Welcome to February, or as we affectionately dub it, the second most important month of the year (with October and its pumpkins and spooks firmly holding the top spot, of course!). There's a lot happening in February, but before we dive into the lesser events, let's not forget the Mardi Gras Ball! Dust off those Mardi Gras masks and get ready for some fantastic eats and dancing on Feb 2nd! No reservations needed – just come by the clubhouse at 7pm prepared to eat, dance and laissez les bons temps rouler!
As the ladies and gents well know, February also holds another significant event too! That's right, it’s time for that frantic late night dash to the store or an early morning pilgrimage to Kroger for – drumroll, please – Tater Tots. Yes, National Tater Tot Day (Feb 2nd) is upon us, celebrating the noble tot, the stealthy hero at dinner tables, and the unsung savior of countless relationships!
What's that? You don’t have a special someone to share Tater Tot Day with? Fear not! For those eating tots solo or looking for that elusive plus one, National Flirting Week (Feb 11-17) offers you the chance to unleash your inner charmer amidst these frosty days. If you're thinking, "I have no idea what these holidays are" – you're probably in need of a drink. So, heat up those tots, bask in your flirting success, and crack open a bottle of the legendary Mogen David 20/20 on National Drink Wine Day (Feb 18th). Serendipity? We think so!
Ok, you're probably wondering about the other big holiday in February, the one with all the hearts on the 14th – no, it hasn’t escaped our notice. All around the world, people are waiting for that perfect match, that one person who can complete them. Let’s honor National Organ Donor Day (Feb 14th), a day for celebrating life, generosity, and perhaps sharing a cozy meal – because, let's be honest, nothing says 'I care' quite like a crispy bowl of tater tots and wine.
But we know - for a lot of you, the holidays just aren't your thing. For others, you are just relieved to be done with January, which can often feel like it's 42 days long. Well, I have both good and bad news: January is finally over, but this February is the longest in four years! That’s right, if February is your favorite month, you can leap for joy on Leap Day (Feb 29). So let’s dive into this fabulous February, reveling in its tots, wine, masquerades, and all the other quirky holidays we can find!
Upcoming Events
- Krewe of Richland Mardi Gras Ball: 2/2 @7pm
- Are You Smarter Than Your Neighbor Trivia: 2/17 @ 7 PM (Kahoot Online)
- Sip n Paint Event: 3/9
- Bingo Night: 3/20 @ 7 PM
- Spring Eggstravaganza: 3/24
Krewe of Richland Mardi Gras Ball
Pick out your most flamboyant mask, and get ready to dance the night away in style. It's going to be a night of vibrant colors, lively music, and a chance to show off those two-step moves you've been secretly practicing. Let's make it a night to remember.
Dust off your finest evening attire (kilts are optional), don your fanciest masquerade mask and FIND A BABYSITTER for the Krewe of Richland’s second annual Mardi Gras Ball (adults only). There will be food (just a few Louisiana favorites: gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice), music provided by the Richland HOA board sound specialists, and dancing the night away. Bring your own alcoholic beverages, if desired, as we do have a budget to stick to. This is an adult only neighborhood event, open to Richland residents only. We look forward to seeing you there!
What: Food, Music and Dancing
When: February 2nd @ 7pm
Where: At the Richland Clubhouse
Richland HOA Board Update
Important Notice: Balloting for Electronic Voting
As you know, we've been talking about modernizing our voting process, and we need your help! We've initiated a ballot to allow for electronic voting, making our elections quicker, easier, and just plain better. Let's face it, our current mail-in system could really use an upgrade!
To make this change happen, we need enough signatures – and we're counting on you to avoid the dreaded door-to-door campaign (we know how much everyone loves that!). To sweeten the deal and show our appreciation for your participation, we're hosting a raffle with three fantastic prizes: $500 gift cards! Here's how it works:
- The first raffle draw will include residents who voted up to the 221st vote.
- The second raffle draw is for those casting the 222nd to 442nd votes.
- The final raffle draw will be for votes 443 to 664 – the total number we need to approve this change.
As of January 31st, 2024, we're still short on the votes needed to bid farewell to mail-in ballots. If you've already submitted your ballot, no need to do anything else - you will already be included in the first drawing. Don't miss your chance to be part of this crucial change and maybe win a great prize! You can find the Ballot for Electronic Voting in PDF format here. Simply fill it in and drop it off at the new drop box located at the clubhouse, by the community library. Alternatively, you can email or fax a picture of your completed and signed document to:
Richland Homeowners Association, Inc.
C/O ShaBen & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 3189
Suwanee, GA 30024-0989
EMAIL: admin@shabenandassociates.com
FAX: (770) 271-8433
Let's make voting easier and more efficient in Richland. Your participation matters and remember, you only get to vote once per address! 🗳️💡
Budget Note on Raffle vs. Mailing Costs
For those concerned about the $1,500 raffle cost, consider this: Our current mail-out voting process costs about $1,5000 per mailing (single sheet, 2 envelopes and postage), yet our last vote attracted less than 100 responses. Transitioning to electronic voting with this raffle incentive is an investment in a more cost-effective and engaging voting system for the future of Richland HOA. 🌱💸
Clubhouse Kitchen Appliances Up for Grabs!
Big news for Richland bargain hunters and appliance enthusiasts! As part of our clubhouse kitchen remodel, the HOA has decided to offer our gently used appliances to you through a silent auction. This is a golden opportunity to snag some quality kitchen gear while contributing to the community. Proceeds will go to the social committee budget.
We're auctioning off the refrigerator, oven, and microwave. Each has served us well during numerous community events and is now ready for a new home. To place your bid, simply email theboard@richlander.com with your offer for each appliance you're interested in. We'll select the highest bid. Remember, it's a silent auction, so the highest undisclosed bid wins!
Please note, if you're the lucky winner, you will need to arrange for pick-up from the clubhouse. Happy bidding, Richlanders! 🍳🔥🎉
Join the Richland Social Committee!
Are you looking for a fun and fulfilling way to get more involved in our Richland community? We have an exciting opportunity for you! The Richland Social Committee is seeking volunteers to help plan and organize our community events. Whether you're full of creative ideas, have a knack for organization, or just love bringing people together, your talents are needed! As a committee member, you'll play a key role in shaping the social scene of Richland, creating events that bring joy and connection to our neighborhood. This is a great way to meet new people, contribute to our community's vibrancy, and have a hand in crafting memorable experiences. If you're interested in joining or would like more information, please reach out to us at social@richlander.com. Let's make Richland's social calendar even more exciting together! 🌟🤝🎉
Here are just a few more things we have planned:
- ⁉️ Did you miss out on the Are You Smarter Than Your Neighbor Trivia event?? You’re in luck! On 2/17 @ 7 PM you can play on Kahoot from wherever you are in this world!! Check back on FB and Nabr for the game link as the event gets closer. ⁉️
- 🎨 3/9 - we’re going to Sip n Paint again this year!
- 🗓️ Bingo is back!!! 3/20 @ 7 PM - you know the routine!
- 🐣 Our Spring Eggstravaganza is back and going to be bigger and better than ever!! Hope to see you on 3/24!
Pickleball Update
Our Richland pickleball group kicked off the year with a smashing success, playing "Up the River, Down the River" in January. And guess what? This was just a warm-up! We have a slew of exciting events and activities planned for the coming months. Are you intrigued by pickleball or thinking of getting pickled? Join our enthusiastic group! Simply text 404-713-9528, and we'll loop you into our Group Me. This is more than just a chat group; it's your insider access to all our pickleball meetups, leisurely lunch outings, and local pickleball events. Whether you're a pickleball pro or a curious newbie, our group is a welcoming community where you can forge new friendships, share some laughs, and maybe improve your game along the way. 🏓🌟
📚Community Amenities
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. If you aren't sure which one that is, the Book Club usually
puts out signs in front of the clubhouse leading up to the meeting!
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 clubhouse. 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 water as you need - we'll make more!
Richland Trails
We
have two inviting gravel trails in our community ready for your
exploration. The first trail is accessible behind the lower tennis
courts on Quinton Rd. Just follow the concrete sidewalk until you reach
the gravel path. The second trail, part of Phase 2 expansion, can be
accessed by walking the sidewalk to Hunt River Way - this trail follows
alongside the creek opposite the current trail. Happy exploring!
Pickleball Court Update: More Courts Now Available!
Great
news for pickleball enthusiasts! The lower tennis courts 7 and 8 have
been transformed, and we now proudly boast six pickleball courts in
total. This expansion is all set to enhance your playing experience.
Enjoy your matches! 🏓🌟
Management Update
The Richland HOA Board met on January 9, 2024 at the Clubhouse. As was noted on the FB page, the Clubhouse interior has been showing signs of wear and tear - which is to be expected as often as its utilized by our residents. As such, clubhouse is scheduled for maintenance beginning February 5th. Some of the work to be performed includes replacing the fridge in the kitchen, adding an ice maker, adding a double oven, refinishing the wooden floors, and we are also planning to to do some touch-up painting.
Combined minutes and management report from the 1/9 meeting are below:
Clubhouse
- Work on the floors will take place from 02/05 through 02/23.
- Quote negotiation in process.
- Discuss kitchen upgrades and the possibility of auctioning off refrigerator, microwave, and donation of the stove. (Old appliances are Kenmore. New appliances are GE).
- Discussed the few areas that still need irrigation repair work for this Spring. (Richlake, Doublegate entrance near bridge, Clearlake entrance, Taylor Mill)
- Winter landscape work – Hollies and stumps were removed from inside the pool area.
- Still awaiting concrete proposal from ACS
- Pinestraw winter application was installed
Pool
- Opening date will be 05/04/2024
- Heater will be turned on sometime mid-April.
Tennis
- Continued discussion of practice backboards for Pickleball and Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts– warranty work scheduled for the Spring.
Lakes
- Reviewed Riversand’s proposal and received clarification of dredging process options– long term/short term - for reduction/elimination of lake sedimentation. Awaiting another vendor’s proposal
- Both Bathymetric Studies completed for Taylor Lake and Richlake – Solitude ballpark estimate for budgeting is $79 per cubic yard which could possibly be reduced depending on the extent of the dredging process.
- Need to sign county right of entry form for OCS maintenance work
6. Preliminary Financials
- CD options discussed
- RHOA is financially healthy
- High Yield Savings Account alternatives discussed and agreed upon. ($250K into a CD with 5.25 APY/7 month term)
- Board approved vote to increase rental fee effective July 1st to $300
- Justin to double check that loan for the swim diving blocks has been full paid by the swim team
7. Special Projects
- In advance of the meeting, Jennifer Barnes provided an update
- Discussed process of securing sufficient homeowner input to electronic voting proposal
📲 Stay Connected
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.
Still wondering when the Portsmouth sign will be repaired?
ReplyDeleteCan you share some more? The board has been working on replacing the monument - but is it currently damaged?
DeleteMy email with the signed consent form is getting bounced. 540 Shore Dr.
ReplyDelete