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STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS AUGUST 2015
Vol. 3, Issue 8
Contents IN EVERY ISSUE 5
23
From the President
29
by Jon Dell’Antonia
7
In the News by Sherine George
8
Compliance Tips by Nate Russell
13 Lifestyle 14
20 20
Inside the Ranch by Michael Lesku
16
Community Calendar
18
Financial Update by Michael Lesku
23
Around the Ranch
24
From Your Neighbor
27
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTIONS 10
Bits and Pieces
11
Disaster Preparedness Brochure
20
Public Safety
26
Pet Page
Stonebridge Ranch News © 2015 is published by Moonlight Graphics. All rights reserved. It is individually mailed free of charge to all residents of Stonebridge Ranch. Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, 972.727.4569, fax 972.396.0807. Visit www.allenimage.com.
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from the presIdent STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS
publisher/editor Barbara Peavy
office administrator Carrie McCormick
contributing writers Jon Dell’Antonia Sherine George Michael Lesku Nate Russell
cover photo Sherine George
Summer has passed the halfway point Summer is flying by. Hard to believe school will be starting again in a few weeks. I hope all of our residents have had an enjoyable summer and will continue to enjoy the hot weather and our pools for the next several weeks. Work has started on our newest village in Stonebridge Ranch. Construction vehicles are moving dirt and preparing the land for Melton Ridge located on the east side of Custer Road south of the Stonebridge Ranch apartments (between Virginia and El Dorado). Actual home construction is scheduled to begin late this year. The city has approved the installation of another traffic signal at the intersection of Fountain View and Custer Road (the entrance to Kroger). I have no schedule as to when this will be installed. There is a request to the city to change the zoning at the southeast corner of Stonebridge Drive and Highway 380 (just across from the La Cima entrance) for commercial use.
June 18 Board Meeting
The board meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. All board members were present. The meeting began with a Homeowners Open Forum. One homeowner appeared to give the board positive feedback about the association’s aquatics program and to thank the board for their time commitment and efforts on behalf of the Stonebridge homeowners. The first item of business was to ratify all decisions since the last board meeting.
Old Business
The board discussed and approved a contract for final design and bidding to construct the expansion of the community room. We also approved a brochure to be included in a future issue of the monthly magazine on homeowner disaster preparedness plans.
New Business
The board discussed and approved a motion to include civil unrest procedures into our Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
Executive Session
The board reviewed and approved the Collections report for delinquent accounts and heard an update on legal issues. We also reviewed and made appropriate decisions on seven homeowner violations that were presented to the board for resolution. We also approved a variance to allow a modification to a house plan in Kensington village. The board discussed and tabled an item to be added to the DRP regarding finances. Next, we reviewed the common area landscaping maintenance contracts being negotiated with our current landscaping vendors. We also approved a three-year renewal contract for pool operations, which provides for pool lifeguards and gate guards with our existing vendor, Lifeline Aquatics.
Association Reports
For information or to place an advertisement, please contact: Moonlight Graphics, P.O. Box 132, Allen, TX 75013, or call 972.727.4569.
Director of Operations Lesku reviewed Strategic Plan updates, progress of the Virginia Entry project, Aquatic center and Civic plaza design review, community room expansion design plans and cost estimate reviews and an RFP for Quail Creek lake dredging. The lake dredging will not be done this year as we are unable to find contractors willing to do the project with all of the other construction in the area. Board liaisons presented updates on committee activities reflected in committee minutes. The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Jon Dell’Antonia President Stonebridge Ranch News x August 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.
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In the news National Night Out August 4 by Sherine George If you haven’t already, now is the time to meet your neighbor! Come out on Tuesday, August 4 for National Night Out. This event is an annual anti-crime campaign designed to increase neighborhood spirit, improve police and community partnerships and keep our neighborhoods safe. This is an overall fun event for the whole family, but its key focus is to increase neighborhood involvement in crime prevention activities while encouraging a more intimate community. This organized effort sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are vigilant and uniform in their fight against crime. The city of McKinney is doing its part in the national “lights on” initiative, which starts with the simple turning on of a porch light. The idea is that switching on that porch light will, in turn, foster ongoing relationships in the community. Every year, the city reports 40-45 block parties. Officer Randy Haak, Educations and Awareness officer for the McKinney police department, asks for more participation from the Stonebridge Ranch community this year. The city plans to send out its first responders and elected officials to meet and engage with the residents in each block. Residents are asked to register for the event as early as possible to help with the planning and logistics. It is important to register your event on the city’s website so that you will receive your necessary supplies and a visit from the police and fire department. Supplies include
brochures, t-shirts and trinkets for kids. Officer Haak reminds residents attending the event to take preventative measures to ensure personal safety. He advises residents to lock all doors and windows, keep garage doors closed when not outside and to immediately report all suspicious persons and activity to the police. So, what all does the event entail? From ice cream socials to barbeques, the possibilities are endless. It is all up to you and your neighborhood crime watch captain to decide. The neighborhood crime watch captain or the block captain usually organize the event and then notify the city. If you don’t have a crime watch/block captain, please contact officer Hack at 972.547.2795 and he will get you started! Share pictures of your block party by emailing sgeorge@ cmamanagement.com F
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complIance tI p s Compliance Quiz by Nate Russell It’s that time again—time for the bi-monthly Compliance Quiz for a chance to win a $15 Starbucks gift card! Same rules as always, the first three correct responses will win a gift card. If you get stumped, you can always call the office and talk to your Compliance Coordinator for help. As always, if you ever have any questions on the interpretation of the guidelines or need help getting an application submitted, feel free to call or swing by the office to go over it with us. We are always more than happy to sit down with you and discuss any questions you may have. Thank you for your compliance! Rony Peterson, Maria Ford, Nate Russell, Erica Peoples, Joyce Martin; CMA Compliance Coordinators, Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc.
How long does the Modifications Committee have to respond to applications? A) 10 days B) 30 Days C) 90 Days D) No time limit
Which of the following materials is listed as “unacceptable” in the fencing Design Guidelines? A) Cedar B) Lattice C) Redwood D) None of the above
Which of the following statements is true? A) Chickens are forbidden in Stonebridge Ranch per the CC&R’s B) Fences can be up to 8 feet if a reason is given C) Submittal for replacing your fence is not required D) You are required to submit an application if you want a trampoline Which of the following items is listed as “prohibited” in the Master Design Guidelines? A) Dog runs B) Storage Shed C) Clothesline D) None of the above
Which of your friendly neighborhood Compliance Coordinators inspects the village of Pecan Crossing? (hint: the answer was given in the March newsletter) A) Erica Peoples B) Nate Russell C) Rony Peterson D) Maria Ford
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bIt s & pI e ces Committee Announcements In order for an organization the size of Stonebridge Ranch to be successful and reach its full potential, it requires the appropriate infrastructure. Your seven elected board director volunteers cannot address the needs of a community the size of Stonebridge Ranch by themselves. They need your help. By volunteering to serve on one of the association’s committees you can create a positive impact on your community. Currently there are openings in the Communications Committee. Please read the description of the committee below. Communications Committee—This committee advises and assists the board of directors in the development and maintenance of the Stonebridge Ranch News magazine and website, www.stonebridgeranch.com If you are interested in serving, visit our website www. stonebridgeranch.com and fill out a Volunteer Form and mail it to the association office, fax it to 214.778.0595 or email it to mlesku@cmamanagement.com. Help make Stonebridge Ranch an even better place to live!
Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Plan The Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (SRCA) Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Plan was developed to
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provide a basic emergency planning policy for your association. This single page brochure was developed to give our homeowners a general guideline on how you can prepare in the event of a disaster or emergency. Bear in mind that each homeowner is responsible for their property and course of action in the event of a disaster. The SRCA is not a first responder or an emergency-responding entity. Owners should always seek civil/community first responders in response to any emergency that you may be experiencing. “The board (of directors) is working hard in many areas to ensure that the association is representing the homeowners in maintaining Stonebridge Ranch in a manner that originally made us all want to live here. That work is not just day-to-day in maintaining our common areas and roadways with grass, trees, flowers and a multitude of other actions, but it is also preparing for times when disaster may happen. Your board is doing its best to be there for our homeowners and to provide them with a sense of understanding of our actions and ways that they too can prepare their homes and families for that time when disaster actions may be required, “ said Board Secretary Michael Yon. The SRCA encourages all homeowners to review and keep the following disaster preparedness brochure for future reference in an easily accessible location in your home. (Please cut across the dotted line on the second page of the brochure). F
lIfestyle McKinney Ladies Association
The McKinney Ladies Association will begin their new membership year on September 14. Have you thought about becoming a member but wanted additional information? This is the meeting for you to attend to meet our board of directors and great members. MLA is dedicated to supporting the children and families of our community. MLA assisted 10 different agencies during their 2014-15 year. Some of those included: the Great Fan Give Away for Community Lifeline Center, financial assistance for Seniors Helping Seniors, Hope’s Door, Community Health Clinic, the LoveLife Foundation and the recipient of our Fashion Show and Silent Auction proceeds was Shiloh Place. MLA is pleased to offer rolling annual memberships. That means when you pay MLA’s $50 annual membership dues, your membership will not expire for the next 12 months. The location of the first meeting will be announced on our website and Facebook. For more information about our organization, please visit www.mckinneyladies.org or email us at mckinneyladies@yahoo.com.
McKinney Area Newcomers Club If you are new to the McKinney area, or you have had a lifestyle change, come join us for fun, information and friendship at our monthly Coffee Meeting. Every month we have great speakers, nice door prizes, tasty refreshments and lots of socializing with new friends. For more information on Newcomers, visit www. mckinneynewcomers.com Our August meeting will include the installation of the new board members. Please join McKinney Area Newcomers at its meeting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 18, in the Eva Joplin Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5871 Virginia Parkway in McKinney. Social time with refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m. F Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
13
InsId e the ranch The Nature Of Homeowners Associations by Michael Lesku Delivering Services and Amenities
Community associations deliver services and amenities that were once the exclusive province of local government, including pools, parks and tennis courts to name a few. This transfer, or privatization, of services and amenities has become commonplace as the demand for housing has outpaced the ability of many local governments to provide services. Not only has privatization relieved local municipal budgets, but it has proven economically efficient for homeowners. Many of today’s homebuyers are second and third time buyers in homeowner associations—people who understand and value the benefits and services provided in planned communities. • Associations maintain common area landscape. Reserves are maintained for future repairs and replacement of common property. • Many associations maintain swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds and other amenities that most Americans cannot afford on their own. Many also provide social activities, clubhouses, walking trails and more. • In the best communities, associations offer a real sense of
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community, an important contribution in an increasingly transient society.
Providing Value and Protecting Property Values
By delivering services at the direction of their members,
InsIde the ranch associations meet the expectations of residents by working to provide a safe, well-maintained living environment, preserving the nature of the community and protecting property values. Cooperation and compliance are accomplished through governing documents that typically address architectural guidelines (dealing with items such as additions, decks and paint colors) and rules pertaining to issues such as noise, pets and parking. Enforced fairly and equitably by the members themselves, these documents guide the management and governance of the association and are generally consistent with zoning and other provisions of the larger civil community in which the association is located.
Offering Protection and Oversight
Community association rules and regulations are not really all that much different from their municipal counterparts. In practical terms, association regulations are another layer of protection against neighborhood degradation and another means of maintaining community standards and protecting property values. Associations lessen the need for local government oversight of housing conditions, since design guidelines and covenant inspections are performed by the association—the functional equivalent of building and zoning inspectors. Associations have one big advantage: While most municipalities are not equipped (i.e., do not have the manpower) to monitor housing, community association
homeowners have a vested interest in reporting problems, from architectural and building code violations to landscaping issues.
Inspiring Responsibility and Involvement
Community association homeowners like the responsibility that comes with homeowner control of their own neighborhoods. Importantly, community association leaders are elected by their neighbors to serve the best interests of the community as a whole. Because they live in their communities, these leaders better understand the needs of the community, from the delivery of core services and amenities to decisions affecting the future of the community. Significantly, many associations enjoy a higher level of civic involvement than municipalities in terms of voting, meeting attendance and volunteerism. Voting by proxy helps meet quorum requirements, an option that is not available in municipal elections.
Stonebridge Ranch
As you can see, association living is more than just paying your assessments and attending the Annual Meeting. Stonebridge Ranch provides amenities and services members enjoy while, at the same time, it protects and enhances property values and brings owners together by building a sense of community through social events. Stonebridge Ranch has many of the attributes that make up a successful community association. It’s these attributes that continue to make Stonebridge Ranch one of the most desirable communities to build and live in. F
Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
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august 5, 12, 19 & 26 Coffee Talk 8:30 a.m. (CR) august 7, 14, 21 & 28 tgif coffee 1 p.m. (cr)
august 8 stonebridge singles meet at the beach
august 10 beach club family pool party 6 p.m. (btc august 13
kids splash hop 8:30 p.m. (aC)
august 18
travel club 9 a.m. (cr)
Coffee Talk, 8:30 MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Beach Club Family Pool Party, 6 p.m. (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Amenities Meeting, 7 p.m. (BR)
9-10 am—Stroller Stride
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) Modifications Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
9-10 am—Stroller Stride
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
MARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR)
Coffee Talk, 8:30
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Travel Club, 9 a.m. (CR)
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
ARC Meeting, 8 a.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
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Coffee Talk, 8:30
Modifications Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (BR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
Social Committe 9 a.m. (BR)
9-10 am—Stroller Stride
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
Coffee Talk, 8:30
9-10 am—Stroller Stride
8 am-2 pm—Junior Ten Select Tennis Academ
h 3 p.m. (BTC)
c)
a.m. (CR)
es (BTC)
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
es (BTC)
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
ee Meeting,
es (BTC)
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 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)
Communications Committee Meeting, 9 a.m. (BR)
nnis Classes, my (BTC)
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR)
9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Visit www.StonebridgeRanch. com for event details.
8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
0 a.m. (CR)
es (BTC)
Stonebridge Singles Meet at the Beach, 3 p.m. (BTC)
Board of Directors Meeting, 1 p.m. (BR) 8 am-2 pm—Junior Tennis Classes, Select Tennis Academy (BTC)
TGIF Coffee, 1-2 p.m. (CR) 9-10 am—Stroller Strides (BTC)
Stonebridge Ranch HOA x September 2013 News News x August 2015
17
fInancIal update The Benefits of a Fully Funded Reserve Fund by Michael Lesku Did you know that the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (SRCA) has an independent Reserve Engineer that conducts a reserve study update every three years, which serves as an asset management and budget planning tool for the board of directors? Perhaps you are curious to find out how your community fared in this year’s study update. Outlined below is an overview of association reserve studies and how it relates to the SRCA reserve fund.
What is a reserve study and why is important to me?
A reserve study is an in-depth evaluation of the association’s common area assets and an analysis of its reserve fund balances. The primary purpose of a reserve study is to determine the health of the financial funds for
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future major repair and/or the replacement of common area association assets, like the Beach Club and the Aquatic Center. One of the primary responsibilities of the SRCA is to maintain, preserve and replace the common area assets for the future use of the association members. A wellprepared reserve study can avert special assessments and support a thriving community.
What does a reserve study consist of?
The reserve study has both a financial and physical component. The physical analysis includes a comprehensive on-site inspection, which results in a complete inventory of common area assets. The financial analysis of the reserve study includes analyzing the current reserve fund,
fInancIal update study update for our community in January 2014. The engineers spent a week on-site inspecting all common area assets including the Beach Club, Aquatic Center, parks, lakes, irrigation and landscaping.
What scale is used to assess my community?
Associations are measured on a scale from “weak” financial position (when the community is 0 to 30% funded) to “ideal” (100% funded, where the association has the exact amount of funds it needs in the reserve account). A majority of associations fall under the category of “fair” (31% to 69% funded). Being in a “fair” financial position certainly doesn’t illustrate financial strength and stability, but there is a diminished likelihood of special assessments and deferred maintenance.
So, how is Stonebridge Ranch doing?
formulating a detailed plan for adequately funding the reserve account and a 30-year projection for cash-flow management.
When was our last study done?
Community Association Reserves, an independent engineering firm that prepares Reserve studies for community associations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, was contracted to perform a reserve
The reserve study update results show that the association is fully funded and therefore in an “ideal” financial position. Through the careful planning and fiscally responsible performance of our board, the association has been able to avoid assessment increases for several years. In fact, over the past eight years, there has only been a $27 increase in assessments. You will be pleased to note that the board operates on sound funding principles which ensure optimal financial safety for the Stonebridge Ranch Community. F
Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
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publIc safety Safety first! upcoming school year. Now, more than ever,
safety is a growing concern for children. From school zones to bus stops, precautions need to be made every step of the way as kids return to school for fall. We ask parents to keep
informed on current safety rules so that you can responsibly share this information with your children.
Here are some tips by the National Safety
Council, SAFE KIDS and the American
Academy of Pediatrics to help you and your family practice great safety.
Preventing backpack-related injuries:
• Choose a backpack for your child carefully, keeping safety and comfort in mind.
• Don’t overstuff a backpack. It should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s Back-to-school season is in full swing and Stonebridge
Ranch residents are starting their preparations for the
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body weight.
• Ask your child to use both straps when wearing his
backpack to evenly distribute the weight of the backpack.
publIc safety Traveling to and from school: • If you are driving your children to school, drop them off and pick them up as close to the school as possible. Wait to leave until they are in the schoolyard or building.
• Plan a route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and with
intersections that have crossing guards. Make sure to
plan routes that are not secluded or vacant. Ideally, your child should be walking with a sibling, friend or neighbor.
• Instruct your child to never accept rides or gifts from strangers or anyone he doesn’t know well. Have a contingency plan in case his usual form of transportation is unavailable.
• Make sure your child knows and follows all traffic
signals, signs and traffic officers. If walking, remind him to stop and look both ways before crossing a street.
• To avoid street crossings, encourage your child to take
the many city tunnels available. You will find that many
kids already ride their bikes through tunnels near the
Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
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publIc safety Aquatic Center,
Adriatica, across the
street from the SRCA
office and
various other tunnels.
• If your child is riding a bike to
school, make sure he
wears a
helmet that meets
appropriate safety
standards.
Research has
shown that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent.
• Plan for your children to arrive at their bus stop early
and then wait for the bus to come to a complete stop
before approaching the street. Always watch for cars
and avoid the driver ’s blind spot. When riding on the
bus, remind your children to stay seated at all times and keep their heads and arms inside the bus. When exiting the bus, children should wait until the bus comes to a
complete stop, exit from the front using the handrail to
avoid falls and cross the street at least 10 feet in front of
the bus. Remind your child not to bend down in front of the bus to tie shoes or pick up objects, as the driver may not see him before starting to move.
• Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone
number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies.
On the Playground: • Avoid clothing with drawstrings on the hood or around the neck of jackets and sweatshirts. Drawstrings at the
waist or bottom of jackets should extend no more than
three inches long to prevent catching in car and school
bus doors or getting caught on playground equipment.
• Teach children proper playground behavior: no pushing or shoving.
• Give your child some strategies for coping with
playground bullies. Ask that he simply walk away or tell a bully to stop. If the bullying continues, instruct your child to talk to the teacher. F
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around the ranch
Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
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from your neI g hbor Culinary Classics From Your Neighbor Steven Boydstun is originally from Sacramento California, where grilled tri-tips are a common summer meal. He moved to San Antonio with the Air Force nearly 30 years ago. He has been in Texas ever since (with a few years in New York City thrown in). He is now a senior director of Finance Applications at TPG Capital in Fort Worth. Steven and his wife, Kristin, have lived in Falcon Creek for six years with their daughters Lilly (age 10) and Cassady (age 16). They also have another daughter Maggie (25) who lives with her husband and daughter in Denton. “This recipe is a combination of a family recipe, marinades seen in books and magazines and a bit of trial and error,” shares Steven. He makes tri-tip once or twice a month, mainly in the summer and usually on Sunday when the whole family gathers for dinner. He usually serves his marinated tri-tip with a cool salad or a gazpacho.
Marinated Tri-Tip Ingredients: 2-1/2 lb. tri-tip roast (You can find them at our grocery stores in McKinney, but you need to look. Ask the butcher if you can’t find them out front.)
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from your neIghbor Marinade: 1/3 c. worcestershire sauce 1/3 c. soy sauce 1/2 c. olive oil 1/3 c. lemon juice 1 Tbs. garlic powder 1/2 Tbs. granulated onion 3 Tbs. dried basil 2 Tbs. dried parsley 1 tsp. Cholula Salt and pepper to taste Trim the tri-tip, removing the fat from the back until both sides look the same. Rub with salt and pepper to taste. I usually go light on the salt. Throw all the marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until well mixed and somewhat smooth. Put the rubbed tri-tip in a sealable plastic bag, add the blended marinade and put it in the fridge for at least a few hours (more the better, but not overnight). About an hour before you cook, pull tri-tip out, shake off marinade and let the meat come to room temperature. Get an oiled grill hot and cook for four to five minutes and flip. Do this five times. Check the meat with a thermometer, and keep cooking until it reads 130 degrees (25 to 30 minutes). Take off the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Cut thinly against the grain to serve.
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? Was 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
Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
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”Precious” playing with other dogs. You can bring your dog to the shelter for a meet and greet with her. She absolutely loves getting attention—a head pat here, an ear scratch there! Precious really enjoys going for walks and a game of fetch or tug. Because she finds them a little too interesting, it’s best that she doesn’t go to a home with cats. They are just too much fun to chase. Precious is housebroken, has been spayed, microchipped and received all age-appropriate vaccinations. She can’t wait to meet you. #141157
”Martin” Meet Precious, an adorable one-year-old, 52-lb. red and black boxer mix. She’s not only cute as can be, but she’s one of the sweetest dogs around! Precious came to the SPCA of Texas because her family didn’t have time for a pet. They did want you to know that she is very loving and she enjoys
Meet Martin, a three-month-old domestic shorthair mix weighing a tiny three pounds of soft fur sweetness. His owners surrendered him to the SPCA of Texas because they felt he needed more time for play and socialization. He’s an energetic kitty and he knows his new family will take care of that! Could this be you? Martin loves playing with the scratchboard, climbing, batting at the feather wand and sleeping. He has been neutered, tested for FIV/FeLV, (he’s negative), microchipped and has received age-appropriate vaccinations. Come and see Martin, the cutest black and white kitty ever! #140872 Precious and Martin are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas’ Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney at 8411 Stacy Road. Call 214-742SPCA (7722) or stop by for a visit.
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socIal scene Stonebridge Ranch Beach & Tennis Club 2015 Fall Junior Tennis Program Session Dates: August 24-September 17 September 21-October 15 October 19-November 12 November 16-December 17 10 & Under Tennis—Mighty Mites (ages: 4-6)
This class will get children off to a great start playing tennis using the new 10 & Under format introduced by the USTA using smaller racquets, larger balls and smaller courts. This class will enhance hand-eye coordination, movement, balance and begin grooving efficient stroke patterns. Days: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost: $99 per month
10 & Under Tennis—Junior Development (ages: 7-10)
This class teaches students the skills needed to play and enjoy tennis using the 10 & Under Format introduced by the USTA. Players will use low-compression balls and play on smaller courts. Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Choose 2 or 3 days per week) Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost: 2 days per week/$99 per month 3 days per week/$139 per month
Future Stars (ages: 11 & up)
Future Stars is designed for beginner and intermediate tennis players ages 11 and up. Players will learn solid fundamentals so they will continue to improve and enjoy tennis. Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Time: 4:30-6 p.m. Cost: 2 days/week/$149/month 3 days/week/$249/month
Tennis Academy
For players who are competing monthly in ZAT, Champ and Super Champ tournaments. Topics covered include stroke production, tactics and strategy, quickness drills, mental toughness and point play. Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Time: 4:30-7 p.m. Cost: $299 for two days/week per month $399 for three days/week per month $499 for four days/week per month To register online, please visit selecttennisacademy.com or contact Dave Wiest at 214.733.5810. Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
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socIal scene Family Beach Party
Family Beach Parties are a great way to spend a Monday night, so don’t miss out. On August 10, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a family beach party will be held with musical guest, Sundown. Space is limited to the first 500 residents and guests. Hot dogs will be served until supplies run out (one per person.) So if you have a big appetite, pack a picnic basket. This is a swimming event, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Valid ID required—Stonebridge ID or other form of ID with current Stonebridge Ranch address is required. Coolers are permitted, but no glass containers. There is a $5 non-resident guest fee.
Kids Splash Hop at the Aquatic Center Summer is almost over and it is time for our annual Back to School Kid’s Splash Hop. On Thursday, August 13, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., a Splash Hop will be held at the Aquatic Center for ages 10-12 only. Consider it a “date night,” mom and dad, and drop off the kids. There will be plenty of security with a pool manager, lifeguards and the McKinney Police Department in attendance. Hot dogs will be served and a disc jockey will be playing music. There is no charge for SBR residents; however, there is a $5 charge for nonresidents. The front gate will be monitored by the McKinney Police Department and children will not be allowed outside the gates once they are checked in. Parents should plan on picking up their children INSIDE the gate at 10:30 p.m. Children who are not between the ages of 10-12 will not be permitted inside the gate.
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socIal scene Introducing….
**New groups starting in September** Playdate in the Park
This will be a monthly play date for kids and adults to get together, make new friends and explore a new park every month. We will meet in a different pocket park throughout Stonebridge Ranch on the first Thursday of the month, 9-10 a.m. Did you know that there are a total of 12 “pocket parks” within the Villages of Stonebridge? September 3—Tennis & Beach Club Playground October 1—Wyndsor Grove November 5—Wren Creek Let’s play! Please check the website and e-news for any changes or additions at www.Stonebridgeranch.com. To sign up for e-news, go to “community information,” use drop down menu, click on “sign-up for e-news.”
Love to read? We’re looking for you!
The Book Club will be meeting in the Community Room the second Monday of the month, 7-8 p.m. For the first meeting, bring or talk about your favorite book and a list of books you would like to read next. See you September 14! Please check the website and e-news for any changes or additions. Go to www.Stonebridgeranch.com to sign-up for e-news, go to “community information,” use drop down menu, click on “sign-up for E-news”. Stonebridge Ranch News x August 2015
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socIal scene Walking Club Looking for a buddy to walk with? Take a stroll, dog walker, serious mile walkers— everyone is welcome! Meeting every Monday at 9 a.m., starting September 14. Meet at Stonebridge upper parking lot. Please check the website and e-news for any changes or additions. Go to www.Stonebridgeranch.com to sign-up for e-news, go to “community information,” use drop down menu, click on “sign-up for e-news”.
Stonebridge Singles— ”Meet at the Beach” Are you single? Do you want to meet other singles in Stonebridge? Join us for a family beach party! Spend a sunny Saturday at the beach club with your
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kids and meet other singles in the area. Bring your favorite dish/snack and drink (no glass). When: Saturday, August 8 Time: 3 p.m. Place: Beach Club, 6201 Virginia Pkwy. Ages: All Email Cindy to RSVP to galvanlaw@att.net. Please provide the number of members in your party. F
Upcoming September Events 3 Playdate in the Park 7 Labor Day at the Beach Activities 11 Evening on the Veranda with Toney Walsh 14 Walking Club 14 Book Club 15 Travel Club 19 Coffee, Cars & Conversation 26 Kid’s Triathlon 27 Adult Triathlon Coffee Talk every Wednesday TGIF every Friday