May 2023 News Letter

  

Hear ye, hear ye, Richlanders! Welcome to our May extravaganza of a newsletter, chock full of useful information that you'll never use! This month, get ready to dig out your party hats, robes, or helmets for two outrageously awesome celebrations: Cinco de Mayo and Star Wars Day! While these two events might seem galaxies apart, they share one undeniable bond: lightsabers and margaritas. Yes, amigos, what can be better than tipsy lightsaber duels on Cinco de Mayo and epic lightsaber battles on Star Wars Day?

If you don't already have your tickets to Guardians, there is likely some celebration somewhere reenacting the Gungan Freedom Day scene on Star Wars Day, May 4th. We know not everyone can speak Wookiee, but who can resist a thrilling lightsaber duel? Star Wars Day is the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner Jedi (or Sith, if you're feeling mischievous) and let those lightsabers clash. Just be mindful of any rogue droids or cantina brawls, or you might find yourself in a galaxy far, far away from home.

Next up, Cinco de Mayo on May 5th! Plan a visit to Frontera (our friendly neighborhood cantina and bar) and adorn yourself in vibrant colors, dance to the rhythm of mariachi bands, and devour all the tacos your heart desires and your wallet can afford. Be adventurous and embark on a taco crawl to all the Mexican restaurants in town, ending with a nostalgic stop at Taco Bell! Just remember to be safe, responsible, and keep an eye out for any piñata bandits or chupacabras on the prowl. 

Finally, we're excited to announce the grand opening of our community pool on May 6! Whether you're a kid at heart or an adult who may have overindulged during Cinco de Mayo, we welcome everyone to dive in and enjoy the refreshing water. However, we kindly suggest that those who may still be feeling the aftermath of the fiesta consider wearing swim diapers as a precautionary measure. After all, we want everyone to have a splashing good time without any unexpected surprises. So, grab your swimsuits, sunscreen, and swim diapers if necessary, and let's make a splash this pool season! Happy swimming, and may the force be with you!

 Happy May, and here's to tacos, lightsabers and swimming! 

Richland HOA Announcements

As we dive into the warmer months, it's time to make a splash at the Richland pool! Before you grab your swimsuits and sunscreen, please take a moment to review the Pool Hours, Pool Rules, and Community Reminders for 2023. Remember, everyone should have received their new amenities sticker in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Please note that there was an error in the mailing: the pool will be open from May 6th to September 10th. If you haven't received your new sticker or need a new card, please contact Shaben and Associates. Keep in mind that only members in good standing (those who have paid their dues) will have access to the pool and tennis courts. Happy swimming! 🏊‍♀️🎾

• Pool Hours 2023
• Pool Rules 2023
• Community Reminders 2023

Note on Staffed Lifeguard Hours

As we head into the summer season, we wanted to address some important changes to our staffed lifeguard hours. We recognize that the safety of our pool users is paramount, which is why we want to be transparent about the situation.

We have experienced an increase in the cost of operating the pool, which has impacted the pool budget. In order to keep up with increased wages and supply costs, we have had to reduce our staffed lifeguard hours. To compete with Gwinnett County, AMS has had to match Gwinnett County pay rates for our lifeguards – this is great news for our lifeguards but not so great for balancing the HOA budget. Additionally, the cost of chemicals has gone up, which has put a further strain on our budget. If we were to maintain the same level of staff and operation dates that we had last year, the pool budget would approach almost half of our entire budget.

We want parents to be aware that there will be times when there will not be a lifeguard on duty at the pool. In addition to Swim at Your Own Risk, when you see only one staff person at the pool, they will only be responsible for checking chemicals, cleaning, and other tasks, but they will not be on lifeguard duty. Please review the new lifeguard schedule carefully to ensure that you are aware of when these times may occur.

We are committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone to enjoy this summer. Parents, we ask that you play an active role in ensuring that all pool visitors follow rules and guidelines, and that you closely supervise your children. We know that you will do your part to keep our pool safe, and we appreciate that so much.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these changes. We value your feedback, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

Cheers to a wonderful summer at the pool!

The HOA Board of Directors 

Richland Social Committee

Well, it looks like even Mother Nature couldn't handle the awesomeness of our Easter Egg Hunt! Unfortunately, it was canceled due to the rain. But let's take a moment to recognize the fantastic effort of Christina Arrington and Kathy Burnette, who together stuffed a whopping 2,000 eggs for the hunt! Thanks to both of them for their egg-cellent work. Though we were prepared, the weather had other plans. We still managed to distribute most of the eggs on Saturday, April 29th. Thanks to Kathy Burnette, Natasha Thompson, Gabe Thompson, and Carol Frye for the helping hand!

Bingo in April was hosted solo by the one and only Cornell Cullom. We appreciate him and want to give him a round of applause for hosting this by himself. You rock, Cornell!

Phenomenal job and many thanks to Christina Arrington and Maritza Makemsom for organizing and cleaning out the storage for the Richland Social Committee. You two ladies deserve a medal!

Upcoming Events

• Afternoon Swim Practices: Weekdays May 8-24 @ the Richland Pool.  The lap pool will be closed from 3:30-6pm.  The Mushroom Feature Pool will remain open. 
• Bingo at the Clubhouse: May 17th @ 7pm
• Richland Waves Swim Meet:  May 18 and 25th.  The Lap Pool will close at 4:30pm. The Mushroom Feature Pool will remain open.      
• Family Movie Night: May 20th,  8:45 pm; movie under the stars, lawn chairs and blankets encouraged; located next to the tennis court and playground; fresh popcorn served.
• Mother and Son Dinner and Dance: May 19th 7pm-9pm
• Registration is required for this event. Click this link to fill out the registration form.
• Registration will close either when capacity has been met, or May 5th, whichever comes first. All sons 4 years and up are welcome to attend. 
• Richland Book Club: The RBC meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Richland Clubhouse. Please contact Ingrid Shell directly at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com for more details.
• Coming in June: 
• Pool Party Opening, June 3rd
• Father and Daughter Dance,  Saturday, June 24th - look for details and registration beginning the last week of May. 

Email the Social Committee if you are interested in suggesting, or helping to coordinate other events! Please visit the Richland Facebook page or NABR to stay informed of these and all upcoming events and activities!

The Richland Social Committee 

Richland Waves Swim Team News

Dive into excitement: Summer Swim Team registration is NOW OPEN! 🏊‍♀️🎉

Don't miss the chance to sign your kid(s) up for this splashtastic summer activity!

And remember, some of our Coaches are Certified Swim Instructors for Gwinnett County. If your child has a strong desire to learn, we would love to teach them to swim with us!  For more information, please visit our website: richlandwaves.swimtopia.com 

• Worried about schedule clashes? Fear not! Practice attendance is flexible, so swim team CAN coexist with other summer camps and vacations you have planned. 🏖️
• Swim practice kicks off on May 8th after school and switches to morning sessions on May 30. We'll have six sizzling swim meets every Thursday night from May 18 to June 22. And for those aquatic prodigies who qualify, the swim season extends through July 9 for the county swim meet. 🌊
• Calling all water babies aged 4 through 18 as of June 1st, 2023! Swim team is perfect for all skill levels, from experienced swimmers to eager beginners. If your child is bursting with the desire to learn, we'd love to teach them to swim with us! 🐠

For more information, make a splash on our website: richlandwaves.swimtopia.com 🌐

We can't wait to see you at the pool! 💦😄

Swim Team Practice and Meets at the Richland pool in May

We're bubbling with excitement for the pool opening on May 6th! However, be prepared for a few waves of aquatic action when our swim team takes over the large lap pool.

Afternoon swim practice will be from 3:30 to 6pm, Monday-Friday afternoons, from May 8 through May 24. During these times, only the mystical mushroom feature pool will be open for frolicking and fun. Who knows? You might even spot a mermaid or two! 🧜‍♀️

We have two swim meets at our Richland pool in May: May 18 and May 25. The lap pool will close at 4:30pm on these dates, but fear not! The enchanted mushroom feature pool will remain open for regular pool hours. 

So, while our spirited swimmers train and compete in the lap pool, enjoy the whimsy of the mushroom pool or venture to another aquatic realm. Happy May, and may the pool be ever in your favor! 🌊🎉

Pickleball @ Lower Courts 

Get ready for a pickle of a time with the nation's fastest-growing sport... Pickleball! 🏓🥒

Grab your paddle and join us for an electrifying game (or two, or three) of Pickleball magic!

New to the world of Pickleball? No worries! We'll happily organize a group session to teach you the delightful basics of this wacky game.  To join our Pickleball Group Me Invitee Text List, zap your text information to 404-713-9528.

Here are some Pickleball facts to tickle your curiosity:

1. Pickleball is a wondrous fusion of ping pong, tennis, and badminton.
2. Trust the experts: Pickleball burns a whopping 8 to 11 calories per minute! That's a sizzling 480 to 660 calories in just 60 minutes of play. 🔥
3. Pickleball was invented in 1965, making it 58 years young and full of energy.
4. Some colleges and high schools are jumping on the Pickleball bandwagon with clubs and intramural sports offerings.
5. For years, a rumor spread like wildfire that the game was named after the inventor's dog, Pickles. Alas, it was a hoax! The name "Pickleball" actually came from the inventor's wife, inspired by their local "Pickle Boat Races." 🚣‍♂️
6. Caution: Pickleball is highly addictive! You've been warned. 😉

So come on out, unleash your inner Pickleball warrior, and let's have a smashing time together! 🎉

Richland Book Club

📚 Attention, literary enthusiasts of Richland! 📚

Our beloved Richland Book Club gathers on the 4th Tuesday of every month at the clubhouse at 7 pm. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just looking for some intellectual conversation, we'd be thrilled to have you join us.

For more details and to RSVP, please email Ingrid Shell at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com. Grab your favorite reading glasses, and let's dive into the world of literature together! 🤓📖

Richland HOA Management Updates 

🛠️ Behold, Richlanders! Prepare for a riveting journey through the latest community projects your dedicated HOA is fervently tackling (Current as of April 11). Yes, we know how exhilarating updates on lighting can be. 😉 So, buckle up and embrace the whirlwind of thrilling news about the various endeavors we're undertaking throughout the neighborhood. We challenge you to stay awake long enough to learn about the pressure washing saga. Let the adventure begin! 🎉🔦  

📰 HOA Newsletter Updates

• Budget quadrupled for the HOA Newsletter 🤑
• Spent a small fortune in Shiba Inu on new emojis 😄🎉
• Welcoming Casperine McAllister as our new guest editor 📝

🏠 Clubhouse

• HOA Storage has had pest exclusion treatment - our thanks to Swim Team, Social Committee and all others who helped clean it out and re-shelve everything!
• Old furniture from clubhouse has been donated to Habitat for Humanity
• New cameras and 32-channel recorder installed, a few others still need to be updated, so please refrain from stealing anything until we can get them operational! 
• Currently in discussions regarding updating clubhouse appliances: fridge, dishwasher, ice maker, theater seating?

🌳 Landscaping/Grounds

• Bridge staining scheduled for this week
• GCDOT plans to install sidewalk from Hunt River to clubhouse parking lot
• Playground mulch application on schedule
• Pine straw application on schedule
• Plans are to pressure wash the white fencing along Richland Parkway
• Richland HOA will be phasing out the Wooden Mailbox Posts, if your mailbox is at end of life, contact Shaben and Associates for information on the upgraded "Rust Free" Aluminum Mailbox System. 

🏊 Pool

• Mushroom has been repainted, we are also working on adding a timer and adjusting the waterflow to the mushroom. 
• In an attempt to maximize the time the pool is open, we will be installing pool heaters, they should be installed soon and will hopefully be in place before the pool opens 🤞
• Pressure washing pool deck on schedule
• We've begun requesting quotes to replaster and repair the pools.  Below are what we've received to date to replace waterline tile and plaster both pools:
• AMS Quote
  
  • Waterline tile (main and feature): $13,000
  • New step ladders: $2,660
  • Main pool plaster (Blue Quartz): $31,600
  • Feature pool plaster: $17,300
  • Total: $64,560
• Sweetwater Plaster Quote:
  • Main pool plaster: $32,400
  • Waterline tile: $10,500
  • Feature pool plaster: $16,800
  • Waterline tile: $7,000
  • Total: $66,700

🌊 Lakes

• Bathymetric studies completed for Taylor Lake and Richlake

Stay up to date with all the happenings in the Richland Community. Download the NABR Network App for your phone, or check it out on the website. Once you set up your account, you set your preferences to receive communications through text message alerts or opt to receive the same information via email or you can just regularly check the community feed for updates. Additionally, you are able to pay dues, reserve the clubhouse and submit ACC requests all virtually. 

    

The Richland HOA also has a private Facebook Group. If you haven't yet joined, you can do so by following the this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/richlandhoa.