our family when I was growing up in Nebraska in the 1950s and it was our favorite dessert. After I started my family, the Soda Cracker Pie continued to be a family favorite. My youngest son made this pie for a 4-H project in the 1970s and won a blue ribbon at the Hunt County Fair!”
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 an upcoming issue. F
Soda Cracker Pie 3 egg whites—beat until foamy. ¼ tsp. cream of tartar—add to foamy egg whites and beat until it forms stiff peaks 1 c. sugar—add and beat until very stiff. Fold in: 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. chopped pecans 16 soda crackers—rolled with rolling pin, not too fine. Bake at 325 degrees in greased 9” pie plate for about 35 minutes. This is good served with plain whipped cream and berries of choice. Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
19
thIs month’ s feature What Is Quorum And Why Is It Important To Me? by Michael Lesku
Each year owners have the opportunity to influence the leadership of the association by casting their vote in the annual election of directors, which will be held at the Crosspoint Church on Thursday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. In order for the Annual Meeting to be held and the election of directors to be conducted, a quorum requirement of 10% (922) of the owners in the community must either attend the meeting, cast their vote by absentee ballot, proxy or online. Typically about 200 owners attend the Annual Meeting which means that a large number of owners participate to help the association meet its quorum requirements by either voting online, absentee ballot or by proxy. Failure to meet the Annual Meeting quorum requirements will result in the election not being held and the meeting being reconvened. The projected cost to the association to reconvene the Annual Meeting is approximately $18,000! Please help the association avoid the cost of reconvening by voting!
2 0 www.stonebridgeranch.com
How do I cast my vote if I can’t attend the Annual Meeting?
Owners can cast their vote in the election of directors in one of three ways. You can vote online by visiting the association website, www.stonebridgeranch.com, or by completing and submitting to the association office an absentee ballot. You can also choose to proxy the vote to another owner attending the Annual Meeting or to the board of directors by completing and submitting a proxy. The online voting instructions, absentee ballot and proxy can be found in the Annual Meeting notice or on the association website—simply select Annual Meeting from the Community Information drop-down menu. The absentee ballot includes the names of each candidate running for the board of directors. Owners need to select the two candidates they would like to see serve on the board of directors and then complete the owner information section at the bottom of the ballot. The completed ballot and proxy can be mailed or delivered to
thIs month’ s feature
the association office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway, by fax to 214.778.0595 or emailed to crickman@ cmamanagement.com.
Can I assign my vote to another owner attending the Annual Meeting?
Yes, owners can assign their vote to the board of directors or to another owner attending the Annual Meeting by completing the proxy form. The proxy form can be found in the Annual Meeting notice and on the association website under the Annual Meeting tab. Owners need to choose if they want to assign their vote to the board of directors, to another owner attending the meeting or select the “quorum only” option by which the owner elects not to vote, but to have their proxy count towards the 10% quorum requirement. Completed proxy forms can be mailed or delivered to the association office located at 6201 Virginia Parkway, by fax to 214.778.0595 or emailed to crickman@cmamanagement.com.
Do I need to complete an absentee ballot and proxy if I will be attending the Annual Meeting?
No. Owners attending the Annual Meeting will be given a board director election ballot when they check in at the Annual Meeting. During the portion of the meeting when the election is conducted, you will cast your vote for two of the candidates on the ballot. The ballots will then be collected and tabulated along with the online votes, submitted absentee ballots and proxies to determine which two candidates have been elected to the Stonebridge Ranch Board of Directors.
How do I find out which candidates were elected to the board of directors?
Due to the large volume of votes cast in the election, absentee ballots, proxies and online votes are tabulated the day following the election. Once the vote tabulations have been verified, the names of the candidates elected to the board will be posted on the home page of the website. The posting of the elected directors will be completed by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 6. If owners have questions regarding online voting, the absentee ballot, proxy or the Annual Meeting, please do not hesitate to contact the association office at 214.733.5800 or email at mlesku@cmamanagement.com. F Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
21
complIance tI p s Maintaining Your Turf by Nate Russell Stonebridge Ranch is well known for its beautiful landscaping throughout the common areas, as well as the private yards. But as the landscaping ages, your yard can suffer if you have not taken the necessary precautions to prevent long-term damage. One of the most common problems you will see as the landscaping starts to age is bare spots. As the trees mature and the canopy spreads, the lack of sunlight getting to the turf can cause the grass to die. A sometimes easy fix for this is to thin and raise the canopy on your trees. Thinning the canopy will allow the sun to break through to the turf, while raising the canopy will allow sunlight to flow under the branches. This may be all that is needed to keep your grass healthy. In other cases, your tree might be too big and you will need to seek other methods to get your yard looking great again. You might try extending the tree ring beds with mulch or other approved ground cover to cover up your bare spots. If you wish to extend the landscape beds in your yard, you will need to submit a Modification Application so
2 2 www.stonebridgeranch.com
that a consistent ratio of turf area to bed area can be maintained throughout your village. Some trees will grow in certain ways that make them weak. Branches will start to break and the tree can become a hazard if left unattended. If a tree gets to this point and you are looking at removing it, you will need to submit an application to do so. All villages have set guidelines for the landscaping in the yards so as to maintain the beautiful image that Stonebridge is known for. If you ever need help researching the guidelines for your specific village, feel free to call or email us here at the office so we can help you work through it. Shrubs are another required feature throughout the association. Evergreen shrubs along the foundation of the house or along the fence keep that pleasing aesthetic value in your yard that we all want. There are stipulations on where shrubs are required and how many are required for each village. These can be found in your sub-association guidelines online or here at the office. As always, with any project you wish to complete, feel free to come see us at the office so we can sit down with you and go over it together in person. We are pleased to announce that we have a new member of the compliance team here at Stonebridge. Erica Peoples joined our team earlier this year and to account for that, we have changed the village designations. While I know you have all become attached to your previous compliance coordinator, please reference the new village designation list on the next page to find out whom you will be working with in the future. Thank you for your compliance! Rony Peterson, Maria Ford, Nate Russell, Erica Peoples, Joyce Martin are CMA Compliance Coordinators Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc. F
complIance tI ps Erica Peoples
Nate Russell
Maria Ford
Rony Peterson
Altamura Ballantrae Brightwood Crimson Ridge Freedom Park Isleworth Kensington LaCima Haven LaCima Manor LaCima Meadows Liberty Place Maybery Park Saddlehorn Creek Saddlehorn Ridge Stonebridge Estates Stratford Manor Symphony Thornberry Ridge Wren Creek Wyndsor/Heritage Wynn Ridge
Arbor Glen Arbor Hollow Briar Ridge Bridge Point Grand Traditions Hills Creek Knightsbridge Lake Point Meadow Ridge Pecan Crossing Quail Creek Saddlebrook Crossing Spring Hill Summer Point The Enclave Timber Crossing Willow Brook Woodland Bridge
Adriatica Aspendale Autumn Ridge Cascades Cypress Crossing Fieldstone Place Hillsborough Kings Lake Lakeside Crossing Live Oak Muirfield Point Parkview Estates Regents Park Stanford Meadow Stone Canyon Tanglewood Waterbury Wildwood Crossing
Canterbury Coronado Eagle Creek Fairway Falcon Creek Fountainview Greenbriar Hackberry Ridge Hickory Hill Melton Ridge Somerset Summer Glen The Gallery Wellington Point Woodhaven
epeoples@cmamanagement.com
nrussell@cmamanagement.com
mford@cmamanagement.com
rpeterson@cmamanagement.com
214.733.5806
214.733.5805
214.733.5804
214.733.5808
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
23
lIfestyle McKinney Ladies Association The McKinney Ladies Association cordially invites you to our Spring Fashion Show and Silent Auction being held at The Sanctuary in Adriatica on Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m. We are celebrating 25 years of supporting the children and families of our community. The proceeds from the Fashion Show and Auction will benefit Shiloh Place of McKinney. Shiloh Place is a Christ-centered housing ministry providing hope and stability to single mothers through a supportive and structured program. Shiloh Place strives to equip women to become resourceful and able to provide for themselves and their children without government assistance. Former MLA and Stonebridge Ranch Ladies Association presidents will model fashions from Cynthia Elliott Boutique. Hair and makeup services will be provided by Shear Image. Enjoy a fabulous meal, fresh fashions and a silent auction of luxe items. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased through our website at www. mckinneyladies.org or mailed to MLA, P.O. Box 1972, McKinney, TX, 75070. Please visit www.McKinneyLadies.org to find out additional information and details and be sure to sign up for the MLA newsletter. If you have an interest in becoming a sponsor for our event, please contact Cynthia Nelson at mckinneyladies@yahoo.com.
McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, come join us for fun, information and friendship at our monthly Coffee Meeting. Every month we have great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of socializing with new friends. For more information on Newcomers, visit www. mckinneynewcomers.com Our speaker for the March meeting is Scott Peek, President of Baylor Medical Center at McKinney. Prior to joining Baylor Medical Center at McKinney in 2011, Scott served as COO at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine and President of Baylor Specialty Hospital and Our Children’s House at Baylor. Baylor McKinney, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, is a 143-bed, fully accredited, not-for-profit hospital. It opened in July 2012, and has more than 600 employees and a medical staff comprised of over 800 physicians representing 68 specialties. Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Parkway in McKinney. Social time with refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m. F
2 4 www.stonebridgeranch.com
around the ranch
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
25
bIt s & pI eces Stonebridge Ranch Apparel Show your community pride! Stonebridge Ranch t-shirts (and more) are now available for purchase. Choose from a variety of apparel including sport shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, denim button-ups, visors and baseball caps. The merchandise is available in a selection of colors and you can even pick the color of the SB logo, in either of our official Stonebridge Ranch colors: royal blue and white. Please visit http://tinyurl.com/SBtees and show us how much you love living in Stonebridge Ranch. F
2 6 www.stonebridgeranch.com
www.stonebrIdgeranch.com Vote From the Comfort of Your Home! by Sherine George
As a Stonebridge Ranch homeowner, you have the special privilege of voting in the election of the board of directors. This year, your vote will help to fill two positions on the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Board. Not sure if you can make it to the Annual Meeting to cast your vote? You don’t have to! You can vote online for the candidates of your choice from the comfort of your own home. Simply visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com, click the “Vote Online Now” button, fill in the short form and cast your vote. It’s that simple! You will need to enter the unique registration code from the Annual Meeting Notice you received in the mail. Once your vote is cast, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Online voting will be available until 5 p.m., on Monday, March 2. All Annual Meeting documents can be found on the association website, www.StonebridgeRanch.com. on the Annual Meeting webpage under the Community Information drop-down menu. The following information contains all documents and information pertaining to the Annual Meeting as it becomes available. All documents and forms can be downloaded and printed. Documents include: • Annual Meeting Notice—Important details about the Annual Meeting. • Board Candidate Bios—A bio for all candidates are available online for your perusal. • Board Roles—Description of each of the board positions. • Proxy Form—The Proxy form is used to assign your vote to another homeowner who will be attending the Annual Meeting in the event you are unable to attend. • Proxy Instructions—General information about the proxy form. • Absentee Ballot—The absentee ballot is used to cast
your vote if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting and choose not to vote online. • Absentee Ballot Instructions—Instructions for using the absentee ballot • Questions and Answer Form—This form is for you to complete and include any questions you have for the board of directors. The board will attempt to answer all questions at the Annual Meeting as time permits. All questions and answers will be compiled after the Annual Meeting and posted online at www. StonebridgeRanch.com. • Online Voting Instructions—Instructions for online voting. The Annual Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., March 5, at Crosspoint Church located at 2101 South Stonebridge Drive. Are you receiving our e-news? If not, be sure to visit www.StonebridgeRanch.com and click on Sign up for E-news under the Quick Links section. Important updates and news will be delivered directly to you inbox! F
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
27
resId ent I n terest Child Genius by Sherine George Jaxon Cota is not your average 11-year-old. He is a member of MENSA, testing into the 99.9 percentile with an estimated average IQ of 148. Through that test score, Jaxon has scored above eleventh grade in all seven subject areas. Jaxon was featured in the Lifetime show, Child Genius, which premiered this past January. He currently attends Eddins Elementary, is in the Alpha program and plays baseball and basketball in McKinney. He also loves being involved and living in Stonebridge Ranch!
Apart from being a child genius, what do you want others to know about you?
I would like people to know that I am kind to others, I like meeting new people, and I enjoy playing sports just like other kids my age.
When did you or your family find out that you have exceptional intellectual ability?
My parents knew that I was different when I was about 2-1/2 years old because I could read numbers up to 15 digits, and I learned to read very early. I read a medical journal when I was four years old and diagnosed a dog
2 8 www.stonebridgeranch.com
resIdent Interest with a cataract. I think my parents were shocked!
Why have you chosen to stay in fifth grade rather than testing out of it?
I think it is important for me to be around kids my age. There are still so many things I need to learn in each grade, and my teachers can give me work that is above level, but still allow me to be with my peers and enjoy ageappropriate activities. I like to socially interact with kids my age, and I don’t want to miss out on my childhood.
How often do you study? Do you think you study as often as your peers?
We are all required to study in my grade level, and I might study a little bit more than some kids my age. Some of the math, especially, that I work on is challenging and
requires more time. But, I do make time to play and just be a kid.
How did you like being followed by the Lifetime film crew?
It was really cool most of the time (being filmed), but there were a few times that I would have liked some privacy and not be on camera. But, overall, the film crew was really nice and I loved having them around.
What interesting tidbit can you share about being on a television show?
Sometimes, one episode is filmed over two days, and they can be very long days. But, I still had fun!
How has being on TV changed your life?
Honestly, I don’t feel like it has changed my life too much. It is has been fun doing different interviews and meeting new people, but I am glad I have great family and friends that treat me like I’m normal. Maybe when I’m old and a grandpa one day, I can tell my grandkids I was on Child Genius. They might get a kick out of that.
How long have you lived in Stonebridge Ranch? What do you love about it?
We have lived in Stonebridge Ranch for almost four years. I love it here! It’s a safe community, and I enjoy having some of my family and friends here. I like to go to the park, ride bikes, go to the Beach Club and pool and play golf. It feels like home. F
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
29
socIal scene Meet The Easter Bunny!
Kids, bring your Easter basket and join us at the Stonebridge Ranch Beach and Tennis Club on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., for a hopping good time with the Easter Bunny. And parents, bring your camera to capture your children frolicking around with the Easter Bunny and friends. Activities include a petting zoo, face painting, balloon hats, bounce houses, free kids raffle drawings, music and refreshments. This event is for Stonebridge residents only. Note: Children will only be permitted to collect 20 Easter eggs each.
Hula Spring Singles Party! When: March 28 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Franconia Brewing Company, 495 McKinney Parkway, McKinney Wear your favorite bright color and join the party! We are meeting at Franconia Brewing Company for a two-hour tour. This local brewery offers a genuine and fresh Bavarian beer. Franconia Brewing Company not only delivers the freshest brews to your favorite restaurants, pubs and taverns, they also have adapted many GREEN practices to help improve the environmental concerns in North Dallas. After the two-hour tour, we will be walking to The Pantry for brunch. The restaurant is located at 207 E. Louisiana Street, McKinney. Please RSVP to Cindy at galvanlaw@att.net.
3 0 www.stonebridgeranch.com
socIal scene Bingo Night It’s a great time to make new friends so please join us on Tuesday night, March 17, from 7-9 p.m., for an evening of Bingo and prizes in the Community Room located at the Stonebridge Ranch Beach and Tennis Club. Light snacks and refreshments will be served and, please, NO alcoholic beverages. Seating is limited to the first 32 who sign up by emailing David Wiest, Lifestyle Director at dwiest@cmamanagement.com. This is an adult only event for Stonebridge Ranch residents only and there is no charge.
Stonebridge Ranch Night at the Frisco Roughriders Last baseball season Stonebridge Ranch had a great turnout at the ballpark in Frisco. Join us on Friday, April 24, at 7:05 p.m., for the Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks game. Your $20 ticket includes: • Unlimited hot dogs, brats and chips • Unlimited Dr Pepper Products • PlayBall! Game Program • Postgame fireworks Deadline to order is March 10. For more information please contact Monica Mann at 972.334.1938 or mman@ ridersbaseball.com or pick up a registration form at the association office. This year’s game will include postgame fireworks so be sure not to miss the registration deadline. F
Upcoming April Events 10 Evening on the Veranda 11 Teenager Fishing Tournament 12 King Tut Triathlon 14 Travel Club 24 Stonebridge Night at the Frisco RoughRiders 28 Stonebridge Singles Coffee Talk will be held every Wednesday
Stonebridge Ranch News x March 2015
31