



“AmeriTex



“AmeriTex
We have a new General Manager!! Greg Herbst is rejoining us as our new GM. You may recall, Greg served us well as our Director of Operations once before with our previous management company. He retired in June of 2021 but decided he was ready to return with our new Management Company. We are pleased to have him back.
Board Meeting, June 27, 2024
The Board meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM by President Dell’Antonia. Six Board members were present. Board member Nathan deGuia did not attend. Also attending were Grand Manors Vice President of On-site Management, Client Success Manager, our Executive Assistant, Financial Manager. Maintenance Supervisor, L&G Director and the Association’s Attorney. Also attending were three staff from the Power Group via Zoom.
Homeowners Open Forum
18 homeowners appeared, 9 in person and 9 via Zoom. One to discuss new violations that used to be permitted that were permitted in error. One to request new trash cans in some locations which she agreed to provide, and repairs to some sidewalks (this is a city issue and she was advised to contact the city), and patio furniture in the front yard be allowed (not currently permitted). One to request seating in the front yard and swings in the front yard (neither permitted).
The remaining 15 attended the meeting to observe.
Consent Agenda
Approved the May 23, 2024 BOD meeting minutes.
We reviewed and approved the Board guidelines and policies with no changes: Landscape and Grounds Committee Guideline, Natural Area Maintenance Guideline, Tree Trimming Guideline, Records Retention Policy and Records Production and Copying Policy.
We reviewed the Beach Club project. The only significant change was to approve shutting down the Beach Club Pool on July 7, 2024. We have also started interviewing Landscape Architects to select one to design and manage the new pool project.
We approved changes to the pool calendars for the remainder of the pool season. Check the website for details.
Our Financial Manager reviewed the May 2024 Financial Reports: Balance Sheet, Operating Fund Revenue and Expenses, Restricted and Non Restricted Investment Schedule, Summary of Accounts Receivable, Bad Debt Expense/Reserve, and the Investment Performance Report from Cadent Capital.
We accepted the Variance Report, Payment Plan Status Report, Collections Committee Reports, Appeals Committee Decisions, Violations Reports (Compliance percentage, violations aging, priority violations, and nonsubmittal sand modification applications) and the Projects Report.
We reviewed and approved a Sponsorship Program on a trial basis which would permit us to have paid sponsorships for events.
We approved the compliance team to authorize extensions of 30 to 90 days for specific violations that may qualify for an extension.
We approved the funding request to replace the railing at LaCima Lake Overlook.
We approved the funding request for consulting and bid analysis of our Landscape contracts. These contracts are put out for bid every three years.
We approved a project to identify a firm to produce design plans and develop a bid package for the pool project. No decision was made on any firm at this time. We will be producing a Request for Qualifications from many different Landscape Architects before one is selected.
We reviewed the Association’s monthly water consumption report. Due to the large amount of rain we have received so far this year, we are currently under budget. However, the hot summer months of the year that consume the most water will soon be here.
We also heard updates on the TxDOT and Stonebridge Drive 380 project ( Nothing new to report). Adriatica Lake wall update (work beginning again), West Grove and LaCima lake drainage update and other Landscape and Grounds maintenance issues.
The Association’s attorney updated the Board on current legal matters.
The meeting adjourned at 5:48 PM.
Jon Dell’Antonia President, Board of Directors
S TONEBRIDGE R ANCH
C OMMUNITY A SSOCIATION , I NC.
6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Ph: (214) 733-5800
website: www.StonebridgeRanch.com
Courtesy Patrol: (214) 794-4945
C ONTRIBUTORS T O T HIS I SSUE
Connie Baxter, Scott Finley, Mathew Roebuck
President Jon Dell’Antonia
Vice President Amanda Batson
Secretary Joe Closs
Treasurer Michael Warner
Director Jim Buerkle
Director Nathan deGuia
Director Kristen Vartian
SRCA S TAFF
General Manager Greg Herbst
Executive Assistant Lee-Yen Elliott
Administrative Assistant Jennifer Loyd
Administrative Assistant Janine Lyons
Administrative Assistant Stacey Fought
Communications Director Scott Finley
Financial Manager Lucy Duray
Lifestyle Director Connie Baxter
Landscape & Grounds Director Mathew Roebuck
Maintenance Supervisor Eric Ortega
Maintenance Technician Alastair Doherty
Maintenance Technician Lyle Noland
Pool Maintenance Technician Micah Reed
Porter Genri Barrientos
Porter Guillermo Barrientos
Compliance Inspector Elizabeth Berglund
Compliance Team Lead Amy Dearden
Modifications Team Lead Amy McAllister
To place an advertisement, please contact:
Community Matters, Inc., PO Box 5900, Frisco, TX 75035
Ph: (972) 370-1778 | website: www.communitymattersinc.com
Stonebridge Ranch News is the only authorized publication of the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc. It is published on behalf of residents for informational purposes only. The Association does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers herein and claims no responsibility or liability for statements made in the publication. The Association does not support or take responsibility for services, whether paid or volunteer, mentioned herein, nor for statements published in articles or letters herein which are not endorsed by group decision of the Board of Directors.
The early Beach Club closure sparked some curiosity and we’re here to answer your questions. Keep reading as we dive into the reasons behind the July 7 closure, our exciting future plans, and what you can expect as we move forward!
Creating a new Beach Club ensures a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience for all residents while maintaining the community’s value and prestige. Our current Beach Club pool has reached the end of its lifespan, and it is time to create our new crown jewel for the community! The leak detection survey conducted in late May 2024 revealed significant daily water loss. After careful consideration, the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (SRCA) has decided that replacing the pool and upgrading related infrastructure are the most financially responsible and beneficial choices for our residents.
SRCA is carefully vetting companies to find the best firm for this capital improvement project. The exact cost of the new Beach Club will depend on the final design adopted, but a competitive and cost-effective solution is top priority. We will be seeking owner input and keeping residents informed throughout this major initiative. Once the project details are defined, we will present the timeline, estimated costs, and other important information.
Our goal is to open the new Beach Club as soon as possible. However, this renovation is quite extensive, involving the pool, buildings, and grounds. Various factors such as design decisions, weather conditions, and material availability will impact the reopening date. Be assured, however, we are committed to ensuring that our residents have a highquality amenity to enjoy.
While we work on renovating the Beach Club, we encourage you to enjoy other SRCA amenities. In light of the Beach Club pool closure, we’re pleased to announce hours for the Aquatic Center have been extended!
• August 1 - 5 & 7: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• August 8 - 30: Monday to Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
• August 31 - September 2: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• September 7 - 29: Open on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Lap swim will also be available Monday through Friday from 6 to 8 a.m. through September 2. Please remember that an adult must accompany children under 13. Any changes to the Aquatic Center schedule will be communicated promptly.
Our goal is to create a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs and expectations of our community. We will provide regular updates through our weekly Friday Flash content, emails, and our website to keep you informed throughout this exciting process. You can also follow our Facebook page for frequent updates. ◀
The SRCA Board of Directors is happy to announce an agreement with the APEX Centre in McKinney for use of the APEX Centre through Labor Day, 9/2/24.
The Board negotiated a rate for SRCA residents at $7.00 per person. Normal APEX rates are $15 for an adult pass and $10 for kids and seniors. SRCA residents are responsible for all payments to the APEX Centre.
An SRCA identification card must be presented for all family members, including children to receive the special rate.
It is strongly suggested that families set up an account online before heading to the APEX Centre. Accounts can be set up here: https://shorturl.at/YH7ad. Creating it in advance will save time at the ticket booth.
The outdoor pool hours run through Wednesday, August 7.
• Monday - Friday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturdays - 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Sundays -12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Beginning August 10 the outdoor pool complex is only open on weekends.
• Saturdays - 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Sundays - 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day, September 2.
• Labor Day hours are 12:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
For more information regarding the APEX Centre, please visit www.apexcentre.org.
Believe it or not, the 2024 – 2025 school year is almost upon us. McKinney ISD will open its doors to students on Thursday, August 8. (Don’t despair, students, you get September 2 and September 3 as holidays.)
Did you know there are seven McKinney Independent School District schools within the confines of Stonebridge Ranch?
Bennett Elementary School 7760 Coronado Dr. Eddins Elementary School 311 Peregrine Dr. Glen Oaks Elementary School 6100 Glen Oaks
Walker Elementary School 4000 Cockrill Dr. Wilmeth Elementary School
901 La Cima Dr. Wolford Elementary School
6951 Berkshire Rd. Evans Middle School
. 6998 W. Eldorado Pkwy.
There are also two MISD schools adjacent to our community which many Stonebridge Ranch students attend:
McClure Elementary 1753 N. Ridge Road
Additionally, two Stonebridge Ranch villages are served by the Frisco ISD: Aspendale and Cascades. No matter which ISD, hundreds of children from elementary to middle school will be heading out the door to renew old friendships and make new ones as they continue their journey through schools in or near Stonebridge Ranch.
The National Safety Council (NSC) has these tips for driving safely in and around school zones.
• Pay attention to your drop off zones; don’t load or unload where children must cross a street to get to you.
• Don’t block a pedestrian crosswalk when you come to a stop; it may force a youngster to walk around you in the path of moving traffic. NSC data shows that most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incident are walking and are 4-7 years old. These children are either hit by a driver illegally passing a stopped bus or are hit by the bus. On that note, NEVER pass a stopped bus from behind if it’s loading or unloading passengers.
• Always stop for a crossing guard holding up a stop sign, and watch for children everywhere, especially in or near playgrounds, school zones,
and parks. As a parent, you no doubt know that kids are unpredictable and will take risks without thinking about it.
• If your kids walk to school, make sure they know to always use sidewalks, and cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Make sure they are not distracted by electronic devices or are wearing headphones.
If you’re thinking of making up lost time because you slept late, think again. Here are the McKinney ISD School Zone functioning times.
• Elementary schools from 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. and from 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
• Middle schools from 8 - 9 a.m. and from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• High schools from 6:45 - 7:45 a.m. and from 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Remember, fines in school zones double. If you’re going to be late to work, stop and buy donuts!
McKinney ISD is continuing daycare at several schools. Visit the website for more information: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/childcare-after-schoolprograms/
In other related news, these elementary schools received playground enhancements this summer: Bennett, Eddins, McClure, and Wolford. The work done makes the school’s playgrounds accessible to all students. In the past a student on crutches/wheelchair would not be able to get to the playground area at all, or if they could, not easily. Thanks to the work done over the summer, all students will be able to enjoy the equipment and being with their friends.
Of course, Back to School isn’t just limited to going back to school.
There are a lot of elements that go into putting a student in their desk, including immunizations, school supplies, and clothing, among others.
For parents, the second and third items on that list can be taken care of at the annual Texas Sales Tax Holiday shopping weekend. It’s August 9 - 11 this year. The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100.
The full list of what is and isn’t tax free is here: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ publications/98-490/.
Whether you have new or returning MISD students, you’ll need to go through the registration process. Also, there are safety/visitor procedures to follow when visiting a MISD campus. All of this information and much more can be found on the MISD website at www.mckinneyisd.net/.
Don’t forget that school events also fall outside of normal M-F school hours. There are extra-curricular activities at schools like sports, theater, band and
MISD OFFICE HOURS
8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOURS
8:00 a.m. to 3:07 p.m., Monday through Friday
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOURS
8:45 a.m. to 3:52 p.m., Monday through Friday
HIGH SCHOOL HOURS
7:30 a.m. to 2:37 p.m., Monday through Friday
others, to name a few. It all adds up to experiences that students will remember the rest of their lives.
If you don’t have students in your house, you can still take part in the school year. Nancy Cowlishaw is with MISD Partners in Education. “We want individuals, business, and community leaders to help us lead our students forward,” says Cowlishaw. “Several programs are available that can always use community help.”
Among those programs are District/Business Partnerships, giving schools and businesses an opportunity to share resources. Another is the REACH program (Responsive Educational Alternative for Children at Home). It’s a campusbased mentoring program reinforcing the importance of an education. Finally, VIPs, (Volunteers in Public School) needs your help to provide support, guidance, and recognition to existing volunteer programs such as PTA and other school volunteer organizations. Individuals interested in volunteering can call the Partners in Education office at 469-302-4108 or visit https://www.mckinneyisd.net/partners-in-education/.
Help our Stonebridge students have a great year at school! ◀
The conversations that can happen over a game of Battleship can be life-changing. Here, REACH
See if you can answer these teasers!
Question one:
One of these Stonebridge Ranch villages isn’t real. Which one?
a. King’s Landing
b. King’s Lake
Question two:
c. Knightsbridge
d. The Gallery
Which of these villages has a sub association?
a. Lakeside Crossing
b. Lake Point
c. Muirfield Point
d. Brightwood
Solutions are on page 30
It’s that time of year again! Cheer your team to victory!
McKinney Boyd High School Broncos
8/22/2024 at 7:00 PM Boyd HS vs.Wylie @ Wylie ISD Stadium
8/29/2024 at 7:00 PM Boyd HS vs North Garland - MISD Stadium
McKinney High School Lions
8/29/2024 at 7:00 PM McKinney HS vs Frisco Emerson @ The Star
McKinney North High School Bulldogs
8/30/2024 at 7:00 PM North HS vs Wylie East - MISD Stadium
NOTE: RED indicates away game
e annual Cardboard Boat Race on July 20 drew a crowd to see the H20 hijinks held this year at the Aquatic Center! Entries of homebuilt cardboard boats ranged from a penguin with feet to a hot rod car to a cabin cruiser shing boat to a turtle and nally – just a box. With our contracted lifeguards from Bearfoot monitoring the event and standing by to rescue capsized sailors, Lifestyle Director Connie Baxter called the races.
Our 13 entries crewed by 23 kids competed in six heats. While a few easily sprinted to the nish, others lost navigation and drifted, while still others did their best Titanic impression. No matter the outcome on the water, everyone was a winner on land and every entrant walked away with a prize they got to choose for themselves. e race will return next July, so start thinking now about putting your nautical engineering degree to work!
S TONEBRIDGE R ANCH C OMMUNITY A SSOCIATION, I NC. 6201 Virginia Parkway | McKinney, TX 75071 214.733.5800
Meet-ups, Monthly/Annual Events, Committees
AC = Aquatic Center, BTC = Beach & Tennis Club, BR = Board Room, CR = Communit y Room, SBP = Stonebridge Plaza
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Due to print lead times, all events listed here are subject to change or You can also subscribe to other SRCA communivcation channels for
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool closed for cleaning (AC)
Club, 9 AM (CR); Tuesday Evening Bingo, 6:30 PM (CR); Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool closed for cleaning (AC)
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool closed for cleaning (AC)
Social Committee 9 AM (BR);
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am Pool open, 4:30 pm
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool closed for cleaning (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am Pool open, 4:30 pm
cancellation. Prior to attending any SRCA event, please check the online calendar at www.stonebridgernach.com/events/ to confirm dates, times and details. up-to-date info. These include SRCA E-News Blasts and our official SRCA Facebook Group. See www.stonebridgeranch.com/stay-connected/ for details.
Communications Committee Meeting, 8:30 AM (Zoom);
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC); Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Veterans Club Meeting, 9:30 AM (CR)
to 2 pm (BTC); - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Committee Meeting, Amenities Meeting, 3:30 PM (BR); (AC); am to 2 pm (BTC);
pm - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Committee Meeting, (AC);
am to 2 pm (BTC);
pm - 8 pm (AC)
SRCA Board of Directors Meeting, 12:30 PM (BR);
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Coffee, Cars & Cycles, 8:30 AM (CR and Circle Dr)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC);
Junior Tennis, 8 am to 2 pm (BTC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Lap Swim 6-8 am (AC); Pool open 4:30 pm - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC)
Pool open, 10 am - 8 pm (AC) (AC); am to 2 pm (BTC); pm - 8 pm (AC))
We’ve reached the time of the year when there is nothing to do but accept the fact it’s going to be hot…probably until next January.
While we enjoy air conditioning, don’t forget about your pets. They are already laboring under the stress of wearing a fur coat. Remember that if you are uncomfortable outside, they are uncomfortable outside. If for any reason your dog needs to be outside, be sure to provide a shaded area to sit under (open on all four sides for any breeze) and plenty of cool water. NEVER leave a disabled person, a child or a pet in a closed car while shopping!
Now let’s talk about you.
The National Weather Service has these tips for surviving a summer heat wave.
• First, slow down. Wait until the coolest time of the day to do any outdoor activities.
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothes to reflect heat.
• Eat light. Do a salad or fruit. Remember to pack foods in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
• Drink plenty of water, but not ice cold. Drink even if you don’t feel thirsty. Focus on non caffeinated or non-alcoholic beverages. Plain water is ALWAYS your best choice.
• Use air conditioning. If you are waiting for repairs on your home unit, go to a mall or library to cool down.
• Use portable electric fans, with one caveat. Don’t blow the air toward yourself when room temps are higher than 90 degrees – the dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
• Minimize your direct sun exposure. If you get a sunburn, take a cool bath or shower. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
• Don’t take salt tablets. Their use should be only under a physician recommendation.
That covers the basics. Here’s some more facts to remember.
You’ll hear TV or radio weather people talk about the heat index, which is basically what temperature your body thinks it is. For example, when the temperature is 95 degrees, and the relative humidity is 50%, the heat index is 105 degrees, which is what your body perceives.
There are two more things to be in the know about. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They share some characteristics, but heat stroke is deadly.
Heat Exhaustion is characterized by:
• Faint or dizzy sensation
• Excessive sweating
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps
Treatment:
• Get to a cooler, air-conditioned place
• Drink water if fully conscious
• Take a cool shower or use cold compresses.
• It’s important to note that heat exhaustion can hit without warning.
Heat stroke is characterized by:
• Throbbing headache, confusion
• No sweating
• Body temperature above 103 degrees; red, hot, dry skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse (as opposed to a weak pulse in heat exhaustion)
• May lose consciousness
Treatment:
• CALL 911
• Move person to a cooler place
• Cool using cool cloths or bath
• DO NOT give anything to drink
There’s no getting around the summer sun in Texas, but you can reduce your risks. Be heat-safe and think heat-smart! ◀
We’ve often heard the phrase, “the dog days of summer.” It means that miserable and humid period between early July and early September. The phrase actually originated back in the time of the Roman Empire, making reference to the calendar dates of July 3 – August 11 – which are 20 days prior and 20 days after the star Sirius (the dog star) rises and falls in conjunction with the sun.
This means little or nothing to your pets, who are stuck with wearing a fur coat in this weather. If you think you’re hot, bundle up like them and go outside.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has the following tips for keeping your fur babies cool in the heat:
Keep pets at home
• Leave your pets at home if possible when you need to go out and about.
• Provide different temperature zones within your house for your pet’s comfort.
• Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water, and access to shade when outside.
• Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly temperatures, even when the weather isn’t severe.
Keep them comfortable
• If it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet.
• Take walks, hikes or runs during the cooler hours of the day.
• Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.
• Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or other protection.
with your pet
• Consult your veterinarian prior to starting an exercise program for your pet. Overweight pets and short-nosed dog breeds have higher risk of problems with warm-weather exercise.
• Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Bring enough water for both you and your pet.
Garden and yard safety
• Make sure the plants in your garden and yard are safe for pets.
• Store lawn fertilizer and insecticides out of reach of your pets.
• Always follow safety instructions on lawn and garden products, particularly the instructions on how long you should keep pets out of the treated areas.
• If you use a lawn service, make sure they are aware that you have pets.
• Avoid using cocoa bean mulch, which contains the same pet toxin found in chocolate.
Also – make sure you know the signs of heat stress in an animal and immediately seek emergency veterinary care if you see any of the following:
• Anxiousness
• Excessive panting
• Restlessness
• Excessive drooling
• Unsteadiness
• Abnormal gum and tongue color
• Collapse
Remember, they depend on you to see them through – so please stay cool together! ◀
Or, how to stay off the Compliance iPad.
Placement of outdoor furniture in the front yard is limited to front porches that were built with the home and must be in the appropriate size and scale for the porch.
NOTE:
See the Modification Guidelines on our website for answers to:
• Patios Page 22
• Landscaping Page 46-52
All outdoor furniture must be located in the rear or side yard behind the perimeter fence. One small decorative bench may be incorporated into the landscape, permitted on a case-by-case basis. An application for a bench incorporated into the landscape must be submitted.
Last month we spoke about water management and keeping the landscaping clean and green. We recommend keeping that approach through August. While your landscapes have acclimated to the summer by now, remember that “it’s Texas and if it is not the heat, there is something else affecting the landscaping.”
Heat stress can take a toll on plant material along with other scenarios. Proper water management can allow areas to stay green and survive the heat. But, sometimes adding more water will not allow everything to stay green. You may also notice other items that can be a factor in your landscape’s health. Overwatering can cause bacterial or fungal issues in trees and woody stemmed plant material. You will start to notice black spots forming on leaves or dieback of random limbs. Usually in high heat situations this would be a bacterial scenario that can be cured or managed. Make sure you are watering deeply and not frequently to allow your soil to dry out.
If you are watering too much or not enough, your plant material may become stressed. A stressed plant will also make it more prone to insects and vectors that can harm the plant material. Take note and look at your plants and trees – this is the time of year you may see new signs of distress in your plants. This could include stressed leaves, shiny leaves, new spots on leaves, webbing, or spots on the trunks that are normally not there. It could also include signs of insects such as aphids, mites, and scale feeding on your landscaping. Most of these pests can be treated on your own with products that can be found at your local home improvement store; always do some homework to find out what these pests are and what product you can use. Here is a link that will help you identify some of the insects commonly found in your landscaping. https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/resources/insects/.
Landscape & Grounds Director, SRCA
If you are not comfortable on your own as a “do it yourself” person, a qualified Texas Department of Agriculture Licensed Applicator can make a recommendation and treat this for you. Many of your lawn fertilization companies will have a license and are qualified to treat. Here at the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association we are currently treating pests and managing stressors on the landscaping, if you notice areas that are stressing or appear different our landscapers and the management team are identifying them and making corrective decisions on how it should be watered, treated and cared for until the summer heat breaks.
Keep your eyes open and look around for those changes and see you next month!
www.StonebridgeRanch.com/events/
Due to print lead times, all the events listed in this issue are subject to change or cancellation. Prior to attending any event hosted by the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (SRCA), residents can check the online calendar to confirm times and check for updates.
In order to access SRCA events and amenities, residents need to carry a valid form of Stonebridge Ranch photo ID. SRCA homeowners on record with a valid Texas driver’s license that lists their Stonebridge Ranch address can use their driver’s license. All other household members, including permanent adult residents and children 3+ need a Stonebridge Ranch photo ID.
Saturday, August 10
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Community Room 6201 Virginia Parkway
Stonebridge Ranch Veteran’s Club seeks to enhance communication and foster bonds among Veterans in our community. It is a great place to engage in meaningful conversations with other Veterans who understand your journey and share a common bond. This will be an informal social with coffee and conversation. An update on potential projects will be shared. Bring a friend! Join in honoring our past, celebrating our present, and shaping our future. Together, we thrive.
Tuesday, August 13
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Community Room
6201 Virginia Parkway
This club meets on the second Tuesday of each month. If you are curious and enjoy experiencing new things, this is the perfect group for you. The members explore together, dine together, and even cruise together. Join the club if you’re looking for some adventure!
Tuesday, August 13
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Community Room 6201 Virginia Parkway
Want a chance to win a prize and to have some mid-week fun? Join us for an evening of Bingo! Players compete for $10 gift cards while snacking on light refreshments. This is an adults-only (age 21+) event. Stonebridge Ranch residents pay $3 at the door and may bring up to two non-resident guests. Guests pay $8 at the door. (We appreciate exact change and do not accept credit cards.) Seating is limited to the first 40 who sign up. All fees will be collected at the door. RSVP by signing up through the Eventbrite link in the email blast (https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/tuesday-evening-bingo-augusttickets-938619184247) or contacting the management staff at (214)733-5800.
Saturday, August 17
8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Doors open at 8:00 a.m.)
Community Room and Circle Drive
6201 Virginia Parkway
Residents are welcome to park their classic or fancy cars in the circle drive. We love to see motorcycles and choppers, too, but you are welcome regardless of the vehicle that you drive! This is a relaxed comeand-go event for residents only. Feel free to stop by while on your morning walk or bike ride. We will provide coffee and donuts in the Community Room until supplies run out. As part of this event, we are also hosting a Book, DVD, & CD exchange (bring one, take one).
Due to print lead times, all events listed here are subject to change or cancellation. Prior to attending any SRCA event, check the online calendar at www.stonebridgeranch.com/ events/ to confirm dates, times and details.
Answer 1: a King’s Landing – it is a fictional location from the HBO series Game of Thrones
Answer 2: b and c Lake Point and Muirfield Point each have a subdivision