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April 2024 Newsletter



The Curious Case of Laurel Lake Drive (Now Hawkins?)

In the quiet, unsuspecting neighborhood of Richland, nestled between the little river the picturesque community pools, lies a street shrouded in so much mystery, it could rival the Bermuda Triangle. Yes, folks, we're referring to the area formerly known as Laurel Lake, which, in an unprecedented move, has mysteriously been renamed "Hawkins." This, unsurprisingly, is not the first time the neighborhood has undergone a mysterious transformation.

For years, homeowners along this street have told stories about an old graveyard that was “relocated” to construct several of the homes on the street. They've reported incidents so bizarre; they've left even the most skeptical among us scratching their heads. Reports range from swamp monsters emerging from the creek on foggy nights to pirate ships spotted in the lake. And let's not forget the sightings of Thanos casually strolling down the sidewalk, muttering about "inevitable" yard maintenance, and the Joker handing out "explosive" offers on lawn care services.

Now, in a twist that no one saw coming, Laurel Lake Drive has seemingly been renamed Hawkins. This unauthorized name change has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate investigation by Richland PD, aka Shaben. Their official statement reads, "We are as perplexed as our residents regarding these strange happenings and the sudden name change. Rest assured, we are on the case. In the meantime, we advise all residents to edge their driveways and sidewalks, keep their lawns well-fertilized and to apply weed pre-emergent, just in case."

In light of these events, the community has come together like never before. Neighborhood watch groups have been formed, not to keep an eye out for petty crime, but to spot interdimensional portals and alien invasions. The local vampires have committed to vigilance from dusk till dawn, while the lycans, have agreed to undertake daytime patrols. Note: If you've noticed an increase in small dogs wandering the streets, it's probably due to our lycan neighbors fulfilling their patrol duties. Rest assured, they're just keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

As we await further developments from the HOA's investigation into the name change, the residents of Hawkins (formerly Laurel Lake) have embraced their street's odd reputation. After all, where else can you live out a real-life science fiction movie right from your front porch? Remember, if you find yourself driving down Hawkins and you spot a suspicious character or creature, don't panic. It's just another day in Richland's most peculiar neighborhood. And if all else fails, just remember: the pool opening party is on June 8th. Bring your ice chest and your best supernatural survival tips.

Stay strange, Richlanders.


Upcoming Events

  •  April 11, 2024:  Richland Waves Swim Team Informational Meeting.  Join us at the Richland Clubhouse on Thursday, April 11th, from 6 PM to 8 PM for an informational meeting about the Richland Waves swim team and our upcoming summer swim season. This is your chance to learn everything you need to know about joining the Waves.
  • April 13, 2024:  Richland Town Hall - Meeting the Candidates/Breakfast and IssueMark your calendars for a morning of engaging discussion at the Richland Town Hall! "Breakfast and Issues" kicks off on April 13th, 2024, at 10 AM. Weather permitting, we'll gather at the lower tennis courts pavillion. We're arranging for a delectable breakfast food truck to be on-site from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, providing the perfect start to your day. Stay tuned for further updates as we finalize the event details. Join us for a morning of enlightening discussions and delicious eats!
  • April 23, 2024:  Richland Book Club.  As an added reminder, 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.
  • May 4, 2024:  Richland Pool Officially Opens.   Please note the pool letter and 2 stickers for your swipe cards are mailed out in mid April  (prior to the pool opening on May 4). If there is a balance on your account you will not receive this packet and your swipe card will be deactivated so be sure to pay dues before if you want to use the pool or other amenities. 
  • June 8, 2024:  Pool Opening Party.  Details are forthcoming.




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! 🌟🤝🎉


Richland Waves Swim Team News

Are you ready to get back in the pool?

Summer swim team registration is NOW OPEN! 

Register before May 1st to get a free team shirt! 

Kickoff Meeting: Join us at the Richland Clubhouse on Thursday, April 11th, from 6 PM to 8 PM for an informational meeting about the upcoming summer swim season. This is your chance to learn everything you need to know about joining the Waves.

Suit Up: Our swimsuit vendor will be on site, so swimmers can try on and purchase the official team swimsuits. Whether you're a new wave or a returning champion, we've got you covered!

Meet the Team: Coaches and swim team board members will be on hand to answer all your questions. It's a great opportunity for new swimmers, returning swimmers, and friends to dive into what makes the Richland Waves so special.

Practice Makes Perfect: Practices kick off on May 13th after school and shifts to morning sessions on May 28th. With six swim meets scheduled every Thursday night from May 23rd to June 27th, there's plenty of excitement on the horizon. The season extends through July 14th for swimmers who qualify for the county meet.

Flexible Schedule: We understand summer is a busy time, so practice attendance is always flexible. The swim team can easily fit alongside other summer camps and vacation plans.

Open to All: Kids aged 4 to 18 as of June 1st, 2024, are invited to join the Waves, whether they live in Richland or not. We welcome swimmers of all skill levels, from experienced athletes to beginners taking their first plunge. For those outside the Richland community, a non-resident fee applies, but the opportunity to swim with us remains wide open. If your child has a passion for swimming, we're here to foster their love for the sport. Join us and make a splash this summer!

For more details, visit our website at richlandwaves.swimtopia.com.

See you at the pool!


Congratulations Richland High School Graduates

The Richland HOA is proud to announce that we will be sponsoring a special banner to celebrate and
honor our 2024 graduates! The banner will be displayed on the clubhouse railing, showcasing the achievements of our young community members. It will be similar to the one pictured below.

If you have a high school or college graduate in your household, we'd love to include them on this commemorative banner. To have your graduate's name featured, please send us their information by May 1st. Be sure to include the graduate's first and last name, as well as the school they are graduating from. You will receive an email confirmation once we add your name to our list.

Please email all relevant information to: Graduates@richlander.com
If you do not receive email confirmation, be sure to reach out to us to make sure we have your student listed.

Don't miss this opportunity to recognize your graduate's hard work and dedication. Let's come together as a community and show our support for the Class of 2024!




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. 🌱💸

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!

Pavilions
Richland had three pavilions—two by the upper courts and one near the lower courts—and they are all available for reservations! Secure your spot for gatherings or events easily through reservemycourt.com. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy these fantastic community amenities.

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  Courts Now Available!

As reported by "The Dink" a prominent Pickleball Newsletter, his and her sinks, open floor plans, and pools used to be the hottest trends in real estate. Not anymore.  These days, if you want to sell your house, build a pickleball court.

Recent data from Zillow has shown a significant surge in interest for homes with pickleball courts. It seems that more and more people are prioritizing this exciting sport when looking for a new place to live. Real Estate Agents are noticing a shift as homeowners are even reconfiguring their properties to accommodate pickleball courts.

But here's the fantastic news for us at Richland - we're ahead of the curve! We're proud to announce that we already have 6 state-of-the-art pickleball courts available right here in our community. No need to build your own or rearrange your space - we've got you covered!

Kids Pickleball

Are you a kid between the ages of 9 and 14 who's interested in pickleball? We're excited to introduce the Richland KIDS Pb Group Me! This is a dedicated space for young pickleball enthusiasts like yourself to connect, organize matches, and share tips.

Here's how to get involved:

    Text 404-713-9528 to join the Group Me.
    Download the Group Me app if you haven't already.
    Need help learning the rules and getting started? Don't worry, we've got adults ready to assist!

Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all kids are welcome to join the fun!


Get your paddles ready, Richland! It's time to enjoy some thrilling matches on our top-notch pickleball courts. See you on the court!

🏓🌟 Enjoy your matches! 🌟🏓


Richland HOA Management Updates

It's time for another exciting update on all the community projects your HOA is tirelessly working on (because let's face it, nothing is more exciting than reading about lighting). Without further ado, let's dive into all the thrilling updates on the various projects we've got going on around the neighborhood. Just try not to fall asleep before we get to the part about the pressure washing.










"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."
- Mark Twain
























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