NEWS

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is our OFFICIAL website.  There exists a copy-cat site that may or may not give accurate information to you.  The fake website creator copied and pasted information from this site and passed it off as his or her own.  To ensure that you have access to current and ACCURATE information, ignore the plagiaristic site and add THE CORRECT, AUTHORIZED, OFFICIAL WEBSITE to your favorites now: www.stonelakes.net  Your feedback and comments are always welcome. Please send them to Maureen@stonelakes.net  Thank you.

BUZZ WORD OF THE MONTH

Caution: The City of Southlake will be patrolling to watch for violations, and they may fine people who run their sprinklers at the wrong time or on the wrong day.

New Pool Director

We want to thank Kendall Goodman for his tireless efforts to maintain and improve our pool, cabana, decking, and outdoor furniture.  Kendall has resigned and passed the baton to Steve Wurth.

Welcome aboard, Steve!   Residents, you can contact Steve at pool2010@stonelakes.net

Pool party reservations and requests for keys will still go through Kelly Kozel.  Contact her at poolKeys@stonelakes.net

Yard of the Month

Congratulations go to the Fischers at 203 Waterford Dr for their attractive new landscaping!  The use of coordinated colors and varied textures make their yard a real winner!  Their next door neighbors, the Duenckel's at # 205, have a similar lovely motif.

Your neighbor Claudene Blake has agreed to lead for this program.  If you are interested or know someone who may be, please contact her at yardofmonth@stonelakes.net    Claudene Blake

If you have suggestions for future Yard of the Month winners, please contact Claudene Blake.

Guitar Lessons for Stone Lakes Kids

Stone Lakes kids have an awesome range of talents!  For example, thirteen-year-old resident Jonathan Casel is a talented guitar player, and he is interested in teaching Guitar Lessons.  Listen to YouTube samples here. If you would like more information, please call 817-488-8154  or email: ctcasels@comcast.net

He has recorded himself playing shortened versions of 4 different songs that you can listen to (YouTube samples), so residents can see what his ability level is.  He currently plays and takes lessons on the electric guitar as well as the bass guitar, and has played with his Rock School band 4 times at "The House of Blues" in Dallas.  He is in 3 bands with the Rock School and will be playing other venues in Fall 2010 as well as back at The House of Blues again.  He is reported to have an enormous amount of patience teaching kids and loves it!

New Beautification Committee

This group is active again, and we can expect a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the common areas, especially at both entrances.  Barbara King, a long-time Stone Lakes resident with a background in landscaping, is leading the effort. She welcomes your assistance.  Do you have an eye for landscaping or gardening?  Contact Barbara at Beautify@stonelakes.net

Teens can earn service hours for certain tasks such as spreading mulch and weeding flower beds.

Erosion Control

If you have an erosion problem due to changes in the creek-flow on your lot or drainage issues, you are invited to meet with other homeowners who have or had similar issues.  You can seek solutions and exchange information about contractors in this business or do-it-yourself solutions.

Questions, comments, etc: Email erosion@stonelakes.net

Lost or Found Pets (and other items)

As announced in an E-blast, residents can use Craig's List to post LOST or FOUND PETS:  https://post.craigslist.org/dal/C/laf/mdf

The webmaster will post the info on this site and in an e-blast when possible.  That could be several weeks after your pet goes missing, so please take steps like posting flyers (with masking tape, not duct tape, to prevent damage to the painted posts) and contacting Animal Control and the North Richland Hills pet shelter. Also, please keep collars and tags on your pets and do not let them out unattended.  According to Southlake City Ordinances, dogs and even CATS are REQUIRED to be on leash outside of the owner's property.  It is convenient to allow cats to roam freely, but it is neither safe nor legal.

LOST:     click to enlarge pix.

Grey, slightly striped short-hair male cat, 1 year old, missing since Thurs, May 20.  His name is "Chase", and he is very friendly and has been neutered/fixed.  If you see him, please call owner:  817-416-7937.

LOST: Maine Coon CAT

Female cat missing; named Princess, dark gray in color, friendly, has a tag with home address on it.  Last seen on Manor Place on Saturday, May 8.  If you see her, please call  817-488-3660. 

Click photo to enlarge it.

Block Captains Wanted

Due to relocations, we are seeking new Block Captains for several safety zones.  Email James Keoughan at  watchgroup@stonelakes.net if you are willing to help.  This is an EASY position! 

Southlake is # 1 in the NATION!

Click here to read the article from Forbes Magazine in December 2008 that rates the top twenty affluent communities nationwide within certain population parameters.  One more reason to move into Stone Lakes!

Yard Care

Has your fence suffered the effects of blistering sun or heavy rains?  Now is the time to repair or replace worn fences, broken posts, and flimsy gates.  Pool owners, be especially vigilant about locking gates and maintaining fences that are at least 5' high around your pool.  (Click here for city ordinances on swimming pool fences. Scroll to page 91.)

Do you have a wrought iron fence?  Please inspect it to see if it needs sanding and fresh black paint.  Some fences along the jogging path next to the lake have taken a beating this past year, so please coat them with some Benjamin Moore "Essex Green" paint to freshen them up.

Walk the yard and remove weeds, inspect the paint condition on the house trim, and schedule repainting if needed.  If we all do our part to maintain our individual properties, the entire neighborhood benefits.  Thank you for being responsible homeowners!

BEFORE planning any major work or additions, get approval from the HOA's Architectural Committee!  This is required according to our CC&R's.  Click here for "Request for Approval" form.

Mailbox Replacement

To replace your Victorian Mailbox with the correct style, call Brandon Industries at 972-542-3000 or 1-800-247-1274 to purchase this model: MB 101-BK-M in black.  They are located in McKinney, TX.  If you have any trouble with this plan, contact Sean Kirby for an alternative.

Advertising Policy

This website is for the use of Stone Lakes residents. NO ADVERTISING is accepted for businesses of any sort.

We DO post classified ads for registered homeowners here.

Architectural Committee

Resident Sean Kirby is the head of the Architectural Committee. Please email Sean at  Arch@stonelakes.net if you have questions or concerns regarding lawn care, applications for additions, pool construction, and the like.

 **Keep in mind the building setbacks for your particular lot before installing a fence or other item.

Contractors' Corner

Lee Kyle is the volunteer manager of our contractors' corner.  Email him with any 'good' or 'bad' experiences you have had with contractors.  Please include a contact name and phone number for the businessperson you are recommending:  contractors@stonelakes.net .  The data is NOT posted online, as we do not advertise for businesses; however, the list can be emailed to any registered homeowner upon request. 

Stone Lakes HOA does not approve or endorse any particular contractor; the list is merely a helpful resource for homeowners who choose to use it.

Some specialties we are interested in:

house painters	housekeepers	A/C-Heating contractors
plumbers	electricians	landscape & lawn care
wallpaper hangers	kitchen remodeling	roofers
pool maintenance	pest control	interior decorating
fence installers	foundation repairmen	auto mechanics

Lost or Found Pets (and other items)

As announced in an E-blast, residents can use Craig's List to post LOST or FOUND PETS:  https://post.craigslist.org/dal/C/laf/mdf

Angel's Attic

This charity is the perfect place to donate your garage sale leftovers!  They accept clothing, household items, and furniture as long as they are in good condition.  Proceeds from their sales support these programs: http://www.angelsattic.org/whowesupport.htm  Please click to see it all!

Are you aware that your neighbors Gayle Cole and  Beth Watson are among the women volunteering at the nonprofit Angel's Attic shop in Grapevine?  This charity accepts donations and gives receipts to the donors.  Beautiful items line the shelves at the shop, bargains are abundant, and hungry orphans benefit from this effort.  Members of White Chapel United Methodist Church started this program to coordinate aid for desperately poor children in Costa Rica and Cambodia.

Their website is www.angelsattic.org, so please check it out!  Angel's Attic is easy to find.  It is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am until 6 pm.  Donations are accepted at the shop: 1635 W. Northwest Highway, Grapevine.  This is in the shopping center with Beall's and the new Tuesday Morning store.  Call them at 817-251-9451.  MAP TO ANGEL'S ATTIC

Egg Hunt Pictures

Stone Lakes' "2009 Easter Egg Hunt And Pony Rides" Event was a big success.  Much of the fun was caught by the social co-chair Jennifer Blanchard's camera; you can look at her shots HERE. 

Alert!  Magazine Solicitors

If you are approached by an arrogant solicitor, especially if you have a NO SOLICITING sticker on display by your front door, you can call the police at 817-743-4522 to report it.  You can get a free sticker by emailing watchgroup@stonelakes.net .

A Quick Click Can Save a Starving Animal

There are so many animal lovers in Stone Lakes that the following should be of interest to most of you.

Please click here to visit the Animal Rescue Website and click on the purple rectangle in the top right section of the page.  This triggers a donation of food from pet-food manufacturers (and other advertisers) for neglected and abandoned animals.  You can click once EVERY DAY!  Please put the link above into your favorites and help them as often as you can.  It only takes a few seconds.  Thanks so much!

You can help spread the word by copying and pasting these three paragraphs and emailing them to several friends in your email address book.  It will only take a few minutes, yet it will make a real difference in the lives of helpless animals.

Website Announcement

Because the HOA is a volunteer organization, the Board has decided that the website will be updated when there is an important announcement to share with Stone Lakes residents.  The HOA does not have the resources to continue the sometimes daily updates that have occurred in the last few years.

The website will continue to contain relevant information and is a great source of answers to most residents' questions. If you have anything to "post", feel free to email webmaster@stoneslakes.net and it will be posted in the next quarterly release or as soon as time permits.

Only grammatically correct, "ready to post" messages will be uploaded by the webmaster in order to keep the site looking professional.  Many prior requests from homeowners required the webmaster to make extensive corrections before posting.  The webmaster no longer has time to provide these editing services.  Thank you.

Lost Pets

As a reminder to all pet owners in Stone Lakes, please be SURE you obey all leash laws for your DOGS and CATS. . . also, keep tags on them and have them micro-chipped.  There are many coyotes and foxes, not to mention cars that could harm them.  We want all precious pets to be safe!  If needed, call Animal Control at 817-743-4524..

Youth For Hire

Cathy Elledge maintains the list of Stone Lakes youth who are available for jobs like babysitting, lawn care, computer work, pet care, and mother's helper positions.  This list is NEVER published online in the interest of safety.

Teens, preteens, and parents are asked to contact Cathy to add names, ages, phone numbers, and type of job they are willing to do (babysitting, lawns, etc).  We send out the list periodically with our electronic newsletters.  You may also request one directly from Cathy.  They will only be sent to homeowners whose email addresses are registered with Stone Lakes.  Click here and follow the instructions to register.

To be added to our list or to update an age, phone number, or type of job covered, contact Cathy.                                                                                                                                                    

Change your Email Address?

So many families have improved their internet speed by switching to Verizon FIOS.  (To speed up an appointment to switch to FIOS, click here.)  This is great, but please remember to give us your new email address.  To sign up for future emails, newsletters, and e-blasts from Stone Lakes, click here: http://stonelakes.net/register.html ... read thru and then click either of the links in the body of the writing to access the sign-up form. (black background)... please note that for security, you will need to scroll to the bottom and enter the access code on the page, THEN click on "subscribe".                      TOP             

Firecrackers

It is apparent that several families in Stone Lakes are unaware of the law prohibiting residents of Southlake from igniting fireworks of any kind.  This is very important in light of the many homes in close proximity to each other; burning embers could make a roof catch fire.  PLEASE resist the urge to light firecrackers, bottle rockets, etc, on or around July 4th, New Year's Eve, and ANY other time during the year.

The city of Southlake puts on a great fireworks show on the evening of July 3 every year, and Grapevine follows that on the night of July 4 with another wonderful show over Grapevine Lake.  These two local shows are done professionally, so risk to humans and structures is much lower than when regular citizens light fireworks in a neighborhood.  Enjoy those shows instead of making your own.

Parents, please be good examples of SAFE citizens to your children, who watch what you do intently.  Their safety and your home's integrity depend on it.

Speed Limit Survey

Homeowners of Stone Lakes were invited to share their opinion with the board regarding the speed limit in our neighborhood.  Some people asked for a change from 30 mph to 25 mph.  Opinions on the matter were due March 20, 2008.  The results of the survey show that only a small percentage (11%) of the neighborhood wants to change the limit.

Therefore, the speed limit will remain at 30 mph, but we ask that drivers consider curves on the roads, parked cars, school buses, joggers, and children... and drive SLOWER than the maximum 30 mph in many areas.  Thank you!                                                       TOP

Tree Maintenance Ordinances

With so many walkers and joggers in the neighborhood, it is important to keep sharp tree branches from injuring anyone.  The City of Southlake agrees, as stated in Subdivision Ordinance 5.06 D, section 1a.  The area above sidewalks must be free of obstacles, including plants, for at least 8 feet up from the ground.  This includes shrubs that grow out from the side and over the sidewalk.

This year's abundant rainfall prompted ample tree growth, so many branches are now jutting over the streets.  Southlake's City Ordinance 585 C, section 10.2 (page 21 on the .pdf) directs that homeowners must maintain a 14 foot clearance above roadways to ensure safe passage of vehicles. 

At your earliest convenience, please take a critical look at your plantings and ensure that they are trimmed back to acceptable levels.  

Fire Warning

Click here for kitchen safety info: www.stonelakes.net/kitchenFire.htm

Wylie Coyote is Back!

Coyotes have been seen running through the neighborhood at dusk lately.  Please take extra care with your small pets; do not leave them outdoors unattended.  Click for more info about coyotes.

Also be sure to put your trash to the curb in tightly covered garbage pails, NOT in plastic bags that can be torn into easily by a hungry animal.  If we eliminate convenient food sources, coyotes will leave Stone Lakes to look elsewhere for meals.

If you spot a coyote, you can call Animal Control at 817-743-4524. Click here to see the city's Animal Control Info Page.

Mailbox Issue

Homeowners, if you find a need to replace your current mailbox, please contact Jay at archControl@stonelakes.net before you purchase the replacement.  Several models of Victorian Pedestal mailboxes have base sizes and bolt patterns that differ from your current one.  Jay is investigating the best option for a compatible unit that will allow easy installation.

Box Tops for Education

A classic school fundraiser is underway, and it doesn't cost a thing!  To help Carroll Elementary raise funds that stretch the budget, please clip or tear out the "Box Tops for Education" symbols from packages of items like the following:

• General Mills Cereals              
• Ziploc Bags
• Hefty Products
• Yoplait Yogurts                   
• Pillsbury Products
• Betty Crocker Mixes    
• Huggies
• Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott Tissue

Click to see complete list of products with the box-top symbol.  If you would like to donate box tops, please contact your neighbor Claudene Blake or Barb Galt  Thank you!

Amazing Artist

Yvonne Handa of Stone Lakes is so quiet, you may not know of her tremendous artistic talents.  Do you have a window that lets in too much light or compromises your privacy?  You might consider a custom made stained glass piece to hang in that spot.  Beautiful flowers of every sort, nature scenes, and other subjects grace her finished pieces.  Check out her work at artyhand.com to see if you'd like to add a unique touch to your home.   

Holiday Decorating Pictures Online

CLICK HERE to view the photos that the webmaster took of several volunteers working to decorate the common areas of Stone Lakes on December 1st.                                                             TOP

Halloween Pictures Online

The webmaster took many photos of the costumed kids on Halloween.  There was a wide array of scary, pretty, royal, and funny characters.  Parents are invited to send their photos of children dressed for Halloween to Maureen@stonelakes.net for inclusion in our online photo album.  Click to see if you recognize our neighborhood ghouls!