Stonebridge Ranch News August 2023

N EWS

Preserve and enhance the quality and natural beauty of Stonebridge Ranch for our residents. Offer and maintain attractive amenities, active lifestyle opportunities and leadership which protects property values and the financial health of the community.

Summer is here. It is hot!!

Our pools are open and busy! This month’s issue of the magazine features information about back to school and exploring the Stonebridge Lake Trail.

Board Meeting, June 22, 2023

The Board meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM. All Board members were present. Also attending were our Executive Director, Executive Administrator, Director of Compliance, Financial Manager, Lifestyle Director, Maintenance Supervisor, L & G Director, Communications Director, Senior VP of Grand Manors Operations, and Vice President of Onsite Management for Grand Manors and the Association’s Attorney. Three homeowners attended the meeting, two to praise the Association for the maintenance of our common areas and a recommendation for some additional trash cans along the walking trails and one to observe via Zoom.

Consent Agenda

Approved the May 25, 2023 BOD meeting minutes.

Old Business

We reviewed and approved revisions to the Landscape and Grounds Committee Guideline. We also reviewed and agreed to change the Natural Area Maintenance Guideline and the Common Area Tree Trimming Guideline to policies which will be filed and posted once it passes legal review.

We voted to continue to extend for another year (to 7/15/24) the temporary Excess Mileage reimbursement of $100/month to those employees who use their personal vehicles in the performance of their job.

Due to the delay in issuing this year’s Complimentary Guest Cards, we did approve reimbursing any homeowner, upon request based on attendance records, who paid guest fees (up to 5) at our pools prior to the issuance of this year’s Guest Card .

New Business

There was no new business.

Association Reports

Our Financial Manager reviewed the following May Financial Reports: Balance Sheet, Operating Revenue and Expense Statement, Restricted and Non Restricted Investment Schedule, Summary of Accounts Receivable, Bad Debt Expense Reserve, and Investment Performance Report.

Executive Session

We reviewed the May water consumption report. Treasurer Counts presented the Finance Committee Report and provided an update on Grand Manors Collection Process.

We approved a resolution to open an additional local bank account for depositing guest fees and other cash collected in the office.

We reviewed and approved the Foreclosure Report. We also accepted the Variance Report, Payment Plan Status Report, Collections Committee Waiver Report, Violations Report, Lease Registration Report, Variance Report, and Project Reports. There was no Appeals meeting this month and no Foreclosure report.

Our Attorney updated us on the status of current legal issues.

The meeting adjourned at 5:20 PM.

Jon Dell’Antonia President, Board of Directors

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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

ONTRIBUTORS T O T HIS I SSUE

Connie Baxter, Eric Adams, Scott Finley, and Mathew Roebuck

O F D IRECTORS

Jon Dell’Antonia

Vice President Amanda Batson

Joe Closs

Norm Counts

Jim Buerkle

Jim Norton

Kristen Vartian

SRCA S TAFF

Executive Director Brian Matt

Executive Administrator Lee-Yen Elliott

Account Coordinator Jane Lopez

Resident Services Coordinator Pamela Perry

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 & ARC Director Eric Adams

Compliance Inspector Amy Dearden

Compliance Inspector Robin Kuhar

Compliance Inspector Victor Vega

Modification Coordinator Amy McAllister

P UBLISHER

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.

Stonebridge Goes Back to School

Believe it or not, the 2023 – 2024 school year is almost upon us. McKinney ISD will open its doors to students on August 9. (Don’t despair, students, you get September 1 and September 4 as holidays.)

Did you know there are seven McKinney ISD schools within the confines of Stonebridge Ranch?

There are also two MISD schools adjacent to our community which many Stonebridge Ranch students attend:

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.

“It’s always a good idea, especially in the beginning of the school year, to re-familiarize yourself with school policies and processes,” says McKinney ISD Superintendent Shawn Pratt. “To help keep our students safe, it’s good to be familiar with driving in and around school zones.”

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!

Of course, Back to School isn’t just limited to safe travel 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 11-13 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/

Additionally, there are campus safety/visitor procedures to follow, and whether you have new or returning students, then you’ll need to go through registration. 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 others, to name a few. It all adds up to experiences that students will remember the rest of their lives.

“It’s going to be a great year in McKinney ISD,” says Pratt. “We look forward to welcoming both our new and returning students.”

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! ◀

Landscaping, Water Usage, and Gnomes (oh my!)

There are many reasons to live in Stonebridge Ranch, and perhaps one of the best is the view you get every time you drive through your Village. Beautifully manicured lawns, spreading shade trees, abundant flowers, well landscaped beds and shrubs give a pleasant appearance that many people find relaxing.

All of this yard wizardry doesn’t just happen, of course. There are no garden gnomes who come out at night and work diligently in your and your neighbor’s yards. (Sorry, we wish there were gnomes, too.)

The truth is, homeowners are provided with very specific landscape maintenance guidance. Check Section 9.12 of the SRCA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions which can be found here: stonebridgeranch.com/?s=covenants. Once on that page click on the heading “003 Second Amended and

Restated Gov Doc ao 032708” which will take you to the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions document.

For modification guidelines, click here: stonebridgeranch.com/modification-designguidelines/. Once on that page, click on the red-boxed Modification Design Guidelines, and scroll to pages 46-52.

These rules require homeowners to maintain their property in a “safe, clean and attractive condition.” It includes “proper seeding and consistent watering and mowing of lawns” as well as “the pruning…of all trees and shrubbery.” The document goes on to say homeowners need to keep their “lawn and garden areas…free of weeds and attractive.” (It also lists some plants not allowed, such as plants with sharp spines or high toxicity. Examples of those plants are: Oleander

Century plant, Prickly Pear, Spanish dagger, and Castor bean. Bamboo or any other invasive planting is also prohibited, as are any artificial vegetation: ivy, flowers, and etc. (Artificial turf is allowed in back yards only.)

Once you’re familiar with those guidelines, in order to help you maintain a happy lawn on YOUR side of the soil, you need to know what’s on the UNDER side of your yard. McKinney’s soil composition is primarily Houston Black Clay. On the plus side, it’s good for growing things. On the down side, it can only absorb a small amount of water per hour, about one tenth of an inch. (Hence the heavy flow of water during storms.) Over watering can actually cause you to drown your plants.

Of course, with temperatures kissing 100 degrees and above, keeping lawns green and flowers pretty can become problematic. Stonebridge Ranch follows the watering guidelines set down by the City of McKinney. The City allows NO outdoor watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from April 1 through October 31, and is asking water customers to reduce landscape watering by 2 minutes per zone.

The City is in its summer water conservation plan and offers the following tips to reduce water use and still keep a pretty landscape.

• Outdoor watering is permitted on your trash day and three days later if necessary.

• Cycle & Soak: Water in multiple short cycles rather than one long cycle to give your soil a chance to absorb the water instead of becoming runoff.

• Make sure your irrigation system is working well and sprinkler heads are directed to best use your water. One broken sprinkler head can waste 10 gallons of water per minute.

• Mow your lawn taller to encourage deeper root growth. This allows your grass to find water in the soil instead of being overly dependent on water from sprinklers.

• Water only as needed and adjust for changes in temperature, wind, humidity and rainfall. This will encourage your grass to grow deep roots.

• Determine how much you need to water this week with Water My Yard. This is a service provided by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and is located here: watermyyard.org/#/Location

• Some plants are better able to handle our hot weather than others. Using native and adapted plants allows you to have a colorful yard without

using a lot of water. Visit www.txsmartscape. com/index.php for a wealth of information on being Texas plant smart. Be sure and check plants against Stonebridge Ranch plant guidelines.

• Don’t bag your grass clippings after mowing. They will decompose and return nutrients to your soil. A common misconception is that they contribute to thatch. They do not.

There are a couple of exceptions to the watering rules:

• Newly planted landscape is exempt from water restriction schedules for a period of 30 days from the date it was installed with city approval. Overseeding is not exempt.

• Golf course greens and active athletic fields are exempt from the water restriction schedules.

Fines for violating City of McKinney watering policies range up to $150, and landscaping violations can be imposed by Stonebridge Compliance.

And if you’re still hoping that garden gnomes will magically do the trick, regulations allow up to three pieces of yard art in your front landscape, each limited to no more than three feet in height. Just be warned. Gnomes hunt in packs. Good luck! ◀

From the Archives

We’re going back to August of 2012 for this month’s look back. The Stonebridge Ranch HOA news reported on these items:

Declining Bradford Pear trees were being removed on Lake Forest Drive between Eldorado Parkway and the entry to the Hills Creek Village as part of a landscape enhancement drive. The work also included pruning 159 oak trees and installation of stone landscape borders.

A new resident asked the question if their HOA dues included access to the Stonebridge Ranch Country Clubs or their fitness center. The answer in 2012 was the same as 2023 – it does not. Residents need to contact the clubs directly. ◀

Think you know Stonebridge Ranch?

How well do you know Stonebridge Ranch? Take our quiz and nd out!

Question one:

It’s August, but kids still enjoy getting out in the sun and playing. How many playgrounds are in Stonebridge Ranch?

Question two: How many lakes and ponds are located in Stonebridge Ranch?

Photo ~ Alastair Doherty

EVENTS August 2023

Due to print lead times, all events listed here are subject to change or You can also subscribe to other SRCA communivcation channels for

SU N M O N

Back to School Tween

Splash Hop, 7 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (AC)

Travel Club, 9 AM (CR)

Tuesday Evening Bingo, 6:30 PM (CR)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8

Junior Tennis, 10 AM

Pool open, 10 AM

Pool open, 10 AM

L & G Committee

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (AC)

9:30 AM (BR); Committee Meeting, Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 Junior Tennis, 10 AM Pool open, 4:30 PM Pool open, 4:30 PM

Social Committee

10 AM (BR)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8

Junior Tennis, 10 AM

Pool open, 4:30 PM

Pool open, 4:30 PM

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 Junior Tennis, 10 AM Pool open, 4:30 PM Pool open, 4:30 PM

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool closed for maintenance (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8

Junior Tennis, 10 AM

Pool open, 4:30 PM

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)

8 AM (AC)

AM - 2 PM (BTC) - 8 PM (BTC) - 8 PM (AC)

Committee Meeting, Amenities Meeting, 3:30 PM (BR)

8 AM (AC) AM - 2 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (AC)

Committee Meeting,

8 AM (AC) AM - 2 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

8 AM (AC) AM - 2 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Coffee, Cars & Cycles, 8:30 AM, (CR & Circle Dr.)

8 AM (AC) AM - 2 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (BTC) PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

SRCA Board of Directors

Meeting, 12:30 PM (BR)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Lap Swim, 6 AM - 8 AM (AC)

Junior Tennis, 10 AM - 2 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 4:30 PM - 8 PM (AC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (BTC)

Pool open, 10 AM - 8 PM (AC)

Exploring the Stonebridge Ranch Lake Trail

There have been a lot of famous trails in history. The Santa Fe Trail, the Oregon Trail, the Appalachian Trail – and now the Stonebridge Ranch Lake Trail!

This walking trail passes around 15 Stonebridge Ranch lakes and ponds on its nearly 20-mile meander through our grounds. Signs placed at intervals along the Trail help walkers keep to the path.

“The Lake Trail is amazing for several reasons,” says Connie Baxter, Lifestyle Director. “For one thing, its size is enormous – residents using the trail for the first time will likely find some areas of Stonebridge they’ve never been to before.”

While you are welcome to bring your dog on the Lake Trail, it’s always a good idea to keep them

leashed. The Lake Trail runs alongside the City of McKinney Bicycle Boulevard for much of its length, and dogs and bicycles don’t always mix well.

For those residents who want to cycle the Lake Trail and Bicycle Boulevard, Baxter has some tips. “Stay to the path. Off roading is discouraged and can lead to spills. It’s also a good idea to dismount and walk bikes through the tunnels that pass underneath the streets.”

Baxter also notes that golf carts are NOT allowed on the paths. “The City of McKinney and Stonebridge Ranch Community Association follow Texas regulations on golf carts. The McKinney Police Department may issue a traffic citation against any person the officer has probable cause to believe has violated these or other regulations, whether the offending person is a juvenile or adult.”

Walkers and bikers can start the Trail anywhere along its route, the official entry point is at the beginning of the Stonebridge Lake dam sidewalk close by the Beach and Tennis Club parking lot at 6201 Virginia Parkway. Taking that route, you will encounter your first trail sign in the Adriatica complex.

Full maps and sign marker locations are located here: https:// stonebridgeranch.com/sblake-trail/

For the enjoyment of all, it’s asked that trail users observe some generally accepted sidewalk courtesy and safety rules.

• Stay to the right and make room for others.

• If you wish to pass someone from behind, audibly announce your presence as you approach (especially if you are moving at a much higher speed). Don’t cut too closely when passing.

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t play music so loudly on personal earphones that you can’t hear others approaching behind you.

• Don’t walk and text/watch videos/etc. at the same time.

• Do your best to avoid stopping suddenly.

• Don’t fill the width of the path when walking in groups.

• Don’t leave trash or debris on or around sidewalks.

“The trail is a wonderful way to commune with nature, get some exercise, or just walk and think,” says Baxter. “Come out and take advantage of this great amenity that Stonebridge Ranch has to offer.”

Compliance Corner

Compliance Corner

Or, how to stay off the Compliance iPad.

TRASH TOTE/RECYCLE/CHARITABLE COLLECTION BINS

Trash bins seem to be one of the most written up items in our community. As a reminder, and for new residents, here are the rules.

Trash Tote/Recycle bins shall not be viewed from the street (as viewed from property line to property line of your home) and shall be stored in the following locations:

a. In the garage.

b. Behind a six (6) foot cedar privacy fence screened from public view.

c. In the alley up again your house or fence.

d. Behind your front building line and screened by large dense evergreen shrubs, The density of the evergreen shrubs must provide appropriate screening of the totes as viewed from the street.

e. Minimum of 2 foot setback from front corner of home with approved screening, so they may not be viewed from property line to property line of your home.

f. Trash/recycle tote fencing may be installed as detailed in the fencing guideline section.

Trash Tote/Recycle Bins may not be stored in the driveway of any property, unless located in an alley and stored up against your house or fence. They may not be stored in a flower bed.

Trash Tote/Recycle Bins can be placed out ready for pick up no earlier than 6:00 pm on the day prior to the trash pickup day and must be properly stored by 7:00 am on the day following trash pickup.

For City of McKinney Trash Pickup schedules: https://www.mckinneytexas.org/503/Residential-Trash-Services

Welcome New Staff

Scott Finley is a career media professional with one Emmy® nomination, 19 Telly Awards, three Aegis Awards, two Addy awards and five Best Newscast in Texas awards from the Associated Press, as well as an honorable mention from PR News for blogging for a non-profit.

His career in broadcast news included producing stints for FOX, NBC, ABC and CBS affiliates, as well as voice work and reporting.

Following broadcast, he moved into the corporate and non-profit worlds, producing videos for Bank of America, Countrywide, American Honda, firefighters, nursing, and police, among others, as well as a half hour program on the 811 system in Texas for Texas PBS stations and a statewide PSA for 811. While with Texas811 and the Alzheimer’s Association, he was responsible for statewide media for both entities, including blogs, press releases, interviews, writing articles and placing media.

Outside of media and broadcast, he is the author of A Little Theatre, a two-act comedy that has been produced by several Texas community theaters, and the upcoming Voyages of the Queen mystery series set aboard a luxury trans-Atlantic liner in the 1930’s.

He has over thirty theatrical productions to his credit as an actor, as well as having been an interactive performer at Texas’ Scarborough Renaissance Festival® and in murder mystery productions, in addition to being the writer for an old west gunfight show. In his free time he enjoys writing, reading, Lionel trains, and repairing/restoring radios from the 1930’s – 1950’s.

A journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he is married to Gabrielle Kickham, US corporate counsel for Denmark-based Global Wind Service. They share their home with three cats and a confused dog.

:

Rhonda Hopkins, MD, FAAFP, Diane Womack, RN, FNC-C and Ann Snyder, MD BACK (left to right):

Stephanie Atkinson, RN, FNP-C, and Christine Bellman, RN, FNP-C NOT PICTURED:

Kristin O'Neill APRN, FNP-C and Lindsay Godfrey, APRN, FNP-C and Jessica McGinnis, APRN, FNP-C

Stonebridge Ranch is pleased to welcome Scott Finley as Director of Communications.

FRONT (left to right)

Stonebridge Ranch 101

Are you new to Stonebridge Ranch? Would you like to learn more about your community and your Community Association? We are introducing Stonebridge Ranch 101, a new event that is geared toward helping new residents get “plugged in” to their new neighborhood.

Community Association Executive Director Brian Matt will present a brief overview of the operations of our Association. Connie Baxter, Lifestyle Director, will discuss amenities, events, Stonebridge Ranch ID cards, and guests. Our Communications Director, Scott Finley, will discuss our different communication channels, including registering for text alerts, joining our Facebook page, receiving weekly email blasts, and more. Finally, our Compliance and ARC Director, Eric Adams will discuss the modification and compliance processes. Our goal is to introduce new residents to the onsite Association staff members who are here to assist them with their questions and help them navigate their new community. We will serve beverages and heavy hors d’ouevres at this informal, fun, and informational event.

This event is for adults only and our next scheduled date will be Thursday, September 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. https://eventbrite.com/e/stonebridge-ranch101-september-tickets-667268257217?aff=oddcreator Maximum capacity: 40. Please register in advance.

Cameras shall not be pointed into or recording activity in neighboring yards.

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meeting the goals of the patient and family

visits that are convenient for you

• Coordination with your primary care physician

Summer Food Safety

There’s nothing like being outside during the summer, playing baseball, throwing a frisbee, swimming, catching some rays, you name it. Of course, all of this activity naturally works up an appetite, and you may have fortified yourself by preparing snacks or sandwiches. If so, don’t forget that food in the summer sun has a definite life expectancy, and ignoring this fact could get you into trouble quickly.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne illness in the United States every year. While some of these are from the food recalls you see occasionally, others happen simply because a person didn’t pay attention to keeping their food safe in the summer heat.

The CDC recommends keeping cold foods stored at 40 degrees or below. Keep food in a cooler filled with ice or gel packs until ready to serve. Any perishable foods that haven’t been consumed within two hours should be thrown away. The two hour window drops to one hour if they’ve been sitting out at 90 degrees or higher, such as you will encounter at an outdoor picnic or gathering.

Hopefully we all retained our handwashing routines from the recent pandemic. Always wash your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol before and after you handle food.

Boiled or deviled eggs are a popular picnic item. Make sure the eggs are boiled until the yolk and white is firm. Keep them cool at 40 degrees until ready to eat.

All of these rules also apply to your daily bag lunch you take to work. After arriving at school or work, lunch should go into a cold storage until ready to eat. If that’s not available, use at least two cold

sources, such as frozen gel packs. Some lunch staples don’t require refrigeration; they include whole fruits and vegetables (but wash them first!), canned meat and fish, chips, bread, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, mustard and pickles.

How do you know if you’ve picked up a case of food poisoning? Most people who fall ill due to salmonella will have diarrhea, fever, vomiting and stomach cramps. These symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after ingesting the questionable food, or it could take up to six days. The illness period lasts about 4 to 7 days, and most people will recover without antibiotics.

Remember, keeping food safe at an outdoor event is up to you!

Social Scene

www.StonebridgeRanch.com/events/

DISCLAIMER:

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.

FRIENDLY REMINDER:

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 may use their driver’s license. All other household members, including permanent adult residents and children 3+ need a Stonebridge Ranch photo ID.

Back To School Tween Splash Hop

Tuesday, August 1

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Aquatic Center

7501 Coronado Drive

What’s more fun on a hot summer night than a neighborhood pool party? Our August Splash Hop at the Aquatic Center is for “tweens” ages 10 to 12 years only. The pool lifeguards will be on hand and we will be monitoring ages at the entrance.

We’re serving sliders and sodas, but attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks! DJ Uptown Sound

will be on hand to provide age-appropriate tunes all evening. Glass containers are prohibited.

There is no charge for residents with a valid form of Stonebridge Ranch ID. Guests pay a $5 cash fee at the door. (Please bring exact change. We do not accept credit cards.) Minors will not be allowed outside the gates once they are checked in. Parents must pick up their children INSIDE the gate at 9:00 p.m.

Travel Club

Tuesday, August 8

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 Evening Bingo (Adult Only Event)

Tuesday, August 8

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Doors open at 6:00 pm)

Community Room

6201 Virginia Parkway

Want a chance to win a prize and to have some midweek fun? Join us for an evening of Bingo! Players compete for $5 gift cards while snacking on light refreshments. This is an adults-only (age 21+) event. Stonebridge Ranch residents pay $1 at the door and may bring up to two non-resident guests. Guests pay $6 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-night-august-tickets668292529947?aff=oddtdtcreator) or contacting the management staff at (214)733-5800.

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Coffee, Cars & Cycles

Saturday, August 19

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 (one per person, please) 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).