Richland HOA Annual Meeting Oct 24th
Ah, the arrival of October—for this year, a time when our pool has officially closed for the season and when the veil between our reality and the supernatural realm grows thin, and our otherworldly neighbors get just a little bolder. Did you hear the howls carried by the crisp autumn breeze just the other night for the full moon?
Amongst the clandestine gatherings of the spectral and the lycanthropic, there brews a momentous occasion of a more corporeal nature—the heralded Richland HOA Annual Meeting, slated for the eve of October 24th. Sign in will be begin around 6:30, which hopefully is late enough for our sun-shy neighbors to attend, with the meeting starting 7 pm. Beware, the Annual Meeting is not for the faint of heart…we’ll delve into the mysteries of the annual budget (spoiler alert: the numbers have taken a flight skyward, much like our neighborhood bats at dusk), we’ll discuss the nuances of contract negotiations, voting on amending bylaws and electing a new host of leadership for our community.
This assembly, dear residents, is not just for the living, but for the entire Richland realm, a chance for mortal and immortal beings alike to converge under the fading October sun. The HOA board, a curious blend of the benign and the tyrannical, shall lay before us the fiscal runes, delve into the cauldron of community quandaries, unfurl the tapestry of imminent grand endeavors, and reminisce the year’s illustrious exploits amidst the haunting echoes of bygone days.
Ok...for real though - we have an annual meeting coming up :)
- Who: All members of the Richland HOA community (in good standing) and the current HOA board.
- What: The Richland HOA Annual Meeting, where the annual budget will be presented, various community issues will be discussed, upcoming major projects will be introduced, and accomplishments for the year to date will be reviewed.
- When: October 24th, with sign-in beginning at 6:30 pm and the meeting starting at 7 pm.
- Where: The Richland Clubhouse
- Why: Required by state law to inform community members about the financial status, as well as to address concerns, discuss future plans, and review the past year's achievements, as well as to provide an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and concerns.
Richland's Annual Boo-Bash Spooktacular
The Annual Boo-Bash will be held at the Clubhouse October 20th-22nd this year. I know, several of you are still recovering from last year’s festivities (we warned you about that witch’s brew, it can really stay with you!). Details are still being finalized, so check our community's Facebook page as we’ll start promoting all the events for this year! Prepare to don your most fearsome garb and join the dance of spirits and mortals alike in the heart of Richland.- Boo-Bash Double Feature Movies Under the Stars
- Children Movie starts at 7pm
- Adult Movie starts immediately following
- Boo-Bash Spooktacular and Costume Contest!
- Inflatables, Popcorn, Cotton Candy and more!
- Petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides and more!
- 1:00-5:00pm
- NABR APP
- Richland Facebook Page
- Richland Newslette
Other Upcoming Events
๐ *Friendsgiving - 11/17❄️ *Jingle & Mingle Winter Wonderland - 12/02
๐ช Cookies W/Santa - 12/02
๐จ *SipNPaint - 12/15
* Denotes tentative Events!
Our monthly brainstorm sessions (some call them meetings) are at 7pm, on the last Thursday of every month at the Richland Clubhouse. Fancy joining? Have some ideas? What to help out? Bring us pizza and slide it under the door? Drop us an email at: Social@richlander.com. See you there! ๐ฅณ
HOA Board Updates
- You may recall that we attended Commissioner Holtkamp's town hall meeting. I met with him again, one-on-one, at a local watering hole in Lawrenceville (he handles their AC work). We have committed to collaborating on this and other issues of importance to our community. He once again acknowledged Richland residents' significant presence at the local town hall meeting, underscoring our community's active involvement in local issues.
- Following the positive engagement last month, a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for late October with the concerned authority and the County Attorney to further discuss the lake sediment remediation solutions. The emphasis remains on active engagement from lake property owners to share the remediation responsibility.
- I have also been in communication with several
other community HOA Boards/Presidents regarding how they are addressing
lake sediment issues, and the successes/lessons learned in working with
the county. I spent two days at Norris Lake in Snellville, where I
toured the property, met their property manager, and observed their
dredging operation firsthand. They have successfully taken legal
action against the county - while we are hoping to obtain cooperation
through other means - we have reached out to their attorney (who is
reviewing new legal action against the county for their community).
- CALL TO ACTION: We need your presence at the Joint Town Hall Meeting with District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden and District 4 Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp on Thursday, October 5 at 6:00pm at Suwanee City Hall. Commissioner Holtkamp’s office has personally invited us to attend, signaling support for our lake sediment issues, before redistricting, we also had Commissioner Carden’s commitment. We’re one commissioner away from gaining broader support. Norris Lake community is backing us and will encourage their Commissioner to support us (Ben Ku), and now we need to show our collective concern.
- Demonstrate our unity and concern by wearing Richland/Collins Hill green-colored shirts.
- Directly share your thoughts and questions with the commissioners.
- Showcase our collective resolve to find solutions for the lake sediment issues.Confirm your attendance and find more details here.
- In the security domain, arrests made by the Gwinnett County Police have led to a noticeable decrease in reported car break-ins, echoing the update from last month. The community is reminded to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities to uphold neighborhood security.
- The Pool will be covered and we will begin to pick up all of the furniture soon...update... much has already been picked up.. but putting more out. The pool will be open through Oct 8th. The 'swim at your own risk' initiative during the extended pool season into the end of September, facilitated by the new pool heaters, has been met with enthusiasm. As feedback is being collected, we are evaluating the feasibility of making this a yearly offering based on last month's trial run. Please email: theboard@richlander.com with your comments or suggestions.
- The board requested new bids from numerous lawn care vendors. However, most were priced between $50-80k more than what we were paying or had budgeted. We have decided to renew the contract with the current service but have included a clause that allows us to cancel without penalty if the service doesn't improve. We are actively engaged, and the current vendor is committed to retaining our business.
A Richlander's Guide to Trick or Treating
Richland boasts a vibrant young supernatural community that comes alive on All Hallow's Eve. Expect to see a plethora of Ghosts, Zombies, and Vampires, complemented by a diverse array of gods, goddesses, superheroes, and beloved cartoon characters. And yes, we do have youngsters who opt for the classic high-school student look. For instance, in Laurel Lake (a nod, or apology, to my fellow residents), we typically welcome 150-200 spirited trick-or-treaters annually. If you're new to our community, it's a good idea to check with neighbors to gauge the number of visitors you might expect. And if you're pondering over candy choices, this list has some top recommendations, particularly the first 5!A gentle reminder to our Zombie and Vampire residents: please ensure you've had a hearty meal before the festivities kick off, typically at dusk. Remember, living people are your neighbors , not food!
Our trick-or-treating typically kicks off just before dusk (especially for the littlest of monsters) and continues until around 8:30 or 9 pm. For those new to this Halloween tradition, a heads-up: homes that are lit up, decorated, or have pumpkins displayed are clear invitations for a stream of young visitors on October 31st. If you prefer to sit this one out, whether due to child allergies, just too tempting of a meal, or other macabre reasons (if it's really good, please feel free to share in the comments below!), it's best to keep your lights off and doors locked. A few might still give a knock or two, but they'll quickly get the message. Wishing everyone a spook-tacular Halloween!
Resident Warning - Sunken Sloop of War Discovered in Lake
Recent bathymetric studies within the Richland's lakes have revealed the remains of what appears to be the "Maraudeur de Minuit," a sunken sloop of war. During the study, we also found evidence that the Richland Lakes may have in fact been part of a much larger inland body of water. This discovery has sent waves of both awe and caution
throughout our community. As the shadows lengthen, residents are advised to approach the lake with care. The ghostly aura surrounding the ship, combined with the legends it has stirred, suggests that spirits of a bygone era might still haunt these waters.To delve deeper into this enigma, we turned to our resident investigative reporter and spectral expert, Casperine McAllister. With her unique ability to connect with the otherworldly and her extensive knowledge of local legends, she embarked on a journey to uncover the truth. Be warned: the tale that follows is best recounted around a campfire, with every listener gripping a flashlight for solace.
The Odyssey of Captain Jacques "Shadowblade" Buleaugh
Our findings indicate that the "Maraudeur de Minuit," now buried beneath layers of sediment, was once the pride of Captain Jacques "Shadowblade" Buleaugh. In the early 1500s, tales of magic, immense wealth, and mysterious artifacts from the New World beckoned adventurers from afar. While Spanish
explorers sought the fabled Fountain of Youth, the French were on the hunt for the "Heart of the Ocean"—a legendary relic believed to grant its possessor control over the ocean's winds. Captain Buleaugh, notorious for his piracy, was ensnared by the allure of this artifact. Whispers of a sacred inland lake, believed to be the relic's resting place, reached his ears. Buleaugh, in a daring move, decided to dismantle his ship and transport it overland. Setting sail from an undisclosed port, his journey was fraught with challenges. Disease and the harsh environment claimed over half his crew, while confrontations with the land's indigenous people further diminished their numbers. Yet, against all odds, they reached their destination and reassembled the "Maraudeur de Minuit". However, unbeknownst to Buleaugh, this lake was under the watchful eye of Mikรกhrin, setting the stage for a monumental showdown.
The Storm's Wrath
On a fog-enshrouded evening in late October, as Buleaugh's dwindling crew scoured the lakes, Mikรกhrin, recognizing their intent to pilfer one of his treasured artifacts, took decisive action. Channeling the power of his mystical Chalรบce of the Waters, he summoned a tempest of unparalleled intensity, inundating the valley and sinking the sloop of war; thus sealing the doom of Captain Jacques "Shadowblade" Buleaugh and the "Maraudeur de Minuit". Now, the ship, its ill-fated crew, and its coveted treasures rest beneath layers of silt and sediment, standing as a haunting testament to the age-old battle between human greed and the inexorable forces of nature.
However, Casperine's thorough investigations have unearthed a chilling revelation. Modern advancements, particularly those related to the recent bathymetric studies, may have inadvertently stirred the restless spirit of the infamous pirate and his crew. Through her interviews with past residents, both of the living and....less than...she encountered numerous lost souls wandering the shoreline of Taylor Lake. These apparitions communicated in what she described as an archaic form of French. While Casperine possesses a working knowledge of the French language, conversing with these entities felt like bridging a vast temporal chasm. Disturbingly, they seemed fixated on a singular phrase, repeating "Je dois trouver le cลur de l'ocรฉan." (must find the heart of the ocean) incessantly.
With each passing day, these spectral figures appear to grow in strength and determination, venturing further from the lake's edge. There's an unsettling notion circulating among the community that by October 31st, these spirits might expand their search, reaching out to the entire neighborhood in their relentless quest. Some say they believe the "Heart of the Ocean" can be found near Laurel Lake, others say it is what gives the "Gate House" it's unique powers. Only time will tell.
Community Amenities/Activities
Richland Sharing Library
Just a reminder – we have small community library at the clubhouse. Feel free to pick up or drop off a book. If you do want to donate a book for others to enjoy, please place them on the shelves. The library is located on the pool side of the clubhouse. There is a wide variety including romance, self help, historical fiction and science fiction.
The Richland Book Club
The Richland Book Clubs meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Clubhouse. Please contact Ingrid Shell directly at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com for more details.
Richland Fire-pit
Just a reminder, Richland has 1 community fire pit. It's located behind the tennis courts closest to the club house. There are also two park style grills as well as 4 built in benches around the pit. Fire-pit and grills are first come first serve. You can reserve the pavilions on either side using reservemycourt.com. Please plan to bring your own wood -and please be sure to completely put out the fire when you are finished. There is a creek right behind the fire-pit - use as much as you need - we'll make more water!
Richland Trails
Pickleball Updates
We are thrilled to announce the ongoing transformation of tennis courts 7 and 8 into permanent pickleball courts, reflecting the burgeoning enthusiasm for pickleball within our Richland community. The work is well underway, and once completed, we will have six well-marked, dedicated pickleball courts. This initiative aligns with our efforts to adapt to the evolving interests of our community members. The Richland Pickleball Group shares in this excitement and is eagerly looking forward to inaugurating these new courts with a grand opening event. The tentative dates for this celebratory occasion are set for October 13th or October 20th, aiming to introduce the courts to the residents before they are officially opened for play.
As we eagerly anticipate the unveiling of these new courts, it's an opportune time to review the HOA guidelines governing pickleball play to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all:
- The pickleball courts are reserved for Richland Residents and their accompanied guests (up to 4 per resident), with court reservations being required.
- The courts will be accessible daily from reservemycourt.com
- Only pickleball/tennis shoes are allowed on the courts, ensuring the right attire for a safe play experience.
- No food is permitted on the courts, while beverages should be housed in plastic containers with no glass allowed, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the playing area.
- Disruptive behaviors like shouting or loud profane language are to be avoided, promoting a respectful playing environment.
- Please turn off court lights post-play, remove all trash, and empty court side trash cans into the large cans by the parking lot.
Maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of the courts is a shared responsibility. These guidelines aim to cultivate a respectful and enjoyable environment for every pickleball enthusiast. The upcoming pickleball courts are a fantastic addition to our community, and with everyone's cooperation, we can keep them beautiful and enjoyable for years to come. Let's gear up for some exhilarating pickleball action!
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. 
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