Twin Creeks News

March 2016

Page 2 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

Twin Creeks News Is a monthly publication for the residents of the Twin Creeks Community Twin Creeks Community Association Professionally Managed By CMA The HOA’s Onsite Management Office: 300 Twin Creeks Drive, Allen TX 75013 For association inquiries, please contact us by phone or email at: Office Phone: 972-390-1194, Fax: 972-390-9359 and [email protected] For your convenience the Association Assessments and Modification Applications can be dropped off at the onsite. Management’s Staff Team: Jacque Morris, Association Manager Freddy Cooper, Onsite Maintenance Tech Kayleen Cleary, Compliance Coordinator Kathy Bettinger, Administrative Assistant

Please visit the community website at: www.twincreekshoa.net for seasonal updates, social events, alerts and association forms and documents. You may also submit a change of mailing address, modification form and view your account online through CMA’s website: www.cmamanagement.com. For personal account information and website login assistances, please contact the Customer Service department at: 972-943-2828.

ADVERTISEMENT SALES Sales – 972-396-8855 [email protected] For more information or questions: PUBLISHER / EDITOR Community News Connection, Inc. 206 W. McDermott, Suite #120 – Allen, Texas 75013 Office 972-396-8855 * Fax 972-396-7511 www.communitynewsconnection.com Neither Community News Connection, the HOA, Board of Directors, Management or membership of Twin Creeks explicitly or implicitly endorse any advertisement, the accuracy thereof or the qualifications, ability or professional standing of any advertiser or service provider, or the quality of any service or product. Twin Creeks News does not in any way endorse or support, nor does it take any credit or responsibility for any of the services, paid or volunteer, listed herein. The Twin Creeks News is not paid for by the homeowners’ dues and is not funded by the HOA in any way. The Twin Creeks News is not a negative publication. It is a community newspaper created to inform and serve the community. Twin Creeks News strives to report only good news; we do not allow articles on politics, religion, controversial topics or any editorials. We also reserve the right to refuse any advertiser or article submission that we feel is not right for this “community philosophy” or not a good fit for this publication.

Twin Creeks Community Association News… By: Jacque Morris

2016 Upcoming Dates To Remember: Daylight Savings Time – Sunday, March 13th It’s time to “Spring Forward”! Allen ISD’s 2014 Spring Break – March 7th-11th St. Patrick’s Day – Thursday, March 17th First Day of “SPRING” – Sunday, March 20th Palm Sunday – March 20th

2016 Swim Team and Swim Lessons Sign-Ups!!! An Awesome Summer Experience from Teens to Tots! Please contact Morgan Peele for swim lessons and swim team information for the 2016 summer season at: 214-697-5794 or Metro Swim [email protected] You may review the new 2016 Swim Schedules in April on the swim team’s website – www.tcswim.com

2016 Pool Season Schedule POOL Opening Dates! TC1 Pool - 401 Twin Creek Drive Opens on Friday, May 20th Monday thru Sunday Pool Hours: TBD TC2 Pool - 902 Comanche Drive Opens on Friday, May 6th Monday thru Sunday from 8:30 am – 9:00 pm Pavilion Gate Monitors ~ Gate Monitors are scheduled for both amenity center pavilions during the summer months. Monitors will be checking attendance for association membership by addresses and driver licenses. In order for members and guests to gain access, one must sign-in and provide proper information to gate monitor. Members must be current on their community assessments to enjoy the amenity center privileges.

1517 W. McDermott Drive, Allen,

March 2016 - Twin Creeks News - Page 3

Daylight Saving Time

Boy Scout Garage Sale Troop 1299 Please join us in our support of Boy Scouts by donating Saturday, April 16, 2016 for troop activities and equipment, and by bringing Don’t forget to “spring forward” and turn your clocks 7am-2pm ahead by one hour. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016, so set your clocks ahead the night before.

Suncreek United Methodist Church East Parking Lot 1517 W. McDermott Drive, Allen, TX 75013

To make donations, please

Scott Wyatt at (214) 232-4838 or Troo

Please join us in our support of Boy Scouts by donating items that will be sold to raise funds for troop activities and equipment, and by bringing your friends to the garage sale!

If you live in the Allen, Frisco, McKinn 1517 W. McDermott TX 75013to pick up your donations on Satu we Drive, will Allen, be happy To make donations, please contact

Tax(214) receipts are available upon request. For more information Scott Wyatt at 232-4838 or [email protected]

If you live in the Allen, Frisco, McKinney, or Plano area, we will be happy to pick up your donations on Saturdays 3/5, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2 or 4/9. Tax receipts are available upon request.

Please join us in our support of Boy Scouts by donating items that will be sold to raise funds information: www.facebook.com/Troop1299 for troop activities and equipment, andForbymore bringing your friends to the garage sale! To make donations, please contact

Scott Wyatt at (214) 232-4838 or [email protected] If you live in the Allen, Frisco, McKinney, or Plano area, we will be happy to pick up your donations on Saturdays 3/5, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2 or 4/9. Tax receipts are available upon request. For more information: www.facebook.com/Troop1299 Take home painting off your to-do list. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY KAREN AND DON VANGORDON

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Let Us Make Your Life Easier! As a Twin Creeks resident, I am proud of the care and concern our residents have for their homes. If you are tired of taking care of your pool, let us take care of it for you! If you already have a pool cleaning company, perhaps we can save you money.

At TEXAS CLEAR POOLS, we offer: Weekly Cleaning • pH Balancing • Routine Maintenance Filter Cleaning • Backwashing • Repairs Please call to schedule a free estimate or for any questions:

Ben Quenzer 469-667-3560 Twin Creeks Resident • Owner, Texas Clear Pools

Page 4 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

Upcoming Programs and Events at the Heard Museum

Summer Nature Camps – Registration opens to the public on March 2nd Nature Photography Contest Submissions February 3 - March 20, 2016 Participation fees benefit the Heard More info at www.heardnaturephotographers. com/contest/ Now is the time to start preparing for the Heard Nature Photography Contest, hosted by the Heard Nature Photography Club. This year, participants will be able to submit their photos electronically. Contest categories will provide opportunities for multiple skill levels! Second Saturday Bird Walk March 12, April 9, May 14 Starts promptly at 8 am Included in general admission, free for Heard Museum members

OMPARED HAVE YOU C ENCE? THE DIFFER

More info at www.heardmuseum.org/birding Second Saturday Bird Walks are designed to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. Reservations are not required; however, make sure to arrive on time. These walks are available annually from September through May. If you'd like more information about the kinds of birds you might see on your walk, be sure to check out the Checklist of Heard Sanctuary Birds, which contains helpful information about species that have historically been spotted here. Inexpensive copies are also available in the Nature Store. Scout Badge Workshops Participation in Heard Scout Badge Workshops is a great way for scouts to work towards completing badge requirements. The Heard offers scheduled workshops for Webelos, Bear Cubs, Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts. We even have Merit Badge Workshops for Boy Scouts and guided trails for all scouts. Each two hour workshop is specifically geared to meet the requirements for the listed organization’s badge, but they are open to any interested groups. Preregistration required. Additional info available at www.heardmuseum.org/scouting Programs scheduled in March:

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Hospital ER and other ER Facilities

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March 19 – Bear Cubs • Super Science • Fur Feathers and Ferns March 26 – Junior Girl Scouts • Detective • Animal Habitats Special Hours – The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is typically closed on Mondays; however, we will be open from 9 a.m.5 p.m. on and March 7th. Family Canoe Try-It March 5 from 1-4 p.m. Preregistration required. Per person: $32/Heard Museum member; $42 Public. Give canoeing a try! No experience necessary. After a safety and paddling introduction, spend about 30-40 minutes ona guided canoe trail around our wetlands followed by free time to explore on your own. Spring Break Mini-Camps March 8, 9 or 10 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Preregistration required Per child: $17/Heard Museum member; $20 Public Ages: Kindergarten-6th Grade Each mini-camp explores a different topic and

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March 2016 - Twin Creeks News - Page 5

Upcoming Programs and Events at the Heard Museum includes not only indoor activities, but also time outside exploring our 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. Animal Encounters March 8 and 10 at 1 p.m. Included in general admission Heard Museum staff will introduce you to some of our animal ambassadors. Owl Prowl Night Hike March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Preregistration required Per person: $16/Heard Museum member; $19/ Public More info at www.heardmuseum.org/nighthikes Bring your family to see a live owl presentation and then stay for a guided night hike on our sanctuary trails. Experience the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary trails at night! Night Hikes provide a completely different experience from hiking during the day. Landmarks change, as can your sense of direction. Even if you've hiked a trail several times, it can feel completely unfamiliar. Night Hikes are filled with the thrilling sights, smells, and sounds of night. Participants will be encouraged to sharpen their senses to be able to spot signs of animal life and learn more about the inhabitants of the Heard.

Ropes Course Adventure Day March 12 from 1-4 p.m. Preregistration required $35/person More info at www.heardmuseum.org/ ropescourse Participants will have a chance to participate in three High Rope Elements at least once (possibly more as time allows): Team Power Pole, Bessie's Tree Climb, and an exciting chance to soar down 500 ft. long zip line. Plus, enjoy low ropes elements. Individuals and small groups (comprised of nine or less persons) are welcome to participate in our pre-scheduled Adventure Days. Preregistration is required for these programs. The ropes course can be scheduled for custom programs for groups of ten or more persons. Zip Line Day April 9, May 14 from 1-4 p.m. Preregistration required. www.heardmuseum.org/ropescourse Soar through the beautiful forest of the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary as you travel down the Ropes Course's zip line! Purchase one ticket for each time you would like to go down the zip line.

Guided Trail for Scouts April 9 at 10 a.m. Preregistration required More info at www.heardmuseum.org/scouting Experience the ecology, geology, flora and fauna of the Heard Sanctuary. Led by our trained guides, your group will spend 45-60 minutes hiking our unique landscape. Spring Plant Sale Open to the Public: April 16 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and April 17 (1-5 p.m.) Heard Museum Members-Only Presale: April 15 (4-7 p.m.) Plant list will be available before the event online at www.heardmuseum.org/plantsale. For more than 20 years, veteran and novice gardeners alike have anticipated this rare opportunity to purchase plants from a huge selection of native plants, hardto-find herbs and well-adapted plants at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary's annual Spring Plant Sale. Your tax-free purchases will also help to support the Heard--a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Page 6 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

F inancial Focus – Put Your Financial “Puzzle” Together

By Torsten Holmes, AAMS® Edward Jones Investments

ments, in your holdings will depend on your specific goals, risk tolerance and time horizon – but growth opportunities you must have.

January 29 is National Puzzle Day, with puzzle celebrations and events taking place at museums, libraries and other venues across the country. Why this date was chosen – or why • Income – Income-producNational Puzzle Day even exists – is ing investments, such as something of a mystery. But as an bonds and dividend-paying stocks, investor, you can find value in the can help supplement your earned concept of a puzzle – specifically, in income during your working years putting together the pieces of your fi- and provide you with a valuable innancial puzzle. come stream when you’re retired. What are these pieces? Here are the Plus, bonds and other income-proessential ones: ducers can help balance a portfolio that might otherwise be too heavy • Growth – At different times in your in growth vehicles – which, as you life, you will have various goals – know, are typically higher in risk. purchasing a first or second home, • Taxes – Taxes will always be part sending your children to college, en- of the investment equation. Whenjoying a comfortable retirement, and ever possible, you’ll want to take so on. While these goals are diverse, advantage of those accounts that let they all have one thing in common: you make tax-deductible contribuTo achieve them, you’ll need some tions and that provide the opportugrowth potential in your investment nity for tax-deferred growth, such as portfolio. The nature and the extent a traditional IRA and your 401(k) or of the growth-oriented vehicles, such other employer-sponsored retirement as stocks and stock-based instru- plan. You may also find that you can

benefit from tax-free invest- costs of long-term care, such as an ments, such as some types extended nursing home stay. A finanof municipal bonds and a cial professional can suggest ways of Roth IRA. (Your Roth IRA meeting these expenses. contributions are not taxdeductible, but your earn- • Legacy – After working hard your ings grow tax free, provided whole life, you’d probably like to you’ve had your account leave something behind to your chilat least five years and you dren, grandchildren, other family don’t start taking withdrawals until members and possibly even charitable institutions. To create the legacy you reach 59½.) you desire, you will need to create a • Protection – You can’t just invest for comprehensive estate plan. Because your future – you also have to pro- such a plan may involve a will, living tect it. If something were to happen trust and other complex legal docuto you, would your family be able to ments, you will need to work with remain in your home? Would your your legal and tax advisors. children still be able to go to college? To help ensure continuity and Try to put these pieces together to security in your family’s lives, you’ll help complete your financial “puzzle” need to maintain adequate life and – when you do, you may well like the disability insurance. Also, you will picture that emerges. need to protect your independence in your retirement years, as you no You may reach Torsten Holmes at doubt would want to avoid burden- his office with Edward Jones Investing your grown children with any ments at (469)854-6518 located at financial burden. To attain this type 1420 W Exchange Pkwy, Building A, of freedom, you may have to guard Suite 160, Allen Texas, 75013. against the potentially catastrophic

HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES THRIVE CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DOCTOR Aparna Ayyagari, M.D., Endocrinologist Jennifer Cobb, PA-C Keith R. Eppich, M.D. Douglas Fullington, M.D. Laura Kakar, PA-C Rima Khoury, M.D. Gregory Lensing, M.D. Shade Lester, M.D. Sarah Mech, PA-C

Maile Mixon, PA-C Amber Odom, R.D.N.,L.D. Susan Ponder, M.D. Cristyn Smith, L.P.C. Irwin Segal, M.D. Stephanie Segal, M.D. Todd Wien, M.D.

March 2016 - Twin Creeks News - Page 7

DOC TALK – Why Does My Back Hurt? ion the bones. When we move, those discs work like little squishy sponges. When we move to the right, that part of the disc compresses while the other side stretches. These discs need to ingest a certain amount of nutrients to stay healthy.

By Dr. Gregory Steiner, DC, MPhil There are many reasons why your back is hurting. It could be poor posture, an injury, long term wear and tear, etc... But the pain you are feeling, like fire shooting through your veins or the dull ache that seems constant is usually a form of inflammation. Whether the problem stems from doing too much or too little, the result can end you up in the same place. One of the worst things you can do is go from one extreme to another. If you sit behind your desk all day long and then decide to go out and aggressively clean the entire yard (like shoveling mulch, pulling weeds, etc.) you could be setting yourself up for a painful injury.

For the person who sits most of the day and doesn’t move around, the discs essentially start to starve because nutrients aren’t being circulated and they start to become brittle. When they become brittle, they start to flake and decay and become inflamed at a quicker rate. So by living a sedentary lifestyle and doing nothing, you can actually harm yourself even more. For the opposite type of individuals whose career involves moving around a lot, especially those that are athletes, they too can experience problems. For example, if a long distance runner has improper technique, the discs in their spine or “shock absorbers” can wear out faster. Even though there is plenty of motion going on, the body is overwhelmed and can’t re-supply all the nutrients it needs quick enough to rebuild, so inflammation starts in that way as well.

Our backs have discs that are designed to cush-

Posture can also attribute to back pain. If you

take a bowling ball and hold it straight up, it’s not so hard to do, but if you keep moving it forward inch by inch, for every inch you let your arm creep forward, it will increasingly feel heavier and be harder to hold. Imagine your head like the bowling ball with all that stress on your neck, there will probably be pain in the upper back which eventually will travel down the spine to include pain in the lower back as well. The neck and back overwork all day long, the tissues hyper stretch out and they become inflamed and begin to hurt. That’s why I recommend getting a checkup. Having your posture analyzed and corrected can help pinpoint some of the reasons you may be having back pain and help get you on the track to feeling better and reducing that back pain. Dr. Greg’s is an active resident of Twin Creeks and his background is in acupuncture, psychological medicine, and chiropractic. He is with CA Acupuncture and Chiropractic Clinic located at 1101 Raintree Circle, Suite # 288, and can be reached for questions or appointments by phoning 972-747-0928.

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Page 8 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

LIBRARY NEWS

Celtic Night at Library Lift your spirits and celebrate life with The Irish Rogues at 7:30 pm Friday, March 11, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr., free, call 214-509-4911. This band has entertained crowds at pubs and festivals with the infectious style, good humor and raw energy of the Irish pub tradition. Today, The Irish Rogues appears regularly at Dallas’s renowned Trinity Hall, and members have been featured performers at the annual North Texas Irish Festival since its inception in 1982. Playing a rich collection of favorite sing-alongs and ballads with brilliant instrumentals that include fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, tenor banjo, mandolin, five string banjo and accordion, the group’s  three part harmonies reflect the beauty of the music while retaining that rough edge of the Irish pub. The current members of the Irish Rogues are Earnie Taft, David Sparks and Steve Harrison. Book of Kells Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in grand green fashion by learning about the deeper meaning of Ireland’s most valued treasure. The Book of Kells is the oldest and most lav-

ishly decorated of a series of gospel manuscripts produced between the 6th and 9th centuries. Those who have tried to describe it betray almost a sense of disbelief, as though it had emerged from another world. The 13th century historian Giraldus Cambrensis said the work was “not of men, but of angels.” Join Dr. Donna Cozort as she discusses the universal meaning of the symbols in the Book of Kells at 7:30 pm, Thursday, March 17, free Southern Flight Prepare to rock Texas style with the Southern Flight Band at 7:30 pm Friday, March 18, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr, free, call 214-509-4911. Southern Flight Band combines the best of Rock-n- Roll, Rock-A-Billy, Country, and Southern Rock.  Sponsored by ALLen Reads, this program is free. Covering a wide variety of music from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Southern Flight has performed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas and outdoor festivals for the Cities of Rowlett and Duncanville. A family-oriented program, parents are encouraged to bring children to enjoy a high energy musical experience from Southern Flight. Band leader Don Shell states, “The whole family can enjoy a night with us to

Maintain the Health of Your Trees for Future Generations

dance and sing.  We are looking forward to performing at the Allen Public Library on March 18th.  We promise that this will be a free concert for your whole family that you truly do not want to miss!” Knights Templar What was the Knights Templar? What is its legacy? Learn more about this order from the Middle Ages from Kevin Main at 7:30 pm Thursday, March 31, free, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr. A military order that began circa 1129, the Knights Templar remained active until the first part of the fourteenth century. Templar knights wore pristine white mantles that sported a bright red cross. Known for military prowess, these highly skilled fighting units reached prominence during the Crusades. A major financial institution, the Knights Templar managed a large economic infrastructure throughout Europe. At dawn on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307 (possibly the origin the Friday the thirteenth superstition), French King Philip IV ordered the arrest and execution of the Knights Templar Grand Master Jacque de Molay and scores of other leading knights. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911.

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Projects and Improvements

March 2016 - Twin Creeks News - Page 9

Completed Projects Windcrest Split Rail Fence ~ replacement of this common area split rail wooden fence was installed in January. Fence is located on Rio Grand Court north of Exchange Parkway. *Wimberley Estates Gate System ~ a new a security access system for the gate and keypad box with a larger lit screen was installed in January. *TC1 Playground ~ new white sand was delivered in January to the playground to help replenish and raise the level of the sand. Projects in Progress *New Park Bench and Plants/Rock Design ~ a new park bench is being installed at the end of the new Somerset walkway located on the com-

mon area corner of Shallowater and Spur Drive. Other plant material/landscaping rock is being proposed at this time for this area. *Flowerbed Replacement ~ new flowerbed design is being planned for the common area median island on the north end of Woodlake Drive in Wimberley. Installation is scheduled in April. Future Projects *Stone Monument Sign ~ installing a new stone monument sign at the corner of Shallowater and Spur in June of 2016. *TC2 Pavilion Cedar Arbor ~ proposals are being reviewed to replace the rotten cedar beam arbor on the east end of the pavilion with a new cedar arbor, sun shade canopy or extended metal roof.

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Page 10 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

In Retrospect: Obamacare’ s Third Season By Peter G Young, CLU We have now passed through the third Obamacare Open Enrollment periods. Each year seems to be a unique experience, presenting its own challenges. This year was the most difficult yet for those who had to buy their own insurance (and those who had to serve them.)

Firstly health insurance companies redesigned their product offerings again, pulling some from the market altogether, and tightening the networks and in most case eliminating out of network coverage altogether. Blue Cross cancelled everyone on their individual PPO plans and moved them wholesale to a beefed up HMO. We saw one major carrier (Assurant) depart form the individual/family market altogether and two more (Oscar, Scott & White) enter the market. Aetna and Humana announced plans to merge while United Healthcare made noises about merging with CIGNA while hinting (strongly) that they might not participate in the individual market for 2016 Open Enrollment. There were a lot of indications that antiselection was happening and

The Plano Food Pantry

“A Cooperative Effort to Help Those in Need.”

becoming a problem. Insurance companies dread antiselection – the result of people being allowed to buy health insurance once they are already sick - and sure enough we did get people who had opted to pay the penalty last year but signed up this year because they have developed since developed an expensive health problem. We also had people who had originally bought high deductible plans who took the opportunity afforded by open enrollment to switch a richer plan because they were now sick. So the industry begged the government not to extend open enrollment beyond the January 1st deadline this year and to tighten up on Special Enrollment Periods for the special events like marriages, births and loss of group coverage, making anti-selection more difficult. Antiselection or no, the insurance companies are apparently managing to survive, or even thrive: stocks of the five biggest insurers beat the market last year. On the group insurance side things are distinctly quieter – at least from the consumer’s standpoint. Employers considered to be an ALE (“Affected Large Employer”) are struggling with reporting requirements. Obamacare requires ALE’s to generate a form 1095 for each employee covered under the ALE’s group insurance: a copy goes to the IRS and a copy to the covered employee. (Form 1095 shows the IRS that a taxpayer had health insurance. An ALE has to generate those forms for its employees and send a copy to the IRS.)

If you wish to have a food drive or make a cash donation to The Plano Food Pantry, please call 214-704-5689 or 972-424-4574. www.holynativity.org

This year we are facing a Presidential Election and the possibility of repeal. It will be interesting (!!) to see how the public, not to mention the insurance industry, will act if a Republican President with a strong mandate to repeal is elected in November, when Open Enrollment begins, but doesn’t take office until the Open Enrollment is almost over. We live in interesting times. Peter Young is a life and health insurance agent and a resident of Twin Creeks. Comments and questions are welcome at pyoung1028@ B4theBuckStops.com

March 2016 - Twin Creeks News - Page 11

TWIN CREEKS BOOK CLUB Tennis News The weather is perfect to grab your racket and some balls and head to the courts!! We offer a year round tennis program for you and your family taught by certified tennis instructors. Please let us know if you have any questions. SPRING BREAK TENNS CAMP- MARCH 7TH-10TH We will offer a camp from 10:00-12:30 for the 8U and 10U ages and 2:30-5:00 for the 11-17 year old players. We will split the players based on age and level. The cost of the camp is $35 a day or $130 for all four days.

We meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM If you are a lover of books and would like to learn more info, please contact:Nafisa Dharamsi at 972.369.6353 or nafisa71@hotmail. com. We always welcome new members!! Come join us for a FUN evening of interesting discussions.

March Meeting- The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton Winner of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize, The Age of Innocence is Edith Wharton’s masterful portrait of desire and betrayal during the sumptuous Golden Age of Old New York, a time when society people “dreaded scandal more than disease.” This is Newland Archer’s world as he prepares to marry the beautiful but conventional May Welland. But when the mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York after a disastrous marriage, Archer falls deeply in love with her. Torn between duty and passion, Archer struggles to make a decision that will either courageously define his life—or mercilessly destroy it?

SPRING AFTER SCHOOL SCHEDULE 2016-Schedule 8U Juniors Classes-The classes will be offered on Tuesday, Thursday and /or Friday from 5:00-6:00. 10U Junior Classes-The classes will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:30 and Friday from 5:00-6:30.. 11-14 and 15-17 year olds-Junior Classes for beginner/intermediate-The classes will be offered on Monday and Wednesday from 5-6:30 and on Friday from 6:00-7:30. 11-14 and 15-17 year olds-Junior Classes for advanced playersThe classes will be offered on Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday from 6:30-8:30. Ladies Clinic –Offered Monday and Tuesday mornings. Junior Team Tennis-The juniors compete against other clubs in the area on Sunday afternoons. We offer 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U teams. Private/Semi Private lessons are available. Please email or call with any questions regarding the tennis program. Colleen Regan, USPTA [email protected] 2144485783

Celebrate Valentine's Day with your dog in the Connemara Meadow BRING A DOG. BRING A DONATION.

Celebrate Valentine's Day With Your Best Friends At Connemara This Sunday, February 14, the Connemara Conservancy welcomes dogs back to the Meadow Nature Preserve with a special play day in the Meadow. You can bring up to three dogs for a $10 donation per dog. Permits good for six months will also be available for dog owners who would like to bring their dogs to the Meadow on a regular basis. Dogs must remain leashed and owners must clean up after their pet. Other rules apply. What: Bring Your Dog To The Meadow When: Sunday, Feb. 14, 1-5 p.m. Where: Connemara Meadow NaturePreserve, corner of Alma and Bethany Drive, Allen, Texas

Page 12 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

ALLen Reads Marches On ALLen Reads, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to our program! Elke’s Market Cafe, 105 N. Greenville Ave.@ McDermott, Allen, TX 75002, 214-495-0200

Hope you’ve already attended some ALLen Reads activities! If you haven’t, the first one this month is a great place to start. On Wednesday evening, March 2, at 7 PM, Food for Thought Cafe’s owner, Jennifer Bell, will be demonstrating how to make her favorite recipes from Texas Eats, and then sharing them with those in attendance. It’s going to be a delicious evening. Come early, because seating is limited in the Allen Public Library Meeting Room.

On Tuesday, March 22, at 7:30 PM in the library auditorium, you’ll have the opportunity to see attend the premier showing of a documentary about the history of Tex-Mex food in the Dallas area. Did you know the Public Library auditorium, get together to rock frozen magarita machine was in the spring with Southern Flight, a Dallas- invented here? Nachos? Come, find out more based band that performs all kinds of rock with “A Cultural Connection.” On Tuesday, March 15, at 7 PM in the library’s music from the 50’s up to the present. Music second floor meeting room, you can join in a programs at the library are standing room only Check the city and library websites for more book discussion on Texas cooking, featuring - if you want to get a seat, arrive early. information or call the library, 214-509-4911 Texas Eats. for updates. Sorry, the Friends/ALLen Reads On Saturday, March 19, you’ll want to have website is being “renovated” at this time. On Friday, March 18, at 7:30 PM in the Allen lunch or maybe pick up something delicious for dinner, at Elke’s. Tell them you support

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March 2016 - Twin Creeks News - Page 13

COVENANT CORNER

Per the Association’s governing documents, the following is prohibited:

TRASH - Please be considerate and make sure all trash containers are stored either in your backyard, on the side of your house, or garage. Containers must always be stored out of view of the street and alleyway. If you have an electric gate, store the containers on the interior side of your fence. The view of the alley and street should be clear of containers for safety reasons and aesthetic consistency throughout the neighborhood. Please do not store piles of brush in view on your driveway or at the alley. Put out at curbside or alley only on the evening before bulk pickup. Reference: CC&R’s - Exhibit “C” 2k & 3h PROPERTY SIGNAGE GUIDELINES - No sign shall be placed on the outside portions of the property, unless approved in your governing documents or by the Modification Committee. Only one realtor sign per property allowed. No commercial signs allowed on property. Reference: CC&R’s –Article XI and Exhibit “C” 3h and per Board of Director’s Policy TRASH / RUBBISH ACCUMULATION Homeowners are required to keep all areas clear of rubbish, trash and debris. This includes side yards, alleys and driveways. Residents are required to coordinate their landscape activities (tree 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

2016 JANUARY~ MANAGEMENT REPORT

TOTALS FOR ONE MONTH:

ACC/MODIFICATION REQUEST VIOLATIONS/VARIOUS TYPES

14 APPLICATIONS REVIEWED 103 NOTICES AND/OR LETTERS MAILED

trimming, pruning, etc) in a manner that the debris removal occurs with a 24 hour period. Dumping of grass clippings and other landscaping debris on Association property, Development property, greenbelts and waterways is prohibited. Reference: Deed Restrictions, Exhibit “C”, Section 2 (j,k) TREE REMOVAL - The removal of any tree, except for diseased or dead trees needing to be removed to promote growth of other trees or for safety reasons, with a caliper of 3” or more, is prohibited. Under special circumstances, the Modification Committee may approve removal. Reference: Deed Restrictions, Exhibit “C”, Section 2 (s) PODS – Pods (storage containers for the purposes of moving or long term storage) may be placed in a driveway for 10 days. Advance notification of the Association Manager is required. Additional time (up to 14 days maximum) may be granted if necessary. Placement of these units may not hinder traffic. Reference: Board of Directors Policy

PORTABLE BASKETBALL GOALS - Portable basketball goals are an acceptable alternative to permanent goals if the following conditions are met: 1) they do not create a general neighborhood nuisance for homes located on the same cul-de-sac, 2) they are not placed on the street or any other public property, and 3) the goal or the players using the goal do not create a traffic nuisance. If they fail to meet these conditions, the goals must be stored, out of sight, after each use. Twin Creeks maintains several basketball courts at its Amenity Centers for use by residents. Use of these courts is preferable to either permanent or portable goals. Reference: Modification Guidelines, Page 7 (Please see Guidelines for specific neighborhood restrictions) STREET PARKING - To maintain a neat appearance and help maintain property values, Homeowners are asked to park their vehicles in an enclosed garage. If necessary, vehicles may be parked in the driveway. Vehicle parking on the street is discouraged. Reference: Deed Restrictions, Article XII, Exhibit “C”, Section 2 (a)

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Page 14 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

BABYSITTERS OF TWIN CREEKS

(Residents Only, 18 years old and under

Welcome New Neighbors Please join us in welcoming our New Neighbors Laurie Sharp......................................... 1229 Brenham Drive Parker & Brandy Dail.......................... 1312 Mills Court

Michael & Holly Saunders................... 1813 Northbrook Court

Krish & Promila Kawlra ..................... 407 Phoebe Drive

Ernest & Whitney Bricker .................. 1410 Quanah Court

Michael & Kendra Scarberry............... 1322 Rio Grande Drive Jingwei Li & Xiang Li......................... 1314 Salado Drive

Alan Stone............................................ 816 Shallowater Drive

Reach Your Neighbors! Advertise in this Magazine! Contact Community News Connection for more information:

972-396-8855

[email protected]

Below is an updated list of babysitters who will be around to provide some “getaway “time for you parents. This list will run quarterly

Name...........................................................Phone Anthony Bruccoliere............................................469-247-6516 Kaitlin Callegari...................................................972-332-8387 Courtney Doran....................................................214-384-4685 Hannah Falk.........................................................972-837-3076 Allayna Ford........................................................817-980-8089 Hope Fortner........................................................972-849-4790 Lauren Gallardo...................................................469-952-7027 Rachel Granados..................................................973-722-2257 Ryan Gray............................................................469-704-8302 Peyton Hauf.........................................................972-741-4816 Kayleigh Holt.......................................................972-727-6434 Madeline Lamprecht............................................210-464-1870 Campbell Martin..................................................214-383-0079 Shree Patel...........................................................214-785-9427 Skylar Phillips......................................................214-763-9302 Tasha Phipps........................................................214-460-7770 Christina Quijada.................................................469-999-1914 Emily Rotto .........................................................469-525-0400 Ashley Sekhon.....................................................972-396-1536 Baylee Smith........................................................972-971-0299 Riley Smith..........................................................214-893-4155 Susanna Stewart...................................................214-901-4096 Casitlyn Wilson....................................................972-359-9478

We highly recommend that you interview and make your own determination as to the person’s competencies and qualifications. If you would like to have your name added, deleted or has a phone number change please email information to [email protected] The young people listed above have offered their services as babysitters in our community. Please interview any candidates and make your own decision as to the candidate’s capabilities & qualifications to stay alone with your child. Neither the Twin Creek HOA nor Community News Connection explicitly or implicitly endorses or takes responsibility for any individual’s services or actions, paid or volunteer. The contacts are provided here for information only.

March 2016 - Twin Creeks News - Page 15

Modification Committee Information By Bruce E. Howard One of the more popular improvements residents are making to their properties is the addition of permanent outdoor BBQ grills/Cooking area/fireplaces. Below are the requirements for outdoor fireplaces and BBQ grills QUESTION: Please list the requirements for permanent outdoor fireplaces and BBQ grills. ANSWER: Permanent outdoor fireplaces/BBQ grills are classified in two ways: attached and freestanding. Both types require a city permit and must comply with City of Allen building and fire codes. A spark arrestor for the chimney and a screen for the firebox will be required. Under no circumstances will open wood burning fire pits be allowed. Natural gas fueled fire pits with lava stone may be allowed but must include a top screen. These outdoor fire units must not create a neighborhood nuisance and the Homeowner will be responsible for any damage caused by smoke, fire, or ash. Attached Units should complement the architectural style of the home. Construction must be 100% masonry and must match materials in the original construction. Access doors, screens, grills, etc. may be steel. Free Standing Units should be designed so that the main body of the unit does not exceed 6’ height with chimney tapering to a maximum of 12’ height (including any chimney cap). The overall size of the unit should not exceed 30 square feet but larger units will be considered on a case by case basis. As with attached units, the free standing unit must compliment the architectural style of the home, be constructed of 100% masonry, and constructed of materials that match the original construction of the home. Access doors, screens, grills, etc. may be steel. Any overhanging tree limbs should be trimmed to help reduce fire risk. A sufficient hearth must be included in the design to prevent fire danger to surrounding vegetation. The chart below will determine the minimum setback requirements from the fence/property line and other structures. The setback requirements are measured from the chimney portion of the fireplace. Maximum Overall Height (from finish grade) 10’8” or less 10’9” to 12’

Minimum Setback Requirement (from Property line/Fence)

Minimum Setback Requirement (any structure)

10’ 15’

15’ 15’

Twin Creeks Modification Application should include the following: 1) A copy of your plat indicating placement of the fireplace/BBQ grill in relationship to existing home, lot and other improvements. Please indicate setbacks. 2) Construction drawings of the proposed fireplace/BBQ grill indicating dimensions and building materials. Spring Maintenance Idea Now is a good time to look at the condition of your mailbox. Paint your mailbox, if need and replace needed parts. Remember that GLOSS BLACK is the only acceptable color. If repair parts are needed they can be obtained at Brandon Industries of McKinney, Texas. The phone number is 972542-3000. Please remember that double mailbox units must match in both size and design.

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Page 16 - Twin Creeks News - March 2016

All-Natural Insect Repellent Recipe

10-25 drops (total) of essential oils 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol The essential oils that work well against biting insects (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas) are: • cinnamon oil (mosquitoes) • lemon eucalyptus or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes, ticks, and lice) • citronella oil (mosquitoes and biting flies) • castor oil (mosquitoes) • orange oil (fleas) • rose geranium (ticks and lice) Safe carrier oils and alcohols include: • olive oil • sunflower oil

• any other cooking oil • witch hazel Always be aware of any allergies you may have before mixing with any of these carrier ingredients. Mix the essential oil with the carrier oil or alcohol. Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing, using care to avoid the sensitive eye area. You'll need to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Unused natural insect repellent may be stored in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight. If you wish, you may combine the oil with aloe vera gel to change the consistency of the product

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