January 2021 Newsletter

HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS

Drum roll please...

The Stoneridge Neighborhood Prize Patrol piled into our sleigh (car) for a COVID safe trip wearing our Santa masks on December 16, 2020. We were bearing three $50.00 gift certificates and the award-winning signs to place in their yards. It was a sleigh ride like no other, house to house to house we go, passing out awards to the creative and beautifully decorated homes.

It was a joy to see their surprise and elated reactions. One family and their little boy in his Christmas PJ’s was so happy to see us, he was shouting Merry Christmas.

Another family opened the door in amazement and was grateful for their award. They showed us their Christmas hologram projector in their window; it looked so real.

And the final house, the reason for the season, a nativity scene made out of fence boards. So creative and well done.

HARRY CRABB PARK UPDATE

From the desk of Tara Gee, Park Planning and Development Superintendent - We are pleased to inform you that the construction fences will start to be removed around the 15^th of this month. This will include opening up the parking lot. The City Council will be asked to accept the project at their 1/13 meeting.

There will be some additional work such as wind screens at the tennis/pickle ball courts, a small fence panel at the basketball court and some added landscaping in areas outside of the currently fenced area, however, it will not hold-up opening.

Additionally, the brown grass is a hybrid bermuda grass that is perfect for sports fields. It goes dormant in the winter, and will come back to "life" in the spring. It withstands heavy use from sports teams and typically there is no need to re-seed as its self repairing. It uses less water and it's more drought and heat tolerant. Perfect for the park!

HVAC TUNE UP

by John Michaels

Have you thought about your HVAC system lately? If you are like me… You have not thought much about it. In fact, I'm not proud to say it, but I have not hired a Technician to inspect and service my A/C unit in over 10 years. With the new year, I added this to my priority list and hired a tech to inspect and service my HVAC system. I am really glad I did! I just wanted to send a quick note of encouragement for all my neighbors to do the same.

I learned through the process that most homes in our neighborhood are of the age of 15-20 years. Google ir and you will find everywhere online that today's modern air conditioners are expected to last 15-20 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.

Here are some reminders!

• You should change the filter regularly (every 1-3 month's); for example, during the smoky fire season it is recommended to replace your filter more often

• It is recommended you get an AC Tune-up seasonally

• You should remove debris from the A/C unit outside, especially in the fall when the leaves fall

I found this great article on the web, "Air Conditioner Maintenance - The Ultimate Homeowners Guide 2021" here: https://www.acdesignsinc.net/blog/air-conditioner-maintenance-guide/

I just wanted to share that the process was painless. For less than $100 an A/C tech spent a couple hours at my house poking around in my attic and cleaned and inspected the critical components of my A/C unit. When he was done he provided a full report of his findings and this resulted in me feeling more like I knew exactly what the current health of my homes HVAC system.

Here are a few pictures that the inspector shared of my 15 year old home Eliot Home A/C:

I would encourage everyone to get their home HVAC system inspected and serviced now vs. waiting until the summer months. By getting your system serviced... perhaps but no guarantees you'll be able to squeeze out a few more years of life from your system and perhaps save in utility bills by having a tuned up A/C unit.

STONERIDGE RECIPE CORNER

It's that time of year when its great to break out our favorite recipes! This is easy and delicious!

Turkey Chili – Serves 6

1 lb Ground Turkey

1 Large onion

1 – can each of black, kidney, and pinto beans, and corn (rinsed)

1 large can Crushed Tomatoes

1 package Ranch Dressing

1 package Taco Seasoning

1 small can diced green chilis

Celery (a few stalks, chopped)

Cook the turkey and onion until browned. Add the remaining ingredients. Heat until warmed. Garnish with parmesan or shredded cheese, sour cream, olives if desired. Enjoy!

Submitted by: Marlena Sprague

STONERIDGE NEWS

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