Stonebridge Ranch News January 2024

January 2024

Vol. 12, Issue 1

www.stonebridgeranch.com

Board of Directors Special Announcement SRCA 2024 Annual Meeting Protecting Pipes and Pets in Freezing Weather Space Heater and Fireplace Safety

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STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

| January 2024 3

January 2024

Vol. 12, Issue 1

STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS The official magazine of the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (SRCA)

11 2024 Publication Schedule

16 Community Calendar

20 Welcome to the Team From the Archives

23 Think You Know Stonebridge Ranch?

of Directors 07 Board Special Announcement

2024 Annual 09 SRCA Meeting

Stonebridge Ranch Board of Directors looking to the future

The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024

Pipes and 12 Protecting Pets in Freezing Weather

Heater and 18 Space Fireplace Safety

Are you ready for ice storms, power outages, or three inches of snow?

Here are some reminders on staying warm and snuggly!

24 Enjoy New Friends in the New Year!

Lawn Order

25 Compliance Corner

26 Social Scene

30 Save the Date February 2024 Events

Stonebridge Ranch Community Association Vision Statement To be the premier, large-scale, master-planned community of choice in North Texas.

Mission Statement 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.

Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved. Published by Community Matters, Inc.

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Cover Photo ~ HOA Glaze by Douglas Batson

With Jack Frost nipping at our noses it’s time to be winter ready. Read in this issue some tips to protect pipes and pets, as well as fireplace and space heater safety. Stay warm SBR!

F ROM T HE P RESIDENT I hope everyone enjoyed our annual Christmas tree lighting event on December 7. This is always a special event for our Association including Santa, trains, holiday characters, holiday bounce houses, and other activities.

In this month’s magazine, there is an article about our signature amenity, the Beach Club pool. It has served us well for 35 years but has now reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced.

The Board has initiated a project to begin investigating alternatives to replace it. This is an exciting time for the Association as it provides us with the opportunity to upgrade the pool and modernize it for the next 35 years.

More detailed information about this project is contained in an article in this issue.

This month’s issue of the magazine also has some landscaping tips and a highlight of one of our three social clubs.

We also held our annual Strategic Planning session on Nov. 30, 2023 to discuss our plans for 2024.

Board Meeting, November 16, 2023

The Board meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM by President Dell’Antonia. All Board members were present.

Also attending were our Executive Director, Executive Administrator, Director of Compliance, Financial Manager, Lifestyle Director, L & G Director, Vice President of Onsite Management for Grand Manors and the Association’s Attorney. Nine homeowners attended the meeting, three to discuss tennis lessons availability, two to discuss loud cars in their neighborhoods, and one about lighting for the tennis courts (which are in the process of being replaced) and three via Zoom to observe the meeting.

Consent Agenda

New Business

There were no new business items.

Association Reports

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

Executive Session

We reviewed and approved the Foreclosure report.

We accepted the Variance Report, Payment Plan Status Report, Collections Committee Waiver Report, Appeals Committee Decisions, and the Project Report.

We reviewed and approved the Legal Opinions and Legal Actions Guideline.

We reviewed and approved changes to our Landscape vendors’ contracts which were primarily to change the name of the Landscape Consultant effective Jan 1, 2024 and add some additional specificity to reporting requirements.

We approved additional funding requests for additional costs related to the Waterbury Boardwalk replacement project and the Adriatica Lake Wall replacement project.

We also reviewed our October monthly water usage report.

We also discussed the process for renewal of lease registrations.

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

The meeting adjourned at 5:34 PM. Jon Dell’Antonia President, Board of Directors

Approved the October 12 and 26, 2023 BOD meeting minutes. We also reviewed and approved the Pickleball Courts Usage Guideline, Common Area Usage Guideline, Tennis Courts Usage Guideline, Amenities Committee Guideline and the Lake Usage Guideline. We approved Kyra Williams to the Social Committee and Aaron Willis to the Landscape and Grounds Committee.

Old Business

We discussed Sponsorship Guidelines but no action was taken. On the subject of ID cards, three types of ID cards will be accepted when required, the new ID card, the old ID card and your driver’s license with current address.

STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

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A Matter of

January 2024

Vol. 12, Issue 1

STONEBRIDGE RANCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. 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

Provide High-fat Foods to Help Birds Survive Winter Modern Rustic Tail Prop Suet Feeder with Hot Pepper No-Melt SuperSuet® Downy Woodpecker

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Amanda Batson, Connie Baxter, Norm Counts, Scott Finley, Mathew Roebuck

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jon Dell’Antonia Vice President Amanda Batson Secretary Joe Closs Treasurer Norm Counts Director Jim Buerkle Director Jim Norton Director Kristen Vartian

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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.

Board of Directors Special Announcement This is an important message from the SRCA Board of Directors concerning the replacement of our Beach Club Pool, related structures, and equipment.

For 35 years our signature amenity, the Beach Club pool, has served us well but has now reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced; there is no other viable alternative. It has bridged generations of SRCA residents, grandparents, parents, and children who have enjoyed the pool and made memories that last a lifetime. The Board has begun to investigate replacement alternatives. This is an exciting time for the Association as it provides us with the opportunity to upgrade the pool and modernize it.

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Why are we initiating this action at this time? If we do not act now, very soon we will find ourselves in a situation where we will be forced to shut down the pool and replace it on a timeline not of our choosing.

This is the time to act so that we can replace this beloved amenity in an orderly fashion. This project is necessary to maintain property values and stay competitive with new developments that have similar amenities.

The pool loses about 14,400 gallons of water a day due to leaks that we have been unable to locate.

Much of that water is reclaimed and pumped back into the pool but that process strains the pumps and requires constant replacement of those pumps. This process is necessary because if we do not replace this water, the pool would lose about eight inches of water in 12 hours making the pool unavailable for use.

The pumps, filtration system and the chemical room required to keep the pool in healthy swimming condition are antiquated and need replacement.

Some parts are no longer readily available and must be custom made which is quite expensive and

not sustainable. There are numerous other issues including tile walls that are shifting.

We do not have specific plans to share with you at this time as we are in the initial stages of determining what options may be available to us. We also do not have a time frame or cost estimates to share with you, but we wanted to ensure that you - the owners of the Beach Club pool, are aware of the situation and the work initiated by your Board. We will keep you up to date on this critically important and exciting project.

Watch SRCA channels for updates.

The bottom line is that we have to do this, there is no other choice if we want to maintain a pool at our Beach Club. Our goal is to have an updated signature amenity that will be enjoyed by our community for the next 35 years.

Jon Dell’Antonia President, Board of Directors

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SRCA 2024 Annual Meeting The Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (SRCA) will host its Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2024, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Crosspoint Church at 2101 S. Stonebridge Drive in McKinney. During this important meeting for SRCA members, an election will be held for two seats on the Board of Directors.

The Annual Meeting is clearly the most important of all the SRCA-hosted events each year. Here’s why: • It is a legal proceeding required by SRCA bylaws.

Aspects of the meeting (such as achieving a quorum) are guided by Texas State Law – see the Texas State Property Code, Title 11, Chapter 209.

• A quorum of the SRCA membership is required for the Annual Meeting to be conducted. According to our Bylaws, ten percent (10%) of our homeowners must attend in person or by proxy for a quorum to be established. In the official notice of the Annual Meeting, details of the meeting, proxy options, and voting directions as needed will be provided.

• Association accomplishments from 2023 are presented by SRCA board members .

• And, last but not least, two lucky homeowners who participate in at least one of the four options described below will win the 2025 annual assessment! All homeowners who vote (one vote per household) will be put into the drawing for the prize.*

Homeowner participation is key to Annual Meeting success. A quorum must be met for the Annual Meeting to be conducted. For our Association, that means at least 946 members (homeowners) must participate by attending in person or by voting using one of the available options.

Participation Options There are four options for participating in the Annual Meeting. SRCA homeowners can choose from any of the following: • In-Person Attendance: Attend the meeting on March 21 at Crosspoint Church, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

• Online Voting: SRCA offers online voting for homeowners who register accordingly. When online voting officially opens, we will provide a direct link to it on our primary website at www.

StonebridgeRanch.com, Facebook page and also in our weekly Friday email-blast.

• Absentee Ballot: Homeowners also have the option of casting their vote via absentee ballot.

This ballot is available via download from the SRCA website. The absentee ballot includes all actions that require a homeowner vote including the names of the candidates running for the Board. In the 2024 election, two director positions will be filled.

• Participation by Proxy. Voting by proxy is another option. This form will open the same day that the online voting does, and will be available for download at www.StonebridgeRanch.com, on our Facebook page, and in our weekly Friday e-blast. Homeowners who vote using the proxy form must choose to either assign their vote to the Board or another homeowner who will attend the meeting in person on their behalf. Alternatively, owners may choose to assign the “quorum only” option. Using this option, they will not vote in the Board election but will assign their proxy to help us meet our 10% participation requirement.

Each of these participation options allows voters to be eligible in the prize drawing for the 2025 assessment.

This year, two Board seats are up for election.

SRCA wants all members to be well-informed of all board candidates. Full profiles of each candidate will be featured in the March 2024 issue of Stonebridge Ranch News magazine. Additional candidate information will be available on other SRCA channels.

If the number of candidates does not equal the number of positions to be filled, the Board of Directors may vote to accept the candidates standing for election to those positions and select, at its sole discretion, the process to fill the vacant positions. If the selection process is completed on time, the new Board members will be introduced at the Annual Meeting. This is according to the SRCA Section 3.2 Bylaw Amendment. You may find this document at https://stonebridgeranch.com/wp-content/ uploads/2021/10/003_First-Amendment-to-theSixth-Bylaw_POSTED.pdf on the Governing Documents page at www.StonebridgeRanch.com.

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As mentioned, make sure to follow all SRCA communication channels for updated Annual Meeting and election news. These include: • Our website at www.StonebridgeRanch.com.

• Our official Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/groups/250390076027824/.

• CiraNet announcements.

• Our SRCA Friday E-News blasts. You may sign up on our website if you do not currently receive these email news blasts.

Simply visit any page of our website and enter your email address in the lower right corner under “Stay Connected.” *PRIZE RESTRICTIONS: The March 21 Annual Meeting quorum must be achieved for both drawings to occur. The prizes will be awarded equal to a winner’s 2025 annual assessment rate for their lot. The prizes are awarded as an account credit against 2025 dues. (There is no cash value or alternate redemption.) In the event a winning owner moves out of the association prior to paying their 2025 annual assessment, the prize will be forfeited. The two winners will be chosen at random from among all quorum participants combined (online, absentee, proxy, and in-person). The winners will be announced on the Stonebridge Ranch website by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, and staff will privately notify each homeowner who is a winner. ◀

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2024 Stonebridge Ranch News Publication Schedule The Stonebridge Ranch News is moving to a new publication schedule for 2024. The magazine will be printed and delivered through the mail four times in 2024: January, April, July, and October. In addition, there will be a digital version of these four editions.

The remaining eight issues will be only in the digital realm: February, March, May, June, August, September, November, and December. For these months, residents will receive a postcard through the mail alerting readers to the magazine’s new issue. The postcard will also bear a QR code linking residents to the magazine’s digital version.

For every issue, print or digital, you will be able to see the new cover and find a link to the magazine on Facebook and through our regular Friday afternoon e-blasts. Haven’t signed up for the e-blasts? Go to our

website, www.stonebridgeranch.com, and go to the bottom right of any page. You’ll see a header that says “Stay Connected” and beneath that a place to enter your email address, then hit the subscribe button.

Moving our monthly magazine into the digital world provides us with a substantial cost savings on mailing and printing; this idea is not new. Many other magazines also have a digital presence; going to bookseller Barnes and Noble’s web site will present digital versions of National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Food and Wine, and many, many more.

We look forward to continuing to provide you with fun and interesting articles, full event schedules, and more in our monthly magazine! ◀

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Protecting Pipes and Pets in Freezing Weather Remember the HBO series Game of Thrones? One of the catch phrases that came out of that popular show was “Winter is coming.” For the characters in that show, winter was an almost apocalyptic event. For all of us here in North Texas it’s not that bad – unless you count ice storms, power outages, three inches of snow that closes roads, and all the additional traffic headaches.

Elsewhere in this magazine we’ve talked about protecting your plants from freezing temperatures.

Here, we’re going to take a look at how you can protect your pipes and pets from sub-freezing temps.

Let’s address pipes first. There are few things worse than a burst water pipe inside your home. In a nutshell, your water pipe freezes, and freezing water expands.

With nowhere to go, you know what happens next.

So – the trick is to keep those pipes from freezing.

Let’s start outside. First, disconnect ALL hoses from outdoor faucets. Drain the hoses and store them away.

Open the outdoor faucets to let any water in the system drain, and leave them open so any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing damage. Wrap and insulate exposed outdoor faucets. (Hint: buy what you need NOW, because when that first heavy freeze hits it’s going to be a zoo out there at home improvement and hardware stores.)

If you have a garden fountain of any sort, you’ll want to drain the pump and lines and take similar precautions. DO NOT add antifreeze or any deicing product to an outdoor fountain. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to pets, wildlife, or children who come in contact with it, and it can also damage your fountain’s pump. Cover the fountain with a cover similar to that used on outdoor grills.

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Got a sprinkler system? Turn off the water supply to it and wrap/insulate the main shut off valve. If there is any exposed above ground piping it also needs to be insulated with something like self-sticking foam tubes.

Don’t forget to shut down your controller timer to prevent the pump from activating and being damaged.

As a last precaution, drain the system.

Finally, just in case – know the location of your main incoming water valve and know how to shut it off if there’s a line break.

With the outside protected, move indoors. If your kitchen sink backs up to an exterior wall, open the doors beneath the sink to allow warm air in. Also, open bathroom cabinets to let warm air circulate. Be mindful of exposing any cleaning products stored there to small children and pets.

Let cold water do a slow drip from the faucet that is in an area that backs up to an exterior wall.

Remember that you may have a water line or two running through your attic; let the faucet served by the cold water line drip slowly, and remember to insulate the pipes in the attic. If there are water supply lines in the garage, keep the garage door closed.

Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night.

If you do get a frozen pipe, here are some tips from the American Red Cross: • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

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• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.

If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Your pets need attention during freezing weather, too. As a rule, if it feels cold to you outside, it feels cold to your pets, no matter if cat or large Husky.

Hypothermia is a real threat to animals in cold weather.

Bring your pets in during cold winter weather. When

your dogs need to go out, make sure their outdoor water dish has fresh, unfrozen water in it. On the whole, cats are no fools and would rather be indoors than out in the snow and ice.

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that if pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet’s body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

If you take your dog for a walk in a winter wonderland, make sure you give their paws attention when you get home.

Salt or other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate their feet. Wipe their paws with a damp cloth before your pet can lick them and irritate their mouth. If your dog will tolerate it, try little booties or sweaters.

Take some advance precautions, and you can enjoy winter weather with a cup of hot chocolate and some peace of mind! ◀

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Space Heater and Fireplace Safety We are in that time of the year when North Texas can produce bone-chilling cold snaps at the drop of a hat, and that means we’re reaching for that space heater and lighting up the fireplace in addition to the whole-house furnace.

While we should have our furnace checked once a year along with our air conditioning, we seldom give much thought to the fireplace and plug-in space heater until we use them. Here are some reminders on staying warm and snuggly!

Fireplaces Are you burning wood or gas? The home I grew up in had a gas fireplace, but the gas was used primarily to help ignite the wood we’d cut, then the wood took over completely and the gas was turned off. In either case, check that your damper is open! A closed damper will keep wood smoke from exiting up the chimney and instead send it meandering through your house!

Do you have an artificial gas log set? Did you know that artificial sets require that the damper be open as well – not for smoke, but for toxic fumes from the gas.

Just like wood, gas logs produce carbon monoxide.

On the subject of carbon monoxide, get some CO2 detectors in addition to your smoke alarms. Many models do both at once. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless.

Natural gas is also colorless and odorless in its unrefined state, but has a rotten egg smell when it is

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piped to end users. This is because of the addition of an odorant known as mercaptan during gas processing.

Natural gas distributors began adding mercaptans to natural gas after a deadly school explosion in 1937 at the New London School in New London, Texas killed over 300 young students and teachers.

Wood burning fireplaces have porous screens or glass doors to prevent pops and sparks from burning wood reaching beyond the hearth. On a gas log fireplace, glass doors should never be completely closed; it’s an invitation to build up excessive heat that could damage part of your gas valve, as well as produce excessive carbon monoxide and soot.

Your gas log set may have a receiver that turns on the flame, and a remote control that tells the receiver to turn flames on and off. Both receiver and remote control use batteries. Make sure you have new and fresh batteries in both of them, and make sure you removed the batteries at the end of the season when you shut the gas fireplace down.

A chimney cap to keep critters from getting in while letting smoke and harmful gases out is always a good idea.

Finally, not sure when your chimney was last cleaned? You may consider hiring a chimney sweep (yes, they really exist and some even wear the traditional black top hat) to come out and check for you.

STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

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Space Heaters We’ve all probably used one or know someone who keeps one under their desk at work. Small in size but powerful in heat, they are great little conveniences – but they need to be treated with respect.

The Electrical Safety Foundation (esfi.org) offers these tips: • Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.

• Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.

• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.

• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.

• Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.

• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.

• Proper placement of space heaters is critical.

Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.

• Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.

• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.

• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.

• Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

However you do it, stay warm and safe during whatever Texas throws at us this winter! ◀

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Think you know Stonebridge Ranch?

Think you know Stonebridge Ranch?

See if you can answer these teasers!

Question one: Does your outdoor AC unit need to be screened?

Question two: A minimum of what percentage turf grasses is required in front yards forward of the perimeter fence?

Solutions are on page 29

STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

| January 2024 23

Enjoy New Friends in the New Year!

Stonebridge Ranch offers residents so many things to do – swimming, walking, biking, tennis, special events like Halloween Spooktacular and the holiday tree lighting – you might ask, what else is there?

Have you considered visiting one of our three popular social clubs?

Stonebridge Ranch is host to the McKinney, Texas Travel Club, a Veterans Club, and of course a Book Club. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so we’ll be looking at one each month through March.

Travel Club The Travel Club was founded in August of 2013 by Jim Norton and Richard Jernigan, both members of the Stonebridge Social Committee. “We had an idea that it would be beneficial for people from Stonebridge who like to travel to meet up for the common goals of fellowship, travel, and adventure,” says Norton.

Residents came together to share travel tips, plan trips, and learn about future trips, making the club a success.

“Over the years, we’ve taken local day trips to such places as the Ft. Worth Stockyards, blueberry picking in Edom, Texas, and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving in Ft. Worth to name a few,” says Jernigan.

“We’ve even traveled to places such as an Alaska cruise and land tour as well as a cruise out of New York up the east coast to Boston and into Canada.” Other adventures have included bus trips for a West Texas tour as well as a trip to Branson, Missouri. “We even had several members travel by train on the Canadian Rocky Mountain Tour,” adds Norton.

Travel is not their only goal. The club dines together once a month trying out new restaurants and visiting familiar ones. Members can frequently be seen sitting together at Stonebridge events such as Evenings on the Veranda and Concerts on the Circle.

Jernigan says the Travel Club is a resident-driven club. “Residents who attend are encouraged to bring forth ideas for local trips, restaurant suggestions, ideas for longer trips, and to share experiences and tips on

LAWN ORDER Welcome to the new year in 2024! We’re in winter and have survived the 4th driest year on record, and next month we’ll start looking at ways to get our landscape in shape. For now we should be considering shutting down or already have our irrigation systems off for the winter and be ready to protect our plant material from freezing conditions.

Freeze damage is caused by the rupture of the plant cells from freezing and destroying the cell wall.

Herbaceous plants will lose turgor pressure and become limp, water-soaked darker green leaves from the inside and eventually die. Woody stemmed plants and trees will show cracking of the trunk or stem where the vascular system has been compromised resulting in dieback or total loss of the plant. Any trees that show cracking at the trunk should be looked at in the spring by a professional arborist or landscaper to determine if Mathew Roebuck it will survive.

Landscape & Grounds Director, SRCA Most Texas landscape plants can handle our winters but there are a few plants that require protection for extended periods of time. These include Palms, Agaves, Rosemary, Ligustrum, Seasonal Color or Topiary potted plants on elevated surfaces. When temperatures dip below the 20 degrees Fahrenheit range for more than a day, these plants should be wrapped or covered to help insulate from moisture or from wind. Providing protection with a N-Sulate Fabric will help insulate them from element that can cause damage. If a planting is at the soil line this will help warm the plants by providing warmth from the ground. Prior to covering your plant material make sure it is well watered. This will help the plant during a freeze-thaw action of evapotranspiration as the plants warm up. Any potted plants or tropicals that can be moved indoors should be moved indoors where they can stay warm and receive sunlight from a neighboring window.

Once the cold weather breaks, please pull your protective fabrics as soon as possible. If the fabrics are left in place when temperatures reach above 45-50 degrees they can warm the plants too quickly and ultimately bake the plants underneath, causing stress from heat or acclimation to warmer weather too fast.

If your landscaping or plants are dry after a frozen condition please water your plants. Give them a drink or cycle your irrigation on to re-establish moisture.

If you find plant material has sustained freeze damage, don’t make a hasty decision to cut down or remove the plant material. You should consider removing any vegetation that is stressed and give the remainder of the plant time for it to overcome the stress. Most plants that have a cold hardiness of Zone 7 or 8 will recover. Plants that were fed in the fall should have a healthy root system with stored nutrients to regrow themselves.

An example of this would be our Dianthus Seasonal Color which can handle colder weather than Pansies and Violas. Last year throughout Dallas, many Dianthus plantings did not look showy after the freeze in December 2022 or the Winter Storm in January/February. Several plantings died back to the soil line. As Landscapers and Property Owners, we all wanted to pull the plant material right away; but we waited a couple of weeks to pass, and the Dianthus started to regrow itself, giving a late winter and spring bloom. Nature can be a fickle creature, but it is slow and patient, so we should be too.

See you next month!

Due to the size of Stonebridge Ranch, Mathew cannot answer individual landscaping and lawn care questions.

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trips they have taken in the past month. Many of the members of the club are worldwide travelers to such faraway places like Moscow, Australia, and more.

They will frequently share their experiences and give a snapshot of the good, bad, and ugly points of their trips.” Norton adds that “If you are planning a trip somewhere, ask at the Travel Club and you are sure to find someone who has been there.”

All Travel Club meetings begin with an introduction of any new guests because there are always new residents attending. New guests will find a welcoming atmosphere and friendly people who are eager to get to know them and talk about travel experiences. After a discussion of trip planning and “where are we going to eat” this month, residents are free to visit and ask advice for a specific travel need.

In November, the group enjoyed its first Travel Club Potluck and had delicious dishes as varied as the places residents have traveled.

For 2024, several individual trips are being planned.

“At this time, we are not planning a big trip,” says Norton, “but who knows what the road will hold for the Travel Club as the year progresses.”

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each

month in the Stonebridge Community Room at 9:00 a.m. and last about an hour. Any Stonebridge resident may join the Travel Club by simply coming to a meeting. If they choose, they can sign up for emails and order a name tag. They may come as frequently or infrequently as they choose.

Residents who get involved with the Travel Club will get great travel advice, make interesting friends, and potentially go on exciting trips and adventures with wonderful travel companions.

Be sure and join us in February for a look at our Veterans Club! ◀

Compliance Corner Or, how to stay off the Compliance iPad.

Is your holiday tree still hanging around?

The City of McKinney can compost your live Christmas tree and Waste Connections will pick up at your home.

• • • • •

Remove lights and ornaments from the tree.

Trees with flocking are not compostable.

If trees have ornaments or lights, they will not be collected.

They must be scheduled for bulky item pick-up.

Trees should not be bagged.

Place your tree next to your trash cart on your regularly scheduled trash day.

For questions about Christmas tree recycling, call Waste Connections at 469-452-8000.

Curbside Christmas tree collection and composting will be provided December 26 - January 19.

STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

| January 2024 25

January 2024

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.

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Book Club Monday, January 8 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

SRCA Boardroom & Zoom 6201 Virginia Parkway Our January book, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, was described in the Dallas Morning News as the greatest book ever to come out of Dallas. We will discuss if we agree. Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and a finalist for the National Book Award in 2012, this satire set during the Iraq War explores themes of fraternity and the disconnect between war at home and war abroad. A movie with some big names was made (2016), but the reviews for that were not stellar. We’ll be happy to discuss the film as well. The book and the movie can be found at the following libraries (reciprocal memberships are available to McKinney residents): Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco and probably others.

We look forward to seeing you.

Join us in the Boardroom or on Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82204197636?pwd=am1 UUTRobUZIek8wMUFydWNXUmU4dz09 Meeting ID: 822 0419 7636 Passcode: 323380 Dial by your location: +1 (346)248-7799

Travel Club Tuesday, January 9 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Community Room, 6201 Virginia Pkwy.

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!

STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

| January 2024 27

Morning Bingo (Adult Only Event) Thursday, January 11 10:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. (Doors open at 9:30 a.m.)

Community Room, 6201 Virginia Pkwy.

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Start your day off right with a morning of fun and prizes! Winners of each round earn $5 gift cards, and light snacks and beverages are provided. 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.

RSVP by signing up through the Eventbrite link in the email blast or by contacting the management staff at (214)733-5800. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morning-bingojanuary-tickets-770382032397

Veterans Club Meeting Saturday Morning Coffee Saturday, January 13 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Community Room 6201 Virginia Parkway Stonebridge Ranch Veterans Social 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. Are you ready to become a part of our vibrant Veteran community? Join us in honoring our past, celebrating our present, and shaping our future.

Together, we thrive.

This will be an informal social. Bring a friend!

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Stonebridge Ranch 101 Thursday, January 16 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community Room 6201 Virginia Parkway Are you new to Stonebridge Ranch? Would you like to learn more about your Community Association? If so, then this event is for you! Brian Matt, Community Association Executive Director, will present a brief overview of the operations of our Association. Connie Baxter, Lifestyle Director, will review events and event registration. Our Communications Director, Scott Finley, will discuss our different channels of communication, and Eric Adams, our Director of Compliance and ARC, will discuss the modification and compliance processes. We will serve beverages and hors d’oeuvres at this informal, fun, and informational event.

Please register in advance at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/stonebridge-ranch-101-january-tickets770428290757?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Maximum capacity: 40

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| January 2024 29

EVENTS next month

Coffee, Cars & Cycles Saturday, January 20 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Doors open at 8:00 a.m.)

Community Room 6201 Virginia Parkway

February 2024 12

Book Club

13

Travel Club

13

Tuesday Evening Bingo

17

Coffee, Cars & Cycles

23

Marshmallow Roast

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.

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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).

Your power is unstoppable.

And with us cheering you on, there’s no limit to where it can take you.

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STONEBRIDGE RANCH NEWS

| January 2024 31

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